How do you USE your Bible now?
How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world which we relate to through our five senses. God is a spiritual being (John 4:24). We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us?
Through the Bible.
Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live. These writings have been collected into the Holy Bible. It is holy because it contains the scared words of Almighty God. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. It is alive! (Hebrews 4:12) Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all of life’s experiences.
Anyone buying a computer receives with it a thick owner’s manual. Most of us read just enough to allow us to get it up and running, to perform the basic tasks and we let it go at that. But if we want to thoroughly understand our computer – all that it is capable of – we must read the entire manual. Most people never do this, and so miss out on a lot the computer has to offer. When it comes to reading the Bible, most people read just enough to get by and let it go at that. We miss A LOT of what God’s Word has to offer that way.
Over the past six weeks we’ve been building a real appreciation for the Bible, as the Owner’s Manual. The goal of this series has been to learn how to USE your Owner’s Manual daily so you can thoroughly understand ALL God has to offer you personally.
God told Joshua:
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 New Living Translation (NLT)
Continually doesn’t mean reading the Bible just when you get around to it. The Bible is for daily reading and daily meditation. By taking God’s instructions seriously we will prosper and succeed in a way that is impossible to achieve by any other means.
If you’ve gained nothing else from this series, I pray you have gained a hunger for God’s Word and insight to know that reading it is a delightful experience. As David wrote in Psalm 19:10
They (God’s Words) are more desirable than the finest gold; they are sweeter than the purest honey.
How to use your Bible – week 7
This week, we will finish indexing the New Testament and discuss the reasons for a personal Quiet Time.
The Letters of Peter (page 1471)
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU CAN QUICKLY FIND PETER’S LETTERS.
1st Peter – Peter, one of the original twelve apostles, wrote this letter to the churches in the northern part of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) probably about A.D. 63. The “Babylon” mentioned in chapter 5, verse 13, as the letter’s place of origin was in all likelihood a code name Peter used for Rome, in a manner similar to the reference to Babylon used in Revelation 18 to represent a godless human culture.
Peter’s letter was addressed to believers who faced suffering and persecution at the hands of the government under the Emperor Nero. Nero’s attitude shifted the Roman Empire from tolerance toward Christianity to violent opposition and death-dealing persecution. According to tradition, both Peter and Paul were martyred at Rome in the late sixties.
The dominate theme throughout the letter is suffering, which is mentioned sixteen times. Christianity was not a popular religion in Peter’s day either. Believers faced discrimination, slander, confiscation of property and even death. These hardships caused some early Christians to wonder if God had abandoned them. Peter’s letter offered encouragement and promised God would “restore, establish and strengthen them.”
Peter knew what it was like to be afraid for his life. As Christ was arrested and tried, Peter denied knowing the Lord three times rather than risk sharing his punishment, despite his boast, “Lord I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” As an old man having learned, through the Holy Spirit, how to stand firm in an evil world, he could offer hope and inspiration to other Christians who were facing persecution for their faith.
The First Letter of Peter can serve as a survival manual for all who live in a shattered and hopeless world. Peter promises that trials are only temporary. He reminds his readers of their royal identity and God’s ability to redeem every situation, and that they are created to be loving and hospitable to others, even when they are faced with trying times.
Persecution, trouble, pain and suffering can rob us of our peace and tear apart our faith. Peter’s words urge us to live in the confidence, patience and hope that come to all who place themselves in God’s care. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
As we’ve done in the past, I want to suggest a few verses to highlight. However, this letter is so filled with the message of grace and truth, it is difficult to pick out just two or three verses.
1st Peter 1:23 For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal.
1st Peter 2:9 But you are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.
1st Peter 5:10-11 But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.11 To him be the power forever! Amen.
2nd Peter – The opening statement: “From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ—To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours:” identifies both the writer and recipients of The Second Letter of Peter. Very likely it was written from Rome some time between A.D. 65 and 68, just before Peter’s death, and was actually addressed to the same readers Peter encouraged in his first letter.
The central theme of this letter is knowledge: the words “know” and “knowledge” occur more than sixteen times. The letter is a reminder of the truth of the Gospel, against the harmful, secretive attacks of false teacher who were bringing destructive teachings into the ear;y church.
As Peter faced the end of his life, he predicted impending calamities and expressed concern about his readers remaining faithful and continuing to grow in discipleship. The letter refers to enemies of the faith, but in such broad terms that it is hard to imagine that Peter had a specific heresy in view. Instead the letter is probably a general warning to the churches, a warning that remains valid even in the twenty-first century.
False teachers, promoting moral compromise and doctrinal errors infiltrate the Christian community and dupe the believers into following their enticing words. Peter writes to expose the dangers and destructiveness of their teachings. He shares some practical guidelines for detecting false teachers and their doctrines, urging believers to stand firm in their faith.
It seems that as our society grows increasingly lawless, complacent and godless – much like the society of Peter’s day – this letter reminds us that as Christians, our faith combats the influences of the world around us. Peter urges us to be salt and light to a dark and dying world by actively living godly lives as we come to KNOW Christ Jesus through God’s Word.
Two verses to highlight in this letter are:
2nd Peter 1:3-4 (New Living Translation) By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
The Letters of John (page1481)
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE TO FIND JOHN’S LETTERS
First, Second and Third John have from earliest times been attributed to John the apostle, who wrote the fourth Gospel and the Revelation. The Gospel and All three letters may have been written about the same time, probably in the decade between A.D. 85 and 95.
The content, style and vocabulary seem to indicate these letters were addressed to the same readers as the Gospel of John.
1st John – John begins this book with a strong affirmation that he who was from the beginning, the Son of God, became flesh and was known as Jesus. John and his fellow apostles saw him, touched him, walked with him.
The heartbeat of this book – we can have fellowship with God and with his people – we can be part of the family of God. The test of that fellowship is simple. Do we love each other? Do we believe in Jesus as God’s Son incarnate and confess that truth before others? Do our heart and conscience confirm our relationship with God? Does God’s Spirit live within us?
Vivid images that contrast light and dark, truth and error, life and death, and love and hate fill the chapters of The First Letter of John. The apostle reassures believers that God will powerfully overcome sin as they seek his forgiveness. He warns them about loving “the world” and being influenced by false teachers. He reminds them that obedience to God brings a love for other believers and that true love is more than a good feeling.
Applying the simple truths of this book to our lives will affect our interaction with God and with others. Genuine fellowship with God will be reflected in our lives as we learn to live and walk in the light of his love.
Some verses to highlight are:
1st John 2:12 I write to you, my children, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ.
1st John 3:1 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God.
1st John 4:16 And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them.
2nd John – John wrote this letter shortly before he was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his faith. This short letter gives us an insight into church life in the latter part of the first century as responsible leaders do their best to counteract the extremely harmful effects of false teaching. False doctrine dilutes the Christian witness, and it’s effects are felt in the lives of believers. John’s love of the truth and his concern for the spiritual welfare of his readers leads him to write this brief note to a church whose members are in real danger of abandoning the truth as it is in Jesus.
During the first two centuries the gospel was spread by traveling evangelists and teachers. Since inns were not readily available, believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and supplied them with provisions when they were about to leave. The problem John addresses in this letter is that some of them added their own philosophies and false beliefs to the gospel message. He wrote this letter to expose their erroneous message and the ungodly conduct that resulted from it. He warned believers to withdraw from all contact with these teachers. Though God encourages his children to practice hospitality, John wants the believers to know when to close the doors. He asked his readers to refuse hospitality to any who did not “acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.”
The best way for us to keep on target spiritually is to follow John’s call to truth, love and obedience. To be certain of what we believe and to walk in it in love and without faltering is the true hallmark of Christianity.
Highlight:
2nd John verses 9-10 Anyone who does not stay with the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God. Whoever does stay with the teaching has both the Father and the Son. So then, if some come to you who do not bring this teaching, do not welcome them in your homes; do not even say, “ Peace be with you.”
3rd John – John’s third letter gives us a look at three different people in the early church. Quite similar to John’s Second Letter, it is addressed to John’s friend Gaius, who is praised for his faith help and hospitality to traveling missionaries. The letter is brief and to the point. In it, John condemns in no uncertain terms a church leader who refuses to practice the love and hospitality John has requested for those who are helping to spread the Gospel of Christ. Another word of confidence is added for Demetrius, who has apparently become a victim of condemnation for an undisclosed reason. John takes a moment in verse 12, to vouch for him.
Highlight:
3rd John verses 2-3 My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health—as I know you are well in spirit. I was so happy when some Christians arrived and told me how faithful you are to the truth—just as you always live in the truth.
Jude (page 1488) The author of Jude calls himself “a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.” The most well known James of the early church was the Lord’s half-brother who headed the Council in Jerusalem. Mark mentions both James and Jude (6:3), among the members of Jesus’ immediate family tree, thus conservative scholars identify him as a half-brother of Jesus.
The date of writing may be about A.D. 65-70. The letter is not addressed to anyone in particular, but to Christians in general. The author had intended to write “about the salvation we all share,” but instead he writes to caution believers who might be drawn away from the gospel by the persuasive words of false teachers who were entering into the church.
Some religious teachers in the first century claimed that anything made of matter was evil but anything spiritual or intellectual was good. This philosophy, known as Gnosticism, perverted the grace of God, saying that believers can sin if they want since their spirits are already saved by grace, thus denying the Lordship of Christ. Jude writes this brief letter as a direct warning against these teachings, challenging believers to stand firm in their faith.
Jude’s closing statement (24-25) is often used today as a doxology in church services. It points out beautifully that the Lord himself is the one who will keep us from falling, from becoming victims to false teaching. Realizing that, we must keep close to him and to his Word, the Holy Bible.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE TO FIND JUDE EASILY.
Some verses to highlight are:
Jude 1:3 … urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.
Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Revelation (page 1492) You already have an index tab here from our discussion at the beginning of the series. And, since the study of this amazing prophecy is a series in itself we will move on with only this note:
It is never simple being a Christian – we are either facing persecution for our faith in a hostile society or facing apathy toward our faith in a comfortable society. In either case, believers need hope: hope that all of God’s promises in the Bible are true, hope that Jesus is who he says he is, hope that believers will live forever with him in heaven, where peace and justice will finally prevail. God gave us this book of Revelation to bring us the assurance that all these hopes will truly come to pass. God will prevail. Evil will be defeated once and for all. And eternity will be everything we imagined and more.
Some verses to highlight in Revelation are:
Revelation 1:8 I AM the first and the last, says the Lord God Almighty, who is, who was, and who is to come.
Revelation 1:17-18 NLT When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I AM the First and the Last. I AM the living one. I died, but look—I AM alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.
Revelation 21:6-7 And he said, “It is done! I AM the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children.”
In this final week we’ll be looking at God’s plan for you.
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? Genesis 3:8-9 (Amplified Bible)
In the beginning, God’s plan for mankind was a close, loving relationship, the relationship of a father with his children. He came to the garden, in the cool of the evening to spend time with the man he had created. When Adam and his wife hid, God said, “Where are you?”
So wrong! A Holy God and the children he created, separated by evil; by lies, rebellion and deception. But God honestly wanted to spend time with them! Why else would he have been walking in the garden expecting to see them?
God honestly wants to spend time with you, too. In Christ, Adam’s sin is washed away and your Abba Father says “Come boldly.” In Christ you are once again God’s child. He loves you. He KNOWS you. He numbers the hairs of your head. And, he wants you to KNOW Him. How amazing is that?
The creator of the universe wants to meet with you. Just you alone. Every day to talk over the details of your life, to clam you fears and to guide your steps.
How can you say no to such an opportunity?
The Assignment
During this seventh week, and for all the weeks to come, make it your priority to spend A Quiet Time alone with God every day. There’s not a right time. There’s not a correct place. There’s no specific pattern for prayer. There’s not a perfect way to study the Word. The only requirement for a Quiet Time with God is your willingness to make yourself available to Him. Know this…if you’ve been hiding from God, it does no good. He calls out to you, “Where are you?”
Jesus often slipped away to be alone with the Father. His prayer times varied. He prayed in the morning and late at night, on a hill side and in the upper room. He was perfectly certain of the Father’s love, and answered prayer.
They took the stone away. Jesus looked up and said,
“I thank you, Father, that you listen to me. I know that you always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of the people here, so that they will believe that you sent me.
After he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” John 11:41-43
You can be perfectly certain of the Father’s love and answered prayer, too. Like Jesus and David rest in this promise.
I love the Lord, because he hears me;
he listens to my prayers.
He listens to me
every time I call to him. Psalm 116:1-2
The Prophet Jeremiah wrote:
I (God) alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Jeremiah 11:29
Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about. Jeremiah 33:3
Accept these Words. Believe them. Live by them. Jesus will never fail you.
And now:
The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
Comments
Do you KNOW the Jesus of the Bible?
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!
“I will not leave you orphaned. I’m coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but you’re going to see me because I am alive and you’re about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that I’m in my Father, and you’re in me, and I’m in you.
“The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that’s who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him.” John 14:17-22 The Message Bible
As we approach our sixth week together, my sincere hope and prayer is that you are closer to the Lord Jesus; more familiar with Him and with the Holy Spirit than ever before. These verses from The Message Bible speak eloquently of what it means to LOVE the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior and the Holy Spirit as your Comforter, Counselor and Friend. When we KNOW and LOVE them, we come alive! When we KNOW and LOVE the Jesus of the Bible we know absolutely that Jesus is in the Father, that we are in Christ and that the Holy Spirit of God is IN us.
When we USE the Bible as an Owner’s Manual for life our knowledge grows, and as it grows our love also grows. As our knowledge and love for the Lord Jesus grow, his promise is to love us and make himself plain to us. What an enormous blessing!
Before we move on to indexing the Books of Hebrews and James I want to share three quotes with you that have touched my life greatly:
Many years ago, during a Christian Woman’s Conference, I heard Muriel Cook ask, “Where does your mind go in the quiet moments? That will tell you who you love.”
A few years later, at another Conference, Coleen Townsend Evans read Psalm 121 to us, then said, “Get rid of the idea that your spiritual state and condition depend on yourself. It is Christ’s responsibility to keep you where you belong. Don’t be a do-it-yourself Christian.”
And just a few weeks ago I heard Jeremy Pearsons say, “There are three rules for building your faith: 1) Mediate on how much He loves you. 2) Mediate on how much He LOVES you. And 3) Mediate on how much He loves YOU.”
I hope these deep and significant thoughts will impact your thinking as they have mine. Let’s move on with indexing -
Hebrews (page 1450) The Book of Hebrews is anonymous. There is no sure indication of author, place of writing, date or recipients of The Letter to the Hebrews. It seems almost certain that Paul was not the author, but whoever wrote the letter was obviously well known to the original recipients. The letter bears evidence that the author was a second generation Christian, one who was well versed in the Old Testament, who may have been a Jew, who was a friend of Timothy’s and who probably belonged to Paul’s circle of friends.
Persecution was a real threat to the Jewish Christians of the first-century. Many found themselves torn between their new found faith in Christ and their Old Testament way of life. By demonstrating the superiority of Christ to all of the Old Testament rituals and sacrifices, this letter counsels the early believers to stay true to the gospel of grace…the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The author appears to have been especially concerned that some of them might “turn back” (verse 10:38) although there seems to have been no danger of their embracing paganism. It is probably more likely that at least some of the readers were tempted to revert to Second Temple Judaism. Against the magnificence of Harod’s temple, the worship service carried out in house churches must have felt weak and insignificant indeed. The writer tried to warn his struggling audience that the glory of the earthly temple was but a shadow, soon to disappear.
Old habits are comfortable. But settling for second best was not God’s plan for the Jews of the early church or for believers today. Jesus removes our sin, guaranteed our access to God, the Father; and promises to always be with us, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The message of Hebrews is clear: Persevere in your faith because Jesus is all you need.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND HEBREWS EASILY.
And, as we have in the past few weeks let’s pick out a few prominent verses to highlight:
Hebrews 1:14 What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.
Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.
Hebrews 11:6 No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews – chapter 11 may be considered the Faith Hall of Fame and the names of those listed are worth studying individually as you progress in the Word.
James (page 1466) The book of James may be the earliest of the New Testament letters, probably written around the same time as Paul’s letter to the Galatians, about A.D. 48. This letter was written by James, who in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 6, verse 3 , is identified as a half-brother of Jesus.
James was among the group gathered on Pentecost (Acts 1:14); he took over the leadership of the Jerusalem church after Peter left Palestine (Acts 12:17). It seems he was more concerned about Christians observing Jewish Law than Paul, but in this letter does not present a deep seated ill-will toward the Gospel of Grace that Paul preached.
This letter does not contain any personal references or greetings to individuals, but is addressed to “all God’s people scattered over the whole world.” James’ purpose in writing was to encourage his readers, who were not only scattered, but also largely poor and oppressed. The letter has a strongly moral tone: it is a communication intended to urge the recipients to live a godly and morally excellent life-style within a morally bankrupt society.
A brief study of the Roman world in the first-century will help put this letter in the proper perspective for today’s reader.
James presents a strikingly direct approach to Christian living. Some of these scattered believers had apparently incorporated worldly habits into their Christian faith. They practiced favoritism: there were quarrels and boasting, a lack of patience with fellow believers and other divisions among them. Recognizing that it is possible to believe all the right things and still live the wrong way, James tells them to put their faith into action through their words and deeds. He reminds his readers that those who submit to God will come under God’s care, and that prayer needs to be a priority in their lives.
According to James, if we truly believe what Jesus says, we will show it by living godly lives. Living in faith should pair adoration with action and supplication with service. Such a faith will make a difference to us and to others; how we live and what we do really does matter to God.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU CAN FIND JAMES QUICKLY.
And highlight the following verses for future reference:
James 2:1 My friends, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance.
James 2:23-24 And the scripture came true that said,
Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous. And so Abraham was called God’s friend. You see, then, that it is by our actions that we are put right with God, and not by our faith alone.
James 3:13-18 Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don’t sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace.
James 4:11-12 Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?
We’ll stop indexing here for this week and move on to the Quite Time Assignment. Next week we’ll complete indexing the New Testament and wrap up this series on How to USE Your Bible.
This week we’ll be looking at what Christ does FOR you.
Jesus is our High Priest
He also says,
I will put my trust in God. And he also says,
Here I am with the children that God has given me.
Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people’s sins would be forgiven. Hebrews 2:13-17
In the Old Testament, as a nation, the Israelites’ right-standing with God was wrapped up in the standing of their high priest. What the high priest was before God, so was the entire nation before God. If the high priest sinned, he brought guilt on his nation, and God would reject the entire nation no matter how law-abiding the people were or how faithful they were in bringing their sacrifices.
On the other hand, if their high priest was without fault and acceptable to God, God would accept the whole nation even if the people were sinful.
Unfortunately, the high priests of Israel often failed because like any human being, they were imperfect. Thank God that today, you and I have Jesus as our High Priest, who is 100 per cent Man and 100 per cent God.
As our High Priest, Christ’s standing before God is always right. He is always acceptable and pleasing to the Father. Therefore, we can never lose our acceptance with God because as our High Priest, Jesus only brings righteousness on His people.
In heaven right now, Jesus our High Priest is seated at the right hand of God the Father. (Romans 8:34) This means that God does not look at you or me. He looks at Jesus. If Jesus is good, you and I are good. If Jesus is accepted, you and I are accepted. If God sees Jesus perfect, then He sees you and me perfect. If Jesus is righteous, then you and I are righteous. And we know that Jesus our High Priest is good, accepted, perfect and righteous, which means that that is how God sees us!
This means you and I cannot lose our right standing with the Father because Jesus Christ is our High Priest. To lose our standing, Jesus has to lose His standing first. But we know that we have in Jesus a High Priest who is perfect and who cannot fail. So we need never be afraid or conscious of our faults when we come before our Heavenly Father. Because our standing is completely wrapped up in Jesus, our High Priest. We can come to God boldly and receive all that we need from Him!
The Old Living Bible Translates Ephesians 1:7-8 this way: “So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through his Son, by whom we are saved, and he has showered down upon us the richness of his grace, for how well he understand us and knows what is best for us at all times.”
In John chapter 1, verse 17, we find these words, “God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Grace may be defined as the “unmerited favor of God” toward a sinner. It is everything for nothing to those who deserve the exact opposite.”
The Richness of God’s GRACE!
“There was sin in the world before the Law was given; but where there is no law, no account is kept of sins. But from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, death ruled over all human beings, even over those who did not sin in the same way that Adam did when he disobeyed God’s command.
Adam was a figure of the one who was to come. But the two are not the same, because God’s free gift is not like Adam’s sin. It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man. But God’s grace is much greater, and so is his free gift to so many people through the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ. And there is a difference between God’s gift and the sin of one man. After the one sin, came the judgment of
Guilty; but after so many sins, comes the undeserved gift of
Not guilty! It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God’s abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ.
So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life. And just as all people were made sinners as the result of the disobedience of one man, in the same way they will all be put right with God as the result of the obedience of the one man.
Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God’s grace increased much more. So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so also God’s grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:13-25
The Assignment
For your Daily Quiet Time during week 6:
First repeat your personalized prayer from Ephesians.
Next read Psalm 119:18 & 34 aloud, as a prayer.
“Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
“Give me understanding, so that I may keep your Word
and observe it with all my heart.”
And finally, spend time searching the Scriptures for more information about what God’s GRACE means to you as a believer.
Because the Good News Bible Translation we’ve been using as a textbook for this series does not list grace in either the Word List or Subject Index it will be necessary to get creative in your search.
Look for GRACE in the Concordance of any Bible you have in your possession. Follow the cross-references and foot-notes to gain a better insight into each verse. Read the surrounding verses for each reference. Lifting a single scripture out of context is often the beginning of false doctrine.
Here are a few verses to begin:
Grace is an attribute of God: Exodus 22:2;7, 33:19; Nehemiah 9:17, 1 Peter5:10
The supreme revelation of the grace of God is found in the incarnation, ministry, and atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Scripture teaches that:
(1) Justification is by grace: Romans3:24; Titus 3:7
(2) salvation is by grace at every point: Ephesians 1:7 , 8
(3) election is by grace: Romans 11:5, 6
(4) faith is the gift of grace: Acts 18:27; Ephesians 2:8, 9
(5) spiritual gifts are of grace: Romans 12:6
(6) comfort, hope, and strength spring from grace: 2 Corinthians12:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:16
The Greek word translated grace or favor is charis and is used 156 time in the New Testament. Some verses containing the word are: John 1:13-18; Acts 13:43, 14:3, 20:24; Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 1:12, 4:15
You can search for more information at these links:
http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/ Keyword = Grace
http://www.blueletterbible.org Lexicon = Grace
As you continue throughout this week please read with an eye toward how this message of grace applies to you personally. It can, and will refresh and renew your faith and your excitement for the things of God. Jesus came to bring us grace and truth. (John 1:17) He told his followers I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I have come that you might have LIFE and life more abundantly.
Receive it! Believe it. And as James taught – live like it.
“And now I commend you to the care of God and to the message of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the blessings God has for all his people.” Acts 20:32
See you next week!
Comments
“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” -William Morris
Searching the web for a new church home this morning. We need to find a place to Worship and fellowship. Like any search for a home there are boxes that must be checked before we commit to moving in.
- 1. Jesus must be the FIRST priority (Matthew 6:33)
- 2. Grace, not legalism, must be the message (Galatians 2:16)
- 3. Guilt trips must not be part of the message (Romans 8:1)
- 4. Old folks (like us) must not be shuffled off to the back room, out of the way. (Psalm 103:4-5)
- 5. Must be a small, but growing, congregation. No more Mega-Churches thanks!
- 6. We must feel comfortable inviting our friends to join us there.
- 7. There must be a true sense of “this is it” for both Dick and me.
- 8. It should probably be within the limits of our city – not several towns away – fog and all makes driving difficult.
Guess that’s not too much to ask. Our devotions this morning came from Jeremiah 32:27,
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?”
Comments
Here’s the look I get when Kai is hugging her Daddy’s feet and hoping against hope she didn’t just hear me say, “Are you ready to go yet?”
Comments
Okay… so I bragged too soon! Spring yesterday…winter today. Cold and windy again. Gotta LOVE February. At least we accomplished some of the outdoor work while it was nice. Still plenty to do, but I’m sure it will wait for another warm spring day.
Today is the dreaded trip to the market. Our cupboard is bare. To my shame, I put of f shopping until the last possible minute. I admit, I do not like to go to the grocery store. Never have. And the older I grow, the greater the dislike. Need to get a handle on that one. It’s on my bucket-list. Bare cupboards are fine for single folk. Not good for a family, not good for Papa and Kai Li.
So…off to do the dreaded deed. Hope your day is warm and blessed.
hugs,
e
Comments
Hello February! 
And, thank goodness, Goodbye January! January was not all that enjoyable for me…
As you can tell — about the only thing that’s been added to The Cottage so far this year is the manuscript for a series of studies on How to Use Your Bible. I started writing it as notes for a seven week series of seminars to be given to the ladies at the little church we’ve been attending since last summer. And what an interesting object lesson that turned out to be! I won’t burden you with the details, but suffice it to say we will be looking for a new church home this month, due to “doctrinal differences.” The lesson: never, ever offer to share with a group under the authority of a pastor’s wife, before being absolutely certain there are NO doctrinal differences. No matter! I stand firmly behind our position on the Word and our experiential knowledge of it.
Moving right along… I’m committed to finishing the full seven week series and publishing a new e-book from the results. When the PDF is completed, I’m thinking of offering the Good News Bible that goes along with it as a free gift to anyone who requests it. ??? Maybe… probably. Stay tuned.
When I went out to get my breakfast grapefruit this morning I found the patios covered with thousands of bud casings from the pear trees. Another warm day or two and they will be fully in bloom! Spring is here! I’ve always said “around here we celebrate the Holidays, starting in October, then comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year, the Super Bowl and then SPRING!” This year it’s looking as if SPRING may arrive slightly before the Super Bowl! How wonderful is that!
On another note, it’s lovely outdoors right now and I’m going out to play in the garden for a bit. Have a great day.
hugs,
e
Comments
Does your Bible mean more to you today than when you first believed?
As we’ve work our way through this project designed to help you build a stronger understanding of How To Use Your Bible I’m certain your faith has grown. Overall the goal is to unwrap God’s GIFT of faith, through Jesus Christ.
Much of what we’ve seen so far in the New Testament was dictated by the Holy Spirit to help us know “how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”
“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:14-18
During the past four weeks we’ve looked at both the Old and New Testaments, The Gospels and Acts and some of the surviving letters to the first-century churches. This week we’ll continue indexing the New Testament Letters, by finding out a little about “The Pastoral Epistles” so called because they deal with the qualification and duties of church ministers.
The letters to Timothy and Titus
1st Timothy (page 1435 ) This letter is addressed to Timothy, Paul’s young disciple, who occupied a special place in the apostle’s heart. Timothy was Paul’s coworker, emissary, traveling companion and “true son in the faith.” (1:2). Born at Lystra of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, Timothy was taught the Scriptures from childhood by both his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5) and these studies allowed him to develop a “sincere faith.” When Paul came to Lystra on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3) he enlisted Timothy as aide. He was then associated with Paul till the end of Paul’s life At the time of this writing, probably about A.D. 63 to A.D, 65, Timothy was working in Ephesus as an overseer of the church Paul planted there. He was sent to combat false teaching that had arisen in the church and to establish the governing leaders of the body. This is essentially a letter of encouragement for the young man, although it is not entirely personal. With loving support and step by step instructions Paul leaves a wonderful legacy of trustworthy guidelines for the church that we, too, can follow to keep on the right path in faith and godliness.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU CAN FIND 1st and 2nd TIMOTHY QUICKLY.
Also, as we’ve been doing, let’s highlight a few verses to help with cultivating your personal relationship with Jesus.
1 Tim. 1:15 This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners….
1 Tim. 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.
1 Tim. 4:11 Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, {in years or in the faith} but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity {emphasis is mine}
2nd Timothy (page 1441) Paul wrote this letter from a Roman prison in about A.D. 67. A careful reading of the letter gives us a picture of an old man, feeling alone, abandoned and betrayed. He seems to sense that his opportunities for preaching the Gospel are about at an end for he tells Timothy “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (4:6-8)
Paul is longing to see Timothy again, asking him to come to Rome and to bring the books and parchments he left in Troas. Winter is approaching and he asks for his warm cloak, then he assures his young disciple, “But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.” (v:17) The Greek here is “from the mouth of a lion.” Except for his Roman citizenship Paul would probably have been thrown to the lions in Nero’s amphitheater rather than kept incarcerated.
Throughout this poignant letter Paul remains teacher and mentor and friend; offering guidance, sharing the wisdom gained during the years of his ministry and encouraging Timothy to stand firm in the faith. Despite Paul’s difficult circumstances, his concern for Timothy and the church in Ephesus reminds us that in spite of threats to our values and beliefs, we can run the race of faith and finish well.
Some valuable verses to highlight are:
2 Tim. 1:7 For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
2 Tim 3:1-5 Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people.
2 Tim. 4:1-5 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, I solemnly urge you to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience. The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God.
Titus (page 1445) This letter was written to Titus, one of Paul’s Gentile converts from Antioch, shortly after Paul left him in charge of the believers on Crete. In Gal. 2:1-3 we find him accompanying Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to lay Paul’s Gospel message before the Church Council. During his travels with Paul over a period of about fifteen years, Titus became one of the apostle’s most trusted associates. After Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28) they ministered together on Crete for a brief period. When Paul moved on, he left Titus behind to continue the ministry, organize the churches on the island, teach sound doctrine and appoint elders. This letter was intended to encourage Titus and give him further instructions for accomplishing his task; stressing that believers’ actions should reflect their faith. Apparently the believers on the island of Crete were slipping into the sinful practices of a godless society so Paul writes to warn about false teachers and instruct them in true Christ like conduct. In 2012, the way we relate to others is a clear reflection of our faith and beliefs. How we live in a godless society is as important as what our position in a church or a corporation says about us as Christians.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE TO QUICKLY FIND TITUS.
And highlight this verse for future study.
1:15-16 Everything is pure to those who are themselves pure; but nothing is pure to those who are defiled and unbelieving, for their minds and consciences have been defiled. They claim that they know God, but their actions deny it. They are hateful and disobedient, not fit to do anything good.
Philemon (page 1448) Along with Colossians, Philippians, and Ephesians, Paul’s letter to Philemon is classified as one of the “Prison Epistles” written from Rome in about A.D. 60 during Paul’s first imprisonment there.
Oneismus, a slave, had stolen goods or money from his master and fled to Rome where, through Paul’s ministry, he was converted to Christianity. Paul sent him back to his master, Philemon, and sent this letter along with him promising to personally pay back whatever he owed his master. The letter is addressed primarily to Philemon, Paul’s fellow-worker and dear brother who, “has brought me great joy and much encouragement!” The brief letter is also addressed to Apphia (possibly Philemon’s wife) Archippus and the members of the church that met in Philemon’s household. Paul pleads with them to be lenient with this runaway slave. Under Roman law Philemon could have punished Oneismus with almost any degree of severity. Approximately a third of the first-century Roman population was made up of slaves, who had no legal status whatsoever. A runaway could be severely whipped, branded on the face, chained, forced to wear an iron neck collar or restrained by having both legs broken. Slaves could also be sold to the mines or sentenced to death. Paul wanted Philemon not only to forgive his slave, as a Christian brother, but to grant him grace and forgiveness, and “welcome him back just as you would welcome me.”
Philemon is a brief, yet passionate, letter but it emphasizes that Christian relationships must exude forgiveness and acceptance. Whether others have betrayed us, offended us or turned away from us for any reason, we can look to God for the grace to show them what Christ has shown us – gracious forgiveness, willing acceptance and abundant love.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU CAN FIND PHILEMON QUICKLY.
And highlight Paul’s prayer in verses 4-7
“…every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. For I hear of your love for all of God’s people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God’s people.” Philemon 4-7
We’ll stop indexing here for this week and move on to the Quite Time Assignment. Next week we will look at Hebrews and James, and finally, in week seven, Peter’s Letters, John’s Letters, Jude and briefly, the Revelation of John.
Last week we looked at you in Christ – This week we’ll be looking at Christ in you.
The Teacher Of All Things Is In You
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…” John 14:26
If you’ve ever asked where you can go to to get the help you need, ask no more. Just turn to God who has already promised you the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom He has sent in Jesus’ name to dwell in you.
The Holy Spirit will teach you all things. Yes, all things! Can you really believe that? Or are you one of those people who believe that you should seek God’s counsel for spiritual things, but consult “professional” help for everything else in your life?
God does not want us to run to and rely on worldly wisdom. Don’t misunderstand me here – there is nothing wrong with going to a doctor or hiring a financial consultant, but God wants us to come to Him first (Matt 6:33) for counsel and direction. That is why He has sent the Holy Spirit – to teach us all things. Jesus told his disciples:
“However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” (John 16:7 Amplified Bible)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and He will guide you into all truth.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. (John 16:13 Amplified Bible)
The apostle John said, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things… the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things…” (1 John 2:20, 27)
So the way God teaches us is through the anointing of the Holy Spirit within. His is a continuous anointing. In any particular situation, He is guiding and directing you from within.
The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Counselor and friend is the power behind the Church, and the power behind every believer whose life is centered in Christ Jesus.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells his followers, “But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
In the Book of Joel, believed to have been written in the fourth or fifth century B.C., we find a prophecy of the outpouring of God’s Spirit. (page 1068)
Afterward I will pour out my Spirit on everyone: your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your old people will have dreams, and your young people will see visions. At that time I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, both men and women. Joel 2:28-29
This scripture was quoted by Peter in Acts 2:15-18 as being fulfilled on the day of Pentecost – the day when over three thousand were saved and received the gift of the Holy Spirit – the day when the body of Christ, the new-born church began forming in the earth.
“These people are not drunk, as you suppose; it is only nine o’clock in the morning. Instead, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about: This is what I will do in the last days, God says: I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams. Yes, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will proclaim my message.”
Peter told this predominately Jewish crowd, “Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God’s gift, the Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit Built the Church
In Acts chapter 9 we read of the conversion of Saul (Paul) and are told in verse 31,
“And so it was that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace. Through the help of the Holy Spirit it was strengthened and grew in numbers, as it lived in reverence for the Lord.”
God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit is for Everyone
In Acts chapter 10 we find an account of Peter visiting in the home of a Gentile, the Roman centurion Cornelius, confirming God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit is for every believer.
The Assignment
This week the assignment is to search out scriptures that will clarify the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. Here are a few suggestions, but as in other weeks, use your Concordance, all the Bible Translations you have available, as well as the cross-references and foot-notes.
Before you begin each day’s Quiet Time repeat the personalized prayer from Ephesians and read Psalm 119:18 & 34 as a prayer.
“Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
“Give me understanding, so that I may keep your Word
and observe it with all my heart.”
Acts 10:34-48
Acts 11:15-18
Acts 19:1-7
The noted New Testament Greek scholar Dr. Kenneth Wuest (1893 – 1962) writes of the Holy Spirit in this manner:
“Believers in this Christian era are priests in the New Testament sense. They are anointed with the Holy Spirit once and once only, at the moment they are saved. This anointing is the coming of the Spirit to take up His permanent residence in their hearts, thus providing the potential equipment for their service as priests. The baptism by the Spirit is for the introduction of the believer into the Body of Christ, the anointing with the Spirit is His coming to dwell in the believer and the fullness of the Spirit is for power for service.”
From experience, I can tell you that God will grant any request sincerely made by one of His children for this wonderful Comforter, Counselor and friend. In Luke’s Gospel we find this promise.
“Would any of you who are fathers give your son a snake when he asks for fish? Or would you give him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:11-13
My prayer, this week as you study, will be that God from the wealth of his glory will give you power through his Holy Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God’s people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love. Yes, may you come to know his love—although it can never be fully known—and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.
To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen.
See you next week!
Comments
Do you think anyone or anything is going to be able to drive a wedge between you and Christ’s love for you?
Let’s look at the apostle Paul’s answer:
So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:31-39 The Message (MSG)
The modern English of The Message translation gives strong support to Paul’s position, but the Amplified Bible translates verses 38-39 with even more power and assurance. In this translation Paul says “I am sure…”
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (I am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
So, at least for me, last weeks assignment simply served to reinforce what I’ve always taken as a personal guarantee from Jesus – “IT IS FINISHED.” In Him you and I can have perfect peace, joy unspeakable and absolute assurance of God’s love for us.
Last week we worked on indexing the Letters of the New Testament. We talked about Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians.
This week we’ll begin with Philippians and continue indexing the
New Testament Letters -
PHILIPPIANS (page 1417) This is believed to be one of four letters Paul wrote from prison. Scholars suggest different places and dates for the writing, but the most widely held view is that Paul wrote Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and Ephesians during his two year imprisonment in Rome between A.D. 59 and 61 (Acts 28, 30). There does not appear to be a single overriding concern behind this epistle. For the most part it is simply a pastoral communication between Paul and a church that was especially dear to him…probably the first he established in the European region. It would seem that Paul had developed a bond of love and mutual confidence with this church that was unequaled elsewhere – consequently this is the most personal of Paul’s letters not written to an individual.
Writing from prison, with Timothy to aid him, Paul emphasizes thanksgiving, joy, assurance, love, grace, righteousness and glory. It can be said this letter to the church at Philippi is all about “How To Live Above Your Circumstances.”
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU CAN FIND PHILIPPIANS QUICKLY.
Also, as we did last week, let’s highlight a few verses to help with cultivating your personal relationship with Jesus.
1:6 And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.
2:9-11 For this reason God raised him (Jesus) to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
4:4-7 May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!
Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
COLOSSIANS (page 1423) The letter to the church at Colosse has been called the twin epistle of Ephesians. Written about the same time, the content of the two letters is very similar. Timothy was associated with Paul in Rome in the writing of these two letters while Paul was a prisoner there. However, in this letter Paul is addressing a group he did not know personally. The city of Colosse was located about one hundred miles east of Ephesus in the Lycus valley. Apparently this area was evangelized by Epaphras, Timothy and others (Acts 19:10) while Paul was living and teaching in Ephesus. Epaphras brought a report to Paul, under arrest in Rome, on the situation of the churches in the Lycus Valley. Apparently some religious teachers were insisting that they had additional knowledge that was necessary for salvation. These teachers began pressuring the believers in Colosse to incorporate Jewish and pagan beliefs into the gospel message. We should note – very similar erroneous messages are being pressed upon believers today. In this brief letter, Paul charts a course of faith for the Colossians – and for us – as he shows the dangers of mixing the gospel message with worthless beliefs, and he reminds them that Christ is Lord of all and is completely adequate for all of life’s situations. Paul warns the Colossians to reject any system that would belittle the person of Christ and stand fast in their faith, holding to the hope contained in the gospel. As Paul reminds the Colossians, we need to remember – in Christ we have been raised to newness of life, and in Him all grace and virtues are to be found. Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hold fast to Him who is the source of life and spiritual growth.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU CAN FIND COLOSSIANS QUICKLY.
Some verses to highlight in this letter are:
1:27 God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.
2:6-7 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.
3:15 The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful.
1st & 2nd THESSALONIANS (page 1428 & 1432) Paul’s two letters to the church at Thessalonica are, in the opinion of most scholars, among the earliest he wrote. The first letter was written during his year and a half of ministry in Corinth, probably in A.D. 51 while on his second missionary journey. Timothy reported to Paul that the church he had planted in this city of about 200,000 was doing fairly well and that they were steadfast in the faith, but he also relayed the need for additional teaching in matters relating to the end times and Christian ethics. These were new believers in a predominately pagan society. The Greeks despised manual labor and viewed it as fit for only slaves. Much like our modern society, a wide range of sexual values and practices existed in both the Greek and Roman societies; moral standards were generally low, and chastity was regarded as an unreasonable restriction. These first-century pagans viewed death with horror, as witnessed by inscriptions on tombs and references in literature of the day. So, Paul writes to supplement his former teachings concerning the problems. He gave particular attention to the hope of Christ’s return, which offers comfort and encouragement in times of death as well as daily life. The subject of the second coming of Christ seems to permeate the first letter. His theme seems to be “facing the future with hope.”
The second letter was written a few months after the first, while Paul was still in Corinth. Some people had misunderstood Paul’s teaching and the contents of his first letter. They wrongly concluded that the coming of Christ had already begun and as a result they were failing to live with the Christian perspective Paul taught in all his letters. They became lazy believers, sitting and watching the sky for his return while depending on others to supply their needs and to do their work. Paul wrote this second letter to urge them to stand strong despite the pressures of a godless society. He exhorts them to mind their own business, to carefully choose their friends, and to persevere in work and service until Christ returns. His good advise to the Thessalonians is good advice for us today as well.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE HERE SO YOU CAN FIND THE THESSALONIAN LETTERS QUICKLY.
Some verses to note are:
1 Thessalonians 2:13 Amplified Bible (AMP) And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,10 who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.
We’ll stop indexing here for this week and move on to the Quite Time Assignment.
A Review:
I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give [me] power through his Spirit to be strong in [my] inner selves, and I pray that Christ will make his home in [my] heart through faith. I pray that [I] may have [my]roots and foundation in love, so that [I], together with all God’s people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love. Ephesians 3:16-18 Good News Translation (GNT) Personalized (see weeks 1, 2 & 3)
God does not want our hearts filled with worries and fears, tossed and turned by every challenge that comes our way. He wants our hearts at rest and established by His Love, through Christ Jesus.
The NIV translates Ephesians 3:16-18:
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
When we get to thinking the answers to our challenges depend on our own ability to obey God, then our hearts will not be at rest. We can never obey God perfectly and when we try our hearts will be filled with worries and anxieties.
When we depend on God’s grace, that is, His undeserved, unmerited favor, the opposite happens — our hearts become established.
When we understand that the only thing that can qualifiy us to receive God’s blessings is faith in the finished work of Christ, our hearts becomes established. When our hearts are established we can live without the fear of our troubles swallowing us up. We can live with full assurance that His blessings will be apparent in our daily walk.
God wants our hearts established.
God wants us to live knowing that His righteousness, healing, protection and prosperity belong to us— all paid for by Jesus’ finished work at the cross. God’s blessings are sure in our life because they are not dependent on our ability to keep His laws, but Jesus’ perfect obedience.
Under the old covenant, men received God’s blessings only if they were able to keep all His laws. (Deuteronomy 28:1–2) Under the old covenant, if you sinned and failed to keep even one law, you were disqualified from receiving His blessings. But today, under the new covenant, our sins no longer disqualify us because God Himself has said, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12
This week let’s work on making certain our heart is established by God’s grace. Because of His grace, we have full access to His blessings. We no longer have to worry about whether we’re good enough. We can stand firm on the promises made in His Word and enjoy His blessings because Jesus has paid the price. “IT IS FINISHED!”
If you are IN CHRIST – your part is to believe and receive!
No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
It is true that through the sin of one man [Adam] death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God’s abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ. Romans 5:17
For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life. In the same way you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus. Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God’s grace. Romans 6:3-4, 11, 14
For sin pays its wage—death; but God’s free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
In Him there is life. In Him there is fullness of joy. In Him there is no condemnation – for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets me free from the law of sin and death.
The Assignment -
During the coming week your assessment is to search through the Letters of the New Covenant that we have indexed so far (Romans – 2nd Thessalonians) for verses which speak of who and what you are IN UNION WITH CHRIST JESUS.
Use every tool you have access to: every translation of the Bible, every Concordance, even the internet (BibleGateway.com).
Look for phrases like “in Christ” – “through Christ” – “in Him”
Highlight the verses. Make a note of them in your personal journal.
Use cross-references and footnotes.
The goal is to gain a firm grip on what God has prepared for those who love him…for those whom God loves.
By the end of the week expect to be able to say, with Paul:
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (I am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
See you next week!
Comments
Last week we worked on indexing The New Covenant - We talked about The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John; The Acts of the Apostles and The Revelation of John.
This week we’re going to start indexing the
Letters of the New Testament
ROMANS (page 1348) Paul probably wrote this letter toward the end of his third missionary journey in about A.D. 56 or 57, while was staying in Corinth or Philippi. Since he had never been in Rome the letter is more formal and less personal in tone than his other letters. Paul wrote to introduce himself to the church in Rome. In it he develops and defends the truth of the gospel, encouraging believers to rely sorely on God’s grace for salvation. Following a logical progression of thought, he begins by stating that all people are sinners but then asserts that believers are free from sin’s control, the demands of the law and fear of God’s punishment. He makes the point that armed with such freedom, believers can grow in their relationship with Christ and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. This letter presents a summary of the content of his teaching and preaching based on his experience after his conversion. One commentary I looked at stated, “ the eighth chapter is so eloquent it might be called “The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.” Time and again the Spirit of God has used this letter to call God’s people back to the foundational truths of the Christian faith.” The chapter begins with one of my all time favorite Bible verses, “There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
PUT A STICKIE NOTE ON PAGE 1348 SO YOU CAN FIND ROMANS QUICKLY.
Also, I’d like to have you highlight a few verses I believe will help to cultivate your personal relationship with Christ.
1:16 I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God’s power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles.
The word salvation is derived from the Greek word soteria, meaning “safety” or “soundness. This term is comprehensive and includes such elements as justification, regeneration, sanctification, glorification, redemption, propitiation, grace and forgiveness. Scripture states that salvation is of God – by and through Christ – not of the works of men. It has three aspects: past present and future; that is, as a believer you have already been redeemed from the guilt and penalty of sin; you are now being delivered from its presence and being perfectly conformed to the image of Christ.
2:1 Do you, my friend, pass judgment on others? You have no excuse at all, whoever you are. For when you judge others and then do the same things which they do, you condemn yourself.
Remember, as believers we are to “Learn what we teach!” Practice what we preach; act as though we are set apart, every minute of every day. In Christ we have the freedom to “be who we were meant to be – not judging others and not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to. No one’s life is without troubles. The most unlovely people are often the ones who brag the loudest about being a “minister.” The goal is to bring people into the kingdom, not drive them further away. It’s not about how you “should” act to get God to work in your life. It’s about how God works in you life regardless of how you act. You are his blood bought child.
6:3-4, 9 For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life.
At the new birth we do all the dying we’ll ever do! When our spirit leaves this “earth suit” we will step out of this realm into the realm of the spirit, with Christ. He said, “I go to prepare a place for YOU.”
10:17 So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ.
The Old King James translation puts it this way:
10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
It’s been said, “Romans is difficult to understand.” But, there are riches untold in this letter, and Paul tells us
8:28, 31 “we KNOW that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose….If God is for us, who can be against us?”
1st & 2nd CORINTHIANS (page 1369) Paul established a church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, probably in the fall of A.D. 50. The city of Corinth was an influential trading port, populated by 250,000 free persons and as many as 400,000 slaves. History shows us the city, like many port cities, was filled with vile practices and loose living. In fact, it was so vile the Greeks of the day coined a verb to describe any life-style devoted to complete immorality – to corinthianize. By A.D. 55, when Paul wrote the letter we know as 1st Corinthians, the church was collapsing in on itself. There was idolatry, adultery, strife and division tearing it apart from within. Paul had received reports of sexual misconduct, misunderstandings of Christian beliefs, and the abuse of spiritual gifts among some of the Corinthian believers. Today 1 Corinthians helps us maintain a Christian life-style in a sinful society. In this letter we find the earliest reports of the Lord’s Supper (11:20-34) and the great hymn of love (ch 13), and the gospel of the resurrection (ch 15). He also lays out directions for public worship and the significance of spiritual gifts.
The letter we know as 2nd Corinthians seems to have been written a few months after the first letter, probably before the onset of winter in A.D. 55 while he was in Ephesus. Apparently the problems Paul addressed in his previous letter continued to plague the church. False teachers had infiltrated the congregation in his absence, challenging both Paul’s personal integrity and his authority as an apostle. In this letter he shares matters concerning his personal ministry more openly than in any of his other letters. We also find some of his most significant statements on giving, on the ministry, and the Christian hope preserved in this letter. 2 Corinthians teaches dependence on God in every situation. Learning to accept criticism, growing despite conflicts, living a godly life and finding a hope for the future in the midst of present trouble are all found in the heart of the letter: God’s strength is sufficient – in any time and in any situation.
PUT A STICKIE NOTE ON PAGE 1369 and PAGE 1388
GALATIANS (page 1401) Paul wrote his letter to the churches in Galatia, an area in the highlands of what is today modern Turkey, about A.D. 50. There are a couple of theories regarding the precise dates and some question as to the cities where the letter was read, but the content is a hard-hitting reminder to believers that Christ alone is the way to salvation. He writes to warn against the teaching of some Jewish Christians in the church who were insisting that believers needed to follow the old Jewish laws and rituals in order to be members of the church. The letter offers Paul’s defense of the true gospel by clearly stating legalism and religious ritual do not mix with God’s gospel of grace. He details the practical significance of living by grace and under the control of the Holy Spirit. This letter points out, to anyone who cares to study it, the basic principle that man is saved through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Paul uses strong language to make his point,
1:9 “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be damned eternally.”
Let’s briefly look at the following verses:
5:17 For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do.
This verse is much misunderstood in modern religion. It is taught as referring to a constant warfare between the flesh (the old nature or the human nature) and the Spirit; making one a victim of the flesh and helpless to live right. This is NOT the thought at all. It does describe the Galatians, or anyone else who has fallen from grace and is seeking perfection through self-effort and good works. Those actions do not reflect the normal life of a Christian in grace, living and walking in the Spirit. Paul makes this clear in verses 16-24, Romans 6:14-23, Romans 8:1-13, 2 Corinthians 10:5-7, Ephesians 6:10-18 and 1 John 3:8-10 & 5:1-4.
These Galatians Christians had fallen from grace in the sense that they had accepted the word of false teachers and deprived themselves of the ministry of the Holy Spirit whereby he ministers daily grace for daily living.
In 5:18 Paul simply told them, “If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law.” He pointed out that if they would receive again the gospel of the grace of God and permit again the work of the Spirit in their lives as they used to, the flesh would be crucified again and they could live the true life-style Christ purchased for them once more.
If, for whatever reason, your life has fallen victim to similar thinking because of erroneous teaching…it’s time to re-think your walk, and “live by the Spirit.”
EPHESIANS (page1409) was written by Paul, probably during his two-year imprisonment in Rome about A.D. 60. It may have been a circular letter intended for a number of churches. In some of the oldest manuscripts the words “at Ephesus” are missing. If that is the case, the word church means the “church universal” and this seems likely since the letter dwells profoundly on the person of Christ and the church as the household of God; the body of Christ. In the letter Paul prays eloquently for these believers whom he considers his children and encourages them to live and walk “in the Spirit.” He helps them discover what this new life “in Christ” is, how to live in Christ and how to face the struggles of life through Christ’s power. In this letter to the Ephesians, Paul paints a clear picture of God’s love for everyone in the body of Christ. No matter what our skills or abilities may be, we are necessary. God’s family would not be complete without any one of us. Recognizing such a purpose and calling is meant to fill us with joy and encourage us to live each day as true children of God in Christ.
1:7-8 LB So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved and he has showered down upon us the richness of his grace – for how well he understands us and knows what is best for us at all times.
2:6 In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world.
As believers we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places by virtue of our union with Him. As such we have a share in His royal status and authority; and through our intercessory prayers and evangelistic witness Christ’s kingdom is advanced. PLUS… with Him and other believers we constitute a heavenly commonwealth (Philippians 3:20); so while we are living in the world, WE are NOT OF the world. Spiritually also, our live is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3). As HE is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17)
PUT STICKIE NOTES AT THE BEGINNING OF GALATIANS AND EPHESIANS.
Thank You God!
Grace Makes All the Difference
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
If life is all about “because I have to”—where’s the joy in that?
People in the world often reject Christ because they believe the Christian life is all about rules and regulations—all about stifling, suffocating ritual.
This happens because religion confuses Christ with legalism. Legalism is joyless because it’s endless. There is always another class to attend, another job to do, another mouth to feed.
Grace! It makes all the difference.
In Christ – “gone are the exertions of law-keeping, gone the disciplines of legalism, gone the anxiety that having done everything we might not have done enough. We reach the goal not by the stairs but by the lift . . . God pledges his promised righteousness to those who will stop trying to save themselves.” __11.30.11 Max Lucado.org
Grace offers peace and rest.
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Grace may be defined as the “unmerited favor of God” toward a sinner; it is “everything for nothing to those who deserve the exact opposite.” Grace is an attribute of God. The supreme revelation of the grace of God is found in the incarnation, ministry, and atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus.
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers – most of which are never even seen – don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:32-34 (The Message)
make me righteous…week 3
This week the first thing to do is look at Matthew 6:33 a little more closely. You’ll remember this verse was quoted from Jesus’ teaching. It lays out Christ’s first priority for the life of His followers. In the Amplified translation we see:
“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”
This tells me I need to spend some time searching out what His way of doing and being right is all about. I’ve been working on this for about three decades now and here’s what I’ve come up with:
The first thing to do when seeking God’s way of doing and being right is to dump all of our previously-conceived notions on the subject of righteousness!
Dear heart, righteousness is a word foreign to our modern way of life. It is an old-fashioned word, often associated with religion! And, what we are doing here is NOT studying about religion. What we are working toward in these studies is a personal relationship with God – as Father, Jesus – as savior, and the Holy Spirit – as comforter, counselor and friend.
Religion, just as it did in Jesus’ day, will cause your God-image to drop like a rock. Religion kills Christians!
It is impossible for true followers of Christ to live up to all of religion’s demands. We can’t continually be righteous, live our lives God’s way, while trying to live up to all those “thou shalt” and “thou shalt not” rules imposed upon us by the world’s legalistic view of who or what we should be. It won’t work! At all. Period. When we try, we fall short. When we fall short we feel guilty. When we start feeling guilty, we receive the condemnation that has been feeding our negative thinking all along. When we start thinking in negatives again – we’re right back to the defeated mindset we’re trying to change. And so…like some dizzying amusement park ride, around and around we go.
Remember – “There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
So… this week we’re going to plant God’s Word in our hearts that will show us what His way of doing and being “right” is really all about.
Jesus’ life on earth was the perfect example for us. He was human and so He can sympathize with us because He was tempted in every way, as we are. Hebrews 4:15 Yet, we know he lived His life God’s way, doing right and pleasing the Father in all things.
The Assignment:
During the coming week, our goal is to read through John’s Gospel twice.
The book contains twenty-one chapters, so that works out to reading six chapters each day for seven days.
I know. That sounds like a lot. But really it isn’t. If it were a mystery novel or a “best seller” you could probably read the whole book in a day or two. Right?
I know…you’ve read it before. You may even have verses from John committed to memory. The thing is…I want you to approach it a little differently this week.
A we read the Gospel of John this week we’re looking for some new ideas. Remember, you are God’s child. The things Jesus did – He did for you. The things He taught are to benefit you, personally. His victory over death, hell and the grave is YOUR victory.
In the first Epistle of John, chapter 4, verse 17 from Young’s Literal Translation we are told:
In this made perfect hath been the love with us, that boldness we may have in the day of the judgment, because even as He is, we — we also are in this world;
In John, chapter 8, verses 31-32, the author quotes Jesus telling His followers:
“If you abide in my Word (hold fast to my teachings and live according to them), you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
And in chapter 10, verse 10 He said,
“I came so that you may have life and have it more abundantly.”
As you read this week please keep in mind the Lord was not always speaking to believers. Many times He was talking to His enemies. Watch closely for those verses where He spoke love, comfort and encouragement to His followers. Those verses are your promises! Make a note in your Bible when you find a promise. Also, watch for and make note of the verses that are teachings He wanted His followers to incorporate into their daily lives.
By seeking out the promises and the precepts in the Lord’s teachings we can begin to understand how much we have been offered, and how little God expects in return. God’s LOVE is patient and kind. God’s love is not demanding. God’s love never fails! God’s love will never fail YOU. God loved you enough to send His one and only Son to purchase your salvation; purchase it by dying on a Roman cross.
Last week, as we studied First John, we learned God IS love.
The second time you read John’s Gospel, take it chapter by chapter, or section by section, and ask yourself these questions at the end of every one:
1. Is anything here speaking to ME, right now?
2. Is there anything here that will help me do things differently…do things God’s way?
3. What is being said here about MY personal relationship with Christ?
At the end of the week you will have completed an outline of the promises, the teachings and your personal insights into Christ’s example for your life. I suggest you review this outline carefully, and often. You will gain amazing strength and power from your findings. You might want to read it out loud, listening to every promise to internalize it further – then, if you’re comfortable with the idea, share what you’ve learned with someone else.
Don’t forget to keep praying “your” prayer from Ephesians every day, too.
See you next week!
Comments
As I was preparing for this week’s session it occurred to me that teaching the Word to a group of relative strangers is much like serving fresh artichokes at a dinner party. I personally love fresh artichokes. They are one of my favorite foods and I serve them often when they are in season. But some people simply do not like artichokes. My mother, for example, thought they were too much trouble to prepare and flatly stated, “They’re just not worth the effort.” Some people believe they understand artichokes because they’ve tried the pickled variety from the grocery store. This makes them think they know all about eating artichokes. When we served them, freshly cooked, those people couldn’t admit their lack of knowledge to us or to themselves – so instead of eating the tips of the leaves, discarding the “choke” and then enjoying the heart of the thing they ate the whole globe – choke and all! People can be like that about the Word, too. For some it’s just not worth the effort. Others know everything they need to know already and aren’t interested in enjoying the heart as it was intended. Oh well…to each his own I guess.
A quick Review
Last week we worked on indexing the Bible to help you find things more quickly and use it more effectively. During our time together we were able to complete The Old Testament…that means our project is about half finished, but before we go on, let’s quickly review:
The books of Moses are:
GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, DEUTERONOMY
The book of JOSHUA is the story of the Israelite invasion and conquest of Canaan – the land God promised to give them – a land flowing with milk and honey.
JUDGES & RUTH record stories from Israel’s lawless period that extended from the end of the conquest around 1400 B.C., until Saul was anointed king in approximately 1050 B.C. Generations of Israelites who read this book after the time of the judges were reminded of their ancestors’ rebellion against God and of their own need for his divine deliverance.
First and Second SAMUEL, First and Second KINGS, & First and Second CHRONICLES record the history of Israel from the time of the Judges to the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
EZRA and NEHEMIAH follow the previous history books in chronological order and act as a sequel to them. Both are thought to have been written by Ezra, the priest who returned to Jerusalem with a group of Babylonian exiles in 458 B.C. Ezra clearly wanted his readers to recognize, in various historical events, the power and love God demonstrated toward his chosen people.
ESTHER is an account of God protecting his chosen people from extermination, probably around the time of Ezra in 460 B.C., thus preserving the Davidic line through which the Messiah would descend.
JOB is anonymous. The author’s name is not given. Jewish tradition states that it was written by Moses, but there is nothing in the book itself to suggest Mosaic authorship. The book of Job sets up the problem of the righteous suffering. The same as in religious circles today, the conventional answer people of Solomon’s day gave to the question of why God’s children suffer is that they were being punished for their own sins or those of their forebears. This is the very answer Job’s friends propose. The ancient readers must have been as astonished when they had worked their way through the text to God’s final answer as religious folks are in 2012. God is not a tyrant. God is LOVE.
PSALMS is the “Book of Praises” a collection, or more precisely, a series of collections composed over a period of almost 1,000 years. Many were written by David. Some were written in the time of Moses, but many were probably written during Israel’s wilderness wanderings.
PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, and SONG OF SONGS are the writings of David’s son, King Solomon.
The writings of THE PROPHETS which make up the rest of the Old Testament – are spread throughout the centuries before the birth of Christ. If you’re looking for something that’s not found in the New Testament, or one of the books we’ve just talked about look between ISAIAH and MALACHI.
There is a period of about 400 SILENT years between the Old and New Testaments.
That brings us back to today’s job – building an index of:
The Good News – Our New Covenant. So, open your Bible to The New Testament and let’s begin at the beginning!
The Gospels
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – The four Gospels as they are known – give us accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. In none of the books does the author identify himself by name, but the authorship was added later and represent the thinking of the early church.
Matthew was accepted and canonized as having for its author the Apostle Matthew, also called Levi, a former tax-collector, in Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:14-15 & Luke 5:27-29. If this authorship is correct, what we have is an eye-witness account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Mark was ascribed to John Mark, whose name does not appear in the Gospels. Some theologians think he was the young man present at the arrest of Jesus in Chapter 14: 51-52. While Mark himself was not one of the twelve, it may have been the first gospel written, and has all the earmarks of a firsthand witness who was, from all early accounts, none other than Simon Peter, from whom Mark obtained his information.
Luke The third Gospel bears the name of Luke, “beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14) friend and companion of Paul. Luke is the only known Gentile author in the New Testament. Clearly the same author wrote this Gospel and Acts. The purpose of the books is explicitly stated: to present an “orderly account” of the beginning, growth and spread of the Christian movement.
John This Gospel names “the disciple whom Jesus loved…who has written these things.” The Gospels reveal that the Apostle John, his father and brother were fishermen at the sea of Galilee. John left his fishing business to follow Christ and was with him in nearly every important moment of his ministry. So, again we have an eye-witness account of the Savior’s life
The Acts of the Apostles
As a companion volume to the Gospel of Luke Acts continues the story of the Christian movement from the ascension of Christ to Paul’s arrival in Rome some thirty years later. The book traces the development and spread of the church from the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to Paul’s preaching the gospel in Rome, “openly and unhindered.”
PUT STICKIE TAB ON THE 1st PAGE OF EACH GOSPEL & ACTS
Matthew (page 1131), Mark (page1180), Luke (page1213) and John (page 1264) – Acts (page 1301) Later, at home, you can write on the tabs.
Letters to the Early Churches
Paul wrote many letters to the early Christian Churches in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae and Thessalonica. The Bible has preserved several of his letters. His personal correspondence to Timothy, Titus and Philemon have also survived. These letters, commonly known as “Epistles,” i. e. the First Epistle of Timothy, make up approximately two-thirds of the New Testament.
Other authors include Simon Peter, James – the brother of Jesus, John – the beloved, and Jude.
We won’t take the time to TAB each letter today. I’m hoping you’ll add TABS to the letters as we work our way through this important portion of the Bible. I’ve never been much on trying to “memorize” the sixty-six books in order, or memorizing scriptures by chapter and verse. In my experience the best way to learn where something is in my Bible is to USE my Bible.
I’ve always adhered to the verses in John’s First Epistle that tell me:
“…But as for you, Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit’s teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ.” 1 John 2:26-27
The Revelation
This strange and wonderful book of prophecy was written to the persecuted and harried Christians in the churches of the Roman province of Asia. The author, writing “in the Spirit” emphasizes the Lordship of Christ, the overruling sovereignty of God and his eventual, final victory over the forces of sin and evil For centuries the book has been misunderstood, misinterpreted and misquoted. Finally today, in the times of the end, when all other prophecies pointing to Christ as Messiah have been fulfilled scholars are presenting entire conferences on its meanings and relevance for Christians today.
PUT A STICKIE TAB AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REVELATION (page 1492)
and finally…
cross references, foot notes, word lists, and subject index.
Your Good News Bible, at first glance, seems very simple. But there are study aids here (as there are in most Bibles) if you understand where to look for them and how to use them.
Since we’re right there anyway…look at the bottom of page 1493. There you’ll see a series of numbers; cross references to other verses in other books. Let’s follow one of them along and see what they’re telling us.
The first number is 1.4 – it points to Revelation, chapter 1, verse 4 “From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace be yours from God who is, who was, and who is to come.”
The following reference (a) is Ex (Exodus) 3:14,
“God said,
I am who I am. You must tell them:
The one who is called I AM has sent me to you.”
You’ll recall our discussion from last week about these two scriptures – and now you can see how I made the connection. AND how to make the connection for yourself by using the cross references provided.
The next reference (b) is Rev (Revelation) 4:5, “From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne seven lighted torches were burning, which are the seven spirits of God.”
Here we can begin to see why John addressed his writing to the seven churches. More information follows in Chapter 2, but here’s the first step. So, from this simple series of numbers and letters we’ve gained some insight into an important point.
During your Quite Times use these cross references whenever you can. It will help you to see how the Word agrees with itself and follows patterns and types. Always remember, the Word MUST agree with itself. From Genesis to Revelation the Word must agree with itself. Taking a single verse out of context and building a doctrine around it is where false teachers and false doctrines are born.
The foot notes are self explanatory. Let’s take a look at John’s Gospel, Chapter 6.
Here we’ll see Jesus Feeds Five Thousand. The notes in parentheses below this title tell us where the same story can be found in the other Gospels. It’s always good to follow these references to uncover additional small details that may be recorded by each author. Remember, no two eye-witness accounts of an event are exactly alike. That does not mean they contradict each other, it simply means one author may have noticed something more, seen another detail. It fascinates me to try visualizing the whole scene by piecing together the different accounts. Try it for yourself as you study.
We talked about the “Word List” last week so we won’t double back there now.
To finish up, let’s take a quick look at the Subject Index, on page 1552. PUT A STICKIE TAB HERE SO YOU CAN FIND IT QUICKLY. At first it may simply appear to be a list of unrelated numbers. It is actually a simple and efficient Concordance.
Scan down the page to ANGLES. Here we’re being told they are (a) messengers and agents of God. The first scripture reference is Gn 19: 1 and 15 – then in bold print we’re given the page number – 19. How easy is that?
So…let’s say you decide you want to do a subject study on ANGLES, or grace, or love, or peace. You can use this study method to learn more about any Bible subject. Just flip to this Index, and start working your way through the references. I guarantee you’ll learn something. And then, to continue your study, use the Concordance in any other Bible you have access to. Most Bibles have at least a rudimentary Concordance, maps and other study guides to help you learn.
This brings us to the end of the Bible and ends our indexing project. You can, of course, expand on it in any way that makes sense to you. I hope you will take the time to expand on what we’ve done. The more you dig into this wonderful Book, The Word of God, the more you will want to know about Jesus. And the more you know about Jesus, the more your life, your nature and your circumstances will be blessed.
change the way I look, at me! – week 2
“Feeling Down?
Neglected? Ignored? Unnoticed?
Not even close to how God sees you.
If you are feeling unnoticed and under-appreciated, take a look at how God sees you in I Peter 2:9:
“You are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.”
Or how about this description from Isaiah 61:10:
“He has covered me with clothes of salvation and wrapped me with a coat of goodness, like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding, like a bride dressed in jewels.”
When your self-esteem sags—remember what you’re worth. Remember that you were bought with a price, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ, the pure and perfect lamb.
Remember that. Meditate on it. Focus on it.
Allow God’s LOVE to change the way you look at you.” __11.18.11 Max Lucado.org
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” __Oscar Wilde
what does it mean to belong to Christ?
“…what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism [religion] is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good – crucified.
Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.”
Galatians 5:22-25 (The Message)
I love the way The Message Bible translates this portion of Paul’s letter to the Galatian church. He’s telling them how their actions and words will change IF they belong to Christ and are lead by the Holy Spirit. It’s an amazing transformation.
In the Amplified Bible translation of this same passage we find what I like to think of as God’s “ingredient” label for His kids.
“But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Galatians 5:22-23 AB
If you pick up a jar of fruit preserves in any market you’ll always find a list of ingredients on the label: fruit, sugar, pectin, and usually a bunch of stuff no one can pronounce, listed in order of the quantity used. The ingredient used in the largest quantity is always listed first on food labels.
If you follow that analogy, it would seem God intended His kids to be filled, first and foremost, with LOVE. It is a concept that falls right in line with our quite time scriptures for the past week.
I pray that you have been spending a “quiet time” with Jesus every day. I pray that through reading and hearing the Word [as you spoke it out loud] your heart has been touched and expanded. And, I continue to ask God to renew your heart, that you may be rooted deep in God’s love for you.
Let’s talk about establishing where you are with accepting God’s love for you. And about accepting yourself.
Love one another
Honestly, before we can truly love anyone else we must love ourselves. Remember Jesus taught:
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
LOVE! It is the most critical ingredient when it comes to making changes in the negative attitudes and self-images associated with our old nature. The old nature, unrenewed, will keep us from experiencing the very best God wants for each and every one of us.
Many people, who have been around religious circles for awhile, have heard an illustration for Psalm 23 that speaks of shepherds who sometimes break the legs of sheep which habitually stray, in order to teach them not to stray.
Do you think such teaching tells of God’s LOVE? NO! That erroneous teaching — “The Lord is my Shepherd, He breaketh my legs” — brings needless fear of God’s punishment. It says nothing of his grace, love and mercy.
That kind of false teaching is what God’s Word refers to as “leaven”. Leaven or yeast has an effect on the whole loaf.
Jesus cautioned His disciples, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6)
In Leviticus 2:11 God’s Law says:
“No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering to the Lord made by fire.”
The leaven of the Pharisees was their doctrine of legalism. Legalism judges and condemns people who fail to keep God’s laws. The leaven of the Sadducees was their doctrine of humanism. Humanism discounts the supernatural and teaches that everything can be explained away using reasoning or science.
When God told His people in Leviticus 2:11, “No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven,” we are reminded that how we appreciate Jesus, our grain offering, must not be mixed with wrong teachings. For example, when we talk about “suffering with Christ” (Romans 8:17), we must know that it is not about suffering sicknesses or lack, things which Jesus has redeemed us from, but suffering persecution, scorn and rejection for His name’s sake, which we are likely to face as good Christians.
What you believe about Jesus is important because the Holy Spirit bears witness only to the truth.
When, however, the Spirit comes, who reveals the truth about God, he will lead you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own authority, but he will speak of what he hears and will tell you of things to come. John 16:13
So ask the Holy Spirit to unveil the beauty of Christ and the perfection of His finished work to you when you read God’s Word. Find out from the Word how much God loves you, sending His Son to die for you. Find out how Christ has redeemed you from every curse and paid for you to enjoy all of God’s blessings with His sacrifice at the cross.
Weed out any leaven in your believing and the anointing of the Holy Spirit will be released for the breakthrough you need because you will have cultivated an understanding of God’s LOVE for you.
Let the Love of God change your life.
Life changing LOVE has to be established in small steps.
Step One – Recognize God’s love for you…personally.
Step Two – Develop real, genuine love for yourself…
because God loves you.
Step Three – Give away your love to others…
God IS Love
We can learn a lot about LOVE from the beloved apostle, John, in his first recorded letter to the Christians he loved and served. He calls them “my little children” and “beloved.” His tone is warm and intimate as he shares his concerns for them. He fears they are being led astray by false teaching so he calmly and deliberately recalls the fundamentals of the Christian faith for them.
This letter is a love letter! A letter written by John, yes but, a letter dictated by the Holy Spirit, (2 Timothy 3:16) which means it is as alive and as relevant today as it was in the first century AD.
You may be able to pick out some highlights from the letter as memory verses you’ve heard quoted, or quoted yourself.
Quiet Times:
For the coming week please pretend First John is the only book in your Bible. Not the Gospel of John which is toward the front of the New Testament grouped together with Matthew, Mark and Luke…the first of the three letters of John, back toward Revelation at the end of the New Testament.
Read it every day…like a love letter and before you begin read Psalm 119:18 & 34 as a prayer.
“Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
“Give me understanding, so that I may keep your Word
and observe it with all my heart.”
Have you ever received a love letter? I know. I know! Snail mail is an old fashioned idea. But let’s just pretend you’re an old fashioned person, and you’ve received a very special love letter in the mail. Imagine you’ve carried the letter around in your pocket, similar to some character out of a sappy old black and white movie; taking it out and re-reading it every time you got the chance. You read it so often because in your heart you’re fitting the words into your dreams and plans for the future.
This week try to remember as you read John’s letter it was written to you – by the Holy Spirit and he said, “I am writing this so that your joy may be compete.”
On day one, read the letter through for the first time, as if the postman just delivered it. As with any love letter, savor every word. It is wonderfully exciting and full of promise.
On day two, when you read the letter again, ask God to reveal His love to you personally in every verse. In Chapter 2, verse 20 He says, “you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you know all the truth.” Search out the truth. Make a list of verses that say “God loves ME.”
The third day ask God to give you His suggestions for ways to love yourself more. Place a photograph of yourself in the pages of your Bible and see yourself in the promises throughout the letter. Paraphrase verses like 4:19-21, inserting personal pronouns. In place of “his brother” or “he” say “me, myself or I.”
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to LOVE. We are commanded to love ourselves and take that love to others.
On day four of this week read the letter again and look for ways you can show God how much you love Him. Ask him to show you those things that are pleasing to Him…not more things you can DO to stay busy; but quiet, gentle, loving things that will make your personal relationship with Him more intimate.
Read about Jesus’ visit with Mary and Martha in Luke’s Gospel:
“As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him in her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his teaching. Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said,
Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself Tell her to come and help me!
The Lord answered her,
‘Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-41
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the powerful truth Christ taught these two sisters as Martha worried and fretted over the work to be done and Mary sat at His feet strengthening her intimate relationship with her Lord and Savior.
On day five read the letter again with an eye toward ways you can LOVE others as you learn to love yourself more.
On the sixth day, read your Love letter again. By now, in your imagination, the pages will be creased and wrinkled handling them. Eventually, as you continue to study God’s Word and personalize his message, you will collect a beautiful packet of love letters, tied with a ribbon and kept where you can enjoy them often.
Very soon the love of God will be growing toward perfection in your heart and mind. Through the Word your relationship with God the Father – God the Son, Jesus the Lord and Savior – and God the Holy Spirit, your comforter, counselor and friend, will be a sweet assurance for your future.
Don’t hesitate to read different translations – every day if you chose. Look up cross-references and read footnotes as you study.
Read the entire letter out loud at least once, so that more than one of your senses gets involved. If there are phrases you don’t understand, use a Bible Dictionary and look up the underlying meanings.
During this coming week you are going to get this “love letter” so deeply ingrained in your spirit you’ll never again have to wonder “does God love me?” This letter was written “so your joy could be complete.”
Knowing, without a doubt, God loves ME, brings peace and amazing joy.
Oh…don’t forget to continue praying “your” prayer from Ephesians every day, too.
See you next week!
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