Blessed & Bearded's Biblical Blog

How To Grow in the Grace of God

A question that has been rolling around my mind lately is how to advance, or grow, in the Christian life. And that\’s exactly the question that we\’ll be answering today.

Before we ask how to grow, we must ask what and why we grow in the Christain life.

So here\’s my first question to you all: in your own words, what does it mean to grow as a Christian?
You can phrase it a number of different ways:

To grow as a Christian is to become, in everyday life, all that you are in God-holy, blameless, loving, gracious, merciful, etc.
To grow as a Christian is to become more like Christ.
To grow as a Christian is to become increasingly more obedient and submissive to all the teachings and commands of Scripture.
Or, to grow as a Christian is to increase in the godly nature that God gave us when He regenerated us; (when He gave us new birth) (John 3:3).

And you all can pick whatever definition that you prefer I just like to try and define things is manners that I can understand and easily apply to scripture and my own life.

So now that we have a grasp on what it means to grow as a Christian let\’s look to 2 Peter 3:13-18 and discuss more on why we grow and how we grow.

3:13-14
So what does Peter say we\’re waiting for here?
We are waiting for the end of history when God renews all of the fallen creation and makes everything perfect and in harmony with Him.

Do you all know why we are waiting on God for this to happen? IE What is stopping God from just renewing everything right now?
Look at 3:8-9. Here Peter is saying that the Lord is patient in not ending history right now it is His story and more people (more of the elect) are to repent and come to Him. God is kind to all of us in not ending history right now because He is giving us more time to preach the Gospel and, through us, bring others into the faith.

3:15
There are two things that I want to point out in this verse before we begin to answer the topic of this study. Notice that Peter is telling us to count, or consider, the patience and kindness of God as salvation. If we wake up again tomorrow it is a day of salvation. It is another day, another blessing or grace of God, to do the work of God yet again. Christians view all of history in this light. As long as there is a today God is at work in the world to bring about His people to salvation. What a blessed, and encouraging, truth to be reminded of right when we first open our eyes in the morning.

Also, notice the language that Peter uses here of Paul, \”our beloved brother\”. Did Peter and Paul get along well?
Not always no. In Galatians, Paul speaks of his open, and strong, rebuke of Peter for teaching that the Gentiles must be circumcised before coming to Christ. This is not so. The only barrier that exists between the sinful man and the Gospel is the sinful man\’s heart; God does not add to such a weighty burden nor should we. For our Lord bids us, \”Come to me, all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.\” (Matthew 11:28-29). Peter, here, models for us how we should receive our brother or sister after they have rebuked, or corrected, us in the faith-with great, brotherly affection.

According to this verse, how did Paul gain his wisdom?
It was given to him. Meaning, that his letters are divinely inspired and therefore trustworthy.

3:16
I know we haven\’t been through all of Paul\’s writings but from what we have gone through, and what you all have read or know about them, what did you all find in those letters that were hard for you to understand?

Just because those things are hard to understand, does that give us a license to just not understand or ignore those teachings?
By no means! Peter says they\’re difficult to understand; not impossible. Moreover, if everything in the book of God were simple and easy then I would say that this book is not from the perfect and highest being in existence (God). We should expect to deal with hard things from His book and handle those hard matters honestly and humbly-with an open bible on our knees in prayer before Him. And, as I said last week, don\’t feel like you have to figure it out on your own; if you want help understanding a passage we\’re happy to help!

Moreover, the Bible is the center of the Christian life because it is from God. And it is also the reason why the pulpit is at the center; because the Bible is at the center. The preaching and teaching is useful, or powerful, insofar as the preacher and teacher agree with the Scripture. Even though this book of God is from God it is not always easy to understand. Because the Scripture is from the mind of God, which vastly greater than my mind, I shouldn\’t expect it to be simple and easy but sometimes complex and hard.
The Scripture is difficult to understand thus the continual selection only of what is simple in the preacher or teacher is a sin in the preaching and teaching of the Church. Indeed, doing so stunts our growth in the faith as Hebrews 5:13 says, \”…for everyone who lives on milk (the simple things of the Bible) is unskilled in the word of righteousness since he is a child (immature).\” The word of God is sometimes difficult; thus, the preacher and teacher of the word will be demanding on the hearts and minds of the hearers. The mis-interruption of Scripture leads to destruction. The proper interruption of Scripture is a life and death, joy or despair, honor or dishonoring matter. Our Religion and our book of God are serious business.

What does Peter say the cost of being \”ignorant\” and \”unstable\” of these matters is?
The cost of ignorant and instability of the book of God is destruction as they do with \”the other scriptures\”. Please note that Peter puts Paul\’s writings in the same category as the OT scriptures. And the \”twisting\” of his teaching would lead others to destruction; further proving that the apostles were aware that they spoke and wrote the word of God, as surely as did the OT prophets.

What is the destruction that Peter is talking about?
The complete loss of eternal life. IE The antithesis to being build up in the faith. Our theology is a matter of life or death.

Who is Peter talking about here? Who was twisting the scriptures in his day?
The Judaizers and possibly the Gnostics. The Judaizers claimed that in order to come to Christ one must become a Jew. The Gnostics claimed to have special, or secret, knowledge of the mind of God that was contradictory to what the apostles taught; thus they were not of God.

What sort of people are twisting the scriptures today?
Judaizers and Gnostics still (but they may not look the same today as they did back in NT times), heretics (though that goes without saying), and perhaps the most predominate of the day-the prosperity preachers-who claim that Christ died so that you can be healthy and wealthy and rob the ignorant of there peace with God and their money. Their destruction is sure and soon.

Peter goes on to warn us of these people in 3:17.
What does it mean for them to be \”lawless\”?
Meaning, disobedient to the commands (laws) and teachings of the scripture. All our doctrine that we learn in study, or church, or private devotions (if it is true doctrine) must be applied doctrine. God did not just give us His book for information but transformation-to transform our desires, thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

3:18
So what\’s the antidote to destruction?
Grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

How would you paraphrase what Peter is saying here in 3:18?
We increase in our personal love of Him (knowledge) and outward love like Him (grace).
We increase in our knowing of Him (knowledge) and our kindness of others (grace).
We increase in our consideration of Christ (knowledge) and our own character (grace) like Christ.

Think of Christian growth like this: a diseased or rotting tree is weak, frail and shallow and will be blown down at the storms of life. But a healthy, strong, deep-rooted, rich soil Oaktree will endure and even grow in the storms of life. The diseased tree has not been re-born by God and still has no power to put off the disease (sin) within itself. But this strong healthy tree has not only been reborn by God but is also not alone. In fact, this tree, when it was re-born/re-newed by God, was taken out of the diseased ridden forest of the world and was planned in a beautiful, life-full garden of God called the Church; where all our roots are interconnected to one another so that when one tree becomes weak the other trees can send extra living water to it to strengthen it once more.

So it is with you all. You have been planted by God in the word of God and in a community of Oaktree saints and will joyfully bestow you the living water so that you can grow taller and stronger in the faith.

You all have been Christians for some time now. What is, at least, one piece of advice that you would give to a new Christian to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ?

Consistently, and diligently read through the word of God. Ideally, invest in a good study bible as well.
Set aside a set time for prayer every day. Have a list of people you know and pray for.
Write in your Bibles. Write down your questions and observations. This will help you to read and engage with the text.
Find a local church that consistently teaches and preaches the whole Bible. The Christian can only grow as tall as he/she is taught the word of God.
After you have found a biblical, local church find a way to serve that particular body of believers. This can be teaching or cleaning up trash after Sunday services or starting a prayer group.
Join a good Bible study (ideally at that local church you belong to). Here you will have some of the best godly friends of your life that you will treasure forever. Consider teaching a Sunday school/Bible study as well.
Find someone who will help mentor (or disciple) you in the faith and hold you accountable to the commands of Scripture.

Now, all this said, are you growing in the faith? And how can we help you grow?
Here is are some questions to help you consider this question:

Are you repenting, and fighting off, sin in your life?
Do you have joy in God and the truths of God?
Are you praying? And when you pray are you mostly asking for worldly, or selfish, things? And are you praying for others; particularly those closest to you?
Do you love those closest to you?
Are you quick to forgive as God is quick to forgive you?
Do those around you find you to be a benefit, or a joy, to their faith or a detriment?
How do you spend your time? Do you spend more time enjoying media or enjoying God?
In your daily interactions, are you more focused on how people perceive you or see Christ in you?

All this to say, we are never done growing. We will always have some new godly questions, thoughts, and ideas and new sin to uproot in our lives. No matter the storms of life or the snares of sin, if we are constantly seeking and honoring God privately and serving Him publically we can not go wrong. The goal of God in our lives, and the saints around us, is that Christ be glorified now and forever.

RANSOM: How To Have Better Devotions

For March I wanted to do a series of various evergreen topics of the faith. Today we will be beginning this series with one of the most evergreen topics possible; that being our devotions. Today we will look at the RANSOM Bible study method. As well as a brief Church history lesson.

But before that, we need to establish what it is that we\’re studying and why we study it.

First, what are we studying?
The Bible.

In your own words, what is the Bible?
The Bible is from God (literally God-breathed) to show and tell us the character, nature, requirements, and the actions of God and the proper response of man to that showing and telling of God.

(For a fuller understanding of the Bible and how it came to be please watch the Bible Project\’s video on the matter).

Let\’s see how the Bible defines itself. Turn to 2 Timothy 3:16-4:3.

Based on these verses, how does the Bible define itself?
Paul says that all Scripture, both Old and New Testament, is breathed out by God. It is from God. If we want to know God we must know what He has said, or revealed, to us.

According to Paul, what is the purpose of scripture?
Paul gives a list of how to apply the scripture to Timothy and how it is to be used for his ministry. He tells us that it is to make use wise (knowledge applied) to salvation, profitable (useful) for sound teaching, reproof, correction, rebuking, exhortation, training in righteousness (right living) that we, the people of God, would be complete and equipped for every good work.

Paul continues to teach Timothy in 4:3-5 that people will turn away from the truth (sound teaching) that is more suited to their passions. The implication for us in this lesson is that we must first know the truth and then we are able to properly apply or live, that truth out. Our devotion to God is determined and directed by our doctrine of God. We must rightly know in order to rightly live.

On the topic of scripture, let us briefly discuss why we\’re Protestant.

Why are you, personally, Protestant?

Do y\’all know how Protestantism came to be?
In brief, the flashpoint of the Reformation was when Martin Luther, a German monk, was studying Romans 1:17 and came across a commentary of Saint Augustine in which Augustine wrote, \”This is not the righteousness of God but rather the righteousness that is given to man by God.\”

Luther was awestruck by this \”blink and you\’ll miss it\” comment of Augustine. Luther had never heard of such a God that makes men righteous by His work before. This caused Luther to further investigate the Scriptures to discover who God is and what our Religion is all about. At which point Luther penned, and supposedly nail, his 95 theses, to the church doors at Wittenburg, Germany. Nailing a document to the church doors was a fairly common occurrence in those days. It was a way of requesting a discussion, or debate, over various religious matters in those days. Despite what you may have been taught, it was never Luther\’s intent in writing his 95 theses to cause the Reformation. Indeed, quite the opposite.

He merely wanted to bring the catholic church back to the Scriptures. It was the church\’s response to Luther that would cause the Reformation. By the recent invention of the Printing Press word got around in Germany of the content to Luther\’s theses. The church called Luther in under the pretense of debate of his grieves. Luther gladly accepted. Upon arrival at Worms, Luther was immediately told by the catholic cardinals to recant, to withdraw, his grieves. At this request, it was evident that there would be no debate.

Despite Hollywood depictions of this historic event, Luther did not immediately stand his ground and launch his defense of the Gospel. Instead, Luther requested a day to withdraw to his study and consider their request. His request was granted.

The next 24 hours of Luther\’s life were unparalleled in intense consideration of the matter; according to his our testimony, late into the night, he even did battle with the Devil himself; even so much as throwing a ink-well at the Devil and proclaiming, \”Get behind me Satan, for I have been baptized!\” \”Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.\” (James 4:7). The Devil lost and let Luther be. Luther returned the next day with his decision and told the cardinals that, \”Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other. May God help me. Amen.\”

The council condemned Luther as a heretic and put a bounty on his head. Luther would go on to print the word of God in common German, and later English so that all the people may know that it is God who is \”just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus\” (Romans 3:26). Once the council pronounced condemnation upon the justified Martin Luther the Reformation began.

This Reformation is still ongoing. Moreover, many, including myself, have begun to read the signs of the time and strongly believe a second, and far more necessary, Reformation is on the rise. Count your blessings that you all will likely see the day of the second Protestant Reformation!

If you all will oblige me a bit longer in our history lesson; I must ask this question:
Do y\’all know why we\’re Protestant? Or what the dividing line is between ourselves and the Catholics and the Orthodox church?
The dividing line between these sects is our starting line.
What I mean is this: We, as Protestants, begin and end with the scriptures. All doctrine and devotion are derived directly from all of what the scriptures say.

Rather than starting with that the church says, like the catholics, or starting with (oral) church tradition like the orthodox church. Our starting point is, simply, \”what does the Bible, the breathed-out, word of God say?\” and then we proceed to think and do whatever it says. This is the doctrine, and dividing line, of Sola Scriptura; Scripture alone. From that Sola, we derive the rest of the Solas.

Does anyone know what the 5 Solas of the Reformation are?
Historically, they are:

Sola Scriptura-Scripture alone. The only foundation. The Bible is the only infallible and sufficient rule for governing issues and doctrine and life.

Solus Christus-Christ alone. The only mediator. Because Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and man, salvation is possible only by His death and resurrection.

Sola Gratia-Grace alone. The only method. Our justification and salvation are both solely by the sovereign grace of God and not dependent on any action of condition man provides.

Sola Fide-Faith alone. The only means. Our justification before God is by faith in Christ alone, and not by works.

Sola Deo Gloria– Glory to God alone. The only ambition. All glory and honor is due to God alone.

Answer honestly, do you agree and understand these historic doctrines?
The Solas are a summation of what it means to be Protestant. Remove any one of these and you are, at the bare minimum, not of the Protestant sect.

Now, in good conscience, as your brother I can\’t allow this next question to go un-asked of you:
Do you all know why you\’re non-denominational?
Optics off; and in total honesty with you all, non-denominationalism is defined by a series of nots. You are not Catholic, you are not Calvinist, you are not explicitly Arminianist (though it would seem you are in pulpit and doctrine).

I\’m alright with you all not agreeing with me; that\’s ok! But, if you do, I want you to know why.
I want all of you to give a sound reason as to why we disagree.

Do I make myself perfectly clear?

Now that we have a grasp of what it is that we are studying, as well of the weight, we are studying let\’s look at one method, in my opinion, the best method for studying the Bible.

How have y\’all be doing your studies/devotions?
If that method works for you then so be it; I just want to introduce you all to this method for your edification. This method is the RANSOM method.

The word \”ransom\” coming from Mark 10:45, \”For even the Son of Man come not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.\” Or, as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:5-6, \”For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…\”

The RANSOM method is \”a simple guide that can help the reader through the Scripture with the proper aim and helpful steps to take while reading. The aim in our reading of Scripture should be to know and glorify God, to better understand ourselves and our world, to see the supremacy of Jesus Christ, the Savior of sinners, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. [I] hope this method encourages you to read the Scripture thoughtfully, apply it personally and interpret it theologically.\”-(RANSOM pg. 2).

Theology is the knowledge of God personally known and publically proclaimed. Whatever your method of study please feel free to share whatever it is you\’re learning or ask for help in whatever you may be wrestling with. Can you guys do that for me?

So, here\’s the method:

R: READ
A: ASK
N: NOTE
S: SUMMARIZE
O: OBEY
M: MEDITATE

Now, I will not only be teaching this method but we will be also doing this method as well. So grab your bibles, turn to where ever you are in your reading; or you can do this in one of your favorite passages as well, or I can assign a chapter to you.

The first letter of RANSOM is reading. So first determine how much you\’re going to read in one sitting then make the time to read that portion and commit to reading it attentively, or slowly. If you\’re only studying a verse to two, read the whole chapter for context. So let\’s all read our chosen text now before we move on to the next step.

Next, we\’re going to ask questions of our text at hand. What sort of questions should we be asking when studying a text?

Some questions we should be asking are:

What does this passage say about God?

What does this passage say about man?

What commands of God does this passage contain?

What sin does this passage tell me to forsake?

What promise of God does this passage contain?

Does this passage show the need for a Savior?

How does this passage relate to Christ and His work (His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, intercession, etc)?

More questions can be asked of our text, but these are the main ones that should be asked.

So now we\’ll go through and ask those questions of our passage. Feel free to write your thoughts down or type them out on your phone; whatever works for you.

So what was your passage that you chose to look at today? And what were some of the answers you came up with to your questions?

Next in RANSOM is note. Now we will look at the main idea, repeated words and main doctrines that are shown in this passage. This will also help us answer our questions that we are asking of the text. I recommend using a pencil and paper for this one to write what you are seeing in the text. Your thoughts don\’t need to be perfect; what matters is that you\’re writing, and thinking. So take a moment or two now to write out what you think the main idea is for your passage.

What do you think the main idea of your passage is? Or do you have any other observations that you\’d like to share?

Next in RANSOM is summarize. Try to summarize, in your own words, the text in a sentence or two. This is to help us clarify the main point of the text as it intersects, or applies, with our own lives. The value of writing, or if you prefer journaling, cannot be overstated. Writing down what you are learning forces you to think through and articulate things in an understandable manner which will help you better know the Bible and also to better communicate the knowledge of God you have gained.

How did you summarize your passage?

Next in RANSOM is obey. Here is where we must be humble before God and honest with ourselves. This is where we ask ourselves, \”What does obedience to this passage look like in my life?\”

\”It is often said, “God has not given us his Word for our information, but for our transformation.” Part of the process of transformation is identifying what God is calling us to do in response to what we read in his Word. Where do you need to repent, and how do you need to obey? What does this passage call you to believe? Why do you tend to doubt?\”-JoFo.

Or more simply put, what sin needs to be forsaken? What command obeyed? What doctrine believed?

We\’ll take a moment or so to consider what does obedience looks like according to this passage in our lives and pray for obedience to that particular passage.

So, in your humble honesty, what does it look like for you to be obedient to the command, or teaching, of your passage?

And lastly, we come to mediate. To mediate, or to think wholeheartedly, on the passage is to revisit the text, your questions, answers, summary and main truths/point of the passage with you throughout the day. Some people will review that day\’s passage on their phones while on lunch break, others may write down a key verse or two on a notecard and review that throughout the day, few may try and remember a verse or so before their day even begins, or just take a picture of their passage with their phone. Whatever may be your method for mediation on the scripture and its truth maybe make sure you can have ongoing, deep thought throughout your day concerning the word of God.

What do you think is the best way for you to stay in the word throughout the day?

The RANSOM bible study method is not the easiest one to do, but it is one of the best methods available and is designed to build you up and grow you in the faith and to help others to so as well. In this, our Father is pleased and this method, though hard work, is work that leads to eternal life.

For more information of bible study methods, you may check out these links!

RANSOM Bible Study Method

5 Basic Bible Study Techniques

7 Step-by-Step Bible Study Methods

Bible Study Methods and Applications

Who Is God According to John Piper

Who is God? Who is this Creator who spoke to mankind in a book?
And what did He mean when He said to Moses, \”I am who I am.\”- Exodus 3:14.

This question matters because the Christian religion a serious religion that deals with reality and this question is the most important one for anyone to ask; it is imperative that we get it correct.

God is who God is means that He never had a beginning.
God is who God is means that He has no end.
God is who God is means that He is absolute reality. He is all that was in eternity.
God is who God is means that He is eternally, absolutely independent.
God is who God is means that all that is not God is dependent (or secondary) to Him.
God is who God is means that all the universe, by comparison to God, is as nothing.
God is who God is means that He is constant, absolute perfection.
God is who God is means that He is the absolute standard of truth and beauty.
God is who God is means that God does whatever He pleases and it is always right, beautiful, good and in accord with truth. He is utterly free; He is the only free being in all existence.
God is who God is means that He is the greatest, the most beautiful, the most valuable, and the most important person in all of existence.

The Bible assumes and teaches this God everywhere.

Evangelism: Its\’ Heart, Its\’ Head, It\’s Hindrances.

It’s rather providential that we should need to have a lesson on evangelism. Since preaching at Fairview I’ve been thinking about what I want to do next time I’m in there pulpit and I believe this is exactly what I want to do; in fact, I intend to make this lesson into my next sermon. I am sorry that I did not adequately teach you all this already but I am grateful that we have found a crack in our armor. Here forward, all the leaders of this bible study will make it a point to diversify our studies in the spiritual disciplines when the text allows for it.

This is will be a bit different from most of my lessons; it will be (mostly) brief and non-exhaustive and it will be immediately practical.

So first things first: How would you define “evangelism”? What is it?

You can define it as:

A speaking of Jesus because we love Him

“Speaking to anyone, anywhere the Gospel”-John Piper.

Or, my definition: honestly, humbly and holy telling others about the person and work of Jesus Christ and the worth thereof.

Or, evangelism is speaking the Gospel to someone. And the Gospel is this: “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16).

What do all these definitions of evangelism have in common?

They all involve the telling of Jesus.

Evangelism is not evangelism if it doesn’t involve the telling of Jesus.

The Greek word for Gospel is “Evangelion”; which is where we get the word for “evangelism”.

That said, how would you all define the “gospel”?

The Gospel means ‘good news’ and the good news is this: That God, in love, sent Jesus Christ to save sinners from the wrath of God.

Now that we know what evangelism is can you all think of any texts that talk about evangelism?

There are many but for our purposes, we will only look at a few. We will first look at the Parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

What do y’all notice about this parable? Who are the characters? What are they doing?

“The parable of the talents illustrates the tragedy of wasted opportunity. The man who goes on the journey represents Christ, and the slaves represent professing believers given different levels of responsibility. Faithfulness is what he demands of them (25:23), but the parable suggests that all who are faithful will be fruitful to some degree. The fruitless person is unmasked as a hypocrite and utterly destroyed (25:30)”-John MacArthur study bible notes on Matthew 25:14-30.

What have y’all been given?

Salvation, brothers, and sisters, (at least) 2 great teachers, etc.

Are you wasting any opportunities with what you have been given?

Almost certainly.

Focusing on evangelism, are y’all wasting opportunities there?

Probably; yes we all are.

Why are we wasting opportunities in evangelism/sharing the Gospel?

There are probably many reasons; most of those reasons probably boil down to fear (in some form or another).

We will address those fears, those hindrances now.

The first fear we will look at is the fear of failure in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-13.

Anyone want to take a guess as to why I’d go here to address the fear of evangelism?

Because here Jesus is teaching the guaranteed failure and success of the spreading of the word. There is no reason to fear failure when it is promised in the word of God.

What else is promised in this passage?

The success of evangelism (13:8).

And who is the one responsible for the success of evangelism?

Not us at all (praise God!). “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (13:11).

The success of evangelism realizes on God and God working in/through you. You are not an evangelist alone. We are saved by Christ alone but He does not leave us alone to do His work/will. If He calls you He equips you. And we are all called to evangelize, for our Lord says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…(Matthew 28:19).

And we evangelize by the power of God, the Holy Spirit working through us, as Spurgeon comments on the workings of regeneration, “If I say, ‘Repent, repent of your evil ways! Why will you die’ one may take no notice of it. But if the Holy Spirit will come and say this, then he will certainly be obedient to it; for He has the key of the heart, and He knows how, without violating the free agency of man, to make man willing in the day of His power.”-Charles Spurgeon on Ezekiel 33:11.

Now that we have a guarantee of failure and success let us move on to another fear in Matthew 10:28.

So what kind of fear, or dread, stops us from evangelism?

A fear, or dread, of man.

Look to Matthew 10:28

What sort of fear, or dread, should motivate us for evangelism?

A fear, or dread, of God. (Isaiah 11:3).

“The “fear of the Lord” is not about cowering away from God. It’s actually about being… possessed with and awed by his all-compelling majesty. Isaiah will go on to tell us about the Messiah who shall delight “in the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:3). Here is a delightful dread. It’s being overwhelmed by the radiance of the Lord’s glory.

Such fear is a liberating fear. It means that, when it comes to evangelism, we fight fear with fear. The fears will come… But as we enter a conversation, we are not to be awed by the desire to be liked. Instead, we should be awed by the all-surpassing greatness of Christ.” -Glen Scrivener, (Evangelism Made Simple: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/evangelism-made-simple).

We evangelize fearfully out of fear/love of our Holy Father. Our fear, our love, our holy reverence for the Father outweighs our fear of man on the scales of eternity. I would far rather lose all my friends and receive eternal riches instead.

We fearfully evangelize, whenever, wherever, whoever with a view of eternity in our hearts and minds. We evangelize because we love God and we love our friends/neighbors.

Does all this mean that you will have the perfect answer, the perfect counter to every single person you interact with?

No. Absolutely not. To paraphrase Matthew Chandler, “You’re not God!”

We’re not supposed to know everything.

(Here is a brief list of verses on overcoming fear, in this case overcoming fear in evangelism:
Galatians 1:10.
2 Timothy 1:17
Isaiah 41:10
1 Peter 5:7
Philippians 4:6-7
Romans 8:15).

So what do we need to do in evangelism?
1. We need to get to the point. The “Evangelion” in evangelism. The goal is to get to the Gospel! Your testimony is not the Gospel. It can include the Gospel. But it is not the Gospel.

2. We need to be honest. Honest in our delivery and defense of the Gospel. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, the life.” (John 10:10). We need not lie and look like we have all the answers, or mischaracterize our opponent\’s position. If you don’t know then perhaps say something like, “You know, I don’t know the answer to that one. But I’d love to continue meeting with you to talk about Jesus; maybe we could meet again sometime?”

3. We are humble in evangelism. We do evangelism out of love, or submission to God. Not to make ourselves look like we got the biggest brain in the room (I’m guilty of this). We evangelize by the power of God, to the glory of God (not ourselves).

4. We are to be holy in evangelism. What I mean by this is that: We are first and foremost: Holy, are we living a life of holiness/honor to God (NOT perfect holiness to God). But are you actually Christian, are you doing evangelism to honor God, or to try and earn your salvation from God, and do you take your religion seriously in private and public? I also mean that we take evangelism itself seriously (literally reverently). Our religion is serious business; we treat the sharing thereof with serious business.

Any questions?
Now, like I said at the top of the study; we will put this lesson into immediate practice. Jacob and I will be your “crash test dummies”. The setting is this: You and a co-worker of several months, are getting lunch, at a restaurant, together during your work break. You have never evangelized to this person before and they just think that you’re a really nice person, they may suspect that you’re a Christian but they don’t actually know that.

Before you begin your scenario you may ask 3, and only 3, clarifying questions of your choosing to aid yourself and your delivery in the scenario. You can not change the scenario in any way. Once you have asked your questions I will give you a minute to consider your approach on how you wish to implement this lesson.

Please note, not all scenarios will be the same, nor will all of them have the same results, so pay attention to each one and learn from them. After the scenario is completed we all discuss it; how did they do, what they could have done better, did they implement this lesson well, etc.

This said, I reserve the right, as the Bible study leader, to “wild card” you a scenario of my personal choosing. So be alert.

Further Reading on Evangelism From Desiring God:

(All titles with an “*” on them are highly recommended reading)

*Hi, I’m a Christian:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/hi-im-a-christian

*How to Start a Conversation About Jesus:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-jesus

*Awkward is Better Than Silent:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/awkward-is-better-than-silent

*Everyone You Meet Will Live Forever:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/everyone-you-meet-will-live-forever

Evangelism Made Simple:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/evangelism-made-simple

God So Loved the World, He Sent You:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-so-loved-the-world-he-sent-you

Lord, Help Me See Their Destiny:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lord-help-me-see-their-destiny

Guilt Evangelism:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/guilt-evangelism

Four Ways to Witness to Atheists:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/four-ways-to-witness-to-atheists

Are Introverts Better Evangelists:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/are-introverts-better-evangelists

Lord Make Me More Bold:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lord-make-me-more-bold

Faithful, Forgiving Friends: A Brief Study on Godly Friendship

So today will be my first topical study with y’all and I want us to look at friendship and forgiveness.

We’ll cover: What does a Christian friendship look like? What is its function? What we do when friends fail.

When I say the word “friend” what comes to your mind? How would you define “friend”?
“a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection”-Google dictionary.

Does your definition of “friend” change at all when we think of godly friendships?

If so, how?

Friends, in general, are a mutual bond. Godly friends are a mutual bond by God in our common faith.

Godly friendships involve 3 things: faith, fellowship, forgiveness.

Godly friendships have faith in the work/power of God in the other person and help/encourage them in that work. They have fellowship with one another and the Great Friend-Christ.

They also have forgiveness; both friends are redeemed sinners, we should not be surprised when we cause harm/division in the relationship but, knowing this, we should be ready to forgive as we ourselves have been forgiven.

What are some of your favorite examples of friendship in the bible?

One of my favorites is Jonathan meeting David in 1 Samuel 20:4-17.

Does anyone know what the context of this passage is? What’s going on in David’s life right now?

Long story short, the current king of Israel, Saul, is not the ordained king of Israel, David. The prophet Samuel has already denounced King Saul for his great disobedience to God and anointed David as the proper king; David is merely waiting for God to put him on the throne at His timing.

While David is waiting, Saul knows of David’s anointing, God’s choosing of him for king. Saul doesn’t want to lose his throne and has grown jealous and hateful toward innocent David and, at this point in the story, intents to kill David. Saul’s son, Jonathan, realizes what God ruling and submits to it and Jonathan is helping David escape because of his love for him.

Later in this chapter, Jonathan warns David of his father’s intent to kill him and aid in his escape.

How would you define David and Jonathan’s friendship?

Faithful/loyal to one another and to the promises of God.

Great fellowship/unity.

Great love.

Risky, in chapter 20

What was the foundation of their friendship?

Their trust in God.

Let’s keep all that in mind and look to another example of friendship.

Turn to Job 1.

What do y’all notice here? Who are our characters? What are they doing?

Satan is allowed, permitted, to test Job. Notice, it is God who allowed this evil to take place; but He did not do it by His own hand. Even when the dog named Devil is rabidly running wild he is still tied tightly to the golden chain of providence on the Oaktree of purpose in God’s yard. “Even the devil is God’s devil”-Martin Luther.

Very briefly table our discussion on friendship, and switch gears for a moment.

Examine your heart; does this depiction of sovereignty and suffering bother you? How?

If it does, then I will tell you this: keep reading the scriptures. The Spirit will reveal the beautiful tapestry of the bigness and the goodness of God in due time. Once this happens your heart will know great comfort and joy and your mind great meditations on God.

If it doesn’t then let heart ever be glad!

On back to friendship; if you were there with Job how would you respond to witnessing such a calamity?

After your initial reaction, what would you do/say to Job? Would you comfort him? Rebuke him? Or some other action all together?

Look to Job 2:11-13

Based on this text, what should we do to help our friends in hardship?

2:13 is one of the only places in Job where his friends acted well, rightly. When someone is in suffering do not try to reason the suffering for them or cheap Christian cliches.

Simply suffer with them. Be humble and inform them that you are there for them-you are there to humbly, attentively, lovingly listen to them, or cry with them if need be. In heat of hardship let bear your heart for them in prayer for them and yourself that they would be healed and that you be a ready tool in the Father’s hands for their healing when the time is right or when they inform you that they need you.

In the heat of hardship be the lowly love of the Lord toward them when you can be.

Job’s friends go one to try and comfort him with such talks as ‘surely the innocent prosper’ (4), ‘you should repent Job’ (8), ‘you deserve worse’ (11), ‘God punishes the wicked (18), ‘the wicked will suffer’ (20), and ‘Job’s wickedness is great’ (22).

With such great friends like these Job still trusts God.

Is Job ever actually comforted in his hardship?

Turn to Job 38:1-7, 39:26-40:2.

Perhaps Paul had Job 40:2 in mind when he wrote Romans 9:19-20, 9 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”.

Is there any comfort in these words from God to Job?

Not strictly speaking no.

Why does God say all these things to Job?

Because one is not comforted or healed by wondering how great they are but by how great God is. God is telling Job just how majestic He is, especially in comparison to Job.

One does not go to the grand canyon or see a starry night, and wonder how great, worthy, or beautiful they are but how great, worthy and beautiful the Creator is and there, in beholding Him, there is healing. Indeed He is a great friend-one who saves and heals. It is in this God that we trust, that we have our full faith in.

Which leads to our next point:

Can any of you think of a biblical example of fellowship?

Turn to Luke 5:17-26

What do y’all notice about this passage?

They clearly loved this man. It is possible, though unknown, that they were family. Whatever their exact relationship they clearly knew, loved this man and wanted him to be healed-they had a common, hope (that the Christ would heal him) love (for the man) and purpose (to see him healed).

Only big brain questions today: Do you think it was easy to carry this man to Jesus?

Not at all. Exhausting even.

This faith and fellowship are simple and sure but not easy.

What other lessons on friendship do you see here in this story?

They were serious about seeing their friend healed.

The friend, and probably the carriers, had faith.

Who did the carriers bring him to?

Jesus. No doubt the greatest thing you can do for your friends is bringing them to Jesus. Whether that be bringing the vessel by which they come to faith or you can bring them to Jesus in prayer for them.

What should we pray for our friends?

If you have any intention of bringing your friends to Christ, both saved and not, you must bring them to Christ in prayer.

How can we bring our unsaved friends to Christ? What are some ways we can reach them with the Gospel?

We all know well and good that this is an “out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2) that we are in; the culture, the institutions, the system is openly hostile to the Gospel. However, that said, the time has never been more ripe for an honest, humble, loving presentation of the Gospel to the heathen. You don’t need to know all the answers but you do need to know the answer-the hope of the anchor of your soul, the joy of your life. If you know Jesus in your personal life you should have no real trouble speaking of Him in your public life.

Speaking of evangelism, should we be merely waiting for some big outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives, waiting for just the right opportunity before telling them about Christ?

No. There is a time for waiting, but at some point, we must step out of the boat and do that which Jesus has commanded us to do. Your presentation need not be lofty or elegant but simple and sincere.

Perhaps invite a friend out for a free lunch and tell them something like, “I don’t know if you know this or not but I’ve been a Christian for a while now and that means that Christ is my Lord and Savior and I want to talk to you about Him; maybe talk about any questions you might have about God, Jesus the Bible or whatever so that you can know Him too.”

Anyone else wants to add anything?

Can you think of an example of forgiveness in the bible? Particularly between friends?

Let\’s look at the sharp result of the offense.

Turn to Acts 15:36-41.

Brief context:

Mark, John Mark, accompanied Barnabas and Paul to Antioch and later to Cyprus. He deserted them at Perga (13:13) and Paul refused to take him on his second missionary journey because of that desertion. He accompanied Barnabas to Cyprus.

What does it take to forgive an offense?
Great love for God and friends. Our friends aren’t always perfect. The closer, more vulnerable, we are with our friends the more we’re gonna hurt-from taking on their pain but also from them hurting us somehow. In our friendships, we model what Christ did for us- great love, vulnerability, and forgiveness.

Later in Paul’s life, having proven himself in the faith he would later be accepted companion and coworker for the Gospel, particularly in Col. 4:10 where Paul instructs that church to receive Mark as a brother. During Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome, Paul sought Mark’s presence as useful to him (2 Tim. 4:11).

This said: Let’s cut the crap. How can we be better friends to each other? How can we better show Christ in our friendships?

Be willing to listen and help one another when necessary.

More back-and-forth conversation, more depth/honesty of conversation at study or lunch.

Strengthen by the Gospel // Or My First Post-Undergrad Sermon

Intro:

Thank you all for coming and for allowing me to preach here this morning. I will briefly introduce myself to y\’all and then we\’ll get going.

My name is Evan Griffey. I am a Lynchburg College 2018 graduate of Religious Studies and History; with the intent of going into full-time ministry. Since graduation, I have had the thorough pleasure of teaching the Young Adult bible study where we moved our way steadily, chapter by chapter, verse by verse through the Gospel of John, Ephesians, and we just concluded Paul\’s letter to the church in Rome. And that\’s where I\’ll be coming from today.

So with that said please turn to Romans 16.

I\’ll be preaching from Romans 16:25 but I\’ll be reading Romans 16:25-27 for context.

Read Romans 16:25-27:
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Sermon:

So here Paul is concluding his letter to the church at Rome with a final praise of God. Paul offers praise to God for all that He has done for us through Christ, by His Gospel, as seen in the prophetic writings, all according to the command of the eternal God for our obedience of faith.

Throughout this letter, Paul has been showing the church at Rome, both Jew and Gentile, the sinfulness of man and our complete redemption in Christ.

Paul loved his brothers and sisters at Rome and he wanted them to know in their hearts and minds and apply the good news of God in Jesus Christ in their lives. He loved them so he wanted them to understand all that God has done for us in Christ.

And that\’s exactly what I\’m going to do for us today. Insofar as I can, and insofar as time allows. I want us to see the goodness of God in the Gospel and how that strengthens us.

So Paul says we are strengthened by 3 things:

1) the Gospel

2) the preaching of Jesus Christ

3) the revelation of the mystery (which is the scriptures).

Folks Paul is listing 3 separate things but all of them speak of the same thing; they all speak of Christ and His finished work. Which is where we find our strength.

What is the revelation of the mystery? Paul tells us in v25-26 where he writes, \”…that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations…\”

Paul says that the prophetic writings, or the scriptures, are the revelation of the mystery. And the mystery is this: how could the nations, both Jew and Gentile, be brought to an obedience of faith to God?

The mystery is revealed to us in Christ and the preaching thereof!

He is the one that the prophets spoke of as Christ taught in Luke 24:13-35, where He teaches to the men, “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:26-27).

All of scripture speaks of Him; He is the one to bring the nations to obedience to God by His life, death, and resurrection. And this is done by the preaching, the joyous proclamation of who He is, what He has done. The Gospel is the preaching of Christ; not ourselves and our works, or testimonies.

And what makes the gospel “good news”? What makes preaching Him joyous?

In the original Greek, the word \”gospel\” comes from the word “Evangelion” which means good news. It was used by various messengers of the Emperor, who would zealously run into the city and proclaim the victory of the Roman army over their enemies. The messenger was commanded, under pain of death, to proclaim exactly what was told to him- nothing added, nothing subtracted to the message of victory.

The Gospel-all that God has done for you in Christ- is not for the unbeliever but moreover, the Christian needs the Gospel! For it is the very lifeblood of the body of Christ, the Church.

Do not our own lives testify to our weakness, our frailty? We are weak but He is strong. He gives us His strength-He gives us the Gospel- for the Christian walk.

Well, that begs the question of what is the Gospel? What did God do in Jesus Christ?

Perhaps one could argue a better question is \”what didn\’t God do in Christ for me?\”

The bright, beautiful and blessed diamond of the Gospel is only made precious to our hearts when we see the dark backdrop of our sin against the only wise, eternal, holy, just, perfect, God of all creation.

The Gospel of God is sweet to our souls when we see God for who He is and who we really are.

The Gospel of God is treasured when we see our own cosmic treason against Him

The Gospel of God is precious when we see the penalty for our sin-the death of Christ.

The Good news is this: That God, for His own glory, chose to save you by sending His only Son to us in human flesh to take on all the wrath, all the just anger of God toward you, because of your sin against Him, so that by faith you might take hold of His mercy, His forgiveness of you and have eternal life with Him forever.

God did, through His Son, that which we could not do in our own power, strength, might, works or will.

He did all of this while we were still unworthy of it. The only thing we are worthy of eternal Hellfire. But God gave His grace to us anyway because He is gracious, He is loving, He is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.

Beloved, He saved you by Himself from Himself for Himself.

Paul writes that our salvation is, \”…by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.\” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

All of our salvation is God\’s doing; not ours’ so that all the glory, honor and praise would be His and His alone.

We are saved by God, from God, for God alone!

This is what strengthens us: The powerful grace of God working in our lives for His glory. You were made, you were saved to glorify God in all your life.

The Gospel is this: God saved you from His own wrath through the perfect work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on your behalf that you would love, obey, and enjoy God forever!

If your understanding of the Gospel is not this then your view of the Gospel and of God is far too small!

This is the source of our strength in this life!

How does the Bible define \”strength\”?

Biblically speaking, strength is paradoxical. Godly, or biblical, strength is defined by our own weakness and our reliance/faith in God in our weakness. If you were to rely on your own strength the Bible would say that you are actually weak; for you can do nothing apart from Christ.

Biblical strength is perseverance through our weakness or endurance through hardship.

As Paul writes in Philippians 3:12-13, \”I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things {facing plenty, hunger, abundance, need} through Him who strengthens {who preserves me in my weakness, who gives me endurance through hardship] me.

The Gospel gives us strength in 3 ways: 1) Strength in salvation 2) Strength in security 3) Strength in supply.

He bought us, He keeps us, He sustains us.

Strength in Salvation: Paul writes in chapter 5:6, \”For while we were still weak, {unable, without power or ability} at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.\”

Our strength in our Christian walk was never our own. We were weak, too powerless, to save ourselves from the wrath of God. Our strength was provided for us at the outset of our salvation.

God saved you when you could not, indeed you cannot save yourself.

God, in Christ, forgives all, fully, freely and forever.

This leads to our next point:

Strength in Security.

Not only did God by the work of Christ redeems us; bring us out of the world but He will also keep us.

As Christ tells the Jews of His day, \”…The works that I do in my Father\’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father\’s hand. I and the Father are one.\” (John 10:25-30).

One time, I was teaching on the security of our salvation and one of my students said, \”Yeah it says no one will snatch us but it doesn\’t say we can\’t jump out.\”

Beloved, we\’re not strong enough to jump out of the Father\’s hand!

If the Father bought you He will have you and He will keep you.

His grace brought us to God and His good grace will keep us to God.

At no point did you salvation rely on you or your work, nor will it ever rely on you and your work. It all relies on Him and His work on the Cross.

By faith we trust, we believe with all our hearts, we lay hold of the grace of God given to us in Christ.

Not Him plus my good works, not Him plus my own righteousness, not Him and plus my own strength. NO, Sola Christus-Christ alone!

It is by His strength that we are saved and kept. It is also His strength that we are “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29).

The whole Christian life is the Father making us more and more like His Son. It is us being \”conformed to the image of Christ\”, as God works in us, by His strength and our will, to root out and kill sin within us.

The whole Christian life is us becoming more holy, or as Paul puts it here, to bring us to \”obedience of faith\”.

The Father brought you to salvation and He will keep you in it through all of sin’s snares.

Which brings me to my next point:

Strength in Supply.

God is glorified in all our weaknesses when those weaknesses bring us closer to Him.

If in our weaknesses we try to remain in our own strength we are going to fail every single time. We are not strong in our own strength but we are in God’s strength.

In God\’s strength, in His grace, our weakness provides a vessel for His glory to bring us to obedience to Him.

You want to know how to grow in God? How to grow in obedience to Him?

Kill the sin in your life and seek Him.

You want to know how to kill sin? Replace whatever lie you believe, whatever lies you have been deceived with, and replace that lie with the truth of the scriptures.

Or to put it another way, repent of believing and acting on those lies and submit to the truth in God\’s word.

As Paul puts it, \”Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…\” (Romans 12:2).

We replace the 8-track tape of sin in our minds and consciously replace it with the truth, with the promises of God’s word.

Feed on the word of God, feast on the glorious grace of God, daily, hourly even and let God sustain you, let God supply you strength in the fight of faith to kill your sin and become more like His Son.

Our struggle with sin brings us closer to the Savior; because our sin makes us more reliant on Him.

And ain\’t that the whole reason why we\’re Christians, why we go to Church is to be closer to Jesus?

Let that be our motive for our Christian life.

So the big takeaway is this: God strengthens us by saving us, keeping us, and sustaining us in the Christian life by all that Christ has done for us bring us in greater obedience to Him for His own glory forevermore.

If this gospel indeed is your gospel then be at peace that the Lord of all is your Lord fight with and for you even now.

If this Gospel is not yours then please feel free to come to me, or any of these deacons, and count the cost of following the glorious and gracious Savior.

Let us all go to the Father in prayer.

Prayer

God our Father, bless us, keep us and let your face shine upon us all the days of our lives. In Christ’s name, amen.

Podcasts That I’ve Enjoyed

\”Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”- Luke 8:18.

Here is a list of podcasts that I know and love. Their form and content are both excellent and they have all are most beneficial and edifying to my Christain life. I pray that they be a blessing to you as well.

I recommend using the app \”Pocket Casts\”. Easy to use, clean interface, lots of time-saving features.

Predestination in Ephesians 1:4-6 & Romans 8:28-35

This study will be a brief explanation of the high, biblical doctrine of predestination as Paul sets forth in Ephesians 1:4-6 and in Romans 8:29-30. This will not be an exhaustive study of the text nor the doctrine itself; merely a brief study where I will try and show the love and free grace of God in our joyous salvation in the high doctrine of predestination.

First, we will look at Ephesians 1:1-6 then to Romans 8:28-35 to see and understand how Paul understood predestination and what effect it had on him devotionally.

Then we will further discuss this doctrine; which will be followed by a list of suggested scriptural readings to further study this doctrine.

How would you define \”predestination\”?

Predestination teaches that God works positively and actively intervenes in the lives of the elect, those whom He has freely chosen for salvation, to work grace in their hearts and bring them to faith.

Keep this in mind as we continue our study.

Read Ephesians 1:1-14
1:1

Who was Paul?

Paul described himself in Romans 1:1 as a \”servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God\”.

Paul was a called servant of Christ for the Gospel of God.

He had a biblical mind, a resolute will, and a loving heart.

What do you think he means when he says \”an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God\”?

He means that it was the will, or purpose, of God to save him and for him to be an apostle.

It is important to note that in 1:3-14 was one long sentence in Greek. It is an expanded doxology on God\’s purpose in salvation. Praise goes to the Father who chooses/predestines (1:4-6), the Son who redeems (1:7-12), and the Spirit who seals (1:13-14). Paul reflects on the believer\’s election or predestining, of God from eternity, their forgiveness in the present, and their inheritance in the future. Note throughout the repetition of the phrases \”in Christ\” or \”in Him\”, referring to the intimate union God has established between Christ and His people.

What are these \”spiritual blessings\” that we, in Christ, have been blessed with?

Christ\’s victory over death has won believers a series of benefits, or spiritual blessings, for which Paul blesses the Father. Some of those blessings would be God\’s freely choosing us for salvation in Christ.

In what way were you chosen by God?

Some suggest that \”in Him\” means God foresaw who would have faith in Christ and on that basis elected them for salvation. Not only does this suggestion add a thought that is not in the text, but elsewhere Paul teaches that the very state of being \”in Christ\” is something to which one is elected (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

Pauls says explicitly that the sole ground of God\’s predestinating love is His own good pleasure (Ephesians 1:5, 10), not anything that the elect have done or will do (Romans 9:11, 16). \”In Him\” means that God\’s choice always has had in view a fallen people in union with their Redeemer (2 Timothy 1:9).

And what is the effect of this \”choosing\”?

The effect of this choice is that we will be holy and blameless in His sight, or presence. God intends/wills to bring His elect all the way from spiritual death in sin to forgiveness of sin in Christ and finally to the elimination of all sin fro their experience (Romans 8:29-30).

Why did God choose you?

God chose you out of His own good and pleasing will. Not out of anything good He saw in you. This is referred to theologically as the \”unconditional election\”.

Given this, how do you react to God\’s choosing (electing) love for you?

Knowing that I am utterly unworthy of the love of God, or the salvation of God leads me to recognize just how much He has truly done for me in His love toward me. Therefore, the electing love of God causes me to humbly, joyful, sincerely, thankfully love Him out of gratitude for all of His goodness and love toward me, a totally undeserving sinner.

What are we predestined for?

\”to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself…\”

God chose us to be His sons and daughters.

According to whose will are we predestined?

\”…according to the good pleasure of His will.\”

It is by God and His will that He predestined us for salvation.

To whose praise, or credit, do we owe our predestination to adoption/salvation?

\”to the praise of the glory of His grace…\”

God is the one who accomplished all the work of our salvation from start to finish; and He did it by His grace, unearned favor, toward us. Thus, He gets all the praise and credit for our salvation.

What makes God\’s grace glorious, as Paul describes it here?

The glory of God is simply God showing, revealing, Himself to us. His glory is Himself. He brought us to Him by His grace in choosing us for salvation. Thus, His grace is full of glory because His grace brings us Himself.

Do you think of His predestining grace upon you as glorious?

If we understand our total inability to save, redeem, ourselves from God\’s just wrath then our hearts should explode in a joyous song of our glorious grace to us in Christ.

Paul mentions predestination elsewhere in his letters. Let us look to one place where he does so to further understand this doctrine and its effects on our lives and worship.

Romans 8:28-35

Why did Paul write this letter to Roman?

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome because the Jews and Gentiles were needing to grasp the fullness of the Gospel and to have security in their salvation. Paul wrote Romans to teach and comfort them about their salvation.

8:28-29

Why does Paul mention predestination here?

Paul was confident that \”all things work together for the good of those who love God\”

Wait, does that mean that I have to love God more and more, to do more and more, to try harder and harder for all things to work for my good?

By no means. Paul continues and further identifies who are the lovers of God when he says, \”to those who are called according to His purpose.\”

This sweet promise is made to those who love God. And what Paul is saying here is that your love of God is caused by God. Therefore we can and should take comfort in this promise because this promise of God relies completely on Him and not ourselves!

8:28

Notice Paul\’s confidence in knowing that \”all things work together for good…\”. What made Paul so confident in this verse?

Again, his confidence comes from knowing that God has already worked out my salvation will He not also work out all things for His children as well?

8:29

What does the word \”for\” here mean?

It\’s short for \”therefore\”. Paul is continuing his argument.

What does Paul mean when we says \”For whom He foreknew\”?

It is a plan of sovereign saving grace, entitling all who now believe to trace their faith and salvation back to an eternal decision by God to bring them to glory and to look forward to that glory as a guaranteed certainty. the destiny appointed for believers (IE conformity to Christ and glorification with Him) flows from divine foreknowledge. Here it is people, not facts or events, that God is said to foreknow. God does indeed foresee events, but Paul\’s point is that God has of His own initiative chosen the objects of His active, saving love. \”know\” implies intimate personal relationship, not merely awareness of facts and circumstances, thus the \”foreknown\” are the equivalent of \”elect\”, those whom God loved, individually and personally, even before they were created (Ephesians 1:3). This is especially evident in Romans 11:2, 5 \”God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew…there is a remnant according to the election of grace.\” \”Foreknew\” here is the direct parallel with \”not cast away\” and is further explained by \”election\”.

\”Foreknew\” means to be elected, chosen by God.

What are we predestined to?

\”conformed to the image of His Son\”

God chose us in Christ to be made like Christ in our Christian walk.

What does it mean to be conformed to the image of Christ?

In this body we will not become Christ Himself; but we will be made to love and live like He did as we continually, constantly, and increasingly submit to God in obedience to Him.

The goal of the Christian life is to live and love like Jesus and, according to this verse, that goal is guaranteed by God Himself. Therefore our sanctification (the theological term for using becoming more like Christ, or more holy, in our daily lives) no matter how difficult or weary or unfruitful it may seem will succeed. God predestined us to kill sin and be made like Christ. Therefore, in the midst of temptation or sorrow for sin (past or present), we can have comfort and courage in knowing God has guaranteed our victory over our besetting sin form eternity past.

8:30

Who is the actor in this verse? IE who did the predestining, calling, justifying? and who will do the glorifying?

God does the predestining, calling and justifying and will do the glorifying.

8:31

\”What then shall we say to these things?\” In your own words, what did Paul write about in 8:28-29?

What is your reaction to \”these things\” that he spoke of?

\”If God is for us, who can be against us?\”

Here, we see where Paul\’s confidence comes from. Not himself. But God and all that He has done for him. If God is for us since eternity then who could possibly stand against us? God has been for us since eternity. Therefore everything I experience in this life is for my good because God planned my life in eternity.

8:32

What is your greatest struggle, need, or weak point in your Christian walk?

Whatever your answer may be remember that God did not spare His Son, His greatest possession, for you. Remember Christ crucified when you are in desperate need of your Father and then take courage that even if the Father does not grant your request that you will always have Christ with you in all things.

8:33-34

Who is the one justifying in this verse?

God, of course. We can\’t justify, make right, with God ourselves. It needed to be done for us.

Paul\’s point in these verses is to show that if our greatest need has been provided/given to us by God-the highest, most powerful, perfect, holy being in existence- then who/what can reverse His calling to salvation upon my life? If I know that God is for Him since before I even was alive then what does all else matter? All my biggest needs wants and desires are found in God.

8:35

If God is the one who accomplished all of your salvation and God is all that He says He is, then who/what can change/reverse His predestining love upon your life? His predestining love was with and for you before you existed before you could have done anything good or bad so that His purpose of salvation by His glorious grace might be accomplished by His own power. Or as Paul puts it, \”for the children [Jacob and Esau] not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election (God\’s free, loving, choosing of you) might stand, not of works but of Him who calls\” (Romans 9:11).

Given all of this, in your own words, how would you summarize these two portions of scripture?

In His love, God predestined us for Himself to be holy and blameless in His presence as adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV) and to be conformed to the image of His Son so that He would be firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Romans 8:29 ESV); all according to the good pleasure of His will and to the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6).

In Ephesians 1:3-14, how many times do you see the phrase \”according to\” used?

In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (1:5)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (1:7)

9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ (1:9)

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will (1:11)

What do you notice about all of these? What commonalities do they all share?

They are all according to Him, His will, His grace, His purpose. Predestination is never in accordance with you, or your will, or purpose; it is always about Him. \”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of work, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The high doctrine of predestination emphasizes the free grace of God in our lives and makes the Gospel actually accomplish what it was set out to do; namely the salvation of those whom God foreknew in eternity past because all of our salvation was planned, executed and accomplished by God and Christ\’s work on the Cross.

Romans 15 & 16

So last week we discussed those who are weak and strong in the faith; those who needed more rules and regulations to stand and those that simply needed Christ.

Here, Paul begins to close his letter to the Romans thru a series of triune exhortations to live the example of Christ and finally closes with a series of personal encouragement to his brothers in the faith.

15:1-2

I\’ve discussed building your brother, or neighbor, previously; but what are we to build them up to? What is the goal of our building?

Here, Paul emphasizes self-sacrifice in building or strengthening, his brother. The goal of our building is to forge our brother to be increasingly holy, or more fruitful in their Christian walk.

15:3

Whom did Christ please if not Himself?

God. We, following the model, are to do likewise.

Here, Paul quotes Psalm 69:9 to teach us by showing us that the insults that men throw on to Christ were ultimately towards God. Likewise with us in our work for the kingdom; do not be surprised when men insult and hate you for you are of God. Knowing that these insults are to God this helps us endure in our faith because we know that is not one who is slow to repay and take vengeance for His people.

15:4

Where in Scripture do you find encouragement or hope?

Our first, last and only hope are found in the word of God; and not the world or our own strength. The word not only shows us how to endure, by example, and it also aids in the process.

15:5

What are some words that you would use to describe what modern church is like?

What are some words that you would use to describe what the Church should be like?

According to Paul, the Chruch is to be a place of unity, encouragement, and endurance in the faith; both with those weak and strong, Jew and Gentile, easy and hard to love for the purpose of glorifying God with one voice (as Paul states in 15:6).

15:6

I asked last week what you were most excited to see in Heaven. One answer for your consideration is this: That you will never be alone again for all eternity. There will be no more sin and suffering, you will always have friends in Heaven to go and communion with and sing with for eternity.

Paul is exhorting us to have unity both real, in our mind, and apparent, in our voice; or perhaps to be sincerely unified in the faith. This is not to please ourselves or to go along to get along, but to glorify God. If one cannot honor God with their brother, due to false doctrine or bad practice, then you are free to leave your kin and find a new community.

15:7

What is your chief goal in life?

What should be your chief goal in life?

To quote the Westminster catechism, \”What is the chief and highest end of man? A: Man\’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever.\” (Westminster, 1).

Or, as Paul says, to glorify God. Particularly in God\’s our household, the Chruch. If the perfect, sinless Son of God was willing to bring sinners into God\’s family, how much more should forgiven believers be willing to warmly embrace and accept each other in spite of their disagreements.

15:8-13

All this explains 15:7.

To show that God\’s plan has always been to bring Jew and Gentile alike into His kingdom and to soften the prejudice of Christian Jews against their Gentile brothers, Paul quotes from the Law, Prophets, and Psalms proving God\’s plan from their own scriptures.

15:9

When you have you ever, doubted God? If so, what did you do about it?

Here, Paul is telling us that Christ died to confirm the promises of God; perhaps the chief promise being mercy.

Christ died, taking on the wrath of God for our sin so that God would be merciful to you; so that God could forever be kind and delight in you as a father delights in his children. When we doubt God, in this case-doubting His mercy/goodness/faithfulness, we must look back at the death of Christ and meditate on all that God was doing for us there; mainly the forgiveness of all our sin against Him and new life with Him forever.

15:13

Here we have the third title of God used by Paul in today\’s section. This is one of the triune exhortations I was talking about.

God is the source of eternal hope, life, and salvation. All of that is shown to us by the scriptures thru the power or working, of the Holy Spirit.

15:14

Likewise, with me, brothers, for I am most satisfied in you all.

In what way can you instruct your brothers?

(Instruct, or admonish, encourage, warn or advise).

15:15

Like I said last week, this is your homework; think on them hard.

By the grace given to me, I am to remind you all of some points, I just need to know what those points are.

15:16

Who is Paul a servant of?

Christ.

On reminders, here\’s one for you Sara and Jacob: When you teach you do so not toward us but to God first and foremost. THEN the people of God. Your teaching is worship.

Priestly service?

Paul uses this term to mean minister; he is borrowing language that the Jews would know and applying it to their current situation.

15:17

I myself am in a likewise situation; I am indeed proud of my work for God in yall.

Now, the question is, how do I be proud without pride?

Pride is glory in yourself.

Proudness is personal honor, or humility, in recognizing that God has and is working thru you and being grateful for it.

15:18

What was Paul\’s goal in his mission toward Gentiles?

Obedience; thru his words and actions, and signs and wonders by Holy Spirit.

How does one bring anyone to faith?

Thru God; not ourselves. Focus on God, submit yourself to His will, pray for the heathen, and love them. And, should it be the will of God, they will be saved. God loves Himself and His glory above and before anything or anyone, and He is most glorified in saving the lost. Thus, people will be saved the question is: will you be a willing, submissive, obedient vessel for Him to do you? That part is your responsibility; the salvation itself is God\’s part; therefore, rest-you responsible child of God-and let God work through you.

15:19

Jacob, what is the focus of your (youth) ministry?

Gospel of Christ; let no one tell you otherwise. Your ministry, if it is to be any true ministry of God, MUST be a Gospel ministry; from that, the power/working of the Spirit will come. The foundation and the essence of our useful ministry is the Gospel. The truth of the Gospel is more powerful than you\’ll ever be. If your ministry is set up on you the moment you fail as does your ministry. If it is founded on the Gospel then it doesn\’t matter how imperfect you may be; for the Gospel is power alone to save, not you.

15:20

I\’m building on Chris\’ foundation. Is this wrong?

No. Paul was a missionary first and foremost. If Christ had already been named in that area then he was not needed there and had work to do elsewhere; in the work of ministry, it is permissible to build on another\’s foundation.

15:21

Paul speaks of Gentiles, us, here.

Do you feel you understand the gospel/the faith? Is there anything your struggling to understand about the faith right now? If so, how can we help?

15:24

Do you enjoy the company of other believers?

For this is one of the marks of true faith; that they seek and enjoy a brother\’s company. If you always prefer the company of heathen over your own family; then please take some time and reflect on wheater or not you are a part of the family at all.

15:27

One of the first \”oughts\” from Paul.

Who are some ppl that have blessed you spiritually? Is there a way to aid them physically/spiritually?

15:29

\”fullness of blessing\” Meaning what?

15:30

You heard a lot of the love of God but not so much of the love of the Spirit. This is because it is the only time in scripture that this phrase appears.

There are two ways to look at this \”love of the Spirit\” here.

Being the love of the Spirit toward you
The other being the love of the Elect/Church toward the Spirit

We can hold both views simultaneously. We will discuss both here.

What are some ways the Spirit loves us? (Hint: Think of what the Spirit does in our lives and how we are grateful, or love, in response).

The Spirit drew us to God and continues to do so; that alone is enough for us to love Him for. He also continually adds to our numbers; again, adding more family to us is more than enough for us to love Him for. He also forges in the heat of trials and afflictions, valleys and mountain tops, into the blessed image of our Savior; more than enough to love Him forever.

Thus, we love Him because He showed His love for us when He drew us to God when He is drawing others and is conforming us into the likeness of Christ.

Also, note how Paul appeals to God and not his authority; we will explore Paul\’s use of authority more in January.

15:31

We see some things that the Romans prayed for Paul. What sort of things should we pray for our missionaries?

Blessing of God, the love of God, the truth of God, and the encouragement of God.

15:32

After time in the company of believers, in fellowship, we should be joyous and refreshing.

Do y\’all feel this after the Lord\’s day/our studies?

If not, why do you think that is/what is stopping, or destroying, your joy?

15:33

What does it mean to have the \”God of peace\” be with us?

It means we are of God. If we have peace with God, it means that we aren\’t at war/in rebellion against Him; thus He is with us all always. The God of peace offers His peace to all through Jesus Christ; never hesitate to run to Him for peace with Him; He delights in forgiving His children and delights all the more in bringing in new children.

This chapter, which has almost no explicit teaching and contains several lists of mostly unknown people is the most extensive and intimate expression of Paul\’s love and affection for other believers and co-workers found anywhere in his NT letters. It also provides insights into the lives of ordinary first-century Christians and gives an inside look at the nature and character.

For this chapter, we will mainly look at the character of the early church and not its members so much. If you wish for more info on the members mentioned here your study bibles should be able to point you in the right direction.

16:1

Phoebe was defined as a servant of the church. What does that mean?

She was a care-giver or faithful steward for the Church body. In the early church, women servants cared for sick believers, the poor and those in prison. They instructed women and children (Titus 2:3-5). Whether Phoebe had an official title or not, she had great responsibilities, and likely was the carrier of this letter to Roman.

Paul mentions her home church, Cenchreae. Given its geographical proximity to Corinth, it is likely that her church was planted by the church at Corinth.

For those of you that have read the Corinthian letters; on a scale of 1-10 how screwed up was the church at Corinthian?

Probably a 10; they were pretty screwed up.

Paul also rebuked the church at Corinth for sexual immortality and false doctrine. If the church at Cenchreae was indeed a plant of Corinth I think it is fair to conclude that her church could have inherited the same issues as Corinth. Or if they didn\’t then they were incredibly strong in the faith. Given all this, it is possible to conclude that Phoebe was a woman of great holiness and power and purity in the early church.

Let Phoebe be a great example to us all.

16:4

Why do you think Prisca and Aquila were willing to risk their necks for Paul?

Ultimately it is because they loved him; he was their brother; that\’s what families do-love.

Is there any way that we can better love, or pray for you this week?

16:5

Why did they meet in houses?

That was all that they had. This is radically different from our age where churches are common and in plain view of the world. The early church did not have that luxury.

16:6

\”Mary\” probably a different Mary than one we\’ve encountered before.

In what way does someone \”work hard\” for the church? What kind of labor would they be doing?

The Greek here suggests work to exhaustion. The context suggests that she may have been some sort of teacher at the church in Roman since its foundation. No doubt she played a fundamental role in its spiritual growth.

16:7

\”Andronicus and Junia\” Junia can be a woman\’s name. If that is the case here it is very likely that this was a married couple. Our study will operate under the assumption that this is indeed so.

What sort of marriage can endure imprisonment?

One whose focus is on God

One whose goal is growth in God

And one who\’s foundation is the gospel of God.

The married couple should be lead by the husband in leading his family to the Lord; this includes active (conscience listening/studying) church attendance, church practice in the home (leading \”family devotions\”, prayer and reading of the word) and the wife serving the household in its needs. In this, both people modeling the gospel in service in their own home and can survive and thrive in everything from your little fella getting bad poison ivy to life imprisonment for the Gospel.

16:13

Jacob, what are your thoughts on the phrase \”chosen in the Lord\”? Do you think that Paul is referring back to Romans 8 and 9? Or that Rufus was merely chosen for some church office/duty?

This verse could be several things:

Rufus was elected to salvation by God. This interpretation fits with Paul\’s theology but doesn\’t make complete sense in context. Though the same word for \”chosen\” here is the same one commonly translated \”elect\” IE \”Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short\” (Matthew 24:22) and \”Who will bring a charge against God\’s elect? God is the one who justifies…\” (Romans 8:33).
It is possible that Paul is referring to Rufus being chosen to some church office; the surrounding context could support this interpretation.
Or \”chosen\” may reflect the unique circumstances that brought his family into contact with Christ. Simeon of Cyrene, whom soldiers compelled to carry Jesus\’ crossbeam to the place of execution, had 2 sons-Alexander and Rufus, who are presumably known to Mark\’s readers.

Any of these views are biblically and theologically justifiable; take any view you wish. But my point for this rabbit hole is this: enjoy the scriptures and wonder at God in even the smallest of details. Similar to a painter detailing his landscape painting God does likewise in His creations, nature, you all, and the breathed-out word. You are to spend the rest of your days in awe and wonder at every detail God has put into your story and the story. As you do this, you may think that you are mastering the word; this is not so, indeed it is actually mastering you.

16:16

Why does Paul encourage us to \”greet…with a holy kiss\”? What\’s the point there?

I think Paul is making several points here:

Christians should feel true, tender affection for one another
They should seek to grow in that love for one another
Out for opportunities to prove/show your love for one another physically.
Include God in your affections and in your greetings.
Use cultural signs of greeting to love/edify your brothers.

What are some ways that you can apply the \”holy kiss\”? What are some ways you can show your love to the Church?

-Hugs: Embrace one another; open up and become vulnerable with one another and then join in unity- and in that unity, there is the protection of the vitals. Literally, become one unit-show your unity in Christ and refuge in the Church to the world

-Handshakes: show your unity in the work that you do. Hands are our ability to \”do\”. So we open up/become vulnerable, strengthen each other and join forces in our work.

-Fist bumps: Usually if I\’m moving my closed fist at you I\’m ready to do violence to you. But instead, I yield all my power to you, you yield all your power to me and we come together with outstretched arms (again vulnerable), connect and cancel each other\’s violence, or put it in a positive light, we make peace with one another.

One quick note on cultural context:

Kissing a friend on the forehead, cheek, or beard was common in the OT. The Jews in the NT church carried on the practice, and it became specially precious to new believers, who were often outcasts from their own families because of their faith, because of the spiritual kinship it signified.

Blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.

16:17

How does one watch out for \”divider\”?

Active membership in the church, and church events and involvement in church life.

And what sort of things have you been taught?

Gospel, salvation, the holiness of God, etc.

And what are you to do when you encounter those who contradict these teachings?

Avoid them.

16:18

How do you more learned, mature in the faith protect you younger, naive brother?

Continue to teach and remind them of true doctrine. But will and able to rebuke them if necessary. Pray for them often.

Youth, how do you defend yourself from these wolves?

Stay in close community with the mature; we are charged with your protection, we dishonor God and do violence to you if you try and be a lone wolf.

16:1-23

In this whole list we have:

-Servant of the church (16:1)

-Patron/supporter (16:2)

-Hard workers (16:3, 6, 9, 12)

-Risk-takers (16:4)

-Thankfulness (16:4)

-Prisoners (16:7)

-Beloved of Christ (16:8)

-Approved of in Christ (16:10)

-Chosen (16:13)

-Naturing (16:13)

-Good steward (16:23)

16:25-27

The letter concludes with a beautiful doxology that praises God for His work through Christ and also summarizes Romans and shows us the head and heart of Paul.

16:25

In what way does God strengthen us through the Gospel?

By the example of Christ and by the power of Christ

We know the story of Christ but we also have the power of Christ indwelt in us in the Spirit.

16:27

It was through the Father that the Gospel was ultimately revealed, therefore, He deserves all the credit, praise and worship.

And before I close us in prayer, if yall could please summarize Paul\’s message in Romans as well as any particular favorite verse or chapters, or testimonies.

Romans 13

Paul continues his application of the mercies of God into this chapter; one of the results of a “renewed mind” (12:2) is submission to the governing authorities to honor God and, also, loving man.

13:1-7

13:1

So who instituted our governing authorities?

God.

This lesson will mostly focus on Government; but what other authorities are there that God institutes?

The government over all citizens, the Church over all believers, the parents over all children and masers over all employees.

Does God institute all governing authorities; even the bad ones?

Yes, even the bad ones, “for there is no authority except for God…”, God is the chief authority, He, by means of secondary causes, creates them.

And why does God allow/ordain bad governments?

To further His purposes; of which we may never know the whole extent of, however one of the reasons God does raise up bad governments, or authorities, is for judgment. Perhaps a particularly bad authority arises for the purpose judgment of that particular nation or possibly to use as a sword against another nation to punish that nation.

Where do we see God raising up bad government or authorities within the bible?

The Pharaoh in Exodus

The Babylonians in Isaiah

The Pharaoh was risen up so that he could be brought down to reveal God’s power over the nations, and the love of His people in delivering them from the hand of Pharaoh.

The Babylonians were raised up to punish the wayward Israelites for their sin against God.

We also see the Roman government were rising up and unleashed upon Israel in 70AD at the destruction of the second Temple; this time as punishment for not believing and killing the long-awaited Messiah.

13:2

What kind of government was the Roman Government; good, bad?

Bad; if your taxes weren’t paid in full and on time they’d likely wipe out your town.

Furthermore, they later would feed Christians to lions for entertainment.

And even given this Paul is still writing this verse. Why does he tell us not to resist?

We’d be resisting God

Resistance will store up judgment

So, given this, what should our attention toward authorities be?

Submission; not resistance. We will discuss when it is permissible to resist the authorities in a minute.

13:3

Is that “judgment” from God or Government?

Government according to 13:3, “FOR rulers…”

And as we all know by now the word “for” means what?

In this case, therefore. Thus, that “judgment” would be for breaking the law.

And what Paul states here, well true, is a generality or a proverb (if you will), not a promise.

13:4

As a child of God, what are some of your rights?

Access to God.

And what are some of your duties?

Love, obedience.

The reason I ask this is that Paul mentions that the Government is a “servant of God”; now I’m not trying to equate the two by any means, even the Devil is God’s Devil (His servant). But my point is this: if they have duties to fulfill are servants of God how much more should you, child of God, fulfill your duties? The Government goes about their duties properly, diligently, and justly as so you. The law of love, as we’ll get to later, is not a democratic (the Government form, not the party) law but a Theocratic law.

The Gov does good by helping to retain evil and protect life and property and exciting earthly justice (bearing the sword=meaning the gov’s right to inflict punishment on wrongdoers, particularly capital punishment).

13:5

We’ll talk more on the law of liberty of the believer next week but let me lay down the groundwork here.

Why is it important for us, as believers, to keep our consciences clear?

It is wise to do so; for our consciences are held to the highest standard of the word of God. Given this, if our conscience is bothered then, assuming that it is for good reason, we should seek to find out why it is bothered and reconcile with the offended party as soon as possible to live at peace with them and fulfill the law of love.

13:6

So, “because of this” because God ordained human government and demands submission to it.

What did Jesus teach on taxes?

Let’s take a quick look at Matthew 22:1-22.

So explain to me what’s happening here? Who are the characters and what are they doing?

And what does Christ teach?

Caesar’s image is stamped on the coin; God’s image is stamped on the person. The Christian must render obedience to Caesar in his realm. But the things that re God’s are things that do not belong to Casar and should be given only to God. Christ thus acknowledged Caesar’s right to assess and collect taxes, and he made it the duty of Christians to pay them. But he did not suggest that Caesar has ultimate authority in political realms; it is ultimately all things are God’s including the realm of Caesar.

Given that you are the image of God, in what way are you to “render” yourself to Him?

Render yourself to Him as a living sacrifice.

13:7

Do y’all find it difficult to “pay to all what is owed” whether it be bills or honor?

13:8-14

13:8

Here, Paul is not putting a prohibition on borrowing money, which scripture permits, but that all financial obligations must be paid when they are due because it is a matter of love, not money.

According to this verse, how do we fulfill the law of love?

“love one another”

And how do we love one another?

By sacrificially and actively working for the other person’s benefit. This is shown in prayer, serve and fellowship with one another.

13:9

So what are some ways to NOT love one another?

Adultery, murder, theft, coveting.

Why are these things un-loving?

Because if we love our neighbor we will do what is best for them; those things are wrong for them and us.

None of these things build them up but only take, or desire to take, from them.

13:10

IE If we treat others with the same care that we have for ourselves, we will not violate any of God’s laws regarding human relationships.

After last night’s exercise in futilely; I wanted to discuss this:

Are there any distinguishing teachings of Christ, and Christianity, from other major world religions; and if so, please explain?

I ask this question here since we’re on the topic of love.

Our main distinguishing doctrine from the world religions is Christ\’s take on the wrath of God on my behalf for my own sin and giving me eternal life through direct access to God.

Our main distinguishing command is “love”. An active, sacrificial, continuance working of our will to bring that person to God.

We are unique in our doctrine of salvation, by God’s grace through Christ alone, AND our commands, love.

Other religions will not have their followers go so far as to live true, active, sacrificial love to anyone-let alone their enemies; and certainly not to the point of death like the true model of love; being Jesus Christ. Our truly unique means of salvation and commands are two of the best ways to prove that we are not only different but the true world religion.

13:11

What “hour” is Paul talking about here?

The hour of our salvation.

Salvation is past, you were saved, present, you are being saved, and you will be saved-or glorification; which is us enjoying community with God and the Church forever in bodies that will not age or weaken. You cannot have glorification without justification. Or, as Paul put it, “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined, to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called, and those whom He called He also justified and those whom He justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30).

“sleep” Similar to how we might say, “oh he’s fallen asleep” when speaking of someone dying. I believe Paul is using “sleep” here as a means of describing and urging the “sleeper” to arise to salvation because it is nearer and nearer with each passing breathe.

13:12

Here we have a beautiful exhortation from Paul.

Tell me, how would you rephrase what Paul is saying here?

Perhaps, ’the end of man’s sinfulness and Satan’s dominion is coming to a close and Christ’s return in quick; therefore quickly turn from your sin and prepare yourself to aid in your brother’s turning as well.”

I say that because “armor” suggests;

identification; of other light-bearers,

organization/community; of the bearers themselves in battle (we are not alone in our battles),

combat; for who wears armor when there is no foe?

And revelation/enlightenment of truth; for what else does “light” refer to but the truth?

Given that we have the armor of light/truth; what truths do you need to meditate/take up this week to aid in your growth?

13:13

Why does Paul make mention of this list of sins in particular?

This list is the things they would have been doing if they still worshipped as the Romans did. But they are saved, they are changed now and serve a new, true, living God and He is to be worshipped as He has set forth in His word.

Or to put 13:13 another way, \’you cannot serve both God and the Roman gods; you must serve one or the other, you cannot serve two masters.’

That said, how is God to be worshipped?

In Spirit and truth (John 4).

By offering our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12).

Does our worship include our speech?

Yes.

Should we be decimating the name of Jesus or God in our common speech?

No. Our speech is one of the chief marks of the Christian; it is for honoring God and people. We dishonor and degrade, those around us when we deflate the name of Jesus. And it is no cheap name, for His name is “Lord is My Salvation”; how costly our salvation was from Him.

13:14

Here is a summary of sanctification, the continuing spiritual process in which those who have been saved by faith are transformed into the image of Christ.

How does one, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”?

By accepting Him, loving Him and following Him.

And what does Paul mean when he says “make no provision for the flesh”?

IE make no room for sin in your life-your heart, mind, or body, but only make room for Christ in your heart, mind, body. And let that be our closing thought and our main task of this week and our lives.