We occasionally hear the phrase, “come as you are.” Usually it is in the context of saying, “whoever you are, whatever you do, God is ok with it.” And in that sense, it is incorrect. However, at face value, it is entirely correct: come as you are. And then be change by the Word and shape your life into the image of Christ.
Romans 12:2 -Be transformed
II Corinthians 3:18 -Transformed into His likeness
Peter
In Peter we see a gradual development, through Christ, from someone who is impulsive to someone who is self controlled and thoughtful in his service to God.
John 13:2-11 -Peter’s response to Christ washing his feet
John 18:1-11 -Jesus arrested, Peter reacts
I Peter 5:1-4 -A fellow elder
II Peter 1:1-11 -Reasoned discourse on Christian growth
John
The apostle John has often been referred to as the “apostle of love.” Yet in the beginning, we see John as someone quick to anger, and quick to condemn.
Mark 3:17 -Boanerges
Luke 9:52-56 -Call down fire on the Samaritan village?
I John 4:7-21 -God’s love and our love
James
There are many people known by the name James. The one who wrote the book of James is usually understood to be James, brother of Jesus.
Matthew 13:55-58 -James, His brother. No honor in own country
John 7:1-5 -Christ’s brothers don’t believe in Him
James 2:14-26 -Faith coupled with obedient action
Onesimus
Onesimus was a slave who ran from his Christian master. When he converted, he went back to Philemon to fulfill his appointed role, not shirking his duty.
Philemon 1-25 -Onesimus the slave
Ephesians 6:5-8 -Instructions to slaves/servants
Luke 19:10 -Christ came to seek and save the lost
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -You were washed, sanctified
Acts 22:16 -Sins washed away in baptism
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Garden of Eden - 6/29/08am
The Rule
Genesis 2:15-17
God gave Adam and Eve a single, simple rule: Don’t. It is something that we see throughout scripture: God’s rules are not individually difficult. They are not burdensome or impossible. They are simple, straightforward ordinances.
I John 5:1-5 -His commands are not burdensome
Matthew 11:28-30 -His yoke is easy, his burden is light
The Lie
Genesis 3:1-5
Satan, coming as a serpent, lied to Eve. Notice that what he essentially says is that God didn’t really mean what He said. How often do we hear similar things? That even though the Bible says it, God wouldn’t really do that.
II Peter 2:1-10 -If God punished all these, He’ll punish other sinners
II Thessalonians 1:5-9 -Punish those who don’t know God or obey Christ
The Sin
Genesis 3:6-7
And so we see the first two people sin. And we see several different aspects of sin in their action. We see that it is disobedience to God. We also see that it is following Satan.
I John 3:4-10 -Sin is lawlessness, sinners are of the devil
The Hiding
Genesis 3:8-13
When they realized that they had sinned, and recognized they were naked and had sinned, they tried to hide from God. This is often a person’s first response: to hide their sin and try to hide from God.
Numbers 32:23 -Your sin will find you out
Jonah 1:1-17 -Jonah tries to run from God
The Consequences
Genesis 3:14-24
The immediate consequences were all negative. Death would come (physical and spiritual) and mankind would have labor and pain. But notice the love of God in this: even at this point, He established His plan for the redemption of mankind, and did not leave man without hope.
Romans 6:23 -The wages of sin is death
James 1:15 -Sin brings forth death
Romans 5:12-21 -Through Adam came sin/death. Through Christ came life.
Romans 6:1-14 -Die to sin, live in Christ
Genesis 2:15-17
God gave Adam and Eve a single, simple rule: Don’t. It is something that we see throughout scripture: God’s rules are not individually difficult. They are not burdensome or impossible. They are simple, straightforward ordinances.
I John 5:1-5 -His commands are not burdensome
Matthew 11:28-30 -His yoke is easy, his burden is light
The Lie
Genesis 3:1-5
Satan, coming as a serpent, lied to Eve. Notice that what he essentially says is that God didn’t really mean what He said. How often do we hear similar things? That even though the Bible says it, God wouldn’t really do that.
II Peter 2:1-10 -If God punished all these, He’ll punish other sinners
II Thessalonians 1:5-9 -Punish those who don’t know God or obey Christ
The Sin
Genesis 3:6-7
And so we see the first two people sin. And we see several different aspects of sin in their action. We see that it is disobedience to God. We also see that it is following Satan.
I John 3:4-10 -Sin is lawlessness, sinners are of the devil
The Hiding
Genesis 3:8-13
When they realized that they had sinned, and recognized they were naked and had sinned, they tried to hide from God. This is often a person’s first response: to hide their sin and try to hide from God.
Numbers 32:23 -Your sin will find you out
Jonah 1:1-17 -Jonah tries to run from God
The Consequences
Genesis 3:14-24
The immediate consequences were all negative. Death would come (physical and spiritual) and mankind would have labor and pain. But notice the love of God in this: even at this point, He established His plan for the redemption of mankind, and did not leave man without hope.
Romans 6:23 -The wages of sin is death
James 1:15 -Sin brings forth death
Romans 5:12-21 -Through Adam came sin/death. Through Christ came life.
Romans 6:1-14 -Die to sin, live in Christ
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Birthright and Blessing -6/22/08am
Genesis 25:19-34 -Esau gives up his birthright to Jacob
Birthright
Deuteronomy 21:15-17 -The birthright is established
The birthright was a double portion of the inheritance. If there were 2 sons, the eldest (with the birthright) would get 2/3. If there were 3 sons, the eldest would get ½, and so on. Although this is under the Law of Moses, which had not come, the idea was the same throughout.
I Peter 1:4 -Our eternal inheritance
Esau gave up his birthright for stew. What do we trade our inheritance for?
Matthew 6:19-21 -Earthly treasures
Hebrews 11:24-25 -Passing pleasures
Do we not do the same thing as Esau, when we sell our inheritance for something small and insignificant? And consider how much greater our inheritance is!
Revelation 21:1-4 -The new Jerusalem
Revelation 21:23-22:5 -The new Jerusalem
Genesis 27:1-40 -Jacob takes Esau’s blessing
Blessing
Psalm 139:1-16 -God knows all, even before birth
Psalm 147:5 -God’s knowledge is without limit
Proverbs 15:11 -God knows death, destruction, and men’s hearts
I Corinthians 1:25 -God’s foolishness is greater than man’s wisdom
Jacob deceived Abraham to get Esau’s blessing. It is fairly simple to deceive other men. But do we expect to be able to deceive the Lord?
Matthew 25:31-46 -The sheep and the goats
We may deceive ourselves that we are doing what God wants, but we will not deceive Him. He sees our deeds and knows our hearts.
Revelation 20:11-15 -The books are opened, souls are judged
Will God see that we have sold our inheritance for stew?
Birthright
Deuteronomy 21:15-17 -The birthright is established
The birthright was a double portion of the inheritance. If there were 2 sons, the eldest (with the birthright) would get 2/3. If there were 3 sons, the eldest would get ½, and so on. Although this is under the Law of Moses, which had not come, the idea was the same throughout.
I Peter 1:4 -Our eternal inheritance
Esau gave up his birthright for stew. What do we trade our inheritance for?
Matthew 6:19-21 -Earthly treasures
Hebrews 11:24-25 -Passing pleasures
Do we not do the same thing as Esau, when we sell our inheritance for something small and insignificant? And consider how much greater our inheritance is!
Revelation 21:1-4 -The new Jerusalem
Revelation 21:23-22:5 -The new Jerusalem
Genesis 27:1-40 -Jacob takes Esau’s blessing
Blessing
Psalm 139:1-16 -God knows all, even before birth
Psalm 147:5 -God’s knowledge is without limit
Proverbs 15:11 -God knows death, destruction, and men’s hearts
I Corinthians 1:25 -God’s foolishness is greater than man’s wisdom
Jacob deceived Abraham to get Esau’s blessing. It is fairly simple to deceive other men. But do we expect to be able to deceive the Lord?
Matthew 25:31-46 -The sheep and the goats
We may deceive ourselves that we are doing what God wants, but we will not deceive Him. He sees our deeds and knows our hearts.
Revelation 20:11-15 -The books are opened, souls are judged
Will God see that we have sold our inheritance for stew?
The Tower of Babel - 6/22/08pm
Genesis 10:6-12 -Origin of Shinar/Babel/Babylon
Genesis 11:1-9 -Tower of Babel
Pride
In their pride, they wanted to build to the heavens. Yet, at the most, God still had to “go down.” Human pride is wholly without merit: at our best, we do not come close to the Lord.
Proverbs 6:16-19 -Pride is listed among “worse” sins
James 4:13-16 -Boasting and bragging
Habakkuk 1:5-11 -God will raise up the Babylonians/Chaldeans
Daniel 4:28-37 -Nebuchadnezzar’s pride
Matthew 4:1-11 -Jesus is tempted with pride
We must humble ourselves as Christ did:
John 13:12-17 -Jesus washes feet, we should do the same, servant not greater than the master
James 4:10 -Humble yourselves
Our Will and His Will
In verse 4, the people were trying to avoid the very thing that God caused to happen. In essence, they were working to thwart the Lord’s will, and see that what they wanted was done instead.
John 6:38 -Christ was sent to, and accomplished, God’s will
Luke 22:42 -Not my will but thine
I John 2:17 -The one who does God’s will abides forever
Matthew 12:50 -Be Christ’s brother/sister if doing God’s will
Numbers 22:16-20 -Barak sends to Balaam to have him curse Israel
Numbers 23:1-12 -Balaam blesses Israel (the first of 5 times) instead
Language
It may seem as though this caused unnecessary confusion, but in addition to causing people populate the entire world, and limiting man’s pride, it made some of the signs in the New Testament possible and more impressive.
Acts 2:1-12 -Apostles speak in other languages
Occasionally I cross paths with someone, even among brethren, who believes that the only way we can understand the Bible is through knowledge of Hebrew and Koine Greek. Yet Christ and the apostles used a translation to teach from.
Luke 23:26-31 -Christ quotes Hosea
Hosea 10:8 -Christ’s quote follows the Septuagint, not the Hebrew
Scattered over the Earth
It was with this that man was scattered over the world, going their separate ways.
Genesis 12:1-3 -God’s promises to Abraham
When the Messiah came, which is greater: that one group, united, speaking the same language, in one spot was saved? Or that people who had little or nothing in common were equally saved?
Matthew 28:18-20 -The great commission
Genesis 11:1-9 -Tower of Babel
Pride
In their pride, they wanted to build to the heavens. Yet, at the most, God still had to “go down.” Human pride is wholly without merit: at our best, we do not come close to the Lord.
Proverbs 6:16-19 -Pride is listed among “worse” sins
James 4:13-16 -Boasting and bragging
Habakkuk 1:5-11 -God will raise up the Babylonians/Chaldeans
Daniel 4:28-37 -Nebuchadnezzar’s pride
Matthew 4:1-11 -Jesus is tempted with pride
We must humble ourselves as Christ did:
John 13:12-17 -Jesus washes feet, we should do the same, servant not greater than the master
James 4:10 -Humble yourselves
Our Will and His Will
In verse 4, the people were trying to avoid the very thing that God caused to happen. In essence, they were working to thwart the Lord’s will, and see that what they wanted was done instead.
John 6:38 -Christ was sent to, and accomplished, God’s will
Luke 22:42 -Not my will but thine
I John 2:17 -The one who does God’s will abides forever
Matthew 12:50 -Be Christ’s brother/sister if doing God’s will
Numbers 22:16-20 -Barak sends to Balaam to have him curse Israel
Numbers 23:1-12 -Balaam blesses Israel (the first of 5 times) instead
Language
It may seem as though this caused unnecessary confusion, but in addition to causing people populate the entire world, and limiting man’s pride, it made some of the signs in the New Testament possible and more impressive.
Acts 2:1-12 -Apostles speak in other languages
Occasionally I cross paths with someone, even among brethren, who believes that the only way we can understand the Bible is through knowledge of Hebrew and Koine Greek. Yet Christ and the apostles used a translation to teach from.
Luke 23:26-31 -Christ quotes Hosea
Hosea 10:8 -Christ’s quote follows the Septuagint, not the Hebrew
Scattered over the Earth
It was with this that man was scattered over the world, going their separate ways.
Genesis 12:1-3 -God’s promises to Abraham
When the Messiah came, which is greater: that one group, united, speaking the same language, in one spot was saved? Or that people who had little or nothing in common were equally saved?
Matthew 28:18-20 -The great commission
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Servants - 6/15/08pm
II Timothy 2:24-25 -Instructions for a servant of the Lord
Romans 1:1 -Paul refers to himself as a servant of Christ
James 1:1 -James refers to himself as a servant of Christ
II Peter 1:1 -Peter refers to himself as a servant of Christ
Jude 1:1 -Jude refers to himself as a servant of Christ
Revelation 1:1 -John refers to himself as a servant of Christ
We spend a fair amount of times talking about kings and rulers in the Bible. But it behooves us to take a look at their servants, and look to their examples.
Genesis 24:1-27 -Abraham’s servant: concern was for his master
-Journeyed from Canaan back towards northwest Mesopotamia
-Prayed for success on Abraham’s behalf, not for self
-Took care to be sure that he was doing what was right
-Worship God for His kindness to his master
Genesis 39:1-23 -Joseph as a servant to Potiphar
-Served faithfully, even though he was a slave: not bitter
-Was unwilling to sin against God and Potiphar, even to “get back”
-Fled the situation, but remained as a servant
-Other men punished him unjustly, but found favor with God
Job 1:1-22 -Job’s servant had opportunity to escape, but didn’t
-If 1st servant fled, assumption would be that Sabateans killed/took him
-If 2nd servant fled, assumption would be that the Chaldeans killed him
-If 3rd servant fled, assumption would be that died in the wind storm
II Kings 5:2-3 -Naaman’s wife’s servant girl: concern for master
-Would have been easy to not say anything
II Kings 5:11-14 -Naaman’s servants: concern for master
-Would have been easy to not say anything
II Kings 5:15-22 -Gehazi’s concern was for himself
-Disregarded what Elisha said, and put own will first
Matthew 25:14-30 -Parable of the talents
Matthew 25:31-46 -Be a servant to God by serving others
Matthew 24:45-51 -Faithful and wicked servants, waiting for the master
Romans 1:1 -Paul refers to himself as a servant of Christ
James 1:1 -James refers to himself as a servant of Christ
II Peter 1:1 -Peter refers to himself as a servant of Christ
Jude 1:1 -Jude refers to himself as a servant of Christ
Revelation 1:1 -John refers to himself as a servant of Christ
We spend a fair amount of times talking about kings and rulers in the Bible. But it behooves us to take a look at their servants, and look to their examples.
Genesis 24:1-27 -Abraham’s servant: concern was for his master
-Journeyed from Canaan back towards northwest Mesopotamia
-Prayed for success on Abraham’s behalf, not for self
-Took care to be sure that he was doing what was right
-Worship God for His kindness to his master
Genesis 39:1-23 -Joseph as a servant to Potiphar
-Served faithfully, even though he was a slave: not bitter
-Was unwilling to sin against God and Potiphar, even to “get back”
-Fled the situation, but remained as a servant
-Other men punished him unjustly, but found favor with God
Job 1:1-22 -Job’s servant had opportunity to escape, but didn’t
-If 1st servant fled, assumption would be that Sabateans killed/took him
-If 2nd servant fled, assumption would be that the Chaldeans killed him
-If 3rd servant fled, assumption would be that died in the wind storm
II Kings 5:2-3 -Naaman’s wife’s servant girl: concern for master
-Would have been easy to not say anything
II Kings 5:11-14 -Naaman’s servants: concern for master
-Would have been easy to not say anything
II Kings 5:15-22 -Gehazi’s concern was for himself
-Disregarded what Elisha said, and put own will first
Matthew 25:14-30 -Parable of the talents
Matthew 25:31-46 -Be a servant to God by serving others
Matthew 24:45-51 -Faithful and wicked servants, waiting for the master
How to be an Abomination to God - 6/15/08am
II Kings 23:12-14 -Josiah tears down idols which are “abominable”
Ashtoreth
Regarded as the consort of to Baal. Worship of Asherah/Ashtoreth involved prostitution and various other lewd rites.
Chemosh
The national god of the Moabites, and closely related to Molech. Child sacrifices were a part of the worship
Milcom/Molech
Means “the reigning one.” Worship of Molech involved the sacrifice of children.
Assuming that none of us wants to go that far to become an abomination to God, let us look and consider what else we can do to make ourselves an abomination to the Lord
Proverbs 6:16
Proverbs 6:17 -A proud look
(James 4:6 -God opposes the proud)
-A lying tongue
(Colossians 3:9 - lie not, having put off the old man)
-Hands that shed innocent blood
(Matthew 5:21-22 -Wrath & murder equated)
Proverbs 6:18 -A heart that devises wicked plans
(Matthew 22:15-22 -Pharisees try to trap Christ in words
Ephesians 4:14-16 -Evil scheming to trick others)
-Feet that are swift in running to evil
(I Peter 4:1-6 -Do nut run in the things you did before)
Proverbs 6:19 -A false witness who speaks lies
-One who sows discord among the brethren
(Romans 16:17-19 -Keep away from those who divide)
Proverbs 11:1 -Dishonest scales
(Titus 1:10-11 -Dishonest gain
Luke 3:14 -Don’t extort money)
Proverbs 15:8 -The sacrifice of the wicked
(Romans 12:1 -A person’s self should be the sacrifice)
Proverbs 15:26 -The thoughts of the wicked
(Hebrews 4:12 - The word will judge thoughts)
Proverbs 11:20 -Those who have a perverse heart
(Matthew 15:17-20 -Out of the heart come evil things)
And of course, to not be an abomination to God, you simply have to put your faith and trust in Him, and obey the things He has commanded.
Ashtoreth
Regarded as the consort of to Baal. Worship of Asherah/Ashtoreth involved prostitution and various other lewd rites.
Chemosh
The national god of the Moabites, and closely related to Molech. Child sacrifices were a part of the worship
Milcom/Molech
Means “the reigning one.” Worship of Molech involved the sacrifice of children.
Assuming that none of us wants to go that far to become an abomination to God, let us look and consider what else we can do to make ourselves an abomination to the Lord
Proverbs 6:16
Proverbs 6:17 -A proud look
(James 4:6 -God opposes the proud)
-A lying tongue
(Colossians 3:9 - lie not, having put off the old man)
-Hands that shed innocent blood
(Matthew 5:21-22 -Wrath & murder equated)
Proverbs 6:18 -A heart that devises wicked plans
(Matthew 22:15-22 -Pharisees try to trap Christ in words
Ephesians 4:14-16 -Evil scheming to trick others)
-Feet that are swift in running to evil
(I Peter 4:1-6 -Do nut run in the things you did before)
Proverbs 6:19 -A false witness who speaks lies
-One who sows discord among the brethren
(Romans 16:17-19 -Keep away from those who divide)
Proverbs 11:1 -Dishonest scales
(Titus 1:10-11 -Dishonest gain
Luke 3:14 -Don’t extort money)
Proverbs 15:8 -The sacrifice of the wicked
(Romans 12:1 -A person’s self should be the sacrifice)
Proverbs 15:26 -The thoughts of the wicked
(Hebrews 4:12 - The word will judge thoughts)
Proverbs 11:20 -Those who have a perverse heart
(Matthew 15:17-20 -Out of the heart come evil things)
And of course, to not be an abomination to God, you simply have to put your faith and trust in Him, and obey the things He has commanded.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Who is a Christian? - 6/8/08pm
I Peter 4:16 -If you suffer as a Christian...give praise you wear the name
A Christian is...
...One who loves Christ
I Corinthians 16:22 -A curse on those who don't love the Lord
Matthew 22:34-40 -The greatest commandment
John 15:12-14 -"No greater love," obedience
John 14:15 -"If you love me, keep my commandments"
John 14:23 -"Obey my teaching"
Do you love Christ enough to:
-Study His word?
-Teach others?
-Give up worldly things?
-Do as He says, without changing His word?
...One who is obedient to Christ
II John 6 -Walk in obedience
Romans 1:5 -Obedience comes through faith
Romans 6:16 -Obedience leads to righteousness
Matthew 28:18-20 -Command to teach
Are you obedient enough to:
-Defend His cause, regardless of earthly consequences?
-Put away sin?
-Learn through God's word what He wants?
-To actually do what He says?
...One who teaches Christ
I Peter 3:15 -Always be prepared
II Timothy 4:2 -Teach in season and out of season
Titus 2:1-10 -Everyone is to be taught, everyone is to teach
Hebrews 5:12 -Should grow, mature, and be able to teach
Are you willing enough to teach:
-That you seek opportunities?
-That you look forward to sharing Christ with others?
-That you study to better teach others?
-That you are always ready and prepared?
Acts 6:8-15, 7:51-8:1 Steven's Example
-Loved God
-Obeyed even to death
-Taught regardless of consequences
...One who grows in Christ
I Peter 2:2 -Crave milk to grow
I Corinthians 3:2 -We should be ready for the meat of the word
Hebrews 5:12-6:3 -Milk vs. meat
II Peter 3:18 -Grow in grace and knowledge
Acts 18:24-28 -Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla
Are you willing enough to grow:
-That you study?
-That you spend time with other Christians?
-That you strive to grow?
-That you pray?
...One who remains in Christ
II Corinthians 11:21-29 -Paul's example through perils
Philippians 3:4-11 -What Paul gave up to follow Christ
John 8:31 -Hold to His teaching
II John 9 -Do not run ahead of Christ's teaching
I John 1:5-7 -Walk in the light
Are you willing to remain in Christ:
-Regardless of earthly consequences?
-No matter how long you live?
-No matter what tries to stop you?
-No matter who tries to stop you?
Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
-Both loved Christ
-Philip obediently taught
-Eunuch obeyed
-Both grew
-As far as we know, both remained in Christ
A Christian is...
...One who loves Christ
I Corinthians 16:22 -A curse on those who don't love the Lord
Matthew 22:34-40 -The greatest commandment
John 15:12-14 -"No greater love," obedience
John 14:15 -"If you love me, keep my commandments"
John 14:23 -"Obey my teaching"
Do you love Christ enough to:
-Study His word?
-Teach others?
-Give up worldly things?
-Do as He says, without changing His word?
...One who is obedient to Christ
II John 6 -Walk in obedience
Romans 1:5 -Obedience comes through faith
Romans 6:16 -Obedience leads to righteousness
Matthew 28:18-20 -Command to teach
Are you obedient enough to:
-Defend His cause, regardless of earthly consequences?
-Put away sin?
-Learn through God's word what He wants?
-To actually do what He says?
...One who teaches Christ
I Peter 3:15 -Always be prepared
II Timothy 4:2 -Teach in season and out of season
Titus 2:1-10 -Everyone is to be taught, everyone is to teach
Hebrews 5:12 -Should grow, mature, and be able to teach
Are you willing enough to teach:
-That you seek opportunities?
-That you look forward to sharing Christ with others?
-That you study to better teach others?
-That you are always ready and prepared?
Acts 6:8-15, 7:51-8:1 Steven's Example
-Loved God
-Obeyed even to death
-Taught regardless of consequences
...One who grows in Christ
I Peter 2:2 -Crave milk to grow
I Corinthians 3:2 -We should be ready for the meat of the word
Hebrews 5:12-6:3 -Milk vs. meat
II Peter 3:18 -Grow in grace and knowledge
Acts 18:24-28 -Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla
Are you willing enough to grow:
-That you study?
-That you spend time with other Christians?
-That you strive to grow?
-That you pray?
...One who remains in Christ
II Corinthians 11:21-29 -Paul's example through perils
Philippians 3:4-11 -What Paul gave up to follow Christ
John 8:31 -Hold to His teaching
II John 9 -Do not run ahead of Christ's teaching
I John 1:5-7 -Walk in the light
Are you willing to remain in Christ:
-Regardless of earthly consequences?
-No matter how long you live?
-No matter what tries to stop you?
-No matter who tries to stop you?
Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
-Both loved Christ
-Philip obediently taught
-Eunuch obeyed
-Both grew
-As far as we know, both remained in Christ
Doing What is Difficult - 6/8/08am
Sometimes we are called on to do difficult things in the name of Christ. But we can look to the Bible and know that we are not alone in this, and that God has provided solutions and answers for us. He has provided examples to follow to help us do what is right, even when it is difficult.
I Corinthians 10:11-13 -Examples, not tempted beyond ability, a way out
Abraham: Doing what is difficult through trust
Genesis 12:1-9 -Abraham goes when and where God tells him
Genesis 22:1-14 -Abraham is willing to sacrifice Isaac as the Lord commands
Hebrews 11:8-19 -Abraham’s faith (trust) is accredited to him as righteousness
Looking through Abraham’s life, we see time after time when he trusted God enough to do difficult things.
Joseph: Doing what is difficult through focus
Genesis 39 -Joseph and Potipher’s wife
Joseph was tempted multiple times, yet he did what was right because he saw it as a sin against God. His focus was on God, and what the Lord wanted.
Esther: Doing what is difficult through bravery
Esther 3:8-11 -Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews
Esther 4:1-5:8 -Esther goes to the king to make a request
Esther 7:1-6 -Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the king
Knowing that she faced possible death, she was willing to go before the king. Her bravery and willingness to sacrifice her life, if necessary, saved her people.
Paul: Doing what is difficult through humility
Acts 26:9-10 -Paul casts vote against Christians in the Sanhedrin
John 11:45-53 -Sanhedrin (probably including Paul) decides to kill Christ
Acts 9:1-19 -Paul hears Christ and converts
Paul had to have the humility to recognize that what he had been doing was in opposition to God, and had to humble himself to reverse his stance and life’s work.
Christ: Doing what is difficult through love
Luke 22:39-46 -Christ is distressed and prays
I John 3:16 -Christ laid down His life out of love
Jesus was not looking forward to the crucifixion. Yet He knew it must be done. It was His love for us that caused Him to do so. Do we love each other to that point?
Are we willing to use these traits, and the traits shown by other examples, to do what is difficult in service to God? Are we willing to submit ourselves to His will in humility, to serve with love, put our trust in the Lord, bravely stand against sin, and remain focused on Christ?
I Corinthians 10:11-13 -Examples, not tempted beyond ability, a way out
Abraham: Doing what is difficult through trust
Genesis 12:1-9 -Abraham goes when and where God tells him
Genesis 22:1-14 -Abraham is willing to sacrifice Isaac as the Lord commands
Hebrews 11:8-19 -Abraham’s faith (trust) is accredited to him as righteousness
Looking through Abraham’s life, we see time after time when he trusted God enough to do difficult things.
Joseph: Doing what is difficult through focus
Genesis 39 -Joseph and Potipher’s wife
Joseph was tempted multiple times, yet he did what was right because he saw it as a sin against God. His focus was on God, and what the Lord wanted.
Esther: Doing what is difficult through bravery
Esther 3:8-11 -Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews
Esther 4:1-5:8 -Esther goes to the king to make a request
Esther 7:1-6 -Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the king
Knowing that she faced possible death, she was willing to go before the king. Her bravery and willingness to sacrifice her life, if necessary, saved her people.
Paul: Doing what is difficult through humility
Acts 26:9-10 -Paul casts vote against Christians in the Sanhedrin
John 11:45-53 -Sanhedrin (probably including Paul) decides to kill Christ
Acts 9:1-19 -Paul hears Christ and converts
Paul had to have the humility to recognize that what he had been doing was in opposition to God, and had to humble himself to reverse his stance and life’s work.
Christ: Doing what is difficult through love
Luke 22:39-46 -Christ is distressed and prays
I John 3:16 -Christ laid down His life out of love
Jesus was not looking forward to the crucifixion. Yet He knew it must be done. It was His love for us that caused Him to do so. Do we love each other to that point?
Are we willing to use these traits, and the traits shown by other examples, to do what is difficult in service to God? Are we willing to submit ourselves to His will in humility, to serve with love, put our trust in the Lord, bravely stand against sin, and remain focused on Christ?
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Worshiping the Golden Calf - 6/1/08pm
Sin at Sinai
Exodus 32 -Israel and the golden calf
Had Taken the blessings of God and used them to oppose God
God had given much to Israel during the Exodus, and see what they do with the blessings God had given them?
Exodus 12:33-36 -Israelites plunder Egypt
Galatians 5:13 -Don’t use liberty as an occasion to the flesh
How often do we take what God has given us and twist it into what we shouldn’t? How often do we use God’s blessings and utterly fail to glorify God with our use of them?
Had decided to make their own rules of worship
Were they worshiping God? Verses 4 and 5 indicate that they seem to think so. But is God pleased? Of course not!
Galatians 1:6-9 -Another gospel
Jeroboam’s Sin
I Kings 12:25-33 -Jeroboam sets up golden calves
Again, the claim is that they are worshiping the Lord
In verse 28, Jerboam makes the claim that these represent the Lord. In God’s eyes, however, they are not.
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 -Do not turn aside to the left or to the right
Romans 12:1-2 -Our lives are our worship
Leviticus 10:1-3 -Nadab and Abihu’s wrong worship
They failed to learn from examples
They failed to look at the history of Israel and learn.
I Corinthians 10:6-11 -Israel’s example of what not to do
Modern Golden Calves
How often do you hear someone say, “Well, we all follow the same God, just in different ways?” Or perhaps you hear, “We believe in the same God and Jesus, so we’re both ok.”
Ephesians 4:3-6 -ONE
John 14:5-7 -THE way, THE truth, THE light
I John 1:5-7 -Unity with the light, unity with each other
Just because someone tells you that it is all the same God, just different ways of serving Him, or that they are just following a different road to heaven, think of the golden calves! The only way is to follow Christ completely and accurately.
The Bible helps us avoid the golden calf
The Bible tells us what we need to believe, and what we need to do to follow the Lord, and not turn aside to golden calves.
John 20:30-31 -Written that you may believe and have life
I Timothy 3:14-15 -Written to know how to conduct ourselves
If we know how to believe and obey, and follow through with it, then we can avoid worshiping the golden calves.
Exodus 32 -Israel and the golden calf
Had Taken the blessings of God and used them to oppose God
God had given much to Israel during the Exodus, and see what they do with the blessings God had given them?
Exodus 12:33-36 -Israelites plunder Egypt
Galatians 5:13 -Don’t use liberty as an occasion to the flesh
How often do we take what God has given us and twist it into what we shouldn’t? How often do we use God’s blessings and utterly fail to glorify God with our use of them?
Had decided to make their own rules of worship
Were they worshiping God? Verses 4 and 5 indicate that they seem to think so. But is God pleased? Of course not!
Galatians 1:6-9 -Another gospel
Jeroboam’s Sin
I Kings 12:25-33 -Jeroboam sets up golden calves
Again, the claim is that they are worshiping the Lord
In verse 28, Jerboam makes the claim that these represent the Lord. In God’s eyes, however, they are not.
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 -Do not turn aside to the left or to the right
Romans 12:1-2 -Our lives are our worship
Leviticus 10:1-3 -Nadab and Abihu’s wrong worship
They failed to learn from examples
They failed to look at the history of Israel and learn.
I Corinthians 10:6-11 -Israel’s example of what not to do
Modern Golden Calves
How often do you hear someone say, “Well, we all follow the same God, just in different ways?” Or perhaps you hear, “We believe in the same God and Jesus, so we’re both ok.”
Ephesians 4:3-6 -ONE
John 14:5-7 -THE way, THE truth, THE light
I John 1:5-7 -Unity with the light, unity with each other
Just because someone tells you that it is all the same God, just different ways of serving Him, or that they are just following a different road to heaven, think of the golden calves! The only way is to follow Christ completely and accurately.
The Bible helps us avoid the golden calf
The Bible tells us what we need to believe, and what we need to do to follow the Lord, and not turn aside to golden calves.
John 20:30-31 -Written that you may believe and have life
I Timothy 3:14-15 -Written to know how to conduct ourselves
If we know how to believe and obey, and follow through with it, then we can avoid worshiping the golden calves.
The Lineage of Christ - 6/1/08am
1 Chronicles 1:1-4, 17-28, 34
1 Chronicles 2:1-17
1 Chronicles 3:1-24
-Why such careful records?
-Why such attention to the family line?
Genesis 3:15 -Eve
Genesis 12:2-3, 26:3-4 -Abraham
Genesis 49:8-12 -Judah
Isaiah 11:1-10 -Jesse
2 Samuel 7:11-16 -David
Haggai 2:20-23 -Zerubabel
Mathew 1:1-17
-Traces line starting with Abraham
-Aimed primarily at Jews
Luke 3:23-38
-Traces line back to God
-Aimed primarily at Gentiles
Differences in two genealogies
-Several possibilities, probably traces the line through Mary (Luke) and Joseph (Matt.)
3 People from Genealogy
* side note: not all people in Christ’s ancestry were good. Take Manasseh for example: probably the most evil king of Judah, who went so far as to sacrifice his sons to Molech
Rahab:
Joshua 2:1-21, 6:22-25
Hebrews 11:31
-Lineage goes back to Ham, not Shem. Includes a wider part of the world. Perhaps…a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s relationship to the world?
-Saw was justified by right action coupled to faith - proselyte
Ruth:
Ruth 2:11-12
Ruth 4:13-22
-Moabite, a descendant of Lot, not Abraham
-Proselyte to the Hebrews
-Godly actions
Joash:
2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21
-Look at the extreme care God showed to the line of David!
-”Coincidences”
-Joash just happened to have an aunt who just happened to be married to a Godly priest who just happened to be able to hide Joash from Athaliah and just happened to have enough influence to overthrow the usurper and just happened to be able to teach Joash and work to direct his steps in accordance with God’s will.
Mark 3:31-35 -We too can become a member of Christ’s family
-Children of God=obedience. As Jesus obeyed His Father, so must we.
1 Chronicles 2:1-17
1 Chronicles 3:1-24
-Why such careful records?
-Why such attention to the family line?
Genesis 3:15 -Eve
Genesis 12:2-3, 26:3-4 -Abraham
Genesis 49:8-12 -Judah
Isaiah 11:1-10 -Jesse
2 Samuel 7:11-16 -David
Haggai 2:20-23 -Zerubabel
Mathew 1:1-17
-Traces line starting with Abraham
-Aimed primarily at Jews
Luke 3:23-38
-Traces line back to God
-Aimed primarily at Gentiles
Differences in two genealogies
-Several possibilities, probably traces the line through Mary (Luke) and Joseph (Matt.)
3 People from Genealogy
* side note: not all people in Christ’s ancestry were good. Take Manasseh for example: probably the most evil king of Judah, who went so far as to sacrifice his sons to Molech
Rahab:
Joshua 2:1-21, 6:22-25
Hebrews 11:31
-Lineage goes back to Ham, not Shem. Includes a wider part of the world. Perhaps…a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s relationship to the world?
-Saw was justified by right action coupled to faith - proselyte
Ruth:
Ruth 2:11-12
Ruth 4:13-22
-Moabite, a descendant of Lot, not Abraham
-Proselyte to the Hebrews
-Godly actions
Joash:
2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21
-Look at the extreme care God showed to the line of David!
-”Coincidences”
-Joash just happened to have an aunt who just happened to be married to a Godly priest who just happened to be able to hide Joash from Athaliah and just happened to have enough influence to overthrow the usurper and just happened to be able to teach Joash and work to direct his steps in accordance with God’s will.
Mark 3:31-35 -We too can become a member of Christ’s family
-Children of God=obedience. As Jesus obeyed His Father, so must we.
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