“But I wouldn’t know what to say!”
Moses
Moses saw the burning bush and talked to God. God gave him direction. And what did Moses do? He made excuses. But once he obeyed anyway, what happened?
Exodus 3:1-12 The Burning Bush
Exodus 4:10-17 Slow of speech
Paul
We often read the reasoned, sometimes blunt letters of Paul. It appears that perhaps he was not so impressive in person. It seems that he was not a great orator. But did he let that stop him?
II Corinthians 10:9-11 Paul was impressive in person
II Corinthians 11:6 Paul not a trained speaker
“I can’t talk to those people!”
Jonah
Jonah was given a task that he didn’t like. He was ordered to go to Nineveh and teach the people there. He held nothing but hate in his heart for the people of Assyira though, so he tried to avoid his duty.
Jonah 1:1-3 Ordered to Nineveh, flees for Tarshish
Jonah 3:1-6 Nineveh repents
Jonah 4:1-3 Jonah is angry
Peter
Peter was a Jew. And what we see is that he held on to some of that, and tended to avoid gentiles, even after they too began following Christ.
Acts 10:9-29 Peter’s vision of a large sheet and animals
Galatians 2:11-14 Peter rebuked by Paul for avoiding gentile believers
“I can’t do this on my own!”
Barak
Barak didn’t feel like he could win, if he went without Deborah. What we see, however, is that because he didn’t take initiative, that the honor went to someone else, to his shame.
Judges 4:1-10 Barak will only fight if Deborah will go with him
Judges 4:12-22 The Lord gives victory, Jael kills Sisera
Elijah
Elijah felt like he couldn’t continue because he was all alone in his service to God. God showed him that he was never alone: God was with him. And Elijah continued to serve God until the day he was taken.
I Kings 19:1-9 Elijah gives up
I Kings 19:10-18 Elijah is “shown the Lord” and given further instructions
“I can’t forsake the Lord!”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego
Nebuchadnezzar had decided that when the music played, everyone must bow and worship the idol he had created. Yet, three men refused to do so, choosing to follow the Lord instead
Daniel 3:13-18 They refuse to bow, putting trust in the Lord
Daniel 3: 19-27 The Lord protects them
Stephen
Stephen, the Bible says, chose to preach and teach instead of stopping like the Jews wanted him to do. Even though it cost him his life, he preached. His entire attitude was one of refusing to forsake the Lord.
Acts 6:8-15 Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin
Acts 7:51-60 Stephen finishes his sermon and is stoned
Monday, July 28, 2008
Samson - 7/27/08am
Nazarite
We see outlined the basic guidelines for a Nazarite: someone who was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. The vow was taken for a period of time anywhere from 30 days to life.
Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 -Samson is born into the Nazarite vow
Numbers 6:1-8 -Nazarite vow is established
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Christians are sanctified (set apart)
Strength
Samson is known for his strength. In fact, it’s what’s he’s mostly known for, whether in comic books or cartoons. And while it is common knowledge, where he got hi strength, we will look at that aspect in a few minutes.
Judges 14:5-9 -Kills a lion with his bare hands
Judges 16:1-3 -Carries the gates of Gaza to Hebron (40 miles)
Philippians 4:10-13 -I can do all things through God who strengthens
Useful to God
Once again we see one of the way God operates: through men. He can take the things men do, and use them to further His plans.
Judges 14:1-4 -Samson picks out a wife from the Philistines
II Timothy 2:20-21 -Vessels of gold, vessels of wood
Matthew 25:15-30 -Parable of the talents
Accomplished Much with God
We see in the stories that are recorded that Samson accomplished much in his life against the Philistines. Shortly after Samson burns fields full of grain (in retribution for his wife having been given away), the Philistines burn his wife’s father, and Samson kills a number of them for that, the Philistines hunt Samson. The results could only have been accomplished with God’s help
Judges 15:9-20 -Samson kills 1,000 men, God gives him water
Had Evil Companions
Samson was a poor judge of character it seems. He continually picks out people to associate with that do not help him, but rather bring him to harm.
Judges 16:4-22 -Samson and Delilah
I Corinthians 15:33 -Evil companions corrupt good morals
We see also, his strength being in his hair, that he was weakened by its loss. More to the point, the long hair was the sign of a Nazarite. One could not be under the Nazarite vow (if any part of it was broken, the head must be shorn) without hair. By disclosing the information, and thus allowing his head to be shorn, he sacrificed his being set apart for God, and gave it up. He thus chose to separate himself, losing the strength God provided. So it is with us: when we choose to give up our sanctification, we lose the strength that God provides.
Prayed for God’s Will
Samson was used by God to achieve His ends. His final prayer, in the temple to the Philistine god Dagon, was in accordance with what God wanted: disorder and punishment of the Philistines. Think about who would have been there: the leaders and priests, those who followed the false god… In the end, Samson put his trust in the Lord.
Judges 16:23-32 -Samson’s final prayer
Luke 22:42 -”Your will be done”
Did wrong, yet…
We can look at the things Samson did in his life: and we see one error after another. We look through Samson’s actions, and see one sin after another. Yet, then we consider what the New Testament has to say about him, and it seems surprising.
Judges 14:1-2 -Married a Philistine
Judges 16:1 -Harlotry
Judges 16:4 -Delilah
Judges 16:7,11,13 -Lying
Hebrews 11:32-40 -Samson numbered among the heroes of faith
Remember, Samson was a judge for 20 years. We are only given a small number of what were probably many more actions. What we are left with is a consideration of God’s forgiveness, and an understanding that no matter what we may do in sin, we can repent and turn to God.
II Peter 3:9 -The Lord is patient, wanting all to repent
We see outlined the basic guidelines for a Nazarite: someone who was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. The vow was taken for a period of time anywhere from 30 days to life.
Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 -Samson is born into the Nazarite vow
Numbers 6:1-8 -Nazarite vow is established
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Christians are sanctified (set apart)
Strength
Samson is known for his strength. In fact, it’s what’s he’s mostly known for, whether in comic books or cartoons. And while it is common knowledge, where he got hi strength, we will look at that aspect in a few minutes.
Judges 14:5-9 -Kills a lion with his bare hands
Judges 16:1-3 -Carries the gates of Gaza to Hebron (40 miles)
Philippians 4:10-13 -I can do all things through God who strengthens
Useful to God
Once again we see one of the way God operates: through men. He can take the things men do, and use them to further His plans.
Judges 14:1-4 -Samson picks out a wife from the Philistines
II Timothy 2:20-21 -Vessels of gold, vessels of wood
Matthew 25:15-30 -Parable of the talents
Accomplished Much with God
We see in the stories that are recorded that Samson accomplished much in his life against the Philistines. Shortly after Samson burns fields full of grain (in retribution for his wife having been given away), the Philistines burn his wife’s father, and Samson kills a number of them for that, the Philistines hunt Samson. The results could only have been accomplished with God’s help
Judges 15:9-20 -Samson kills 1,000 men, God gives him water
Had Evil Companions
Samson was a poor judge of character it seems. He continually picks out people to associate with that do not help him, but rather bring him to harm.
Judges 16:4-22 -Samson and Delilah
I Corinthians 15:33 -Evil companions corrupt good morals
We see also, his strength being in his hair, that he was weakened by its loss. More to the point, the long hair was the sign of a Nazarite. One could not be under the Nazarite vow (if any part of it was broken, the head must be shorn) without hair. By disclosing the information, and thus allowing his head to be shorn, he sacrificed his being set apart for God, and gave it up. He thus chose to separate himself, losing the strength God provided. So it is with us: when we choose to give up our sanctification, we lose the strength that God provides.
Prayed for God’s Will
Samson was used by God to achieve His ends. His final prayer, in the temple to the Philistine god Dagon, was in accordance with what God wanted: disorder and punishment of the Philistines. Think about who would have been there: the leaders and priests, those who followed the false god… In the end, Samson put his trust in the Lord.
Judges 16:23-32 -Samson’s final prayer
Luke 22:42 -”Your will be done”
Did wrong, yet…
We can look at the things Samson did in his life: and we see one error after another. We look through Samson’s actions, and see one sin after another. Yet, then we consider what the New Testament has to say about him, and it seems surprising.
Judges 14:1-2 -Married a Philistine
Judges 16:1 -Harlotry
Judges 16:4 -Delilah
Judges 16:7,11,13 -Lying
Hebrews 11:32-40 -Samson numbered among the heroes of faith
Remember, Samson was a judge for 20 years. We are only given a small number of what were probably many more actions. What we are left with is a consideration of God’s forgiveness, and an understanding that no matter what we may do in sin, we can repent and turn to God.
II Peter 3:9 -The Lord is patient, wanting all to repent
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Noah - 7/20/08pm
How wicked was the world?
Genesis 6:1-8
Sometimes we look around us and marvel at how wicked the world is. Yet, God has not become so fed up with it that He has destroyed it. Sometimes we think of how every year it gets worse. Imagine, however, how wicked it must have been in that time!
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 -There is nothing new under the sun
Who Saved Noah?
Genesis 6:9-21
We see that God saved Noah. He gave Noah instructions to follow. He gave Noah the opportunity. God saved Noah.
Hebrews 5:7-9 -Jesus: the author of salvation to the obedient
Why was Noah Saved?
Genesis 6:22-7:12
Noah was saved because he was a righteous man who followed God. He obeyed the Lord. He trusted in the Lord, when everyone else probably thought he was crazy. He was willing to be saved, and so God saved him.
II Peter 2:5 -Noah, a preacher of righteousness
The Action that Saved also Condemned
Genesis 7:13-24
The flood, God’s pronouncement on the world, condemned a great many people to death. It was also the same action that saved Noah. It drew a line, dividing those who followed God and those who didn’t. Is this not also how it works in the New Testament? That Christ’s blood divides? That our obedience serves not only in our salvation, but in condemnation of sin?
Hebrews 11:7 -By faith he condemned the world
God cares for His own
Genesis 8:1-14
God cared enough for His few followers that He saved them. Make no mistake. God has the same care and concern for His followers today. And just as He provided for Noah, He’ll provide for us. Maybe not with the wealth and riches that we may want in this life, but in the life to come.
I Peter 5:6-7 -He cares for you
How can we be saved like Noah?
Just as Noah was saved by water, so it is with us today. Just as Noah was saved through believing obedience, so we to must follow the Lord
I Peter 3:20-21 -Baptism, which now saves you
God has Promised
Genesis 9:8-17
God made a promise. He promised that the world would not be destroyed by water again. He did not promise that He would not destroy the earth, but only stated the how. The end will come. Christ will return. Will you be ready on that day?
II Peter 3:3-11 -Destroyed not by water, but by fire
Genesis 6:1-8
Sometimes we look around us and marvel at how wicked the world is. Yet, God has not become so fed up with it that He has destroyed it. Sometimes we think of how every year it gets worse. Imagine, however, how wicked it must have been in that time!
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 -There is nothing new under the sun
Who Saved Noah?
Genesis 6:9-21
We see that God saved Noah. He gave Noah instructions to follow. He gave Noah the opportunity. God saved Noah.
Hebrews 5:7-9 -Jesus: the author of salvation to the obedient
Why was Noah Saved?
Genesis 6:22-7:12
Noah was saved because he was a righteous man who followed God. He obeyed the Lord. He trusted in the Lord, when everyone else probably thought he was crazy. He was willing to be saved, and so God saved him.
II Peter 2:5 -Noah, a preacher of righteousness
The Action that Saved also Condemned
Genesis 7:13-24
The flood, God’s pronouncement on the world, condemned a great many people to death. It was also the same action that saved Noah. It drew a line, dividing those who followed God and those who didn’t. Is this not also how it works in the New Testament? That Christ’s blood divides? That our obedience serves not only in our salvation, but in condemnation of sin?
Hebrews 11:7 -By faith he condemned the world
God cares for His own
Genesis 8:1-14
God cared enough for His few followers that He saved them. Make no mistake. God has the same care and concern for His followers today. And just as He provided for Noah, He’ll provide for us. Maybe not with the wealth and riches that we may want in this life, but in the life to come.
I Peter 5:6-7 -He cares for you
How can we be saved like Noah?
Just as Noah was saved by water, so it is with us today. Just as Noah was saved through believing obedience, so we to must follow the Lord
I Peter 3:20-21 -Baptism, which now saves you
God has Promised
Genesis 9:8-17
God made a promise. He promised that the world would not be destroyed by water again. He did not promise that He would not destroy the earth, but only stated the how. The end will come. Christ will return. Will you be ready on that day?
II Peter 3:3-11 -Destroyed not by water, but by fire
Baptism - 7/20/08am
Hebrews 6:1-2 -Baptism is an elementary principle
While we must move on beyond elementary principles, it is good to occasionally remind ourselves of them, so that we can more easily recall the details so that we may better teach others. Baptism, being a point that is hotly contested in the world, is worthy of examination.
What is baptism?
What is baptism? It’s a word that is misunderstood by many. It is the transliterated Greek word baptizo. It means “to immerse” or “to dip.” It can also mean “to wash” based on it’s primary meaning: people would wash things by putting them in water.
Acts 8:38-39 -Down into the water
Matthew 3:16 -Came up out of the water
Mark 14:20 -“Dips” - embaptomeno (same root word)
It is to fulfill all righteousness
The Bible teaches us that baptism is necessary for righteousness’ sake. Christ was baptized for that very reason. Christ set us an example, so that we might understand the importance of it.
Matthew 3:15 -Christ baptized to fulfill all righteousness
I Peter 2:21 -Follow in Christ’s example
It grants forgiveness of sins
One of the primary purposes of baptism is so that a person might be forgiven of sins. Some people teach that baptism is for other purposes. Let us examine what the scriptures teach!
Acts 2:38 -Baptized for the forgiveness of sins
Matthew 26:28 -Christ’s blood is shed for the forgiveness of sins
Acts 10:43 -Belief is for the forgiveness of sins
Acts 22:16 -Washing away your sins
It is a commandment
It is something that is ordered. If we want to follow Christ, we must be obedient to His will and follow His commandments. Anything else, and we will be lacking.
Acts 22:16 -Not only washes away sins, but DO THIS
Acts 10:47-48 -Peter ordered the first gentile believers to be baptized
II John 6 -Love is walking in His commandments
I Corinthians 16:22 -Anyone who does not love the Lord…
It is a burial
While the burial concept also implies immersion, there is another point being made here. It is in baptism that we put away our old self: our selfish lusts and sins, and rise anew as a Christian. It is tied to the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord.
Romans 6:1-7 -Buried/united in His death, united in His resurrection
Colossians 2:12 -Having been buried with Him in baptism
It is necessary to put on Christ
We all want to put on Christ, yes? We all want Christ to live in us? Then we must be baptized.
Galatians 3:26-27 -Those who were baptized have put on Christ
Galatians 2:20 -Crucified with Christ, now Christ lives in me
It is how to be added to the church
If we want to be added to the Lord’s church, we must be baptized. The Lord’s body is made up of those who are saved: those who are baptized. You may attend a worship service with other people, but if you are not baptized, you are not a part of His church.
Acts 2:41 -Those being baptized were added by the Lord
Acts 2:47 -Those being saved were added by the Lord
It is necessary for salvation
Just as we saw that it washes away sins, adds you to the church, and fulfills all righteousness, the Bible plainly states that it is necessary for salvation.
Mark 16:16 -He that believes and is baptized will be saved
I Peter 3:21 -It now saves you
While we must move on beyond elementary principles, it is good to occasionally remind ourselves of them, so that we can more easily recall the details so that we may better teach others. Baptism, being a point that is hotly contested in the world, is worthy of examination.
What is baptism?
What is baptism? It’s a word that is misunderstood by many. It is the transliterated Greek word baptizo. It means “to immerse” or “to dip.” It can also mean “to wash” based on it’s primary meaning: people would wash things by putting them in water.
Acts 8:38-39 -Down into the water
Matthew 3:16 -Came up out of the water
Mark 14:20 -“Dips” - embaptomeno (same root word)
It is to fulfill all righteousness
The Bible teaches us that baptism is necessary for righteousness’ sake. Christ was baptized for that very reason. Christ set us an example, so that we might understand the importance of it.
Matthew 3:15 -Christ baptized to fulfill all righteousness
I Peter 2:21 -Follow in Christ’s example
It grants forgiveness of sins
One of the primary purposes of baptism is so that a person might be forgiven of sins. Some people teach that baptism is for other purposes. Let us examine what the scriptures teach!
Acts 2:38 -Baptized for the forgiveness of sins
Matthew 26:28 -Christ’s blood is shed for the forgiveness of sins
Acts 10:43 -Belief is for the forgiveness of sins
Acts 22:16 -Washing away your sins
It is a commandment
It is something that is ordered. If we want to follow Christ, we must be obedient to His will and follow His commandments. Anything else, and we will be lacking.
Acts 22:16 -Not only washes away sins, but DO THIS
Acts 10:47-48 -Peter ordered the first gentile believers to be baptized
II John 6 -Love is walking in His commandments
I Corinthians 16:22 -Anyone who does not love the Lord…
It is a burial
While the burial concept also implies immersion, there is another point being made here. It is in baptism that we put away our old self: our selfish lusts and sins, and rise anew as a Christian. It is tied to the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord.
Romans 6:1-7 -Buried/united in His death, united in His resurrection
Colossians 2:12 -Having been buried with Him in baptism
It is necessary to put on Christ
We all want to put on Christ, yes? We all want Christ to live in us? Then we must be baptized.
Galatians 3:26-27 -Those who were baptized have put on Christ
Galatians 2:20 -Crucified with Christ, now Christ lives in me
It is how to be added to the church
If we want to be added to the Lord’s church, we must be baptized. The Lord’s body is made up of those who are saved: those who are baptized. You may attend a worship service with other people, but if you are not baptized, you are not a part of His church.
Acts 2:41 -Those being baptized were added by the Lord
Acts 2:47 -Those being saved were added by the Lord
It is necessary for salvation
Just as we saw that it washes away sins, adds you to the church, and fulfills all righteousness, the Bible plainly states that it is necessary for salvation.
Mark 16:16 -He that believes and is baptized will be saved
I Peter 3:21 -It now saves you
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Having a Good Name - 7/13/08pm
Judges 6:25-32 -Gideon becomes known as Jerubbaal (“let Baal contend”)
Having a good name, a good reputation, is a great thing. And it is something we should strive for. As Gideon became known for his fight against the false god Baal, so we should all be known for our Christian conviction.
III John 12 -Demetrius has a good reputation in the church
Christians are to have a good reputation
As Christians, we should strive to have a good reputation. We should strive to have a good name among the church and among the people in the world.
Proverbs 22:1 -A good name is better
1 Timothy 3:7 -Elder must have good reputation
1 Timothy 4:12 -Timothy to have good reputation as a young man
How do we gain a good reputation?
By doing good works.
I Peter 2:12 -Behave properly so that even if they slander, they see your good works
Galatians 6:10 -Let us do good to all men
Christian reputations reflect on the church
As representatives of Christ to the world, our reputation reflects on Him and His body.
Titus 2:5 -That the word of God be not blasphemed
Romans 2:21-24 -Because of you, God’s name is blasphemed”
Galatians 2:20 -Christ lives in me
I Timothy 5:14 -Give no opportunity for slander
If our reputation is negative, that is how people will see the church. And if that is how people see the church, what are the chances of them converting?
Examples
1 Kings 21:25-26 -Ahab and Jezebel
Would you name your child Ahab or Jezebel? These two individuals ruined these names forever through their actions.
Matthew 26:14-16 -Judas Iscariot
Luke 6:12-16 -Both apostles named Judas
Catholic Church makes Judas the patron saint of lost causes because the two were constantly confused.
We must not slander the reputation of others
Just as our own good name is important, it is important to not damage the good names of others.
I Peter 2:1 -Put away slander
James 4:11-12 -Do not slander one another
Titus 3:1-2 -Do the things opposite of slander
We must make sure our good reputation is accurate
Just because we are known for having a good name, doesn’t mean that we have earned it. We must strive to ensure not only that we have a good reputation, but that it actually fits us.
Revelation 3:1-3 -Church in Sardis has a good, yet inaccurate reputation
…that our good name can be in the place we want it most:
Hebrews 11:39-40 -These obtained a good report through faith
Revelation 20:11-15 -Book of Life
Having a good name, a good reputation, is a great thing. And it is something we should strive for. As Gideon became known for his fight against the false god Baal, so we should all be known for our Christian conviction.
III John 12 -Demetrius has a good reputation in the church
Christians are to have a good reputation
As Christians, we should strive to have a good reputation. We should strive to have a good name among the church and among the people in the world.
Proverbs 22:1 -A good name is better
1 Timothy 3:7 -Elder must have good reputation
1 Timothy 4:12 -Timothy to have good reputation as a young man
How do we gain a good reputation?
By doing good works.
I Peter 2:12 -Behave properly so that even if they slander, they see your good works
Galatians 6:10 -Let us do good to all men
Christian reputations reflect on the church
As representatives of Christ to the world, our reputation reflects on Him and His body.
Titus 2:5 -That the word of God be not blasphemed
Romans 2:21-24 -Because of you, God’s name is blasphemed”
Galatians 2:20 -Christ lives in me
I Timothy 5:14 -Give no opportunity for slander
If our reputation is negative, that is how people will see the church. And if that is how people see the church, what are the chances of them converting?
Examples
1 Kings 21:25-26 -Ahab and Jezebel
Would you name your child Ahab or Jezebel? These two individuals ruined these names forever through their actions.
Matthew 26:14-16 -Judas Iscariot
Luke 6:12-16 -Both apostles named Judas
Catholic Church makes Judas the patron saint of lost causes because the two were constantly confused.
We must not slander the reputation of others
Just as our own good name is important, it is important to not damage the good names of others.
I Peter 2:1 -Put away slander
James 4:11-12 -Do not slander one another
Titus 3:1-2 -Do the things opposite of slander
We must make sure our good reputation is accurate
Just because we are known for having a good name, doesn’t mean that we have earned it. We must strive to ensure not only that we have a good reputation, but that it actually fits us.
Revelation 3:1-3 -Church in Sardis has a good, yet inaccurate reputation
…that our good name can be in the place we want it most:
Hebrews 11:39-40 -These obtained a good report through faith
Revelation 20:11-15 -Book of Life
The Lion's Den - 7/13/08am
Daniel 6
Above reproach (vv 1-5)
We see that Daniel was above reproach. Even though other men wanted to accuse him of something, there was nothing to accuse him of.
I Peter 3:13-16 -The slanderer may be put to shame
I Timothy 3: 1-9 -Elders must be above reproach
Acting before thinking (vv 6-9)
The king acted quickly, without thinking things all the way through. While on the surface it seemed like a good idea (it appealed to his pride), it was not what he would have done had he considered every angle.
Joshua 9:3-15 -Joshua and the Gibeonites
Joshua 9:22-25 -Deceived Israel, who was to destroy them
Following God, not men (vv 10-13)
Daniel chooses to follow after God, not men. Notice that he could have tried to hide his praying, or prayed less, or any other number of things. But he didn’t.
Matthew 4:18-22 -Follow Me
Acts 5:29 -Obey God rather than men
Promises and oaths (vv 14-16)
Ever make a promise that you regretted later? We must be careful of what we promise and say.
Matthew 23:16-22 -What do the Pharisees swear by?
James 5:12 -Let your yes be yes and your no be no
God’s power to save (vv 17-23)
Who saved Daniel? Only God has the power to save so completely. And just as God saved Daniel physically, we can save us spiritually and eternally.
Romans 1:16 -Gospel is the power of God unto salvation
Hebrews 7:23-25 -Jesus can save completely
Punishment of the wicked (v 24)
Just as Daniel was saved by God, those who had done evil were punished. Just as life was granted to the righteous, death was granted to the wicked.
Luke 16:19-31 -The rich man and Lazarus
Mark 9:44-48 -Where the worm does not die…
Revelation 20:12-15 -The lake of fire, the second death
Praise for God (vv 25-28)
Even those outside of God’s people saw the glory and power of God, and praised Him for it. It is possible to show others the power of God, that they might praise, and follow, Him.
Joshua 2:8-13 -Rahab recognizes the Lord’s power
Matthew 27:50-56 -Centurion recognizes the Son of God
Romans 14:9-12 -All will confess and kneel at judgment
The Devouring Lion
Another parallel we may wish to make is this: who did the lion devour? Those committed to God, who could not be swayed? Or those opposed to God? So it is with us.
I Peter 5:7-9 -The devil walks as a roaring lion
Satan devours those who do not remain firm. Will we remain firm as Daniel did, or will we be devoured like his accusers?
Above reproach (vv 1-5)
We see that Daniel was above reproach. Even though other men wanted to accuse him of something, there was nothing to accuse him of.
I Peter 3:13-16 -The slanderer may be put to shame
I Timothy 3: 1-9 -Elders must be above reproach
Acting before thinking (vv 6-9)
The king acted quickly, without thinking things all the way through. While on the surface it seemed like a good idea (it appealed to his pride), it was not what he would have done had he considered every angle.
Joshua 9:3-15 -Joshua and the Gibeonites
Joshua 9:22-25 -Deceived Israel, who was to destroy them
Following God, not men (vv 10-13)
Daniel chooses to follow after God, not men. Notice that he could have tried to hide his praying, or prayed less, or any other number of things. But he didn’t.
Matthew 4:18-22 -Follow Me
Acts 5:29 -Obey God rather than men
Promises and oaths (vv 14-16)
Ever make a promise that you regretted later? We must be careful of what we promise and say.
Matthew 23:16-22 -What do the Pharisees swear by?
James 5:12 -Let your yes be yes and your no be no
God’s power to save (vv 17-23)
Who saved Daniel? Only God has the power to save so completely. And just as God saved Daniel physically, we can save us spiritually and eternally.
Romans 1:16 -Gospel is the power of God unto salvation
Hebrews 7:23-25 -Jesus can save completely
Punishment of the wicked (v 24)
Just as Daniel was saved by God, those who had done evil were punished. Just as life was granted to the righteous, death was granted to the wicked.
Luke 16:19-31 -The rich man and Lazarus
Mark 9:44-48 -Where the worm does not die…
Revelation 20:12-15 -The lake of fire, the second death
Praise for God (vv 25-28)
Even those outside of God’s people saw the glory and power of God, and praised Him for it. It is possible to show others the power of God, that they might praise, and follow, Him.
Joshua 2:8-13 -Rahab recognizes the Lord’s power
Matthew 27:50-56 -Centurion recognizes the Son of God
Romans 14:9-12 -All will confess and kneel at judgment
The Devouring Lion
Another parallel we may wish to make is this: who did the lion devour? Those committed to God, who could not be swayed? Or those opposed to God? So it is with us.
I Peter 5:7-9 -The devil walks as a roaring lion
Satan devours those who do not remain firm. Will we remain firm as Daniel did, or will we be devoured like his accusers?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Who Must I Submit to? -7/6/08pm
I am a slave. So are you. Every person currently living on this planet, every person who has ever lived on this planet, and every person that will live on this planet is, was, or will be a slave. You will never not be a slave. You cannot avoid slavery. However, we do have a choice in who we have as a master. Who will we be a slave for?
Romans 6:12-23 Slave to sin or righteousness
Vs 12-14 Do not let sin be your ruler
Vs 15-18 2 Choices only
Vs 19-20 We can only serve one of the 2 choices
Vs 21-23 There are consequences of whom we choose
Matthew 6:19-24 Serve God or wealth
Joshua 24:14-15 Choose who you will follow
Revelation 21:1-8 God on throne in Heaven
If we are not His servants on earth, how can we expect to be for eternity?
Matthew 11:28-39 Yoke is easy, burden is light
It should be an easy choice of who to serve. So now, of course, the question is, how do we serve? Through service and submission to others:
Submission…
…in the Family:
Colossians 3:18-21
Ephesians 5:22-6:4
1 Peter 3:1-7
Luke 2:51
…at Work:
1 Peter 2:18-22,
Colossians 3:22-25
Ephesians 6:5-9
Philemon 8-16
…to Rulers:
1 Peter 2:13-17
Romans 13:1-7
Matthew 22:15-22
…to Others:
1 Corinthians 14:33-35
1 Peter 5:5-7
1 Corinthians 16:15-16
Ephesians 5:21
1 Timothy 2:11-12
…to Elders:
Hebrews 13:17
1 Peter 5:1-3
…to the Word:
Romans 8:5-8
John 14:23
Matthew 28:18-28
James 1:22,
Hebrews 2:5-8
…to God:
James 4:4-10
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Hebrews 12:9
1 John 5:3,
Romans 6:16-18
Hebrews 11
All examples of those were accounted faithful and righteous through submission and service
Vs 17-19 Isaac’s submission
John 13:1-17 Jesus washes he disciples’ feet
Philippians 2:5-11 Jesus is our example to follow
All will bend knee. You WILL submit to Him. Will it be too late to serve Him, for us? Or will we be ready?
God's Full Plan of Salvation -7/6/08am
We are often faced with the plan of salvation. We attempt to teach it to those in the world, we teach it to each other, and it is brought up at least once each service. Many denominations have an abbreviated view of salvation. Most say that one simply needs to believe. Some say that all is necessary is a sprinkling of water. I have talked to some who say that if you believe you will go somewhere when you die, then you will go there – in other words, that you create your own heaven (I guess that means that if your heaven is Toledo, Ohio, then you go to Toledo when you die). Here are the “5 steps of salvation,” as they are often called.
1. Hear
Romans 10:14-17
Proverbs 28:9
Isaiah 55:3
Acts 11:14
2. Believe
Romans 5:1
Hebrews 11:6
John 3:16; 8:24
Acts 16:31
3. Repent
Luke 13:3
2 Corinthians 7:10
Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30
4. Confess
Mt 10:32-33
Luke 9:26
Rom 10:9-10
Acts 8:36-37
5. Baptism
1 Peter 3:21
Mk 16:16
Acts 2:38
Sometimes an adventurous person will throw in a sixth step – “continued obedience” or “remain faithful.”
Remain Faithful
Matthew 10:22
Revelation 14:12
A while back, my dad taught a class on salvation and condemnation. He was given some material to use in teaching, and he discovered an interesting thing. Nowhere in the material was the word “grace” to be found!
While I understand that this serves for initial conversion, I think that we are leaving a few things out. Perhaps we often forget that our life as a Christian is not a checklist. Here’s a list I’ve compiled of things that the Bible says are for salvation. This is by no means complete. I’m sure I missed things in my search.
God Has Provided
Father Isa 12:2; Tit 3:4-5; Rom 6:23; 8:33; 1 Ti 4:10; Eph 3:8-11
Son Mt 1:21; 1 Ti 1:15; Heb 5:8-9; Lk 19:10
Holy Spirit 1 Cor 6:11; Jn 14:26; 16:7-13; Eph 6:17
Grace Acts 15:11; Rom 3:24; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 2:11-12
Love Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 4:7
Mercy Tit 3:5
Hope Rom 8:24; Tit 1:2
Life of Christ Rom 5:10
Cross 1 Cor 1:18; Gal 6:14
Blood 1 Jn 1:7; Rom 5:8-9; Eph 1:7,13-14; Heb 9:22; 1 Pe 1:18-19; Mt 26:28
Name of Christ Jn 20:30-31; Acts 4:10-12; 10:43
Bible (Gospel) Rom 1:16-17; Jas 1:21; 1 Cor 15:1-4; 1 Pe 1:23
Preachers/Messengers 1 Cor 1:21; Mk 16:15; 2 Th 2:14
Truth John 8:32; 2 Thess 2:10
Man Must Respond
Hear (Words) Rom 10:14-17; Prov 28:9; Isa 55:3; Acts 11:14
Faith (Believe) Rom 5:1; Heb 11:6; Jn 3:16; 8:24; Acts 16:31
Repent Lk 13:3; 2 Cor 7:10; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30
Confess Mt 10:32-33; Lk 9:26; Rom 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-37
Baptism 1 Pe 3:21; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38
Works Jas 2:24; 1 Jn 3:24; Jn 6:28-29
Obedience Heb 5:8-9
Endurance Mt 10:22; Rev 2:10
Ourselves Acts 2:40
Implied
Fear Ps 111:10; Prov 1:7; Prov 9:10
Eagerness/Diligence 2 Ti 2:15; 2 Pet. 1:10
Study Ezra 7:10; Jn 5:36-39
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