Prophecies of:
Isiah 40:3-5 - A voice in the wildnerness
Malachi 3:1 - The messenger to be sent before the Messenger
Malachi 4:5-6 - Elijah the prophet
Life of:
Luke 1:5-25 - John's father is told that he will be born
Luke 1:57-66 - John is born
Luke 3:1-22 - John teaches and baptizes
Matthew 14:1-12 - John is executed
Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Run Away! - 11/15/09pm
I Timothy 6:6-11 -Flee these things
II Timothy 2:22 -Flee youthful lusts
I Corinthians 6:18-20 -Flee sexual immorality
Sometimes Christians do not flee sin. Perhaps it is because they assume that this is strictly something to be done mentally (which is sometimes the case). But it is also something that must be done physically. When you find yourself in a situation or around people that brings temptation, run away! Literally! Even better, think ahead and as much as possible do not allow yourself to be placed in that situation or around those people.
If you find yourself tempted by people to speak foul language, gossip, or tell obscene jokes, get away from them! If you find yourself tempted by the people you around to drink, get away from them! Or, as in the example that we are about to look at, if you are tempted towards fornication, run away! Remove yourself far from the temptation.
Genesis 39:1-23 -Joseph and Potipher’s wife
Genesis 41:1-57 -Joseph released and promoted
Genesis 42:1-7 -Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for food
Genesis 46:1-7 -Israel moves to Egypt
It’s worth noting that because Joseph chose to flee from sin, salvation was obtained. In this case, literal salvation for his family. When we choose to flee from sin, salvation is there.
But when you flee, where do you go?
Hebrews 6:17-20 -Flee to God for refuge
II Timothy 2:22 -Flee youthful lusts
I Corinthians 6:18-20 -Flee sexual immorality
Sometimes Christians do not flee sin. Perhaps it is because they assume that this is strictly something to be done mentally (which is sometimes the case). But it is also something that must be done physically. When you find yourself in a situation or around people that brings temptation, run away! Literally! Even better, think ahead and as much as possible do not allow yourself to be placed in that situation or around those people.
If you find yourself tempted by people to speak foul language, gossip, or tell obscene jokes, get away from them! If you find yourself tempted by the people you around to drink, get away from them! Or, as in the example that we are about to look at, if you are tempted towards fornication, run away! Remove yourself far from the temptation.
Genesis 39:1-23 -Joseph and Potipher’s wife
Genesis 41:1-57 -Joseph released and promoted
Genesis 42:1-7 -Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for food
Genesis 46:1-7 -Israel moves to Egypt
It’s worth noting that because Joseph chose to flee from sin, salvation was obtained. In this case, literal salvation for his family. When we choose to flee from sin, salvation is there.
But when you flee, where do you go?
Hebrews 6:17-20 -Flee to God for refuge
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gideon: Let Baal Contend - 10/18/09pm
Hebrews 11:32-34 -Heroes of faith, including Gideon
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon was among the least of Israel
Social standing is not a barrier to serving God: everyone can.
Judges 6:17-21 -Gideon asks for a sign as proof
Judges 6:22-27 -Gideon accepts the sign and obeys the Lord
God provides proof and evidence for many things. When we see it, we should accept it and follow it.
Judges 6:28-30 -The men seek to kill Gideon
Judges 6:31-32 -Gideon’s father speaks, and Gideon is given the name Jerubbaal
The importance of a good name/reputation: we should be known for standing for truth and contending against sin.
Judges 6:33-35 -Gideon gathers Israel to oppose the Midianites
Judges 6:36-40 -Gideon asks for, and receives, two more signs
Judges 7:1-3 -God tells Gideon he has too many men, and that the glory should obviously be the Lords. 22,000 men leave, 10,000 remain
Judges 7:4-8 -The Lord narrows down to 300 men
The glory always should go to God. God’s will will be done, even if it seems impossible.
Judges 7:9-14 -Gideon, afraid to go into the Midianite camp, hears a man telling of a dream and finds courage
Sometimes we are afraid to do as the Lord would want. We must have courage and confidence in God.
Judges 7:15-18 -The plan
Judges 7:19-22 -The Midianite are routed
Judges 7:23-25 -The Israelites pursue the Midianites and capture two princes
Consider what the Lord did for Israel! The Lord is not limited: we can have confidence that He will overcome and the He will help when we pray for it.
Judges 8:1-3 -The men of Ephraim are upset they weren’t “invited along”
Judges 8:4-9 -Gideon asks for supplies for his men, and it is not provided
Judges 8:10-17 -Gideon captures the kings of Midian and punishes those that refused to aid the Israel army
When our assistance is needed, how do we respond? Do we want to help? Do we seek excuse not to help?
Judges 8:18-21 -Zebah and Zalmunna are executed
Judges 8:22-23 -Gideon refuses to be made king
Gideon here shows proper understanding: God rules in the kingdoms of men. When Israel eventually was given the king they asked for, think of how well that went.
Judges 8:24-27 -Gideon makes a golden ephod, which serves as an idol and becomes a snare to Gideon and his house
And yet we see that Gideon takes action which results in idolatry, although not to the Baals. We must be careful not to cause others, or ourselves, to sin.
Judges 8:28-35 -Gideon dies, and Israel turns back to the Baals
And after all of Gideon’s work, people still turned back. We cannot force others to choose to follow the Lord. But like Gideon, we must work diligently.
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon was among the least of Israel
Social standing is not a barrier to serving God: everyone can.
Judges 6:17-21 -Gideon asks for a sign as proof
Judges 6:22-27 -Gideon accepts the sign and obeys the Lord
God provides proof and evidence for many things. When we see it, we should accept it and follow it.
Judges 6:28-30 -The men seek to kill Gideon
Judges 6:31-32 -Gideon’s father speaks, and Gideon is given the name Jerubbaal
The importance of a good name/reputation: we should be known for standing for truth and contending against sin.
Judges 6:33-35 -Gideon gathers Israel to oppose the Midianites
Judges 6:36-40 -Gideon asks for, and receives, two more signs
Judges 7:1-3 -God tells Gideon he has too many men, and that the glory should obviously be the Lords. 22,000 men leave, 10,000 remain
Judges 7:4-8 -The Lord narrows down to 300 men
The glory always should go to God. God’s will will be done, even if it seems impossible.
Judges 7:9-14 -Gideon, afraid to go into the Midianite camp, hears a man telling of a dream and finds courage
Sometimes we are afraid to do as the Lord would want. We must have courage and confidence in God.
Judges 7:15-18 -The plan
Judges 7:19-22 -The Midianite are routed
Judges 7:23-25 -The Israelites pursue the Midianites and capture two princes
Consider what the Lord did for Israel! The Lord is not limited: we can have confidence that He will overcome and the He will help when we pray for it.
Judges 8:1-3 -The men of Ephraim are upset they weren’t “invited along”
Judges 8:4-9 -Gideon asks for supplies for his men, and it is not provided
Judges 8:10-17 -Gideon captures the kings of Midian and punishes those that refused to aid the Israel army
When our assistance is needed, how do we respond? Do we want to help? Do we seek excuse not to help?
Judges 8:18-21 -Zebah and Zalmunna are executed
Judges 8:22-23 -Gideon refuses to be made king
Gideon here shows proper understanding: God rules in the kingdoms of men. When Israel eventually was given the king they asked for, think of how well that went.
Judges 8:24-27 -Gideon makes a golden ephod, which serves as an idol and becomes a snare to Gideon and his house
And yet we see that Gideon takes action which results in idolatry, although not to the Baals. We must be careful not to cause others, or ourselves, to sin.
Judges 8:28-35 -Gideon dies, and Israel turns back to the Baals
And after all of Gideon’s work, people still turned back. We cannot force others to choose to follow the Lord. But like Gideon, we must work diligently.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Misled Monarch - 9/14/08pm
Genesis 12:10-20
What can we learn from Pharaoh?
He was deceived by lies (vv 11-15)
Much as Pharaoh was deceived, so we can be to. And being deceived can lead us into as much, and more, trouble as he received.
II Thessalonians 2:8-12 -Being deceived can result in eternal condemnation
II Timothy 4:3-4 -People will want their ears tickled and turn aside to deceptions
Colossians 3:5-11 -Do not lie to one another
He treated others well (v 16)
Pharaoh extended hospitality and saw to it that he treated others well. Even at the end, when he had justification for punishing Abram, he did not, but simply sent them on their way.
Matthew 22:34-40 -Love your neighbor
Matthew 7:12 -Do unto others…
Galatians 6:10 -Do good to all men, especially the household of faith
He had to deal with the consequences of another’s sin (vv 17-18)
Pharaoh had to deal with the consequences of another man’s sin. He was not the one who had lied, yet he had to deal with what came of it.
Genesis 3:14-19 -We have the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin
Genesis 39:6-20 -Joseph suffers from the sin of Potiphar’s wife
He took steps to correct the problem when he discovered it (vv 18-20)
When the problem became apparent, Pharaoh did not ignore it. He did what was necessary to solve it. We need to be sure to take the same approach: when it is our error, we much fix it, and when it is another’s, we work in love to help them correct it.
I Corinthians 5:1-5 -Paul took steps, the Corinthians were to take steps, the individuals involved should have taken steps
Galatians 6:1 -Restore the sinner GENTLY, watching yourself
He did not remain close to the sin, but put it away from himself (vv 18-20)
Sometimes we are tempted to remain close to what tempts us. Pharaoh did not! He put away and had no more to do with it. We should follow his example in this.
II Timothy 2:22 -FLEE youthful lusts, pursue righteousness
I Peter 4:2-4 -USED to do these things, but they no longer run with
those people
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Such WERE some of you
I Corinthians 10:14 -FLEE idolatry
There are other lessons to be learned from the account as well.
Physical vs. spiritual thinking (vv 10-13)
Abram was thinking more about his physical condition and well being than about what was spiritually right. It is something that is easy to do, and as we can see, even this great man of God fell into this trap. We must be certain to first put our thoughts and focus on all things spiritual!
Philippians 3:18-19 -If your focus is the physical, you are an enemy of Christ
Hebrews 11:13-16 -The great people here looked to the spiritual, so
should we
Abram faced consequences for his sin (v 20)
Abram was sent away from Egypt, where he had sought relief from the famine, because of what he had caused. As he was sent away, so we will be sent from the presence of God for our sin.
Ezekiel 44:10-14 -The Levites who turned away were kept from the holy
things
Matthew 25:31-46 -The sheep and the goats
God is displeased with sin (v 17)
God does not like sin. He hates it. And, in serving Him, we are to hate it as well. We should strive to put away that which is evil, and strive to follow after what is good.
Isaiah 59:1-2 -Sin is repugnant to God, and you are separated from
Him by it
Romans 12:9 -Hate what is evil
What can we learn from Pharaoh?
He was deceived by lies (vv 11-15)
Much as Pharaoh was deceived, so we can be to. And being deceived can lead us into as much, and more, trouble as he received.
II Thessalonians 2:8-12 -Being deceived can result in eternal condemnation
II Timothy 4:3-4 -People will want their ears tickled and turn aside to deceptions
Colossians 3:5-11 -Do not lie to one another
He treated others well (v 16)
Pharaoh extended hospitality and saw to it that he treated others well. Even at the end, when he had justification for punishing Abram, he did not, but simply sent them on their way.
Matthew 22:34-40 -Love your neighbor
Matthew 7:12 -Do unto others…
Galatians 6:10 -Do good to all men, especially the household of faith
He had to deal with the consequences of another’s sin (vv 17-18)
Pharaoh had to deal with the consequences of another man’s sin. He was not the one who had lied, yet he had to deal with what came of it.
Genesis 3:14-19 -We have the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin
Genesis 39:6-20 -Joseph suffers from the sin of Potiphar’s wife
He took steps to correct the problem when he discovered it (vv 18-20)
When the problem became apparent, Pharaoh did not ignore it. He did what was necessary to solve it. We need to be sure to take the same approach: when it is our error, we much fix it, and when it is another’s, we work in love to help them correct it.
I Corinthians 5:1-5 -Paul took steps, the Corinthians were to take steps, the individuals involved should have taken steps
Galatians 6:1 -Restore the sinner GENTLY, watching yourself
He did not remain close to the sin, but put it away from himself (vv 18-20)
Sometimes we are tempted to remain close to what tempts us. Pharaoh did not! He put away and had no more to do with it. We should follow his example in this.
II Timothy 2:22 -FLEE youthful lusts, pursue righteousness
I Peter 4:2-4 -USED to do these things, but they no longer run with
those people
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Such WERE some of you
I Corinthians 10:14 -FLEE idolatry
There are other lessons to be learned from the account as well.
Physical vs. spiritual thinking (vv 10-13)
Abram was thinking more about his physical condition and well being than about what was spiritually right. It is something that is easy to do, and as we can see, even this great man of God fell into this trap. We must be certain to first put our thoughts and focus on all things spiritual!
Philippians 3:18-19 -If your focus is the physical, you are an enemy of Christ
Hebrews 11:13-16 -The great people here looked to the spiritual, so
should we
Abram faced consequences for his sin (v 20)
Abram was sent away from Egypt, where he had sought relief from the famine, because of what he had caused. As he was sent away, so we will be sent from the presence of God for our sin.
Ezekiel 44:10-14 -The Levites who turned away were kept from the holy
things
Matthew 25:31-46 -The sheep and the goats
God is displeased with sin (v 17)
God does not like sin. He hates it. And, in serving Him, we are to hate it as well. We should strive to put away that which is evil, and strive to follow after what is good.
Isaiah 59:1-2 -Sin is repugnant to God, and you are separated from
Him by it
Romans 12:9 -Hate what is evil
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
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Judas Iscariot - 5/25/08pm
His Background
Some of the apostles are well described in the scriptures. Judas is not. Very little is known of Judas before he began following Christ.
His surname, Iscariot, seems to indicate he was not from Galilee, but was of the tribe of Judah (as was Jesus)
It is often thought that he was first a disciple of John the baptist. Other people conjecture that he met Jesus while he went through Judea, as in John 3:22.
It is worth noting that great care is taken in the Bible to differentiate him from the other Judases and Judes. Even then, people didn’t want to be mistaken for him. Surely no one today would name their son Judas!
He was one of Christ’s first disciples
Mark 3:13-19 -The 12 apostles
Luke 9:1-6 -Mission of the 12, which Judas did
Notice: As far as the scriptures show, Judas fulfilled his mission with the other 11 apostles. Also notice that he was not given opportunity to steal and such. He was not, in the beginning, following Christ for gain, but for some other purpose.
If even Judas was one of Christ’s disciples, shouldn’t we be his disciples?
I Peter 2:21 -Follow Christ
A disciple is a follower and learner. It is not someone who simply claims to follow someone, but who dedicates himself to learning and following the instructions of a teacher.
He remained with Christ for years
We know that Judas followed Christ for about 3 years. He didn’t begin following Christ and then immediately betray him.
John 13:21-27a -Judas was apparently located close to Christ
John 18:2 -Had often been with Christ and the disciples
Matthew 19:27-30 -Judas included: apparently he was faithful at this time
Luke 18:31-34 -Disciples (incl. Judas) don’t understand what Christ is saying about His death
Are we willing to follow Christ for years?
Matthew 10:22 -Stand firm to the end
Romans 15:23 -Paul’s plans and wants in Christ’s service covered years between when he wanted to do something and when it was accomplished
Judas slowly gave in to sin, a little at a time
In Luke 9, which we mentioned earlier, there was not much opportunity for Judas to steal, but once he had opportunity, he sinned.
John 12:4-6 -Judas stealing from Christ and the apostles
Matthew 26:14-16 -Judas sought opportunity to sin
Luke 22:1-6 -Agrees to betray Christ for 30 pieces of silver
Judas went from not sinning to sinning “a little,” to sinning “a lot.”
How often do we do the same thing?
I Corinthians 5:6 -A little leaven…
Also, was Judas tempted past what he could handle? Did Jesus give him the treasury (John 13:27b-30) so that he would be unable to resist sin? Of course not!
I Corinthians 10:13 -Not be tempted beyond what we are able
Judas betrayed Christ
Mark 14:43-45 -Judas betrays Christ
For this action, Judas became one of the most despised men in the history of the world. Yet, do we not do the same thing?
Hebrews 6:4-6 -Crucify Christ again through our sin
When we sin, we betray Christ. When we sin, we do the same as Judas did! Is this what you want to be faced with at judgment day? A betrayal of God’s son?
Judas lacked Godly sorrow
Matthew 27:3-10 -Judas was remorseful, but not properly so. The result…
Matthew 26:24 -was that it would have been better to never been born.
At no time do the scriptures even begin to imply that Judas could not have properly repented of his sin and turned back to God and Christ.
II Corinthians 7:10-13 -Godly sorrow leads to repentance
When we betray Christ, what do we do? Do we make it worse like Judas did? Or are we filled with Godly sorrow, repent, and turn back to God? Will we follow in the footsteps of Judas by following Christ for a little while, and ending it in betrayal? Or will we repent of our sins and truly be Christ’s disciples until the end?
Some of the apostles are well described in the scriptures. Judas is not. Very little is known of Judas before he began following Christ.
His surname, Iscariot, seems to indicate he was not from Galilee, but was of the tribe of Judah (as was Jesus)
It is often thought that he was first a disciple of John the baptist. Other people conjecture that he met Jesus while he went through Judea, as in John 3:22.
It is worth noting that great care is taken in the Bible to differentiate him from the other Judases and Judes. Even then, people didn’t want to be mistaken for him. Surely no one today would name their son Judas!
He was one of Christ’s first disciples
Mark 3:13-19 -The 12 apostles
Luke 9:1-6 -Mission of the 12, which Judas did
Notice: As far as the scriptures show, Judas fulfilled his mission with the other 11 apostles. Also notice that he was not given opportunity to steal and such. He was not, in the beginning, following Christ for gain, but for some other purpose.
If even Judas was one of Christ’s disciples, shouldn’t we be his disciples?
I Peter 2:21 -Follow Christ
A disciple is a follower and learner. It is not someone who simply claims to follow someone, but who dedicates himself to learning and following the instructions of a teacher.
He remained with Christ for years
We know that Judas followed Christ for about 3 years. He didn’t begin following Christ and then immediately betray him.
John 13:21-27a -Judas was apparently located close to Christ
John 18:2 -Had often been with Christ and the disciples
Matthew 19:27-30 -Judas included: apparently he was faithful at this time
Luke 18:31-34 -Disciples (incl. Judas) don’t understand what Christ is saying about His death
Are we willing to follow Christ for years?
Matthew 10:22 -Stand firm to the end
Romans 15:23 -Paul’s plans and wants in Christ’s service covered years between when he wanted to do something and when it was accomplished
Judas slowly gave in to sin, a little at a time
In Luke 9, which we mentioned earlier, there was not much opportunity for Judas to steal, but once he had opportunity, he sinned.
John 12:4-6 -Judas stealing from Christ and the apostles
Matthew 26:14-16 -Judas sought opportunity to sin
Luke 22:1-6 -Agrees to betray Christ for 30 pieces of silver
Judas went from not sinning to sinning “a little,” to sinning “a lot.”
How often do we do the same thing?
I Corinthians 5:6 -A little leaven…
Also, was Judas tempted past what he could handle? Did Jesus give him the treasury (John 13:27b-30) so that he would be unable to resist sin? Of course not!
I Corinthians 10:13 -Not be tempted beyond what we are able
Judas betrayed Christ
Mark 14:43-45 -Judas betrays Christ
For this action, Judas became one of the most despised men in the history of the world. Yet, do we not do the same thing?
Hebrews 6:4-6 -Crucify Christ again through our sin
When we sin, we betray Christ. When we sin, we do the same as Judas did! Is this what you want to be faced with at judgment day? A betrayal of God’s son?
Judas lacked Godly sorrow
Matthew 27:3-10 -Judas was remorseful, but not properly so. The result…
Matthew 26:24 -was that it would have been better to never been born.
At no time do the scriptures even begin to imply that Judas could not have properly repented of his sin and turned back to God and Christ.
II Corinthians 7:10-13 -Godly sorrow leads to repentance
When we betray Christ, what do we do? Do we make it worse like Judas did? Or are we filled with Godly sorrow, repent, and turn back to God? Will we follow in the footsteps of Judas by following Christ for a little while, and ending it in betrayal? Or will we repent of our sins and truly be Christ’s disciples until the end?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Paul: What he was and wasn't -3/16/08am
Paul: What He Was And Wasn’t
II Peter 3:15-16
Peter writes here that Paul has delivered in his letters the wisdom that God had granted him. He lets the reader know that some of it is hard to understand, yet in Paul’s letters are words that help lead to salvation. Paul was not one of the original twelve apostles. Yet he wrote about half of the books of the New Testament. There is much to be learned from Paul: not only from his message and words, but from his life.
Saul Persecutes the Church - Acts 8:1-3
Saul’s Conversion - Acts 22:3-16
Not Immediately Accepted - Acts 9:26-30
Was Eventually Fully Accepted - Galatians 1:18-2:10
Much as Paul came from the depths of sin and evil, so it is with many in the church. Everyone has opportunity to come to Christ. There is no one who we should overlook as being unworthy. And we should accept that although we have sinned in the past, we can push on and strive to live Godly lives, knowing that the Lord can, and will, forgive us.
It is also informative and motivating to look at what Paul was and was not. In the many ways that Paul is described, there are lessons that can be applied to our lives today.
Paul was not:
A Great Speaker - II Corinthians 11:6
Paul was evidently not a great orator, yet he was willing to teach others. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones as we are needed? And we are all needed, in one capacity or another.
Physically Impressive - II Corinthians 10:10
Paul was apparently not impressive in stature or presence. We see that such is not necessary for being a servant of the Lord.
A Fool - II Corinthians 11:16-21
It is hard to be a valuable member of Christ’s body and a fool at the same time. Paul showed wisdom: a wisdom that we should all strive to exercise.
Boastful - II Corinthians 11:30
Sometimes it is hard to now crow about what great things we have done. To do so is to be overly proud, to do so it to step out of line, and to do so is at odds with the idea of doing things for spiritual reasons (Matthew 6:3). We must retain our proper focus.
Unhindered - II Corinthians 12:7-10
We often have things that occur in life that seem to prevent us from doing God’s work. Paul had a thorn in the flesh, and if he could continue on anyway, then so can we.
Sinless - I Timothy 1:15
Paul had persecuted the church. He had zealously striven against Christ. And yet, even so, he was able to repent and turn to Christ. We have all sinned, and we can all find repentance.
A Poor Example - I Corinthians 11:1
Paul strove to set an example. It is an example that we should all look towards and follow. Likewise, we need to be aware of the example we set for others around us: friends, coworkers, the brethren, children, etc. etc. etc.
Preaching for the profit - I Corinthians 9:3-18
Today we often see people who preach in such a way as to become wealthy. Paul, while understanding that payment was acceptable, did not preach in order to find riches.
Always in agreement with brethren - Acts 15:36-41
We may occasionally find ourselves at odds with other brethren. The question is this: how do we handle it? Do we permit it to cause dissension and prevent God’s work from being done? Or do we seek to resolve it and carry on with God’s will?
Non-confrontational - Galatians 2:11-21
Paul was willing to confront error when he saw it. We must be willing to show the same lack of tolerance towards sin in our lives. And sometimes, that does require confrontation.
Blind towards good deeds - Romans 16:1-15
Paul recognized those who strove to live Godly lives, and often sang their praises throughout his letters. Are we willing to look around and recognize the good that others do? Are we willing to encourage them as Paul did?
Paul was:
A Hebrew - II Corinthians 11:22
Being a Hebrew, and a well educated and trained one, he was familiar with the Old Law and prophecies.
A Servant of Christ - II Corinthians 11:23
Shouldn’t we all be servants of Christ? Are we truly serving the master?
Persecuted - II Corinthians 11:24-25
All Christians feel persecuted at times. Yet have any of us endured such as Paul? Are any of us willing to endure what Paul did?
Concerned for the Brethren - II Corinthians 11:28
Paul felt concern for the brethren in all the churches. Are we as concerned with one another?
An Ex-Pharisee - Philippians 3:5
Paul had been trained as a Pharisee: he was very knowledgeable about the Law, and as a Pharisee would have tried to strictly observe it.
A Roman Citizen - Acts 22:25-29
In addition to being a Hebrew, he was a Roman citizen, which opened doors to him. Are we willing to take advantage of the opportunities God has given us?
Familiar with Greek Writings - Acts 17:28
Paul had some level familiarity with Greek writings, and was able to use that to teach the gospel. Do we make spiritual connections to things in our daily lives?
A Preacher - Galatians 1:11-12
Paul taught what God taught. Not something made up of his own, but Christ’s message. Do we teach this same gospel in our lives?
A Bold Writer - II Corinthians 10:1
Paul was often blunt, and boldly proclaimed the truth. Are we willing to do the same, when it is necessary?
An Apostle - I Corinthians 1:1
Although we are not apostles in the sense that Paul and other 1st were, we can still be messengers. Are we?
Saved - II Timothy 4:6-8
Paul was confident in his salvation, having striven to serve the Lord. He had done his utmost to fulfill his role, and had done his utmost to carry out God’s will. Are we able to have his confidence in eternity?
II Peter 3:15-16
Peter writes here that Paul has delivered in his letters the wisdom that God had granted him. He lets the reader know that some of it is hard to understand, yet in Paul’s letters are words that help lead to salvation. Paul was not one of the original twelve apostles. Yet he wrote about half of the books of the New Testament. There is much to be learned from Paul: not only from his message and words, but from his life.
Saul Persecutes the Church - Acts 8:1-3
Saul’s Conversion - Acts 22:3-16
Not Immediately Accepted - Acts 9:26-30
Was Eventually Fully Accepted - Galatians 1:18-2:10
Much as Paul came from the depths of sin and evil, so it is with many in the church. Everyone has opportunity to come to Christ. There is no one who we should overlook as being unworthy. And we should accept that although we have sinned in the past, we can push on and strive to live Godly lives, knowing that the Lord can, and will, forgive us.
It is also informative and motivating to look at what Paul was and was not. In the many ways that Paul is described, there are lessons that can be applied to our lives today.
Paul was not:
A Great Speaker - II Corinthians 11:6
Paul was evidently not a great orator, yet he was willing to teach others. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones as we are needed? And we are all needed, in one capacity or another.
Physically Impressive - II Corinthians 10:10
Paul was apparently not impressive in stature or presence. We see that such is not necessary for being a servant of the Lord.
A Fool - II Corinthians 11:16-21
It is hard to be a valuable member of Christ’s body and a fool at the same time. Paul showed wisdom: a wisdom that we should all strive to exercise.
Boastful - II Corinthians 11:30
Sometimes it is hard to now crow about what great things we have done. To do so is to be overly proud, to do so it to step out of line, and to do so is at odds with the idea of doing things for spiritual reasons (Matthew 6:3). We must retain our proper focus.
Unhindered - II Corinthians 12:7-10
We often have things that occur in life that seem to prevent us from doing God’s work. Paul had a thorn in the flesh, and if he could continue on anyway, then so can we.
Sinless - I Timothy 1:15
Paul had persecuted the church. He had zealously striven against Christ. And yet, even so, he was able to repent and turn to Christ. We have all sinned, and we can all find repentance.
A Poor Example - I Corinthians 11:1
Paul strove to set an example. It is an example that we should all look towards and follow. Likewise, we need to be aware of the example we set for others around us: friends, coworkers, the brethren, children, etc. etc. etc.
Preaching for the profit - I Corinthians 9:3-18
Today we often see people who preach in such a way as to become wealthy. Paul, while understanding that payment was acceptable, did not preach in order to find riches.
Always in agreement with brethren - Acts 15:36-41
We may occasionally find ourselves at odds with other brethren. The question is this: how do we handle it? Do we permit it to cause dissension and prevent God’s work from being done? Or do we seek to resolve it and carry on with God’s will?
Non-confrontational - Galatians 2:11-21
Paul was willing to confront error when he saw it. We must be willing to show the same lack of tolerance towards sin in our lives. And sometimes, that does require confrontation.
Blind towards good deeds - Romans 16:1-15
Paul recognized those who strove to live Godly lives, and often sang their praises throughout his letters. Are we willing to look around and recognize the good that others do? Are we willing to encourage them as Paul did?
Paul was:
A Hebrew - II Corinthians 11:22
Being a Hebrew, and a well educated and trained one, he was familiar with the Old Law and prophecies.
A Servant of Christ - II Corinthians 11:23
Shouldn’t we all be servants of Christ? Are we truly serving the master?
Persecuted - II Corinthians 11:24-25
All Christians feel persecuted at times. Yet have any of us endured such as Paul? Are any of us willing to endure what Paul did?
Concerned for the Brethren - II Corinthians 11:28
Paul felt concern for the brethren in all the churches. Are we as concerned with one another?
An Ex-Pharisee - Philippians 3:5
Paul had been trained as a Pharisee: he was very knowledgeable about the Law, and as a Pharisee would have tried to strictly observe it.
A Roman Citizen - Acts 22:25-29
In addition to being a Hebrew, he was a Roman citizen, which opened doors to him. Are we willing to take advantage of the opportunities God has given us?
Familiar with Greek Writings - Acts 17:28
Paul had some level familiarity with Greek writings, and was able to use that to teach the gospel. Do we make spiritual connections to things in our daily lives?
A Preacher - Galatians 1:11-12
Paul taught what God taught. Not something made up of his own, but Christ’s message. Do we teach this same gospel in our lives?
A Bold Writer - II Corinthians 10:1
Paul was often blunt, and boldly proclaimed the truth. Are we willing to do the same, when it is necessary?
An Apostle - I Corinthians 1:1
Although we are not apostles in the sense that Paul and other 1st were, we can still be messengers. Are we?
Saved - II Timothy 4:6-8
Paul was confident in his salvation, having striven to serve the Lord. He had done his utmost to fulfill his role, and had done his utmost to carry out God’s will. Are we able to have his confidence in eternity?
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