Historical Posts
Rescue the Perishing
Does God want anyone to perish?
He does not want anyone to perish, but for all to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
Will anyone perish with Christ?
Christ is the good shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. The sheep hear His voice and follow Him, and He gives them eternal life. Thus, they will never perish, nor will be snatched from His hand (John 10:27-29).
Can one Christian cause another to perish?
Paul taught the church at Corinth that we do have certain liberties in Christ; however, a liberty to one may cause a stumbling block to get in another’s way. Should this happen, Paul said it may cause one to perish! Therefore, for the sake of unity, we should never abuse liberty and hinder another (1 Corinthians 8:7-13; 1 Corinthians 1:10).
Can we cause ourselves to perish?
Certainly! All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)! Peter agrees that the unjust shall perish in their own corruption (2 Peter 2:9-14).
How does Christ help us not to perish?
God sent Jesus to the world, and whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)!
What can we do so that we may not perish?
First, we must believe in Him (John 3:16), and then we must do what He says. Jesus said we must repent, or else we will perish (Luke 13:3-5).
How can both work together?
God helps us triumph in Christ, and we proclaim our knowledge of Him by living faithfully. Therefore, others can see our example and be brought to Christ, thus avoiding eternal perishing (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Thoughts on Wisdom
How does the world’s wisdom compare with God’s wisdom?
Worldly wisdom is sensual and demonic, causing envy, self-seeking, confusion, and evil works.
God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, and without partiality and hypocrisy (James 3:13-18)
How do men perceive God’s wisdom?
It is a stumbling block to the Jews (who seek a sign), and foolishness to the Greeks (who seek after wisdom).
The foolishness of God is greater than man’s wisdom, and His weakness is stronger than man’s strength (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Who is our wisdom?
Jesus Christ became wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Did some question Jesus’ wisdom?
Often as He taught in the synagogues, many marveled at His wisdom (Matthew 13:54ff)
Did Jesus have a limit in wisdom?
He increased in wisdom (Luke 2:52)
What can we learn in Christ?
The hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:1-3)
Can we know the mystery of Christ?
It has been revealed to us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:8-11)
How do we get wisdom?
God is willing to give us wisdom, but we must ask for it in faith without doubting (James 1:5,6)
Have you let the wisdom of God lead you to salvation in Christ?
I’ll Go With You
Who did Ruth want to go with?
Ruth wanted to cling to her mother-in-law Naomi. She was so determined to go with her that she pleaded “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will. I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).
As Ruth showed devotion to her mother-in-law, we should show the same to Christ!
Did Moses want to go with God?
God appeared before Moses at the burning bush, and revealed His plan for him. Moses was to lead the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
Moses was not very anxious to complete this task at first. He began to question God, asked God to get somebody else, and even offer excuses to get out of doing this task.
In the end, God convinced him by promising to go with him, and even allowing his brother Aaron to accompany them (Exodus 3, 4).
Does God promise to be with us?
Many writers of both the Old and New Testaments agree that we cannot escape the presence of God. Wherever we go, He is there: what a comforting thought! The Hebrew writer quoted the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5) when God said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
Did David recognize God’s presence?
David wrote many of the Psalms telling of how God was with him. In Psalm 23, David tells how God was with him to lead him, guide him, provide for him, protect him, and comfort him. Not only did David know God was with him, but also expressed desire to be with God in His presence.
Was there a time in which we were without God?
Certainly! Paul said, “At that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13).
Thanks to Christ’s blood, we can be with Him again!
Can we know we are with God?
Sure! We must study the Bible, learn it, obey it, and live it! Sadly, many do not part or all of these instructions. Yet, we are asked “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3)?”
Are we in agreement with God? Have you accepted salvation in Christ?
Be Steadfast
What should we be steadfast in?
The church at Colosse was commended for its steadfast faith in Christ Jesus. As we are rooted and built up in Him, our faith must be steadfast (Colossians 2:5-7).
How is our steadfast faith useful?
By standing fast in the faith, we resist the devil. When resisted, he will flee from us. Therefore, after we suffer a while, we are made perfect, stablished, strengthened, and settled (1 Peter 5:8-10).
Is it worth a lot to be steadfast in the faith?
One will be rewarded for doing this. We achieve the victory through Christ, and the assurance that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).
Can our salvation be ensured by standing fast in the faith?
We could not even come to God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). It is possible to fall from grace (Galatians 5:4), which brings salvation (Titus 2:11). Therefore, Christians are warned that they can fall from their own steadfastness (2 Peter 3:14-18). Instead, we need to be diligent to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Are you in Christ? Are you growing?
Stumbling Blocks
Which of Jesus’ disciples was a stumbling block to Him?
After Peter heard that Jesus must suffer, be killed, and arise the third day he expressed disapproval. Jesus told him, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:21-23).
To whom was the gospel a stumbling block?
The Jews requested a sign, and thus did not believe in Christ as the fulfillment of the law. They wanted a physical king and an earthly kingdom, yet Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Paul explained that this could be a stumbling block, but could also save their eternal souls (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).
Can Christians put a stumbling block in the way of others?
There are certain liberties, or freedoms, in Christ, such as eating things offered to idols and fasting. However, if doing this offends another brother or sister in Christ, it thus violates the conscience and is a sin to both the brethren and Christ! Therefore Paul said he would not do anything ever again, if it caused his brother to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:7-13).
Did Jesus warn of offenses?
He pronounced woe on those that cause others to sin, saying these things would happen! Yet, we could have things that offend ourselves. Whether they be our hands, feet, or eyes, they should be restrained that they no longer offend us or cause us to enter everlasting fire (Matthew 18:6-9).
What did Paul say our attitude should be about offending others?
“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:12-13). In the rest of the chapter he emphasizes pursuing peace.
What is the Gospel to you?
Is the Gospel of Christ a stumbling block to you? Or have you gladly accepted the salvation offered in Christ?
Keep Thyself Pure
Should we participate in the sins of others?
Paul told Timothy not to partake in other men’s sins, but to keep himself pure (1 Timothy 5:22). Paul also gave a long list of things that are not fitting, and not only those that practice them but also those that approve of them are deserving of death (Romans 1:28-32).
Why should one purify himself?
John said even as Christ is pure, we ought to purify ourselves because we have a hope in us (1 John 3:3). As Christ lived a sinless life to die on the cross to save us from our sins, He rose again and thus we have the hope of eternal life.
What is pure religion?
James said it’s to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27).
How does a soul become pure?
Peter explains that even as Christ is holy, we should become holy in the way we speak and live. Thus, His blood is precious, without blemish and without spot. When we are washed in the blood of the Lamb, our souls are purified by obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:13-22).
How does the mind become pure?
First, we must think on true, noble, just, PURE, lovely, and good things (Philippians 4:8) and do them! Christians should desire the “pure milk of the word to grow” (1 Peter 2:2). As we forget more as we get older, Peter said to stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance (2 Peter 3:1).
Can we serve God with a pure conscience?
Absolutely! Just as Paul did, we can too (2 Timothy 1:3)!
Sin – Romans 03:23
Is there anyone who has not sinned?
No, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
What if we say we have not sinned?
If we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves and make God a liar. Also, God’s Word, the truth, is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10; John 17:17).
What does knowing the truth do for us?
It shall set us free (John 8:32ff) from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
What happens if we confess our sins?
Christ Jesus will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
How do we get rid of our sins?
We must wash away our sins with the blood of Christ through baptism (Acts 22:16).
Should we continue to sin?
John reminded Christians that they were not to sin anymore (1 John 2:1), and Paul said we have died to sin and thus should no longer serve it (Romans 6:1-7, 11-14).
What happens if we sin?
Jesus Christ is our Advocate, if we sin (1 John 2:2). After all, He was tempted in all points as we are but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). We should have the same mind of Christ, for he who as suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin (1 Peter 4:1-2).
Whose sins are covered?
Christ died not only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). John said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!”
Have you accepted forgiveness of sin by becoming a Christian?
Baptism Questions
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Besides repent, what did Peter ask many to do on Pentecost?
Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
Is baptism essential for salvation?
Jesus said those that “believe and are baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16), and Peter said “baptism does also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21).
How much water did John need to baptize with?
He baptized where there was much water (John 3:23).
How much water was the Ethiopian eunuch baptized with?
There needed enough water for both he and Philip to go down into, baptize, and come up out of (Acts 8:26-39).
What did baptism do for Saul of Tarsus?
This showed him calling on the name of the Lord, and washed away his sins (Acts 22:16; see also Romans 10:13-17).
How does baptism affect one’s relationship to Christ?
Baptism puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27), where all spiritual blessings are (Ephesians 1:3).
How does baptism relate to the gospel?
The three facts of the gospel are Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). When one is baptized, he is dead to sin, buried with Christ in baptism, and raised to walk a new life (Romans 6:1-6).
May one be rebaptized?
If the previous baptism did not conform to the process, reason, or any other related thing of the Scriptures, yes! After all, those baptized under John’s baptism were rebaptized in the name of Christ to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-5).
What does the Lord do as one is baptized?
Since baptism saves us, the Lord adds the saved to His church (Acts 2:47). There is one body, the church, and there is one baptism into that church by one Spirit (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
Christ and the Church – Ephesians 5:22-32
Text: Ephesians 5:22-32
There is one church, which is the same as one body (Ephesians 5:22)
Christ is the head of that one body, His church (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:4-6).
Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25)
His blood that was shed on the cross purchased His church (Acts 20:28).
The church is sanctified and cleansed by washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26)
Baptism is done in water (Acts 8:26-39; 2:36-42; 22:16; Romans 6:4; John 3:23).
Jesus told Nicodemus one must be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:5).
Jesus gave Peter keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), the same as the body or church. Later, Peter unlocked the kingdom by preaching the gospel at Pentecost (Acts 2). About 3,000 souls were baptized that day, and the Lord added them to His church (Acts 2:38; Matthew 16:16-18).
The church is presented glorious, and without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing (Ephesians 5:27)
It is done this way through the blood of Christ! Through shedding of His blood, we have the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22; 10:22). As the church is also holy, we must be holy for God is holy (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Colossians 1:22-23).
• The Lord nourishes and cherishes His church (Ephesians 5:29)
• Christians are members of His body (Ephesians 5:30; Romans 12:4-5)
• Paul claims it to be a great mystery, but speaks concerning Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32)
• Have you been baptized and allowed God to add you to the Church (Acts 2:47)?
A Christian Walk
In whom should a Christian walk?
Christians are rooted and built up in Christ Jesus the Lord; therefore, our Christian walk must be in Him (Colossians 2:6-7).
Where should a Christian walk?
John said we must “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). After all, God is light and in Him is no darkness (1 John 1:5).
Isaiah encouraged the house of Jacob to “walk in the light of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:5). They were able to do this by keeping His commandments.
After all, God’s word is “a light unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
We need to walk in the narrow way and avoid the broad way that leads to destruction, which many will follow (Matthew 7:13).
Three keys to help us have a better Christian walk:
Walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Throughout the Bible we are taught of God’s love for all of mankind, Christ’s love for others, and the love that man must have in return. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Walk as “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8-14).
Since God is light, we need to become His children and thus ‘children of light.’ Jesus taught Nicodemus how to do this as one is born again (John 3:1-7). Then, we must let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:16).
Walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15)
We need to be aware and stay aware of our surroundings. Paul warned young men like Timothy and Titus to beware of those who teach false doctrine. After all, if the blind lead the blind, all will fall into the ditch (Matthew 15:14).
What Must I Give Up?
What did Paul give up?
Paul gave up his life as Saul, when he persecuted Christians and made havoc of the Lord’s church (Acts 7-9; Galatians 1:13-14).
What did the rich young ruler give up?
He was asked to sell everything to the poor, but went away sorrowful for he had great possessions. Sadly, he was not willing to give up anything (Matthew 19:16-22).
What did Jesus’ disciples give up?
As many were fishing when Jesus called them, they immediately left their nets to follow Him in order to be “fishers of men” (Mark 1:16-20).
What did Peter give up?
Peter had to give up many Jewish customs in order to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16, 28-29).
Should we give up our family?
We cannot love our family more than Jesus; otherwise we are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37-39). If they want us to do things contrary to the will of God, we “must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).”
What did some churches give up?
The Corinthians gave up all unrighteousness (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The Galatians gave up idolatry and many Jewish customs (Galatians 4). The Ephesians gave up the flesh and a time without Christ (Ephesians 2). The Colossians gave up the time when they were alienated from God and their wicked works (Colossians 1).
Should we give up ourselves?
Jesus said one must “deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24-25). Paul became dead to himself but alive unto Christ (Galatians 2:20). When one becomes a Christian, the old man is crucified and the body of sin is destroyed (Romans 6:6). No longer one serves the flesh, but the Spirit. The new man is put on and thus all things have become new (Colossians 2:11; 3:9-10). We must give up ourselves and alive to Christ!
Obedience – Romans 15:4 – powerpoint
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Obedience-Romans-15-04-04.pptx
Text: Romans 15:4
- Introduction
The transliterated Greek word for obedience is “hupakouō” meaning:
1) a state of compliance, obedience (Such as a slave is to a master or a Christian is to God); to follow instructions, obey, follow, be subject to;
2) to grant one’s request, hear;
3) to answer a knock at the door. - Old Testament Examples
- The Israelites were warned of idolatry; if they trusted God, He would not forsake, destroy, nor forget His covenant with them (Deuteronomy 4:24-31; 5:24-33). They died due to disobedience (Deuteronomy 8:20). Isaiah prophesied the good and bad (Isaiah 1:18-20; 42:24-25).
- The Israelites made a covenant with Joshua at Shechem (Joshua 24:15-25).
- The Israelites made a covenant under Moses to be obedient (Exodus 24:1-7).
- Moses made a sacrifice.
- To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6).
- Isaiah prophesied hearts would turn away (Isaiah 29:13) and it was fulfilled, even in the NT (Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-7).
- Moses did good and bad (Exodus 3; Numbers 20).
- We can learn from others (Adam and Eve, Jonah, Noah, Abraham, etc.).
- New Testament Examples
- The early church was obedient (Acts 6:7).
- Paul boasted to Titus on the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:14-15) for they passed the test (2 Corinthians 2:9).
- Paul had confidence in Philemon’s obedience (Philemon 21).
- Jesus Christ was obedient!
- man’s disobedience →sinners, but Man’s obedience→righteous (Romans 5:19)
- Obedience was suffered, yet it led to conditional salvation- obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9).
- He was obedient till death (Philippians 2:8), and so should Christians (Revelation 2:10).
- Instructions for Obedience
- We should obey rulers and authorities (Titus 3:1).
- Children obey parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20) and the church is to be obedient likewise (1 Peter 1:2, 13-14).
- God commands an obedience to the faith (Romans 16:26) that is received through Christ (Romans 1:5).
- Obedience of Christ is a spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
- Preachers should be sent to give all an opportunity for obedience to the gospel (Romans 10:14-17).
- Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
- Vengeance is taken on those not knowing God, nor obeying the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). What if one obeys the gospel, but does not live accordingly? (2 Thessalonians 3:11-15)
- Not everyone that talks the talk enters the kingdom of God, but who walks the walk (Matthew 7:21).
- Peter said, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” (Acts 5:29)
- Just as slaves obey their masters (Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22-24; Titus 2:9), we are slaves to Christ (Romans 6:16-23).
- We show our love to God by keeping his commandments (John 14:15; James 2:15-16).
- We need obedience along with a wise rebuker (Proverbs 25:12).
- Benefits of Obedience
- Our souls are purified by obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:22).
- All Spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
- We receive whatever we ask of Him (1 John 3:22).
- Conclusion
By learning from the rights and wrongs of the OT, along with the instructions of the NT, we can become better servants of Christ and one another. It is imperative that we become a Christian and obey the commandments of God till death. By succeeding in this, we can secure our place in Heaven.
Increasing Our Faith
A man brought his son to Jesus, knowing that he could heal him of his mute spirit.
Jesus told him that anything was possible to him who believes, and he replied “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:17-24). After seeing this man’s faith, Jesus healed his son. There was a desire in this man to build his faith.
The apostles, likewise, said to the Lord “increase our faith.” Jesus then showed them that if they had faith as a mustard seed, they could tell the mulberry tree to be moved and it would happen (Luke 17:5-6).
One day when Jesus was walking on the water, Simon Peter was not sure if he was seeing the Lord.
Peter said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” When Jesus told him to come, he walked on the water until he took his eyes of Jesus and began to sink. Jesus caught him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:22-31)
Simon Peter did allow his little faith to grow.
He told Christians that being very diligent, we should add to our faith: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-8).
Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), and must work or else it is dead (James 2:20).
The book of Hebrews gives us the importance of faith.
It is defined as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
Without it, one cannot please God because we must believe that He is, and He rewards those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
We must remain faithful until death to receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10), all the while looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Do you have Faith in Jesus?
Baptism
Purpose: Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Even though one must repent of sins (Luke 13:3,5), the sins are not removed until one is baptized.
Ananias told Saul to “arise and be baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).”
Baptism washes the entire body to cleanse its conscience before God (1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 10:22).
Demonstrated: Enough water must be used to wash sins away.
Philip went down into the water with the Ethiopian eunuch, baptized him, and came up out of the water (Acts 8:36-39).
Sprinkling or pouring is not found in the Bible; rather, more water is needed to immerse someone as Philip did the Ethiopian eunuch. John baptized where there was much water (John 3:23).
Symbolic: Why is much water needed to immerse a new convert?
Jesus died according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the 3rd day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
Likewise, a person dies to sin, is buried with Christ in baptism, and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-6).
When the person is raised again, the body of sin is destroyed! What happens to sin?
It is all washed away and nailed to the cross with Christ (Colossians 2:12-14).
Thus, we are forgiven and the sacrifice of Christ is made of full effect.
Benefits: What happens when one is baptized into Christ?
He receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Acts 9:17-18). This is also the only way one is placed in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:27).
Why does one want to be in Christ? Because, that is where all spiritual blessings are: the redemption and forgiveness of sins, the hope of eternal life, the fellowship with God and others; and many more things found nowhere else (Ephesians 1:3ff.).
Essential: Is baptism then really necessary?
Consider the words of Jesus Himself: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).
Peter also said in 1 Peter 3:21, “there is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God…).”
Have you been baptized?
Favoritism – Galatians 2:6-9
1. Does God show favoritism with matters of salvation?
Paul explained that God shows no personal favoritism to anyone, but wants both Jews and Gentiles to be saved (Galatians 2:6-9).
2. How did Peter learn this?
In Acts 10, Cornelius was a devout man who prayed to God always, gave much alms to the poor, and feared God. However, he did not know what to do to be saved until Peter was sent to him. Peter had a vision of unclean animals descending from heaven, and a voice said ‘Rise, Peter kill and eat (verse 13). After refusing, Peter was told, ‘what God has cleansed you must not call common (verse 15).’ Eventually Peter learned God was telling him the gospel is for more than just the Jews, but for every nation (verses 34-36).
3. Who is the gospel for?
The gospel is God’s power to save everyone that believes—the Jew first, but also the Greek (Romans 1:16).
4. Is there partiality in Christ?
Once all have obeyed the gospel, there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither male nor female, and neither slave nor free; all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).
5. Should we show partiality to one another?
Sadly, often times people are judged on how they look, what they wear, or how wealthy they are. It should not be this way! If we show partiality, we commit sin (James 2:1-9). Remember that God does not see as man sees; man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
John 15:09-17 True Friendship – audio
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Text: John 15:9-17
I. What are the characteristics of a friend?
A. One who loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17)
B. Shows himself friendly and sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)
C. Gives gifts (Proverbs 19:6)
D. Loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips (Proverbs 22:11)
E. Gives hearty counsel, is not forsaken, and sharpens the countenance of another (Proverbs 27:9-10, 17)
II. Can we always trust our friends?
A. Do not trust them nor put confidence in them; rather, trust in God (Micah 7:5-7)
B. They are deceitful and speak lies, refusing to know God (Jeremiah 9:4-6)
III. Jesus was a friend…
A. …to tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19; 9:9-13)
B. …as was Paul (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)
IV. Abraham was a friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23; Genesis 15:6)
V. Was Judas a friend to Jesus?
A. Jesus called him “friend” after he betrayed Him with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-50)
B. A friend does not betray another (Psalm 41:9; 55:12-13)
VI. Was Peter a friend to Jesus?
A. Peter claimed that he would not deny Him, even if he had to die with Him (Matthew 26:31-35)
B. He denied Him three times before the rooster crowed, as Jesus said (Matthew 26:69-75)
VII. The Jews accused Pilate of not being a friend to Caesar because he allowed Jesus to call Himself a king (John 19:12)
VIII. Are we friends to Jesus?
A. We are if we keep His commandments (John 15:9-17)
B. Friendship with the world is enmity against God (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 1:4; 6:14)
Few Versus Many – Luke 13:23-28
Text: Luke 13:23-28
In Luke 13:23, An individual asks Jesus if there are few who can be saved. The disciples asked a similar question in Matthew 19:25, wondering who could be saved. Here the question is ‘how many?,’ rather than ‘which ones?’
Many Will Attempt to Enter Heaven
Jesus says in Luke 13:24 that there are many who will attempt to enter, and cannot. We must not be with the many. Instead we must strive to go in the narrow gate.
A similar passage is Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus compares the wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction wherein many enter, with the narrow gate and difficult way which few find. The wise man says “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
But Are Not Known by Jesus
In Luke 13:25 Jesus says that some will be on the outside looking in, and will say “Lord, Lord, open for us.” Instead of being admitted, they will not be known.
Jesus rebuked those that said “Lord, Lord” but did not do what He said (Luke 6:46). Again in Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus says that not everyone that says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but those that do His Father’s will.
We Must Truly Be His
People will claim to do things in the name of Christ in Luke 13:26, but have they? After all, Paul commands us to do all in His name (Colossians 3:17). He also warned Timothy and Titus to beware of false teachers, and that many would be led astray by them. John said not to believe every spirit, but to test each one to see if they are of God (1 John 4:1ff.).
The False Will Be Lost
Jesus confirms they are false in Luke 13:27, telling them to depart for He never knew them and they work iniquity (see Matthew 7:21-23 above, and Matthew 25:41-46).
In Luke 13:28, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all prophets are in the kingdom of God, but some will be thrust out.
We don’t want to be on the outside looking in! On the outside there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth; rather, we should be on the inside. Remember, “many are called, but few will be chosen” (Matthew 20:16).
1 Corinthians 02:01-05
Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 Corinthians 2:1
Paul used what he was given in spreading the gospel. He reveals the testimony, or mystery, of God (Ephesians 3).
He has personal experience (Acts 9:1-20, 22:16) with Christ, as others do such as Peter and John (Acts 4:20).
Even if he does not have the gift of speaking (as Moses claimed in Exodus 3), he does what God called him to do.
1 Corinthians 2:2
The only thing that matters in this life is being obedient to the gospel.
Earlier Paul mentioned his preaching of the gospel to both Jews and Greeks (1 Corinthians 1:23), and both had to overcome obstacles.
Just as Paul was dead to the world and alive to God (Romans 6; Galatians 2:20), he glories in the cross alone (Galatians 6:14).
1 Corinthians 2:3
Paul shared with the Corinthians their weakness, fear, and trembling.
He had a thorn in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), and knew what it was like to suffer. This reminds Paul that power is in God, and not man (2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13).
After all, Christians will suffer persecution for the cause of Christ (2 Peter 3:12).
1 Corinthians 2:4
Paul does not use persuasive words of wisdom to share the truth.
Many New Testament writers warn us that people will be led astray by this (Romans 16:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Jude 16).
Peter taught the truth, being an eyewitness of Christ (2 Peter 1:16), as was Paul (Romans 15:18-19).
1 Corinthians 2:5
Many preceding verses have referenced the Spirit, power, and the gospel. Here Paul reminds us that we should put our faith in the power of God, and not in man (Romans 10:17).
The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16).
Paul ties this together in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, saying that the gospel came in word, power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.
This reminds us what kind of man he was, and what kind of people we ought to be in the eyes of God.
2 Timothy 01:03-07 Faith of Our Fathers
Text: 2 Timothy 1:3-7
2 Timothy 1:3
Paul emphasized serving God with a pure conscience, just as his forefathers did.
In Acts 23:1, he admitted to serving God with a pure conscience until that day. Even when he was persecuting Christians he did it with a good conscience.
When he later learned what the Lord wanted him to do, he turned his life around (Acts 7-9).
He then began to worship the one true God that existed in the beginning, as God required of Him (Acts 24:14-16).
2 Timothy 1:4
Paul had a great relationship with Timothy (see verse 2), and longed to see him again. No doubt Timothy was weeping, longing to see Paul.
2 Timothy 1:5
Paul recalls the faith that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had.
They passed it on to Timothy, and Paul is convinced that his faith is genuine also.
Paul already reminded him that the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5); thus, he encouraged Timothy to instruct others in it as he followed it himself (1 Timothy 4:6-7).
2 Timothy 1:6
Paul encouraged him to use the gift he has received to glorify God and edify others.
In his earlier letter, he said, “do not neglect the gift that is in you (1 Timothy 4:14)…” If one doesn’t use what God has given him, he’ll lose it (Matthew 25:14ff.)!
2 Timothy 1:7
Perhaps the most popular reason that a person does not use his gift is because of fear.
Paul reminds Timothy that God does not give us a spirit of fear, but rather of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Paul also reminds the Romans that they did not receive the spirit of fear, but of adoption (Romans 8:15).
If we love God, love the truth, love His Son, and others, we will become His son by obedience to the gospel (Galatians 3:26-27), thus clearing our conscience and allowing our faith to work.
When we become a Christian, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit even as those on Pentecost did (Acts 2:38). Jesus told His apostles that the Holy Spirit would come upon them with power, and He did on that day (Acts 1:8; 2:1ff.).
Done with Love
“Everything Must be Done with Love”
1. What one characteristic must be present in everything we do? Everything should be done with love (1 Corinthians 16:14).
2. How does God show His love for us? First of all, God is love (1 John 4:7-10) and showed it by sending His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
3. How does Christ show His love for us? He lay down His life for us (John 15:13,14).
4. How do we show our love for Him? When we keep His commandments, He knows we love Him (John 14:15). This involves an action; love must be done in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18). When we love one another, we love Him (1 John 4:7).
5. Do we love others by preaching the gospel? Certainly! Jesus commanded the gospel to be preached to every creature (Mark 16:15-16). It is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16), and it is the truth! The truth sets us free (John 8:32), and it is Christ Himself (John 14:6) and God’s word (John 17:17). Paul said we are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15,16).
6. What chapter teaches us the most about love? 1 Corinthians 13 does! Read it!