Historical Posts
All Your Heart… Mark 12:28-33
1 Samuel 12:14-25
Samuel was the last judge over Israel. During his reign, the people wanted a king to be like all other nations. This displeased Samuel, and the LORD told Him, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).
As a result, God gave them a king, but chose Saul. Samuel’s final words of advice were to fear the LORD, serve Him with all their heart, and obey His voice. God sent thunder and rain as a sign, and the people knew that they had sinned greatly by demanding a king.
However, Samuel prayed to the LORD for them as a righteous man should do (James 5:16). He also taught them the good and right way. If a way is proven to be good and right, one must follow it. That only way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6)!
After all, there is a way that “seems” right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). Jesus described that way as broad, where many go in. However, narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few find that way (Matthew 7:13-14).
Mark 12:28-33
Just as Samuel told the people to “fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you,” Jesus taught a scribe what the first commandment was.
He said, “you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…The second, like it, is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Just as the Israelites were to serve God with all they had, so should we!
Everything we think, say, and do must have Christ’s authority (Matthew 28:18).
Thus, if we love Him with all, we’ll do all He says (John 14:15).
All Things Become New – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Is Anything New?
Is there anything new, according to the Preacher? Solomon, the Preacher, the son of David, said that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 9-11).
Many things that exist in this world (strife, sorrow, worry, etc.) have existed long, long ago. Paul reminded the Romans that things written before were written for our learning (Romans 15:4).
New Heaven and Earth
Did Isaiah prophesy of something new? Isaiah foretold of the coming of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom, the church. He said new heavens and a new earth, Jerusalem, would come and there would be no more weeping or crying (Isaiah 65:17-19). Did anyone else tell of a new Jerusalem?
In his Revelation letter, John saw a new heaven and new earth, and new Jerusalem came down from heaven. God wiped away every tear, and there was no more death, sorrow, crying, nor pain; all things were made new (Revelation 21:1-5). The faithful receive this, but there is a second death (Revelation 21:8). All must die, but each decides where to spend eternity (Hebrews 9:27).
New Compassion
How does Jeremiah describe God’s compassions? They do not fail; they are new every morning. God’s faithfulness is great. The Lord is his portion, and thus will hope in him. The Lord is good to those that wait for him, to the soul that seeks him (Lamentations 3:22-24).
New Commandment
What new commandment did Jesus give to His disciples? They must love one another, as Jesus loved them (John 13:34).
New Person
If one is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, and all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17; see also Galatians 6:15).
The old man has been put off with his deeds, and the new man is put on (Ephesians 4:22-25; Colossians 3:5-15).
Through baptism, one is dead to sin, buried with Christ, and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:2-6).
New Spirit
No longer do we serve the flesh but the newness of the Spirit (Romans 7:4-6).
What Must I Do? Acts 16:25-34
Text: Acts 16:25-34
The Philippian Jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do?” – Acts 16:30
This is an essential question all must ask. However, he was not the first to ask. The crowd on Pentecost asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Also, Saul of Tarsus asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6).
If we ask different men what to do to be saved, we will get different answers; asking the Lord what to do gives us one answer!
Believe – Acts 16:31-32
Once the Philippian Jailer became open minded, could he received the word of the Lord and act on the instruction to, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Belief is not a stand alone requirement, but a starting point! Jesus said we must believe in Him to receive everlasting life (John 3:15-16; 8:24). However, Paul clearly shows belief must be accompanied by confession (Romans 10:9-11). So, if we truly believe in Christ, we will do what He says. True belief leads to obedience.
Hear God’s Word – Acts 16:33
Upon hearing the word of the Lord, all who heard were baptized! That’s exactly the same response that happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38ff.). Jesus Himself said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
Rejoice! – Acts 16:34
He rejoiced, having believed in God. He showed his belief by acting upon it! When the Ethiopian eunuch was told to believe, he did, and was baptized (Acts 8:26-39)! On the day of Pentecost, many gladly received the word and were baptized (Acts 2:41)! Thus, the saved are added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47).
The Lord’s House – powerpoint
The Lord builds the Church and the Family.
The-Lords-House PDF
The-Lords-House PPTX
The Thief on the Cross – Luke 23:39-46
Text: Luke 23:39-46
Where do we read about the thief on the cross?
Mark 15:32 says that those who were crucified with Jesus reviled Him, but the only passage to tell us all the details is Luke 23:39-46.
What law did the thief live under?
Since Jesus was still alive, he could only be under the old law, or Law of Moses (Hebrews 9:15-17). He could not have been a Christian.
Had the kingdom of God come yet?
The Thief asked Jesus to remember him when He would come in the kingdom (Luke 23:42). Thus, speaking in a future tense, the kingdom had not yet come. Jesus promised He would build His church and give Peter the keys to that kingdom (Matthew 16:13-19), and after Christ ascended into Heaven Peter unlocked that kingdom on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1-2).
Did the thief on the cross repent?
According to Luke 23:41-42, he certainly did! We all must repent if we want to be saved (Luke 13:3-5).
Did Jesus have the power to save him?
Remember that Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18-20), and thus He may save whomever He wishes as He wishes. He proved this when He saved the paralytic. Not only did He show his power to heal him physically, but could forgive his sins (Luke 5:18-26).
It must be noted, however, that Jesus gave them different instructions than He does with us today. These individuals all lived under the Old Law, and Jesus gave the Great Commission (commanding us to believe and obey the gospel) after His resurrection (see also Matthew 27, Matthew 28, as well as Mark 15 and Mark 16).
Editor’s Note: There is not much discussion about the other thief. Let us repent and recognize Christ like the one discussed above.
Galatians 05:01-06
Text: Galatians 5:1-6
Bible Class Discussion Notes
- Galatians 5:1 – Christians are to stand fast in the liberty in Christ.
We have been made free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), and therefore stand fast in the Lord (Philippians 4:1). Once loosed, we should not be bound by the yoke of bondage. Some of Jesus’ disciples had a yoke put on them, but by God’s grace they believed all could be saved (Acts 15:10-11; Ephesians 2:5,8). - Galatians 5:2 – If one is uncircumcised, becoming circumcised will do no good.
This turned out to be a huge salvation issue, as many were divided over whether or not the Gentiles could be saved (Acts 15:1ff.). Paul explained that the gospel has the power to save both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16), and that there is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ (Galatians 3:28-29) but are all heirs of God. - Galatians 5:3 – If one becomes circumcised, however, he must keep the law of Moses.
That law is very difficult (impossible) to keep, and if (when) one breaks the law it does no good (Romans 2:25-29); instead, it matters what one does on the inside. We must strive to please God and not man (Acts 5:29). According to the law of Christ, if one stumbles in one point he is guilty of all (James 2:10). - Galatians 5:4 – If we are justified by law, we have become fallen from grace.
Paul said we are no longer under the law, but grace (Romans 6:14). The law was a schoolmaster bringing us to Christ (Galatians 3:24); however, the law could not save us. That is only possible by the grace of God. Some were warned of falling short of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:15). - Galatians 5:5 – We await the hope of righteousness by faith.
Israel followed after the law of righteousness, but did not attain it because they did not seek it by faith (Romans 9:30-33). The only way we get to God is by faith in Christ (Hebrews 11:6; John 14:6). - Galatians 5:6 – It does not matter if one is circumcised or circumcised; what matters is whether he or she shows faith working by love and being a new creature (Galatians 6:15).
Paul taught Timothy that the grace of God is exceeding abundant with faith and love. Perhaps the best example is the Thessalonians because their “faith grows exceedingly and their love of every one abounds toward each other” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
Order in the Church – 1 Corinthians 14:40
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:40
Introduction
When Paul was writing to the church at Corinth, he addressed some problems concerning their worship to God. He told them, “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). A world without order would lead to chaos. There would be much confusion as no one would know what to do.
An Orderly Creation
God created the world in an orderly fashion (Genesis 1:1-27). Hence, He is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). We must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and if we all do that there will be order and not confusion.
Order in Worship
One specific problem the church at Corinth had was the way in which they observed the Lord’s Supper. Paul reminded them of how Jesus used it to remind them of His body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). When they partook of it, they were to examine themselves and remember the sacrifice Christ made; yet, some took this for a common meal. They were being worldly in this, as Paul said they should not do. After addressing this problem, Paul said he would “set the rest in order” when he came (1 Corinthians 11:27-34).
An Orderly Account
3. The Bible is written in an orderly fashion. It is divided into two testaments (old and new) that takes us from God creating the world to His law given through Moses, speaking through the prophets, birth and life of Christ, history of the church, guide to living the faithful Christian life, and then to things that would shortly come to pass according to Revelation. Luke tells Theophilus he was writing an orderly account to set in order things that happened to Christ (Luke 1:1-4).
An Orderly Work
4. Paul had an important job for Titus. He left him in Crete to “set in order things that were lacking” (Titus 1:5). One can only wonder what was missing in the church there, and what problem may have needed to be corrected.
Order in our Lives
Is anything out of order in your life? Have you obeyed the gospel by being baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)? If so, are you living faithfully as you should (Revelation 2:10)?
Is there anything you need to set in order with God, yourself, or with anyone else?
Acts 10:01-48 Cornelius, the First Gentile Christian
Text: Acts 10:1-48
Bible Class Discussion Notes
- Acts 10:1-2 – Little is known of Cornelius. Although he was a centurion of the Italian regiment, very devout, feared God, gave generously, and prayed to God always. When one fears God, he commits himself to loving Him and doing what He says (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Since Cornelius was a good man, God remembered his prayer and helped him learn what to do to be saved.
- Acts 10:3-8 – In a vision, an angel told Cornelius to send for Simon Peter in Joppa; he would tell him what he needed to do.
- Acts 10:9-16 – As Cornelius sends men to find Peter, Peter is on a roof praying. He falls into a trance and sees a vision of a sheet that descends from heaven full of unclean animals. Each time this happens, a voice says “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Peter would not do so, for he was a Jew and knew that he could not eat unclean animals according to the old law. Yet, a voice from heaven told him “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
- Acts 10:17-23 – The men arrive at Peter’s house, as Peter wonders what this vision means. Peter was told to go with them and do not doubt! Ironically, Peter had a past of doubting. Jesus told him “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31) when Peter walked on the water to Jesus. Christians are told a few times in Scripture to do things without doubting (1 Timothy 2:8; James 1:5-6). Thus, Peter goes the following day to meet Cornelius.
- Acts 10:24-33 – Peter arrives in Caesarea to find Cornelius waiting with many friends and family to hear what God has to say through Peter. Peter confesses that he learns that God showed him not to call any man common or unclean; the gospel is for all (Romans 1:16), Jew and Gentile alike!
- Acts 10:34-43 – Peter preaches the gospel to Cornelius and his household. Thus they learn that remission of sins is gained through obedience to Christ.
- Acts 10:44-48 – Cornelius and his household receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1 John 05:20
Text: 1 John 5:20
John knows that God’s Son came in the flesh
He knows because he personally saw, heard, and touched Him (1 John 1:1-3; John 1:1-2, 14-15). Other gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) also wrote what they saw and heard.
God’s only begotten Son has given us an understanding
When Jesus was with his disciples after His resurrection, He explained to them that all things would be fulfilled. Thus, he “opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures” (Luke 24:44-45).
Later, when the Ethiopian eunuch was reading from Isaiah, he could not understand it until Philip preached unto him Jesus, beginning at the same Scripture (Acts 8:26-40). He understood what he needed to do, for he was baptized soon after. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come and guide us into all truth, and He did (John 16:13).
We may know Him who is true
Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), His Father is the only true God (Ephesians 4:6; John 17:3), and His Word is true (John 17:17). As long as we do what God says and do not do what He does not say, we are of the truth; otherwise, we are lying and not of the truth (Romans 3:4; 1 John 1:6-10; 5:10).
We are in Him who is true
According to God’s Word, only one thing puts us into Christ: baptism (Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:1-6).
Only in Christ do we receive all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), including fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 17:20-26).
Another thing that is found in Christ Jesus is eternal life. Just as John tells us what it is, he explains that if we are in Christ, we have eternal life; if we do not have the Son of God, we do not have life (1 John 5:11-12). As long as we live, we must do so faithfully that we might receive everlasting life (Revelation 2:10).
Qualification of Elders – Titus 01:05-09
Text: Titus 1:5-9
Paul gives Titus instructions to appoint elders in every city, and even gives their qualifications (Titus 1:5-9). Most of these qualifications should be characteristics of all Christians, but they are required for elders. They are:
1. Blameless. We should live our lives in such a godly way that we cannot be at fault for anything. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), yet Christ did no sin (1 Peter 2:21-24). It is only through Him that we can become blameless (Colossians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 1:8).
2. Husband of one wife. Christ gives many instructions concerning the family in the New Testament. There is to be one wife per husband (1 Corinthians 7:2), and each has commandments from the Lord (Ephesians 5-6).
3. Faithful children not accused of dissipation. If a child is taught the way to go, when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). However, a child shouldn’t live a reckless life or destroy his lifestyle as the prodigal son did (Luke 15:11ff.).
4. Faithful children not accused of insubordination. Children should not be disobedient to their parents or reject their authority (Ephesians 6), as Christians should be subject unto God, our Heavenly Father.
5. Steward of God. A steward must be faithful in all things (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
6. Not self-willed. We should not be thinking of ourselves, but strive to please God as Christ did (Philippians 2:4; Romans 12:3; Luke 22:42).
7. Not quick-tempered. As humans we get angry, yet should not sin (Ephesians 4:26), even as Christ did (John 2:13-16).
8. Not given to wine. We should not be filled with wine, but with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
9. Not violent. If possible, we should live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18).
10. Not greedy for money. Money is necessary to survive, but the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
11. Hospitable. When we do things for others, we do so to Christ (Matthew 25).
12. A lover of what is good. We should think of things of good report (Philippians 4:8); even Christ went about doing good (Acts 10:38; Hebrews 13:16).
13. Sober-minded. We should live as with a purpose, striving to get to Heaven (Revelation 2:10).
14. Just. We must know the difference between right and wrong, and thus do right (James 4:17).
15. Holy. God often said “Be ye therefore holy, even as I am holy (1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:44,45).
16. Self-controlled. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), and should be added to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8).
17. Hold fast the faithful word. By studying God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15), we can know the truth (John 8:32; 17:17). Thus, we can show some where they’re right; prove others wrong, and help all get to Heaven.
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus – Romans 6:1-11
Text: Romans 6:1-11
Can we trust in riches?
Jesus said it is hard for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:24). After all, the rich young ruler would not give them up in order to follow after Christ (Matthew 19:16-22).
Paul said not to “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).” Riches are uncertain, for they will pass away (1 John 2:15-17).
Can we trust in ourselves?
Sometimes we think we can, and other times we know we cannot. We are not reliable. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and are not perfect. Paul said we should not “trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9-10).
One is tempted when enticed by his desires, and when the desire is conceived it causes sin. When sin is full-grown, death is brought about (James 1:14-15). This all started when Adam & Eve gave in to temptation and sinned when eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2-3).
As a result, “…in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
If we cannot trust in things or in people, in what or in whom can we trust?
We can trust in Christ!
- We heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise who is our guarantee of the inheritance (Ephesians 1:12-14)!
- We are not sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:4-6). The Old Testament shows how God provided for the children of Israel, and He will do the same for us (James 1:17; Ephesians 1:3).
- He is the Savior of all men, but especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10). Even when we were in sin, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Those who are obedient to the gospel will be saved (Romans 6:1-11).
How do we show our trust in God?
Peter says the women who trusted in God adorned themselves with the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:1-6).
Paul told Timothy a true widow shows her trust in God by “continuing in supplications and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5). Christians are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18).
Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1-13
Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Five wise and five foolish virgins were all invited to a wedding feast. The wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps, whereas the foolish virgins did not.
All slept while waiting for the bridegroom. When they learned the bridegroom was approaching, the foolish virgins found they had run out of oil for their lamps. The wise told them to go in the city and buy some.
While the foolish virgins were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The wise virgins entered the wedding feast, whereas the foolish virgins did not because they were outside the door when it was shut.
There are three main lessons to gain from this parable.
Be prepared!
As there were both wise and foolish virgins invited to the feast, not all were prepared. All persons need to be prepared to do God’s will. Paul illustrates to Timothy that not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and earth are equally important, especially for the master’s use and prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Likewise, we have God’s Word to prepare us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By careful study, we can be prepared to answer those that ask a reason within us with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
The bridegroom gets the bride!
The bride is described as a holy city, new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2). The church began at Jerusalem and spread throughout the world (Acts 2:5ff; Acts 8:1). The bride is described as the Lamb’s wife (Revelation 21:9). The bride is also referred to as the saints, often a term used for Christians (Revelation 19:7-9).
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29; Isaiah 53:6-12; 1 Peter 1:19).
Paul told the church at Corinth they were espoused to one husband, presented as chaste virgins to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Be watchful!
The foolish virgins tried to get in saying, “Lord, Lord” (Matthew 25:11), but the door was shut. Jesus said to watch and pray for we do not know when the Son of Man will return (Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). Therefore, only those that do the will of God and are ready will enter (Matthew 7:21).
Psalm 127:01 The Lord’s House – powerpoint
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Text: Psalm 127:1
Psalm-127-01-01-The-Lords-House PDF
Psalm-127-01-01-The-Lords-House PPTX
Hebrews 05:12-14 Exercising Our Senses to Discern Good and Evil
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
Introduction
Throughout the beginning, there has been a war between good and evil.
Can you tell the difference?
Body
I. In the Garden of Eden
A. Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat nor touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; yet the serpent tempted them saying, “your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:3-5).”
B. Solomon requested an understanding heart to discern good and evil (1 Kings 3:9).
C. Christians must exercise senses to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).
II. The disciples. Many that were with Christ exercised their senses to discern the truth, and share it with others.
A. John exercised his senses to learn Christ (1 John 1:1-3).
B. The disciples exercised their senses to discern Christ’s resurrection (Luke 24:38-43), especially Thomas (John 20:25-28).
C. Peter and John preached what they have seen and heard (Acts 4:20).
III. The Lord. The Lord has made us, and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3). Therefore He knows our senses, and wants to help us use them.
A. Old Testament example: Isaiah 42:16-21.
B. New Testament example: Matthew 13:13.
IV. Exercising Our Senses.
A. Hearing.
1) Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17).
2) Seven churches in Asia must hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2,3).
3) We must hear and do God’s word (James 1:22-25).
B. Seeing.
1) Isaiah tells us to stop our ears from hearing of blood, and eyes from seeing evil (Isaiah 33:15-16).
2) People saw and heard the miracles Philip did (Acts 8:6).
3) Search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15).
C. Touching.
1) Do not touch unclean things (2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Isaiah 52:11-12).
2) The woman with an issue of blood touched Jesus (Matthew 9:21).
3) Uzzah touched the ark to steady it, but died (2 Samuel 6).
D. Smelling.
1) Epaphroditus brought Paul a good report of the Philippians, a sweet smell to God (Philippians 4:18; Romans 12:1).
2) Jesus Christ was a sacrifice, a sweet smell to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).
3) Christians are the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).
E. Tasting.
1) The master of a feast knew Jesus turned water into wine by tasting it (John 2:9).
2) Some have tasted the heavenly gift and the good word of God (Hebrews 6:4-5).
3) Newborn babes in Christ taste the graciousness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:2-3).
Conclusion
We can follow the example of David to exercise our senses to discern good and evil (Psalm 101:1-8).
John 10:24-30 Jesus, The Good Shepherd (Part 3)
Text: John 10:24-30
Bible Class Discussion Notes
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3- John 10:24 – Many of the Jews still doubted that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
- John 10:25 – Jesus already proved who He was by His words, miracles, and sinless life. Even if they still didn’t believe Him, they could not deny the works He did.
Jesus knew that according to Jewish law, there had to be 2 or 3 witnesses before a testimony could be considered. Therefore, Jesus claimed Himself, His works, His Heavenly Father, and John as witnesses to His identity (John 5:31-38; 1 John 5:7-11). - John 10:26-27 – Jesus knew that they didn’t believe Him because they were not of His sheep. Jesus knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him and His voice (John 8:47; previous lesson).
- John 10:28 – Christ gives eternal life to His sheep. No one can remove them from His protection (John 3:15-16).
- John 10:29 – Christ reminds us that His Heavenly Father is greater than all (John 14:28), even Himself. Thus, He gave Christ all authority (Ephesians 4:6; Matthew 28:18), who will eventually return it to Him (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
- John 10:30 – Jesus equates Himself with His Father, which caused the Jews to believe He was blaspheming God. However, Jesus prayed that we would all be one with Him, as He is one with the Father (John 17:6-10).
John 10:07-18 Jesus, The Good Shepherd (Part 2)
Text: John 10:7-18
Bible Class Discussion Notes
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3- John 10:7 – Jesus states plainly that He is the door of the sheep (see John 10:1). There is no other way to His Father but through Him (John 14:6).
- John 10:8 – All those coming before or after Christ are NOT Him; instead, they are the thieves and robbers (verses 1-5). Therefore, we should not believe the many false Christs that exist today that Jesus warned us about (Matthew 24:23-25).
- John 10:9 – Again Jesus emphasizes He is the door of the sheep. If we go through Him, we can be saved (Acts 4:12); we can be saved through no other! Only through Christ, the door, do we have access to God by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).
- John 10:10-11 – As thieves and robbers come to kill and destroy, the Good Shepherd (Jesus Himself) comes to give life abundantly. He gave His life for us (John 3:16), and often says He is the bread of life (John 6:48) or can give living water (John 4:10, 14).
- John 10:12-13 – A hireling is a temporary shepherd. He does not care for the sheep but is only interested in receiving his wages. When danger approaches, he forsakes the sheep. Zechariah prophesied about a false shepherd who would be greatly punished (Zechariah 11:16-17).
- John 10:14-15 – As Christ is the Good Shepherd, He knows every one of His sheep, and we should all know Him.
Paul said, “The Lord knows those whose are His (2 Timothy 2:19ff”. Jesus knows His Father well, and His Father knows Him. He laid down His life for His friends, His sheep; we are His friends if we do what He commands us (John 15:13-14). - John 10:16 – There are other sheep not in this fold. Jesus commanded His apostles to preach the gospel throughout the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). Thus there are many folds, but all have the same Shepherd—Christ! (See previous lessons on the kingdom of God as Christ is the head of the church.) We are all baptized into one body, the church of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 4:4-6; Ephesians 5:23; Romans 16:16).
- John 10:17-18 – God loved His only begotten Son because Jesus did His Father’s will. Thus, the world knows Jesus loved Him because He kept His commandment of laying down His life for us (John 14:31; 17:4). He has the power to lay it down and take it again (see Matthew 28:18).Jesus knows we love Him when we do His commandments (John 14:15).
John 10:01-06 Jesus, The Good Shepherd (Part 1)
Text: John 10:1-6
Bible Class Discussion Notes
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3- John 10:1 – If anyone tries to enter the sheepfold by any way other than the door, he is a thief and a robber. In the religious world, people try to get to Heaven by other ways than through the right one.Solomon wrote, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).” Thus there is only ONE way to Heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).Sadly, there are many that go down the wrong road that leads to destruction, but we can take the narrow gate and difficult way to life (Matthew 7:13-14).
- John 10:2 – The one that goes in and out of the door is the shepherd. He has access to do the door, and we have access to Christ by faith into God’s grace (Ephesians 5:1-2), and access to God through Christ (Hebrews 11:6).
- John 10:3 – The doorkeeper opens the door for the shepherd, and the sheep follow him in and out. The shepherd knows all the sheep by name, and they should all know him.Jesus knows us all by name, and even when Mary did not recognize Him after His resurrection, He called her “Mary!” and she knew Him (John 20:16).
- John 10:4-5 – The shepherd is the leader of the sheep, and the sheep follow only him. Strangers may try to lead the sheep, but a sheep should only follow the voice that is familiar.Likewise, there are many “wolves in sheep’s clothing” in the religious world. Sadly, many are misled by those wolves. The apostle Paul warns us about them (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).We should know God’s voice by constant study of His word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). God’s word was first spoken directly, then through the law of Moses, then by the prophets, then by His own Son, and now in the Bible (Hebrews 1:1-3). We must not follow those that teach contrary to God’s Word!
- John 10:6 – Some were not able to understand Jesus’ illustration.He often spoke in parables because some could not see nor understand (Luke 8:9-10). There was even a time when the disciples could not understand about Jesus being delivered into the hands of men because it was hidden from them until the Day of Pentecost (Luke 9:43-45; Acts 2:1-40).