081504

HOW SHOULD I ACT AS A CHRISTIAN?
ACT RIGHT
1 Peter 1:13-2


1 Peter is often called the gospel of hope. It was written during a time of persecution of the early church, somewhere between 60-67 A.D. Because of the Roman persecution, believers were facing many trials and had been scattered throughout Asia Minor. In this portion of his letter, the apostle Peter is reminding believers of their call to holiness: “…just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16).”

The word used here is “hagios” (pronounced hag'-ee-os) and comes from the root word meaning to be different or distinct in the sense of a separating of one’s self from sin and impurity and being dedicated to God—literally, it means to be “set apart.” Holy, as in “holy ones,” is often translated as “saints.”

1) “Holy”—the completed work of Christ Jesus in our lives—Redemption
a. “…Christ Jesus, who has become for us…our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
b. “For ye are bought with a price…” (1 Corinthians 6:20)
c. “redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ…” (1 Peter 1:18)
d. “…because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:14)

Redemption from slavery was easily understood by both Jew and Gentile believers. The Jews were very familiar with the concept of redemption since they had been redeemed or “brought out of” slavery from Egypt. A Gentile slave could be “redeemed” or receive his freedom at a price.

2) “Holy”—the “perfecting” of our faith—Sanctification
a. 2 Corinthians 7:1—“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
i. Sanctification is the work of God
1. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
2. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
ii. Believers personal responsibility
a. “work out you own salvation in fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

PURPOSE FOR BEING “SET APART”

1) That we come to the living Stone: (1 Peter 2:4)
a. This living Stone, Christ Jesus, was “rejected by men but chosen by God and precious…”
i. “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone [ or cornerstone]…) (Psalm 118:22)
1. Jesus is the rock, literally translated “massive rock,” or “cornerstone” of the church
a. “Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "…on this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:16-18)
2) As believers, we become “living stones” added to God’s spiritual house—God’s spiritual temple.” (1 Peter 2:5)
a. “And I tell you that you are Peter..” (Matthew 16:18)
Peter is translated, Petros which means “piece of a rock.”
b. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)

3) “As believers we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9)
a. The call to become a royal priesthood was originally given to the Israelites
i. (Exodus 19:5-6), “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
b. The entire nation of Israel was called to meditate on God’s word and be a light to the Gentiles
i. Isaiah 42:6—"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,”)
c. The nation of Israel rejected God and disobeyed their calling:
i. “…for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 5:24)
d. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, God’s call is now offered to both Jew and Gentile believers. (1 Peter 2:9)
i. God has “chosen” us
1. “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16)
2. “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)
3. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4)

THE BELIEVER’S PRIESTLY ROLE

1) Reflect God’s Holiness
a. “I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:45)
2) Offer Acceptable Worship and Sacrifice

Worship and sacrifice goes back as far as Abel, Noah and the Patriarchs. King David left us a perfect example of the right attitude toward offering a sacrifice to the Lord. He said, “I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (2 Samuel 24:24)
a. We are to offer our lives
i. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
ii. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. (Romans 6:11-14)
iii. “I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” (Romans 6:19)
iv. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
b. We are to offer our praise, good works
i. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
c. We are to offer our gifts, offerings
i. “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received…the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)
3) Be a Blessing
a. To Fellow Believers
i. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another…(Romans 12:10 KJV)
ii.. “…serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
iii. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
iv. “…remember [each other] in.. prayer” (Romans 1:9-10)
v. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other…” (James 5:16)
vi. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1)
b. Represent God and Intercede for the Lost
i. “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ…He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)
ii. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

HOW TO PREPARE FOR GOD’S CALLING ON OUR LIVES

1) Prepare your minds for action. (1 Peter 1:13) This statement implies that we pull our thoughts together—have disciplined minds. Be sober minded—calm, steady, controlled—able to weigh all matters.
a. “…have [your] minds set on what the Spirit desires…” (Romans 8:5)
b. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
c. “…have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

2) We are also called to have an optimistic mind—a hopeful outlook! Remember, we have a living hope—we are waiting for Christ to be revealed! Be watchful! (1 Peter 1:13)
a. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:16-18)

3) Be Self-Controlled
a. “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
i. Put away (like you would take off a garment)
1. Malice (1 Peter 2:1) – Stored up anger, bitterness, unforgiving spirit
2. Deceit
3. Hypocrisy
4. Envy
5. Slander
6. Abstain from sinful desires (1 Peter 2:11)
7. Do not misuse your freedom in Christ (1 Peter 2:16)
a. “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. “ (1 Corinthians 8:9)
b. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
c. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” (Romans 6:1-2)
i. “…he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
1. “By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:19)
ii. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness..” (2 Timothy 2:22)

b. Seek After
i. Crave pure spiritual milk—Hunger after God’s word. (1 Peter 2:1)

Have you ever noticed how a baby instinctively hungers for their bottle? That is how we are to hunger after God’s word.

1. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
a. The word of God offers us eternal life.
i. “Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
b. The word of God sanctifies us
i. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
1. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
4) Live good lives—display good deeds before a sinful world (1 Peter 2:12)
a. “"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

5) Set your hope fully on Jesus Christ
a. “whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 9:33)
b. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
c. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised…” (Hebrews 10:23)

6) Know your works will be judged (1 Peter 1:17)
a. “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” (2 Timothy 4:1)
i. Christian’s Judgment
1. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
2. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
3. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

b. Unbeliever’s Judgment
i. “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
ii. “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

7) Live as “strangers” on the earth
a. “…they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own…Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)
b. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20)

8) Be Obedient. True belief always leads to obedience. Jesus submitted to His Father’s will and is our perfect example.
a. “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” (John 14:21)
b. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” (Romans 2:13)

9) Love one another deeply from the heart (1 Peter 1:22) “Deeply” can be translated as “exerting one’s self with all of one’s energy.” Sincere love is constant, enduring and unshaken.
a. “And now I will show you the most excellent way… Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:4-8)

ACT RIGHT - STUDY QUESTIONS 1 Peter 1:13-2
1) Do you find it unusual that during a period of great persecution for the early church that Peter would urge believers toward holiness? Why do you feel holiness under fire is important? 2) Peter speaks of both grace and mercy. Is there a difference?
3) How does our holiness differ from God’s?
4) Why does “being a good person” or “having religion” not qualify someone as reaching God’s standard for being “holy?”
5) What is redemption? sanctification? Do we have a role to play in either work?
6) What part do you think “free will” has in our eternal redemption?
7) 1 Peter reminds us that Christ is “precious” to God. Explain how Christ is precious to you.
8) In what ways to you treat your body as if it were God’s temple. Name some ways we can abuse God’s temple?
9) Have you ever thought of yourself as a living sacrifice? How do we accomplish this in our lives?
10) Do you find Christians any easier to love than the lost? Explain.
11) How do we prepare our minds for action? Why do we need to do so?
12) What is Christian liberty or freedom? How can it be abused?
13) 1 Peter reminds us to be sober minded because we will be judged. How does the judgment of a Christian and one who is lost differ?
14) What does it mean to be a “stranger” on this earth?
15) Is it possible to always be obedient—or do you feel like you like you’re on your own with this one? Why or why not?

070305

LIVING FREE
What Does It Mean to be Free in Christ?
Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 8,9 and Galatians 5
July 3, 2005


Romans 6:12-23; 1 Corinthians 8:9-23 and Galatians 5:13-15
Once upon a time there were two men—both bent over and struggling with huge boulders of varying proportions placed on their backs. God, in His sovereignty (He is God, of course!), throws them both into an immense ocean called the world. Now, one of the men is quickly overcome with his great burden and immediately sinks to the bottom—splatt! Yes, the other man starts sinking, too, but suddenly he looks up and cries out to God for help. (Oh, he knows there has to be Someone called God—Someone Who is mighty in power and deed! He just knows he didn’t make himself, much less all the beautiful things around him—this wonder world in which he was now living? Yes, this man has no doubt—there has to be God!) Amazingly, God immediately reaches down and supplies this man with an impenetrable wet suit (Oh, this was a must because, you see, there are a lot of sharks down there, too!) and a perpetual supply of oxygen to sustain him in this strange and alien land. Bit by bit, this mans actually begins to rise—and with such a load! Why, it defies imagination! Oh, he’s quite wobbly at first—he stumbles, he falls, but finally he even learns to walk around in this murky environment. He goes on like this for a bit, but he gets so tired—man, those boulders are mighty heavy! God whispers to him, “You know it might be easier if we removed this boulder called, ah, pride!” Well, the man thinks this is quite impossible because you see he has always walked around with that boulder and he just can’t imagine life without it. He thinks about this for a while and decides that maybe, just maybe, God might be right (He is God, of course!), so he says, “Okay God, but You’ll have to do it, it’s way too heavy and I just can’t seem to reach it.” The Great and Merciful God again reaches into the ocean and just slips this heavy boulder off the man’s shoulders. “Ouch! God, you didn’t tell me that this was going to be so painful,” the man exclaims! At first, the poor man didn’t know if he can continue to walk—removing that boulder took his breath away! His footing was not as sure, and boy, his muscles really ached because he had to readjust his carriage due to the new lightness of his load. He wasn’t sure this had been such a good idea, but one day, he noticed that he could actually stand up just a little bit straighter and, you know, that initial pain from readjusting those massive boulders had miraculously disappeared! Oh, he quickly thanks God because he just knows all this was truly impossible, but God gently smiles and tells the man that with Him, all things are possible! Well, I’m sure you can figure out the rest of the story. Gradually, over a period of time, God convinces the man that removing boulder after boulder was in His friend’s best interest. (Yes, by this time, the man and God have become very, very close!) Admittedly, the man was not always willing to agree with God every time God wanted to help him by removing this or that boulder, but God never got mad and left him. No, believe it or not, God never left his side! You want to know what God did when the man wouldn’t let God take a boulder away—God just covered the boulder up! That, too, somehow made the man’s burden a little lighter. Then, one day God comes and lifts the man out of the great ocean and delivers him into the most beautiful of all places—home! Wonders of wonders! Home has no boulders—the man jumps and leaps and frolics in the sweet, tall grasses of home! Oh, he has become so light! Then, the man sees Him--God, face to face! The man can’t speak because he has never seen anything, or anyone so beautiful. He couldn’t quite see God before because the ocean world blurred everything, but now he sees and the man gazes upon the beauty of the Lord for all eternity! Oh, I don’t want you to feel bad for the poor man lying on the bottom of the ocean. You see, somehow, someway known only by God Himself, that man who lay splattered underneath the weight he was carrying was still breathing, barely, but still breathing! God’s friend came across him one day and had great pity on him—the poor man was just a crushed heap on the ocean floor! He told the man how God made it possible for him to move around, and yes, even enjoy living in that strange ocean world. Unbeknownst to God’s friend, the poor crushed, splattered man had been secretly watching him for quite some time. He noticed how God’s friend was able to live in that strange world and he had taken special note of the friendship he had formed with God. It finally dawned on this man that God might do the same for him. So, he, too, cried out to God for help and now, together both men get to share in all that God had planned for them from the very beginning—eternal joy! The End.

Sisters, that is Christian freedom—the freedom to say “yes” to God and “no” to sin! Like these men, until we discover that it is God that saves, that God is more than able, that it is God, not us doing the work, then we, too, will surely sink to the bottom of this ocean! Everything has its beginning in God. God works everything out based on His will and for our good purpose, and in the end—all the glory goes to our Father, God! Amen and hallelujah!

1) In the story above, the boulders represent our sin. It doesn’t matter if you think you have ever sinned or not, God’s Word tells us that because of our earthly father, Adam, we’re all born into sin (Romans 5:12-14.) This is why God declared every man guilty under Adam, not to condemn us for all eternity, but so He could declare all of us righteous through our new spiritual re-birth, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 5:15-19!)
2) The righteous man above (the one who first cried out to God) was given gifts by God. What do you think they represent? The wet suit (Galatians 3:1?) The oxygen (Genesis 2:7 and John 20:22?)
3) Do you think that along the way this man may have picked up sins other than those he started out with? Have you? What is the solution (1 John 2:1?)
4) Hey, why didn’t he (us, too) die with all those boulders on his back (Isaiah 53:11 and 1 Peter 2:24?)
5) Slaves to sin or enslaved to Christ (2 Peter 2:19; Romans 6:18-19? What is the difference? How is it that only one way brings freedom?
6) What does slavery to sin bring (Romans 6:23?) What does willfully enslaving ourselves to Christ and righteousness bring to us (Romans 6:21-23?)
7) Can anyone free themselves? To be set free, what must take place (Romans 7:24-25; Colossians 1:13?)
8) Have you died yet? Can a dead man sin (Romans 6:2, 7?) How does our baptism speak of this death (Romans 6:1-5 and Galatians 3:24-29?)
9) In Christ, we are no longer sinking under the law, with its rules and regulations! We are free men! As free men are we under any law, if so, what is it and did you see it demonstrated in the story above (Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 8:1c and 1 Corinthians 13!)
10) Can you name some things that in Christ we are free to do or participate in (Colossians 2:20-23?)
11) Now, we come to the part that can step on some toes! So, we feel free to, say, go to a football game and have a couple of beers. Okay, but you have a friend who believes in his heart that drinking is a terrible sin? What do you do? Remember, love!
12) Someone’s consciousness can be strong or weak (Romans 14:23 and 1 Corinthians 8:3-7.) Who do they answer to, God or man (Romans 2:1 and Romans 8:29-31?)
13) What should be our response to those who are weak in their faith (Romans 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Corinthians 8:11?)
14) Who does 1 Corinthians 8:12 say we ultimately are sinning against when we do not operate in love toward our brothers and sisters in Christ?
15) It all comes back to loving God and loving others, sometimes to do this we have to die to ourselves. The paradox is that this is freedom (Matthew 10:39; Matthew 16:25 and Mark 8:34-37!) God’s ways are truly not our way! To see what true love is, let’s take another look at 1 Corinthians 13! Against such things, there is not law! Glory!

120306

On Mission – Personal Witness
1 Corinthians 13, James 1, Colossians 4, 1 Peter 4, 1 John 3
December 3, 2006


John 3:1-8 (Monday) – It’s a God Thing!
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (NIV)
1) Some come down pretty hard on Nicodemus for seeking Jesus out at night and, frankly, the symbolism is noteworthy—night could represent the darkness of this man’s unsaved soul and, also the fact that Nicodemus was walking in spiritual darkness versus walking in the light of Christ. However, Jesus never rebuked him for doing so. Jesus knew the risk and the cost to Nicodemus. As a ruling member of the Jewish council, Nicodemus could lose his honored standing in the synagogue and in the community—ostracized. Nicodemus would be treated as a leper, as one who had died to the faith! So, even at night, this was a bold step for Nicodemus to take.
2) In his brief discourse, Nicodemus makes several “true” statements:
a) Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher
b) Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a miracle worker
c) Nicodemus even acknowledges that Jesus had come from God and that God was with Jesus
i) What is it that Nicodemus failed to acknowledge?
3) Jesus wastes no time in responding Nicodemus’ niceties! In fact, Jesus seems to “cut off” Nicodemus, choosing to get right to the “heart” of the matter! Whatever Nicodemus’ statements were leading up to, Jesus knew that while Nicodemus was well versed in the law and Moses’ teachings (After all, Nicodemus was very religious and perhaps, even very moral!), he couldn’t possibly begin to understand the “Who” of Jesus! Nicodemus needed to be changed—he needed to be born again! Nicodemus needed a God-changed heart—not more book and law-filled head knowledge!
4) You really can’t blame Nicodemus for all his stumbling and blubbering! All humanity can see or understand is the physical—sight, touch, taste, hearing and smell! It is our natural bent! These are the truths we understand—that we cling to! That’s why miracles, by themselves, will never change a person’s heart. All we need to do is to read back over Exodus to see how quickly miracles can be dismissed and forgotten! No, it is finally meeting the Miracle Maker—face to face, (just as Moses and, yes, Nicodemus did) that moves us pass the physical and plunges us headlong into the uncharted waters of the Spirit!
5) Jesus relates the Spirit’s “new birth” to the wind. We cannot see, touch, smell, or taste the wind. We can experience “evidences” of the wind, but not the wind itself. We can, of course, “hear” the wind if the force behind it is strong enough. Jesus alludes to this truth and brings it into direct correlation with the Christian’s life. How strong is the force behind our rebirth? Can, no, better, has the world experienced the “wind” of your new birth in Christ Jesus?
6) Spirit gives birth to spirit. Our rebirth depends on the life-giving power of God’s Holy Spirit. It is a gift of God! Read
7) Think back to your own spiritual “rebirth”. Was yours like a mighty rushing wind, or a gentle quiet breeze? Both can be powerful and impact others in their own way! Please be willing to share.
Matthew 5:13-16 (Tuesday) – Open Your Life to Others!
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (NIV)

“Let me tell you why are you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godlieness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in this world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Msg)
1) Scary thought to think about a Christian losing his spiritual “saltiness”, or what we would probably call, Christian witness. Are you aware of someone who actually caused an unbeliever or unbelievers to trample upon the name of Christ and/or His followers because of their ungodly lifestyles? Did this impact you? Others? How so? Was this believer able to recover? Was it without repercussion? Did they personally feel trampled upon, too? Explain.
2) A lot of people are generous—giving millions, even billions of dollars for good, worthy causes. What makes Christian charity, generosity and good deeds different? Do you think the world can tell the difference? Why or why not?
3) Light-bearers—I like that! According to this passage, is our “light” supposed to point to our good deeds, or is our “light” supposed to point to God? Good way to judge our motives!
4) Do you think it is true that if we are “open books” to the world, then the world will feel like they can open up to God? Explain your response.
5) Exactly what do you think being an “open book” means?
6) Are there any dangers to being an “open book”? Should that ever be a deterrent, or an excuse?
7) Kind of hard to keep an open house, when we all drive into our garages and shut the door on the world. Hey, I’m guilty of this one. What are some ways we can start to reach out to our neighbors and let the light of God shine upon them?
1 Corinthians 5:9:-13(Wednesday) – Got Any Unchurched Friends?
“I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you.” (NIV)
1) Yes, we’d all have to jump off the planet if we couldn’t associate with sinners! This passage is speaking to our fellow church members. What is it about Paul’s writing that seems to bring such a person’s true spiritual state into question?
2) Why does Paul specially mention “sexual” immorality, greed, slander, drunkenness, and stealing? Do these sins have anything in common?
3) What would happen if the church expelled everyone who sinned?
4) Are we supposed to judge the person, or the action?
5) Why is it important to disassociate from such a person?
6) What effect could it possibly have upon the church body as a whole if a personal practicing immorality is allowed to continue in his or her sin and goes undisciplined?
7) Have you ever known someone who was excommunicated (expelled) from the church? Did they later repent? Were they joyfully welcomed back into fellowship? Was it difficult to rebuild trust?
Colossians 4:2-5 (Thursday) – Be Careful What You Say!
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (NIV)
1) We all understand the need for prayer and thankfulness. Why must we be watchful?
a) Sin couches at the door
b) Opportunities
2) Do you pray for boldness? For yourself? For others? This is so important! Paul was perhaps the greatest of the apostles, yet, here, near the end of his life, he was asking that others pray that he continue to proclaim Christ boldly! Imagine! Oh, I so covet your prayers! Let’s all pray that we will be bold in our actions and in our words!
3) In what ways should we be wise toward others?
4) Why should we want to make the most out of every opportunity?
Romans 15:1-3 (Friday) – Ready to Serve!
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (NIV)

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for Himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “ I took on the troubles of the troubled.” Is the way Scripture puts it.” (Msg)
1) None of us are strong all the time! At some point, someone will need to be there for you and, at some point, you will need to be there for someone else. Fact of life! Why is this so much more important for Christians to be available to one another?
2) Even if no one else takes on your insults and your troubles, Who will?
3) Come on! How often do we really ask ourselves, “How can I help?” What is wrong with us (me)? I worry that we have become a part of a world we are not really citizens of. We’re too fat and too comfortable (me)! Really, how much effort does it take to “see” with our spiritual eyes and help a brother or sister in need?
4) What do you think it means to taken on someone else’ insults or troubles? Have you ever done so? What was your immediate response or feeling? After the fact, how did you feel? How did your friend respond? What was the outcome? Positive or negative? Will it always be positive?

043006

Living Beyond Myself
Lives Ignited by the Spirit of God
Acts 2
April 30, 2006


Acts 2:1-12 (Monday)
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"” (NIV)
1) Finally, the promised gift! What was (i)s God’s purpose for sending of His Holy Spirit into the lives of believers?
2) Talk about an event that would make someone stand up and take notice! We often hear how gentle the third Person of the Godhead Trinity is, but here, we see His glory and power awesomely displayed! Would such an outward expression of praise and worship shock, frighten or perhaps even appall you today? Why or why not?
3) Do you ever long to see this kind of outpouring in our churches today? Explain your response.
4) What was the immediate response of this crowd?
5) What was it about being a “Galilean” that surprised these God-fearing Jews?
6) Very important point: The Holy Spirit does not seek to draw attention to Himself—never! Under the power of the Holy Spirit, what did these unlearned “Galileans” boldly declare?
7) Speaking in tongues (another language, or at times a heavenly language) is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10; 13:1; 14:27-32. ) What purpose did this gift serve?
8) Do you believe this particular gift has a place in today’s society? Why or why not?
9) Most of us have not experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives in such a earth-shattering way! Does this mean we are any less empowered than the disciples were? Why or why not?
10) Why do you suppose the Holy Spirit first fell upon the disciples in such a breath-taking way?
11) How was this filling of the Holy Spirit different from anything experienced under the Old Covenant?
a) It is true that prior to Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was a present and active Participant in:
i) the Creation (Gen. 1:1-2)
ii) in major events during Old Testament history (Judges 6:34; 1 Samuel 16:13)
iii) in the life and ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:30-37; 4:1; 14; Acts 10:38.)
b) However, following Pentecost, there would be two major changes: the Holy Spirit would dwell in all believers, not just come falling upon certain individuals, and His presence would be permanent, not temporary (John 14:16-17.) In order for the Spirit of God to come and permanently dwell in believers, it was necessary that Jesus first die, be raised from the dead, and return to heaven. Only then, could the anticipated gift of the Holy Spirit be given (John 7:37-39; John 16:7.) This falls in perfect alignment with the Jewish festivals of Passover (the substitution of the sacrificial lamb—Jesus Christ), the Firstfruits (Jesus is the firstfruits of those all who will rise from the dead) and, of course, Pentecost (the Jewish celebration of the giving of the Law—the day we celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit!) Talk about God’s foreknowledge!
12) It is also important to realize that we are baptized by the Holy Spirit, once, upon acceptance of Christ Jesus, but we are commanded to constantly be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18!) What is the difference? Which one is an act of our own will?
13) Oh, this is too good to not be heard! Read what this week’s study helps has to say about God’s great gift of the Holy Spirit:
Pentecost was a reversal of the judgment at the Tower of Babel when God confused man’s language (Gen. 11:1-9). God’s judgment at Babel scattered the people, but God’s blessing at Pentecost united the believers in the Spirit. At Babel, the people were unable to understand each other; but at Pentecost, men heard God’s praises and understood what was said. The Tower of Babel was a scheme designed to praise men and make a name for men, but Pentecost brought praise to God. The building of Babel was an act of rebellion, but Pentecost was a ministry of humble submission to God. What a contrast!
Acts 2:13-21 (Tuesday)
“Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine." Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” (NIV)
1) I believe at least one of the reasons that the Holy Spirit is so quenched in our churches today, is the hardness of man’s heart. We see an example of that very hardness in this passage. Drunk! Some among the Jewish crowd were so hardened, they wrongly interrupted the gift of God—just as they wrongly interrupted the ministry of Jesus Christ. i.e., His choosing not to first establish His earthly kingdom, but rather, bringing all mankind eternal salvation through His death and resurrection!
2) Thank God, the world has not yet seen the complete fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy! No, beloved, we are in that wonderful period of God’s grace where anyone, anywhere and at anytime can simply call on the name of Jesus and be saved! Just take a moment and think where you would be without God’s grace—His unearned favor toward you! What if we did have to do it all—we had to be “good enough,” perfect? Not a one of us would be able to stand before a holy and just God! “Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears!” Glory, glory, glory!
3) What is that “great and glorious day of the Lord?”
Acts 2:22-28 (Wednesday)
“"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: "`I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'” (NIV)
1) If any of us doubt that our Father God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, look at the predestined plan He had for His only begotton Son, Jesus the Christ. Through God’s foreknowledge:
a) At just the right moment in history, God the Son—Jesus Christ, became flesh and was sent to this earth
b) Jesus lived a hunble, holy, righteous (sinless) and miraculous life before God and man
(1) The miracles of Christ, while certainly acts of God’s great love and compassion, were primarily the physical proof and support given by God the Father that Jesus was indeed the long awaited Messiah. These miracles were not the gift! No, they were meant to point man to Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift to all mankind!
(a) Please don’t ever make the mistake of seeking after the miracle and not the Savior! Many did at that time and, sadly, they still do today! There are those who fell away, failing to go all the way with Jesus because they are looking for something better in this life—health, happiness, riches, fame--not the reward of a life selflessly spent bring honor and glory to the great Three-in-One!
(b) Oh, yes, ask! Don’t ever not ask—but, above all else, seek Him and His kingdom!
c) Jesus was handed over to wicked men
d) Jesus was put to death on a cross
e) Jesus was raise from the dead
f) Jesus returned to God the Father (death could not hold Him!) and was filled with great joy because He had fulfilled God’s plan and purpose for His life, i.e., to bring many with Him to the Father!
2) In this passage, what gives David, the psalmist, the ability to live in constant hope?
3) I wonder how our lives would be changed if we, “always saw the Lord before us?” What are some of the things that get in our way—blur our vision?
4) What are the natural responses of keeping our eyes on Jesus?
Acts 2:29-36 (Thursday)
“"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "`The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."” (NIV)
1) Here, we get to look directly into source of David’s faith, and our own! Looking forward! You can’t look backwards (except to learn from yours or others mistakes)—you’ll become discouraged! You can’t keep your eyes on the present—you’ll be overwhelmed! No, you look up and you look forward! God had promised that there would never fail to be a descendant of David seated as king on the throne of Israel! Because David knew God’s promises, He knew God was speaking of the promised Messiah (Genesis 3:15!) Do we “see” this promise fulfilled today? No, not in the physical realm! It is through our faith that we know and believe that this same Jesus is even now seated on David’s throne in the heavenlies and will one day return and physically sit on that earthly throne as promised to David! This same Jesus waits patiently until God the Father physically, i.e., in our natural world, places everything under His feet. (Spiritually, this is already a done deal!)
Acts 2:37-41 (Friday)
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (NIV)
1) Have you ever experienced that “cut to the heart” feeling? How did it make you feel? Can you remember what brought it about? Do you feel free to share? Please do!
2) Now, there are some who say you can’t preach like this today because it will turn people away. Many preach a watered down gospel. Man, Peter sure didn’t! Remember, this is the same Peter that denied Christ three times! What brought about this powerful change?
3) Jesus tells us, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself.” Wouldn’t you say that is exactly what Peter did?
4) How did Peter support his argument that Jesus was the Christ?
5) How many were drawn to faith in Christ from this very first preaching of the gospel?
6) What are some ways we can lift Jesus up in our own lives? How would you go about supporting your belief in our risen Lord?
7) Verses 22-27 is the whole gospel of Jesus Christ! What should be one’s first response to hearing Christ preached? What should be the believer’s second response?
8) What does repent mean?
9) Whoa! Talk about a wonderful promise—“you and your children and for all who are far off!” If you have a loved one and you’re not sure about his/her/their souls, pray these words back to your heavenly Father. They are His words—inspired by the Holy Spirit. God has promised that His word will not return to Him void—empty, lacking in their power! Don’t give up! Remind God of His promise! Pray for that “one more chance,” that “one more opportunity!” The Holy Spirit is not limited by pain, comas, forgetfulness, hardness of the heart (He is in the business of melting those hardened hearts!) Whatever the circumstance may be—God is always God! He does not want any to perish! You do your part, fervently pray and trust—no matter what you see or hear. Only God knows for sure. Trust Him! He is called Faithful!

042306

Living Beyond Myself
You Have a Mission
Luke 24, Acts 1
April 23, 2006


Luke 24:45-49 (Monday)
“Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning a Jerusalem You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
1) I recently had a conversation with someone about how they, or someone they knew, were constantly feeling frustrated because they could not understand the Bible. This seemed to greatly upset my friend because over and over again she would try to open her or her friend’s mind to understand the scriptures. Unfortunately, it was to no avail. I shared with her how as a young teenager, I, too, had read through the entire Bible, but just didn’t get it, at least not all of it. It wasn’t until after I asked Jesus Christ into my heart that I understood! One day I sat down and read Isaiah 53 and my eyes were immediately opened to the realization that the Person Isaiah was describing was none other than my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Beloved, this is no coincidence! Unless and until you realize that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God--God who put on flesh and became sinless man—died on the cross, in your place and for your sins; then you have no hope of understanding God’s Word—the Holy Bible. In taking this step of faith, how are our minds illuminated to Truth?s
2) Oh, how I wish I could have been one of the apostles! I often wonder if they had an instantaneous and complete revelation of the Word of God. Oh, we have hints here and there that they, too, struggled, but do you suppose it was different for them? Why or why not?
3) I think the hardest part of receiving anything of great worth is in the waiting for it! What if the disciples decided not to hang around?
4) What do you think kept them in the city?
5) What was (is) this promised power?
6) Are we any less witnesses than the apostles? Since we haven’t actually laid eyes on Jesus, how can we give a true account of what He did for mankind?
Luke 24:50-53 (Tuesday)
“When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped H im and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (NIV)
1) Curious place, Bethany. Bethany was a small village, east of the Jordan on the slope of the Mount of Olives. It sat approximately 2 miles from the city of Jerusalem. Most of us remember this as the very city where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11!) It was also at Bethany that John baptized sinners in preparation of the coming of the Lord (John 1:19-28), and it was probably at Bethany where Jesus submitted Himself to John’s baptism. Bethany has the honor of being Jesus’ last stop on His three and one half year journey toward the cross (Matthew 21:17!) While in Bethany, Jesus visited the home of Simon the Leper where a woman (Lazarus’ sister, Mary) anointed Him with very expensive oil from her alabaster jar (Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8!) Jesus acknowledged that she did so in preparation of His burial. Now, we see this same Jesus, having been raised unto eternal life, returning to His heavenly Father near that very town! Glory!
2) As risen Lord, I hope you noticed that the final physical and tangible exchange between Jesus and his disciples was Him blessing His disciples, and, in turn, the disciples responding with an heartfelt act of worship—praise! Can you have one without the other?
3) I would have loved to been a fly on the wall, listening to all of the comments made by the Jewish leaders while all the talk, worship and praise of Jesus Christ was going on! They believed killing Him would silence Him and His followers. How very far from the truth that thought turned out to be!
4) Compare John 20, especially verse 19, with the above scripture. What happened to those men and women?
Acts 1:1-3 (Wednesday)
“In my former book, Theophilius, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the aspostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and Gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” (NIV)
1) A little help here on Monday’s question #2! Being taught by the Master Teacher! The One the entire Bible speaks of! Who better to reveal the Messiah through the scriptures than Jesus the Christ!
2) I don’t know what additional proofs someone would need after seeing Jesus alive again, knowing He died on that cross, but Jesus graciously satisfied all their lingering doubts! (Remember, Jesus did allow Thomas to see His scars and place his hand into His pierced side (John 20:24-31) and we know He actually served breakfast and ate with the disciples (John 21:2-14!) Do you have doubts? Think Jesus would be offended.? I pray this scripture encourages you! Jesus never minded anyone’s honest questioning! Instead, He turned them into opportunities for someone’s faith to grow! Has He ever done this for you? Please share!
3) Forty days has much significance in scripture. Can you think of any other important events that occurred over a 40 day period?
Acts 1:4-8 (Thursday)
“On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
1) Okay, I have to inject a little of the Old Testament here! We have often spoken of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the sacrifices and the blood. Under the Law, or Old Covenant, the remission and cleansing from one’s sins, even the cleansing of the temple itself, its furniture, walls, and utensils all required three important elements: the shedding or sprinkling of blood, fire and water! We talk a lot about Old Covenant pictures or foreshadows of God’s future works under the New Covenant in Christ Jesus. How are all three of these necessary elements of cleansing met in Jesus Christ?
2) Jesus did not rebuke them for asking—they now understood the scriptures, but do you think the apostles would have been effective witnesses—going into all the world as Jesus commanded, if they were focused only on Israel once again becoming the mighty nation?
3) What if all we did today was go up to some mountain and just sit and wait for Christ’s return? How effective would we be?
4) Don’t misunderstand! Jesus is returning and be sure—He is all about restoration! Look around you! Look at yourself! What are some areas that satan destroyed or stolen from you that our God has graciously restored? Oh, praise Him! That’s one reason the Father sent the Holy Spirit. So, through His power, we could begin to rebuild and restore our broken lives! After all, how can we help others if we are still broken?
Acts 1:9-14 (Friday)
“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, Jame sand Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (NIV)
1) In other words, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good!” Let’s be about our Father’s business!
2) The Mount of Olives holds rich spiritual meaning! It is believed to be Mount Gerizim, the mount of blessing in Deuteronomy 11:29-32; 27:10-26.; 28:1-14 and Joshua 8:33-35. This is the mount upon which Jesus taught the multitudes the blessings of the beatitudes and it is upon this same mount that Jesus will one day place His feet (Zechariah 14:4!) On that day, the mount will split wide open! Glory!
3) I hope you noticed that women are no longer considered a separate class or society to these very traditional Jewish men. No, hand in hand, they all joined together in prayer! Indeed, class, backgrounds, race are no longer a barrier in Christ Jesus! We are all accepted in the beloved! Jesus indeed moves mountains!
4) Will be! Not, if you feel like it, or maybe you will. You will be His witnesses! What does that mean to you and how do you go about being a “witness?”
5) I love the following quote from this week’s study helps:
“Witnessing is not something that we do for the Lord; it is something that He does through us, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit. There is a great difference between a “sales talk” and a Spirit-empowered witness. “People do not come to Christ at the end of an argument,” said Vance Havner. “Simon Peter came to Jesus because Andrew went after him with a testimony.” We go forth in the authority of His name, in the power of His spirit, heralding His Gospel of His grace.”

042306

Living Beyond Myself
You Have a Mission
Luke 24, Acts 1
April 23, 2006


Luke 24:45-49 (Monday)
“Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning a Jerusalem You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
1) I recently had a conversation with someone about how they, or someone they knew, were constantly feeling frustrated because they could not understand the Bible. This seemed to greatly upset my friend because over and over again she would try to open her or her friend’s mind to understand the scriptures. Unfortunately, it was to no avail. I shared with her how as a young teenager, I, too, had read through the entire Bible, but just didn’t get it, at least not all of it. It wasn’t until after I asked Jesus Christ into my heart that I understood! One day I sat down and read Isaiah 53 and my eyes were immediately opened to the realization that the Person Isaiah was describing was none other than my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Beloved, this is no coincidence! Unless and until you realize that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God--God who put on flesh and became sinless man—died on the cross, in your place and for your sins; then you have no hope of understanding God’s Word—the Holy Bible. In taking this step of faith, how are our minds illuminated to Truth?s
2) Oh, how I wish I could have been one of the apostles! I often wonder if they had an instantaneous and complete revelation of the Word of God. Oh, we have hints here and there that they, too, struggled, but do you suppose it was different for them? Why or why not?
3) I think the hardest part of receiving anything of great worth is in the waiting for it! What if the disciples decided not to hang around?
4) What do you think kept them in the city?
5) What was (is) this promised power?
6) Are we any less witnesses than the apostles? Since we haven’t actually laid eyes on Jesus, how can we give a true account of what He did for mankind?
7) When did God first make this promise of clothing us with “power?”
Luke 24:50-53 (Tuesday)
“When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped H im and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (NIV)
1) Curious place, Bethany. Bethany was a small village, east of the Jordan on the slope of the Mount of Olives. It sat approximately 2 miles from the city of Jerusalem. Most of us remember this as the very city where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11!) It was also at Bethany that John baptized sinners in preparation of the coming of the Lord (John 1:19-28), and it was probably at Bethany where Jesus Himself submitted to John’s baptism. Bethany has the honor of being Jesus’ last stop on His journey to the cross (Matthew 21:17!) While in Bethany, Jesus visited the home of Simon the Leper where a woman (Lazarus’ sister, Mary) anointed Him with very expensive oil from her alabaster jar (Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8!) Jesus acknowledged that she did so in preparation of His burial. Now, we see this same Jesus, having been raised unto eternal life, returning to His heavenly Father near that very town! Glory!
2) As risen Lord, I hope you noticed that the final physical, tangible exchange between Jesus and his disciples was Him blessing His disciples, and, in turn, the disciples responding with their first act of worship—praise! Can you have one without the other?
3) I would have loved to been a fly on the wall, listening to all of the comments made by the Jewish leaders while all the talk, worship and praise of Jesus Christ was going on! They believed killing Him would silence Him and His followers. How very far from the truth that thought turned out to be!
4) Compare John 20, especially verse 19, with the above scripture. What happened to those men and women?
Acts 1:1-3 (Wednesday)
“In my former book, Theophilius, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the aspostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and Gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” (NIV)
1) A little help here on Monday’s question #2! Being taught by the Master Teacher! The One the entire Bible speaks of! Who better to reveal the Messiah through the scriptures than Jesus the Christ!
2) I don’t know what additional proofs someone would need after seeing Jesus alive again, knowing He died on that cross, but Jesus graciously satisfied all their lingering doubts! (Remember, Jesus did allow Thomas to see His scars and place his hand into His pierced side (John 20:24-31) and we know He actually served breakfast and ate with the disciples (John 21:2-14!) Do you have doubts? Think Jesus would be offended.? I pray this scripture encourages you! Jesus never minded anyone’s honest questioning! Instead, He turned them into opportunities for someone’s faith to grow! Has He ever done this for you? Please share!
3) Forty days has much significance in scripture. Can you think of any other important events that occurred over a 40 day period?
Acts 1:4-8 (Thursday)
“On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
1) Okay, I have to go over a Old Testament here! We have often spoken of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the sacrifices and the blood. Under the Law, or Old Covenant, the remission and cleansing from one’s sins, even the cleansing of the temple itself and its furniture, walls, and utensils all required three important elements: the shedding or sprinkling of blood, fire and water! We talk a lot about Old Covenant pictures or foreshadows of God’s future works under the New Covenant in Christ Jesus. How are all three necessities of cleansing met in Jesus Christ?
2) Jesus did not rebuke them for asking—they now understood the scriptures, but do you think the apostles would have been effective witnesses—going into all the world as Jesus commanded, if they were focused only on Israel once again becoming the mighty nation?
3) What if all we did today was go up to some mountain and just sit and wait for Christ’s return? How effective would we be?
4) Don’t misunderstand! Jesus is returning and be sure—He is all about restoration! Look around you! Look at yourself! What are some areas that satan destroyed or stolen from you that our God has graciously restored? Oh, praise Him! That’s one reason the Father sent the Holy Spirit. So, through His power, we could begin to rebuild and restore our broken lives! After all, how can we help others if we are still broken?
Acts 1:9-14 (Friday)
“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, Jame sand Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (NIV)
1) In other words, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good!” Let’s be about our Father’s business!
2) The Mount of Olives holds rich spiritual meaning! It is believed to be Mount Gerizim, the mount of blessing in Deuteronomy 11:29-32; 27:10-26.; 28:1-14 and Joshua 8:33-35. This is the mount upon which Jesus taught the multitudes the blessings of the beatitudes and it is upon this same mount that Jesus will one day place His feet (Zechariah 14:4!) On that day, the mount will split wide open! Glory!
3) I hope you noticed that women are no longer considered a separate class or society to these very traditional Jewish men. No, hand in hand, they all joined together in prayer! Indeed, class, backgrounds, race are no longer a barrier in Christ Jesus! We are all accepted in the beloved! Jesus indeed moves mountains!
4) Will be! Not, if you feel like it, or maybe you will. You will be His witnesses! What does that mean to you and how do you go about being a “witness?”
5) I love the following quote from his week’s study helps:
“Witnessing is not something that we do for the Lord; it is something that He does through us, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit. There is a great difference between a “sales talk” and a Spirit-empowered witness. “People do not come to Christ at the end of an argument,” said Vance Havner. “Simon Peter came to Jesus because Andrew went after him with a testimony.” We go forth in the authority of His name, in the power of His spirit, heralding His Gospel of His grace.”

040906

Living Beyond Myself
The Power of Doing Good
Matthew 20, Romans 12
April 09, 2006


Matthew 20:17-23 (Monday)
“Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” (NIV)
1) The disciples (and obviously their mothers) just didn’t get it! Jesus could not have been any plainer when he told them of His betrayal by the hands of the very priests and teachers of the law who were learned in the scriptures and prophecies concerning Christ and who should have been preparing the people for His kingdom—not in gaining more and more power for themselves and dragging others down with them! These same “leaders” would conspire with Judas to hand Jesus over to unbelieving Gentiles (who truly knew no better!) to be crucified! If we give the disciples any credit for understanding Jesus, impending death, then we must also fault their failure to be heartsick over His unspeakable suffering! In fact, if they understood Jesus’ death, it almost seems that they were satisfied that when He was raised back unto life, everything in the world would be immediately set right! Jesus would be their earthly King and they, of course, would rule along side of Him! Hunger for power has laid low many a man and/or woman! What is the driving force behind seeking personal power?
2) I like what this week’s study helps has to say about this drive for power:
“Satan had sought a throne (Isa. 14:12-15) and had been cast down. Satan had offered Jesus a throne and had been refused (Matt. 4:8-11). Satan magnifies the end (a throne) but not the means to that end. Jesus warned Salome and her sons that the special thrones were available to those who were worthy of them. There are no shortcuts in the kingdom of God.”
3) This was not the first time Jesus had spoken of His coming death. However, here in Matthew, Jesus goes into much deeper detail as to the exact means of His death—the cross! Jesus also offers words of great encouragement to His disciples. What are they?
4) The sons of Zebedee (James and John) were called the sons of thunder because of their rough behavior and outspoken ways! (It appears that they might have inherited some of those attributes from their mother!) Do you think she was within hearing range when Jesus spoke of His death? Do you think this would have changed her request?
5) At least she knelt when she made this bold request! What does that suggest to you?
6) Just picture this scene. Jesus has stolen away with his closest friends (one of them, His betrayer--Judas!) I can almost see them in a kind of huddle, or perhaps Jesus’ disciples sitting around Him, while Jesus sat on a stone or rock, explaining to them His Father’s will. Before the shock could wear off, and probably before the full force of the truth could soak in, up comes the mother of James and John! What a request! Oh, be sure, this was strongly motivated by the mother, but her sons really took to the idea! Read Mark 10:32-37! This was truly a family affair!
7) What was the intent behind this question? Can you see any positives behind the motive for this request? How about any negatives?
8) You just have to know that Jesus knew exactly what she was going to ask, but He allowed her to ask it anyway. Why do you think He did so?
9) The cup Jesus was referring to was God’s will for Him. What was His cup going to be?
10) Do you think the disciples fully understood what drinking the same cup as Christ would mean for them? Do you know how most of Jesus’ disciples did indeed end up drinking from that same cup?
11) Do you think all Christians are called to drink from the same cup of Christ? To what extent?
Matthew 20:24-17 (Tuesday)
“When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave…” (NIV)
1) Now, why do you suppose the other disciples were “indignant?”
2) What do you think it means to be someone else’s “servant” or “slave?”
3) Did you notice the transition from servant (one who is “great” in the kingdom) to slave (one who is “first” in the kingdom?) What is the difference, or do you think there is there one?
4) Have you ever allowed yourself to assume the role of a servant or a slave? What was your own personal reaction to being in such a position? Did it have an effect on the other person(s)? Please share.
5) Does serving necessarily make you feel like you are a “greater” or a “first” in God’s kingdom? Does it change your current position in this life in any way? What if it never does?
6) What would happen to the church if everyone starting “lording” over everyone else their own personal gifts and talents?
7) Is our spiritual worth in our gifts, talents and/or abilities, or in Christ? How does this question speak to our boasting and/or our “me first” mentalities?
Romans 12:3-8 (Wednesday)
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (NIV)
1) I don’t know about you, but thinking soberly and judging my own self takes a lot of guts—it is heart wrenching and it’s not pretty! I can get puffed up, proud, think the things I “do” have everything to do about me and nothing about God—stealing His glory! More often than I care to admit, I’m a “me first!” I fall so short of God’s holiness! I am just so thankful for Jesus because without Him, I would be so lost!
2) Did you read that we “belong” to each other? We are each necessary to the other—none can stand alone! We need each other! Do you feel this responsibility to “belong” to your church family? Why or why not?
3) What are some “first steps” we can take in stepping away from ourselves and learning to give to and serve others?
Romans 12:9-16 (Thursday)
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. “ (NIV)
1) Have you ever experienced someone’s insincerity? How was it made obvious to you? How did it make you feel?
2) How devoted do you think others are to you? Your family? Your church family? Your workplace? How devoted are you to them? How do you show or demonstrate true devotion?
3) I think this is where being a “servant” or a “slave” comes in—honoring someone above yourself! Paul gives us a key to this “Christ life” here in this passage—what is it?
4) We are given several commands in regard to our relationship with our brethren:
a) Be devoted
b) Honor others before ourselves
c) Share with God’s people
d) Practice hospitality
e) Bless others
f) Rejoice with others
g) Mourn with others
h) Live in harmony with others
i) Do not be conceited
5) Now you can see why our love has to be sincere. Our human natures fight against this kind of love! This is the kind of selflessness that enabled Jesus Christ to walk those lonely steps to Calvary for you and me! He is not asking us to do one thing that He Himself has not already done before us!
6) What is meant by “low position?”
7) Do you ever go out of your way to make someone who doesn’t “fit” feel welcome? What are some ways we can make others feel comfortable, accepted and loved?
Romans 12:17-20 (Friday)
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (NIV)
1) Even scripture tells us that living in peace (harmony) with everyone can be very, very difficult! How would you interpret the words, “as far as it depends on you…?”
2) What ultimate path do you think God’s vengeance will take in the life of an individual that has caused harm to one of his children or blatantly refused to follow Him? Knowing that our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), does it comfort you to know that God will avenge wrongs? Why or why not?
3) How do we leave room for God’s wrath?
4) Have you ever heaped burning coals on someone’s head? Or, had them heaped upon your own? What was their response? Yours?
5) This week’s lesson is really centers on love! Christ has shown us that it can be done! He loved his disciples and us until the very end—the cross (John 13:1 KJV!) Dare to join Him! Love God, love your neighbor! Simple commandments. How can each of us begin to put God’s kind of love into action today?

040206

Living Beyond Myself
Just Jump In!Psalm 34
April 2, 2006


Psalm 34: 1-7 (Monday)
“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (NIV)
1) As you read over this psalm take into consideration that it was written after God delivered the writer, King David, from his enemy (1 Samuel 21:10-15) Odd way of deliverance, wouldn’t you say? David was already anointed to be king over Israel, but in 1 Samuel 21, we find him and his men on the run from the present king, Saul! David, who was moved to write these words of great praise, is hiding out in the temple, eating consecrated bread given to him by the priest! The priest is scared to death because helping king Saul’s enemy (David) could be retribution or even death! To make matters worse, David soon learns that one of Saul’s servants just happens to show up at the temple on that very day and time! We find David is with no weapon and only one resource—run again! David runs straight to Achish king of Gath. Yes, you guessed it—he’s recognized and has to pretend insanity! Can you imagine! What a scene that must have been! What a day! Yet, these very circumstances lead young king David to praise His God in a way that would bless and encourage the hearts of believers for generations to come!
2) Oh, I just have to give you this portion of Psalm 34 in the KJV! Nothing reads quite like it:
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
3) Recently I have pondered the question of just how do we bless God? It kinda boggles the mind, at least to me! I think most of us think of how we can be personally blessed. Which is a fair since, after all, God is God and we are mere humans! Can you think of some ways in which we can bless God? Share.
4) When I first became a Christian, the third and fourth stanzas of this beautiful translation of Psalm 34 were often sung in praise to our God! Way, way back 33 years ago, I was so happy just to be able to praise Him for saving me from the fires of hell! Over the years, I have learned that God’s great love and faithfulness didn’t stop at saving my soul! No, that’s where it became. God’s love and faithfulness pours over into every area in my life—even when I haven’ deserved it! That’s the kind of awesome God we serve! Yes, I certainly have had many, many opportunities to praise Him for His wonderful works in my life. Still, I sometimes forget, don’t have the time, or worse I don’t feel like it or like a blind fool, I can’t think of anything to praise Him for! So, I guess my first question to all of us would be, “What can we thank God for today?” (If all you can think of is a small blade of grass, or that it was a beautiful sunshine day, or that you had food to eat, or clothes on your back and change in your pocket—start there!)
5) Like we learned in 1 Samuel 21, it helps to remember that praise and thanksgiving have absolutely nothing to do with feelings, circumstances, finances, security, happiness, health, or prosperity—none of those things! If we are truly to continually have God’s praise on our lips, then we have to reach that point where we can praise God in any circumstance, or in any season of our lives! Have you reached that point? What circumstance(s) led you to that place? How has it changed our life?
6) What? Christians have fears? Apparently so—the good news is, God delivers us from them all! What fear(s) has God delivered you from?
7) Two types of fear are mentioned here. How do these fears differ? See Genesis 17:2-4, Exodus 3:5-6 and Exodus 19:16-24!
8) Do you realize that your countenance looks different to those living in the world (2 Corinthians 3:18?) That you actually do shine, glow, radiate? Well, you do and it will either draw people to you (sometimes you will have no idea why), or you will repulse them. It was the same with Jesus! This light comes from having Christ in you and it cannot be hidden!
9) The writer of this psalm, king David, a man God calls, “a man after my own heart,” refers to himself as “this poor man.” Why? What significance does this have in a believer’s life?
Psalm 34:8-10 (Tuesday)
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (NIV)
1) I have to laugh because being here with my eight month old grandson, Elijah, I get the joy of watching him learn, and yes, he learns by putting everything in his mouth! How his little antics remind me of this passage! That’s exactly what we need to do with the Lord Jesus Christ! Put Him into our mouths, taste and learn if His is good! As adults, just how do we taste, experience and learn of the goodness of God?
2) How do we take refuge in the LORD? Have you ever had such an experience? Please share.
3) Do you feel like you are lacking in some or any areas of your life? If you are comfortable, please share.
4) We have many needs, many wants or desires, but truly, our deepness need is our spiritual need! Would you say that God is more than enough to meet that need in your life? Why or why not?
Psalm 34:11-14 (Wednesday)
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (NIV)
1) Ah, listen! How do we do that and what most often gets in your way of hearing?
2) If you noticed, the fear of the Lord is directly connected to obedience! Why do you think the fear of the Lord brings obedience?
3) Now, I believe most of us would consider the use of profanity as the primary way to keep our tongues from evil. This passage gives us yet another way—stop speaking lies! Can you think of other things that are evil that find their way out of the depth of our heart and straight off the tip of our tongue?
4) What is the promise give in this passage of scripture?
5) What are some ways we can seek peace in our homes, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, the world in general?
Psalm 34:15-18 (Thursday)
“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)
1) If our God sees and hears our troubles and woes, why doesn’t He immediately respond? Or, has your experience been much different? Please share.
2) I like the way my study helps puts this: “God may allow you to go without to help you grow more dependent on Him. He may want you to learn that you need Him more than you need to achieve your immediate desires?” Have you had to wait in God’s holy silence?
3) Do you look forward to evil doers being cut off from even our memories (Amos 5:18-20?) Why or why not?
4) Many among us are brokenhearted and crushed—it is rare when someone is immune to tragedy in their lives. Have you ever experienced God’s closeness and salvation during such a time?
Psalm 34:19-22 (Friday)
“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.” (NIV)
1) So many stumble and fall away from Christ when troubles come. It is hard for some of us to realize that Jesus’ promise of salvation and eternal life does not mean that we will never again have any earthy problems. God delivers us by giving us of His Holy Spirit and His Word in which to FIGHT the onslaught that comes against us! Life or death cannot conquer us—we are safely hidden in Christ!
2) This is a prophetic portion of Psalm 34 relating to Christ. While he hung on the cross, soldiers sought to hasten Jesus’ death by breaking His legs. Glory to God, He had already given over His spirit to God so this was not necessary (John 19:32-37!)
3) Redeemed! The concept of redemption finds its root in the Old Testament law. It grew out of the Hebrew custom where an original owner brought or “redeemed” something back which had somehow fallen into the hands of another! The person who originally owned the object or person paid a “redemptive” price to gain his possession back. In New Testament times, redemption was required to secure the release of a convicted prisoner, or slave. Oh, child of God, this is a beautiful picture of each and every one of us! As slaves, you and I are in that pitiful state of bondage—chained, bound—with no resource(s) or hope of purchasing back our own freedom—we need a Redeemer! In taking our place and dying on the cross, we see our precious Lord, Jesus Christ “redeeming” us from satan’s hold and sin! Oh, beloved, we are “brought with a price!” Glory!

032606

Christ Followers
A Part of the Church and the Body of Christ
1 Peter 2, Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4
March 26, 2006


1 Peter 2:4-10 (Monday)
“As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, "and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (NIV)
1) Last week we found Jacob, one of the great patriarchs of our faith, having finally reached the end of himself, lying prone and wearily resting his head on a stone (Genesis 28:10-22!) This stone, the one true Rock, Peter addresses here as the living Stone! We learned through this picture we are given of Jacob, Christ’s purpose in going to the cross! It is Jesus that is calling us into this act of resting or dying to our own efforts, our own self-exaltation—any personal claim to “rights” or “wants!” This is required of anyone who would follow after Jesus. In this divine paradox, we find that it is in “dying” to ourselves (Matthew 10:37-39), that we gain a new and eternal life with Christ Jesus. Peter explains that having joined Christ in his death, we have now been raised with Him and share in the forming a holy temple to God the Father, one not built by human hands, but by the Spirit of the Living God!
2) As Christ followers we have come to the living Stone: (1 Peter 2:4)
a) This living Stone, Christ Jesus, “rejected by men but chosen by God and precious…”
i) “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone [ or cornerstone]…) (Psalm 118:22)
(1) Jesus is the Rock, literally translated “massive rock,” or “cornerstone” of the church (1 Corinthians 10:1-4!)
(a) “Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "…on this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:16-18)
3) The tabernacle and later the temples were all temporary dwellings of God’s Presence—foreshadows, glimpses of God’s divine plan and purpose for our lives! As believers, we have become “living stones” forming God’s spiritual temple.” (1 Peter 2:5)
b) “And I tell you that you are Peter..” (Matthew 16:18)
i) Peter is translated, Petros which means “piece of a rock.”
c) “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)
4) The original call for a royal priesthood (vs. 9) was given to the entire nation of Israel. This calling was conditional!
i) (Exodus 19:1-6), “In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt--on the very day--they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: `You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
b) The entire nation of Israel was called to meditate on God’s word and be a light to the Gentiles
i) Isaiah 42:6—"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,”
(1) The model for the priesthood fell to the Israelite tribe of Levi. Specifically, to Aaron, Moses’ older brother, and his descendants (Exodus 28:1.) The remainder of the Levite tribe served in the temple, but were not allowed to participate in the priestly duties.
4) According to the word of the Lord, the tribes of Israel were allotted a portion of the Promised Land—each assigned by the casting of lots. However, the priesthood (the Levites) had no such inheritance! God’s command was that the priests were to live as sojourners on the land allotted for them within the territories of the other tribes. Their food, income, dwelling—everything was from the Lord God. Why?
a) Their inheritance was the Lord (Numbers 18:20!)
5) While Israel’s calling was conditional, please know that ours is firm, set in stone, yes, that Rock—Jesus Christ! In Christ, all of God’s promises are yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20!)
6) Don’t let fear hinder your call to the priesthood—you have been fully equipped by the Spirit of our God (
YOUR PRIESTLY ROLE
1) Reflect God’s Holiness
a) “I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:45)
2) Offer Acceptable Worship and Sacrifice
b) Worship and sacrifice go back as far as Abel, Noah and the Patriarchs. King David left us a perfect example of the right attitude toward offering a sacrifice to the Lord. He said, “I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (2 Samuel 24:24)
3) Offer your life
b) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
c) “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. (Romans 6:11-14)
d) “I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” (Romans 6:19)
e) “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
4) Offer your praise, good works
b) “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
5) Offer your gifts, offerings
b) “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received…the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)
6) Discernment of God’s Will
7) You have been blessed to be a Blessing
a) To Fellow Believers
i) “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another…(Romans 12:10 KJV)
ii) “…serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
iii) “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
iv) “…remember [each other] in.. prayer” (Romans 1:9-10)
v) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other…” (James 5:16)
vi) “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1)
b) Represent God and Intercede for the Lost.
i) “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ…He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)
ii) “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Acts 2:40-47 (Tuesday)
“With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (NIV)
1) Do you think the “world” sees the church of this or recent generations as being wonderfully filled with such godly awe, the power of their fellowship and prayer being followed by the many signs and wonders? Why, or why not?
2) The early church was excited—on fire for the Lord and zealous for the brethren! So passionate in their faith, they met daily to break bread together and to devote themselves to prayer and praise! Not only did they fellowship in the temple courts, but in each others homes! They were so motivated by thankfulness and the love Christ and for one another, everything they possessed was willingly offered up for the common good of the entire church body. Do you feel that today’s church has this same self-less passion? Why or why not?
3) The loving actions of the early church won favor among those around them which resulted in more and more being added to their number daily! What did Jesus tell His disciples in John 13:35?
4) We are commanded to love one another deeply from the heart (1 Peter 1:22) “Deeply” can be translated as “exerting one’s self with all of one’s energy.” Sincere love is constant, enduring and unshaken.
a) “And now I will show you the most excellent way… Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:4-8)
5) Less we too harshly judge the present day church, let’s look at a major factor that may have played a major role in the loss of such close knit worship, fellowship, sincere devotion and love (Acts 6; 7:51-60; 8:1-4; 11:19-30.)
6) What do you think was God’s heart in allowing this to take place?
7) In case you haven’t noticed—the world is watching you (vs. 47!) You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16!)
8) What is light and what is its purpose in our lives?
a) Jesus, the Word of God made flesh is the light of men (John 1:1-5!)
i) Light is our armor (Romans 13:12!)
ii) Light exposes things hidden in the dark (1 Corinthians 4:5!)
iii) Light gives us the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6!)
iv) We are now light (Ephesians 5:8!)
v) We are sons of light and sons of day (1 Thessalonians 5:5!)
vi) We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, so we may declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9!)
vii) Walking in the truth of God’s light brings fellowship with God and man (1 John 1:5-7!)
viii) If we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we walk in God’s light (1 John 2:8-11!)
1 Corinthians 12:4-13 (Wednesday)
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (NIV)
1) Are you one of those individuals who feel you just don’t have anything to offer the body of Christ in the way of service? This passage clearly assures us otherwise. Each of us is gifted with at least one spiritual gift. They are all necessary for edifying, building up and serving one another, which lead to the furtherance of the gospel. Do you think our gifts are always in operation? Explain your reasoning.
2) Why do you suppose each of us do not possess all the spiritual gifts?
3) I’m stepping out on a limb here, but I truly believe this to be true. If you see a need, a service, a much needed word of encouragement or a ministry of any type that needs to be addressed (inside or outside the church body) and no one else steps up to the plate—that’s your spiritual gift and service! I truly believe that God would not allow you to see the need if you were not fully capable of meeting that need!
4) Okay, you don’t want to have a gift, much less use it—well, carefully read Matthew 25:14-30 and James 2:14-17!)
1 Corinthians 12:14-26 (Thursday)
“Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (NIV)
1) I really can’t think of a single gift that is not necessary or needed by other members of God’s body! There may be some that humanly speaking may be seen as the “least” gifts, but what does Jesus say about that in Matthew 19:30; Luke 9:46-48!)
a) I think of my husband when I read this passage. Week after week, here is a man with sound wisdom, not to mention 33+ years of business, managerial and administrative skills, faithfully serving his Christian brethren by finding a place for them in the parking lot. He does not have the benefit of having a wife join him in life group, and because he also takes the weekly attendance count, he usually only gets 15-20 minutes of worship time, and by then, I think he’s too tired to fully benefit from Spikes sermon. Most people would outright reject this area of service thinking it beneath them, but I can’t wait to see the honor our Lord pours out on my man for being willing to humbly serve His God! Great role model—makes his wife very, very proud!
Ephesians 4:11-16 (Friday)
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (NIV)
1) Oh, our gifts have a purpose, what does vs. 12 say that purpose is?
2) When is that time when we all reach unity in the faith?
3) What does it mean to be tossed to and fro by life’s winds and waves?
4) What are some of the reasons we failed to mature, easily following the most current teaching fad?
5) How do we grow up in Christ?
6) How do the spiritual gifts and talents of others help us to be more grounded in truth?
7) If you prayed and asked God for any of the spiritual gifts mentioned in this week’s lesson, which would it be? How would you like to put that gift into action? What, if anything, hinders you from using your gift(s)? How steps can you take to remove any such hindrance(s)?
8) Dear child of God, in dying to ourselves—picking up our cross of service to our brethren and to a lost and dying world, we are working shoulder to shoulder with Jesus Christ (Zephaniah 3:9) and we are fulfilling His commands given in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20! That’s the abundant life—live it!