031206

Christ Followers
Put Christ First
Luke 9 and 14


Luke 9:57-58 (Monday)
“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (NIV)
1) Would this man have indeed followed Jesus? I have to confess, sometimes I question my own loyalty in this regard. How far am I willing to follow Christ? All of us need to pause and consider the cost in following Christ ( ._ Let’s look at some of the places and into some of the situations God the Father lead His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and ask ourselves if we are truly “willing” to follow Jesus, “whenever he goes.” Remember, Jesus:
a) left the very portal of heaven, humbled himself by “putting on” earthly flesh (Ephesians 4:8-10; John 1:14 and Philippians 2:6-8.) You’re going to understand what this means in a more powerful way later on in this lesson!
b)
2) I have been reading Kay Arthur’s book, “Our Covenant God,” and I have to tell you it is one of the most sobering books I’ve ever encountered. I wanted so much to put the book down (really, to throw it as far away from me as possible) because what following Christ truly requires from us is everything! Kay calls following Christ our own personal “walk into death.” Now, we all “know” that we are to die to ourselves and live for Christ (Romans 6:3.) But, believe me, along the way, we have all somehow watered down all that that statement truly entails! Kay connects this “walk into death” to the real meaning behind “covenant” in a way that just brings you to your knees. Dear ones, if you have never studied the Old Testament (really, covenant) you are missing the richness of what it truly means to walk in holy blood covenant with your God!
a) Covenant is as old as mankind. It is important for us to understand that covenant originated with God Himself (Genesis 3, particularly verse 21. Note: This is probably where man the true worth of one’s life blood. After all, for the first time ever, death—through the shedding of innocent blood—became necessary as a garment or covering for sin (Hebrews 9:22!) From this point forward, the shedding of blood became an extremely important part of both worship and sacrifice to the Lord God (Genesis 4:1-7.) Take time to read Genesis 6, especially verse 18—the very first mention of covenant; Genesis 9; Genesis 15; Genesis 17) While it is true that not all covenants were “cut” in blood, know that the “blood” covenant was the most solemn and binding of all covenants! “Blood” covenant was not to be entered into lightly because breaking such a covenant required the life blood of the offending partner. Now, man did not necessarily take another’s life—although, in some cultures this was highly likely—but, quite often God was called upon as Witness between the covenanting parties (Genesis 31:42-54) as an assurance that the covenant was upheld. In other words, if covenant was broken, God would “see” and judge the offending party accordingly! During Biblical times, those that entered into a “blood” covenant either “cut” animals in pieces, with each partner “passing” between the flesh, sprinkled themselves with the blood (Exodus 24:1-8) or “cut” themselves and the parties mingled their blood together. Why blood—because life is in the blood (Deuteronomy 12:23!) Now, in passing through the pieces, or being sprinkled or cutting ones self and/or by the mingling of blood, the parties, by oath, actually became as one--each equally responsible for to uphold their part in the covenant agreement. Actually, the covenant even went further, because as one, the parties became closer than even blood brothers. The friends and family of one, became the friends and family of the other and more, the enemies of one became the enemies of the other. Each party swore to defend and protect the interest of the other—important point to remember! We see this spiritual mystery more fully explained in the marriage covenant. The two become one flesh. (This is ideally a blood covenant—since both parties are meant to be virginal, thus the shedding of blood.) And, of course, we see it in the church being “one” with Christ Jesus (a covenant “cut” in the shedding of Christ’s own blood on the cross!) Oh, don’t mess the richness of covenant!
b) That brings us to the Old Covenant (the Law (Ten Commandments)—Exodus 20:1-17) that God “cut” with the Israelites upon bringing them out of Egypt (Exodus 24:1-8.) This too, was a blood covenant. However, this covenant was conditionally based upon the obedience of the Israelites (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 11:26-32 and Joshua 1:13-18!) It came with blessing if the Israelites obeyed and cursing if they disobeyed! Under this covenant, the shedding of innocent blood was a repetitive part of the Israelites daily lives. The tabernacle and later the temple was the place to offer up blood sacrifice as atonement for sin and even as part of praise and worship. The high priest was the only one who could enter into the very presence of God (called the Holy of Holies) and that, only once a year. He offered blood sacrifice for the sins of Israel and for himself. Blood was also necessary for cleansing and washing the utensils used in sacrifice and the altars, etc. etc.
c) Now, what does that have to do with us today? Well, let’s go back and read Genesis 15, especially verses12-21. Who were the covenanting parties? Who initiated the covenant? Who walked through the pieces? What role did Abram play?
d) This is an everlasting covenant with Abram (Abraham)—“cut” solely by God (Hebrews 6:9-20!) It is important to note that this covenant was implemented 430 years prior to the giving of the Law, or Old Covenant, to the Israelites! Its foundation was and still is solidly built on God’s faithfulness and unconditional promises! It was brought about as the result of Abram’s unwavering faith in his God (Romans 4:13-16!) This was the covenant was to Abram and his heirs, but Israelites would not! Enter the Law, or the Old Covenant!
e) Throughout scripture, God promised His children the coming of a new and better covenant, not written on tablets of stone, but rather, a covenant written on their hearts ( Isaiah 61:1-9!
e) We see a beautiful example of this “grace” covenant with the anointed, but not yet established king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-23) David, and the friend who unconditionally loved him, Jonathan. Now, Jonathan was the son of the present king Saul, whom David was sure to eventually replace when God removed Saul from his throne and kingdom because of his sin (1 Samuel 12:13-25 and 1 Samuel 13:1-4.) Let’s take a look into this love covenant by reading 1 Samuel 17:12-58; 18:1-4), because this is the type, or picture of the covenant we have entered into with our Lord, Jesus Christ!
i) What type of agreement did they enter into?
ii) Who initiated the covenant?
iii) Who “loved” first?
iv) In the beginning of this relationship, was there anything that indicated that young David loved at all?
v) What did Jonathan have to offer as son of the king?
vi) What did David have to offer or bring into this covenant?
vii) What is the significance of Jonathan exchanging garments with David?
viii) Go back and carefully re-read verse 1. What took place spiritually between these two men?
f) So, what happened to the Law, or the Old Covenant (Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 3:21-24; Romans 7:4, 6; Romans 10:4 and Hebrews 7:18-28?)
g) Of what value was the Law (Romans 3:20; Romans 5:20-21; Romans 7:7?)
h) What purpose does the Old Covenant Law have today (1 Timothy 1:8-11?)
i) What do the following scriptures tell us is the basis of our New Covenant with God (Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17; Romans 8:1-16; 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13?)
i) Where does this God kind of love come from (Galatians 5:16-25?)
iii) Clothe yourselves with Christ (Romans 13:14!)
j) Beloved, through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have become heirs to the all the rich promises of God (Galatians 3:11-28!) We are the spiritual seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:29!) So, what part do we have in being in covenant with God?
k) Jesus introduced the New Covenant during the last Passover supper he spent with His disciples (1 Corinthians 11:23b-32 we should carefully examine ourselves, and not take the bread and wine unworthily, less judgment come upon us.)

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!

031206

Christ Followers
The Great Gamble
John 10, Mark 8, 10, Philippians 2, John 13
March 12, 2006


John 10:1-10 (Monday)
“I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)
1) Read Genesis 28:10-22. Pay particular attention to verses 13 and 16. When Jacob awoke, what did he call the place where he had seen the stairway to heaven? Who was standing above the entrance?
2) I recently heard Beth Moore teach on this passage in Genesis (I believe it was from the video on her most recent Bible study, the Patriarchs) and it knocked me to my knees—what a God we serve! Jesus, and His work for us on the cross just screams from every page of God’s Holy Word! Oh, if only we would look, taste and see that the LORD is good! I’m afraid I’m really not going to do Beth’s teaching on God’s wonderful word justice, but here goes! Earlier chapters in Genesis tell us how Jacob tricked, lied, schemed and deceived his older brother, Esau, out of both his legal birthright as the firstborn son, and, far more importantly, the spiritual blessing that came with it! Oh, you better believe Jacob was on the run! He was well aware of the fierceness of his brother’s wrath—and Esau wanted nothing short of blood! Jacob’s deceptive and self-serving ways could cost him dearly—his very life! (Now, let’s pause here for a moment. Do you think that maybe, just maybe Jacob was running because he was also a little weary of himself! His sins had caught up with him, and, you might say—Jacob was caught up in his sins! Have you ever noticed that trying to keep up with, or run from your sin can absolutely—physically, emotionally and spiritually wear you out? Well, it can and believe me, it does!) Poor Jacob finally finds a place to rest his weary head, and of on all places, a stone—a rock! (Well, you have to know that Jesus is the Rock (1 Corinthians 10:1-4!) The way Beth describes this scene is with the stairway coming across Jacob’s prone body, forming a type of cross! (I think it helps to picture this as you read that the stairway was resting on the earth (vs. 12.) When you rest a ladder against a house, it’s slanted out at an angle—not vertically straight!) Here we see the stairway slanted across Jacob’s prone body, with his head resting upon the rock, and if we step back from the scene we can actually visualize the shape or form of the cross, and above the stairway, the only possible gateway to the throne room of God—the LORD! And, Jacob? Oh, what a picture of a weary sinner finding rest on the Rock of Ages! Jacob’s prone position actually is a picture of Jacob dying to himself—exactly what we are called to do when we follow our Lord, Jesus! Jacob, of course, is later renamed Israel and the promises the LORD repeated to him, were those very same promises first given to Abraham, our spiritual father in faith! Oh, sinner—this is what Jesus desires from us—to rest from our self-efforts! Rest from our need for self-exaltation! Instead, get prone (die) and oh, rest on the Rock! Oh, I hope I was able to capture a little of what is going on in this passage! Beloved of the Lord, what we have here is the gospel! Glory, glory, glory!
3) I don’t know about you, but I find it very interesting that though the stairway reached all the way into the heavens, the LORD was above even that place! No wonder Jesus is the only way! Not only is Jesus the only way to heaven, but He is also the only way to live abundantly!
4) How do you picture the abundant life Christ is calling us to?
5) Would you say you are living the abundant life? Why or why not.
6) Jesus has been given many names—the Gate, The Way, the Truth, the Life, the list is endless. Here Jesus portrays Himself as the Good Shepherd. The psalmist, David, the man after God’s own heart, was anointed as king over Israel while serving as a lowly shepherd boy, in servitude to his father and many, many brothers (1 Samuel 16.) Another beautiful picture of Christ! David loved shepherding and he loved his sheep, often risking his life for theirs (1 Samuel 17:34-36! Yes, David risked his life which is very noble! Christ laid down His life—what a Savior!
7) How do you like being liken to sheep? They are so cute and loveable, but truthfully, not the least bit intelligent. Sheep are always wandering off, in constant trouble! That’s why the shepherd carried a rod and a staff. The shepherd would gently correct them with his rod, and guide them with his staff back into the safety of the pen. Sheep need constant supervision, no wonder only the shepherds were up to witness the angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace, goodwill towards men!” Their workday never ended! When they weren’t feeding, pruning, sheering the sheep by day, the good shepherd kept vigilant watch over them at night, protecting them from wolves, bears and thieves! Good picture of our Lord!
8) How does it feel to know that Jesus calls you by name—even before you were fully formed in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139!)
9) Jesus said His sheep will hear and know His voice. Have you heard Him calling (Revelation 3:20?)
10) How does Jesus speak to us today? Can we be sure that what we are hearing is indeed the voice of Jesus?
11) How do/would you respond to His voice?
12) Jesus warns that others may try to climb in the sheep pen (the pen represents the safe dwelling place of those who belong to Him) through some other way, i.e., self-effort or good works. This could be an individual or another faith or religion that tries to use any means other than resting on the work accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross for their salvation. This is what makes such a person a thief and a robber—he attempts to steal God’s glory by earning his way into God’s heaven! Still others will try to deceive others into following them (as if they were our savior,) instead of our true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What does Jesus say our response to such as these should be?
13) Who is the watchman that opens the gate for Jesus (Hosea 9:7-9?)
Mark 8:34-38 (Tuesday)
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.” (NIV)
1) Is denying yourself taking up your cross and losing your life and one time event? Explain.
2) Why do you think Jesus added, “…and for the gospel” as a way of saving one’s life? What do you think that means to us today?
3) Name some ways that even as Christians, Christ followers, we sometimes show that we are ashamed of Jesus?
4) Remember that red stew (Genesis 25:27-34) we talked about a couple of weeks ago? Really, what are some things the world earnestly and hungrily seeks after, maybe without even realizing they are actually forfeiting their own souls?
5) Do you think Christians are immune to this particular sin? Explain.
6) Is there anything in your own life that you need to lay down so your soul may be healed? If you are comfortable, please share.
Mark 10:23-31 (Wednesday)
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (NIV)
1) Jesus’ words here are not condemnation of having wealth. Rather, Jesus is expressing genuine pity for anyone who places undo value on possessions or on their own welfare and personal prosperity. Mark 10:17-22 tells us that this man truly believed he was attempting to live a good and righteous life. Jesus responded to this man’s question about gaining eternal life by mentioning commandments which dealt with the rich man’s relationship with others—vs. 19. Then, Jesus wasted no time in getting to the heart of this man’s problem—his relationship to God. You see that Jesus already knew this man’s heart in how He responded to his greeting. This man ran to the “Good Master,” to learn how to gain eternal life, the problem was he failed to recognize and come to Jesus as God!
2) When given the choice to follow Jesus, this man couldn’t or wouldn’t go down the path of self-sacrifice. Given this life-altering choice, he clung to what mattered to him most, what he loved most—money! That’s why Jesus pitied him! He couldn’t see that in losing possessions, anything that God asks of us, we gain everything. Now, that’s a God concept! Know, it’s not money, but the LOVE of money that has its root in evil (1 Timothy 6:10.) Loving money, loving anything more than God is idolatry (Exodus 20:1-6!)
3) Well, of course this horrified the disciples, if someone as outwardly good as that man couldn’t get into the kingdom of heaven, how on earth could anyone? Good question! How do anyone gain eternal life?
4) Have you left something to follow Jesus? Have you seen this promise of receiving a hundred fold back come to fruition in your life? Share.
5) Does it comfort you that though the world may hold you in low esteem, one day Jesus promises that you will be put to the head of the line? Oh, it does speak to my heart! Yeah!
Philippians 2:1-8 (Thursday) John 13:3-17 (Friday)
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!” (NIV)
John 13:3-17 “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me `Teacher' and `Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (NIV)
1) Jesus chose the path of humility, sacrifice and service. The cross being the supreme model for us! Imagine, our Lord, our Savior, our God—on the night before he was betrayed took it upon Himself to get up from the Passover meal and do a service to His disciples that they themselves thought they were too good for! This was not just any service. No! The service he performed was saved for the lowest servant in the master’s household—the washing of the guests’ feet! Our Jesus, wrapped a towel around His royal waits, bent His knees and wiped away the dust and dirt of each and ever person in that room—even his betrayer, Judas (John 13:1-18!)
2) Jesus had confidence in Who He was, but not pride, but a confidence in God the Father! That’s knowledge is what allowed Him to freely serve others, even unto death. Truly, we are kings and priests, holy, set apart unto the Lord (Revelation 1:4-6!) More, one day we will reign and rule with Him (2 Timothy 2:11-13!) Everything He has, He freely shares with us (Romans 8:16-25!) Jesus has laid down the gauntlet—set the marker! He’s asking us to follow Him, down the narrow path of humility, obedience, death to ourselves and service to others! What is your response to such an invitation?
3) Putting others before ourselves? Let go of selfish ambitions? How do we do this? By having the same attitude of Jesus! What attitude ruled Him—love (John 13:1!) Oh, I do so hope you can read this in the KJV—oh, here it is, “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” Can you love unto the end?
4) I know. We have covered this a hundred times, but, please, look again at the law of love—1 Corinthians 13! That may not be a perfect description of you and me, but its the perfect description of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Amen!

030506

Christ Followers - Christ, Our Great Example
Luke 9 and 14
March 12, 2006
030507


Luke 9:37-43a (Monday)
“The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. A man in the crowd called out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not." "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.” (NIV)
1) Let’s go back a little further in these scriptures (Luke 9:1-6) and learn that Jesus had already empowered His disciples to heal and to cast out demons. So, what was the problem? Mark 9:14-29 gives a little more insight into the developments of that day. The gospel of Mark shines some much needed light on why the disciples were “unable” to drive out this demon spirit. What two “insightful” bits of information are given? (If you can, read this in the KJV, which reads by prayer and fasting!)
2) Let’s start with number one and personally, I think this might have been the most important factor at work this day. Should the disciples have ever gotten into discussion as to the “legality” or the “when, how, whys, etc.” of healing a demon possessed person? Why or why not?
3) How could arguing with those “teachers of the law” have hindered the work of God (Galatians 5:14-16?)
4) Do you think this “arguing” could have lead to some doubt on the part of the disciples—even after all they had experienced with Jesus? Explain.
5) Now, come on! Can you argue the “grace—unmerited favor” of God and the law of Christ (love) with those who would rather keep themselves, not to mention dragging others along with them straight into spiritual bondage and death that comes from trying to live up to the letter of the law (Luke 6:39-40!) What should the disciples have done instead? What would you have done?
6) Good question from this week’s Transformation! Who is Jesus addressing as an “unbelieving and perverse generation?” At least, in the gospel of Mark, the boy’s father admitted his need—how about us?
7) Who received the honor and glory for this miracle?
8) Was there any response from Jesus (see John 5:19?) Explain.
9) How does this speak anything to you about any gifts or talents you may possess?
Luke 9:43b-50 (Tuesday)
“While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest." "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." (NIV)
1) This is actually the second time Jesus mentioned his certain death (Luke 9:22.) What were Jesus’ disciples expectations regarding His coming kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16-29?) How would this mind set have hindered them from understanding His mission—the cross and His kingdom?
2) Did you have any expectations about your walk with Jesus that you now know He chose to not fulfill or perhaps met in some other way? Were you—are you disappointed? Share.
3) Misconceptions as to God’s purposes for our lives are often the direct result of our own pride and/or selfish ambition, as it was in this instance with Jesus’ disciples. We humans miss the point! Jesus does not rebuke His disciples for not understanding, but seizes the opportunity to teach them a great lesson. Greatness does not come as the result of human ranking, but rather, by becoming the least in our willingness to put God and others first! God ways are truly not our ways!
4) Why a child?
5) One thing is for sure—having the mind of Christ is essential to life change (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16! At this point, Jesus was indeed with them—loving them, leading them, teaching them—but, He was not yet living on the inside of them (Ephesians 3:16-21; Colossians 1:27!) We see the importance of these truths because just moments after teaching this life altering lesson, John (called the beloved disciple, or as he referred to himself—the disciple that Jesus loved) is complaining because someone outside their circle of influence was daring to drive out demons in Jesus’ name. The audacity!
Luke 9:51-56 (Wednesday)
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them ?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.” (NIV)
1) I love how one translation of verse 51 reads, “Jesus set His face like a flint toward Jerusalem.” Wow! Picture that! The will, the determination! What was awaiting Jesus in Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21-23?)
2) Now, on one hand you might possibly could dismiss James and John’s comments because indeed Elijah prayed and holy fire fall from heaven (1 Kings 18:1-39 and 2 Kings 1:6-18), proving that the LORD is God! Still, you have to question motive—the heart here. What do you think was the motive behind James and John’s question? Oh, go back over Tuesday’s lesson!
3) Why do you think Jesus rebuked them? By what motive is Jesus always driven?
Luke 9:57-62 (Thursday)
“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God. "Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
1) Here we see them different men expressing their willingness to follow—only one of which Jesus personally called out. Each one had what appears to be legitimate excuses, but is delay in responding to Christ’s invitation ever wise (Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalms 95:6-11; Hebrews 3:12-19?) Christ must come first. We have today—only the now. These men may never again been given opportunity to follow! Life and death—the eternal salvation of their souls were at stake! With that thought in mind, do you think Jesus was too harsh?
2) Do you think any one of these men would have indeed followed Jesus? I have to confess, sometimes I
question my own loyalty in this regard. How far am I willing to follow Christ? Remember, He is our role model and that’s a tough act to follow (I mean that with the utmost respect!) The cost of following or not following Christ must carefully be weighed in the balances! Consider the ions of time Christ had to think about what it cost to bring you and me into a right relationship with God the Father (Revelation 13:8!) Yes, from the foundation of the earth, both God the Father and God the Son knew it would take humility, sacrifice, death, and shame—the cross—to redeem (buy us back) mankind from the penalty or wages of sin, which is eternal death. We see the full magnitude of that cost to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mathew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46 ) We see Our precious Savior facing “His cup,” alone, sorrowing to the point of death, in such anguish Jesus was sweating drops of blood! We see Jesus pleading with His Father, “If there be any other way—Father, find it, use it—anything instead of the cross!” How did Jesus respond to His cross? Can we take up our cross this same selfless way?
3) I have been reading Kay Arthur’s book, “Our Covenant God,” and I have to tell you it is one of the most sobering books I’ve ever encountered. I wanted so much to put the book down (really, to throw it as far away from me as possible) because what following Christ, putting Christ first, truly requires from us is our everything! Kay calls following Christ our own personal “walk into death.” Now, we all “know” that we are to die to ourselves and live for Christ (Romans 6:3.) But, believe me, along the way, we have all somehow watered down all that that statement truly entails! Kay connects this “walk into death” to the real meaning behind “covenant” in a way that just brings you to your knees. Dear ones, if you have never studied the Old Testament (really, covenant) you are missing the richness of what it truly means to walk in holy blood covenant with your God.
a) Covenant is as old as mankind. It is important for us to understand that covenant originated with God Himself (Genesis 3, particularly verse 21. Note: This is probably where man the true worth of one’s life blood. After all, for the first time ever, death—through the shedding of innocent blood—became necessary as a garment or covering for sin (Hebrews 9:22!) From this point forward, the shedding of blood became an extremely important part of both worship and sacrifice to the Lord God (Genesis 4:1-7.) Take time to read Genesis 6, especially verse 18—the very first mention of covenant; Genesis 9; Genesis 15; Genesis 17) While it is true that not all covenants were “cut” in blood, know that the “blood” covenant was the most solemn and binding of all covenants! “Blood” covenant was not to be entered into lightly because breaking such a covenant required the life blood of the offending partner. Now, man did not necessarily take another’s life—although, in some cultures this was highly likely—but, quite often God was called upon as Witness between the covenanting parties (Genesis 31:42-54) as an assurance that the covenant was upheld. In other words, if covenant was broken, God would “see” and judge the offending party accordingly! During Biblical times, those that entered into a “blood” covenant either “cut” animals in pieces, with each partner “passing” between the flesh, sprinkled themselves with the blood (Exodus 24:1-8) or “cut” themselves and the parties mingled their blood together. Why blood—because life is in the blood (Deuteronomy 12:23!) Now, in passing through the pieces, or being sprinkled or cutting ones self and/or by the mingling of blood,--the parties, by oath, actually became as one--each equally responsible for to uphold their part in the covenant agreement. Usually, covenant also included the sharing of a covenant meal. Blood covenant was so binding and went further than any other covenant, because the parties became closer than brothers or blood relations. The friends and family of the one, became the friends and family of the other and more, the enemies of one became the enemies of the other. Each party swore to defend and protect the interest of the other—important point to remember! We see this spiritual mystery more fully explained in the marriage covenant. The two become one flesh. (This is ideally a blood covenant—since both parties are meant to be virginal, thus the shedding of blood.) And, of course, we see it in the church being “one” with Christ Jesus (a covenant “cut” in the shedding of Christ’s own blood on the cross!) Oh, don’t mess the richness of covenant!
b) That brings us to the Old Covenant (the Law (Ten Commandments)—Exodus 20:1-17) that God “cut” with the Israelites upon bringing them out of Egypt (Exodus 24:1-8.) This too, was a blood covenant. However, this covenant was conditionally based upon the obedience of the Israelites (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 11:26-32 and Joshua 1:13-18!) It came with blessing if the Israelites obeyed and cursing if they disobeyed! Under this covenant, the shedding of innocent blood was a repetitive part of the Israelites daily lives. The tabernacle and later the temple were the places to offer up blood sacrifice as atonement for sin and even as part of praise and worship. The high priest was the only one who could enter into the very presence of God (called the Holy of Holies) and that, only once a year. He offered blood sacrifice for the sins of Israel and also for himself. Blood was also necessary for cleansing and washing the utensils used in sacrifice and the altars, etc. etc.
4) Now, what does that have to do with us today? Well, let’s go back and read Genesis 15, especially verses12-21. Who were the covenanting parties? Who initiated the covenant? Who walked through the pieces? What role did Abram play?
5) This is an everlasting covenant with Abram (Abraham)—“cut” solely by God (Hebrews 6:9-20!) It is important to note that this covenant was implemented 430 years prior to the giving of the Law, or Old Covenant, to the Israelites! Its foundation was and still is solidly built on God’s faithfulness and unconditional promises! It was brought about as the result of Abram’s unwavering faith in his God (Romans 4:13-16!) This was the covenant was to Abram and his heirs, but Israelites would not! Enter the Law, or the Old Covenant! Circumcision was the outward sign of obedience in following this covenant—shedding of blood!
6) Throughout scripture, God promised His children the coming of a new and better covenant, not written on tablets of stone, but rather, a covenant written on their hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-40!) Oh, this “new” covenant has its basis in the everlasting covenant “cut” with Abraham—not the Law. It is a covenant based solely on God’s faithfulness! How freeing is God’s grace and lovingkindness toward us! Isaiah 61:1-9!
a) We see a beautiful example of this “grace” covenant with the anointed, but not yet established king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-23) David, and the friend who unconditionally loved him, Jonathan. Now, Jonathan was the son of the present king Saul, whom David was sure to eventually replace when God removed Saul from his throne and kingdom because of his sin (1 Samuel 12:13-25 and 1 Samuel 13:1-4.) Let’s take a look into this love covenant by reading 1 Samuel 17:12-58; 18:1-4), because this is the type, or picture of the covenant we have entered into with our Lord, Jesus Christ!
i) What type of agreement did they enter into?
ii) Who initiated the covenant?
iii) Who “loved” first?
iv) In the beginning of this relationship, was there anything that indicated that young David loved at all?
v) What did Jonathan have to offer as son of the king?
vi) What did David have to offer or bring into this covenant?
vii) What is the significance of Jonathan exchanging garments with David? Oh, can’t you just see Jesus exchanging His Kingly garments with us?
viii) Go back and carefully re-read verse 1. What took place spiritually between these two men?
7) So, what happened to the Law, or the Old Covenant (Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 3:21-24; Romans 7:4, 6; Romans 10:4 and Hebrews 7:18-28?)
8) Of what value was the Law (Romans 3:20; Romans 5:20-21; Romans 7:7?)
9) What purpose does the Old Covenant Law have today (1 Timothy 1:8-11?)
10) What do the following scriptures tell us is the basis of our New Covenant with God (Matthew 22:34-
40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17; Romans 8:1-16; 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13?)
11) Where does this God kind of love come from (Galatians 5:16-25?)
12) Remember, Adam and Eve—Jonathan and David—we are to clothe ourselves with Christ (Romans 13:14!)
13) Beloved, through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have become heirs to the all the rich promises of God (Galatians 3:11-28!) We are the spiritual seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:29!) So, what part do we have in being in covenant with God?\
14) Jesus introduced the New Covenant during the last Passover supper (here’s that covenant meal!) He spent with His disciples (1 Corinthians 11:23b-32 we should carefully examine ourselves, and not take the bread and wine unworthily, less judgment come upon us!)
a) I’ve jump around a bit here, and some areas are yet to be delved into, bear with me, please! We will continue this subject in upcoming weeks!
Luke 14:25-26 (Friday)
“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. (NIV)
1) Examine Christ’s words in the concept of “comparison.”
2) Did it cost you something when you first accepted Christ into your life? Did you suffer loss? Has following Christ, or putting Him first cost you anything recently? If you feel free, please share with the group.
3) Looking back, do you have any regrets?
4) Was what you thought you were giving up in anyway comparable to what you gained in Christ? Explain.
5) Would you go back?
6) Oh, finish well!

031906

Christ Followers
What? Me a priest?
1 Peter 2:9
March 19, 2006


1 Peter 2:9 (Monday)
“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.” (NIV) What a wonderful truth for the believer in Christ Jesus! You are a royal priesthood! In Exodus 19:1-6, we find that these words were first spoken as a “conditional” promise to the children of Israel after they had been delivered from Egypt (sin.) “If you will…..” Of course, sadly, it did not take long for the Israelites to forsake God and their promise to do “all that the Lord has said….”

God instructed Moses on His holy mountain with instructions for his “peculiar treasure,” Israel. The “model” for this royal priesthood fell to Moses’ brother, Aaron, a Levite, and his descendants.

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 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) (to be “set apart”)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)
i) 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) “In Christ, it is very important for believers to realize that we are “ (present tense) a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9)
a) The original (conditional) call to be a royal priesthood was given to the entire nation of Israel
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 tribe served in the temple, but were not allowed to participate in the priestly duties.
(a) The priest were given special garments to wear to bring dignity and honor to their service to the LORD (Exodus 28:2-43)
(ii) The priestly garments consisted of :
1. a breastpiece – This square shaped portion of the high priest’s garment was also called the breastpiece of decision. The Urim and the Thummim (no one is exactly sure what these two items were) were placed in the breastpiece, so they may be over the heart of the high priest, This way, whenever he entered the presence of the LORD, he would always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart.
2. an ephod – This garment, worn by the high priest, included two onyx stones engraved with the names of the son of Israel (formerly, Jacob.) The stones were a memorial before the LORD for the sons of Israel (Exodus 28: -12)
3. a robe—made entirely of blue cloth. Pomegrantes made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with gold bells sewn between them were attached to its hem so that the sound of the bells could be heard when the high priest entered or left the Holy Place before the LORD. This assured that he would not die.
4. a turban – The turban worn by the high priest also included a plate of pure gold engraved with the seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. It was to be upon the high priest’s forehead to bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites that were consecrated to the LORD. Only then were the gifts acceptable.
5. a woven tunic and turban of fine linen, sashes and headbands were the garments of all the priests.
a. linen undergarments were also worn as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. The high priest and priests were to wear them whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die.
(ii) Specific Colors and Fabrics were required:
1. gold, blue, purple and scarlet
(iii) Specific Fabrics were required:
1. fine linen
3) The priest had to be consecrated (set apart) for service unto the Lord (Exodus 29:1-46.)
a) Consecration included washing with water (vs. 4, 21) and by having the lobes of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hand and the big toes of their right foot touched with the blood of the consecration sacrifice. Their priestly garments were also sprinkled with the blood of the spotless, innocent sacrifice. The priests had to participate in the sacrificial consecration ceremony by placing their hands on the head of the ram being sacrificed (vs. 20,21. In this way, the priests acknowledged the necessary death of an innocent life for their sins and the sins of the people. (Exodus 29:
3) The priests has to be anointed (vs. 7
4/ The priests had to participate in the consecration ceremony by placing their hands on the head of bull that was being sacrificed. Then, they were to be physically sprinkled with its blood"This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect.
2. And from fine wheat flour, without yeast, make bread, and cakes mixed with oil, and wafers spread with oil.
3. Put them in a basket and present them in it--along with the bull and the two rams.
4. Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
5. Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband.
6. Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred diadem to the turban.
7. Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.
8. Bring his sons and dress them in tunics
9. and put headbands on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. In this way you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.
10. "Bring the bull to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
11. Slaughter it in the LORD's presence at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
12. Take some of the bull's blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar.
13. Then take all the fat around the inner parts, the covering of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.
14. But burn the bull's flesh and its hide and its offal outside the camp. It is a sin offering.
15. "Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
16. Slaughter it and take the blood and sprinkle it against the altar on all sides.
17. Cut the ram into pieces and wash the inner parts and the legs, putting them with the head and the other pieces.
18. Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.
19. "Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
20. Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then sprinkle blood against the altar on all sides.
21. And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated.
22. "Take from this ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat around the inner parts, the covering of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ram for the ordination.)
23. From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the LORD, take a loaf, and a cake made with oil, and a wafer.
24. Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering.
25. Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the LORD, an offering made to the LORD by fire.
26. After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron's ordination, wave it before the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your share.
27. "Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented.
28. This is always to be the regular share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the LORD from their fellowship offerings.
29. "Aaron's sacred garments will belong to his descendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in them.
30. The son who succeeds him as priest and comes to the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to wear them seven days.
31. "Take the ram for the ordination and cook the meat in a sacred place.
32. At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket.
33. They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat them, because they are sacred.
34. And if any of the meat of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morning, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.
35. "Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them.
36. Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it.
37. For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.
38. "This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old.
39. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight.
40. With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering.
41. Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning--a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.
42. "For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD. There I will meet you and speak to you;
43. there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory.
44. "So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests.
45. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.
46. They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.
Priests were to be anointed.
(b) 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 subjourners on the land allotted for them within the territories of the other tribes. Their food, income, dwelling—everything was from the Lord God. Why?
(ii) Their inheritance was the Lord
(iii) Their portion was the Lord
(iiii) Their reward was the Lord
3. Two of Aarons sons perish because of disobedience—priestly service then fell to entire tribe of Levi (for purpose of serving priests)
3. The nation of Israel rejected God and disobeyed their calling:
b) 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
a. 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)
b. 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)
c. 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)
d. 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) Discernment of God’s Will
4) 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 must know that we are called to a hope! That is, we have a living hope—we are waiting for Christ to be revealed! Therefore, we are commanded to 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)
b. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 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 3:1-3)
3) We must be e 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)

c. 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)


i) What is light and what is its purpose in our lives?
(1) Jesus, the Word of God made flesh is the light of men (John 1:1-5!)
(2) Light is our armor (Romans 13:12!)
(3) Light exposes things hidden in the dark (1 Corinthians 4:5!)
(4) Light gives us the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6!)
(5) We are now light (Ephesians 5:8!)
(6) We are sons of light and sons of day (1 Thessalonians 5:5!)
(7) 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!)
(8) Walking in the truth of God’s light brings fellowship with God and man (1 John 1:5-7!)
(9) If we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we walk in God’s light (1 John 2:8-11!)
(10) ; Jude 1:6; Jude 1:11-13


Hosea 4:4-9
The priests were suppose to lead the nation into a right relationship with God--rightfully interpreting God’s truth in His law, intercession, service. Here we find God voicing His righteous anger against them. Yet, what does verse 7 tells us was taking place during this period in Israel’s history? Why do you think this was so? Was this a sign of greater spirituality or moral decay? Explain.
Spiritual leadership carries a heavy responsibility (James 3:1.) Why do you think leaders are held to a higher accountability with God?
What sins does God say the priests were guilty of?
Hosea 4:6 in the NIV is translated as, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” The KJV says, “my people perish.” Is it possible to have an abundance of godly knowledge, yet still not “know” God? It’s interesting to note that when Jesus came to earth some 700 years after Hosea, He accused the Pharisees and Scribes of this same sin. He called them hypocrites! See Matthew 15:1-9.

The Jews had become puffed up—proud—superior in their relationship with God. Yet, all along, Israel had been given a mission to the world around them. (See Exodus 19:6, “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation." God again reveals the heart of His intent for His people and their mission in Isaiah 49:6. “"It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
Now, you can be sure that God’s intent for the world has not changed! As Christ followers, this commission to be a light for the world now falls on us. See Matthew 5:14-16, “"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.” Also, it is quite interesting to see what Jesus calls us, His church, in Revelation 1:5-6, “…To him (Christ) who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father…” Sound familiar?
Since we are light, priests and a holy nation to our God and Father, what was Jesus’ command to us just before He returned to the Father? (See Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” and Mark 16:15.) “"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”


See Revelation 20: 1-6
"And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.


i) Two dwelling places for God’s glory to be among the people—the tabernacle and the temple. Don’t fail to note the limitations of each! The tabernacle was limited in that the people could only move out when they saw the glory of the Lord had been lifted! With the temple, the people were bound in worship and service by a location! Do you think that either was what God had in mind when He promised in Exodus 25:8 to dwell among His people? No, God’s true heart can better be interpreted in Matthew 1:23! Emmanuel, God with us—Jesus Christ, God in flesh!
ii) It is very important that we realize that in each dwelling place, only the priests were allowed to enter or serve in the sanctuary of God! Limiting, indeed! Although, we have to remember it was always God’s heart that Israel (every single last person, be a priest (Exodus 19:4-6!) Isn’t God good? It gets better!
iii) Oh, let’s see a picture of Christ’s church! Please turn to 1 Peter 2:4-10!
(1) Who is the living Stone?
(2) What does God call us in 1 Peter 2:5. See the difference—Stone, stones!
(3) Together, as living stones, what are we being built into? Oh, see Ephesians 2:19-22!
(4) And, what are we called in 1 Peter 2:9? Glory, glory! You are a priest, you can enter into God’s most holy place, sister! Right before His throne!
iv) What is the most obvious difference in these three dwelling places of God? Remember, Christ now is dwelling in you (1 Corinthians 3:16 and Colossians 1:27!)
(1) Now, thanks be to God, the Godhead Trinity dwells in us and goes wherever we go (John 4:19-24 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-20!) Here’s your spiritual priesthood in action!
v) Now, while we are all “living stones” making up Christ’s church, do we all have the same duties or responsibilities within the church? In other words, are we all “hewed or cut” the same (1 Corinthians 12:4-3?) Does this scripture say that any stone is of less important and value than another stone? Same value—different service or gift—One God!
b) Later, in Leviticus, specifics of the Law enter the picture and God lays out for us how the sacrifice was to be performed. Read Leviticus 3:2, 8, 13 “He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood against the altar on all sides.” – “He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.” – “He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.”
i) Why do you suppose God required the one who sinned to place their hand on the head of the innocent sacrifice—taking part in the slaughtering and then seeing the innocent blood being sprinkled?
ii) What would be your personal reaction?
iii) How should we respond to Jesus’ sacrifice—the Innocent for the sinner?

a. He loves us! This is in the present tense. This means He keeps on loving us! He died for you and he will always love you!
b. He has freed us from our sins by the shedding of his blood!
i. “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.” (Leviticus 17:11)
ii. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” (1 Peter 1:18-20)
c. He has made us his king and his priests to serve before God!
i. This was an original calling for the entire nation of Israel (Exodus 19:1-6). However, they rejected this calling of God (Matthew 21:43) and this privilege has now been passed on to each of us—all believers—yes, you and me (1 Peter 2:1-10)!



Romans 6:9-10 “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”; Hebrews 9:1-15 “Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings--external regulations applying until the time of the new order. When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”.)
Hebrews 10:1-2, 11-14. “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. – “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. “ Perfect cleansing of the sinner—that was the problem with animal sacrifice. Animals can never take away sin—their blood only covered it—it was a shadow or foretaste of something or Someone far more able!. Jesus—our sinless Sacrifice—the God Man. If He had only been a man, His sacrifice would have been in vain. No, as the God Man—fully tempted as we, but without sin--He alone could take away our sin and our guilt! Once and for all! What does Jesus’ sacrifice do for us that animals could not? (Read Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”!)


1) Dear ones, let’s take a close look at exactly how God see each and every one of us:
i) You are blessed and you will be a blessing (Genesis 12:2!)
ii) You are God’s treasured possession (Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 7:6!)
iii) You are child of the Most High (Psalms 82:6; Luke 6:35 and 2 Corinthians 6:18!)
iv) You are called to be a part of God’s holy people (Exodus 22:31!)
v) You have been set apart by God (Leviticus 20:13!)
vi) You are called by the name of the Lord and are displayed for the entire world to be in awe (Deuteronomy 28:10!)
vii) You will prosper and be successful (Joshua 1:8 and 2 Corinthians 9:11!)
viii) You are without flaw (SOS 4:7!)
ix) The Lord will guide and satisfy you (Isaiah 58:11 and Luke 6:21!)
x) You are called to be a priest and minister of the Lord (Isaiah 61:6!)
xi) You are a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand (Isaiah 62:3!)
xii) The Lord delights in you (Isaiah 62:4!)
xiii) You are the Lord’s portion and a part of His inheritance (Deuteronomy 32:9!)
(1) This works both ways—He is your Portion and your Inheritance (Jeremiah 10:16 and Numbers 18:20!) He’s also our Reward (Genesis 15:1!)
xiv) You are the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10 and Psalm 17:8!)
xv) Jesus has promised that your reward will be great (Luke 6:35!)
xvi) You will one day be with Jesus (Luke 23:43!)
xvii)Jesus has promised to free us (John 8:36!)
xviii) You will be kept strong and made blameless in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:8!)
xix) You will be saved, and that by God (Philippians 1:28!)


Job 1:4-8 (Tuesday)
“His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's regular custom. One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (NIV)
1) Look at Job’s tender heart for his children! Job was acting as priest for his family. Sacrificing for them, should they have sinned (does this remind you of Someone (John 3:16?) Don’t ever miss your opportunity to see God and Jesus the Christ in scripture!
2) What are we called in Revelation 1:-4-6? You are a priest of the most high God! Are you making regular intercession for your family? for others? Share!

1 Samuel 2:12-35 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.
13. Now it was the practice of the priests with the people that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice and while the meat was being boiled, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand.
14. He would plunge it into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot, and the priest would take for himself whatever the fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh.
15. But even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the priest some meat to roast; he won't accept boiled meat from you, but only raw."
16. If the man said to him, "Let the fat be burned up first, and then take whatever you want," the servant would then answer, "No, hand it over now; if you don't, I'll take it by force."
17. This sin of the young men was very great in the LORD's sight, for they were treating the LORD's offering with contempt.
18. But Samuel was ministering before the LORD--a boy wearing a linen ephod.
19. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.
20. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD." Then they would go home.
21. And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.
22. Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
23. So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours.
24. No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the LORD's people.
25. If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the LORD's will to put them to death.
26. And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
27. Now a man of God came to Eli and said to him, "This is what the LORD says: `Did I not clearly reveal myself to your father's house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh?
28. I chose your father out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in my presence. I also gave your father's house all the offerings made with fire by the Israelites.
29. Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?'
30. "Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: `I promised that your house and your father's house would minister before me forever.' But now the LORD declares: `Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
31. The time is coming when I will cut short your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your family line
32. and you will see distress in my dwelling. Although good will be done to Israel, in your family line there will never be an old man.
33. Every one of you that I do not cut off from my altar will be spared only to blind your eyes with tears and to grieve your heart, and all your descendants will die in the prime of life.
34. "`And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you--they will both die on the same day.
35. I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always.