Last week - learned that book of 2nd. Timothy =
Pastoral Epistle
Prison Epistle - written from Roman prison during Paul's last imprisonment Personal Epistle - "last words" to someone Paul called "his son in the faith"
Even though these were "last words", contained more instruction than sentiment!! Why?? Because Paul desires Timothy to fulfill his calling (discharge all duties ..) There are at least 50 imperatives - ie: if you want to achieve must do these things.
On one hand, these words written to Timothy - WASM
However, can apply to us - ISM Not everything applies to us, but much does.
Three areas of Instruction:
1) Evangelism (sharing faith)
2) teaching and discipling (passing the faith)
3) personal lifestyle and personal development
/\ if want to be Godly pastor, must be
/ \ Godly parent, and to be a Godly parent must be
/ \ Godly partner, and to be a Godly partner must be
/ \ Godly person - it all begins here.
Last week - some instructions:
1) fan into flame - (keep your faith alive)
2) be strong in grace (strength more than state of being, matter of choice.)
3) endure hardship = suffer well - in a way that honors Christ and benefits others!
4) Continue in what you've learned already - don't drift away.
Additional Instructions in Personal Lifestyle and Development
#1. 2 Tim. 2:15 - Apply yourself to God's Word - understand the whole picture
the word is workman, idea is craftsman - someone who knows inside and out - "a craftsman who has God's approval" - properly handles God's Word.
So --- 1) Know God's Word, and 2) and handle it properly - (example of mishandling : Ezek. 22:30 - taught as reference to Trump foretold in the Bible from the line to "build a wall")
#2. 2 Tim. 2:22 - Flee evil desires
the word in the Greek = strong desire of any kind - dependent on the context
Point = flee any desire that is contrary to God's will for you.
Application is more than youth/sexual - Timothy was about 35 years old at this time.
2 Tim. 2:22 - Additional instructions = flee/pursue = Run from - put off
Run to - put on
any desires that apply to you at your age, at your place in life.
#3. 2 Tim. 3:1-5 - Avoid Godless People OR Choose your companions wisely
Doesn't mean no association. But means friends, traveling companions.
Example: Jesus "ate with sinners", BUT 1) didn't partake of their sins
2) didn't make them daily companions
3) didn't withhold the gospel in their presence, at their party!!
Prov. 13:20 - makes a difference who we hang with.
#4. 2 Tim. 4:3-5 - "in all situations" KJV - "watch thou in all things", NAS - "be sober in all things" (clearheaded) USE YOUR HEAD!! - sober judgment
The problem is not following your heart! The problem is following your heart WHEN IT'S WRONG!!!
2 more from 1st. Timothy:
#5. 1 Tim. 4:12 - Conduct yourself in a manner that wins respect - this is not age/gender specific!!
#6. 2 Tim. 4:7 - TRAIN Yourself to be godly - the Greek word leads to gymnasium, gymnast - exercise, discipline yourself because it all begins at the bottom of the triangle - being a Godly person
Why so much instruction and so little sentiment?
Not because Paul didn't love Timothy, but because (1) he did love him, and (2) wanted to see him PROSPER!!! in the spiritual sense - the sense that mattered!!!
Monday, January 16, 2017
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Bible Study - 2nd. Timothy
Timothy and Titus = (1) pastoral epistles (Timothy @ Ephesus, and Titus @ Crete)
Paul is writing to two young ministers.
2 Tim. = (2) prison epistles (written approximately 66AD) - written from Roman prison
Were possibly Paul's last words!!! therefore, (3) very Personal epistles
All 3 epistles are full of simple, direct charges (instructions)
Example: 1 Tim. 4:7-19 = at least 11
1st & 2nd Timothy combined have minimum of 50.
These = imperatives/commands
BUT, are not 'or else' commands. Rather = 'in order to' commands
As we look, we separate:
the WASM = what was to Tim/for Tim./then
the ISM = what applies to us today
EXAMPLE: 1 Tim. 1:3 - "stay at Ephesus" - this is personal to Timothy
1 Tim. 1:18 - "fight the good fight" - directive for all of us
The Bible Study focus = 2nd. Timothy
Divided into 3 areas:
1) Instruction in Personal lifestyle and development
2) instruction in Evangelism, Sharing the Gospel
3) Instruction in Teaching & Discipleship; passing on the Faith
Lesson in Personal Lifestyle & Development (from 2nd. Timothy)
#1. Fan into flame - 2 Tim. 1:5-6 - example: a hot fire unattended ==> going out. So, 'kindle afresh'.
Question: why not instruction in "how to"?
Answer: Timothy already knew!!! - Bible Study, Prayer, Fellowship with believers
Problem - sometimes is a lack of knowledge. But often = failure to apply the knowledge we already have!!! In which case, don't need more information to 'fan the flames'.
#2. Be strong in grace - 2 Tim. 2:1
Question: Is this "Christianese? Lightly spoken? examples: "bless you", "be well", etc.
NOTE: these = last words!! Are spoken simply because:
A. are important
and B. this strength - choice!! - How strong will you be. You much choose.
#3. Endure hardship - 2 Tim. 2:3
Does not mean go out and seek to suffer.
Means when you suffer, do it well - ie: bear up, bear witness. Examples: martyrs
1 Pet. 2:18-21
Note: 2 Tim. 4:5 again? why? => 2 Tim. 3:10-12 - stand even if at odds with most of the world when stand for Christ.
#4. Continue in what you have learned 2 Tim. 3:13-14
Again: problem sometimes = lack of knowledge
Problem often not continuing in what we've learned!! (haven't made application of what we already know)
Heb. 2:1 - very rarely will a Christian step, walk, or turn away from the faith. Instead, drift, slip, ease away little by little.
Paul goes on to instruct in Evangelism, Ministry, discipleship, etc. BUT NOTE: our ability to minister will not exceed our personal development!!!
Paul is writing to two young ministers.
2 Tim. = (2) prison epistles (written approximately 66AD) - written from Roman prison
Were possibly Paul's last words!!! therefore, (3) very Personal epistles
All 3 epistles are full of simple, direct charges (instructions)
Example: 1 Tim. 4:7-19 = at least 11
1st & 2nd Timothy combined have minimum of 50.
These = imperatives/commands
BUT, are not 'or else' commands. Rather = 'in order to' commands
As we look, we separate:
the WASM = what was to Tim/for Tim./then
the ISM = what applies to us today
EXAMPLE: 1 Tim. 1:3 - "stay at Ephesus" - this is personal to Timothy
1 Tim. 1:18 - "fight the good fight" - directive for all of us
The Bible Study focus = 2nd. Timothy
Divided into 3 areas:
1) Instruction in Personal lifestyle and development
2) instruction in Evangelism, Sharing the Gospel
3) Instruction in Teaching & Discipleship; passing on the Faith
Lesson in Personal Lifestyle & Development (from 2nd. Timothy)
#1. Fan into flame - 2 Tim. 1:5-6 - example: a hot fire unattended ==> going out. So, 'kindle afresh'.
Question: why not instruction in "how to"?
Answer: Timothy already knew!!! - Bible Study, Prayer, Fellowship with believers
Problem - sometimes is a lack of knowledge. But often = failure to apply the knowledge we already have!!! In which case, don't need more information to 'fan the flames'.
#2. Be strong in grace - 2 Tim. 2:1
Question: Is this "Christianese? Lightly spoken? examples: "bless you", "be well", etc.
NOTE: these = last words!! Are spoken simply because:
A. are important
and B. this strength - choice!! - How strong will you be. You much choose.
#3. Endure hardship - 2 Tim. 2:3
Does not mean go out and seek to suffer.
Means when you suffer, do it well - ie: bear up, bear witness. Examples: martyrs
1 Pet. 2:18-21
Note: 2 Tim. 4:5 again? why? => 2 Tim. 3:10-12 - stand even if at odds with most of the world when stand for Christ.
#4. Continue in what you have learned 2 Tim. 3:13-14
Again: problem sometimes = lack of knowledge
Problem often not continuing in what we've learned!! (haven't made application of what we already know)
Heb. 2:1 - very rarely will a Christian step, walk, or turn away from the faith. Instead, drift, slip, ease away little by little.
Paul goes on to instruct in Evangelism, Ministry, discipleship, etc. BUT NOTE: our ability to minister will not exceed our personal development!!!
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Who Needs a Messiah?
Messiah: THE Anointed One who will come and deliver His People - among all other things Messiah expected to do, ultimately - to DELIVER His People
Messiah = prophesied, expected, anticipated - at an all time high at Jesus' time.
Post resurrection message of the Apostles said that: 1) Messiah (Christ) has come and 2) He had delivered His people
BUT - not as expected!!!! Instead of delivering from a temporal, worldly oppressor (Rome), He has delivered from the Ultimate OPPRESSOR, ie: SIN - Matt. 1:21 - (angel to Joseph)
Jesus means - God, the Lord saves.
SIN:
Definition: that which is outside of God's plan, will, design for us.
Note: singular - Sin (state) vs. plural - sins (acts)
Point = all that oppresses man (plagues, burdens, afflicts) finds its ORIGIN in SIN!!
Therefore: to eliminate Sin = eliminate oppression/calamity
(this idea not exclusive to New Testament, Christians. Psm. 130:7-8 - was very well known by old testament Jewish people as well.
Various secular/and even some Christian views:
#1. We don't need saving - "I'm OK, you're OK"
#2. We don't need saving from Sin - need saving from things like global warming, political parties, etc.
#3. We can save our self - example: Evolutionary Ethics postulated back in 19th. century. We will get better and better and that goodness will then be passed on to future generations.
However, ultimately and finally, we can't save ourselves.
#4. Biblical View.......
Questions:
A.) Who needs saving? - on one hand, only the lost'! Luke 19:10 (Matt. 9:12 - Jesus with sinners)
- however, Rom. 3:23 - it's all of us!
B) What do we need saving from? - Matt. 1:21 Christ saves from:
a) Penalty - Rom. 6:23
b) Power - Rom. 7:14, 20, 21, 24
c) Presence?
Note: Past/Present/Future aspects of salvation:
I have been saved - (justification)
I am being saved - (sanctification)
I will be saved - (glorification) - best illustration of this is death.
Additional note: the Jews didn't object to being saved from Sin - BUT their preference = saved from Roman Sin!! - Matt. 1:21 - "their sins" - not other people's, society's, etc.
Point being: my preference = be delivered from the sins of others
My need = be delivered from OWN sins!!!
C) Can we save ourselves? - On one hand, we cannot save ourselves, however can allow ourselves to be saved!!! Acts 2:40 - can cross the bridge
D) Who will He save?
On one hand, 1 John 2:2 However, Matt. 1:21 - "His people" - = all who will come to Him (the ones who have crossed the bridge, will take His name) - Heb. 7:25 Point being: Salvation = His work plus our choice!!
E) What are we saved to? Short answer ... what we were (originally) created for!! Fellowship and relationship with Him.
So...... who needs a Messiah???
ME (personally)
YOU (personally)
US (corporately, mankind)
Acts 4:12
Messiah = prophesied, expected, anticipated - at an all time high at Jesus' time.
Post resurrection message of the Apostles said that: 1) Messiah (Christ) has come and 2) He had delivered His people
BUT - not as expected!!!! Instead of delivering from a temporal, worldly oppressor (Rome), He has delivered from the Ultimate OPPRESSOR, ie: SIN - Matt. 1:21 - (angel to Joseph)
Jesus means - God, the Lord saves.
SIN:
Definition: that which is outside of God's plan, will, design for us.
Note: singular - Sin (state) vs. plural - sins (acts)
Point = all that oppresses man (plagues, burdens, afflicts) finds its ORIGIN in SIN!!
Therefore: to eliminate Sin = eliminate oppression/calamity
(this idea not exclusive to New Testament, Christians. Psm. 130:7-8 - was very well known by old testament Jewish people as well.
Various secular/and even some Christian views:
#1. We don't need saving - "I'm OK, you're OK"
#2. We don't need saving from Sin - need saving from things like global warming, political parties, etc.
#3. We can save our self - example: Evolutionary Ethics postulated back in 19th. century. We will get better and better and that goodness will then be passed on to future generations.
However, ultimately and finally, we can't save ourselves.
#4. Biblical View.......
Questions:
A.) Who needs saving? - on one hand, only the lost'! Luke 19:10 (Matt. 9:12 - Jesus with sinners)
- however, Rom. 3:23 - it's all of us!
B) What do we need saving from? - Matt. 1:21 Christ saves from:
a) Penalty - Rom. 6:23
b) Power - Rom. 7:14, 20, 21, 24
c) Presence?
Note: Past/Present/Future aspects of salvation:
I have been saved - (justification)
I am being saved - (sanctification)
I will be saved - (glorification) - best illustration of this is death.
Additional note: the Jews didn't object to being saved from Sin - BUT their preference = saved from Roman Sin!! - Matt. 1:21 - "their sins" - not other people's, society's, etc.
Point being: my preference = be delivered from the sins of others
My need = be delivered from OWN sins!!!
C) Can we save ourselves? - On one hand, we cannot save ourselves, however can allow ourselves to be saved!!! Acts 2:40 - can cross the bridge
D) Who will He save?
On one hand, 1 John 2:2 However, Matt. 1:21 - "His people" - = all who will come to Him (the ones who have crossed the bridge, will take His name) - Heb. 7:25 Point being: Salvation = His work plus our choice!!
E) What are we saved to? Short answer ... what we were (originally) created for!! Fellowship and relationship with Him.
So...... who needs a Messiah???
ME (personally)
YOU (personally)
US (corporately, mankind)
Acts 4:12
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Savior Messiah
(Old Testament) MESSIAH: The Anointed One who will come to deliver God's people
(New Testament) Greek = Christ - prophesied, expected, anticipated - same exact meaning
Prophecies suggest a multi-faceted Messiah - Warrior, Prophet who spoke to God, Priest who intercedes for people, Sage imparts wisdom, King - the Ruler, Shepherd cares for the people,
But ALL Prophecies portray a DELIVERER. - All rabbis agree on this.
All these are appropriate, accurate, scriptural - easy to see Jesus in all of these.
Synonym for Deliverer? -- Savior - one who delivers from the Greek verb meaning to save.
So: Luke 2:11 - to the shepherds - the Messiah, the Christ
John 4:42 - Samaritans
Acts 13:23 - Paul to synagogue
Hence the title - Titus 1:4 - Christ Jesus, our Savior. 2 Pet. 1:11
Jesus - the Savior Messiah
IF Jesus = Savior, has saved and does save, Then Christians (then and now) need to answer some very valid questions.
#1.What did (does) Jesus save us from?
short answers:
A) our sin(s) - Matt. 1:21 - angel to Joseph
B) separation - bridge illustration - 2 Cor. 5:18-19
C) death - (skeptic may ask ''really?") John 11:25-26 - "I am the resurrection and life", 1 Cor. 15:25-26 - fulfilled in Rev. 20
He didn't come to deliver us from biological death.
#2. How did He (does He) accomplish this?
Short answer = Sacrifice - Old Testament pictures and prophecies
A) Substitutionary, B) sinless w/free will, C) self - Rom. 3:23-25, 2 Cor. 5:21
which answers the long-standing question regarding the Suffering Servant - ex. Isa. 53:4-6, 11-12
For Christians, Suffering Servant leads to Suffering Messiah
#3. Why would He do this?
Short answer: - you are loved, valued - John 3:16
#4. Why isn't this salvation more evident?
One short answer = It's not yet completed! Heb. 9:28 - "He's still working on me"
#5. Do we really need a Savior?
short answer - YES!! From a Christmas card - 'Greatest need was forgiveness so God sent a Savior'
#6. Is there another way?
Jesus' answer = NO!! John 14:6, John 8:24
So the Disciples - Acts 4:12
(New Testament) Greek = Christ - prophesied, expected, anticipated - same exact meaning
Prophecies suggest a multi-faceted Messiah - Warrior, Prophet who spoke to God, Priest who intercedes for people, Sage imparts wisdom, King - the Ruler, Shepherd cares for the people,
But ALL Prophecies portray a DELIVERER. - All rabbis agree on this.
All these are appropriate, accurate, scriptural - easy to see Jesus in all of these.
Synonym for Deliverer? -- Savior - one who delivers from the Greek verb meaning to save.
So: Luke 2:11 - to the shepherds - the Messiah, the Christ
John 4:42 - Samaritans
Acts 13:23 - Paul to synagogue
Hence the title - Titus 1:4 - Christ Jesus, our Savior. 2 Pet. 1:11
Jesus - the Savior Messiah
IF Jesus = Savior, has saved and does save, Then Christians (then and now) need to answer some very valid questions.
#1.What did (does) Jesus save us from?
short answers:
A) our sin(s) - Matt. 1:21 - angel to Joseph
B) separation - bridge illustration - 2 Cor. 5:18-19
C) death - (skeptic may ask ''really?") John 11:25-26 - "I am the resurrection and life", 1 Cor. 15:25-26 - fulfilled in Rev. 20
He didn't come to deliver us from biological death.
#2. How did He (does He) accomplish this?
Short answer = Sacrifice - Old Testament pictures and prophecies
A) Substitutionary, B) sinless w/free will, C) self - Rom. 3:23-25, 2 Cor. 5:21
which answers the long-standing question regarding the Suffering Servant - ex. Isa. 53:4-6, 11-12
For Christians, Suffering Servant leads to Suffering Messiah
#3. Why would He do this?
Short answer: - you are loved, valued - John 3:16
#4. Why isn't this salvation more evident?
One short answer = It's not yet completed! Heb. 9:28 - "He's still working on me"
#5. Do we really need a Savior?
short answer - YES!! From a Christmas card - 'Greatest need was forgiveness so God sent a Savior'
#6. Is there another way?
Jesus' answer = NO!! John 14:6, John 8:24
So the Disciples - Acts 4:12
King Messiah
Isa. 9:6-7
Old Testament Jews were looking for Messiah.
Definition: THE ANOINTED ONE - chosen, gifted, sent ... to deliver God's people, to restore the Kingdom
Scripture suggests different kinds of Messiah - (Warrior, Prophet, Priest, Sage)
So on one hand, even tho were differing ideas of Messiah, all agreed that Messiah = deliverer/restorer
Another kind of Messiah more than all these. Because, there is one who is Combo of all these: ie. King Messiah. Isa. 9:6-7 (again)
Ruler, protector, governor - on David's throne - Jer. 23:5-6 - righteous Branch, King (note setting and time)
Characterized by wisdom/justice/righteousness - Isa. 11:1-5
A Shepherd - One who cares for His people - Ezek. 37:22-24 - one King over all of them
AND a ruler with God's Backing!! Dan. 7:13-14
So..... Warrior - who'll fight for and protect His people
Prophet - who'll bring the people word(s) from God
Priest - who'll intercede on their behalf (to God)
Sage - who'll possess and impart Wisdom
Shepherd - who cares for His people
A just and righteous man who has the Ability to 'get 'er done'
#1. Would you - vote for such a man?? #2. Would you Serve such a man??
Scripture points to Jesus as that "King Messiah".
Luke 1:30-33 - Angel to Mary - lineage of David, will be King
Matt. 2:1-2 - Magi
Matt. 2:3-6 - Scribes and Old Testament prophecy
this = the hope of the disciples - John 1:49 - Nathanial - King
this = the understanding of the people - John 12:12-13
This was used by Jesus' persecutors - Luke 23:1-3
And noted as the reason He was crucified - John 19:19-22
and the reason He was mocked - Mark 15:29-32 - even His persecutors came to recognize He was King Messiah - "King of the Jews"
In Jesus' life we see - prophet, sage, shepherd
BUT - warrior? ruler? deliverer? KING??
Some rabbis therefore concluded there must be "2 messiahs" - maybe more
Post-resurrection Christians concluded there was 1 Messiah and 2 comings (appearances)
AND He'll Satisfy the unfulfilled prophecies - at His RETURN!! Rev. 11:15, Rev. 19:15-16 - King of kings, and Lord of lords.
NOTE: this does not mean He'll be made King t His return, but = HE IS KING NOW
THAT WILL BE MANIFEST at His return!!
UNTIL then you've the option of choice!!
Old Testament Jews were looking for Messiah.
Definition: THE ANOINTED ONE - chosen, gifted, sent ... to deliver God's people, to restore the Kingdom
Scripture suggests different kinds of Messiah - (Warrior, Prophet, Priest, Sage)
So on one hand, even tho were differing ideas of Messiah, all agreed that Messiah = deliverer/restorer
Another kind of Messiah more than all these. Because, there is one who is Combo of all these: ie. King Messiah. Isa. 9:6-7 (again)
Ruler, protector, governor - on David's throne - Jer. 23:5-6 - righteous Branch, King (note setting and time)
Characterized by wisdom/justice/righteousness - Isa. 11:1-5
A Shepherd - One who cares for His people - Ezek. 37:22-24 - one King over all of them
AND a ruler with God's Backing!! Dan. 7:13-14
So..... Warrior - who'll fight for and protect His people
Prophet - who'll bring the people word(s) from God
Priest - who'll intercede on their behalf (to God)
Sage - who'll possess and impart Wisdom
Shepherd - who cares for His people
A just and righteous man who has the Ability to 'get 'er done'
#1. Would you - vote for such a man?? #2. Would you Serve such a man??
Scripture points to Jesus as that "King Messiah".
Luke 1:30-33 - Angel to Mary - lineage of David, will be King
Matt. 2:1-2 - Magi
Matt. 2:3-6 - Scribes and Old Testament prophecy
this = the hope of the disciples - John 1:49 - Nathanial - King
this = the understanding of the people - John 12:12-13
This was used by Jesus' persecutors - Luke 23:1-3
And noted as the reason He was crucified - John 19:19-22
and the reason He was mocked - Mark 15:29-32 - even His persecutors came to recognize He was King Messiah - "King of the Jews"
In Jesus' life we see - prophet, sage, shepherd
BUT - warrior? ruler? deliverer? KING??
Some rabbis therefore concluded there must be "2 messiahs" - maybe more
Post-resurrection Christians concluded there was 1 Messiah and 2 comings (appearances)
AND He'll Satisfy the unfulfilled prophecies - at His RETURN!! Rev. 11:15, Rev. 19:15-16 - King of kings, and Lord of lords.
NOTE: this does not mean He'll be made King t His return, but = HE IS KING NOW
THAT WILL BE MANIFEST at His return!!
UNTIL then you've the option of choice!!
Monday, December 5, 2016
The Hope of (a) Messiah
Isa. 9:6-7 ( Isa. 11:1-9 )
Messiah = root: to anoint (rub on, pour on oil - holy oil set apart for that particular purpose), therefore symbolizing
1) being set apart (holy) (by God to God's work)
And,
2) being given authority to act on God's behalf (by God to do God's work)
Anointing used of Old Testament priests - Ex. 30:0 - exclusively for Aaron & his sons
Also, of prophets and Kings - 1 Kings 19:15-16 - God to Elijah - Vs. 15 - pagan king over a pagan nation
So, Psm. 105;15 - they are mine - the Lord stands behind them
So, on one hand there were many 'anointed ones',
However, in the highest sense this applied to:
GOD'S CHOSEN ONE - THE Anointed One
THE promised Deliverer of God's people who would come TO:
(1) deliver His people (from bondage, oppression)
and (2) restore the Kingdom to it's rightful and proper place)
How was Messiah to accomplish this? Various views=
The
1). Warrior Messiah - Psm. 2:1-9 - example: David. This was the view of the Zealots (Simon - one of the 12) - must overthrow Rome by military means
The
2) Prophet Messiah - through preaching and teaching of the Word, the Law would lead to moral, ethical and religious revival which would lead to blessings and restoration. Example: Moses - Deut. 18:15
3) The High Priest Messiah - the spokesman for God - stood between God and the people - go between
Combination of priest, prophet, politician (administrator) (and, sometimes warrior)
Through proper ritual and ceremony (temple) plus proper leadership (administrative oversight) would come God's blessings which would bring restoration.
Psm. 110:1-4 - MacAbees, Hasmoneans, Sadducees - this was their view
4). The Sage Messiah - deliverance and restoration through wisdom, compassion, good works.
Example: Solomon, Ghandi, characterized by meekness, gentleness, goodness ... example: Jesus' words - Luke 7:20-23
PROBLEM!! The prophecies suggest all of these! So, warrior or peacemaker? administrative leader or humble servant? arrive riding on clouds? or a donkey?
The Agreement nevertheless was:
#1. Messiah is God's Anointed One
#2. He will come as promised
#3. He'll deliver God's people from oppression to glory
In Jesus' Day - expectation was extremely high.
Messiah was:
1) - expected, anticipated
2) to deliver from Roman oppression
3) to restore the Kingdom to glory days of David and Solomon)
Note: the word Messiah" carried over into the Greek language Cristos and into English - CHRIST.
So........ a natural question of John the Baptist - John 1:19-20
The Disciples believed Jesus to be that ONE
words of John the Baptist - John 1:35-36, 41, 45
Jesus 'self reference - Luke 4:16-21
Jesus disclosure to Samaritan woman - John 4:25-26
Recognition by Martha - John 11:27 (which He accepted)
(He didn't openly declare His Messiahship)
Peter (& disciples) confession - Matt. 16:13-17 - saw through divine intervention
Death & the cross - shattered that hope.
Resurrection renewed that hope.
A combination of post-resurrection teaching and coming of the Holy Spirit elevated that hope to a whole new height!!
Acts 2:36 - "both Lord Christ"!! which = Messiah Lord or THE ENTHRONED MESSIAH. Hence, "THE LORD JESUS CHRIST" - not just an individual that God used in a mighty way.
This then, we see ---- Jesus Messiah --
1) came as promised (prophesied)
2 to deliver His people
3) from their oppression (oppressors)
4) to a (former) state of glory - going to restore us to what should be - what was.
This Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
Messiah = root: to anoint (rub on, pour on oil - holy oil set apart for that particular purpose), therefore symbolizing
1) being set apart (holy) (by God to God's work)
And,
2) being given authority to act on God's behalf (by God to do God's work)
Anointing used of Old Testament priests - Ex. 30:0 - exclusively for Aaron & his sons
Also, of prophets and Kings - 1 Kings 19:15-16 - God to Elijah - Vs. 15 - pagan king over a pagan nation
So, Psm. 105;15 - they are mine - the Lord stands behind them
So, on one hand there were many 'anointed ones',
However, in the highest sense this applied to:
GOD'S CHOSEN ONE - THE Anointed One
THE promised Deliverer of God's people who would come TO:
(1) deliver His people (from bondage, oppression)
and (2) restore the Kingdom to it's rightful and proper place)
How was Messiah to accomplish this? Various views=
The
1). Warrior Messiah - Psm. 2:1-9 - example: David. This was the view of the Zealots (Simon - one of the 12) - must overthrow Rome by military means
The
2) Prophet Messiah - through preaching and teaching of the Word, the Law would lead to moral, ethical and religious revival which would lead to blessings and restoration. Example: Moses - Deut. 18:15
3) The High Priest Messiah - the spokesman for God - stood between God and the people - go between
Combination of priest, prophet, politician (administrator) (and, sometimes warrior)
Through proper ritual and ceremony (temple) plus proper leadership (administrative oversight) would come God's blessings which would bring restoration.
Psm. 110:1-4 - MacAbees, Hasmoneans, Sadducees - this was their view
4). The Sage Messiah - deliverance and restoration through wisdom, compassion, good works.
Example: Solomon, Ghandi, characterized by meekness, gentleness, goodness ... example: Jesus' words - Luke 7:20-23
PROBLEM!! The prophecies suggest all of these! So, warrior or peacemaker? administrative leader or humble servant? arrive riding on clouds? or a donkey?
The Agreement nevertheless was:
#1. Messiah is God's Anointed One
#2. He will come as promised
#3. He'll deliver God's people from oppression to glory
In Jesus' Day - expectation was extremely high.
Messiah was:
1) - expected, anticipated
2) to deliver from Roman oppression
3) to restore the Kingdom to glory days of David and Solomon)
Note: the word Messiah" carried over into the Greek language Cristos and into English - CHRIST.
So........ a natural question of John the Baptist - John 1:19-20
The Disciples believed Jesus to be that ONE
words of John the Baptist - John 1:35-36, 41, 45
Jesus 'self reference - Luke 4:16-21
Jesus disclosure to Samaritan woman - John 4:25-26
Recognition by Martha - John 11:27 (which He accepted)
(He didn't openly declare His Messiahship)
Peter (& disciples) confession - Matt. 16:13-17 - saw through divine intervention
Death & the cross - shattered that hope.
Resurrection renewed that hope.
A combination of post-resurrection teaching and coming of the Holy Spirit elevated that hope to a whole new height!!
Acts 2:36 - "both Lord Christ"!! which = Messiah Lord or THE ENTHRONED MESSIAH. Hence, "THE LORD JESUS CHRIST" - not just an individual that God used in a mighty way.
This then, we see ---- Jesus Messiah --
1) came as promised (prophesied)
2 to deliver His people
3) from their oppression (oppressors)
4) to a (former) state of glory - going to restore us to what should be - what was.
This Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
Monday, November 28, 2016
The Christian Reward(s)
Definition: Reward = something given in return for service, work, faithfulness, or good deeds. Not to confuse rewards with all the grace that comes from God.
On one hand, in the Greek, the word for reward was used primarily of wage, payment, compensation for work done.
However, in the New Testament, carries the idea that the service was NOT mandated, but 1) voluntarily performed and 2 voluntarily rewarded (beyond wages)
Heb. 6:10 Eph. 6:8 Matt. 16:27
Remember - rewards not to be confused with gifts of salvation (forgiveness, cleansing, reconciliation, adoption, eternal life, heavenly home)
His rewards appear somewhere between wage and gift - (extra, additional compensation ... for a job "well done".)
I. The Promise of Reward(s) - throughout the scriptures
Appears from Gen. 15:1 - Amplified - "I am your abundant compensation and your reward shall be exceedingly great"
to..... Rev. 22:12
II. What are we rewarded for?
III. What are we rewarded with?
Rewards are available to anyone who wants to serve Him, work for Him.
Rewarded for? - Matt. 6:1 - umbrella = "acts of righteousness"
Examples = 1) generosity - Matt. 6:2-4
2) prayer - Matt. 6:5-6
3) fasting - Matt. 6:16-18
New Testament = rewards for faithfulness, obedience, service, righteous living, faithful witness, hospitality!!! Matt. 10:40-42. (The bulk of scripture refer to rewards that come after death.)
Rewarded with? language is often symbolic (therefore, illusive)
Example = the 7 churches in Revelation.
"to him who overcomes I will give.......
Rev. 2:7 - the right to eat of the tree of life
Rev. 2:11 - that he not be hurt by the second death
Rev. 2:17 - some of the hidden manna
Rev. 2:26 - authority over the nations
Rev. 3:12 - make him a pillar in the temple of God
Rev. 3:21 - the right to sit with Christ on His throne
Question: Are these literal? symbolic? Clearly they are precious rewards given for faithfulness!!!
CROWNS" - James - "crown of life"
Paul - "crown of righteousness"
Peter - "crown of glory"
Paul - a victor's crown "that will last forever"
Note: Rev. 4:9-11 led to idea to "Casting Crowns" - Christian group
Whatever else may be - Rewards clearly include:
1) Recognition of our Service (to Christ) - He won't forget
2) the Praise of Christ (for that service) - is an awesome thing that the Creator would praise us!
Illustration: Matt. 25:19-21 - Talents - KJV - "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"
With the promises ALSO come warnings - 2 John 1:8, Heb. 10:35-36, Rev. 3:11
Vividly described by Paul --- 1 Cor. 3:10-15, 2 Cor. 5:10
Question: Is the desire, anticipation of reward(s) acceptable motivation?? (to serve, work, etc.)
MRP answer = probably!! Because 1) Jesus is the One who "dangles the carrot" (of rewards) - His teaching, His promises
and, 2) we are human (are we capable of pure, unselfish motives?)
Nonetheless, seems clear what should be our motivation:
ie: LOVE - for Christ (reverence, gratitude, appreciation)
and
- for our fellow man ie: (good Samaritan)
- for the Kingdom - here and now, as well as there and then
Col. 3:23-24
Question: can a person serve Christ before accepting, recognizing Him?!
MRP experience/testimony = I did (OR at least attempted to!!)
Point = some here who believe ...
who want to honor Christ
who attempt to serve Him .....
BUT - hesitate to take the final step!!
Challenge - IF you know .... IF you are sure ... WHY WAIT?
Why not .... Make it final ... make it Public?
For all of us --- 1 Cor. 15:58
On one hand, in the Greek, the word for reward was used primarily of wage, payment, compensation for work done.
However, in the New Testament, carries the idea that the service was NOT mandated, but 1) voluntarily performed and 2 voluntarily rewarded (beyond wages)
Heb. 6:10 Eph. 6:8 Matt. 16:27
Remember - rewards not to be confused with gifts of salvation (forgiveness, cleansing, reconciliation, adoption, eternal life, heavenly home)
His rewards appear somewhere between wage and gift - (extra, additional compensation ... for a job "well done".)
I. The Promise of Reward(s) - throughout the scriptures
Appears from Gen. 15:1 - Amplified - "I am your abundant compensation and your reward shall be exceedingly great"
to..... Rev. 22:12
II. What are we rewarded for?
III. What are we rewarded with?
Rewards are available to anyone who wants to serve Him, work for Him.
Rewarded for? - Matt. 6:1 - umbrella = "acts of righteousness"
Examples = 1) generosity - Matt. 6:2-4
2) prayer - Matt. 6:5-6
3) fasting - Matt. 6:16-18
New Testament = rewards for faithfulness, obedience, service, righteous living, faithful witness, hospitality!!! Matt. 10:40-42. (The bulk of scripture refer to rewards that come after death.)
Rewarded with? language is often symbolic (therefore, illusive)
Example = the 7 churches in Revelation.
"to him who overcomes I will give.......
Rev. 2:7 - the right to eat of the tree of life
Rev. 2:11 - that he not be hurt by the second death
Rev. 2:17 - some of the hidden manna
Rev. 2:26 - authority over the nations
Rev. 3:12 - make him a pillar in the temple of God
Rev. 3:21 - the right to sit with Christ on His throne
Question: Are these literal? symbolic? Clearly they are precious rewards given for faithfulness!!!
CROWNS" - James - "crown of life"
Paul - "crown of righteousness"
Peter - "crown of glory"
Paul - a victor's crown "that will last forever"
Note: Rev. 4:9-11 led to idea to "Casting Crowns" - Christian group
Whatever else may be - Rewards clearly include:
1) Recognition of our Service (to Christ) - He won't forget
2) the Praise of Christ (for that service) - is an awesome thing that the Creator would praise us!
Illustration: Matt. 25:19-21 - Talents - KJV - "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"
With the promises ALSO come warnings - 2 John 1:8, Heb. 10:35-36, Rev. 3:11
Vividly described by Paul --- 1 Cor. 3:10-15, 2 Cor. 5:10
Question: Is the desire, anticipation of reward(s) acceptable motivation?? (to serve, work, etc.)
MRP answer = probably!! Because 1) Jesus is the One who "dangles the carrot" (of rewards) - His teaching, His promises
and, 2) we are human (are we capable of pure, unselfish motives?)
Nonetheless, seems clear what should be our motivation:
ie: LOVE - for Christ (reverence, gratitude, appreciation)
and
- for our fellow man ie: (good Samaritan)
- for the Kingdom - here and now, as well as there and then
Col. 3:23-24
Question: can a person serve Christ before accepting, recognizing Him?!
MRP experience/testimony = I did (OR at least attempted to!!)
Point = some here who believe ...
who want to honor Christ
who attempt to serve Him .....
BUT - hesitate to take the final step!!
Challenge - IF you know .... IF you are sure ... WHY WAIT?
Why not .... Make it final ... make it Public?
For all of us --- 1 Cor. 15:58
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