RightDivisionQ&A

Right Division Q&A

Tuesday evenings at 7 pm Eastern Time we meet over Skype for a time of fellowship around God’s word of truth, the Bible.  The meeting is kept short (one-hour maximum) and is unstructured.  This is intended to be an “open forum” where questions relating to Bible teaching may be freely asked.  We will attempt to answer them using the Word of Truth, Rightly Divided.

You are welcome to join us.

Q&A Sessions – Fellowship Notes

The “questions” listing follows.  New questions will be added to this list as they are received.  “Answered” questions will have the strikethrough marking to indicate that we have finished our discussion on that question, at least for the time being.

“Answers” are intended to be in general, only outlines and scripture references.  Occasionally, they may be more detailed. This will vary a lot from question to question.

Questions:

#1 An apparent contradiction regarding ordinances under grace: Ordinances are mentioned both in 1 Cor. 11 and in Col. 2.  These two seem to conflict.  How are we to properly understand this and does “rightly dividing” Paul’s letters help to resolve this?

#2 Understanding the transitions during Paul’s ministry: How are we to understzand Paul’s Epistles “rightly divided”?  There was a turning point in when the salvation of God was sent unto the Gentiles, but how is this different from the turning point in Acts 9, when God saves the Apostle to the Gentiles (Saul/Paul)? Did Israel fall in Acts 7 after the stoning of Stephen or when God sends salvation to the Gentiles?

#3 Works requirements under grace (for example, “confession”):   has been often interpreted to mean that at least the “work” of confession is still a requirement today for salvation in addition to faith.  That seems to conflict with the Pauline teaching that our salvation today under the grace gospel is by “grace through faith alone apart from all works”.  What is the correct interpretation of the Romans passage and does right division help us here?

#4 A question about freedom from the law and the Gentiles: If the Law of Moses was never given to the Gentiles, why does Paul say we have been delivered or set free from it?

#5 A question relating to Paul’s letter to the Romans: In what sense was Paul’s ministry intended to make Israel “jealous”?

#6 If we are under grace and not under the law, what is our pattern of living?:  “How Should We Then Live?”

#7: According to scripture, what is the “essence” of legal principle or law?

#8: In Romans 9-11 Paul’s major theme regards God’s sovereignty and his divine election.  How does he use the Old Testament to support his theme?  Why is election so important to the Apostle of the Gentiles?

#9: In 2 Timothy 2:15 the apostle Paul writes about “rightly dividing the word of truth”.   What is his meaning and intent here and why do we often quote these words in contrasting our approach to scripture from what is being promoted in so many churches and denominations?  Why is “rightly dividing” so important?

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Answers / Notes

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Question #1: Ordinances are mentioned both in and in & 20.  These two seem to conflict.  How are we to properly understand this and does “rightly dividing” Paul’s letters help to resolve this?

“Ordinances” is not always a translation of the same Gk. word.  For example, in these verses, we have the same Gk. word but except in Col. 2 it is translated “traditions”:

(παράδοσις translated “ordinances”):   Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

For example (the verses where παράδοσις is found but translated “traditions”):

—   Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Compare .

—   And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

— 2 Thess. 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

In , though, we have a different word  (δόγμα, or “rule” or “commandment”, our English word “dogma” is derived from the same Gk. word): Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

The latter is referring to Moses Law and also any and all kingdom-oriented rules.  Regarding all of them,  legal obedience was a requirement and all, therefore, demand obedience.  Failure brings judgment; obedience brings the blessings under any “legal” standard  Another key verse where “dogma” is found is this:    Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace.

So, these two scriptures do not conflict for they are regarding different issues altogether.

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Question #3   seems to say that confession is a requirement for salvation.  How is that to be explained in the light of the “faith alone” teaching found in so many places in Paul’s letters?

says that “if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  Does this mean that something in addition to faith alone is required for salvation today?  How can it apply to us today since we are saved by faith alone, without works, and “confession with one’s mouth” is clearly a work?  Is there a Right Division issue here that explains this, or is there a better explanation?

are written to unbelieving Jews. The specific verses Paul mentions here in Rom. 10 are in Deut. 30 and follow , where he points out that there are “secret things” that no man can know since they have never been revealed.  But what has been revealed should be known by all, he says.  They are truly in one’s heart and “mouth” and this is true for every Jew.  There are no excuses in other words even though many might attempt to offer some.  Paul applies this to today (for an unbelieving Jew, of course).  They have no excuse either.  The gospel IS being preached and indeed, Christ is Risen and that has changed EVERYTHING.  The “confession” is like the “calling” also mentioned there in verse 12 of Rom. 10.  The calling is intimately connected to the believing.  There are no works here.  The calling is not a separate work required in addition to the faith.  Neither is the confession (“agreement” with God or “saying the same thing” as God) a work that is required to be added to faith.

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Question #2   How are we to understand Paul’s epistles “rightly divided”?

There was a turning point in when the salvation of God was sent unto the Gentiles, but how is this different from the turning point in Acts 9, when God saves the Apostle to the Gentiles (Saul/Paul)? Did Israel fall in Acts 7 after the stoning of Stephen or in when God sends salvation to the Gentiles?

Introduction: We read scriptures indicating 3 Key Dispensational “turning points” in Acts (chapters 13, 18, and 28) and also a few other scriptures that relate to Paul’s (Saul’s) salvation and the Lord’s “sending” of him to the Gentiles:  , , , , , .

Part 1

In our next Q&A sessions, we read and discussed these sections of scripture and then discussed for a while the “to the Jew first and then to the Gentiles” aspect of Paul’s ministry as seen in these verses relating to the “transition period” recorded here in Acts from chapter 13 through chapter 28.  We commented on that and how that principle of Paul’s ministry changed later.  One central fact to be observed was that Paul was sent to the Jew first and in fulfilling that commission he gave the Jews in every synagogue including in Rome the opportunity to believe that our Lord Jesus was their Messiah and that he had died, been buried, and then gloriously raised bodily from the dead.  Their refusal (as a group) warranted their “setting aside” as he left synagogue after synagogue and continued his ministry of “grace” to those that would believe, whether Jew or Gentile. See Acts: where those that followed Paul out of the synagogue where they were “persuaded to continue in the grace of God”.  This was therefore much more than Paul simply leaving them behind for the sake of effective ministry, but was God through Paul setting them aside according to the Lord’s plan for Israel during this transitional period.

Paul was also told in advance that they would not receive his message just as Isaiah had been told the same at the very beginning of his prophetic ministry to Israel:

9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Three key passages answer the questions regarding the transition from God’s pentecostal outreach to the Jews to his setting of Israel aside through Paul and his Gentile ministry.

Acts 15: Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem because of a dispute brought by certain Jewish believers who were demanding of all Gentile converts both circumcision and law observance.  The agreement however was that the Gentiles were not required to be cicrcumcised and to keep the law with some exceptions that were listed.  The purity of the gospel Paul preached is not mentioned.  Issues of practice dominate the discussion even though the Mosaic law and circumcision is at the center of the dispute.

Gal. 2: The “rest of the story” regarding the Jerusalem council is given here by Paul with the emphasis on the purity of the gospel of grace which Paul preached to the Gentiles.  False teachers sent from Jerusalem by James were preaching a different gospel than Paul’s.  The agreement was to separate with Paul and his associates evangelizing the Gentiles and Peter, James and the others going to the Jews.  Two gospels are identified: the Jewish one called “the gospel of the circumcision” and the Gentile one called “the gospel of the uncircumcision”.  The issue was the purity of the gospel (verses 2 & 5).   This explains the depth of the division mentioned in .  The differences between Acts 15 and Gal. 2 lead some to wonder if these are about different councils.

Part 2

Col. 2.: This was written much later (for this is a “prison” letter).  The main subject is the exalted Christ Jesus and the position of the believer in him in the heavenlies.  The consequences of this in practical living are highlighted in chapters 2 – 4 starting in verse 8:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

He continues with a powerful teaching on both baptism and circumcision in which he reveals that they are not physical at all today under grace but spiritual and doctrinal.  Then the teaching transitions to the “ordinances” of the Mosaic law which he writes have been nailed to the cross:

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

His conclusion is very bold:

16  Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

So we see here three discernable phases in the Pauline ministry.   (1) [pre ] He goes to the Jew first.  Then (2) he goes to the Gentiles.  Finally, (3) [post ] he goes to the Gentiles without the burdens imposed by the Jerusalem Council for God had by then set aside Israel at Paul’s hand.  The ministry was now no longer limited at all and the full extent of the grace of God with all of its many benefits was to be preached and lived!

Today (and throughout Paul’s prison epistles this is reflected) we are no longer exhorted to consider the Jews in what we say and do.  There is truly no difference between the Jew and the Greek (the Gentile) and the covenants and promises have been suspended.

Question #4  Regarding the application of the Law to Gentiles: If the Law of Moses was never given to the Gentiles, why does Paul say we have been delivered or set free from it?

Positive teaching:

An outline of how this might be approached is found in Romans 1 – 3.  Firstly, that we as believers today are NOT under law but under grace is so clear: ; ; ; ; ; 21; ; .

Key scriptures for this study must include:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

13 (For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Negative teaching: Paul may subject himself to the Jewish law or may exalt the law or law keeping in various ways, but that does not mean we today are “under” the law as the Jews had previously been.  For example:

19 For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

The Full Revelation

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

 

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 2

1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13 (For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
18 And knowest [his] will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

Romans 3

1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
8 And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:
14 Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery [are] in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
29 [Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Some Additional Key References for Our Understanding:

in reference to , “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”,  consider these texts::

In the book of Acts:

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given7 assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
33 So Paul departed from among them.
34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

In Romans with Old Testament background:

17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by [them that are] no people, [and] by a foolish nation I will anger you.
20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

(verses 1-6 regard the revelation of God in the starry heavens () while verses 7-14 regard the verbal revelation of God in the scriptures:

1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David]. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth [is] from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

7 The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.
12 Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;

Some final scriptures relating directly to the place and purpose of the giving of Moses Law to Israel:

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.
57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

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“Wherefore then serveth the law?” –

The note for this verse in the Scofield Study Bible is quite good and I will quote it here as a summary of this study:

Titus 2:11-13
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

Key points from our study of the Law in relation to Gentiles:

– The Law was never given to Gentiles although it nevertheless condemned all as sinners, Jews and Gentiles alike.

– Through Christ and by way of the cross, the Law was fulfilled and in effect, canceled, having been replaced by the fullness of God’s grace for all living under the Dispensation of the Grace of God.

– Law, in any form, Mosaic or otherwise, is not relevant to or a means for gaining spiritual blessings today.  Grace reigns supreme for the believer today and the constant reception of grace in its fullness and abundance is the key to spiritual victory in this life.  In short, law-keeping short circuits the working of God’s grace.

– Our newness of life is not in any way based on keeping the Law of Moses or any other kind of law (church, denomination, personal, etc.)

Some final questions about Paul’s teachings regarding law and grace:

– Does the background provided by these additional scriptures help us understand what Paul has written in Rom. 2?  In what ways?

– Is Romans, therefore, to be understood dispensationally and does that help us with the teaching contained in ?

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Question #7: According to scripture, what is the “essence” of legal principle or law?

Some Key Scriptures:

3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and [how] I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:
6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.
10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,
11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.
12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, [that ye] go [not] up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:
13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether [it be] beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.
14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.
16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.
17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.
20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses [up] to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
22 And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.
23 And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.
24 And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them.
25 So Moses went down unto the people, and spake unto them.

The Law given at Horeb (Sinai) (Ex. 20 & Deut. 5)

26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:
28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
29 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.
30 [Are] they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
31 For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.
32 And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day.

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
3 Blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the city, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the field.
4 Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
5 Blessed [shall be] thy basket and thy store.
6 Blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou comest in, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.
7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.
10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.
11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do [them]:
14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
16 Cursed [shalt] thou [be] in the city, and cursed [shalt] thou [be] in the field.
17 Cursed [shall be] thy basket and thy store.
18 Cursed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
19 Cursed [shalt] thou [be] when thou comest in, and cursed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.
20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
21 The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
22 The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.
23 And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee [shall be] iron.
24 The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed.
25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

These [are] the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. . .

1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call [them] to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,
2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.
4 If [any] of thine be driven out unto the outmost [parts] of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:
5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
7 And the LORD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.
8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
9 And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:
10 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, [and] if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it [is] not hidden from thee, neither [is] it far off.
12 It [is] not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
13 Neither [is] it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
14 But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
16 In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
17 But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, [and that] ye shall not prolong [your] days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Paul summarizes his teaching well in Galatians.  Just this one verse makes it so clear that the Law is no blessing for those under grace:

  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Summary of Teaching:

-Law: Law is always based on God’s giving of commandments, whether before the cross in the case of the Mosaic system or after the cross in the case of the Kingdom preaching.  The Law specifies the blessings that will be provided IF obedience to the law is forthcoming; on the other hand curses will be delivered IF disobedience is found.  Of course, God’s mercy may delay the judgment.  And, in the case of the Mosaic Law, the ceremonial provisions for a “covering” for sinful rebellion was offered since no one could perfectly keep the Law. So the essence of Law is that the blessings are given after the obedience is demonstrated.  The curses are provided otherwise.  Blessing is always CONDITIONAL upon obedience.  Legal exhortations state the conditions for blessing and define the punishments for disobedience as we have seen in Exodus and Deuteronomy.

-Grace: Grace is just the opposite of Law.  The blessings are given FIRST.  The obedience is the appropriate response to the gracious exhortation, but a failure to obey will not cancel out the provision of the blessing.  The blessing are UNCONDITIONALLY given.  Gracious exhortations are always in the context of what has been unconditionally provided.  There are many examples in Paul’s letters.

An Interesting Comparison:

(Law)
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

(Grace)
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

 

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Question #5 A question relating to Paul’s letter to the Romans where Paul writes about Israel’s “jealousy”: In what sense was Paul’s ministry intended to make Israel “jealous”?

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by [them that are] no people, [and] by a foolish nation I will anger you.

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

A central question here regards the wording when Paul writes here concerning “their spiritual things”.  I asked what these “spiritual things” were.  Any answers?  We need to let Scripture answer this question.  Let’s begin with some relevant Scripture.

Many things are called “spiritual” including resurrection bodies, believing persons, the Law, manna and water from the rock, gifts, songs, miraculous gifts, inspired words in Scripture.  Are any of these possible answers to our question?

Some key verses  in addition to here would be these:

11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
. . .
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
. . .
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.

Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them [be] the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them [be] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead?

Our question was this:  What are the “spiritual things” mentioned there in :

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

What is the answer?  Does help to answer to this very important question? For again Paul mentions his purpose in writing as he does here in verses 11-13: Verse 14: “. . . If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.”  Isn’t it clear that verses 11, 12 & 15 provide the key to understanding the answer to our question.  What is that key?

Is it possible that the apostle is putting in the path of a Jew every possible obstacle to faith?  What is he saying here?  Your thoughts?  Are there any conclusions we should draw here regarding our question about Israel’s jealousy and God’s plan for the ages?

But maybe it is just the opposite.  Perhaps Paul is making a very critical but dispensational comment here in verse 14 and following.  Perhaps he is saying simply this:  that God has set aside Israel temporarily so that the fullness of the Gentiles might be saved, but that later after this dispensation has ended, God will save the “fullness” of Israel.  And, furthermore, the only way a Jew can be saved today is as a Gentile, entirely on the basis of grace through faith, and in no way based on Israel’s covenants and promises.  So a Jew must cast aside today his “Jewish-ness” (not necessarily his cultural uniqueness) and cleave to what the good news of the grace of God offers: nothing more and nothing less will do.  Is that offensive to a Jew?  Perhaps, but it is what Paul is saying here I believe.  Amen.

A final question might be this: Do we today have a duty to provide Jews with carnal and worldly blessings that we may possess?  Why?  Why not?  Your thoughts?  Any scripture to support you view on this?

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Question #8: In Romans 9-11, Paul’s major theme regards God’s sovereignty and his divine election.  How does he use the Old Testament to support his theme?  Why is election so important to the Apostle of the Gentiles?

Key scriptures referenced in Romans 9:

Verse 15 –

And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Verse 17 –

And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

1  And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD.

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of [their] welfare; and they came into the tent.
8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, [and] all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and [how] the LORD delivered them.
9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.
10 And Jethro said, Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
11 Now I know that the LORD [is] greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly [he was] above them.
12 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.

Verse 25 –

And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God.

Verse 26 –

10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.
11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

See also ; ;

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Verse 27 –

20 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
21 The remnant shall return, [even] the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

Verse 29 –

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Verse 33 –

14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

Some key scriptures referenced in Romans 10:

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

Romans 11, the Introduction:

1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Key Scripture references in the Old Testament:

1 Kings 18 & 19, especially which is directly referred to in verse 3.  Verse 4 refers to :

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Verses 8-10 refer back also to the OT, verse 8 to & (and others, compare ) and verses 9 & 10 to .8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.
9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

18 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.
19 And none considereth in his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten [it]: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

22 Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.
23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

Questions:

1. What is the central theme of Romans 9-11?

2. How does Paul’s argument develop in verses 1-10 of chapter 11?

3. Why is Paul using Israel as an example here and is this proper considering that he is writing to the Gentile believers?

The Olive Tree Metaphor:

The Scripture:

Verses 11-15: The Foundation – The Jealousy Argument is Key to Our Understanding

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them [be] the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them [be] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead?

Verses 16-24: The Olive Tree – An Introduction to the Sacred Secret

16 For if the firstfruit [be] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]: and if the root [be] holy, so [are] the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural [branches], be graffed into their own olive tree?

Verses 25-27: The Mystery or Sacred Secret EXPLAINS Israel’s Blindness

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Concluding Thoughts:

Rom. 15:8-27  [“. . . their spiritual things”]
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company].
25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things  (“τοις πνευματικοις αυτων”), their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

Comparing “spiritual” with “spiritual”:  Let’s compare this with what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 9 to see the background on how this word “spiritual” is used (also see ):

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10 Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Back to Romans 11 and the Olive Tree (A Few Key Questions):

1. Verse 25 used the word “mystery” and that identifies the key teaching here:  “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”  Does this help us to understand the chapter (s)?
2. Verses 22, 23, 25, 30-33 are considered “difficult” by many and used by others to support the view that one may lose one’s salvation. Is Paul’s meaning here beginning to be clear?  Why?
3. Again, what does the Olive Tree in Romans 11 signify?

The Final Verses of Romans 11:

Rom 11:25-36
25 For I would not, brothers, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy on all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been his counselor?
35 Or who has first given to him, and it shall be recompensed to him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Verse 26: “Out of Sion”

Ps. 14:1-7
1 “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.
5 There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.
6 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Verse 27: “My covenant”

Jer. 32:37-40
37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.
42 For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

Jer. 31:31-32
31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Verse 28:

– “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes”:

– ” . . . but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes”

Verse 29:  “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

Verses 30-31:

30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

“. . . through their unbelief . . .”:

“. . . through your mercy . . . “:

Verse 32:  “For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy on all.”

“God has concluded them all in unbelief …”: This same word is also used in Gal. 3:22 & 23:

Gal. 3:22-25
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

And then there are the blessed verses in Romans 3:

Rom. 3:9-10
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Rom. 3:20-26
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Subtopic: Election:

The noun (usually translated “election”) is found here:

Act 9:15, But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Rom 9:11, (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Rom 11:5, Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:7, What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Rom 11:28, As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
1Th 1:4, Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
2Pe 1:10, Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

The Verb usually translated (usually translated “to choose”)

Mar 13:20, And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
Luk 6:13, And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Luk 10:42, But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luk 14:7, And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
Joh 6:70, Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Joh 6:70, Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Joh 13:18, I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Joh 15:16, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Joh 15:16, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Joh 15:16, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Joh 15:19, If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Act 1:2, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Act 1:24, And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Act 6:5, And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
Act 13:17, The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
Act 15:7, And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Act 15:22, Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
Act 15:25, It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
1Co 1:27, But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:27, But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:28, And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1Co 1:28, And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
Eph 1:4, According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Jam 2:5, Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Jam 2:5, Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Rom. 11:28-33
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy on all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Verses 28 & 29: What Israel is now and what they shall yet be

• “the election”: The root word is the same as for the word “calling”; the two really mean the nearly the same.
• “calling of God”:Here the apostle restates God’s overall sovereignty over mankind and his plans for the ages and for the various dispensational plans within the ages
• “without repentance”: God may be “disappointed” with his people (see Ex. 32:7-16, for example) but he will complete his plan for them nevertheless (this is impossible for us to understand but we must believe it)  So we see based on this (and this entire section of this letter in which God’s plans for Israel are still being carried out even when they have been dispensationally set aside from his central focus).

Verse 32:

• “God has concluded them all”: “concluded them all” = “shut up together” or “confined” as in a net full of fish (Luke 5:6); who are the “all” here?
• “that he might have mercy on all”: Who are the “all” here?  Let’s discuss this.  What are the reasons for your views on this question which I consider to be extremely important for our understanding of this letter.
• This is one of the strongest statements regarding the dispensational plan of God and how he operates to ensure that his plan for the ages is accomplished.  Explaining this in terms of human psychology (free will, determinism, etc.) is impossible.  The next verses assert that truth without apology.  Again, the sovereignty of God over the affairs of mankind for now and eternity is inscrutable.

Verse 33:

• “how unsearchable are his judgments”: The meaning of “judgments” in the scriptures varies from absolute and final condemnation to the “pangs” of conscience (or self judgment.   Why is this the case?
• “ways past finding out”: Not even a track of the Lord’s working may be discovered!  Does this contradict what we know regarding the types in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in Christ’s first coming, in the cross and then in his second coming and the establishing of the Millennial Kingdom?  Why not?

Concluding Scripture:

Rom. 11:25-36
25 For I would not, brothers, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy on all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Interestingly, this “unknowability” extends even beyond dispensational matters, as we see here.  So much more has not been revealed (and cannot be) as we see at the end of the chapter, Amen and amen.  May indeed it be so!

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#6 If we are under grace and not under the law, what is our pattern of living?:  “How Should We Then Live?”

Where do we start?  At the beginning:  “… that I may know him …”  Phil. 3:10

What is the process of living? Receiving his abundance of grace: “… much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” Rom. 5:17

When are the details important? His grace is sufficient: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Cor. 12:9-10

And never forget to redeem the time: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].”  Eph. 5:16-17

Continuing:  Phi 1:21  For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

Phil. 1:1-30
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places];
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him but also to suffer for his sake;
30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.
. . .
Phil. 2:1-
1 If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

Paul is our example in all things and we have his grace (Phil. 1:7).  What a start here in Philippians.  Enjoy!

But first, a little from Colossians 3:

Col. 3:1-4
1 If [since] ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

• Introduction to Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (verses 1 – 11)
  • He highlights the bond existing between them in general terms  (verses 1 – 8)
  • He shares his concern for them regarding the issue of love (verses 9 – 11)

• The central teaching portion here on the life of the believer under grace (verses 12 – 30)
  • Paul updates the believers concerning his current circumstances.  For Paul, even imprisonment in Rome was not  a negative because God would, he was convinced, use it to his glory (verses 12 – 18)
  • The central teaching (verses 19 – 23) “For me to live . . . and to die . . .” IS CHRIST
    • Verse 19:  Both salvation and the supply of the spirit are fully provided to the believer today
    • Verse 21: Both living and dying in light of Christ’s current work in the believer are our privilege today under grace (and this is so different than under the other dispensational plans – how?)
  • Some practical matters of life here in this world should be addressed (verses 24 – 26)
  • Paul’s final statement in this section (verses 27 – 30): God is in control, he is sovereign, and he provides everything, even our trials
    • God’s gifts are promised (both) (verse 29)!
    • The summit of God’s working in us is under grace (verse 30) and is on no other foundation.
• Transition to the kenosis teaching (2:1-4)

A Few Details for our edification:

• “… that your love may abound…” (verse 9):
• “… approve things that are excellent …” (verse 10):
• Verses 12-18: Paul’s current circumstances and what the Lord is doing and Paul’s rejoicing nevertheless (applications?)
•  “… my salvation” (verse 19);
• “… the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ” (verse 20):  See Eph. 4:16

Divine Election and Our Walk:

Introduction:

The doctrine of divine election is a critical part of the working of God and as such it is an essential part of what God wants all of us to know. Since it is so important to God it must also be that important to us and is, as it turns out, therefore also important to our faith AND OUR WALK.

This is a subject much maligned and generally ignored, probably because 1) the word of God is not a very popular subject these days, and 2) a current day focus on kingdom works in many churches focuses the saints on works and not grace.

When I mention this in New England I am looked at askance as if I had just said something strange and incredible — that the evangelical churches in NE are not teaching the truth of God! Great compromise down through the years has led to this crisis, most importantly being the abandonment of dispensational teaching and the preaching of the word of God rightly divided.

The combined context of the references in Scripture to the words translated elect and election

• The nation of Israel and individual Jews within this nation

• Isa. 45:4 – [4] For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me.
• Isa. 65:9 – [9] I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, And from Judah an heir of My mountains; My elect shall inherit it, And My servants shall dwell there.

• The Messiah himself

• Angels – 1Ti 5:21 – [21] I charge [you] before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angelsthat you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.
  
• Believers in the tribulation and kingdom
  • Mat 22:14 – [14] “For many are called, but few [are] chosen.”
  • Mat 24:22, 24, 31 – [22] “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. … [24] “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. … [31] “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
• Believers today in the church which is his body(we will look at these in a moment)
• The apostle Paul, himself- Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

But what is the actual meaning of the word?

• Verb: (G1586)– 21 total, choose19,choose out1,make choice1
• Noun:(G1588) – 23 total, elect 16 chosen 7 – picked out or chosen
• Noun: (G1589) – 7 times total,election6,chosen1 – again, picked out or chosen

Our outline today (summarize the five points) – and I promise, I will make this simple!

• Election is the sovereign work of God – clear in every reference we read
• Election refers to the work of God, NOT the work of mankind, not even to the work of mankind in response to the work of God. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT I WANT TO MAKE TODAY! That is why we considered initially the wisdom of God since Paul uses that expression to refer to the work of God in this dispensation of the grace of God, in other words, what God is doing TODAY. So what is God doing today?
• Consider:2Ti 2:10- [10] Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory, or,
• Rom 8:30Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Rom 9:9-16 –
[9] For this [is] the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.”
[10] And not only [this], but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, [even] by our father Isaac
[11] (for [the children] not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),
[12] it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”
[13] As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
[14] What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!
[15] For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.”
[16] So then [it is] not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.

Now, what may be seen as a difficult section of scripture but is in reality most wonderful for it explains how God has fit into his divine plan this current dispensation of the grace,

Rom 11:5, 7, 28-
[5] Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. …
[7] What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. …
[28] Concerning the gospel [they are] enemies for your sake, but concerning the election [they are] beloved for the sake of the fathers.

Election is central to the plan of God – we saw that several weeks ago as we looking into the Wisdom of God and the Plan of God in Scripture

• Rom. 11:25-29
  25 For I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, lest you should be wise within yourselves; that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the nations has come in.
  (26) And so all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, “There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
  (27)For this is My covenant with them, when I have taken away their sins.”
  (28) Indeed as regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes. But as regards the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
  (29) For the free gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

• Rom 11:33-36
  (33) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
  (34) For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
  (35) Or who first gave to Him, and it will be repaid to him?
  (36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to Him be glory forever! “ Rom 11:33-36

SO, DIVINE ELECTION AND THE WISDOM OF GOD, AND HIS DISPENSATIONAL PLAN, ARE CRITICAL AND CENTRAL TO UNDERSTANDING WHAT GOD IS DOING TODAY

• Election is specific and personal –

• Because of this we may be encouraged by this teaching concerning our election.
• The teaching concerning election is intended to encourage the people of God in every dispensation
  1Th 1:4 – [4] knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
• This is most precious and most practical — but of great doctrinal teaching value indeed as well as Paul surely believed or why would he have written it here at the beginning of 1 Thess.?

• Rom 8:33 – [33] Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? [It is] God who justifies.

• Col 3:12 – [12] Therefore, as [the] elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

• 2Ti 2:10 – [10] Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

• Election in the dispensation of the grace of God, is it distinct, dispensationally considered?

• In the Tribulation, many are called but few are chosen – Mt. 20:16But under grace,
• Rom 8:28-30 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Divine Election and our Walk:

What is the most important and practical thing we have learned in this study?

I would say that it is that divine election is at the heart of the doctrine of grace and that as such knowing it becomes the foundation for our resting in Him. Works and a works religion are no longer relevant for us. We rest in Him and in the rich blessings of His grace. It changes EVERYTHING to do this. Repeat!

While the religious world around us is focused on kingdom works and kingdom obedience, we are focused on Him and His grace. We are resting in Him and enjoying Him, now and forever. Amen.

The combined context of the references in Scripture to the words translated elect and election

The nation of Israel and individual Jews within this nation

• Isa. 45:4 – [4] For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me.
• Isa. 65:9 – [9] I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, And from Judah an heir of My mountains; My elect shall inherit it, And My servants shall dwell there.

The Messiah himself

Angels – 1Ti 5:21 I charge [you] before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angelsthat you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality

Believers in the tribulation and kingdom

Mat 22:14 – [14] “For many are called, but few [are] chosen.”

Mat 24:22, 24, 31 – [22] “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. … [24] “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. … [31] “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Believers today in the church which is his body(we will look at these in a moment)

The apostle Paul, himself– Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

But what is the actual meaning of the word?

Verb: (G1586)– 21 total, choose19,choose out1,make choice1

Noun:(G1588) – 23 total, elect 16 chosen 7 – picked out or chosen

Noun: (G1589) – 7 times total,election6,chosen1 – again, picked out or chosen

Our outline today (summarize the five points) – and I promise, I will make this simple!

Election is the sovereign work of God – clear in every reference we read

Election refers to the work of God, NOT the work of mankind, not even to the work of mankind in response to the work of God. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT I WANT TO MAKE TODAY! That is why we considered initially the wisdom of God since Paul uses that expression to refer to the work of God in this dispensation of the grace of God, in other words, what God is doing TODAY. So what is God doing today?

Consider:2Ti 2:10- [10] Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory, or,

Rom 8:30Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Rom 9:9-16 –
[9] For this [is] the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.”
[10] And not only [this], but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, [even] by our father Isaac
[11] (for [the children] not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),
[12] it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”
[13] As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
[14] What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!
[15] For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.”
[16] So then [it is] not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.

Now, what may be seen as a difficult section of scripture but is in reality most wonderful for it explains how God has fit into his divine plan this current dispensation of the grace.

Rom 11:5, 7, 28-
[5] Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. …
[7] What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. …
[28] Concerning the gospel [they are] enemies for your sake, but concerning the election [they are] beloved for the sake of the fathers.

Election is central to the plan of God – we saw that recently as we were looking into the Wisdom of God and the Plan of God in Scripture

Rom. 11:25-29
25 For I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, lest you should be wise within yourselves; that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the nations has come in.
(26) And so all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, “There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
(27)For this is My covenant with them, when I have taken away their sins.”
(28) Indeed as regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes. But as regards the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
(29) For the free gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Rom 11:33-36
(33) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
(34) For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
(35) Or who first gave to Him, and it will be repaid to him?
(36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to Him be glory forever! “ Rom 11:33-36

SO, DIVINE ELECTION AND THE WISDOM OF GOD, AND HIS DISPENSATIONAL PLAN, ARE CRITICAL AND CENTRAL TO UNDERSTANDING WHAT GOD IS DOING TODAY

Election is specific and personal!

Because of this we may be encouraged by this teaching concerning our election.

The Biblical teaching concerning election is intended to encourage the people of God in every dispensation.  For example, consider these references:

• 1 Thess. 1:4 … knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.This is most precious and most practical — but of great doctrinal teaching value indeed as well as Paul surely believed or why would he have written it here at the beginning of 1 Thess.?
• Rom. 8:33 … Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? [It is] God who justifies.
• Col. 3:12 … Therefore, as [the] elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
• 2 Tim. 2:10 … Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

An important question now would be this: Is election in the dispensation of the grace of God distinct, dispensationally considered?  Yes, it is.

• In the Tribulation, many are called but few are chosen – Mt. 20:16.  But under grace …
• Rom 8:28-30 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Divine Election and our Walk:

• What is the most important and practical thing we have learned in this study?
• I would say that it is that divine election is at the heart of the doctrine of grace and that as such knowing it becomes the foundation for our resting in Him. Works and a works religion are no longer relevant for us. We rest in Him and in the rich blessings of His grace. It changes EVERYTHING to do this. Repeat!
• While the religious world around us is focused on kingdom works and kingdom obedience, we are focused on Him and His grace. We are resting in Him and enjoying Him, now and forever.

Many scriptures were written directly for us members of the Body of Christ and they are MOST COMFORTING!  For example:

• 2 Tim. 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
• Phil.  3:1-17
  1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed [is] not grievous, but for you [it is] safe.
  2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
  3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
  4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
  5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
  6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
  7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
  8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,
  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
  11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
  12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
  13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
  15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
  16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
  17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
• Eph. 1:15-23
  15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
  16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
  17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
  18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
  19 And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
  20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],
  21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
  22 And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,
  23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
• Paul singles out the Ephesian believers initially here in verse 15.  Verses 1 -14 are generic.  But starting in verse 15 Paul’s comments are more specific.  What a blessing that would have been for those Ephesian saints.  What might the effect of that have been if we had been the addressees of this letter?  Wouldn’t we have copied the letter many times and passed it to all of our family members and friends ? And perhaps over time we would have memorized it!  Remember, the Ephesian believers had little other scripture than this.  Contemplate that!

 

• Verse 16 indicates that Paul is in constant prayer for these saints.  What does this mean, practically speaking.  Would you personally like someone like Paul to be in prayer for you “without ceasing”?  Do we pray for anyone “without ceasing”.

 

• Verses 17-23 provide some deep teaching (it should not be “so deep” of course, but we are dull in mind, perhaps, still, perhaps like they were, no doubt) regarding all that the Lord had already accomplished for these saints.
  • Verses 17-18: We need wisdom and revelation so much, don’t we.  And it is the revelation concerning “him” that is so critically needed. The next verse states how it may occur (the illumining work of the Holy Spirit that leads to “knowledge”).  The nature of that knowledge is revealed next:
    • The hope of his calling:
    • … which is based on the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints (Verses 19-23):
    • … “the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe”
      • “according to the working of his mighty power — “
      • “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places]”
      • “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come”
      • “And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all”.
    • What does this all mean?
      • Paul writes here about knowledge.  For many this is not a word that is allowed.  Why not?
      • What does Paul say about this knowledge?
        • That it is about power operating “for us”!   What other scriptures show us much about what God is doing “for us”?  Do you know any?  Any favorites?
        • What kind of power must this be?  Physical?  Spiritual?
      • We have here several dimensions of this power mentioned.  Christ’s resurrection is the necessary comparison and model.  But again, what scripture would be appropriate to look at for the details of this? Do we need any others?
      • Your thoughts?  What differnce does it make?
• Our final question:  What are the benefits of having Ephesians chapter 1 before us this evening?  Does it mske any difference
• Please turn with me now to Romans 8.  Verse 24 is where we will begin.  But first let’s look at other references to “hope” in Romans (and this is not all!):

Rom. 4:18   Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Rom. 5:2   By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Rom. 5:5   And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Rom. 8:20   For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Rom. 8:24   For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

Rom. 8:25   But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Rom. 12:12   Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Rom. 15:4   For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Rom. 15:13   Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Now let’s look at verses 24 & 25.

Rom. 8:24-25   For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?   But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

The key words here are “hope”, “see”, and “patience”.  What is the apostle saying here in verse 25?  In ordinary language, how might this be said?

Rom. 4:17-18
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Discussion:

• How might we have the hope of Abraham?
• What faith is needed for that?
• Are we with patience waiting on the Lord?

Let’s now look at Rom. 5:1-5.  These verses are foundational for our understanding.

Rom. 5:1-5
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And [this] hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

To help us understand what the apostle has written, I have listed some questions to guide us:

Note the progression in Paul’s teaching here:  

hope => tribulation => patience => experience => hope

He begins with hope and ends with hope . . .  Is there any significance to that?  He is indicating by those words that there is a progression in God’s care of his children and that this is not only in one dimension.  So this hope is one that has consequences for us personally both eternally AND DAY BY DAY.  

Do you really understand the difference between the hope that Paul writes about here and what we often may call ordinary human hope or “hope so”?

What is verse 5 saying about shame and the Holy Spirit?

When are we ashamed and why?  Any thoughts on this?  See 2 Cor. 4:2 &
Heb. 12:2.

Let’s look now a little more closely to this last verse, verse 5.  To repeat:  Verse 5 “And [this] hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”  The hope referred to here is the one just mentioned, the one that has its foundation on the hope [confident expectation based on the sure promises of God] of coming glory for all that have believed on our Lord Jesus Christ.  SO DISAPPOINTMENT (AND SHAME) CANNOT BE A PART OF OUR EXPERIENCE IF WE ARE REJOICING IN THE GLORY OF GOD AS WRITTEN HERE!

This realm of God’s blessing is available to us all by faith.  Having entered into that realm of blessing, we have confidence that that glory will be provided as promised.

What Paul adds here is most practical.  That there will be trials in this life are a certainty for all, for some in one fashion, to another perhaps in a different way.  Be assured (if you are not convin ced yet), the trials will come.

But verses 3 and 4 add something so precious.  THAT ALONG WITH THESE TRIALS IN THIS LIFE WILL BE A “PREVIEW” OF THE GLORY TO COME.   We have peace with God already.  But peace NOW under these occasional great burdens of this life is the issue the apostle is addressing here.  

What the apostle writes here is that THROUGH the hardest times God is nevertheless still working.  We should rest in that with the inevitable patience that will result.   Peace with God should motivate is in that way, to wait on the Lord with patience until glory does shine, Aas the great hymn says so well (“Moment by moment”).  

He used the words “… not only so” to highlight this great truth about God’s faithfulness: even now, whatever our state in this life, God is with us.  

But he is not finished with this thought.  With that background, he adds in verse 5 a confirming thought that is precious indeed:  That we shall never be ashamed in our confident expectation of God’s glory then OR NOW.  The rest of the verse gives the WHY of this.  Why shall we never be ashamed?

Because he promises that when we have patiently waited on the Lord we will have gained an experience of God’s faithful presence through it all and that our hopefulness [not hope-so based anymore] has only been strengthened.  This is the Spirit’s work, he writes, as he shares with us “THE LOVE OF GOD IN OUR HEARTS”.

WELL, DO WE NEED TO ADD THAT WITH THIS REALIZATION OF GOD’S WORKING IN US WE SHALL NEVER AGAIN QUESTION THAT GOD’S GOOD HAND RESETS ALWAYS UPON US, NO MATTER WHAT.  WE SHALL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED IN HIM AGAIN.  AMEN. “FROM GLORY TO GLORY”, PAUL WRITES IN 2 CORINTHIANS:

2 Cor. 3:18   “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Next time we plan to look more at what the apostle has written there since it is a detailed teaching on the same subject that I believe you will find so comforting.  But for now we will just read some final words Paul writes on this subject summarizing what he has been teaching as recorded in chapters 3 and 4 of that letter:

2 Cor. 4:15-18
15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

So again we ask the question:  has the truth of God made a difference in your life?  If so, how?

I am convinced that one of the central keys to our enjoyment of the blessings of God under grace is found right here in these words: “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen . . .”.  Paul has introduced here a great promise of Almighty God, that the trials of this life (which are very many for all of us — another promise) shall be accompanied by the “renewal of the inner man.  This is so precious as all must surely admit.  If the words mean anything, then they mean so much more than we might have thought.  Let’s examine them closely:

15 For all things [are] for your sakes, [what are the things referred to here]

that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not;

but though our outward man perish,

yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,

worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:

for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

 Rom. 8:28-32
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
. . .
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May God add his blessing to this precious word of truth and may it minister to our hearts!

2 Cor. 4:15-18
15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

Review Questions: 

1. “all things”: What were the “all things” Paul writes about here?

2. “for your sakes”: In what way did Paul think the Corinthian believers would be blessed through him?

3. “the glory of God”: What is the glory of God?  Do you understand this word?

4. “a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory”: There is much here to “fathom”, isn’t there?  Would anyone like to share anything regarding the truth expressed here?

Let’s continue with reading several scriptures that each relate to the glory of God:

2 Tim. 1:8-12
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Rom. 8:16-17
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.
…
Rom. 8:22-25
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].
…
Rom 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Again, what is the glory of God and how does that relate to you and to me?

Paul writes in verse 24 that “we are saved by hope”.   How can this hope save us would be the key question?

Again, what is the difference between this “hope” and “hope so”?

Finally, when will God keep these promises?

Let us now look at a phrase that is so important to the apostle Paul.  We find it in a number of his teachings and herein Romans 5 it is prominent:

Rom. 5:1-5
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

But before we look further at this Romans 5 teaching, let’s consider what Galatians 5 says since it is so directly relevant:

Gal. 5:1-6
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

• Why does Paul start this section with a strong command on Christian liberty?
• In what way is the contrast between the law and liberty critical to Paul’s teaching here?”Profit you nothing” are powerful words.  Do our hearts say “amen!” or are we tempted to “look for loopholes”?
• What is “the whole law?  How can something this simple have such a profound effect in a person’s life?
• “Fallen from grace” are strong words in verse 4.  Can you explain what the apostle is pointing out here?
• Verses 5 & 6 are a great summary statement of the entire Christian life.  Isn’t grace wonderful?  Amen?

Rest.  Such a wonderful word, isn’t it?  Remember from last week’s study:

Gal. 5:5-6
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Rom. 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

Phil. 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Waiting for something. looking for something implies that it is available from one place and unless it is supplied we will not possess it.  So we are in the process of anticipating its provision.  Present tense!

Finally, today, I want us to look at Romans chapter 5.  

Rom. 5:17  For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

“Reigning in life”!  What a statement.  What a promise.  But what are the conditions given?  And, what is our response?  This sets the stage for a truly deep but most precious teaching of the apostle concerning grace and the new life we have under grace — and how different that is from what we might have thought we had.  Law and its works, religion and its sacraments and regulations, or our own “scruples”, (and I am not standing in judgment of them here), can never match the blessedness of grace and its “quality of life”.  Amen.  For enjoying Him and His abundant riches and grace is so much better!

Paul’s letter to the Romans contains so much truth that we all, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, are in so much need of.  Chapter 5 and verse 17 provide an unmistakable pointer to that wealth of spiritual food.  

We will look at two additional scriptures for help understanding this and grasping fully onto its blessings and power.

Phil. 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

“No confidence”.  This is a pretty strong word.  Politically you already know what it means.  In some democratic systems (like in the UK or Canada, for example), a vote of “no confidence” in the president or premier demands a new election.   Of course “no confidence” requires a qualifier and as we see here, Paul supplies that with the following words, “in the flesh”.  Beginning here I would like us to gain an understanding of this that is practical in the sense that the truth expressed here may be seen as spiritual food that we may easily take to heart with a clear benefit.

Let’s discuss this a little:

• What may these words “the flesh” be referring to?  Any examples come to mind?  How far might this extend?
• Who is Paul addressing with these words?
• Do we understand what kind of worship he is thinking of here?  And, what kind of rejoicing?
• He places so much emphasis here on proper worship and then adds the words “have no confidence in the flesh”.   What is the connection between the two?

While we have recently looked at Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians and chapter 4, it would be good now to finish our study by reading it again.  This time let’s carefully take note of the keyword there, the word “while” at the beginning of verse 18: 

2 Cor. 4:15-18
15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

Are we taking these words to heart?  Do they make a difference?  How may things in this life be dramatically changed for us as we live day by day in a world that is dark indeed?  Paul has ansered that question here, hasn’t he?

These are the statements of truth we have recently examined.  Let us read them again moving ahead:

Gal. 5:5-6
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Rom. 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

Phil. 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Rom. 5:17  For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Phil. 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

2 Cor. 4:15-18
15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

Now, faith is mentioned here explicitly or implied.  Everything promised or stated to be fact is in the final analysis dependent on our faith.  2 Cor. 4:15-18, for example, uses this little word “while”.  Right?

So the questions must come down ultimately to these:

1. What is faith?
2. What is that faith in?

So we now see how simple this really is.  Using the latter statement as our example, there is a list of things mentioned:

1. All things being worked for our sakes
2. The abundant grace of God working for God’s glory
3. “Therefore “we faint not” whatever our circumstances . . .and, therefore, our afflictions are the lightened “day by day”
4. AND THE KEYWORD HERE: “WHILE”!
5. And then the final statement: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.”?

I have emphasized how simple this really is?  Do you see it that way too?  Amen.

Today I want to emphasize this fact of simplicity.  Our faith must be based on the word of God and not on feelings, hopes, and dreams that may be very misleading and dangerous.  If we are to “take God at his word” as I have repeatedly said here in this Bible study, then the issue for us will be what word of God?  For surely what God has promised to his people has changed radically from time to time, from dispensation to dispensation.

If that is not the case our experience will surely lead us to conclude that God has failed us, or, that we have failed God.  Most likely, we will be convinced that our faith was simply not sufficient, not enough, for God to work.  In other words, the conditions God placed on our lives for his blessing to be delivered to us were simply not met.  That our lack of faith was the issue will be a common conclusion.  All promoting religious systems of one kind or another will agree and let us know what their evaluation is.  You must have had that experience, perhaps often.

Let’s look at one scripture passage this evening to illustrate this.

Heb 11:8-10
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

What was the “content” of Abraham’s faith?  Does this make it all so clear?  What we believe makes all the difference.  Amen.

Let’s begin by reading three scriptures, each of which mentions the abundance of grace in connection with “reigning in life”:

Rom. 5:17  For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Rom. 5:20-21
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gal. 5:1-6
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Paul was willing to cast all else aside, however, and to rest his life and his eternity alone on the faith of Christ.  In this he is our example:

Phil. 3:8-9
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

This leads me to ask the great question?  What about us?  Do we dare to cast aside all the “safety nets” that the Law supposedly provides and rest wholly on the sufficiency of His grace?  Are we?  That is what faith requires. 

Will we cast all aside apart from our faith and reign in life by Jesus Christ alone?  No legal supports.  No works of law.  No religious regulations or requirements.  Only Christ and His sufficient grace?  All these others short-circuit His working under grace.  It is that simple.  Amen.

• There is much about reigning in those verses – but the danger is so clear:  it is law and its consequence.  But we today are not under the influence of law the way the churches were in Paul’s day.  So how may these exhortations be faithfully applied today?
• Some might very well respond though this way: What is the alternative to the law,  without law, what do we have??  Lawlessness?  License?  Your thoughts?
• What is the common teaching today in many churches and groups?
• What should our response be?

Salvation is not by works of Law but only according to his grace.  Therefore, one of Paul’s most common subjects in his letters is this distinction between law and grace since not only the [fallen] human nature demands a works-oriented kind of salvation, but because in his own world in the 1st century Middle East, Judaism with its law and its religious system many challenges to the true faith came from Jews who were still promoting the law.

There are three “tenses” of “salvation” found in  2 Corinthians chapter 1, the past, the present and the future.  All are of grace and its fullness.  In other words, we were saved by grace when we first believed the gospel, we are being saved today by his abundant grace, and we shall yet be saved by his grace when we are called into heaven’s glory.

2 Cor. 1:1-12
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
2 Grace [be] to you and peace from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6 And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation.
8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [bestowed] upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

• These are precious words indeed for the believer.  What stands out to you that is a special blessing?
• Verses 4-6 state a principle according to which God works.  It is in reference to Paul, the author of this letter.  What is that principle?
• Verses 7-9 apply that same principle of God’s working to us.  What about that stands out as most important to you?
• Verse 10 reveals the three tenses of salvation I mentioned before.  This is important for us to know or Paul would not have written it.  Why is it so important?
• Verses 11 & 12 summarize Paul’s introduction here to this letter.  For me, his words are a special blessing.  In what way are they a special blessing to you?
• May these words written so long ago to the Corinthians be as special to us as they surely were to them.  May it be so.

In our previous studies, we have seen from Paul’s letters that he saw the work of the Lord in his life through the prism of God’s glorious revelation of his grace.  He saw life through a prism which meant that he could see the other dimensions, some invisible, some visible, in God’s work in and through him. It seems to me that this is a great analogy — the word of God is the prism through which we may comprehend God’s working.  Without the prism, we cannot see or comprehend the various components of God’s work that will be revealed in due time.  He works all things according to His perfect will and our “good”.  But do we truly know this?  Apart from his word and from the prism of faith, we cannot know it.

So verses 11 & 12 summarize well Paul’s teaching here.  Let’s start there again today:

2 Cor. 1:9-12
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [bestowed] upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

That last verse especially should speak to our hearts.  Whatever our trials and tribulations in life, our response to God’s working in our lives speaks so highly of what our relationship to the Lord God truly is.  

For Paul, he is able to write this:

 12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

This might give us some considerable pause.  For our lives may not often seem to allow such simplicity, such godly sincerity, such restful contemplation of how we stand in reference to God and in reference to one another.  Perhaps that is the issue really, we need to pause and reconsider what is most important in life.

He highlights for us here several things that I want to comment on as we proceed with our study today. Let’s look at this verse carefully:

• “Our rejoicing”: This should be our constant theme.  Joy, joy, joy!  How does this differ from satisfaction in its many dimensions?
• “the testimony of our conscience”: What perhaps did the Corinthians know about this that we do not?
• “in simplicity and Godly sincerity”: Our complex lives do give a testimony, but is it the right testimony?
• “not with fleshly wisdom”: What kind of wisdom is this.  Everyone wants wisdom from God.  But wisdom of the kind that is not from God is definitely not what we should want.  Wisdom is not the same as “know-how” in solving the many problems in life that may come up every day.  Wisdom as Paul uses the word here is about insights in the spiritual area as the other verses here indicate.
• “but by the grace of God”:  Do we know what Paul means here?  Your thoughts.  This is practical.  The working of God in our lives day by day and hour by hour.
• “we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward”: This means actively engaged.

Let’s focus now on Paul’s powerful and encouraging statements about our rejoicing as believers:

2 Cor. 1:14  As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. [Looking forward expectantly]

1 Thess. 2:19  For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?   [Looking forward expectantly]

Col. 1:11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; [Enjoying the present blessings of our salvation.]

2 Tim. 1:4  Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; [Enjoying the present blessings of our salvation.]

Gal. 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  [This is “of” the Spirit, not of our own doing.]

Rom. 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. [Believing God is the key.]

Finally, don’t forget this wonderful scripture:

Heb. 12:2   Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let’s look further at that great verse in Rom. 15:13 but first an earlier verse, verse number 4:

Rom. 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

• Is there any hope really apart from the Bible, its teachings, and promises?  But so many are trying (vainly, of course) to live their lives independently of God’s Holy Word.  Why?
• What is the real point of what Paul has written here in verse 4?

Rom. 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  

As we have been saying all along, believing God is always the key!

• “Now, the God of hope”: We have an ellipsis here, meaning that the word “may” is left out though clearly implied.   So this is really: “Now, may the God of hope . . .”
• “. . . fill you with all joy and peace”: God wants so much for us.  He wants us to have “all joy and peace”.  But we may in fact not have this. What then?  The next words give us the “how” of this.
• “. . . in believing”: We must believe, he writes here.  But you can guess the obvious question, right?  What exactly should we “believe”?
• “. . . [in order] that ye may abound in hope”: Now we see the expected development of this, practically speaking.
• “. . . through the power of the Holy Ghost”:  The power behind this will be, of course, the Holy Spirit!
   
• Questions:
  • Why is God here called the “God of hope”?What is our situation if we do not have the joy and peace mentioned here?  What about the “abundance” of hope?  What is the way forward?
  • If we are struggling under the real concerns and burdens of life, it may seem that God is far away and unconcerned about us. What is the truth though?  Does it make a difference to know that truth and does it make a difference?

• A final potion of the word of truth is from Paul’s letter to the Colossian believers.  We may choose to look at it next time.  For now we will simply read it believing that its power will be a great blessing in our lives:

Col. 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

6 Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:
7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

---

Question #9: In 2 Timothy 2:15 the apostle Paul writes about “rightly dividing the word of truth”.   What is his meaning and intent here and why do we often quote these words in contrasting our approach to the Bible from what is being promoted in so many churches and denominations?  What is “rightly dividing” and why is it so important?

To understand “rightly dividing” properly we must look at the scripture where these words are found:

2 Tim. 1:8-12
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Tim. 2:15-16
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

We find here a great warning and the situation was already at hand.  Here at the end of Paul’s ministry, he issues many warnings in his letters including this one in the fourth chapter of this letter:

2 Tim. 4:1-4
1 I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Tim. 3:14-17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

We now will begin to compare scripture with scripture that we may learn to properly “rightly divide the truth”.  First, let’s compare the Sermon on the Mount with Paul’s exhortation in Eph. 4:32.  The subject is the Lord God’s relationship with sin and sinners:

Eph. 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

• Here, Paul states clearly and forcefully that our sins have already been forgiven.  It is finished past, present, and future.
• The word translated “forgiven” and “forgiving” might also be translated “given or giving grace”.  “Forgiving” captures the thought of the gift being given with a view forward rather than behind.  That is important.  For forgiveness under the grace of God sees the debt already paid so that we may proceed on a clean slate, as it were.  That is exactly what Eph. 4:32 says, isn’t it? “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  Based on Christ’s completed work, God under grace has already forgiven us of all of our sin and sins.  Amen!

Now let’s look at Christ’s teaching in the Matthew gospel:

Matt. 6:12-15
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

• The word translated “forgive” in Matthew here is not the same as the one in Ephesians.  This word here means “to send away”.  That is helpful to know.  This is not Pauline grace teaching here but Kingdom Law.  The Law demands obedience of the believer. 
• So here in Matthew forgiveness by God is dependant upon our forgiving others.  It is not unconditional but conditional upon our works.  The difference here with what is written by Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, in Ephesians is dramatic, therefore.  In the one case, the exhortation is entirely gracious while in the other it is entirely legal.
• It helps to realize that in the Lord’s teaching, the Lord is addressing the Jews in the context of the coming Kingdom with its absolute legal system.  In the other case, Paul is addressing Gentile believers living under grace.  What a difference this is.  Rightly dividing the word of truth, therefore, distinguishing carefully the things that differ preserves the word of God as truth.  Failing to take note of those differences confuses different programs of God.  The consequence of that is to disrespect God’s word and its inspiration even.  Is that clear?

Two questions to summarize our teaching today:

• What is the essence of Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount?  
• What is the essence of Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4?

Paul often writes “graciously” in his letters.  Let’s finish today with one of his great gracious exhortations:

Col. 3:1-5
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Quick Review:  Matt. 6:12-15 versus Col. 3:1-5

The question arises as to whether law and grace then may be mixed.  Mixing the two, meaning attempting to somehow mix law with grace, is declared by the apostle Paul to be seriously wrong – today.  The reason is that God is pouring out his unlimited grace on us today apart from law and independent of law.  That makes a great difference to the gospel of grace (which does not require any works) and the way of life of believers living under grace apart from law.  

The letter to the Romans makes this very clear:

Rom. 11:1-7
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal.
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5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Rom. 9:30-33
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

The teaching here:

The Jews, who were under Moses Law, most naturally sought to justify themselves by obedience to that Law.

Our Conclusion:

The Law and the Prophets teach that the true believer MUST keep the law, every jot and tittle of it.  Christ in his earthly ministry taught the same concerning the intensified law of the whole Kingdom.  Other than Paul the New Testament writers wrote the same.  Full obedience to Law was necessary.

Let’s take God at his word:

Rom. 11:5-7

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

For Paul, it is grace that reigns, not law.  What a difference it makes.  This affects every detail of our lives if we only knew it.  For we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God.  We are not under law but under grace!

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We recently looked at two verses that are important in our study:

Phil. 3:8-10
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Rom 5:17  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Where are there such wonderful words to calm the soul and give new hope for tomorrow?  Where?

Now we will perform An Exercise in “Right Division” of the word of truth.  We will begin with some scripture relating to righteousness “under law”:

Matthew’s gospel in the New Testament where we find the Lord’s words that were given regarding the coming Kingdom and its Law:

Matt. 19:16-22
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
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20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Comparing these teachings from the Gospels to what Paul has written is most instructive.  Paul preaches righteousness by the gift of God, righteousness by “imputation”, not through works of law.  The one brings spiritual life, rest and peace while the other brings failure and condemnation, no matter how careful or committed one might have been.  The one is God’s will today, the other is the rule of the coming Kingdom.  The one exalts the Lord God and his son Jesus Christ and his completed work on Calvary, the other largely ignores the revelation of grace as revealed through Paul.  

Paul:

Eph. 2:15  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;

Col. 2:20-23
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

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Right Division of the Word of Truth demands that we compare scripture with scripture noting the differences as well as the similarities.  The differences are often even more important than the similarities.   We have already compared what our Lord Jesus taught his disciples in his earthly ministry with what Paul taught the church.  But what about the other authors of the New Testament.  How do their writings compare?  Today, let’s first compare what the apostle John wrote in his gospel with what he wrote in his first letter about keeping Christ’s commandments.  Then, we will look at James where again we find the same subject. Finally, we will compare those New Testament writings with what Paul wrote in Colossians chapter 2.

John:

John 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

1 John 3:22-24
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

The keyword in all of these verses is “commandments”.  That is at the heart of John’s writing.  It is a legal and works-based righteousness that is in view here.   See also 1 John 2:3-5, 1 John 4:19-21, 1 John 5:2, and 2 John 1:6, where the same teaching is found. 

Now, we will look at the letter of James where shall we see the same:

James 2:10-11
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

But what does Paul write?  Do you remember?  Let’s look again at the letter to the Colossians, this time in chapter 2:

Col. 2:13-14
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Do you see the differences here?  They are surely significant and must be taken quite literally or the entire meaning of what is written will be lost.  May God give us understanding.  It is so important!

Does this mean we do not care about obedience to God and his high standard for our lives?  No, of course not, but the real issue here is what is God doing and how does that relate to us, his people?  That there are dispensational issues when we talk about “obedience” should be clear, for otherwise, our presumed “obedience” may in fact be just the opposite, disobedience on a grand scale.  The obedience must be to a given standard.  Doesn’t it make all the difference what that standard is?  How else can we even attempt to obey?

For us, the “standard” is the completed work of Christ on Calvary’s cross and the blessings that have become ours through that.  A simple act of faith is all that was required to gain that full benefit.  Even the righteousness of Christ was then imputed to our account with no works of law required at all.  But that is not the case for Israel.  Even after the cross and Christ’s glorious resurrection, works were still required.  The scripture we have examined today should make that crystal clear.

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Today we come to the teaching of the apostle Paul to the Romans.  As said before several times, Paul is our leader under this dispensation of grace like Moses was in the Old Testament and Peter early in the book of the Acts.  He is the one who teaches us so strongly that we are not under the Law but are indeed under grace.

He explains this in many places as well.  Does this mean that we are allowed under grace to live as we like?  Does it mean that we can commit the worst of sins and still have our eternal hope undiminished and certain?

What is the proper understanding of this?  Romans 10 can help us:

Rom. 10:1-5
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

• Paul writes here that the Law stood in the way of salvation in Israel.  Why?  Because it demanded works-based righteousness [verse 5 – “the man which doeth those things shall live by them.”]  Faith in Christ was not part of the Law, but only through Christ may anyone be saved, 
• So, as verse 4 makes so clear, the righteous standard of God is only gained through Christ and faith in him.
• But the question may remain in your mind, “what about evil, is that now allowable?  The answer is in the words chosen in the question and in sts answer.

1 Cor. 6:9-11
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

• This is a dramatic statement of spiritual truth in the midst of a crisis in the church in Corinth.  

1 Cor. 9:21  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

• So believers, though not under the Law but under grace, ARE nevertheless not “lawless”!  They are “inlawed” to Jesus Christ.  What a precious truth this is.

1 Cor. 3:9-15
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, [ye are] God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

• Works are of two kinds according to this teaching.  Some will endure the testing at the Judgment Seat of Christ and some will not.  Only the ones that endure the fire will be purified as it were by the fire and will bring blessing and reward.  The other will be burned.
• Note that all believers will be “saved” and none lost.  Eternal security is a fundamental doctrine of the faith.  Amen.

Let’s finish with these verses that we have looked at before.  They point to the key to the Christian Life that we shall look at more closely next time, Lord willing.

Gal. 5:4-6
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

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Our Outline (1 Thessalonians 3)

• Trials and Tribulations are to be Expected — But Never Give Satan the Victory
• But, Our “Sense” of Wellbeing Is Often Dependent on Others’ Wellbeing 
• However, Our Blessings Shall Abound, From Now Until Eternity

 

• Trials and Tribulations are to be Expected — But Never Give Satan the Victory:

1 Thess. 3:1-5

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

• • Now, here in the beginning of chapter 3 he writes concerning his zeal for them and his former teaching.  He knew from Timothy who had been sent from Athens to Thessalonica and who had now returned, that they were still rejoicing — but there had been some challenges now that some had died and the promised Lord had still not returned  as had been expected.

• • Verses 1-2 — Paul had sent Timothy to “establish” and to comfort these believers in Thessalonica regarding their faith: 

• • Verses 3 & 4 — “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.  For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know”: 

• • • Paul was rightly concerned.  Trials and tribulation in this world are to be expected, not the opposite, beloved!  How can it be otherwise?  Remember our last study here?  One of the main points was this: Though Satan is often allowed to interfere in the lives of the saints, he cannot in the end win the battle since he cannot ultimately thwart the plan of Almighty God.

• • The challenge for us believers is to never let Satan steal away our joy, to never surrender and therefore become unfruitful.  For it is always the will of God that we be thankful. 

• • Verse 5 — “For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain”:  Remember 1 Thess. 2:18 here as that theme is continued here in chapter three:  “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”

• • If even our Lord was himself tempted, why should they (or, we) be exempt?  That is the argument of the apostle here.  Matthew’s gospel has the details of our Lord’s testings.  His defense against Satan’s lies are instructive for us:

Matt. 4:1-4

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

• • As we have seen, the correct response to the enemy’s testings is the proper invocation of the word of God.  Note that it was not just anything from the word of God, perhaps without regard to the context, but the specific word that related directly to the challenge at hand.  Here it is a direct quotation from Deut. 8:3.  Satan’s attacks were to subtly take the promises of God out of context misapplying them to this specific situation that the Lord was in there for 40 days in the wilderness without food.  But the Lord’s response from God’s word with scripture in context is most helpful to us.

• • The bottom line is this: Satan wishes to derail us in our walk with the Lord.  He does this through lies and false teaching.  The word of truth shall always be our defense.

• But, Our “Sense” of Wellbeing Is Often Dependent on Others’ Wellbeing:

1 Thess. 3:6-10

6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you:

7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

• • Verses 6-7 — The many blessings of fellowship with the brethren we care so much about is the apostle’s focus here.  Their comfort was his joy even to the extent that their testimony and Timothy’s report of that to the apostle had changed his own trials and sufferings into joy:

Ps. 30:11-12  Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

• • Verses 8-9 — “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.  For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God”: Their spiritual well being was his greatest desire of all:

• • Verse 10 — “Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?”: 

• • Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians was a proper and spiritual desire.  He wanted to “perfect that which is lacking” in their faith.  It is not going beyond the text here to also point out that Paul’s concern for these believers was directly related to their sadness regarding the death of some of their own.  Some had gone on to be with the Lord and that was upsetting them even spiritually, not only emotionally but also spiritually.  They had bought into what false teachers had been preaching to them.  This had turned their life and hope upside down.  Paul was rightly concerned.  Thus the writing of this letter.Paul had taught them the Pre-Tribulational Return of the Lord, the Rapture, but the false teachers had taught them a very different doctrine indeed.

• However, Our Blessings Shall Abound, From Now Until Eternity

1 Thess. 3:11-13

11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, [may he] direct our way unto you.

12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:

13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

• • Verse 11 — “Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.”: This is Paul’s hope and expectation, even his prayer.  Being with them face to face would have advanced his ministry, in his view, at least.

• • Verse 12 —  “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you”: Nevertheless, even absent from them, God’s never ceasing work in them was sure and it would never cease.  But, the pure doctrine of the return of the Lord was still the key, he writes here, of their spiritual wellbeing.  This pure doctrine has been nearly entirely lost in the churches today since in the seeker-friendly and “new age” churches simply building church attendance is a (or, “the”) primary goal demanding a strict limit on the proper teaching of Bible doctrine.  Many today even preach and teach AGAINST the reading and teaching of the Bible.

• • • For example, since there are so many different views on Christ’s coming that are now “acceptable”, the true teaching is often withheld.  That teaching is concerning the Pre-Tribulational Rapture of the Church which is his Body.

• • • Paul ends chapter 3 as well with the reference to the return of the Lord for his saints and the glory of that reunion:

• • Verse 13 — “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”: Blessings unlimited await us, but the glory is all his.  It is his work, not ours.  Building up the brethren was so important, and the fruit of the spirit (as represented here by love) was so crucial to that work of the Lord in them.  Amen. 

Application: 

• Is this encouraging?  How?
• Does it make a difference in our current time?  How?

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Gal. 5:4-11
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion [cometh] not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

What is “the offense of the cross”? Does chapter 6 and verse 13 help answer the question?   And, why has Paul now included circumcision in his teaching? Your thoughts?  

For Paul then, as the apostle of the Gentiles, so much was accomplished in the cross of Christ that we need to know and it all goes back to the death of Christ and how through that death for our sins the righteousness of Christ is available for those that believe that precious gospel.  And, if we possess this righteousness now by his grace, then how can adding works of law be a benefit?  Is that not just the opposite of a benefit?  Let’s see by looking forward into the next chapter:

Gal. 6:12-15

12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Col. 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Laws are stated in terms of requirements and prohibitions as Paul writes in Ephesians 2:

Eph. 2:11-16
11 Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

So, Galatians makes this clear and so relevant to our daily living.  Now that the Law is taken away, what is left to guard against human, fleshly desires?  Your thoughts?  Paul’s partial answer to the questions is found in these verses.  The more complete and detailed answer is found just afterward:

Gal. 5:13-14
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

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Gal. 5:13-14
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Love is the answer to this question: Now that the Law is taken away, what is left to guard against human, fleshly desires?  But do you understand how Paul’s teaching on love here begins to answer the question?  If not, you will begin to understand (I hope) the answer as we proceed with this chapter in today’s lesson.

Gal. 5:15-26
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Let’s now look at this section verse by verse.  May the Lord give us understanding from this critical teaching by the apostle Paul.

16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

• These are the most important verses in this chapter.  We must read them therefore very carefully.
  • Verse 16: An exhortation with the consequence given.  This is effectively a conditional promise.
  • Verse 17: This is meant to explain verse 16.  In other words, how can it be true that the strong desires of the flesh will not be fulfilled WHEN we walk in (or by) the spirit?  We all know the power of the flesh or sin nature that dwells within, don’t we?
  • Verse 18: This is a further explanation.  And it is important since it reminds us that we are no longer under the law and states that with great simplicity and power.  This will again be stated in verse 23.  In several weeks we should be able to leave Galatians behind and go to Romans chapter 7 where the effect of a legal or law-keeping mind-set is made very clear.  Gal. 5 and Rom. 7 go together to present the truth of the dynamic of the life of the believer today as God is working under grace.
• This is essentially an “if – then” statement.  It is not an exhortation to fight against the flesh with all of our power as is predominantly the teaching in the churches.  Most are teaching grace + law and grace abounding.  This is a different kind of statement altogether than might have been thought.
• Verse 17 provides the explanation of the truth expressed in Verse 16.  While one is “walking in the spirit” one has victory over the desires of the flesh.  How can this be?  This next verse explains this.  What does it say?
  • We have here a statement of the conditions IF one is walking in or by the spirit AND NOT OTHERWISE!
  • The spirit is mentioned.  It is the Holy Spirit that is referred to here.  It is not the human spirit, nor is it the new nature that every believer today does possess.  This is all about the power of the Holy Spirit that fights directly against the flesh — and the Holy Spirit IS effective!
  • The alternative to not walking in the spirit is dwelling under the power of the flesh.  When we are in the flesh or carnal the Holy Spirit works not against the flesh and its desires but instead he grieves against the believer’s own personal spirit.  That is very different.
  • The second part of this sentence describes the situation when we are walking in the spirit.  Then and only then we “cannot do the things that we would”, or, we are not able to fulfil the strong desires of the flesh — because of the Spirit’s victorious battle.  This is another, more explanatory way of saying what verse 16 has already said in so many words.

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• Hope.  This is what we all need.  Our purpose today is to provide that and to do so as the apostle Paul instructs us.  The specific area of hope we have been considering recently is regarding the Christian walk.  As you know, the law is set forth by so many as the way to “please” God and therefore obedience to the law is the highest virtue for a believer.  But Paul teaches otherwise.  And we have already seen that in his letters.  Galatians 5 will be no exception.  Twice he makes that clear in the verses before us.
• Hope. The scriptures are given that we might have hope.  Let’s proceed with our text for today.  We see there much good reason for our hope in God:

Gal. 5:16-26 

16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

• Let’s begin to look at this section beginning with verse 18: “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”  I am still myself amazed that Paul is so direct in passages such as this.  Why would Paul, when writing about the fruit of the spirit and the dynamic power God has provided to the believers living under grace, be so bold regarding the law?  Any ideas?
• The leading of the spirit is a great subject indeed.  There is such power in this leading by God present in every believer.  This is the resurrection power of Christ himself!  But how it is administered is up to God and not us.  The Galatians chapter 5 teaching is our “instruction manual” of how that works for us today.  Other very different instructions are found elsewhere in the Bible for different dispensational administrations (like for Moses Law as an example).
• Romans 8:14 also uses the same wording as Gal. 5:18:

Rom. 8:9-14
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

• What may we conclude from these teachings?
  • God is at work in the believer and the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer is ready and willing to perform that work for God’s glory and our blessing.
  •  We should have such great hope in God that this work will be done according to his plan and purpose.  Taking him at his word is most important as we have seen.
• A final question: Why in Galatians 5 does Paul not tell us exactly how to walk in the spirit?  Your thoughts.

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Let’s read again these verses where Paul teaches us some truths that are essential for our understanding.

Gal. 5:16-26 

16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Last time we especially focused on verse 18: “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”  

But now we have these two amazing lists given.  These lists are meant to be so compelling that the purpose of God for this letter of the apostle may be furthered:

The works of the flesh:

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

• Notice now the statement at the end of the list: “as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”  A parallel statement is in verse 23 after the listing of the various segments of the fruit of the spirit.
• Also, notice the words “such things”.  There is also a parallel in verse 23 using the word “such”.  Paul is speaking as we have mentioned before of two “realms” of living which are dramatically different.  Living (or “walking”, using the word used here) in the one realm is not like living in the other realm, for one is called “light” and the other is called “darkness” (see 1 Thess. 5:5).  
• So the lists are illustrative and are not to be taken legalistically as lists of required fruit or prohibited works.  Believers know the difference between these without being instructed further, right?
• Now notice the word “do”. There are two words in the Greek language to express this idea, this one and another one.  This one speaks of a life-dominating practice.  The other is about a specific act.  So Paul here is not saying if a believer commits an act of envy, for example, he is in fact a lost or unsaved person.  He is describing what the unbeliever’s life is like.  The life of the redeemed is dominated by “such like” as these.  We all know this for it is “manifest”.  Now, what about Paul’s reference here to “inheriting the kingdom of God”?  Why do you think Paul has included this?

The fruit of the spirit:

Gal 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

• Here again we see this word “such”: “against such there is no law.”  Again, this is a characterization of the life, in this case, the life of a believer.  While we know that there cannot be all of these manifested all of the time, we should know that we all still possess the old nature, the sin nature, and therefore all continue to bring forth the works of the flesh.  But the fruit of the spirit, Paul writes here, will surely describe the life of a believer.  What God wants is for the fruit to dominate and not the desires of the flesh.  Walking in the realm of the spirit is the way he describes here.  That is the work of God that we all as believers want so much, isn’t it?  Amen.
   
• Do we have hope of this for our lives?  May it be so.  What is God teaching us?  Are we learning what walking in the spirit is all about?  Are we?

1 Thess. 4:9  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

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Finishing our overview of Paul’s teaching in Galatians chapter 5, let’s read these three final verses:

Gal. 5:24-26
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections3 and lusts
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

So this exhortation is the final one here in this chapter.  Living fully and carefully is the order of the day for all of us.

Let’s look into Romans now and we will today begin in chapter 6.  In our first look we will simply introduce the highlights.  Our subject continues as before with that great question, “how then shall we live?”   Considering that the law has been set aside through Christ’s death and resurrection and his abundant gift of grace, what is the dynamic and power of this grace in which we live?  Paul answers that in Galatians and in Romans though his other letters also contain important teaching on this fundamental subject.  The final verses in chapter 5 relate directly to the beginning of chapter 6 so we will start there today. The most detailed teachings on this subject are in Galatians 5 and here in Romans, chapters 6 through 8. 

Rom. 5:20-21
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom. 6:1-14
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

• We are not under law but under grace.  Does that mean we may continue to live in the realm of sin as before our salvation?  Paul has written in chapter 5 that “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”.  Does that mean that we may indeed just go on in sin as before?  He answers the question with a strong “NO”!  
• A more detailed explanation begins in verses 3 & 4 and will continue beyond where we can go today.  Our identification with Christ is a fundamental reality that has changed the entire dynamic of living.  Our life now may be lived on the resurrection plane!  Amen.
• The image of baptism is now used, only this is not about water baptism clearly.  This is about baptism into Christ’s death!!  Let’s continue for now but we will need to come back here again in our further studies.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

• Paul uses an analogy from farming here, being “planted together”.  In this case, it is to further explain the baptism into Christ’s death just mentioned.  Seed are planted with the expectation of a full-grown plant in due time with fruit-bearing as the final objective.  And so it is here.  We are now living on a new and heavenly plane now as believers. And it is all with a quality of “resurrection”, even resurrection from the dead.
• The consequence of this is that our bondage, or slavery, to sin is now broken.  That power has been annulled (or, destroyed).  That bondage has been rendered powerless.  For we have been “justified” from sin.  We have been declared righteous.  This is great and powerful teaching indeed.

Let’s stop here and just take in this liberating teaching.  It is so wonderful and transforming to learn what has been accomplished in our redemption.  Christ paid it all and now the blessings of his death and resurrection are flowing.  And nothing can stop that flow for it will continue for all eternity.  Amen.

Your thoughts?

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Rom. 6:8-14
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Let’s look carefully at these verses.

Rom. 6:8-14
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

• Verse 8: “if we be dead with Christ … we shall also live with him”:
• Verse 9: “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him”:
• Verse 10: “… he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God”:
• Verse 11: “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord”:
  
• What is the teaching here?  Verse 8 has the words “with Christ”.  Are they important?  How?
• Verse 11 is an exhortation.  But it is not in a vacuum.  What is the exhortation based on?  How does knowing that help our understanding of what this “reckoning that counts” is all about?

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

• Verse 12: These verses are the rest of the exhortation, for it has several parts.  Remember what we have seen from chapter 5 verse 17 about reigning?  That is so different from this here.  The one is reigning in life”, the other is “reigning in sin [and death]”.
  • Our studies in Galatians chapter 5 are now so relevant.  What Paul is writing here is so meaningful, isn’t it?  We have seen the “lusts” mentioned here in the Galatians teaching.These lusts are the strong desires of Gal. 5:16 & 24:

“[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh … and they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

• Verses 13 & 14:  The exhortation continues here with a new word, the word “yield”, or, simply “present” —  “yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.”  Compare verses 13 & 14 with Gal. 5:16:

“yield yourselves unto God,… for sin shall not have dominion over you” (Romans)

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians)

• Paul is teaching here is that if we reckon correctly we may therefore present ourselves to God as resurrected from the death “together with Christ”, or, as he wrote in verse 8:“if we be dead with Christ … we shall also live with him”: This is a strong assertion that in fact we have died “with Christ”.  Since we have been counted by God to have been crucified with Christ, we also shall [eternally] live [by grace] with him!  What an encouraging teaching this is.
• Let’s finish with verse 14’s conclusion: “for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”  Gal. 5:18 & 23 also mention the law in the same way. The law was given, Paul writes in Rom. 3:20 that “…  by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.”  See Rom. 5:20 as well.
• The bottom line is this.  The realm of grace where we are now living is so completely “other”, so very different from the realm of law that the two go cannot be mixed together.  So the apostle keeps mentioning that since he knows that in his teachings the work of Christ in setting us sinners free from the law of sin and death has been completed.   If we were not truly free, we would still be bound by law and therefore also by the flesh.  Amen!

Such hope these teachings provide — if we will take God at his word through Paul. We have been set free and we are free indeed

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Let’s begin by re-reading the verses from last week’s study:

Rom. 6:8-14
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Today’s scripture is in the next chapter, chapter 7 of Romans.  Let’s now read that together:

Rom. 7:1-13
1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.
3 So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

• This is not about divorce and remarriage.  It is about remarrige after death of a spouse.  It is about Moses Law, of course, and what the Law’s demands requirements.  Why is Paul always, it seems, writing about the Law?  Well, again, we shall see as we proceed with this chapter.

4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter.

• Paul here makes it very clear again that Christ’s death and resurrection has brought into being a new creation and in that we are necessarily freed from the old bondage.  The Law that had bound us has therefore now been set aside.  It is no longer able to bind us.

7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

• Here Paul uses the word “know”.  The word for lust here speaks of strong desires that come from the fallen nature that still dwells in every person, saved or not.  The knowledge he writes about is a knowledge that the Jews did not possess when that law was given.  What was that knowledge?  Do these verses give us the answer?
• The specific law referred to here is the commandment “Thou shalt not covet . . .”  He writes that that commandment became for him an issue that was of overwhelming importance.  For in seeking to obey that law he found himself always falling short.  There was no way out!
• After becoming a believer, he had attempted to place himself back under that Law and now had an insurmountable obstacle to his new life in Christ.

8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead.
9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
10 And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death.
11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].

• The sin nature was stirred up by the law itself and so there was no deliverance from the bondage that the Law provided.

12 Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

• So God must have had a greater purpose in giving the Law to his people Israel, therefore.  And in fact that was true, for he did.
• What was that greater purpose?

Praise God for his unlimited grace.  Can we proclaim with Paul, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain?  The Law is set aside and we are no longer bound by it.

Verse 6: But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter.  

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We need to grasp the purpose of the Mosaic Law in the overall plan of God.  Paul explains that for us in Romans 7:

4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter
7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

• Here, as we saw last time we were together, Paul uses the word “know”.  The word “know” is found twice in verse 7. Each time it is a translation of a different word in the Greek original text.  The first occurrence is a word that means to know through experience, to perceive.  The second means to know with understanding, to grasp on to or even to see.  The second word emphasizes a fuller and more compete understanding that goes beyond experience.
• The word for lust here speaks of strong desires that come from the fallen nature that still dwells in every person, believers or not.
• So what is the intent of this verse then?  It is simply this: that the law through Moses brought a form of knowledge that otherwise one would not have had.  That is the knowledge of something far more important than knowing that we have sinned.  It is rather about the nature of sin within that had brought forth in us such works of evil and rebellion against God.  To see how that developed in the history of the nation of Israel, we can read all about it in the Old Testament book of Exodus, beginning in chapter 19.
  
• As we saw last time, the specific law Paul singled out here is the commandment “Thou shalt not covet.”  For Paul this was a commandment that came to have a special meaning for him personally for in seeking to obey that specific law he found himself falling short of the standard in a dramatic way.

Let’s continue in chapter 7 now for the apostle explains himself in detail here in these verses.  We looked at these verses last time but time did not spend much time there.

8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead.
9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
10 And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death.
11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].

12 Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

• It seems that after becoming a believer, Paul had tried to go back under that Law from which he had been set free through Christ’s redemptive work.  The point here is that our old nature sincerely desires to have a rule or law to live under.  We all know what that means, for it is at the heart of all human religion.  Rules of behavior usually lead to religious experience.
  
• So the Lord God had a greater purpose in giving the Law to his people Israel, than might have been known.   What was that greater purpose?

This teaching is so important.  Since the human nature (the fallen nature or sin nature) desires a rule book and seeks for such for its own hidden purposes (which we may consider in our next meeting), we need to be on our constant guard.  Under grace God is working primarily one-on-one as it were, not through institutions or organizations.  But we all would like to measure ourselves against a shared standard so that the issue for us may be dealt with communally.  But then it will be just like it was for the Jews:

Ex. 19:3-9
3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and [how] I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:
6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.

So they wanted a law because they believed they could keep it, if not perfectly, then well enough.  They were so arrogant before the Lord God.  So he gave them a law and it was quite a law indeed:

Ex. 20:17-21
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour’s.
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off.
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God [was].

See also Deuteronomy, chapters 6 and 8.  Obedience brings blessing while disobedience brings cursing and destruction.  And so it has been for Israel and the Jews.

But for us living under the abundance of grace, [you please may fill in the blank] ______________.

Rom. 10:1-5
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

What a contrast today for we are not under law but under grace.  What a difference.  Believers have a new life to live and an empowering that is from within.  Will we walk by faith and not by sight and enjoy him or will we go back under the bondage of some law or other and be again in bondage.  Sin and guilt are the consequence of that.  Joy and peace are the consequences of the former.

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Let’s begin today reading those blessed verses we have been studying for a while in Romans chapter 7:

Rom. 7:4-7, 12-13
4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter
7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet [or lust].
…
12 Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

So what is the apostle saying here?  To answer this question, we can look also at Romans 3:

Rom 3:20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

So what is the apostle saying?  Here in Romans 3 (and also in chapter 7 as well, of course) he is surely explaining why the law was given in the first place and that we confirmed in our last study by reading in Exodus.  He writes here that because one surely gains the full experiential knowledge if  sin through the law, it cannot be said that justification is possible by the works that the law commanded.  Therefore justification and salvation could never come “by the law”.  In other words, that was not God’s purpose in giving it.  For God’s purpose in giving it was that the children of Israel would come to know the depth of their sinfulness.  For that was what they were clearly lacking.  

Now, last time this is what I wrote:  “So the Lord God had a greater purpose in giving the Law to his people Israel, than might have been known.   What was that greater purpose?  This teaching is so important.  Since the human nature (the fallen nature or sin nature) desires a rule book and seeks for such for its own hidden purposes (which we may consider in our next meeting), we need to be on our constant guard.  Under grace God is working primarily one-on-one as it were, not through institutions or organizations.  But we all would like to measure ourselves against a shared standard so that the issue for us may be dealt with communally.  But then it will be just like it was for the Jews.”

We went then to Exodus to see how it was with the Jews.  And we saw that they were brought under condemnation by that very law that God had given.  So that law with its required works could never bring them a right standing before an Almighty and Holy God.  What could only do was condemn them.

It is the same today in that no law can bring us a standing before God.  But religion (even “Christian” religion) teaches otherwise because it never takes very seriously the terms and conditions imposed by that law.  It minimizes them enough to give us some hope of keeping them.  We are happy to do this with man’s laws and can often escape their penalties.  But not so with God’s?  God’s laws cannot be met by a sinner apart from some kind of empowering and that enabling is quite clearly not available today.

So the important question is this:  in the light of these clear teachings, where do we stand?  Let’s allow Paul to answer this question:

Rom. 3:28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

But then the critically important question follows:  How then shall we live?  And the answer to that is simple as well:

Gal. 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  Also see Rom. 1:17,  Gal. 3:11 & Heb. 10:38.

To live this way, however, one must start correctly.  That cannot be done religiously, one step at a time, trying harder to become what we assume we should be as a Christian.  This is not different at all from what popular religion teaches everywhere.  

Rather, one must start as God has determined, with a radical change of heart and mind as far as the things of God are concerned.  It comes down to simply taking God at his word, regarding his son and his finished work on Calvary’s cross — and then the glorious resurrection.  And then we can say with Paul, amen, and proceed from there to LIVE!

Gal. 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

For Paul the cross was everything.  What about us? How important is it to us?  To you?  To me?  Any testimonies?

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Gal. 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  

Gal. 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

For Paul, the cross with all that meant was at the very heart of his ministry.  Let’s read some special verses about that from his first letter to the Corinthians:

1 Cor. 1:17-31
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

• Why was Christ crucified a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to non-Jews (Greeks)?
• Who are the “called” that verses 24 and 26 refer to?
• What is “the foolishness of God” and what is “the weakness of God”?
• What would you rather be allied with, this weakness, and this foolishness or their alternatives?
• What are verses 27-29 all about?  Can you explain them in your own words?

1 Cor. 2:1-8
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit [or, nevertheless] we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

What do these words mean to you?  They are certainly worthy of much thought, aren’t they?  Consider them for our next study.  We will discuss them then.

 

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Glorying in the Cross

We will continue today with our previous studies in 1 Corinthians chapter 2:

1 Cor. 2:1-8
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit [or, nevertheless] we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

I underlined in the scripture above the sections and phrases and words I would like us to look at today…

1 Cor. 2, verse 1: And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

•  “excellency of speech or of wisdom“: This is worldly wisdom and skillful words from the schools (as Paul had learned when he was there in his youth.
•  “the testimony of God“: This the word of God as he had been taught by Christ himself.  Nothing more, nothing less.

1 Cor. 2, verse 2: … Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

• “… Jesus Christ, and him crucified“: The long promised one, God’s son, our Lord Jesus.  But that he would be crucified in weakness is what Paul preached — and that he was gloriously raised from the dead.  Praise God.

1 Cor. 2, verse 5: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

• “your faith”: Our faith must be based on the word preached.  The faith and our faith are pointless of not based on the revealed Word.
• “the wisdom of men”:
• “the power of God”:

Rom. 1:16-18
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

• This is so wonderful to know.  Even the power of God in Christ’s resurrection is effectively communicated to sinners through the preaching of this word of truth.  Is it precious enough to us that we are changed by it?  Is it powerful enough to accomplish that.  Any testimonies?

1 Cor. 2, verse 7: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory

• “the wisdom of God in a mystery“: The wisdom of God speaks of the plan of God and his working of that plan
• “which God ordained”: 
• “before the world”: Most distinctive and wonderful. 
  
• “unto our glory“: Even us, “our” glory!!

Rom. 11:33-36
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

1 Cor. 2, verse 8: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

• “none of the princes of this world knew“: Who are those “princes”?  Surely, this would include Pontius Pilate.  In this regard, remember that Pilate and other “rulers” (see Eph. 6:12) of this world were and are being manipulated by evil spiritual forces in the heavens, including at the top of “the long war against God” even satan himself.
  
• “for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory“:  This is a startling truth, really, and one that we need to consider well.  It seems that satan was so focused on the worship he was receiving from sinners, whether directly or indirectly, that if he had know the Christ’s death would break that bondage giving liberty to those so captured, he would have prevented our Lord’s sacrifice.  This is for our contemplation as there is more here than “meets the eye”, as it were.
  

Let’s finish today with these great verses:

Gal. 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Phil. 3:17-18
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

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Glorying in the Cross – Part 2

1 Cor. 2:1-8
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit [or, nevertheless] we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

It is so clear that our beloved Paul is writing here about something so great and so glorious that it not only might overwhelm us with its magnitude and majesty (and rightly it should), but even “the rulers of this world” are so confused and challenged by it that they will do anything in their power to silence it.

Here are the words again:

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Well, what is crystal clear is that we Gentiles living today under the administration of God’s abundant grace, are very, very special to our Lord God.  We are in the very center of his redemptive plan evan though we we never part of or connected to the Jews, to God’s own nation, Israel.  We will look at some verses about God’s plan for Israel later, but for now, let’s just content ourselves with what has been written (again, for we looked here before) about us.  For we are not as “grace” believers as others who have no hope and who are very much allied with “the rulers of this world”:

1 Cor. 1:27-31
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Cor. 7:31  And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

2 Cor. 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 Tim. 6:17   Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Now, on the contrary (for we are learning the Word Rightly Divided!) let’s consider from the Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament, what God has to say about Israel:

Christ as Coming King:

Gen. 49:8-12
8 Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.
9 Judah [is] a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Num. 24:15-19 [Balaam’s Prophecy]
15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, [which] saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open:
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

1 Sam. 2:7-10 [Hannah’s Song]
7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Yes, that is God’s plan, but Satan has a different idea, a different plan altogether…

Ps. 2:2-7
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Is. 9:6-7
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

And how will this finally come to conclusion?

 

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Glorying in the Cross – Part 3

Rev. 19:11-16
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

God has a plan for this world currently being managed by Satan and his servants.  We see them at work all around us, don’t we? But we are not part of that world.  We are separated from that by Almighty God.

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

To understand this, we need to take note that the key word here is “mystery”.  We must to do a study in contrasts which we will begin in this study.  Looking at the days preceding the Coming of the Lord according to prophecy, on the one hand (which we call the Second Coming), and according to the revelation of the mystery, on the other hand (which we call the Rapture), is most important.  We will see many differences, but since God can never “contradict” himself, another explanation is needed.  Let’s compare scripture with scripture as we have done before, most recently comparing (or contrasting) law and grace and works and faith. 

Let’s begin with the book of Revelation:

Rev. 1:1-8
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

This book, the last in the Bible, is about the visible return of the Lord.  It is all about the return of the Lord in judgment upon the earth.  The earth will be consumed at that time by unbelief as Satan works his evils to deceive unbelievers using lies and miracles.

We read about those days in many places in the gospels. and especially in Luke 21, Matthew 24 & 25 where the teaching concerning those troubled times is the main focus:

Matt. 24:11-24
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

We see nothing like this teaching in Paul’s letters.  Rather, instead of that, we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:

1 Thess. 5:9-11
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath [the time of trial coming on the earth], but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ [the Rapture of the Church],
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep [whether we are watching and waiting or not] we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

• So, we are to be comforted and rest in the Lord and in his always sufficient grace.  We are not to be looking for signs and miracles as many today are.
• Our hope is in the Lord and in his return to catch us up into heaven’s glory.  But is our hope truly in this or is it in something far different?  That may be hard to know, but how we face the daily challenges of life might give us the answer?

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Glorying in the Cross – Part 4

Rest.  That is a wonderful word, isn’t it?  We live in a world characterized by much unrest.  True rest from these trials of life is sought by many and attained by so few.  Why is that is a necessary question needing an answer.

But the answer should be clear.  We will look for the answer to that question in Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers in today’s study.

Phil. 4:1-9
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

• Teaching:
  • … whose names are in the book of life
• Application:
  • To have one’s name in this book!  Is ours there?

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

• Teaching:
  • “rejoice always … and again I say, rejoice…”
  • “Let your moderation [or reasonableness] be known unto all men.”
  • “The Lord [is] at hand [or near].”
  • “Be careful [full of care or anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God…”
• Application:
  • This is the exhortation, the request the Lord delivers to us in the light and knowledge of his unlimited grace.  We are to trust God for deliverance and not depend on  our own knowledge, skill, and resources. 
  • But it is more:  it is to rejoice, always, no matter what.  But if the Lord is near, how can we do this?  Your comments?

7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

• Teaching:
  • Now, what does the Lord promise?
    • “… And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  
    • This is an amazing promise, isn’t it?  Have you thought about what it means?  Your thoughts?
• Application:
  • This is the very promise of God!  Will we by faith take God at his word and cease in our own efforts to do what only God can accomplish?  Will we?

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

• Teaching:
  • There is a list of things here set before us as worthy of our attention.  There is also a reference to Paul’s own example and ministry to these believers.  What does he say the benefit of our positive response to his challenge will be?
  • Firstly, “… the peace of God” … and now “the God of peace shall be with you”.  What does this mean in your own words?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 5

Phil. 4:1-9
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

• Teaching:
  • There is something to be noticed here that is very important.  We see the peace “of” God referred to in verse 7 and then in verse 9 we see “the God of peace”.  You will also recall that great verse in Rom. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • There are clearly some differences here but what are they?
    • “… peace with God”:   
    • “… the peace of God”:
    • “and now “the God of peace shall be with you”.
  • Let’s look at some other verses:
    • “… peace with God”:
      • Rom. 5:1-5
        1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
        2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
        3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
        4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
        5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
    • “… the peace of God”:
      • Phil. 4:6-7
        6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
        7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
      • Col. 3:12-17
        12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
        13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.
        14 And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
        15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
        16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
        17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
        
    • “… the God of peace shall be with you”.
      • See our verse here in Philippians and also Rom. 15:33, 16:20, 1 Thess. 5:23, Heb. 13:20.  For example, 

Rom. 16:17-19, 25-27
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.
…
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

• Considering these and other scriptures, I propose that we see in Paul’s teachings a
  “simple progression”:
  1. Believers enter into the sphere of God’s grace in a personal way when they believe.  They have peace with God having been “justified by faith” or “declared righteous by faith” — Rom. 5:1.
  2. Then, in life, we have promises concerning how God wants to work in our lives by providing “his peace”.  He promises to do so if …  These blessings are conditional upon our entering into the life of grace.  For example, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” — Phil. 4:7.
  3. Finally, for those who are “mature” or “grown up” in these precious truths, there is the promise in our verse, Phil. 4:9 — “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
• The knowledge and conviction that these words are true gives us rest and many other blessings in this life.

DO YOU BELIEVE IT?  May it be so today and always.  Amen.

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Glorying in the Cross – Part 6 – The Strengthening of Our Faith

Heb. 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

• Faith is not a “feeling” and it is not in a vacuum since it is what makes hope a reality for us.

Rom. 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

• The “strengthening of our faith” must begin somewhere with a true hope, and not a worldly or “hope so” kind, but one based on the revealed truth of God in his Word.  Faith is built upon that authentic hope.  On what Word was Abraham’s faith based and what hope did that word provide?

Rom. 5:1-4
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope,
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

• The “strengthening of our faith” based on an enduring hope continues as God adds faith to our hope day by day.  Is this encouraging?  Any testimonies?

Rom. 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

• What does “save” mean here in this context?

Rom. 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

• How can the Old Testament give us hope today who are living under grace and not law?

Rom. 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

• What a glorious statement this is.  Agreed?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 7 – Positional Truth and Why It Makes Such a Difference

Positional Truth (or Truth concerning our Standing) is different from Conditional Truth (or Truth concerning our present and always variable State).  Positional Truth is based entirely upon the proclamation of God so it is true independently of our works or personal response to that truth.   Positional Truth is a statement of FACT therefore independent of our own response to that truth while Conditional Truth  demands our response for its fulfillment.

The truths of grace are often expressed in unconditional language while the truths of law, because they demand obedience to the legal standard are necessarily expressed in conditional terms.

I will explain this a little more that you might understand this contrast better:

Positional Truth:  Under grace, when we believe the gospel we have Christ’s righteousness imputed to our account, or, in other words, we are declared by God to be righteous in Christ,  “Positionally” we are righteous, and all of that was accomplished independently of our works.  That was accomplished for us solely based on our faith (which is not a work).  So we have been blessed according to the riches of God’s grace, that is a FACT which nothing in our experience can change or cancel.  The consequences of this are many, as we will see as we proceed.

So, under grace so much is already accomplished because it was all included in Christ’s death for our sins and in his glorious resurrection for our “justification”.  As believers we already therefore possess much of what has been secured through the Cross.  Much more remains that has been entirely secured for us already for the future and which will be provided at the Rapture and afterwards in heavenly glory.

But, based on those positional truths, we are nevertheless often exhorted in Paul’s letters to live our lives as believers should, as believers who have been saved by grace.  If we do then live like a believer should  we are promised even more spiritual blessing.  

But how different it would be if it were stated like this: Live like a believer should, and then, if you do this well enough, you will be accepted by God!  How different. 

Let’s look at some examples:

Positional Truth (Statement of Facts):

Gen. 15:5   And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Eph. 2:14  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

Col. 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Unconditional Truth (Facts) with an added exhortation (what I call a “gracious” exhortation):

Eph. 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

What is this saying?

What is this NOT saying?

Col. 3:1-5
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

What is this saying?

What is this NOT saying?

Col. 2:20-22
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

What is this saying?

What is this NOT saying?

Conditional Promises:

2 Cor. 13:11  Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. [this is about the special blessings to be gained by those fulfilling the conditions given.  But it is written to believers only (called “brethren” and so it is a gracious exhortation]

What is this saying?

What is this NOT saying?

I hope this helps clarify a most important distinction between unconditional truths and conditional truths and promises. 

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Glorying in the Cross – Part 8 – What Have We Learned About Unconditional Truth and Is It a Blessing?

Some Examples of Unconditional Truths (Facts) with added exhortations is where we will start today (what I call “gracious” exhortations):

Eph. 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

• THIS IS NOT WORDED THIS WAY BUT QUITE TO THE CONTRARY: Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, and then God for Christ’s sake shall forgive you.  The latter would mean in that case that the blessing of forgiveness would be dependent on our own “works”, not graciously provided.  God’s blessings then would be conditional , not unconditional.  Forgiveness by God would not be a certain reality —  but under grace it is sure to every believer being based entirely on the finished work of Christ.

Or, in one of our very favorite passages from Colossians:

Col. 3:1-5
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

• Verse 1 is a statement of fact (in Greek this is clearer than in English).  This is true for every believer living under grace.  We are all positioned in Christ in the heavenlies having been justified (declared righteous) by his grace.  His death and glorious resurrection accomplished this for us.  We are risen into the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, even now, even in our current circumstances!  Are we enjoying this blessedness by faith, that is the question?
• Verse 2 is an exhortation to us.  It tells us how we should live, in this case, how we should be thinking.  What about you, me, are we thinking properly today, this evening?
• Verses 3 & 4 are statements of fact with an associated unconditional promise.  What are the statements of present truth?  Of future promise?  Did you know that these are secured for us entirely and all by his grace?  Our works have nothing to do with this, you see.
• Verse 5 is another exhortation, based on the unconditional truths already stated. Notice the word “therefore”.  Why is that so important for us to take note of?

Is there great blessing in these words for us tonight?  Your thoughts?

Are we now ready to approach the topic before us for a while, Glorying in the Cross of Christ?  That is our privilege today under grace.  When we use the word “cross” in this way, what do we mean?  Let’s save this for next time we meet.  But you can be thinking about it.

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 9 

Today I want us to begin by reading Romans, chapter 6, verses 3 & 4:

Rom. 6:1-4
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Verse 3 starts with the words “know ye not”.  So this is something we should know well, something that Paul writes about as a spiritual “fact”.  This is something that has already been accomplished for all believers therefore. 

Earlier in this letter he gives much teaching concerning what have been the consequences of Christ’s death and more than in any other letter he gives the doctrine concerning Christ’s death and what was accomplished through that death.  And then there was the glorious resurrection! 

He writes about that in the last verses of chapter 4: 

Rom. 4:20-25
20 He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Abraham knew well that it was by faith alone that God had accepted him.  He was accepted by God apart from his sin.  Only his faith was needed.  Though the trials of life may very well take their toll and have an impact in us, even perhaps of unbelief, we must never concede our confidence in this great fact.  Our identification with Christ in the eyes of Almighty God is a reality that can never be destroyed, not even by Satan himself.

Next time I plan to continue from these verses in Rom. 6.  During the week let’s read them over and over and wait on the Lord for him to provide understanding.

Rom. 6:3-4
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

This is all about Truths that are Positional.  They are FACTS and our current life does not affect those facts.  It is all about Christ and what he accomplished for us in his death and resurrection.  And so it is all about how the Lord sees us considering that once and for all work on the Cross. He writes here that we were “baptized” with (“identified” with) Christ when he went to the cross and died there.  Our sins were placed upon him.  He died for them fully paying the penalty that they had incurred.  When he was raised from the dead we were also in him and now dwell in the realm of his resurrection life. 

Therefore, knowing this, we are empowered to live without the cares of this world.  Amen.  Shall we?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 10

Today we shall consider Our Hope, Our “Conversation” or “Citizenship”, and Our Life & Testimony.  Enjoy.

Empowered to live apart from the cares of this world.  This was how we ended last time, a week before the election.  So far, the election has not delivered what we had hope for and for wich we had prayed so fervently.  Certainly it has not been as Isaiah the prophet had predicted so long ago (which, by the way, has not been yet fulfilled and we know from Paul’s letters will not be fulfilled until after the Rapture of the Church and other prophetic teachings of God’s word.

But for Israel it is still future.

Is. 26:1-2
1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will [God] appoint [for] walls and bulwarks.
2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

Our Hope

Our Hope today is not based on the promises of prophecy, but on the revelation given by Paul.   We do not await the coming Kingdom.  We are already in a kingdom:

Col. 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Our promises provide for a sure and certain hope which is not founded on this world but on that which is to come.  Our hope is based on heavenly promises.  So, this life is a preparation for eternity and our citizenship, after all, is in heaven — NOT here on this earth earth.  But do we really believe that?

Eph. 2:11-22
11 Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Our “Conversation” or “Citizenship”

Phil. 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Phil. 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

What is next on our personal calendar?  And what then is our hope and what do we wait for with earnest expectation?  

Now, though, while we wait we are also privileged to be active for the Lord as well:

Our Life & Testimony

Rom. 6:3-4
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

1 Cor. 2:1-9
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

2 Cor. 1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Ah, Christ crucified, who after his death for our sins, in his resurrection made possible the  outpouring of his grace!  That is the testimony of God through Paul.  That preaching made the difference then and also makes it now, for each of us.

Well, we know therefore what the Testimony of God is all about, don’t we?  The princes of the world are blinded in their ignorance and rebellion and sought to destroy our Lord and continue to seek our destruction.  So has it been.   Nevertheless, we continue praying for God’s mercy on this nation that he has so long sustained, sometimes quite supernaturally. 

We wait on him who can also change the course of nations and of peoples.  Amen.  We do not know if he will save our republic now.  So, will we glory in the cross today?  If we do, we will surely be encouraged through what is ahead!

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 11

Citizenship, a very important word.  We are seeing the evidence of this every day in this nation founded upon principles of law and enshrined from the beginning on heavenly given liberties.  But our nation today is, it seems, nothing like what was founded constitutionally in 1789.  It is a mere shadow of that great nation that once was.  How true this statement is will be known soon enough as the clock ticks on towards the day of the “real” election, the day the electors chosen by the states of the union vote in our nations’ capitol.  There will be no absentee ballots then, no main-in ballots, no issues of voter-id or signature checking.  That election will be the one that makes the difference and will produce the true “president-elect”.  We pray and hope that it will not give us a person who is incompetent or ingrained with evil and godlessness.  We hope and pray.  But God’s will shall be done as he is in control now and always.

Phil. 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

“Conversation” = “Citizenship”:

Psa 50:23
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I shew the salvation of God.

2 Cor. 1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Gal. 1:13  For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Eph. 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Phil. 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

These all provide a good framework for understanding Phil. 3:20.

So, one’s conversation is one’s way of life, one’s visible AND invisible person, one’s very being and testimony.  Last time we spoke on the subject of testimony.  This was one scripture we referred to:

2 Cor. 1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Let’s think about this more carefully, phrase by phrase:

“For our rejoicing is this”: And what a fine foundation for rejoicing this is.  May we enjoy that too!

“… the testimony of our conscience”: Living a life in harmony with our conscience is of great value.

“… that in simplicity and godly sincerity”: It is simple but a matter of the heart — and godly!

“… not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God”: This contrast should be great in our minds.

“… we have had our conversation in the world”: Both inwardly and outwardly we are His!  Amen.

“… and more abundantly to you-ward: And the Corinthian believers knew full well the truth of this!

Concluding thoughts:

• Standing issues always are to be considered at least.  In courts of law …  Paul writes here concerning himself — but adds the believers in Corinth as well.  We know what they were from this letter.  Such boldness, such power.  This was the power of God through his word.  Amen.

2 Cor. 1:13-15
13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; [He was so confident!]
14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. [Such hope he claimed for them all, so very confident he was.  Are we?]
15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit. [And what a benefit that would have been for them.  And for us now, it is the same.  How great the benefit!]

Phil. 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 12

Last time:

Phil. 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Today, let’s look at the rest of chapter 3 of Philippians.  Verse 20 is the last verse in the chapter.  But what has gone before?  As we look at these verses I have selected,  I want to  hopefully find a personal application to our own lives.

Phil. 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Where is our confidence?  Are we worshipping God?  In the spirit?  Are we rejoicing?  in whom?

Phil. 3:7  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Is this true of us?  Honestly, is it?  If not, why not?  What can be done about it?

Phil. 3:9-10
9  … that I may be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death

“That I may know him …”: Is this our desire?  What is the reason Paul added these additional phrases here to this verse?  If this is the desire of our hearts, how might this change our lives?

Phil. 3:17-18
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Do these verses answer the previous question?  Can you share what it means to be “a follower” of Paul?  But what about Christ?  Aren’t we supposed to follow him?

Phil. 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

And now, the final verse that completes the thought:

Phil. 3:21  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

How does this final verse complete the thought of our verse 20?

What about our current day here in our nation?  What should our hopes be considering what is happening day by day?

1 Tim. 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 13

We as believers are faced daily with challenges to our faith.  Some of them are great and strike at the very core of our beings.   Some are physical.  Some are spiritual.  Some are political … Think of the plan of God as it develops from age to age and generation to generation.  There were 400 years from the time of the last prophet God gave Israel until John was baptizing in the wilderness announcing the coming of the Lord Jesus.  400 years. That is how long our nation has been in existence counting from Plymouth Rock, 1620.

Then, 20 years after Christ’s death and resurrection Saul of Tarsus, renamed Paul, was called into his ministry as apostle of the Gentiles.  He ministered faithfully in several missionary journeys for about 15 years, until, in prison in Rome awaiting his execution under Emperor Nero, he wrote is final letter, his second letter to Timothy. 

2 Tim. 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

2 Tim. 4:16-17
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

1 Tim. 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain …

… EVEN IN THE FACE OF THE VERY GREATEST OF LIFE’S CHALLENGES!  DO YOU BELIEVE IT?

2 Tim. 2:19-21
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

2 Tim. 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2 Tim. 3:12-14
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];

2 Tim. 4:1-8
1 I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

ARE WE LOVING HIS APPEARING? 

That is all important.  Enjoy the Lord, all.

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 14

Is. 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. [THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS WOULD SHINE FORTH WITH GOD’S PERFECT TIMING!]

Is. 9:6-7 [THE CHILD WOULD BE BORN IN DUE TIME BUT SO MUCH MORE WAS IN THE WORD GIVEN BY THE PROPHET]
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. 

So the history was written — in advance.  Now, looking back nearly 2000 years, when we examine history we see much of this prophecy STILL UNFULFILLED.  SO THE GRAND QUESTION IS “WHY?”

Gal. 4:3-5
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

THE ANSWER: BECAUSE GOD HAD A PLAN FOR US GENTILES.  AND IT IS A POWERFUL AND PRECIOUS PLAN, AND ONE THAT WE MUST KNOW AND RECEIVE BY FAITH:

Gal. 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

1 Cor. 1:17  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1 Cor. 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

SO THERE IS A RADICAL AND FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE THAT HAS OCCURRED:

Col. 1:12-14
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

AND THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES FOR OUR LIVES!  FOR NOW WE ARE CITIZENS OF ANOTHER REALM, A HEAVENLY.

Gal. 6:12-14
12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Phil. 3:17-20
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

MY, THIS IS STRONG LANGUAGE.  ENEMIES OF THE CROSS.  WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN THAT, TO BE JUDGED AS AN “ENEMY OF THE CROSS”. 

PAUL HERE IN EFFECT IS EXHORTING ALL OF US TO VERY CAREFULLY “FOLLOW” OR “IMITATE” THE APOSTLE PAUL… AND, OF COURSE, IN SO DOING, TO “LOOK FOR THE SAVIOR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST”.  HE IS COMING AND WILL BE CALLING…  WILL IT BE SOON?

ENJOY !

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 15

THE CROSS HAS MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR SINNERS.  I WANT US TO CONSIDER THAT FURTHER TODAY.

SUCH A RADICAL AND FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE HAS OCCURRED, PAUL WRITES HERE:  

So our possession of redemption and forgiveness are based entirely on what has already occurred at the cross.  There are no demands made upon us then by Almighty God regarding our salvation!!  This is so encouraging since the Christian faith comes down  ultimately to just this — our faith!

But the human heart wants it to be otherwise, wants our eternal salvation to be based rather on our works! 

Gal. 6:12-14
12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

This is the key verse for our study tonight.  Paul writes here that we must conclude that our “conversation”, our way of life, is already secured “in heaven” and that there are many consequences of this not the least of which is that our relationship to the world has been changed dramatically.  One cannot, in God’s reckoning, be a citizen in two different realms.  Our citizenship is in heaven and not here on this earth.  Let’s live accordingly.  Otherwise our hope may be in the “seen” rather than in the “unseen”.  Those things which are “seen” are passing away.  That is so clear now, isnt it?

Resting in our savior’s love for us sinners, who has accomplished all of this at the cross, gives us the hope that endures the trials, sufferings, and losses of this life. 

1 Cor 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 

Washington, D.C. is not where our hope should be focused.

2 Cor. 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

God is not finished yet with this world.  If he were, things would not look like they do today.  But the faces are that the very power of God has been communicated to us through the gospel and its preaching, the preaching of the cross.  So the consequences of God’s power working in us (against every enemy’s attack no matter how great), gives us everything needed for the living of this life.

The political situation in this country is no match for the work of God in the hearts of so many. Those in the world still are blinded to the truth of grace.  It is in fact foolishness to them.  But to us who are saved it is the power of God.  But its testimony now and always will surely require broken vessels through whom the Lord can and will work.  It has always been so. 

Finally, let’s read from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.  It should encourage us for the times ahead.  I believe great persecution of the saints of God is ahead.  Surely that is true for Israel and the Jews as prophecy makes clear.  It is perhaps also true for us as Paul had written in his letters:

2 Cor. 4:1-13
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.

Modern day “book burnings” are already occurring in our nearly totally digital world.  What may be next?   What will our next challenges be?  History could tell us what weapons the enemy has used before, but in the end satan’s strategy never wins.  It is always to shut down the preaching and teaching of the word of God.  So expect that to begin with.  Will that be called “hate speech”?  It already is!

BE BOLD IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION.   REDEEM THE TIME.  SPEAK THE TRUTH OFTEN.    AND THE MOST IMPORTANT TRUTH THAT CAN BE KNOWN IS ABOUT THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

THE ENEMY WANTS TO SILENCE US AND THAT MESSAGE.  DON’T ALLOW HIM TO STEAL THE DAYS OR OUR  JOY!

2 Tim. 4:7-8
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 16

For a while we have looked at Paul’s teaching on the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ and have learned that through the power of the cross we have been removed from this world into a heavenly realm. Our citizenship is therefore heavenly.  There are no dual citizenships with Almighty God.  This is seen on every page of his letters.  For example,

Gal. 6:14, 17
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
…
17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Paul in his service for Christ suffered so much for the sake of the gospel.  Really, nothing was more important.  And so did the saints of God.  Of that we can be sure. But,nevertheless,

1 Cor. 1:18-31
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

The preaching of the cross, that is what Paul had in the center spotlight here and it is clear from what he writes here that it is that which is the central focus of his life and ministry.  Today I want us to gain some more understanding as to why for Paul that was so very, very important.  In so doing we also may see why it is so important to us.

2 Tim. 3:12-17
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus

Be encouraged.  Our redemption draws near.

1 Tim. 6:6-8
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 17 – “Hope Against Hope”

What is our only and sure hope in this life?

2 Cor. 4:1-7
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

• True hope and enduring hope can only be based on the Truth of God.  Everything else is passing away.

1 Cor. 15:10-19
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore whether [it were] I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

• Often Paul writes words that stop us in our tracks and these are that sort, aren’t they?  “If in this life only …?  What does he mean here?  Your thoughts?

1 Cor. 15:32  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

• What common belief does Paul refute here?

So what is our hope and what is our joy of rejoicing?  Or what should it be?

1 Tim. 6:6-8
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 18 – “Our Hope of Resurrection and the Difference It  Makes”

Last time: What is our only and sure hope in this life?

2 Cor. 4:1-7
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

• True hope and enduring hope can only be based on the Truth of God.  Everything else is passing away.

1 Cor. 15:10-19
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore whether [it were] I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

• Some had believed that resurrection was only to be taken “spiritually” and not physically…  But Christ was risen and that was a proven fact.  And he was raised both spiritually AND PHYSICALLY!  So if resurrection was the hope of the young Christian faith, then physical resurrection and an eternal life in the presence of our Lord Jesus was yet ahead for all.  For Paul that was the greatest of motivators.

1 Cor. 15:32  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

1 Cor. 15:51-58
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?
56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.
57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Let’s discuss this and its meaning for us today.  For we also “wrestle with beasts”, don’t we?  Or if not, we may soon be called into the ring.  These are dark times and maybe they are even getting darker.  We shall see.  Time will tell what the Lord will do with this nation.

Some questions:

• Are we like Thomas was, unwilling to believe that the Lord has been gloriously raised from the dead and is the author of eternal life for all of us
  
• Will we believe the Lord when he says he is coming again and will catch us up into heaven’s glory at the appointed time?
• If we have believed, will it make the difference when times get tough?

 

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 19 – “Our Hope of Resurrection and the Difference It  Makes – Part 2″

Last time we read these verses:

1 Cor. 15:55-58
55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?
56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.
57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

So, Paul exhorts us who believe, based on our hope of eternal life, not to be concerned about many of the challenges of this life that may very well have overwhelmed us or may be now pushing us beyond our limits.  

He writes often about this subject, but I know his readers have not always grasped his meaning so they have not responded to his exhortation.  We may be there also, not quite grasping fully his meaning and not able to respond fully to his exhortation.  He writes about this in Romans too and I find these verse from chapter 6 helpful.  They are very direct and to the point and directly say that these daily challenges in all of our lives are in fact matters of life and death.

Rom. 6:1-2
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

…

Rom. 6:8-14
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Now some questions:

• Paul here draws some conclusions based on some facts.  Those facts he expects us to know well.  From them he draws his conclusions and exhorts us accordingly.  What are those facts?  What conclusions does he draw?
• What is the central issue of Paul’s writing in these chapters?
• Why is “sin” so dominating in Paul’s writings?  He uses the word that he uses a lot (175 times it is found in the New Testament and for the most part that is in Paul’s letters).   Your thoughts?
• What is Paul’s central exhortation here?  Have we truly responded to his exhortation?  If not, why not?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 20 – “Resurrection“

Last time we read these verses:

1 Cor. 15:55-58
55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?
56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.
57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Death, of course comes to all, apart from our Lord Jesus Christ, that is:  

Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Rom. 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

But God …

The central message of the New Testament is that death, contrary to pagan religion and philosophy, is in truth NOT the end of the story for mankind.  Paul states it in simplicity and power this way:

1 Cor. 15:17-21

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

It is a simple truth, yes, but it is life transforming for those that believe it.  Paul dedicated his life to the risen Lord Jesus and to the message of hope revealed to him on the road to Damascus so long ago.  And that message is securely founded on the glories of the cross.  For death could not hold him once he had paid the penalty for all of our sins.

Rom. 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

And, the best part of the story, at least for today, for right now, this moment, is that this hope for the future changes us moment by moment.  Its power is that great:

Rom. 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 21 – “Resurrection Unto Life“

Rom. 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

“Reign in life”:  These are wonderful words. 

To whom is Paul writing?  Surely they were not all of the Roman royalty.  More likely, many of them were poor, downtrodden, and perhaps even worse, like Paul will be eventually, prisoners of Rome.   So how can Paul write words like this to them?  He opens his letter with something helpful for our understanding.

Rom. 1:7:   To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul was a “called” apostle (see Rom. 1:1) and he is writing to “called”, separated ones.  Apart from this teaching, how could we know anything about this?  That we are “called” is most blessed truth, isn’t it?

Some scripture for our pleasure:

Rom. 1:5. By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Rom. 1:10-11
10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

Rom. 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Eph. 1:15-23
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

QUESTION: What world would you rather live in?  The heavenly one of which we have been freely given membership — with an eternal hope, or that other one, without God and without hope here, in this world (Eph. 2:12)?  Your thoughts?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 22 – “Not Seeing Yet Believing“

Rom. 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Consider Martin Luther in 1510 as a pilgrim on his knees ascending the “holy steps” in Rome.  But he could not forget those verses and especially these words: “the just shall live by faith”.  Today we will look a little closer at these words and their meaning to each of us personally.

Eph. 1:15-23
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

What do these verses mean and are they relevant to our lives?  How do they apply?  Your thoughts?  How may God answer Paul’s prayers for the saints?

John 20:24-31
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

What was the problem that this disciple had?  How was it resolved?  And was the solution by works of righteousness or by faith?

So the challenge of living for us saints is this:  to rest in what God has already done and has promised to do in his timing, and to leave the rest aside IF it challenges our peace and joy.  But so often we do just the opposite, don’t we?

Tit. 3:4-7

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Oh joy, that we are here this evening learning even more of the wonders of his grace.  Oh joy!

Amen.

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 23 – “Believing and Living“

Tit. 3:4-7

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

My, my.  such words are these.  Or these:  

Rom. 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ’s resurrection has changed everything and knowing Christ’s resurrection power should change everything for us personally.  But has it?  Really, has it?  Remember back when as Paul wrote in Tit. 3:4-7 everything changed for us.  Do you remember that day?  That hour?

Rom. 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Note that this is a future tense.  That is interesting.  Also the first part of the sentence is a past tense, “death reigned”.  I think that helps us understand the nature of Paul’s statement here.  It is an exhortation but an implied one.  Reigning is promised for all eternity.  So what about now?

2 Cor. 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Let’s discuss this very important truth.  We are empowered to and therefore CAN REIGN in life, by one, Jesus Christ.  Our risen savior DOES make all the difference.  Do you agree?  If we say it SHOULD but DOESN’T, what are we really saying?

What is the place of faith in our lives?   We have received grace and its abundance.  Will that change today?  Tomorrow?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 24A – “Faith in the Midst of Trouble“

There are many troubles in one’s life and this is a reality for all, whether believers or unbelievers.  The challenge for us as God’s children is how to live the abundant life that has been provided without compromise, enjoying the fullness of God’s provision.  Since the apostle Paul is presented to us as our example, it is always helpful to consider the apostle Paul’s life and ministry.  His life was a life of many challenges.  How he responded to them is the important question I would like us to consider today.  Of course, the answer is rather simple as written (by Paul) in Hebrews, chapter 1:

Heb. 11:1-4

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Near the very end of his life, just before he was martyred under Emperor Nero, he wrote these words:

2 Tim. 4:1-4

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

What does this say about his faith? 

The news of our day is dark and seemingly getting even darker.  Hopes appear to be so often dashed, our plans are interrupted, perhaps our lives and livelihoods may be threatened.  Nevertheless, we should always remember Paul’s words there in his final letter.

What explains Paul’s confidence through all of those humanly overwhelming circumstances?  How could he possibly endure them all without doubting and the threat of immanent spiritual collapse?  He answers all of these questions in 2 Cor. 4:

2 Cor. 4:1-14

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

Paul’s heart and mind were focused squarely on the promises of God!    Did that make a difference?  He had the 116th Psalm on his mind, probably because he had David in mind with all his trials as Saul continued to seek to take his life:

Ps. 116:1-13

1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.

12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

We would do well also to have this Psalm in mind, wouldn’t we?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 24 – “Faith in the Midst of Trouble“

There are many troubles in one’s life and this is a reality for all, whether believers or unbelievers.  The challenge for us as God’s children is how to live the abundant life that has been provided without compromise, enjoying the fullness of God’s provision.  Since the apostle Paul is presented to us as our example, it is always helpful to consider the apostle Paul’s life and ministry.  His life was a life of many challenges.  How he responded to them is the important question I would like us to consider today.  Of course, the answer is rather simple as written (by Paul) in Hebrews, chapter 1:

Heb. 11:1-4

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Near the very end of his life, just before he was martyred under Emperor Nero, he wrote these words:

2 Tim. 4:1-4

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

What does this say about his faith? 

The news of our day is dark and seemingly getting even darker.  Hopes appear to be so often dashed, our plans are interrupted, perhaps our lives and livelihoods may be threatened.  Nevertheless, we should always remember Paul’s words there in his final letter.

What explains Paul’s confidence through all of those humanly overwhelming circumstances?  How could he possibly endure them all without doubting and the threat of immanent spiritual collapse?  He answers all of these questions in 2 Cor. 4:

2 Cor. 4:1-14

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

Paul’s heart and mind were focused squarely on the promises of God!    Did that make a difference?  He had the 116th Psalm on his mind, probably because he had David in mind with all his trials as Saul continued to seek to take his life:

Ps. 116:1-13

1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.

12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

We would do well also to have this Psalm in mind, wouldn’t we?

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Our Study Today: Glorying in the Cross – Part 25 – “Faith — Hope — Patience”

Heb. 11:1-6

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Then, the cycle of instruction in Romans 5 and 2 Tim. 3:

Rom. 5:1-5

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

2 Tim. 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Back to Heb. 11:1

• “Faith is the title deed of things hoped for …”, as one translator worded it, seems very good to me.  Let’s talk about deeds for a moment.  What is a deed and what is it for?  Why do we value it so highly that we put it in a safe deposit box at the bank in town?  How does our faith relate to our hope then?  And what difference does it make in life, really?
• “evidence of things not seen”:  “Evidence” = proof (or reproof, as in 2 Tim. 3:16, referring to the conscience) or, “conviction”.

A final verse for today, for the night draws near this time of year, is this:

         Rom. 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

The question we need to ask in closing then is this:  if faith is what converts our hope to a title deed we can take to the bank (as the Word of God reveals it to our spirits, not just any hope, of course), “then do we with patience wait for its fulfillment”?  Or, do we not?

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 1: ‘To Live AND to Die — Christ’”

Heb. 2:14-15

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Our Reading:

Phil. 1:1-21

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

—

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

—

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

—

10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

—

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

—

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

—

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Our Theme: “To Live AND to Die — Christ” [Comment on Patrick Henry’s speech and also on the New Hampshire state motto and some other states as well]

• There remains a question of very great magnitude set before us all.  It is the question of “how shall we die?”  And, there is necessarily another question of some magnitude and importance as well and it is this:  “How shall we live?”  And, my theme this evening will focus on the common ground between those two questions — “To Live AND to Die — Christ”.The glory of what Paul has written here is so evident and clear.  To live and to die, all for his eternal glory, yes, but also for our gain!  This is simplicity indeed, but the details may seem quite challenging to us as we are always caught between two (or more) such goals at the same time.  But they are not mutually exclusive so that it must be one or the other.  Paul writes here in this first chapter that the two must be one and as we go through the letter to the Philippians we will see the truth of that unfold gloriously.

• Verses 19 & 20 include a very critical piece of the dynamic, as it were, of how our Christian lives should be lived.  For the Lord God has provided a special empowering that enabled Paul to endure all things for the sake of our Lord Jesus.  AND HE HAS ENABLED US SIMILARLY, I DO BELIEVE!  Let us now look at what he has written here (and try to think of this as those Philippian believers must have thought of it so long ago as they heard this letter read to them again and again.

Introduction:

THE RESURRECTED CHRIST AND HIS LIFE are the central theme of Paul’s letters.  There are so many places where he highlights this dynamic resource and the blessings of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ dwelling within each of us. He has become “a life-giving spirit” and lives his life in each of us who know him.  

• Grace Reigned in the Apostle Paul, an Essential Part of His Testimony:

Phil. 1:6-7

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

1. • Paul was so confident in his risen Lord Jesus.  Are we?  Would we be so bold as to write a personal letter like this one? 

1. • What was the foundation of Paul’s hope that transformed this man into what he had become?

• • The apostle’s concern for the Philippians was in the very “heart of Jesus Christ” and he had an empowering of the Lord as well which was worthy of proclamation.

Phil. 1:8  For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ …

• • • Well, as we have seen already so clearly in our studies in Philippians, this word in verse 8 is central to Paul’s message.  So often translated “bowels” in the KJV, Paul intends in our contemporary English  “inner affections” or “tender mercies”.  We all have experienced these and I am sure you know what I mean.  But Paul is using this word here to even refer to the “heart” of our Lord Jesus Christ toward his own dear children! 

Phil. 1:12  But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 

He has been imprisoned. in Rome but all is not lost in any important way, amazingly — but how would we feel if it were us?

Phil. 1:19   For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

• • There is much depth of meaning here as we took note of last time.  What Paul writes of is an empowering (and I believe this to be quite personal and also common to all believers).  It also is new to this particular dispensational plan so focused on his unlimited grace.  It is remarkably different from the previous plans or even the future Kingdom in the detailed ways in which the Lord is working according to that grace of which we read so much in Paul’s letters.

• • Paul’s confidence here is probably due to his apostleship and the special work of God in him.  He had been taught much about that by the ascended Christ Jesus and had taught the Philippians also, it seems.  He does not need to explain himself here in this practical exhortation and has already taught doctrinally.  So this is the apostle taking note I think of something they already knew but needed to be reminded of and so he writes here in such bold and certain terms.

• Paul’s Desire Was to Glorify Christ in All Things:

Phil. 1:20-21:

20a According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed 

• • Both of these together, “earnest expectation and [my] hope”, might seem unusual.  But they relate to the same thought that, lit. “with outstretched neck” and a Biblical hope based as always on the word of God Almighty, the apostle “knew”, verse 19, that he would be delivered from the current crisis.  Whether living or not …

20b but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also 

• • Paul’s example for us includes his boldness (lit. “all-speaking”).  This word signifies simplicity, transparency before the Lord.  In other words, not leaving anything out!  We think of boldness as a mannerism today but in ancient NT Greek it was, it seems, somewhat different in its meaning.

20c Christ shall be magnified in my body, 

• • Such confidence Paul expresses here, that even in his “body” Christ would be magnified!  But wasn’t that one area the false teachers had been especially highlighting as despicable?  After all, Paul suffered from an eye malady that was not pleasant to see and affected his eyesight greatly.  So this statement here has significance beyond what it might seem at first glance.

So physical infirmities, with all that that may mean for these “earthen tents” we are confined by in this life, can never prevent the Lord God from executing his plan in and through us.  What a comfort it should be to know that!

20d whether [it be] by life, or by death.

• • Whether in living or in dying.  Here he widens the focus considerably.  He in effect says, look at my entire “living” or life and even my “dying” and you will see Christ magnified, Christ glorified.  And now to summarize it in slightly different wording:

21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

• • This is the key verse in this section.  He already wrote about the final destination in verse 6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ”.  So this characterizes what he writes here.  Whether he lives or dies Christ is his focus and at the center of his life.  And so he should be for us as well.  But there is more here for there are several dimensions to his thinking here, I am sure.  

• • So, having given up everything in this world for the sake of Christ and his gospel [and apparently his wife had died as well.  I wonder if that were in childbirth as he never mentions children.  So, he claims, he had nothing to live for, nothing in his daily walk of consequence in comparison with Christ and how he might gloriously use him.  Paul’s focus therefore is on glorifying Christ for he recognizes how God is in total control of his life.  Therefore life (and death, when it comes) is all about what God is doing.

• • And then, finally, he has used the word “boldness” in the previous verse and used it in a particularly “strong” way: “with all boldness, as always, [so] now also”.  Note that he does not say here that he is bold for Christ only in his “speaking”.  He makes it clear that he is also bold for Christ in his “living”.  And so it would also be in his “dying” if that would be God’s will, God’s perfect will for him.  However, it is, he writes, and, “in my body” Christ will be magnified.  Amen.To live AND to die, not to live OR die.  “For me to live IS Christ AND to die is gain.”  The two go together necessarily in Paul’s mind and they should in ours as well.  So, to conclude, he writes here in chapter 1 that we should as believers be living to die and to die in living.  Due to the indwelling Christ and his incomparable and unlimited grace, they have come together as one.

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — How Was Paul Motivated?‘

Our Theme Last Time: “To Live AND to Die — Christ”

• There is a question of very great magnitude set before us all.  It is the question of “how shall we die.”  And, then as we saw last time I led here at Berea there is another question of equally great magnitude and importance as well:  “How shall we live.”  In the opening to Paul’s letter to the Philippians, as we have seen, Paul is offering himself as an example of the risen Christ himself, the risen Christ who dwells today in the temple of God which is not a building in Jerusalem (or Rome), but our own hearts.The glory of what Paul has written here is so evident and clear.  To live and to die, all for his eternal glory, yes, but also for our own gain!  This is simplicity indeed, but the details of it are unquestionably challenging we risk missing altogether the full teaching of this letter.
• How does Paul open this letter:  He writes concerning himself several things, you will recall:

Phil. 1:6-8

6 … Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

• It is essential for our knowledge what is written here, or the apostle would not have written this at the beginning of his letter to the Philippians.  He goes on: 

Phil. 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. [And then, he adds even more …]

Phil. 1:20-21  According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

• So we see here that Paul’s Desire Was to Glorify Christ in All Things, even if his death were next on the divine calendar, as it were.  Whether in living or in dying, he writes: Here he widens the focus considerably.  He in effect says, look closely at my entire “living” or life and even my “dying” and you will see Christ magnified, Christ glorified.  This is so different from what we would ask of others, isn’t it?  How is it different? 

• So that is about Paul.  But what about the Philippian believers?  What about us?  

Phil. 1:29-30

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.

• To summarize this great statement it is clear that the apostle was “consumed” by the “race” he was on which he calls here also a “conflict” or “agony” at the end of the chapter.  This is not to say his heart was improperly focused or that his ministry had a negative aspect at all, but rather that he had a consuming passion in life and the Philippians were central to that passion.
• How Was Paul Motivated ‘To Live AND to Die?  

Our Outline Today:

• Christ’s Glorious Incarnation: in Philippians 2 verses 5 though 11 and all in the context of living and dying in Christ Jesus as chapter 1 defined it, the apostle sets forth his own way or pattern of thinking as the example for the brethren.  His outline is this:

• • The Preview: Two Women and Their Conflict in the Philippian Church
  • The Role of the Mind: Our New life Privilege is to Live as Those That Have Died, and Are Risen Again 
  • The Exhortation: Christ’s “Mind” Should Be Theirs (and Ours) 
  • The Question: What Was Christ’s “Mind” in Leaving Heaven’s Glory? 
  • The Capstone Teaching: Through His Incarnation & Sacrifice All Enemies Shall Be Defeated!

• So he exhorts and then explains so that the believers will be encouraged to follow or imitate him.  If we know how Paul was motivated, and we have his example for us revealed on nearly every page of his letters, then we are in a position to live the life that he lived.  That is his teaching.  And isn’t it a wonderful thing to have an example, even a mentor?

The Preview: Two Women and Their Conflict in the Philippian Church:

[READ   ] Phil. 4:1-4

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

• So the problem addressed here was clear.  Two women were at odds with one another and the conflict was overshadowing the ministry of the truth there.  Paul heard of it and writes this letter to address it.  You can easily see how relevant therefore this letter is to current circumstances in our lives.

The Role of the Mind: Our New life Privilege is to Live as Those That Have Died, and Are Risen Again:

• So Paul wrote here in chapter 4 of this letter.  But why has he written in this manner?  Let’s review and also get the larger picture.

[READ   ] Phil. 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

[READ   ] Phil. 2:1-2

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

• The word “mind” in its verbal form – is used often by Paul in particular, in Romans 10 times.  But here in Philippians, it is used even more often, 11 times.  Understanding Paul’s use of the word is fundamental if we would comprehend his concern for the Philippian church and for those believers he so dearly loved.  In fact, though he undoubtedly had several reasons for writing that letter, a primary reason had to do with the conflict between two women.  May it be a blessing to understand that better and may we be blessed as the apostle had hoped they in that church would be as they grasped the significance of what is written here. 

The Exhortation: Christ’s “Mind” Should Be Theirs (and Ours): 

• Continuing now in chapter 2 where we left off …

[READ   ] Phil. 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

• Earlier here the apostle had already used this word that he used here, translated “mind”.  The word so often in Romans and Philippians but is used rarely elsewhere.  In 1:7 it was used of Paul’s heartfelt attitude toward the Philippian believers, then here in verse 2 it is translated “being … of one mind”.  But here in our verses for today the apostle further develops his central theme in this letter regarding the mind and the living out of the Christian life.  And like a bolt of lightning coming out of nowhere, he now in verse 5 writes this: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus!!So simply put, sharing in the “mind” of Christ is our opportunity.  And, yes, Paul is our example. But what is he really saying here, that is the question. As Paul wrote in many scriptures, he himself is our example of the heavenly Christ:  “to follow, to imitate” him therefore is our privilege AND responsibility.  See 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:7, 9; 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Heb. 2:14; 5:1; 6:12.

• So we are to follow or imitate Paul, having the same “mind”, and in so doing that, also to imitate Christ Jesus.  Surely this is among one of the greatest of all subjects for our study in all of the Bible.

The Question: What Was Christ’s “Mind” as He Exhorts Us Here?

• This is all about Christ’s “mind”.  But in what sense?  What specifically is the apostle referring to here?  Let’s read the passage and consider what is written.  Let’s consider this carefully in order that we might not skip past the profound truth expressed here and also miss therefore Paul’s point altogether.  What a shame that would be.

[READ   ] Phil. 2:6-8

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

• We see that the background of all of this takes us back in “time” to a “moment” in heaven before the incarnation had been accomplished:  We must read in Heb. 10 (which quotes Ps. 40) to see the context of that:

[READ   ] Heb. 10:5-10

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

6 In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 

8 Above [not meaning in the above verse, but above in heaven] when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; 

9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

• So like a lightning bolt Paul refers back to this event in pre-history here in Philippians 2:5ff.  But what is the “will” referred to in Heb. 10:9-10 by these words: “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.  By [the] which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]?”

It is the will mentioned in Ps. 40:8, the will of God as exemplified we read in the coordinated will of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ps. 40:8 “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.”

• So we now know what the “mind” of Christ was referring to here.  BUT DO WE COMPREHEND THE FULL DIMENSIONS AND MAGNITUDE OF IT? 
  

[READ Phil:2:6-8]  [Now we see the seven degrees of humiliation of the Son of God in detail set before us]

6 Who, being [originally] in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation (1)

and took upon him the form of a servant (2)

and was made in the likeness of men (3)

8 And being found in fashion as a man (4) 

he humbled himself (5) 

and became obedient unto death (6)

even the death of the cross (7)

• So verses 7 & 8 give us an in depth insight into exactly what was involved here when Christ recognized in heaven’s glory that it was now “the appointed time”, even “the fullness of time” to bring to pass that which was written.  And his “mind” was set on exactly that, the incarnation with everything that that would mean.As we see written here, he knew all that it would mean because it had been already well established in eternity past, farbefore the actual creation of the universe, of Lucifer and the angelic host, of then Adam and Eve, and what came after that.  All this was known from before the foundation of the world.All this had already been agreed upon between the members of the Holy Trinity.  But now the execution of the plan came into clear vision.  It was now the occasion of ACTING out that plan.

• Now, recognizing the gravity of what our Lord undertook as stated here, we must stand in awe of it and grasp to comprehend its full meaning as it relates directly to us, as the apostle defines this challenge here.  That we must share in this mind or we will surely be missing what is most important in this life — the living out of newness of life in Christ Jesus.  Amen.  BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!!

The Capstone Teaching: Through His Incarnation & Sacrifice All Enemies Shall Be Defeated!

[READ   ] Phil. 2:9-11

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;

11 And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

• Here we have the great and general statement of Christ’s victory over all his enemies.  It is a summary.  All of it will be based on Christ’s work on the cross for our sins but there is more when we consider satan’s enemies.  There is much truth here and elsewhere that Christ’s death goes beyond the redemption of sinners since also the entire creation will be delivered and satan and his emissaries will be brought to full justice in God’s due time.

Application: 

What does this revelation here mean to you, to me?  Is the fact of this truth as stated here enough to motivate us (and enough to motivate Euodias and Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord)? Or is this not particularly relevant to us today in our so-called “post-Christian”, “post-modern” even world and culture?

What would Paul say if you asked him this today?  What would Euodias and Syntyche say if they were here today?  What song will they be singing throughout eternity?  What song will we sing?

IS THE EXALTED CHRIST JESUS SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER HAVING OFFERED HIMSELF “ONCE FOR ALL”, AND THEREBY WAITING FOR THE RIGHT TIME TO CALL US TO HIMSELF IN HEAVEN’S GLORY – IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ENOUGH?  

ARE WE WILLING TO CAST OFF BONDAGE OF TEMPORAL AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE TO LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHARING HIS MINDSET?  ARE WE WILLING TO LIVE AS THOSE ALWAYS DYING TOGETHER WITH CHRIST THEREBY SHARING IN HIS RESURRECTION GLORY EVEN NOW?  ARE WE WILLING TO “LET THIS MIND[SET] BE IN US THAT WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS?  IT WAS ENOUGH FOR PAUL.  WHAT ABOUT US?

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Dwelling in the Realm of Christ’s Victory With His Victory Becoming Ours

Last time, we were looking at some verses in Philippians 2 that could be considered more than life-transforming.  There was an exhortation just before them in verse 5.  Let’s read them tonight as we begin our study:

Phil. 2:5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Phil. 2:6-11

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

• Verse 5 is the exhortation with verses 6-11 explaining the justification for it and what follows in verses 12-18 where I would like us to focus this evening. What Paul is saying, in summary, is that Christ’s finished work JUSTIFIES the radically different lifestyle that he will now be addressing in this letter.  Christ’s final victory over all enemies is assured by his finished work on Calvary.  So that mind-set which was his is now to be ours.  And if it is, then the life ahead SHOULD BE VERY DIFFERENT from what it would have been otherwise.  Let consider what he has written here to grasp on to this truth:

Phil. 2:12-18

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Working Out One’s Salvation …

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

• This may seem to be an impossible request considering that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works of our own, even by “works of righteousness which we have done”.  And that is true.  So Paul is writing about something else then, right?  The key to understanding is in the words “work out”.  But nothing can be worked out which has not already been worked in!  The next verse explains it fully:

God Working Within …

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

• This is a statement of how God is working under grace.  We have as believers a new nature and also possess the Holy Spirit as a constant help.  God’s grace is always sufficient, even here as we are encouraged to live in a transformed way by His strength, not ours.  And now the details follow:

Doing All Things …

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

• There is so much here summarized in a few words.  All by themselves, they would so powerfully summarize our entire lives as believers.  We are not religious people seeking something better — we are a “new creation” just waiting to be revealed to all that seem to be congregating around us!  But there is more that Paul wants to say to explain such momentous truth…

Holding Forth the Word …

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

• Again, there is so much important truth here in just these 26 words (but only 17 words in the original Greek)!   Paul will rejoice at the Judgment Seat of Christ ESPECIALLY IF THEY AND WE ARE IN FACE LIGHTS IN THE WORLD AND ARE THOSE WHO “HOLD FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE”.  We surely should be exhorted concerning this, shouldn’t we.
• This is a present active participle.  It is important to see that.  This specifies the realm of life that the apostle is describing here.  This is ALWAYS TO BE TRUE OF US WHO ARE REDEEMED AND IN PROCESS OF BEING TOTALLY TRANSFORMED INTO THE VERY IMAGE OF HIS SON!  But this is not all either, for he is now singing a glorious song in his words here and wants us to do the same together with him:

Rejoicing …

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

• Will we sing together with Paul?  Will we?

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Rejoicing, Of Good Comfort, Blessed by God’s Servants and Their Good Care

Phil. 2:17-30

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

—

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

—

24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

—

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Great Rejoicing in Our Suffering for the Brethren

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me

• Even sacrificing one’s life is cause for great rejoicing for the one offered and for the ones for whom the sacrifice is made.  The practical consequences of this are many.

Standing Out of the Pack, of Good Comfort

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

• Many do not serve the Lord honorably, but there are always some that do.  Timothy is an example to follow as was his mentor, Paul.  We really should not assume that this will be many.  But the Lord will provide what he determines according to our needs as he sees them.  In the Body Church, mutual ministry is the goal.

Blessed by God’s Servants

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

• Paul sacrificed fellowship and his beloved co-worker for the sake of others.  The cause here of his decision may seem very minor, but for him, it was enough. There are many lessons here too!  How much we may be willing to sacrifice for the sake of others is related directly to our trust in the Lord as it was also for Paul, our example in service —  and sacrifice. 

And Their Good Care

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

• Mutual comfort and mutual rejoicing is the norm in the Body church — without it functioning there can be no mutual growth.

2 Cor. 1:2-7

2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

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Having No Confidence in the Flesh (Phil. 3:3)

Phil. 3:1-10

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

• Verse 3 — “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit“: 
  • This is the ultimate put down for Jews who are trusting in their Jewishness for standing with God.  The true circumcision, the one that counts, is of the spirit.  Paul proves that he is sincere about this in the following verses …
• Verse 4 — “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh”: The apostle was, in the flesh, qualified above all others, for he had the best pedigree and the greatest of educations.
• Verse 7 — “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ”:  In comparison to the blessing of Christ, those human qualifications were as nothing at all.  He willingly left them behind.
• Verse 8 — “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things”: What does Paul mean when he writes here that counts all things but loss?
• Verse 9 — “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ”: When might this occur, when might he be found in him?  What about us?  Do we have this hope?
• Verse 10 — “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death”: Our final question today:  What is his death as it is mentioned here?

We have been called into the fellowship of his sufferings.  We are truth-bearers.  We are torch-bearers.  We are fellow soldiers.  This is a heavenly calling, not an earthly one.  And as such, we should have no confidence in the flesh.  Amen?

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Our Greatest Need as Believers

What is our greatest need as believers, I ask today?  What is it?

Last time we stopped at Phil. 3:10:  “That I may [get to] know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death”

We have been called into the fellowship of his sufferings for a grand and godly purpose.  But this is a heavenly calling, not an earthly one, and so we would be wise to consider what this means.  Surely, as such a people (and I am speaking of the Body of Christ, that exalted and heavenly organism with Christ himself as head of its members), we should have no confidence in the flesh.  Correct?  That is a good starting point, but it is not the final destination.  But it is good to at least begin.

Knowing Christ, Phil. 3:10, “AND …” is how it is written.  So “following Christ as he was in his earthly ministry, for example, becoming a “member of a ‘church'”. etc. may be unrelated (or perhaps even contrary) to what the apostle writes here.

Who were Paul’s expected readers?  Shoemakers, tent makers, candlemakers, clothing makers, blacksmiths, merchants, sailors, farmers, shepherds, ordinary men, ordinary women and their children …  Remember Lydia.  Her house church was the first Paul and Silas visited after they left their jail cell!

Knowing God, the only wise God, and his son Jesus Christ — that was Paul’s heart’s desire for these dear ones in Philippi.  It was his desire for us as well.

But how do we “get to know him”?  This is always a big question.  Many books are written about this but we may read them all and never come to a knowledge of him.  How can that be, that we might NOT BE  “ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”?

Rom. 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Act. 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

How well do we know him?

Eph. 1:16-20

16 I Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places …

Clearly, then, it is through this word of truth that he is writing here that one may know him — with the help and empowering of the spirit.  The resurrected Christ is the “life-giving spirit” as 1 Cor. 15:45 says.  Take that to heart!

Phil. 3:10 “… to get to know Christ, even the power of his resurrection”, this should be our passion then, right?   See also 2 Cor 5:16-19 & 2 Tim. 3:1-10 which are also so relevant.

May these portions of God’s Word of Truth of Grace and Truth be a great blessing to you as you seek to know him better!

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Our Greatest Need as Believers, Part 2

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Our Greatest Need as Believers, Part 4

We continue today with these special verses in Philippians chapter 3.  Our central focus today will be in verse 11 but as I said last time, the context is very important and we should review that first.  Let’s read them again to begin.  

Phil. 3:11-14

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We only have time today to look at the keywords here which are these:

“attained” … “apprehend” = “running to or from, as for example during persecution”

“perfect” = “reaching the goal sought after”

“follow after” … “press” = “fully grasp onto”

This is all about Paul’s life as an ongoing pursuit using racing analogies.  So the verses before and after this set the context for this paricular verse and restrict the realm of possible meanings accordingly. What is Paul’s main subject here in this section?

In verses 7 – 10? Let’s reread these:

Phil. 3:7-10

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

And we just read those following verse 11.  The context, therefore, surrounding verse 11, whether before or after, is in the present, not the future.  Yes, Paul is looking forward but he is writing about an ongoing and continuous (he hopes and prays) experience or process of “getting to know” Christ better and better.  In other words, he is stating what the life of a believer should always be like.  Let’s look at the verses again.

Verse 8 – present tense.  Verse 9 – present tense.  Verse 10 – present tense. 

Verses 12 – 14, all present tenses.

And to conclude, verse 11 in the middle of all of these wonderful statements, is that also not present tense in its meaning, “if by any [meaning some] means I might attain [meaning now or at least in the near future] unto the resurrection of the dead”?

Now regarding “the resurrection of the dead” … What this word means is “standing out and apart from” .  Resurrection in itself means to stand up, but this means “to stand up and apart from” the others that it says here are “dead”.  This is an additional word given to us in the same area of truth as verses 7 – 10.  So that helps us to understand it.  Paul mentions resurrection in verse 10 so verse 11 must be consistent with the teaching there.  So it is all present tense including this our “out from among the others resurrection”, out  from those not entering into Christ’s present working in us according to his abundant grace.”

We need to apply this to our lives now.  Will we?

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Pressing Towards Perfection, Our Goal as Believers

Let’s read these verses together as we begin today:

Phil. 3:9-17

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

“Perfect”, is the word we read here in both verses 12 and 15.  In verse 12 Paul writes that he has not attained perfection yet.  But in verse 15 he implies that he and others ARE PERFECT already!

What is he saying here?  The verse 12 reference is about relative perfection or spiritual maturity here taken in an absolute sense.  He is using racing and sports analogies where no one can reach perfection beyond which there can be no more improvements.  Getting. to know Christ better can have no finishing point in this life.

But in verse 15 the meaning. is different.  There he is referring those who like himself agree on the only basis of true spirituality as verse 3 states so powerfully:

Phil. 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Verse 15 is a very hopeful and forward-looking way to say that if we agree on that notion of spirituality (which not all in the group did as the rest of the chapter makes so clear), then let’s keep running the race with unity of thought and purpose and hopefully the ones that think differently will soon realize their error.

Verse 16 Let us not regress or abandon the race!  Let us all continue who know where true spirituality and maturity lies, in Christ Jesus, with all the benefits of the spirit having abandoned all the demands of the flesh.  Amen.

Verse 17  Wonderful!  But we must save it until next time.  It goes with those last verses anyway.  “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” 

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Pressing Towards Perfection, Our Goal as Believers — Part 2

Today we reach the last verses in chapter 3 and they are wonderful indeed!  Let’s read verses 14-17:

Phil. 3:14-17

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

This gives us a strongly implied distinction between those that love Paul and his teaching and therefore choose to follow or imitate him and those that do not.

There are many other references to this critically important subject such as these:

2 Thess. 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2 Thess. 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

1 Cor. 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Cor. 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.

Phil. 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

But when we now reach the last verses in the chapter we find probably the strongest condemnation of any group in Paul’s writings.  All those that refuse the Pauline message are included in this group because they so dramatically oppose all that “following” Paul stands for.   Let’s read them:

Phil. 3:18-21

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

• What are these verses actually saying?
  • “… many walk …”: This may truly mean “many” and not necessarily “all”.
  • “… they are the enemies of the cross of Christ…”: They stand in their doctrine and teaching against the teachings of Paul regarding the cross of Christ and its true meaning and purpose.
  • “… whose end is destruction …”: Paul’s conviction is that for these false teachers there is little hope in this life, for God is against them!
  • “… for our conversation (way of life) is in heaven …”: In great contrast, those who are Pauline in their faith and life have “God FOR them!”
  • “… from whence we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ …”: This is our hope and expectation, but it cannot be theirs, he writes so clearly here.
  • “… Who,
    • “shall change”: This is a promise!
    • “our vile body”: Literally, this means the body of our humbleness
    • “that it may be fashioned …”: “made to be just like”
    • “unto his glorious body”: “we will be like him in his resurrection, physically”!
    • “according to the working …”: “This transformation will be one part of his completed work — but a critical part indeed”.
• Some Questions:
  
  • Very great contrasts are described here between the followers or imitators of Paul compared to the ones that would not do so.  What does that mean for us today?
  • The enemies of the Cross of Christ were significant in Paul’s day.  What about today?  Is it the same today?  Why?  Or, why not?
  • What is an enemy of the cross?  Why does Paul paint this threat in such bold strokes?
  • What does Paul write there about the enemies of the cross?  What are they like really?  Is this always obvious or may they be hidden and not so clearly identifiable as he has described?  Do they even know that they are enemies of the cross?
  • How can we know who the enemies are in our own day?

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Rejoicing in Christ Jesus, Our Goal for Every Day and Hour

Phil. 4:1-9

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

In this final chapter of this letter, the apostle summarizes what has gone before here in chapters 1 – 3.  If all he has written before is as stated in those chapters, then it should make a difference in the lives of those who have believed in Christ (and also have believed what he has written here in this letter).  The final exhortation in chapter 3 sets the stage:  

Phil. 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Please keep that in mind as we discuss these verses using some questions to guide our thinking:

1. In verse 1, who is being addressed specifically?  What about verse 2?  And verse 3?  Where might we fit in to what Paul has written here?
2. What is verse 4 about?  How broad in scope is that request?
3. Verses 5 & 6 explain further Paul’s heart’s desire for the Philippian believers.  Do we understand what he is saying here?  Have we experienced this in our daily lives?  Is there anything in those verses that seems unusual?
4. Verse 7 has these words “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall …”  Is this stating that there is a conditional here?  If so, what is it?
5. What is the promise of God here in your own words?  Have you experienced that peace?  What were the circumstances of that?
6. Verse 8 is a general exhortation and includes so much.  Would it be encouraging or discouraging for the Philippian believers to read that the apostle expects this of them?  What about us?
7. Finally, verse 9 complements 3:17 and verse 7 here, doesn’t it?  What in verse 9 stands out to you as most important?

Have these verses in chapter 4 been an encouragement to you today?  How specifically?

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On Being Content — Paul Is Our Example

Phil. 4:10-13

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

• Why does Paul say here that he was rejoicing?  What is his situation?  Do you remember?
• Whatever his circumstances were, he was contented nevertheless.  This may seem amazing to us.  Paul’s example for us is important and we need to take seriously what he has written here. But do we understand what he has written?  What does it mean in your own words?  What should we be keeping in mind when our lives are difficult? 
• How does Christ strengthen us specifically?

Phil. 4:14-17

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

• What kind of “communication” is he referring to here?

Phil. 4:18-19

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

• I love these verses, don’t you?  How can he write this being bound to a soldier?

Phil. 4:20-23

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

• His final words here are amazing in several ways.  Does chapter one give us further details about why his rejoicing may have been special in this case?
• Do we rejoice in the same ways Paul did?
• His letters generally end with the thought we find here (and often with the same words).  Do we end letters (or emails) like Paul did?  Should we? 

Amen.

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 1, Overview: ‘To Live AND to Die — Christ’”

Heb. 2:14-15

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

THERE IS A DEEP AND DEFINING DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SAVED AND THE LOST, ISN’T THERE?  AS WE HAVE STUDIED PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS WE HAVE SEEN THIS DIFFERENCE AS IT WAS HIGHLIGHTED ON EVERY PAGE.  

In chapter 1: Paul’s exceedingly great confidence in Christ and his abiding and eternal blessing is set forth as his example for all.

In chapter 2: Paul here provides the believers in Phillipi (and us as well) with God’s solution to every human problem: thinking like Christ thought when he entered into the world!  Try it, he writes, for it makes all the difference.

In chapter 3: Beware, he writes here in this chapter, of the many false teachers.  They teach differently than Paul does and resist his example, an example of living and teaching certified by Christ himself.

In chapter 4: Both the peace of God and the God of peace are offered to all those that would imitate Paul, their apostle and ours.  He promises in this chapter that Christ will provide his strength and sufficiency to all that will take him at his word.  Amen and amen.

Let’s look more carefully now at this first chapter:

Our Reading:

Phil. 1:1-21

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

—

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

—

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

—

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

—

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

—

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

—

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

—

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Paul’s confidence is in Christ, not in the things of this life, no matter how pleasant or how unpleasant they may be.  More, this conviction of heart, mind, soul and spirit is as he writes here: To Live AND to Die Is Christ”.

• There remains a question of very great magnitude set before us all.  Paul exhorts us all through the Philippians to consider well how we are living in the light of this otherwise dominating fact:  dying is in our future, whether near or far.  It is the question of “how shall we die?”  And, there is necessarily another question of some magnitude and importance as well and it is this:  “How shall we live?”  And, my theme this evening will focus on the common ground between those two questions — “To Live AND to Die, only Christ”.  Paul writes here in this first chapter that the two must be one and as we go through the letter to the Philippians we will see the truth of that unfold gloriously.

• Verses 19 & 20 include a very critical piece of the dynamic, as it were, of how our Christian lives should be lived.  For the Lord God has provided a special empowering that enabled Paul to endure all things for the sake of our Lord Jesus.  AND HE HAS ENABLED US SIMILARLY, I DO BELIEVE!  Let us now look at what he has written here (and try to think of this as those Philippian believers must have thought of it so long ago as they heard this letter read to them again and again.

For in this letter we are caused to see that CHRIST IS ALIVE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD AND THAT THE RESURRECTED CHRIST AND HIS LIFE are the central theme of Paul’s letters AND SHOULD ALSO THEREFORE BE THE CENTRAL THEME OF OUR LIVES.  There are so many places where he highlights this dynamic resource and the blessings of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ dwelling within each of us. He has become “a life-giving spirit” and lives his life in each of us who know him.  

• Grace Reigned in the Apostle Paul, an Essential Part of His Testimony:

Phil. 1:6-7

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

1. • Paul was so confident in his risen Lord Jesus.  Are we?  Would we be so bold as to write a personal letter like this one?

1. • What was the foundation of Paul’s hope that transformed this man into what he had become?

• • The apostle’s concern for the Philippians was in the very “heart of Jesus Christ” and he had an empowering of the Lord as well which was worthy of proclamation.

Phil. 1:12  But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 

He has been imprisoned. in Rome but all is not lost in any important way, amazingly — but how would we feel if it were us?

Phil. 1:19   For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

• • There is much depth of meaning here as we took note of last time.  What Paul writes of is an empowering (and I believe this to be quite personal and also common to all believers).  It also is new to this particular dispensational plan so focused on his unlimited grace.  It is remarkably different from the previous plans or even the future Kingdom in the detailed ways in which the Lord is working according to that grace of which we read so much in Paul’s letters.

• • Paul’s confidence here is probably due to his apostleship and the special work of God in him.  He had been taught much about that by the ascended Christ Jesus and had taught the Philippians also, it seems.  He does not need to explain himself here in this practical exhortation and has already taught doctrinally.  So this is the apostle taking note I think of something they already knew but needed to be reminded of and so he writes here in such bold and certain terms.

• Paul’s Desire Was to Glorify Christ in All Things:

Phil. 1:20-21:

20a According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed

• • Both of these together, “earnest expectation and [my] hope”, might seem unusual.  But they relate to the same thought that, lit. “with outstretched neck” and a Biblical hope based as always on the word of God Almighty, the apostle “knew”, verse 19, that he would be delivered from the current crisis.  Whether living or not …

20b but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also

• • Paul’s example for us includes his boldness (lit. “all-speaking”).  This word signifies simplicity, and transparency before the Lord.  In other words, not leaving anything out!  We think of boldness as a mannerism today but in ancient NT Greek, it was, it seems, somewhat different in its meaning.

20c Christ shall be magnified in my body,

• • Such confidence Paul expresses here, that even in his “body” Christ would be magnified!  But wasn’t that one area the false teachers had been especially highlighting as despicable?  After all, Paul suffered from an eye malady that was not pleasant to see and affected his eyesight greatly.  So this statement here has significance beyond what it might seem at first glance.

So physical infirmities, with all that that may mean for these “earthen tents” we are so limited by in this life, can never prevent the Lord God from executing his plan in and through us.  What a comfort it should be to know that!

20d whether [it be] by life, or by death.

• • Whether in living or in dying…  Here he widens the focus considerably.  He in effect says, look at my entire “living” or life and even my “dying” and you will see Christ magnified, Christ glorified.  And now to summarize it in slightly different wording:

21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

• • This is the key verse in this section.  He already wrote about the final destination in verse 6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ”.  So this characterizes what he writes here.  Whether he lives or dies Christ is his focus and at the center of his life.  And so he should be for us as well.  But there is more here for there are several dimensions to his thinking here, I am sure. 

• • So, having given up everything in this world for the sake of Christ and his gospel [and apparently his wife had died as well.  I wonder if that were in childbirth as he never mentions children.  So, he claims, he had nothing to live for, nothing in his daily walk of consequence in comparison with Christ and how he might gloriously use him.  Paul’s focus therefore is on glorifying Christ for he recognizes how God is in total control of his life.  Therefore life (and death, when it comes) is all about what God is doing.

• • And then, finally, he has used the word “boldness” in the previous verse and used it in a particularly “strong” way: “with all boldness, as always, [so] now also”.  Note that he does not say here that he is bold for Christ only in his “speaking”.  He makes it clear that he is also bold for Christ in his “living”.  And so it would also be in his “dying” if that would be God’s will, God’s perfect will for him.  However, it is, he writes, and, “in my body” Christ will be magnified.  Amen.To live AND to die, not to live OR die.  “For me to live IS Christ AND to die is gain.”  The two go together necessarily in Paul’s mind and they should in ours as well.  So, to conclude, he writes here in chapter 1 that we should as believers be living to die and to die in living.  Due to the indwelling Christ and his incomparable and unlimited grace, they have come together as one, PRAISE GOD!

• Let’s read what his final words were as we close our study today.  They contain his exhortation for us who live under the wealth of his always abundant grace.

 

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 2, Overview: ‘To Live AND to Die — Christ’”

Our Theme Verse: Heb. 2:14-15

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Some review:

21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

• This is the key verse in this section.  He already wrote about the final destination for believers in verse 6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ”.  So this characterizes what he writes here.  Whether he lives or dies Christ is his focus and at the center of his life.  And so he should be for us as well.  But there is more here for there are several dimensions to his thinking here, I am sure. 

• Paul uses the word “boldness” here and it is particularly “strong”: “with all boldness, as always, [so] now also”.  Note that he does not say here that he is bold for Christ only in his “speaking”.  He makes it clear that he is also bold for Christ in his “living”.  And so it would also be in his “dying” if that would be God’s will, God’s perfect will for him.  However, it is, he writes, and, “in my body” Christ will be magnified.  Amen. “To live AND to die, not to live OR die.  “For me to live IS Christ AND to die is gain.”  The two go together necessarily in Paul’s mind and they should in ours as well.  So, to conclude, he writes here in chapter 1 that we should as believers be living to die and to die in living.  Due to the indwelling Christ and his incomparable and unlimited grace, they have come together as one.  Beautiful and powerful, both are found here.
  

• As we close the chapter,  his exhortation for us who live under the wealth of his always abundant grace is made so transparently clear:

Phil. 1:27-30

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Does anything stand out here that we should discuss?

And now we go into chapter 2 but remember, there are no chapter divisions here really.  The teaching just before should be kept in mind now as we continue:

Phil. 2:1-13

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Is there something here that stands out?  What is it?  There are several possible answers to my question and all would be equally correct.  In Colossians Paul users the same language:

Col. 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Does this strike a chord in us?  If so, how?  If not, why perhaps has it not?  Your thoughts?

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Here is the heart of Paul’s teaching in the letter and it is enough for us to spend a lifetime on.  But he continues:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This was the Lord’s purpose in a nutshell for his coming into this sin-cursed world.  The event of verse 10 has not yet occurred.  But the promise is given by Paul here and also by other scripture writers.  

Now the question for us is this:  What does this mean to us personally?  Does it make a difference?  Is it transforming?  In a typical Pauline way he in this very letter and chapter answers those questions next:

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

This exhortation follows based on what has gone before …

Encouragement!  Do we have it?  Do these verses accomplish their God-ordained purpose?  If we have been encouraged in our walk of faith, how should we share that with others?

Your thoughts?

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 2, Overview: ‘To Live AND to Die — Christ’, Continued”

Phil. 2:12-18

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

• In verses 12 & 13 we see how important it is to see that believers are the instruments of Almighty God to bring forth fruit.  God has already worked in them for their salvation and now wants to work through them to bring the blessing of God to the rest of humanity.  But how does he want to do that?  Your thoughts?
• Verses 14 – 16 tell us what our “commission” involves, namely, that we be “lights in the world”.  He says in verse 15 that the world (and the nation) is “crooked and perverse” but that we are to be “blameless and harmless” and “lights” in that darkness of sin and rebellion.  It is a light and dark, black and white contrast that he paints here, not different shades of gray.  But do we see it that way?  Often we do not and that is a problem.  Our compromises limit our effectiveness as the sons of God but to be bold with the truth does have consequences we may like to avoid.  Paul himself is the example of that as verse 17 hints.  Even death, he writes, was a distinct probability.

 

• What do these verses mean to you, to me?  Do we see it all the way Paul did?  If not, why not?  Have we forgotten what he wrote in chapter 1?  In verse 21 he sets the stage for all our lives as believers, remember?  Phil. 1:21 — “For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.”  Have we taken this to heart? It does make all the difference.  If not, then we will be merely religious in our zeal to transform the dark world all around us into something we believers think would be better, using only worldly techniques.
  Without the truth as a foundation, everything is sinking sand. What side do we want to be on regarding the rewards at the Rapture?
• Amen?

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 2, Ending: “The Spiritual Power in Personal Relationships”

• Paul, Their (and Our) Example in Chief — Verses 14-18
• Timothy, My Dear Son in the Faith — Verses 19-24
• Epaphroditus, Your Shining Star in Ministry — Verses 25-30
  

Paul, Their (and Our) Example in Chief:

Phil. 2:14-18

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

• Who were some of the greatest examples in your life?
• Is the apostle Paul influential in your life, in mine?  Is he our example?

Timothy, My Dear Son in the Faith:

Phil. 2:19-24

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

• What does verse 20 mean to you?  Do verses 21 & 22 help us understand that statement?
• Is there any application of this to ourselves that makes this relevant to us today?

Epaphroditus, Your Shining Star in Ministry:

Phil. 2:25-30

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

• What is the main reason Paul has written the verses we have studied in this lesson?
• Is the teaching here powerful enough for us personally that we are blessed through this portion of God’s Word?  In what ways were you blessed?

Amen?

Phil. 4:23, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. ¶ It was written to the Philippians from Rome, by Epaphroditus.

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 3: “Shades of Gray or the Call of a Trumpet”

In Phil. 3:1-21 we find the greatest of contrasts stated here and at the center of it all is God’s magnificent work of the spirit in believers.

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

• He writes here very much as if so many promoting the “Christian” message and life are truly false teachers.  How can this be?  What is your response?
• But verse 3 has such a simple yet powerful summary of the entire truth concerning what God is doing today under grace in the lives of his people.  Here until the end of the chapter Paul is explaining the absolute distinction between the flesh and the spirit.  We would do well to receive this teaching since it is such a fundamental one and cuts to the heart of all religious systems, whether non-Christian in or Christian. For Paul, religion, in general, is of the flesh and not of the spirit and therefore is worse than inadequate to provide true righteousness.  It is in fact evil, he writes.  This is a strong doctrine indeed, isn’t it?  For even the only revealed religious system even given by God to man is here singled out as worse than useless.  Paul had to abandon it altogether!!  But why?  The issue was in the realm of motivation and empowerment, he writes here.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

• Here the distinction is made very concrete by the apostle illustrating it from his own life experience.

• Paul had reached the pinnacle of personal achievement in life as a religious zealot in Israel, even a Pharisee.  But in all of this he was opposed in every way to the Lord Jesus and even arrested anyone he could that believed on him.  But he had gained so much now and had left all of that behind.  All of it. And that is his testimony here.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

• “What things were gain to me”:  He had an entirely new principle of evaluation now.  Christ and his working was now the only objective that mattered.
•  Now he explains this verse in verses 9-10.  He identifies the central challenge in life which has to do with the flesh as opposed to the spirit.  It was all about Christ Jesus now.  All of it.  But Christ was risen and ascended and his life now was like a race with knowing the Lord even better as his supreme goal.  In verses 10 & 11 he explains this in words that should never be forgotten: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

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“Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 3: “Shades of Gray or the Call of a Trumpet, Continued”

Phil. 3:12-14

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

•  Paul has left behind entirely his former way of life.  He is now pressing ahead wherever the heavenly and glorified Christ leads.  There is no gray area in this. He is learning rapidly that the trumpet has sounded, as it were, he has been called out of darkness and into the light, and his course in life has been mapped out by Almighty God.  
•  His goal is the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, again using the sports analogy of running a race.
•  He now exhorts us all to have the same perspective and to emulate him in our life endeavors.  Do we know that this is true also for us?  We should.  Paul is writing about that here to the Philippian believers.  His exhortation for them should also be one for us, of course, IF we have believed the precious gospel of the grace of God. This is not a message for unbelievers.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

•  This is to be our settled viewpoint (“as many as be perfect [or complete, mature]”).
•  But he goes beyond this to point out in the next verses that his example will be one that divides the brethren.  It would be inevitable, he writes, that there will be “many” that choose to live otherwise.  They refuse to follow Paul and his teachings and therefore also reject Christ, for following Paul is following Christ, and imitating Paul is imitating Christ. Today, as then, this is critically important for all believers to understand, as he writes next… 

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

• These final verses conclude this section of the teaching.  Paul teaches here that his teaching and example are so very important for all to know since the eternal destiny of all depends on the purity of the gospel preaching which is easily tarnished.
• He concludes by pointing out what may not be obvious to some, that by not following Paul one in effect is also choosing to oppose Christ himself, and even becoming “the enemy of his cross”.  So this is really black and white as he sees it.  How can this be?  Can you explain it?
•  Verse 19 states his view on the opposition using some extremely strong words: “whose end … destruction”, “whose God … their belly”, “whose glory … shame”, 
• But for those imitating Paul, the expectation is for glory, glory, glory.
• So we see that the issue ultimately from Paul’s point of view was what was Christ doing, for Paul was imitating Christ and his exhortation in verse 17 is for all us to imitate him!  Or, as he wrote of it earlier in First Corinthians:  “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

 

• That is how important it is to take to heart these teachings of the apostle Paul.  There are not many shades of gray but rather the call of the trumpet.  Will we respond?

 

• Your thoughts?

Phil. 3:20-21

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

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Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 4 “An Example for Us that Endures”

Let’s read from chapter 3, verse 20 to chapter 4, verse 9:

Phil. 3:20-21

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Phil. 4:1-9

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

• What is Paul’s central theme in these verses?
• Do you think the translators divided the chapters in the right place?  Why?
• What might these two women who were singled out here so strongly have thought when the letter was read the first time to the group?  What might they have thought years later?  Why wasn’t Paul concerned about how they might have felt?  Or, was he?
• In verses 4 through 7 we see some favorites.  But is there a deeper meaning here that we may have missed?  What stands out to you today especially?
• In verses 7 through 9 the word “things” dominates.  We see it eight times there.  This is somewhat unusual.  In your own words, what are these things?
• What does the peace of God and the God of peace have to do with the apostle Paul here in this teaching?
• Much teaching today in the churches or on TV, the radio or on the Internet ignores Paul completely.  What is the value of those ministries for the believer?

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Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 4 “An Example for Us that Endures – Part 2”

Phil. 4:9-13

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The apostle continues this great letter with words that should bless our souls in many ways.  Let’s learn some lessons from what he has written.

• Verse 9: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”: 
  • “… the God of peace shall be with you”: This is an truly blessed promise.  In your own words what is that promise?  Are yo encouraged by it?
• Verse 10: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity”: 
  • What is this all about?  Do you remember what Paul is writing about here?
• Verse 11: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”: So Paul says here so boldly that he is our example in ways that relate directly to our current circumstances.  But how can he be our example “in general” whatever our situation might be?  Can you explain this?
• Verse 12: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”: 
  • This may seem like a difficult statement.  What does it mean?  What is the “knowledge” mentioned here referring to?  Do you possess this knowledge?
  • “in all things I am instructed”: This can be paraphrased “I have learned the secret!”.  What secret may he be referring to here?
• Verse 13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me“: What are the “all things” here?

In closing, isn’t it clear that Paul is asking each of us to carefully evaluate our own daily course of life in comparison with Paul’s own as revealed in this letter.  How are we doing?  Are any changes needed?  

Any testimonies?

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Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — Chapter 4 “An Example for Us that Endures – Part 3”

Phil. 4:10-13

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

• We stopped here at verse 13 last time if I remember correctly.  But let me ask you, have the truths of verses 12 & 13 been a blessing to you in the days since we met?  Have the challenges of the moment seemed to overwhelm you or have you been thankful for all things, keeping your minds and hearts focused on what is most important in this life?  Paul says he “can do all things” through Christ who strengthens him.  Have we also found that to be true for us?
• Let’s continue.  The next verses are about the gifts that the Philippian believers had sent to Rome to help meet Paul’s needs in his imprisonment.  Let’s read them carefully for there is something revealed here that is quite important:

Phil. 4:14-17

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

• What is that very important detail?  How does our knowledge of it help to understand how Paul’s example in living out life to the fullest was so powerful for them and should be for us as well?

Phil. 4:18-19

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We have come to the end of this letter.  I think the most important part of this chapter is found here and it summarizes the letter’s teaching so well.  We can expect that these words are really most important, coming here at the end: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  My, my, that is an amazing statement, isn’t it?

It is a promise, isn’t it? 

What does this promise mean?  To whom is it given?  Does it apply to us today?  Your thoughts?

Has this study in Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi been helpful in understanding better what God is doing today under his umbrella of limitless grace?  Have you been changed by his words?  Any testimonies?

Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, in his final words to the Philippians:

Phil. 4:20-23

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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Paul’s Letter to the Philippians — “Grace Is Still Working Today, So Never Lose Your Focus On That!”

• This is our final fellowship this year and also our final on Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers.  I want us together to look at the final verses and also again the opening verses to see how much the Lod God is doing today in our lives as believers.  When we see that clearly, then we may rest in his good care leaving behind the cares and concerns of this day and hour.

• Please join me as we together enjoy this word of grace from our apostle, Paul.

Phil. 4:10-13

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

• These are amazing words: “in whatsoever state I am”, “everywhere and in all things”, “I can do all things through Christ”!  But have we taken them to heart and do they fill our minds so that the affairs of this world do not distract us as they once did?  The rest of the words at the end of this letter are equally compelling of should be when considered spiritually, for there are promises here never to be lost sight of:

Phil. 4:18-19

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

• “I have all”, “I abound”,  I am full …”, and then the culmination of it all: “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.  So this was not a mere history lesson after all.It was all written FOR US!  This promise is for us today, for the NOW TIME.  What is it saying?
  • It is an unconditional promise.  Do you know what that means?
  • Who has made the promise?  Is he able to keep it?  How do you know that?
  • What is the content of the promise, or in other words, what specifically has God promised?
  • So it all revolves around the words “all your need” and “his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.

• Considering everything here, it is clear that communicating this to the believers in Philippi was most important on Paul’s mind when he wrote this letter.  How important are they on our minds?
• In your own words, how would you restate Paul’s exhortation?  

And now we come to Paul’s final words to the Philippians:

Phil. 4:20-23

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

• But have we forgotten how it all began?  In Chapter 1 Paul wrote these words:

Phil. 1:12-21

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Considering this, where do we stand today, now, in our current situation, with all of the challenges of the day, week, or hour?  Where do we stand with the Lord of glory and grace?  Well?

• Are we content? 
• Are we thankful?  Are we thankful for all things?
• Are we distressed and anxious or fearful?
• Is our focus as Paul’s was in verse 20?  If not, why not?  Do we need to reread the entire letter again perhaps?

Amen.  Have a really wonderful and blessed Christmas!  Enjoy the Lord all.