Here are the materials for the week of February 3 as we prepare for Sunday, February 9, "Numb to the Word: Disobedience Leads to Death." Devotional Material
"Get Horizontal" (p. 67) is a devotion that reflects on last week's lesson.
"Hypocrisy" (p. 77) and "Sin and Death" (p. 78) are devotionals that prepare for February 9. (Check the blog later this week for 2 bonus devotionals...)
Key Passages: Eph. 2:1-2, Rom. 6:23, Isa. 64:6, Rom. 3:10-12
If you want to find out more about this week's topic, you can dig in deeper with these resources: Study Material
“The Malignancy of Sin”—Chapter 3 from Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
“The Results of Sin”—Chapter 29 from Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson
“Nightmares of Painlessness”—Chapter 1 from The Gift of Pain by Paul Brand and Philip Yancey
Here are the materials for the week of January 20 as we prepare for Sunday, January 26, "In God We Trust? God's Perfect Word and His Imperfect People" as we study the Fall in Genesis 3 in light of God's Word to us. Devotional Material
"Being Before Doing" (p. 41) is a devotion that reflects on last week's lesson.
"Approaching God's Word" (p. 53) and "Promises, Promises" (p. 54) are devotionals that prepare for January 26th. (Check the blog later this week for 2 bonus devotionals...)
Key Passage: Genesis 3:1-6
If you want to find out more about this week's topic (God's Word), you can dig in deeper with these resources: Study Material
“The Fall”—Chapter 10 from According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy (available here on Google Books)
“The God Who Does Not Wipe Out Rebels”—Chapter 2 from The God Who Is There by D. A. Carson (preview available here on Google Books, ebook available on Amazon Kindle for 3.99 here)
“The Promise of a King and a Kingdom”—Chapter 4 from From
Creation to New Creation: Making Sense of the Whole Bible Story by
Tim Chester
As we prepare for this Sunday's lesson "God is Not Mute", I hope that you will take the time to think and respond to the devotionals for this week out of The Gospel Project book The God Who Speaks.
Devotional Material
"God's Goodness" (p. 29) is a devotion that reflects on last week's lesson. "Complete" (p. 39) and "Glorious Love" (p. 40) prepare our minds and hearts for the lesson this Sunday on the way God speaks to us through his Word. I hope you will take the time to read these this week. If you want to be even more prepared to discuss and share, I would love to encourage you to look ahead to the lesson for this week (p. 32-38) and spend time meditating on the following primary passages: 2 Timothy 2:16-17 Psalm 19:11-17 Luke 24:25-27 Also, there are discussion questions on p. 42 that we will discuss on Sunday if you like to think on your own before you share with the class.
If you want to find out more about this week's topic (God's Word), you can dig in deeper with these resources:
Study Material
“Special Revelation”—Chapter 3 by David S. Dockery and David P.
Nelson from A Theology for the Church, edited by Daniel L. Akin (free samplehere on Google Books including the entire chapter and available for purchase on Amazon Kindle) “Introduction”—From God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts (free samplehere on Google Books including the entire Introduction and available for purchase on Amazon Kindle)
I hope you are all having a good week so far. Here are the notes from Sunday!
Rolling Stone
James 1:1-11
June 16, 2013
The Greeting:
·As a recap from last week, this book was authored by James, the brother of Jesus, written to Jews (12 Tribes) in the dispersion.
·The term “servant” here means slave.Again, although James had a special blood relationship to Christ physically, he did not claim so or make mention of it here, emphasizing his spiritual relationship is what is qualifying him to author this letter, and also the relationship that will endure into eternity.
The Pursuit of Spiritual Wholeness – James 1:2-11
·James comes out of the gate with all guns blazing.Chapter one of this letter seems to be just stock full of the thoughts James has been having and he just starts blasting out his thoughts on paper.In other NT letters, there was often a thanksgiving or blessing to the audience, but here James goes straight into his purpose for the letter, emphasizing the difficulties this audience was experiencing was one of his main reasons for writing to them.
·Vs. 2-4
o“Joy” is defined by Webster as a “source or cause of delight.”James argues that the believers not only CAN experience joy in the time of trial, but SHOULD experience joy.Not only joy, but “all” joy, or “pure” joy.
oJames says trials of various kinds.This casts a large net that can include a multitude of difficulties.The scattered Christians he is writing to were probably facing many trials, including poverty, persecution, loneliness, illness, disappointment, even prison or death.
oJames tells them why they can have joy: the testing of their faith produces steadfastness, perseverance, endurance.
oDon’t give the enemy too much credit in the time of trial.It is the Lord that is sovereign over these things.Nothing comes to you, good or bad, without it first passing through His hands.If this is so, then we know that God has a purpose in the trial.
oExperiencing a trial does not mean that we have sinned or done something wrong, and receiving a blessing from the Lord does not mean we have earned it or done something right.Look at the life of Job as an example.God always wants to mold us into his image, and He always wants to display His glory in and through His children.
oJames goes on to say that steadfastness or perseverance, as valuable as it is, is not the main goal.This should ultimately lead to spiritual wholeness or completeness.James makes it clear that this is the goal.It is not necessarily ever obtained this side of heaven, but it is certainly the goal that God has for us in the time of trial, is that it will bring about growth, maturity, and move us closer to the completion of the work that He began in us.The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
·Vs. 5-8
o“Ask and you shall receive.”If you lack wisdom, ask God to give it to you, for he is a generous and loving God, and knows how to give good gifts to His children.
oAsk in FAITH!He just got done encouraging the believers that the testing of their faith produces perseverance, and endurance will lead to spiritual wholeness.Now when they go to ask for wisdom, it requires faith, with no doubt.
oJames compares the one who doubts to a wave that is tossed by the wind.Without faith, we will be subject to our ever shifting desires and motives, desiring the wisdom of the Lord one day, and the wisdom of the world the next.We often lose patience if we don’t feel like we receive wisdom from the Lord right away.We will take matters into our own hands, and that is when we typically swerve from the correct path.We are tossed to and fro as we try to work everything out on our own.Proverbs 3:5-6
oFaith and steadfastness produce stability.Not stability on our own merit or ability, but stability on the one who is constant and forever unchanging.
·Vs. 9-11
oWhenever a brother of less means is given good circumstances, or catches a break (Msg), rejoice.Whenever a rich man is humbled or faces a difficult season, rejoice.Why?Because both will pass.These things can often serve as a reminder of what is ultimately important.
oHave you ever driven by a cemetery or thought about the people that a building is named for?They were once just like you and me, working to produce and provide for their families, raising kids, facing fears and worries.And now they are gone, like a flower that yesterday was here and is now gone, withered away.Our wealth and our beauty will fade.It is uncertain, and cannot be depended upon.You have never seen a hearse dragging a UHaul.
oThe rich will also fade away in the midst of their pursuits.These words would have been a reminder and comfort to those who were poor, and a warning to those who were rich.
Discussion:
oWhy do bad things happen to good people?Why do good things happen to bad people?
oCan you think of an example of when you went through a trial and were able to experience and see the good that came out of it or God’s purpose through it?
oShare some examples of how your spouse has been an incredibly helpful gift in the time of trial.
This is from ABF a couple weeks ago...sorry I've been so behind on posting these!
Rolling Stone The Called – Interactions between Christ and Simon Peter June 2, 2013
What truths can we learn and apply to our lives by observing the calling and interactions that Christ had with Peter?
Peter’s background: Born in Galilee, son of a fisherman named Jona. He was a fisherman as well. Fishermen at that time were curt, unkempt, vile, untidily dressed, and often used vulgar language. They were full of vigor and had boisterous tempers. He was married (Read Mark 1:29-31) He was one of the inner circle of disciples (Peter, James, and John)
The First Call – Luke 5:1-11 What do you notice about Peter’s response upon realizing that Jesus was unique and powerful, perhaps even the Son of God?
What was the command that Jesus gave, or his calling (you may have to look at Matthew 4:18-19)?
What did Peter and the other disciples have to do in order to follow Jesus?
The Faith Test – Peter Walks on Water – Matthew 14:22-33 What does this passage reveal to us about our faith? Read Hebrews 12:2
Peter’s Confession – Matthew 16:13-20 Look at Romans 10:9-10. What is significant about this confession?
The Transfiguration – Matthew 17:1-8 Moses represented the ______. Elijah represented the ____________. Jesus represented the ______ _______________. What is wrong with Peter’s response in this passage?
Peter’s Failures – Luke 9:46-48; John 13:6-11; Luke 22:45; Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 What do these passages teach us about the road to sanctification (being perfected in Christ)?
Peter Sees the Risen Lord – John 21:1-8 Compare Peter’s response in this passage to the response he had upon their first encounter.
The Final Interaction before Christ ascends – John 21:15-19 What a powerful passage. What about this passage speaks to you?
Discussion:
Peter can be a great encouragement to us, who are born again believers. What about the life of Peter and His interactions with Christ serve as an encouragement to you? How can this encourage us in our marriages, and the way we approach our spouse? Charlie Hall wrote a song that I think is awesome because of how honest it is. It could be offensive to some people, but I want to play it this morning to help us understand the heart of God toward His children. It’s called “Hookers and Robbers.”
Crack kids, track kids, hookers, and robbers
the naked and hungry, mothers and fathers
abuses excuses and guns in your hands
and i'll even welcome the arrogant man
I welcome you all to the biggest of feasts
a night of no shame to pause and to breathe
this is a night of loves renovatio
n a feast I am sure that can change a whole nation
me I am not such an excellent host
I'm one who forgives but needs it the most
I found the liar the killer of hearts
and I ran away with a new way to start
a journey to rule where a bright man appeared
he looked into me and my eyes filled with tears
my breath fast and short my heart burning deep
he gave me new eyes and a new way to see
So come as you are, as you are, as you are
come as you are, as you are, as you are
I still defiled his great love ways
I felt such a famine when I ran away
I missed the presence the voice like a song
I was nasty and dirty I knew I was wrong
but He ran to me like a dream like a Father
this love is not earthly this love must be other
He carried me home and threw me a party
a party so loud like the greatest love story
oh my dear friends applaud now please
I have invited you here to announce you are free
He takes your chains busting you out of prison
just open your heart let your heart come and listen
who could accept all your pounding and screaming
your raging and freaking cussing and beating
all while He holds you and always forgiving
this is the story of love and of living
so wipe off your tears and laugh just a little
come break this bread celebrate the forgiver
raise up your glass a time to remember
come break this bread celebrate the forgiver
Chorus
Purpose: To discover how to become sanctified/purified for the purpose of glorifying God through corporate methods
Goal: That each couple would spiritually mature through knowing what spiritual leadership in marriage looks like and how to implement it in our marriages daily.
Motivation: Why would we want to obey God?/ What could motivate us to become like Christ?
1. John 14:15,21 (desire to please God and express our love)
2. Rom. 13:5, 1 Tim. 1:5,19, 2 Tim. 1:3, 1 Peter 3:16 (to keep a clear conscience before God)
3. 2 Tim 2:20-21 (increased effectiveness as a vessel for God’s use)
4. 1 Peter 3:1-2,15-16 (bring unbelievers to Christ)
5. 1 Peter 3:9-12 (present blessings)
6. Acts 5:11, 9:31; 2 Cor. 5:11, 7:1; Eph. 4:30; Phil. 2:12; 1Tim 5:20; Heb. 12:3-11; 1 Peter 1:17,2:17 (to avoid God’s displeasure and discipline on our lives/fear of God)
8. Matt. 5:8; John 14:21; 1 John 1:6, 3:21-22; Ps. 66:18; Isa. 59:2 (deeper walk with God)
9. 1 Tim. 5:21; 1 Peter 1:12 (angels will glorify God for our obedience)
10. Phil. 4:9, Heb. 12:1-2 (peace and joy in our lives)
11. Phil. 4:8, Ps. 40:8 (do what God commands, simply because his commands are right and we delight in doing what is right)
(Derived from Grudem’s Systematic Theology)
“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.” – C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory (quoted in Desiring God by John Piper)
Sanctification can be a Corporate Process
• Heb. 10:24-26
• 1 Peter 2:5
• 1 Thess. 5:11
• Eph. 4:1-3, 16
• Gal. 5:19-23, 6:1-2
What are some ways that married couples can join together to be refined into the image of Christ to the glory of God the Father?
Anwswer: this will be the topic for the next 6-8 weeks as we look at ways we can become refined into Christ’s image through our marriages.
This past Sunday's lesson was about testimonies. There will be a sign up sheet next Sunday for couples to give their testimony so that we can get to know each other better! Testimony What do you say? Are you excited to give your testimony or do you dread the possibility? 1 Peter 3:15 Charles asked me in college, "Why do you love Jesus?" This was the first time someone had asked me this. I could not answer. I didn't know how to answer it. I knew Jesus loved me. I knew I loved Jesus. But how do I say it? So I asked him, "why do you love Jesus, Charles?" And he said, "Let me tell Him why." He began to pray and give account of why he loved His Savior. I was moved. Not because he answered the question, but because for the next 20 minutes he prayed and talked to his Savior of why he loved Him. How could one comprehend the love of a Savior this much? This moment impacted me in ways Charles can never understand. He gave a record of who Jesus was to him. Testimony Marturia- evidence of, record, report, witness of, testimony Bearing witness. Gal 4 Romans 8:12-17 Heb 10:15-17 Our testimony will be different depending on the audience we are speaking with. - by the words we use. - by how we talk to people be it in casual conversation, or at a podium giving testimony to hundreds or thousands - does not need to be a rehearsed, rigid format, but needs to be organized and thought through so that your words are exact and clear of the work God has done in you. What's in a testimony? 1. It's not what you have done! It's not about you. Some people say, "my testimony is not very good, not strong, not very long." Hogwash! If this is your frame of mind, then I tell you, you have forgotten what The Lord has done for you! Have to understand the POWER of your testimony. Rev 12:11 Why? It's not your Work. Jesus saved you that's the testimony. He pulled you for the mud, cleaned you up and set you at the royal table. 2. Paul gave a great example of a testimony in Acts 26 Paul gives account of his testimony to Agrippa. Sections divided up: Early life Conversion Post-conversion 3. Preparation in thought. What was your life like before you met The Lord? What was going on in your life at the time you met The Lord- struggles, issues... 4. Outline: Before Jesus How you found Him Since then Or What life was like before Jesus How I came to realize I needed a savior What my life is like now that Jesus is my savior. Galatians 4 Revelation 12 Hebrews 10 1 Peter 3:15 Romans 8:12-17
Rolling Stone March 10, 2013 The Final Judgment Evidence of the Final Judgment: Read Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:30-31; Matt. 10:15, 11:22; 1 Cor. 4:5 There were people throughout Scripture that God delivered (Moses, Abraham, Joseph, etc.), but also many who received punishment for their continual sin and disobedience (the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Tower of Babel). Peter reminds us that these periodic judgments were carried out to remind us that a final judgment is coming (2 Peter 2:9-10) Timing of the Final Judgment: The Final Judgment will occur after the millennial reign of Christ. There will be a rebellion led by Satan after he is allowed to roam the earth again, and God will bring the final victory. After this, the judgment will take place. (Rev. 20:9-11) Who will Judge? Jesus will be the Judge! Read 2 Tim 2:4; Acts 10:42; John 5:26-27
Nonbelievers will be Judged: Every man will be judged (Revelation 20:12; Romans 2:5-7; 11) For nonbelievers, judgment day will be a day of punishment (Revelation 11:18) There will be degrees of punishment (Revelation 20:12-13; Matthew 11:22; Luke 20:47) Every word and deed will be judged (Matthew 12:36; Ecclesiastes 12:14) Every secret of the heart will be judged (Romans 2:16; Luke 12:2-3)
Believers will be Judged Also: We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:10-12) For believers, judgment day will be a day of reward (Revelation 11:18) We will be judged for our deeds as well (2 Corinthians 5:10), but our judgment will be on the foundation of Christ, where there is now no condemnation (Romans 8:1). It is important to understand that while we will in fact enter this Great White Throne Judgment to be evaluated for varying degrees of reward, we as believers should never fear that this will result in being eternally condemned. (Read Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25; and Hebrews 8:12) As stated above, believers will be judged in order to evaluate varying degrees of reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
Moral Implications: It satisfies our deep desire for justice. It frees us to forgive others, and trust God for the outcome (Romans 12:19). Look at Christ’s example of this!!! (1 Peter 2:22-23; Luke 23:24) It motivates the believer for good works and righteous living (Matthew 6:20) Remember, this is not in order to obtain salvation, as that is a gift freely given by God, but in order to gain eternal reward! It motivates us to spread the Gospel, with a huge sense of urgency! Hell is a harsh reality, and consists of eternal punishment, an unquenchable fire.
On Friday night, Louie Giglio spoke at the Chris Tomlin concert regarding the Lost Son. Let’s turn and reread this story: Luke 15:11-32. Let’s compare this parable with the parables of the talents and of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25.
Discussion: In the parable of the Lost Son, does the Father’s love and acceptance into his family depend on their actions and works? What is the Father’s response to both sons? The older son is upset in this parable because he felt all of his labor and work for the Father had gone unnoticed. What was the older son focused on? What did the Father convey in his message to the older son?
The parables of the talents and of the sheep and the goats seem to tell a different story. They make it appear as if the judgment will be based on the actions and/or works of the servants. Can both be true? Is salvation based on grace through faith, or by works? We know salvation is by grace through faith. So where do works come into play? Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Works and fruit will be a natural progression as we are sanctified by the Spirit. James and Paul were sometimes viewed as having different views on this subject, but they are 100% on the same page. Faith leads to salvation which is given graciously as a gift, and salvation leads to good works. The absence of good works can mean that there was a lack of true faith and salvation to begin with. So the good works are the evidence of the Spirit of God being present in the life of the believer. By their fruits you will know them…
I failed at getting these out to y'all last week...so here are the notes from March 3 finally! There will be another post later today with notes from this past Sunday.
Have a great week!
Rolling Stone The End Times March 3, 2013
Review What does each of these parables tell us about the last days? • The rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) • The barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) • The weeds (Matt. 13:24-30) • The net (Matt. 13:47-50) • The tenants (Matt. 21:33-44) • The wedding feast (Matt. 22:1-14) • The faithful servant/doorkeeper (Matt. 24:42-51) • The ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13)
What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 24-25?
Other Passages on the Last Days 1 Thess. 4:13- 5:11 What incorrect thoughts is Paul trying to correct in the Thessalonians?
2 Thess. 1:5-2:12 What incorrect thoughts might Paul be addressing here?
Rev. 19-20
Dan. 9:24-27
The Study of Last Things (Eschatology)
This outline is based on Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. Definitely True A. The return of Christ will happen and will be… 1. Sudden (Matt. 24:44) 2. Personal (John 14:3, 1 Thess. 4:16) 3. Visible (Acts 1:11) 4. Bodily (Acts 1:11)
B. We should eagerly long for Christ’s return1. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20) 2.
“live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our
blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior
Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13)
C. We do / do not know when Christ will return (Matt. 24:44)
D. All Bible believing Christians agree on the final results of Christ’s return (Next week) 1. Judgment 2. New Heaven and New Earth
E. There is disagreement over the details by Godly Bible believing scholars 1. What the Millennium will be (is) like 2. Timeline of events 3. How the Jews will be saved (we have already discussed)
F. Could Christ come back at any time? 1. The coming of Christ will be Sudden and Unexpected (Matt 24:42-44, 50; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 22:7,12,20) 2. Signs will happen before Christ returns a. The preaching of the Gospel to All Nations (Matt 24:14) b. The Great Tribulation (Matt 24:15-22) c. False prophets working signs and wonders (Matt 24:23-24) d. Signs in the heavens (Matt. 24:29-30) e. The coming of the man of sin and the rebellion (2 Thess 2:1-10) f. The salvation of Israel (Rom. 11:12, 25-26) g. Wars and rumors of wars/ famines/ earthquakes (Matt. 24-6-7) 3.
What is the problem here? There is an apparent contradiction between
His coming being unexpected and after there are signs. Three possible
explanations: a. There are two returns of Christ. (Rapture/Second Coming) 1) 1 Thess. 4:13-18 2) 2 Thess. 2:1 3) 1 Cor. 15:51-58 4) John 14:1-3 b. All the signs have been fulfilled, and therefore Christ could return. c. It is unlikely, but possible that the signs have already been fulfilled. 1) Have each of these signs happened? it is unlikely, but possible. 4. Is it possible to be ready for something that we think unlikely to happen in the near future? 5. We do not know which will be the point that Christ will return.
“When these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28
Application 1. How would not believing that Jesus is coming back soon affect someone’s life? 2. How would believing that Jesus is coming back tomorrow affect someone’s life? 3. Do you eagerly long for Christ’s return? Why might you not long for that now?
What will happen to us as believers? 1) We die and go directly into the presence of God 2) We are still alive in the last days and we are raptured/caught up to be with Christ
Concerning the End Times: The Rich Fool & Faithful Servant/Doorkeeper
2/24/2013
The Rich Man/Fool [Luke 16:16-31]
Background of what he is speaking with the Pharisees listening: vv1-16
-Unjust Steward: one’s stewardship in handling his possessions/gains is a test of one’s relationship with God.
-Faithful with little, faithful with plenty
-Unfaithful with unrighteous wealth, who will commit to your trust with true riches?
-Unfaithful with someone else’s, who will give you your own?
-Cannot serve two masters: either God or your wealth à the attitude toward money is indicative of one’s submission to or rebellion against God’s lordship.
Israel under the old covenant was concerned about the external matters of the law, a rigid observance…
Jesus fulfilled the Law and therefore, righteousness no longer consists of observance of an external legal code – vv 14-16
What does Jesus declare? (v16)
1. Preached: Mt 11:12 “…and from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.”
2: Pressing In: The violent take it by force
What does Jesus say about pursuing the Kingdom, pursuing righteousness, pursuing Him versus other things?(Mt 10:34-39; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 14:26-33)
Jesus is not saying to neglect family nor is he condemning family ties/relationships, but saying that no human relationship, no matter the level of intimacy, should distract from the loyalty and pursuit of Him.
Luke 16 The rich man and Lazarus
What is the rich man’s response to his situation?
What is Father Abraham’s response?
How is this related to our intro today?
There are those that hear the word, yet do not believe.There are also those who receive the word with readiness. (Acts 17:11) Some miss the opportunity to receive the life-giving word of God.
“For all the prophet and the law prophesied until John.” “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take the Kingdom by storm.” Mt 11: 13, 12
Rolling Stone Words of Jesus on the End Times (Matthew 24-25) February 17, 2013
Matthew 24:1-2
How are Jesus’ words fulfilled?
24:3-14 Birth Pains• What are the disciples’ questions?
• What is Jesus’s answer? (Rom 8:22-23, 1 John 4:2-3, Matt. 28:19)
24:15-26 Tribulation• What is the abomination of desolation? (Dan 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-4, 8-12)
• What will the tribulation be like?
24:26-31 Return of Christ• What are the signs of the return of Christ? (Dan. 7:13-14, Rev. 1:7)
24:32-41 When?• When will Jesus return?
4 Parables: What does Jesus want us to learn from each parable?
24:42-44 Thief and Homeowner• What does it mean to stay awake? 24:45-51 Servants
25:1-13 10 Virgins/Bridesmaids
25:14-30 Talents
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25:31-46 Great White Throne Judgment
• What will happen?
• When will this happen?
Here are the notes from last Sunday! It was a very interesting study so I encourage you all to take a look at it on your own time if you couldn't be there. Also, this Sunday we will be studying Matthew 24-25 if you want to read that ahead of time! Jordan also asked that I share this link: The Wicked Tenants
Rolling Stone
Parables of Jesus: Parable of the Tenants
February 10, 2013
The Tenants – Matthew 21:33-44, Mark 12:1-11, Luke 20:9-18
Context:
• Vineyard imagery (Isaiah 5:1-7)
• Psalm 118:22-23 was already known as messianic psalm
• Jesus cleanses the temple after arriving in Jerusalem (vv. 12-17)
• Jesus’ authority is questioned (vv. 23-27)
• Parable of the Two Sons (vv. 28-32)
“And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” (Matthew 21:32 ESV)
Who is the audience? Jewish leaders
Who is the master of the house? God
What does the story tell us about Him? He is incomprehensibly kind, but will exact judgment
What does the vineyard represent? God’s kingdom
Who are the tenants? the Jewish leaders
What does the fruit represent? the fruit (a metaphor will still use) of their faith
Who could the servants represent? (1 Kings 18:4, 19:10; 2 Chr. 24:20-21; Neh. 9:26; Jer. 20:1-2, 26:20-23, 37:15, 38:6) prophets who had been rejected
Who is the son? Unmistakably Jesus Christ, this is a public declaration of his divine Sonship
How can we reword verse 40 in these terms?
“When therefore [Jesus] comes, what will he do to [the Jewish Leadership]?”
What will be the two results?
1) Death of the tenants
2) Giving of vineyard to others who will produce fruit
When and what does this refer to? The present arrival of Jesus; the taking away of leadership of fruit bearing from the Jewish leadership to the church; preliminarily, the destruction of the temple
The church will be a new “people” (Gk. ethnos, “nation, people”) consisting of disciples, both Jews and Gentiles, gathered out of many “nations” (Matt. 28:19; plural of Gk. ethnos) and brought together as one new “nation” (1 Pet. 2:9; singular of Gk. ethnos) in the unfolding of God’s kingdom in the present age. (ESV Study Bible)
Does this mean that Israel will never be responsible for God’s kingdom? (Romans 11:25-27)
No, Israel has always been promised a nation, a people, and a Seed (Jesus). This will be fulfilled in the end times.
Who is the cornerstone? (Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:4-8, Dan 2:44) Christ
Who is the one who falls on the stone? (Matt. 24:29-31, 25:31-40) one who is broken with repentance as a result of falling on Christ
Who will it fall on? (Matt 25:41-46) those who refuse to repent
What saved the woman? What is the evidence of this? (50)
Do we believe that Jesus can forgive sin?
How can we show our faith without having a physical Jesus in our presence like the woman?
The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:29-37
“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” What is Jesus’ answer?
“Who is my neighbor?”- Why does the lawyer ask this? What would be a better question?
How can I be a better neighbor? How does Jesus answer this question?
How do we respond to this answer?
The Unforgiving Servant – Matt 18:23-35 (21-35)
Background info:
• ten thousand talents. In NT times, it was a unit of monetary reckoning (though not an actual coin), valued at about 6,000 drachmas, the equivalent of about 20 years’ wages for a laborer. (A common laborer earned about one denarius per day.) In approximate modern equivalents, if a laborer earns $15 per hour, at 2,000 hours per year he would earn $30,000 per year, and a talent would equal $600,000 (USD). Hence, “ten thousand talents” hyperbolically represents an incalculable debt—in today’s terms, about $6 billion.
• a hundred denarii. This was still a large amount (equivalent to about 20 weeks of common labor, or about $12,000 in today’s terms), but compared to the debt that the wicked servant himself owed ($6 billion), it was a relatively small amount.
The forgiveness of such a massive debt is a dramatic illustration of
1. the massive debt that people owe, because of their sins, to the holy, righteous God
2. their complete inability ever to pay such a debt (“For the wages of sin is death … ,” Rom. 6:23a)
3. God’s great mercy and patience (Matt. 18:26, 29) in withholding his immediate righteous judgment that all people deserve for their sins
4. God’s gracious provision of Christ’s death and resurrection to pay the debt for sins and to break the power of sin (“but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Rom. 6:23b)
The two central points of the parable are:
1. that the gift of salvation is immeasurably great (“how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” Heb. 2:3)
2. that unless a person is comparably merciful to others, (a) God’s mercy has not had a saving effect upon him (Matt. 18:32–33), and (b) he will be liable to pay the consequences himself (vv. 34–35).
Here is last week's (Jan. 6) ABF so that you can catch up if you weren't there :)
Rolling Stone
Parables of Jesus: Humility & Prayer
January 6, 2013
The Kingdom of Heaven:
The Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20:1-16
I. Background in Matthew
Ch 3 begins the narrative of Jesus’ ministry.
Ch3-7:29 à Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven, ending with the Sermon on the Mount – how people should live under the reign of the Almighty
Ch 8-11:1 à Ministry in Galilee, instructions to disciples for their ministry
Ch 11:2-13:52 à controversial events involving Jesus; 7 parables describing some aspect of the Kingdom of heaven coupled with necessary human response (we will get into these around Jan 27th)
Ch 13:53-18:35 à concerns the conduct of believers within Christian fellowship
Ch19-25:26 à final journey to Jerusalem and conflict with Judaism; the last things, events/teachings pertaining to the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Commission to the church
Those who mourn: including those who experience sorrow for repentance – they will be comforted
Meek: controlled strength; humility and self-discipline
Persecution: because of loyalty to righteousness – great is your reward in heaven.
Christ Fulfills the Law – 5:17-20
- Christ came to fulfill the law, to be preserved as He interprets it: Jot and tittle signifying small marks that distinguish letters in the Greek/Hebrew alphabet.v20 – the Kingdom requirement is righteousness at heart – not by legalism
The Narrow Way – 7:13,14
- Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Jesus is the way to salvation and righteousness.
Purpose of Parables – 13:10-17
- make spiritual truths clearer to hearers; put truth in form easily remembered; avoid offense with hostile peple who would not receive the truth; declare judgment upon those who were willfully blind
-followers of Jesus will understand or will probe for deeper understanding.Those who have shut their eyes/ears to the truth will not realize the significance of what they are seeing and hearing, consequently will not repent and receive forgiveness.
We pick up in 19:23 that leads up to 20:1-16
1. Who is the audience?
-Disciples; it grows out of the attitude they had toward service and rewards.Jesus rebukes the spirit of serving for a reward itself rather than out of love
-What is 19:23,24 saying? – trust in riches over God makes it impossible to enter heaven
.
2. What are the points of reference?
-Landowner: God
-hirees: Jews, Gentiles
-vineyard: Kingdom, the work to be done
-days wage: Denarius, the reward
-the Marketplace: the world
3. What is the meaning to each potential audience?
-landowner: decides how to manage his land, the worth of a days wage, who to hire/fire
-hirees: at the mercy of the landowner, do not own the land, awaiting for work
-what are their complaints?
-how does the landowner respond?
-what about those who are hired later?
-what are their two states? Idlevs hired/diligent
-vineyard: the kingdom, the work zone, mission field, etc
-days wage: the reward, is it out of debt? does he reward obedience and effort?
4. How can we tell this parable in our own words?
-parallel the reward to eternal life: those who acknowledge JC as Savior and confess sin, follow Him receive eternal life; however, ones who on their death bed who acknowledge JC as Savior and confess sin receive eternal life.
5. How can we see the gospel/kingdom at work in this parable?
-the hirees were handpicked…chosen
-they had their reward coming – their inheritance, if you will
1. Jews were called first – they had the law
2. The gentiles heard the gospel later – they should receive the same gospel, same reward, equal privileges in the kingdom
3. the reward is given to SAINTS, believers not by their work or the timing of their conversion (it’s not who you know) but it’s the reward of salvation
4. We all were idle in the market, unhired, awaiting for something to happen.Jesus came, with life and salvation and now God calls us to eternal life – he calls us out of the marketplace
6. How do these ideas apply to our lives/marriages?
- Love is the theme – God’s love.His grace.Salvation.It is not by our work, but by His grace.Not by what good we do, but by the goodness of His love.How deep can we get to this?
