God’s Mysterious Will

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God’s Mysterious Will

Ephesians 1:9-11 NLT

9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Examine the scriptures:

God’s Mysterious Will
Ephesians 1:9-11 NLT

9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—

  • His (God’s) mysterious will revealed to us. A previously hidden divine truth, now revealed by God.

Ephesians 3:9 NLT
9 I (Paul) was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 

which is to fulfill his own good plan.  

God’s mysterious will (God’s plan) is multifaceted.  It has many different parts. 

  • God has a good plan, from the beginning of time, which He will fulfill.

Psalm 33:11 NLT
11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. 

Proverbs 19:21 NLT
21 You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose (plans) will prevail. 

Ephesians 3:9 NLT
9 I (Paul) was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

One part of God’s plan:

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

A major part of God’s mysterious will:

10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.  

Since we have the New Testament, much of it written by Paul, we know as much of God’s mysterious will that we need to know. 

  • Christ is the center of God’s plans.

1 Corinthians 15:27 NLT
27 For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his(Christ’s) authority.” 

(Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.) 

Philippians 2:10-11 NLT
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

 1 Timothy 3:16 NLT
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory. 

Christ, as described in Scripture:

Colossians 1:16-20 NLT
16 for through him (Christ) God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

1 Timothy 6:15 NLT
15 For,

At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Revelation 19:16 NLT
The Rider on the White Horse
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

  • Jesus Christ is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Repeat: God’s mysterious will (God’s plan) is multifaceted.  It has many different parts.

Other aspects of God’s mysterious will:

Ephesians 3:3-6 NLT
3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 6:19 NLT
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News (the Gospel) is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 

Colossians 1:26-27 NLT
26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

Colossians 2:2 NLT
2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.

19…For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

Mark 4:11 NLT
11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, 

  • Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ,

we have received an inheritance from God, 

  • Those who are united with Christ, those adopted into God’s family, have received an inheritance from God. 

Romans 8:17 NLT
17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.

Galatians 3:29 NLT
29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

Salvation.

Eternal life in heaven and all that goes with this. 

for he chose us in advance,

Review Ephesians 1:5
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  

Romans 8:29-30 NLT
29 For God knew his people in advance … 

Colossians 3:12 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves …

1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

  • God chose us in advance.

and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

A brief summary of God’s plan for his people.

Romans 8:28-30 NLT
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

  • God is firmly in control of history. 

 

Quick review:

God chose us.

Jesus redeemed us.

The Holy Spirit protects us.

 

The Philistines Capture the Ark

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The Philistines Capture the Ark

1 Samuel 4:1-11 NLT
4 1 And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel.
The Philistines Capture the Ark
At that time Israel was at war with the Philistines. The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer, and the Philistines were at Aphek. 2 The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men. 3 After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.”
4 So they sent men to Shiloh to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were also there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. 5 When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!
6 “What’s going on?” the Philistines asked. “What’s all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?” When they were told it was because the Ark of the Lord had arrived, 7 they panicked. “The gods have come into their camp!” they cried. “This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before! 8 Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel? They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness. 9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don’t, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours! Stand up like men and fight!”
10 So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was great; 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents. 11 The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Samuel 4:1-11 NLT
4 1 And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel. 

3:20 And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. 

  • The reliability of Samuel’s message made it evident that God was speaking through him. 

3:21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

The Lord continued to give messages to Samuel.

  • God reopened the lines of communication with Israel through Samuel.

3:1 Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. 

Samuel’s role as a prophet was under way and would last for a lifetime.

A new era had begun. 

  • Samuel was God’s spokesman for all of Israel. 

The Philistines Capture the Ark

Verse 1 continued At that time Israel was at war with the Philistines.

At this time in history, wars with other nations were common.

1 Chronicles 20:1 NLT
David Captures Rabbah
20:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, Joab led the Israelite army in successful attacks against the land of the Ammonites. In the process he laid siege to the city of Rabbah, attacking and destroying it. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 11:1 NLT
David and Bathsheba
11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. 

See verse 9
9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don’t, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours!

Kings fought wars to expand their control (territory) and collect taxes from the defeated foes.

Ezra 4:12-13 NLT
12 “The king should know that the Jews who came here to Jerusalem from Babylon are rebuilding this rebellious and evil city. They have already laid the foundation and will soon finish its walls. 13 And the king should know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, it will be much to your disadvantage, for the Jews will then refuse to pay their tribute, customs, and tolls to you.

  • At this time in history, wars with other nations were common.

The Philistines were Israel’s principal enemy at this period of time.

 The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer, and the Philistines were at Aphek. 

By camping at Aphek, well inland and north of the Philistine territory, the Philistines may have been trying to seize more Israelite territory.

Refer to a map

The exact location of Ebenezer is unknown.

2 The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men.  

  • The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men. 

3 After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?”

  • The Elders realized that their defeat was not the result of the Philistines’ skills, but rather it came about because God allowed it.

The Israelites were often defeated in battle because of the sin of an individual or because of the sin of the entire nation.

Joshua 7 tells the story of a man named Achan.  Because of his sin Ai defeated the Israelites.

Compare this battle to the battle in 1 Chronicles 14:13-16.

1 Chronicles 14:13-16 NLT
13 But after a while the Philistines returned and raided the valley again. 14 And once again David asked God what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” God replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. 15 When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” 16 So David did what God commanded, and they struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

In this case, there is no indication that the Israelites had asked God if they should engage the Philistines in battle.

This demonstrated Israel’s need for Samuel’s spiritual leadership. 

Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it (some translations say “he”) will save us from our enemies.” 

“it (the ark) will save us from our enemies.”

Carrying the Ark with them into battle was not necessarily a bad thing to do.

At this point in time the Israelites were taking matters into their own hands.  They had not consulted God.

They were using the ark as a symbol of God’s presence.

or

It was religion vs. a relationship with God.

  • The Israelites believed that carrying the Ark into battle would save them from their enemies.

4 So they sent men to Shiloh to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. 

The Ark at Shiloh:

1 Samuel 1:24 NLT
24 When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. 

1 Samuel 3:3 NLT
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God.

The Ark was a representation of God’s presence.  A symbol of God’s presence. 

Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were also there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. 

 Review:

1 Samuel 2:12 NLT
12 Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord. 

12Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. ESV

1 Samuel 2:22-25 NLT
22 Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle. 23 Eli said to them, “I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? 24 You must stop, my sons! The reports I hear among the Lord’s people are not good. 25 If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?” But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father, for the Lord was already planning to put them to death.

1 Samuel 3:11-14 NLT
11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. 12 I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. 13 I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. 14 So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.” 

5 When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!

Religion vs. relationship

6 “What’s going on?” the Philistines asked. “What’s all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?” When they were told it was because the Ark of the Lord had arrived, 7 they panicked. “The gods have come into their camp!” they cried. “This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before! 8 Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel?

The Philistines were afraid of the “gods” (small g) of Israel represented by the Ark.

They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness. 

The Philistines knew the story of a powerful god rescuing the Israelites from the Egyptians.

“when Israel was in the wilderness” is not exactly accurate.

  • The presence of the Ark frightened the Philistines. 

9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don’t, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours! Stand up like men and fight!”

The losers become slaves.

10 So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was great; 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents. 

More than 7 times the number of soldiers died in this battle compared to the previous battle.

The Ark did not bring the Israelites victory.

Performing a religious act did not save the Israelites.

  • The Philistines killed 30,000 Israelite soldiers and won the battle. 

11 The Ark of God was captured, 

  • The Ark of God was captured. 

and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.

  • Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.

1 Samuel 2:34 NLT
34 And to prove that what I have said will come true, I will cause your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, to die on the same day!

  • God’s Word was fulfilled.

 

 

Praise God for His Amazing Grace

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Praise God for His Amazing Grace

Ephesians 1:2-8 NLT
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Spiritual Blessings
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Examine the scriptures:

Ephesians 1:2-8 NLT
Praise God for His Amazing Grace.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

These words are more than just a “greeting”.

  • Grace and peace are major themes in the book of Ephesians.

Paul uses the word “grace” 12 times and “peace” 7 times in Ephesians.

Grace:

In Christianity, God’s grace and God’s mercy are often confused. Although they are similar expressions of God’s favor and love, they possess a clear distinction. When we experience God’s grace, we receive blessings from God that we do not deserve. When we experience God’s mercy, we are spared from punishment that we do deserve.

Grace can even be defined by the acronym God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.

Grace expresses God’s steadfast love toward man.

In the next chapter of Ephesians:

Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

 Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Peace:

Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:14 NLT
14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people …

Ephesians 6:15 NLT
15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News …

Other writings from Paul:

Galatians 5:22 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Both are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-2 NLT
5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

  • Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.
  • God’s saving grace is a theme found throughout the book of Ephesians.
  • The Good news of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ is for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews.
  • Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Note: In Greek, verses 3-14 are one sentence.

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. NIV

God’s superabundant blessings are given to all of His adopted children.

We are able to be called His children because of what Christ has done for us.

The words “Christ” or “Son” appear, or are implied, in verses 1-7.

2 Peter 1:2-4 (Peter an apostle expands on this thought.)
2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

  • God has equipped us with everything we need to live the life he has planned for us. 

4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us (see verse 5)

This form of the Greek verb “chose” indicates that God not only chose by Himself but for Himself to the praise of His own glory. 

in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Colossians 1:22 NLT
22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

Titus 3:5-7 NLT
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Jude 24 NLT
24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 

  • As a result of what Jesus did for us, God sees us as holy and blameless.

 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
11 … he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

 Romans 8:29-30 NLT
29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. 

Colossians 3:12 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves …

1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

Titus 1:1 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen …

John 6:44 NLT
44 For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. 

  • God decided in advance to adopt us (believers) into his own family, and it gave Him great pleasure. 

6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.  

  • Praising God is an appropriate response for all He has done for us.

1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

Revelation 5:12 NLT
12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”

What did God do for us?

Colossians 1:13 NLT
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness (destination – Hell) and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, (destination – Heaven)

Praise God.

Psalm 150:6 NLT
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord! 

  • Praise God for His amazing grace. 

7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 

  • God is rich in kindness and grace.

We read about God’s kindness and grace throughout scripture.

Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:14 NLT
14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Ephesians 2:13 NLT
13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 4:30 NLT
30 … Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Other scriptures:

Romans 3:24 NLT
24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Mark 10:45 NLT
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT
18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 

  • God purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

We can ask God for wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9 NLT
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 NLT
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Colossians 3:16 NLT
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.  

  • God has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

 

This thought continues in verse 9

Greetings from Paul (Introduction to the book of Ephesians)

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Disclaimer
There is a big difference between Scripture and commentary.
Scripture is God’s Word.  Commentary is man’s word.
Most of the content in this lesson is from the Scripture.  Some of the content is from commentaries.

Introduction to Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:1-2 NLT
Greetings from Paul1 
This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus,
who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
2May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Examine the scriptures:

Ephesians 1:1-2 NLT

Greetings from Paul 

1 This letter is from Paul,

Also Ephesians 3:1 NLT
When I think of all this, I, Paul, …

  • Written by Paul – about 60-62 A.D. – while in prison in Rome – one of the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon)

There are some differences in dates and locations in other commentaries. (5 of the commentaries I used support the above bullet point.) 

chosen by the will of God

A sovereign God fulfilling His plan.

God’s sovereignty, a theme throughout the book of Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:5 NLT
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Ephesians 1:9 NLT
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. 

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

Other scriptures:
Psalm 139:16 NLT
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed. 

to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. 

Apostle: The word means “Messenger” or “send forth” and served as official title for Paul and the twelve disciples, who were eyewitness of the resurrected Jesus and were chosen by God to lay the foundation for the church. 

  • It was God’s plan, not Paul’s plan, for Paul to be an apostle.
    • Commissioned and sent by God with the gospel message.
    • Paul’s authority comes from God.
    • 2 Timothy 3:16 (written by Paul) tells us that all of Paul’s writings were inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

I am writing to God’s holy people (saints) in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.

God’s holy people described in the book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:15 NLT
15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere …

Ephesians 1:18
18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Ephesians 2:19
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

Ephesians 3:18
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

Ephesians 4:12
12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Ephesians 5:3
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

  • Paul is writing this letter to God’s holy people.
  • God’s holy people (Saints) are set apart for God’s use.
  • The recipients of this letter are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
  • The recipients of this letter are “believers” in Christ Jesus. 

1:1 The most ancient manuscripts do not include in Ephesus. 

Because the name Ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, and because there are no personal greetings in this letter, some scholars believe the letter was meant to be circulated and read among all the churches in Asia Minor and was simply sent fist to the believers in Ephesus.

Ephesians may have been a letter intended for other churches in addition to the church in Ephesus.

  • To the Ephesians, but may also have been intended to be circulated among other churches. 
  • The book of Ephesians is also written for us.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us … 

Romans 15:4 NLT
4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

Psalm 119:105 NLT
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

Interesting facts about Ephesus:

Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

Ephesus was an important port city.

Ephesus was located at an intersection of major trade routes.

At this time was the 4th largest city in the Roman Empire, with an estimated population of 500,000 people.

Known for its temple of Artemis, (or Diana to the Romans).

This temple was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Important political, educational, and commercial.

Why is all of this significant?  (Not much different than many cities in America.)

Paul visited Ephesus:

Acts 18:18-23   NLT
Paul Returns to Antioch of Syria (second missionary journey)          A.D. 49-52 (51-53)*
18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
19 They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem and then went back to Antioch.
23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers.

(third missionary journey)19:1 
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.
8 Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. 9 But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord.
18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices.  

Acts 20:17 & 31 NLT
Third missionary journey A.D. 54-57
17 But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

  • Paul was very familiar with the believers in Ephesus.

The first three chapters are theological, emphasizing New Testament doctrine,

while the last three chapters are practical and focus on Christian behavior.

  • The book of Ephesians challenges the reader to focus on Christ and the Church and teaches practical Christian living.

Example of focusing on the church.
Ephesians 6:18 NLT
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

  • Jews and Gentiles make up the church.

Ephesians is a letter of encouragement and admonition.  The book talks a lot about the church, God’s grace, and who we are in Christ.

Unlike Galatians and Corinthians, Ephesians was not written to address a specific concern or concerns within the church. Instead, it was written to emphasize all that we receive when we become a Christian, and to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

These words are more than just a “greeting”.

Grace and peace are major themes in the book of Ephesians.

Paul uses the word “grace” 12 times and “peace” 7 times in Ephesians.

Grace can even be defined by the acronym God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

In Christianity, God’s grace and God’s mercy are often confused. Although they are similar expressions of God’s favor and love, they possess a clear distinction. When we experience God’s grace, we receive favor that we do not deserve. When we experience God’s mercy, we are spared punishment that we do deserve.

Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.

Grace expresses God’s steadfast love toward man.

Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Both are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-2 NLT
5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

  • Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.
  • God’s saving grace is a theme found throughout the book of Ephesians.
  • The Good news of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ is for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews.
  • Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Why Should We Study the Bible?

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Why do we study the Bible?

Why is it important to immerse our minds, hearts, and souls in the beauty of God’s Word (us, our children, and our grandchildren)?

Reasons to study the Bible?

In the Bible, God tells us to study the Bible.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Study continually.
Meditate on it.
Obey everything written in it.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 NLT
6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 

Commitment
Repetition
Scripture become a part of us. 

1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT
2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 

Crave
Cry out

The Bible gives us many reasons to study the scriptures.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

… years of life and peace they will add to you. (ESV)
… they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (NIV)
All will go well for you. (ERV)
Your life will be satisfying. (Contentment)

Psalm 84:10 NLT
10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

(Quality vs. quantity)

Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Keep you from stumbling.

Proverbs 4:10-13
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. 

A long, good life.  When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 

Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. 

Blessed by God.

Romans 15:4 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement.

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not deceived by false teachers.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
The Danger of False Teachers
2:1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

They will cleverly teach destructive heresies

Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality.

Matthew 7:15 NLT
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep.

Ephesians 4:14 NLT
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Colossians 2:8 NLT
8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Philosophies and high-sounding, intellectualism, the tradition of men.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Many of the people we come in contact with will be following false teachers.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NLT
3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 

Your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted.

You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you.

Studying the Word helps us fight spiritual battles and experience victory over the enemy!

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not misled by teachers with good intentions.

Acts 17:11 NLT
11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

Spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

Bearing fruit each season.

John 15:4-8 NLT
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Produce much fruit.

Scripture teaches us right from wrong.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Scripture is a supernatural discerning agent showing us right from wrong. 

Study the scriptures for the pleasure and enjoyment it provides to the reader,

Psalm 119:15-16 NLT
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

What is a major benefit that comes from studying the scriptures?

Scripture transforms our minds. 

God wants to transform us.

Romans 12:2 NLT
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

The word transform used here means “keep on being transformed”.

The English word “metamorphosis” comes from the Greek word “transformed.

A change in appearance.

Matthew 17:2 NLT
2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 

The disciples caught a glimpse of Jesus’ inner divine nature and glory.

When we think of metamorphosis we often think of butterflies.

There are four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.  Going from one form to another.

Christians should outwardly manifest their inner, redeemed natures, not once, however, but daily.

Matthew 13:43 NLT
3 Then the righteous (believers) will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. 

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Ephesians 4:22-23 NLT
22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Changing the way you think, (renewing of your mind) is a kind of transformation that can occur only as the Holy Spirit changes your thinking through consis­tent study and meditation on Scripture.

Psalm 119:11 NLT
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

God’s Word changes us.

We need to:

Philippians 4:8 NLT
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Colossians 3:10 NLT
10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Colossians 3:16 NLT
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

The renewed mind is one saturated with the Word of God.

God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

As one’s mind keeps on being made new by the spiritual input of God’s Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship, his lifestyle keeps on being transformed.

What can scripture do?

Examples of transformation.

Psalm 19:7-8 NLT
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living. 

Revive the soul.
Make the simple wise.
Bring joy to the heart.
Give insight for living. 

Psalm 119:50 NLT
50 Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles. 

Scripture revives us.
Scripture comforts us. 

Scripture changes us

Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT
1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

You will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Matthew 4:4 NLT
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Scripture nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally.

Transforms not just our minds, but our lives (For all eternity).

1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Scripture gives us the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

John 20:30-31 NLT
Purpose of the Book
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. 

Scripture leads us to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:17 NLT
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

1 Peter 3:15 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

 

Bible study deepens Godly community.

Bible study helps us grow closer to God.

 

 

Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling (September 2022 Part two)

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Overall goal:

Immerse our minds, hearts, and souls in the beauty of God’s Word.

Introduction:

Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling.

When we examine current events:

We see the demise of America as we once knew it.

We are surrounded by moral decay.

It’s easy to become discouraged.

It’s easy to lose focus.

            We read about the rise and fall of nations (God’s people) in the Old Testament.

The outcome for America is predictable.

Don’t lose your focus.

What is something that God has called you to do?

Our ministry (from the scriptures)

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Psalm 78 (NLT)
1O my people, listen to my instructions.
Open your ears to what I am saying,
2for I will speak to you in a parable.
I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—
3stories we have heard and known,
stories our ancestors handed down to us.
4We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders.
5For he issued his laws to Jacob;
he gave his instructions to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
6so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands.

Actions

1O my people, listen to my instructions.
Open your ears to what I am saying, (be receptive) 

YOU:

Listen – hear  (God speaks to us!)

Bible study is all important!

I will teach you …

I will speak to you …

  • Listen to God’s instructions. Open your ears to what God is saying to you. (be receptive)

Tell:

4We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the LORD,
about his power and his mighty wonders. 

Desired outcome:

6so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.

7So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands.

  • Help others

You want them to:

Know God’s Story – Biblical truths.
Trust in God.
Remember Biblical truths.
Obey Biblical truths.

  • Repetition is good.

How

  • Remember Your Mission.

Deuteronomy 6 (NLT)
4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.  9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Repeat again and again.

  • Start with yourself.

YOU: You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.  

6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 

  • Repeat them (Biblical principles) again and again to your children.

Readily available resource.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 

Remember Your Mission.

Remember, Redeemer Day School is a preschool.  We are here to establish a foundation for our students.  We are not building the entire building.

  • Building on a Solid Foundation

Luke 6:46-49 NLT
Building on a Solid Foundation
46“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Matthew 7:24-29 NLT
Building on a Solid Foundation
24“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

  • We want our students to hear and obey basic Biblical principles.

Foundations

Costly to build.
Construction most people do not see.
Rain will come.  Foundations will be tested.

We are not in this alone. (Picture the following.)

Isaiah 41:8-10 NLT
8 “But as for you, Israel my servant,
Jacob my chosen one,
descended from Abraham my friend,
9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
saying, ‘You are my servant.’
For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Final comments:

Proverbs 22:6 NLT
6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Psalm 127:1 NLT
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.

 

 

Why do we study the Bible?

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Why do we study the Bible?

Why is it important to immerse our minds, hearts, and souls in the beauty of God’s Word (us, our children, and our grandchildren)?

Reasons to study the Bible?

In the Bible, God tells us to study the Bible.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Study continually.
Meditate on it.
Obey everything written in it.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 NLT
6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 

Commitment
Repetition
Scripture become a part of us. 

1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT
2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 

Crave
Cry out

The Bible gives us many reasons to study the scriptures.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

… years of life and peace they will add to you. (ESV)
… they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (NIV)
All will go well for you. (ERV)
Your life will be satisfying. (Contentment)

Psalm 84:10 NLT
10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

(Quality vs. quantity)

Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Keep you from stumbling.

Proverbs 4:10-13
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. 

A long, good life.  When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 

Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. 

Blessed by God.

Romans 15:4 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement.

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not deceived by false teachers.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
The Danger of False Teachers
2:1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

They will cleverly teach destructive heresies

Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality.

Matthew 7:15 NLT
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep.

Ephesians 4:14 NLT
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Colossians 2:8 NLT
8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Philosophies and high-sounding, intellectualism, the tradition of men.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Many of the people we come in contact with will be following false teachers.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NLT
3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 

Your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted.

You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you.

Studying the Word helps us fight spiritual battles and experience victory over the enemy!

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not misled by teachers with good intentions.

Acts 17:11 NLT
11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

Spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

Bearing fruit each season.

John 15:4-8 NLT
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Produce much fruit.

Scripture teaches us right from wrong.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Scripture is a supernatural discerning agent showing us right from wrong. 

Study the scriptures for the pleasure and enjoyment it provides to the reader,

Psalm 119:15-16 NLT
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

What is a major benefit that comes from studying the scriptures?

Scripture transforms our minds. 

God wants to transform us.

Romans 12:2 NLT
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

The word transform used here means “keep on being transformed”.

The English word “metamorphosis” comes from the Greek word “transformed.

A change in appearance.

Matthew 17:2 NLT
2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 

The disciples caught a glimpse of Jesus’ inner divine nature and glory.

When we think of metamorphosis we often think of butterflies.

There are four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.  Going from one form to another.

Christians should outwardly manifest their inner, redeemed natures, not once, however, but daily.

Matthew 13:43 NLT
3 Then the righteous (believers) will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. 

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Ephesians 4:22-23 NLT
22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Changing the way you think, (renewing of your mind) is a kind of transformation that can occur only as the Holy Spirit changes your thinking through consis­tent study and meditation on Scripture.

Psalm 119:11 NLT
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

God’s Word changes us.

We need to:

Philippians 4:8 NLT
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Colossians 3:10 NLT
10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Colossians 3:16 NLT
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

The renewed mind is one saturated with the Word of God.

God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

As one’s mind keeps on being made new by the spiritual input of God’s Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship, his lifestyle keeps on being transformed.

What can scripture do?

Examples of transformation.

Psalm 19:7-8 NLT
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living. 

Revive the soul.
Make the simple wise.
Bring joy to the heart.
Give insight for living. 

Psalm 119:50 NLT
50 Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles. 

Scripture revives us.
Scripture comforts us. 

Scripture changes us

Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT
1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

You will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Matthew 4:4 NLT
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Scripture nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally.

Transforms not just our minds, but our lives (For all eternity).

1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Scripture gives us the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

John 20:30-31 NLT
Purpose of the Book
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. 

Scripture leads us to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:17 NLT
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

1 Peter 3:15 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

 

Bible study deepens Godly community.

Bible study helps us grow closer to God.

 

 

Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling (September 2022 Part one)

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Overall goal:
     Immerse our minds, hearts, and souls in the beauty of God’s Word 

Introduction:
     Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling (September 2022 Part one)

 Look at Psalm 139:13-16 NLT

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.  (ESV)

 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)

  • We are not here by mistake.

Look at Ephesians 2:10
New Living Translation
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

New International Version
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

  • A Sovereign God is in control and has a plan for our lives.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

  • Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Current events

When we examine current events: (Just to name a few.)

Inflation
Recession
Coronavirus
Our Southern Border
Left wing policies – government spending – government defying the constitution.
Events in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, China, Israel, Palestine, etc.
Support of Pro-abortion views.
The “woke” mentality.
The modern revolt against marriage.
The breakdown of the Biblical “male” and “female” marriage.
Wide spread acceptance of alternate life styles.
LGBTQ+
Trends in education

We see the demise of America as we once knew it.

We are surrounded by moral decay.

It’s easy to become discouraged.

It’s easy to lose focus.

When we read about the rise and fall of nations (God’s people) in the Old Testament.  The outcome for America is predictable.

Don’t lose your focus.

Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling.

  • Don’t lose your focus.
  • Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling. 

Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling.

Where do we start?

Philippians 4:6-9 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

You all know a lot of scripture.  Focus on what you know.  Do the things you know you should be doing, and don’t be sidetracked by the things you don’t understand.

Actions:

Don’t worry about anything.

Pray about everything. – Tell God what you need.

Thank God for all He has done.

Fix your thoughts on Scripture.

Put into practice all you learned from scripture.

  • Keep putting into practice all you learned.

Results:
You will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

  • You know a lot of scripture. Focus on what you know.

What are some things that you know?

  • God is Sovereign

God is the supreme authority.

God is sovereign over history and time.

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Psalm 47:7-9 NLT
7 For God is the King over all the earth.
Praise him with a psalm.
8 God reigns above the nations,
sitting on his holy throne.
9 The rulers of the world have gathered together
with the people of the God of Abraham.
For all the kings of the earth belong to God.
He is highly honored everywhere. 

Psalm 125:2 NLT
2 Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.

  • Some things never change.
  • God never changes.

Malachi 3:6 (NLT)
6“I am the Lord, and I do not change. …

Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)
8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  

Numbers 23:19 (NLT)
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

  • God’s Word never changes.

Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)
8The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever.”

Psalm 119:89 (NLT)
89Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven.

Luke 21:33 (NLT)
33Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

John 10:34-35 (NLT)
34Jesus replied … 35And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. 

Matthew 5:18 (NLT)
18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.

  • Our philosophy of Christian Education should never change.

Ephesians 4:14 NLT
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

 

To be continued in:
“Remember Your Mission, Your Ministry, Your Calling (September 2022 Part two)”

 

Paul’s Final Advice

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Paul’s Final Advice

Galatians 6:11-18 NLT
11 Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.
12 Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. 13 And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.
14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. 15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 16 May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.
17 From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.
18 Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 6:11-18 NLT

Paul’s Final Advice 

11 Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.

  • Paul frequently took the pen from his secretary and added a postscript in his own handwriting.

Romans 16:22 NLT
22 I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord’s followers.

1 Corinthians 16:21 NLT
21 Here is my greeting in my own handwriting–Paul.

Colossians 4:18 NLT
18 Here is my greeting in my own handwriting–Paul.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 NLT
17 Here is my greeting in my own handwriting–Paul.  I do this in all my letters to prove they are from me. 

Paul did this to show that the letter really did come from him

And

In this case to make a final appeal.

The large letters may have been used for emphasis. 

12 Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others.

Throughout the book of Galatians Paul was addressing a group of Judaizers in Galatia who claimed that Paul’s teaching about the Good News was inadequate.  The Judaizers argued that Paul’s law-free gospel was incomplete, and they claimed that the real gospel required Gentiles to be circumcised and to keep other aspects of the law.

Paul continues to address this topic in his closing comments.

Paul believed that the Judaizers were more concerned about their own reputation than with pleasing God.

The Judaizers were only thinking of themselves. They want to look good to others.

  • The Judaizers wanted to look good to others.

They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. 

By advocating circumcision, the Judaizers were less likely to experience opposition from the Jewish opponents to Christianity.

1 Corinthians 1:23 NLT
23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.

  • The Judaizers wanted to avoid persecution.

For us it might be: criticism, opposition, condemnation, disapproval, disfavor, rebuke, etc. 

13 And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.

The motivation of the false teachers was self-serving. They “want to look good to others.”

They were more concerned about their own reputation than with honoring God.

“… so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.”

  • The Judaizers only wanted to boast about the number of people they had convinced to be circumcised.

Some people are more interested in numbers than in truth.

14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s motivation was to increase, not his own reputation, but God’s glory.  Boasting about law -keeping would detract from recognition of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s writings:

1 Corinthians 1:31 NLT
31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 2:2 NLT
2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 NLT
17 For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

1 Corinthians 15:3 NLT
3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.

Colossians 1:20-22 NLT
20 and through him (Christ) God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

Colossians 2:14-15 NLT
14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Paul’s message was “salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone”.

  • Paul stated that he never boasted about anything except the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. 

  • The things of “this world” no longer attracted or influenced Paul. The “world” had no interest in Paul.

15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 

The Galatians missed the point.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NLT
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

Colossians 2:11-12 NLT
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

Colossians 1:21-22
21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. 

16 May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle;

Those who have been transformed into a new creation by the power of the cross. (V. 14-15)

 they are the new people of God.

  • Those who have been transformed into a new creation are the people of God. 

17 From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. 

Paul makes one final attempt to defense of his authority as an apostle.

The false teachers, and perhaps some of the Galatians, have been misrepresenting Paul.  Paul insists on the respect that is due his ministry.

No one has a right to criticize Paul or his message because of his proven status as Christ’s servant. 

For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.

  • Paul is a genuine minister of Christ and has the scars to prove it.

Acts 14:19 NLT
19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead.

2 Corinthians 6:4-5 NLT
4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 

2 Corinthians 11:21-27 NLT
21 … But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

Exodus 21:6 NLT
6 If he does this, his master must present him before God. Then his master must take him to the door or doorpost and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will serve his master for life. 

18 Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. 

  • Paul has not given up on the Galatians. He still refers to them as brothers and sisters. 

It’s all boils down to God’s grace. 

Paul ends where he began. 

Galatians 1:3-4 NLT
3 May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.

 *****************************

  • Paul frequently took the pen from his secretary and added a postscript in his own handwriting.
  • The Judaizers wanted to look good to others.
  • The Judaizers wanted to avoid persecution.
  • The Judaizers only wanted to boast about the number of people they had convinced to be circumcised.
  • Paul stated that he never boasted about anything except the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • The things of “this world” no longer attract or influence Paul. The “world” has no interest in Paul.
  • Those who have been transformed into a new creation are the people of God.
  • Paul was a genuine minister of Christ and had the scars to prove it.
  • Paul had not given up on the Galatians. He still referred to them as brothers and sisters.

Samuel Speaks for the Lord

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Samuel Speaks for the Lord.

1 Samuel 3:15-21 NLT
15 Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the Tabernacle as usual. He was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him. 16 But Eli called out to him, “Samuel, my son.”
“Here I am,” Samuel replied.
17 “What did the Lord say to you? Tell me everything. And may God strike you and even kill you if you hide anything from me!” 18 So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn’t hold anything back. “It is the Lord’s will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he thinks best.”
19 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. 20 And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. 21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Samuel 3:15-21 NLT
Samuel Speaks for the Lord

15 Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the Tabernacle as usual.

  • Samuel started his day by carrying out his routine duties.

“Doors” are an indication that the Tabernacle in this passage was a more permanent structure than the one used in the wilderness.

He was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him. 

  • Samuel was afraid to tell Eli of God’s plans for him and his family.

This may have been out of respect for Eli’s position as High Priest.

Samuel was a young man and Eli was the High Priest.

This may have been out of fear for his own safety. (See verse 17) 

16 But Eli called out to him, “Samuel, my son.”

Eli addressed Samuel as his son.

Almost all translations us the words “my son”.

The call Samuel received from Eli was similar to the call Samuel previously received in 3:4-5.

4 Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!”
“Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” 5 He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”
“I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did. 

This time it was Eli calling and Samuel knew it was Eli.

“Here I am,” Samuel replied. 

17 “What did the Lord say to you?

  • Eli recognized the fact that the Lord had spoken to Samuel.

Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. (1 Samuel 3:1) 

Tell me everything. And may God strike you and even kill you if you hide anything from me!” 

  • Eli called down God’s judgment on Samuel if he refused to tell everything he knew.

This expression was used on other occasions in the Old Testament.

Ruth 1:17 NLT
17 Wherever you die, I (Ruth) will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

2 Samuel 3:9 NLT
9 May God strike me (Abner) and even kill me if I don’t do everything I can to help David get what the Lord has promised him!

2 Samuel 19:13 NLT
13 And David told them to tell Amasa, “Since you are my own flesh and blood, like Joab, may God strike me and even kill me if I do not appoint you as commander of my army in his place.”

1 Kings 19:2 NLT
2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”

This is clearly a very solemn appeal.

This comment may have been very intimidating to Samuel.

  • A prophet’s assignment can be a very challenging and difficult assignment. It is not easy to tell people something they may not want to hear.
  • All throughout the Scripture both the prophet and their message were frequently rejected by the people the message was directed toward.

Nehemiah 9:26 NLT
26 “… They turned their backs on your Law, they killed your prophets who warned them to return to you…

Acts 7:52 NLT
52 Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered.

Luke 13:34 NLT (Jesus speaking)
34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! 

18 So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn’t hold anything back.

  • Samuel was taking on the role of a prophet of God.

“It is the Lord’s will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he thinks best.”

  • To his credit, Eli humbly accepts God’s judgment. 

19 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him,

  • As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him.

Many of changes are taking place in this chapter.

A major change:

Previously:

1 Samuel 3:7 NLT
7 Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.

Application

Jesus’ promise to the disciples and to us.

John 14:16-18 NLT
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 

and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. 

All that Samuel spoke was fulfilled.

Deuteronomy 18:21-22 NLT
21 “But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ 22 If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Jeremiah 28:9 NLT
9 So a prophet who predicts peace must show he is right. Only when his predictions come true can we know that he is really from the Lord.”

20 And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south,

The territory of all 12 tribes of Israel. (refer to a map of Israel.)

knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. 

  • The reliability of Samuel’s message made it evident that God was speaking through him. 

21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

The Lord continued to give messages to Samuel.

  • God reopened the lines of communication with Israel through Samuel.

Previously:
3:1 Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.

Samuel’s role as a prophet was under way and would last for a lifetime.

A new era had begun.

1 Samuel 4:1 NLT
1 And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel. 

  • Samuel was God’s spokesman for all of Israel.

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  • Samuel started his day by carrying out his routine duties.
  • Samuel was afraid to tell Eli of God’s plans for him and his family.
  • Eli recognized the fact that the Lord had spoken to Samuel.
  • Eli called down God’s judgment on Samuel if he refused to tell everything he knew.
  • A prophet’s assignment can be a very challenging and difficult assignment. It is not easy to tell people something they may not want to hear.
  • All throughout the Scripture both the prophet and their message were frequently rejected by the people the message was directed toward.
  • Samuel was taking on the role of a prophet of God.
  • To his credit, Eli humbly accepts God’s judgment.
  • As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him.
  • The reliability of Samuel’s message made it evident that God was speaking through him.
  • God reopened the lines of communication with Israel through Samuel.
  • Samuel was God’s spokesman for all of Israel.