XXI. I Peter
Author – Apostle Peter with the assistance of Silas (I Peter 5:12)
When – 60 A.D. perhaps from Rome
To Whom – Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey.)
Purpose – To offer encouragement to Christians experiencing persecution. Peter reminded the believers that because of God’s great mercy believers have been given a new life, a living hope, and an eternal inheritance that will never be taken from them (I Peter 1:3-6.) Peter also exhorted Christians to pursue a life of holiness even in the midst of persecution (I Peter 1:13-16, 2:9-12.) Jesus is our example on how to endure suffering (I Peter 3:21-25.)
Key Verses – I Peter 2:9-12
XXII. II Peter
Author – Apostle Peter
When – 64 A.D. perhaps from Rome shortly before Peter’s death
To Whom – unknown. Either to Christians in Rome or Asia Minor (modern day Turkey.)
Purpose – Peter knew that his death was near. His second letter has a similar theme to Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Peter’s second letter can be read as his “Farewell Address” to Christians. Peter vigorously condemns false teachers who swayed unbelievers from the true faith and weakened the faith of believers. Peter pleaded with believers remain faithful to Christ to persevere in the face of adversity and to pursue righteousness. Peter ends his letter by addressing one of the accusations false teachers were making against Jesus. It had been almost 60 years since Jesus had ascended into Heaven promising to return. False teachers were going around saying it’s been 60 years and Jesus had yet to return. Peter’s response to this accusation can be found in II Peter chapter 3.Key Verses – II Peter 1:3-15
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Brief History of the Church
33 A.D. – 1054 A.D. – Unified Church. Growing power/influence of bishop of Rome over the church. Reasons – a) Location, decline of Roman empire – people looked to bishop of Rome to meet needs and provide security. Called him papa – pope, and b) Petrine doctrine – Jesus gave Peter keys to heaven … Peter first bishop of Rome. Keys handed down to his successors. By 800 A.D., bishop of Rome, or pope, was clearly the leader of the church in western Europe.
1054 A.D. – the Great Schism. The bishops of the large churches in the Eastern part of the former Roman Empire – Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, and Constantinople – did not acknowledge the bishop of Rome as their superior. 1054 A.D., bishop of Rome demanded that the bishop of Constantinople recognize his superiority over the bishops of the East. Bishop of Constantinople refused. The two bishops excommunicated one another. Thus the once unified Church split – Roman Catholic Church in western Europe; Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe and Middle East.
1517 A.D. – Protestant Reformation begins. Origins – John Huss and John Wycliffe attacked unscriptural teachings and excesses of the Roman Catholic Church. Specifically, that one had to go through a representative of the Church to attain salvation. Their teachings weakened the foundations of the monolithic Roman Catholic Church. 1517, Martin Luther took a hammer figuratively and literally and shattered the monolith. He nailed his criticisms (95 Theses) to the church door of Wittenberg. Luther’s intent was not to start a new denomination but to reform the Roman Catholic Church from within. However, a combination of outside political factors and unwillingness of the Roman Catholic Church to reform led to the creation of a new church – Lutheran church.
Luther’s actions opened a Pandora’s box of religious movements.
1525 – Anabaptist movements – Originated in Germany. Name means “twice baptize.” They rejected infant baptism. One must be mature enough to make a confession of faith in order to be baptized. Refuse to take oaths and participate in civil government. Pacifists. Tend to practice communal living. Anabaptist groups include Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, Amish, and Quakers (Society of Friends.)
1534 – Anglican Church – King Henry VIII of England wanted a divorce from his first wife Catherine because after 24 years of marriage she had yet to bear him a son. He had his eye on a beautiful young woman named Anne Boelyn who could provide him with the son he desired. The pope refused largely because Catherine’s brother and most powerful ruler in Europe, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, told the pope not to or else. Henry VIII decided to take England out of the Roman Catholic Church and create his own church and made himself head of the new church called the Church of England or Anglican Church. He promptly received his divorce and married Anne Boelyn. Other motivation – Henry VIII desperate need of cash. Roman Catholic monasteries owned most of the land in England. After creating the Church of England, guess who became the new owner of theses lands? Henry VIII. The rituals and worship style of the Anglican Church remained similar to the Catholic Church. Anglican Church was the predominant church in the United States during the colonial period. After the United States gained its independence from England, the Anglican church in the U.S. became the Episcopal Church.
1536 – John Calvin emerges as a force in the Reformation movement ongoing in Europe. His writings on topics including salvation, the Trinity, faith and works, church-state relations, etc., molded the doctrines of future religious movements and denominations. Presbyterian Church originated out of the Calvinist movement.
1607 – Puritans/Pilgrims. Religious movements within the Anglican Church that sought to “purify” the Anglican Church of its Catholic elements. Essentially, they believed the Anglican Church was too Catholic. They wanted it be more Protestant. Puritans sought to reform the Anglican Church from within. Pilgrims favored separation from the Anglican Church. Puritans/pilgrims were greatly influenced by Calvin’s teachings. Both groups experienced persecution by the Anglican church. They came to the New World to be able to practice their beliefs freely. Descendants of the puritans/pilgrims formed the Congregational Church primarily found in New England.
1607 – The Baptist Church originated as a Separatist Movement within the Anglican Church. Like the pilgrims, Baptists believed the Anglican Church could not be reformed of its Catholic elements. They separated from the Anglican Church. Practiced baptism by immersion following a confession of faith. Baptist movement came to the U.S. in the 1630’s. 1845 – Northern and Southern Baptists split over slavery. Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Baptist denomination and largest Protestant denomination in the U.S.
1738 – Methodist Church originated as reform movement within the Anglican Church under the leadership of John Wesley. The movement focused on Bible study and a methodical approach to scriptures and Christian living. The term "Methodism" was a term of ridicule given to Wesley and his followers. They met in small groups in people’s homes to study the Bible, confess their sins to one another, and to build each other up. They also frequently visited the sick and the poor, as well as prisoners. Methodists emphasized personal holiness. They taught that God does a work separate from salvation that enables a person to live a life of holiness. Wesley, like Luther, was not interested in creating a separate church - only to reform from within. The Methodist Church was organized shortly after Wesley’s death. Methodist Church split over slavery in 1845. They reunited during the mid-20th century. Today, it is known as the United Methodist Church.
The 19th and early 20th century saw the emergence of numerous holiness religious movements similar to Methodism most notably the Church of the Nazarene. These holiness movements emphasized purity in one’s lifestyle. Examples – modest clothing, avoid secular entertainment, steer clear of alcohol.
1901 – Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. Originated as a Holiness movement at a college in Topeka, Kansas. The founder of the college believed that speaking in tongues was evidence that one was filled with the Holy Spirit. One of his students took that teaching to Los Angeles, CA and began what became known as the Azusa Street Revival. Pentecostal/Charismatic movements emphasize a direct personal experience of God through the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The term Pentecostal is derived from the word Pentecost, the time when Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus Christ, as described in Acts chapter 2. Pentecostals tend to see their movement as reflecting the same kind of spiritual power, worship styles and teachings that were found in the early church. For this reason, some Pentecostals also use the term Apostolic or full gospel to describe their movement. What makes Pentecostalism distinct from other mainline Protestant churches is their teaching of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At the moment a person is saved, the new believer has the presence of the Holy Spirit. While the Spirit dwells in every Christian, Pentecostals believe that Christ desires to fill the believer with the Holy Spirit. For Pentecostals, this filling or the baptism with the Holy Spirit is a definite experience which happens after salvation and provides those who have been filled with power to serve and to witness and allows them to experience spiritual gifts which are described in the Bible. Traditionally, Pentecostals have taught that the "initial evidence" of baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. Pentecostal worship services are noteworthy for their extremely emotional worship style. The Assemblies of God is the largest Pentecostal church in the U.S.
Jesus’ viewpoint on denominationalism (Mark 9:38-40)
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.”
What was John’s motive for doing what he did? The man who cast out the demons was not one of the disciples; therefore, he was not “qualified” to perform such a miracle.
What was Jesus’ response? Someone who does such a work in my name is not my enemy. Rather than criticize him, encourage him to continue to do the good work.
There is an alphabet soup of denominations in this country - Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, etc., with hundreds of subgroups within each. They bear witness to how divided the Church is. Denominationalism gives the world/unbelievers the impression that Christians are in competition with one another. Consequently, the work of God has been greatly hindered. Denominations should be less concerned about what divides us and more concerned about what unites us – Jesus Christ and fulfilling His Great Commission to us, His followers, whether Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Mennonite, Catholic, Episcopal, etc.
1054 A.D. – the Great Schism. The bishops of the large churches in the Eastern part of the former Roman Empire – Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, and Constantinople – did not acknowledge the bishop of Rome as their superior. 1054 A.D., bishop of Rome demanded that the bishop of Constantinople recognize his superiority over the bishops of the East. Bishop of Constantinople refused. The two bishops excommunicated one another. Thus the once unified Church split – Roman Catholic Church in western Europe; Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe and Middle East.
1517 A.D. – Protestant Reformation begins. Origins – John Huss and John Wycliffe attacked unscriptural teachings and excesses of the Roman Catholic Church. Specifically, that one had to go through a representative of the Church to attain salvation. Their teachings weakened the foundations of the monolithic Roman Catholic Church. 1517, Martin Luther took a hammer figuratively and literally and shattered the monolith. He nailed his criticisms (95 Theses) to the church door of Wittenberg. Luther’s intent was not to start a new denomination but to reform the Roman Catholic Church from within. However, a combination of outside political factors and unwillingness of the Roman Catholic Church to reform led to the creation of a new church – Lutheran church.
Luther’s actions opened a Pandora’s box of religious movements.
1525 – Anabaptist movements – Originated in Germany. Name means “twice baptize.” They rejected infant baptism. One must be mature enough to make a confession of faith in order to be baptized. Refuse to take oaths and participate in civil government. Pacifists. Tend to practice communal living. Anabaptist groups include Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, Amish, and Quakers (Society of Friends.)
1534 – Anglican Church – King Henry VIII of England wanted a divorce from his first wife Catherine because after 24 years of marriage she had yet to bear him a son. He had his eye on a beautiful young woman named Anne Boelyn who could provide him with the son he desired. The pope refused largely because Catherine’s brother and most powerful ruler in Europe, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, told the pope not to or else. Henry VIII decided to take England out of the Roman Catholic Church and create his own church and made himself head of the new church called the Church of England or Anglican Church. He promptly received his divorce and married Anne Boelyn. Other motivation – Henry VIII desperate need of cash. Roman Catholic monasteries owned most of the land in England. After creating the Church of England, guess who became the new owner of theses lands? Henry VIII. The rituals and worship style of the Anglican Church remained similar to the Catholic Church. Anglican Church was the predominant church in the United States during the colonial period. After the United States gained its independence from England, the Anglican church in the U.S. became the Episcopal Church.
1536 – John Calvin emerges as a force in the Reformation movement ongoing in Europe. His writings on topics including salvation, the Trinity, faith and works, church-state relations, etc., molded the doctrines of future religious movements and denominations. Presbyterian Church originated out of the Calvinist movement.
1607 – Puritans/Pilgrims. Religious movements within the Anglican Church that sought to “purify” the Anglican Church of its Catholic elements. Essentially, they believed the Anglican Church was too Catholic. They wanted it be more Protestant. Puritans sought to reform the Anglican Church from within. Pilgrims favored separation from the Anglican Church. Puritans/pilgrims were greatly influenced by Calvin’s teachings. Both groups experienced persecution by the Anglican church. They came to the New World to be able to practice their beliefs freely. Descendants of the puritans/pilgrims formed the Congregational Church primarily found in New England.
1607 – The Baptist Church originated as a Separatist Movement within the Anglican Church. Like the pilgrims, Baptists believed the Anglican Church could not be reformed of its Catholic elements. They separated from the Anglican Church. Practiced baptism by immersion following a confession of faith. Baptist movement came to the U.S. in the 1630’s. 1845 – Northern and Southern Baptists split over slavery. Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Baptist denomination and largest Protestant denomination in the U.S.
1738 – Methodist Church originated as reform movement within the Anglican Church under the leadership of John Wesley. The movement focused on Bible study and a methodical approach to scriptures and Christian living. The term "Methodism" was a term of ridicule given to Wesley and his followers. They met in small groups in people’s homes to study the Bible, confess their sins to one another, and to build each other up. They also frequently visited the sick and the poor, as well as prisoners. Methodists emphasized personal holiness. They taught that God does a work separate from salvation that enables a person to live a life of holiness. Wesley, like Luther, was not interested in creating a separate church - only to reform from within. The Methodist Church was organized shortly after Wesley’s death. Methodist Church split over slavery in 1845. They reunited during the mid-20th century. Today, it is known as the United Methodist Church.
The 19th and early 20th century saw the emergence of numerous holiness religious movements similar to Methodism most notably the Church of the Nazarene. These holiness movements emphasized purity in one’s lifestyle. Examples – modest clothing, avoid secular entertainment, steer clear of alcohol.
1901 – Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. Originated as a Holiness movement at a college in Topeka, Kansas. The founder of the college believed that speaking in tongues was evidence that one was filled with the Holy Spirit. One of his students took that teaching to Los Angeles, CA and began what became known as the Azusa Street Revival. Pentecostal/Charismatic movements emphasize a direct personal experience of God through the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The term Pentecostal is derived from the word Pentecost, the time when Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus Christ, as described in Acts chapter 2. Pentecostals tend to see their movement as reflecting the same kind of spiritual power, worship styles and teachings that were found in the early church. For this reason, some Pentecostals also use the term Apostolic or full gospel to describe their movement. What makes Pentecostalism distinct from other mainline Protestant churches is their teaching of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At the moment a person is saved, the new believer has the presence of the Holy Spirit. While the Spirit dwells in every Christian, Pentecostals believe that Christ desires to fill the believer with the Holy Spirit. For Pentecostals, this filling or the baptism with the Holy Spirit is a definite experience which happens after salvation and provides those who have been filled with power to serve and to witness and allows them to experience spiritual gifts which are described in the Bible. Traditionally, Pentecostals have taught that the "initial evidence" of baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. Pentecostal worship services are noteworthy for their extremely emotional worship style. The Assemblies of God is the largest Pentecostal church in the U.S.
Jesus’ viewpoint on denominationalism (Mark 9:38-40)
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.”
What was John’s motive for doing what he did? The man who cast out the demons was not one of the disciples; therefore, he was not “qualified” to perform such a miracle.
What was Jesus’ response? Someone who does such a work in my name is not my enemy. Rather than criticize him, encourage him to continue to do the good work.
There is an alphabet soup of denominations in this country - Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, etc., with hundreds of subgroups within each. They bear witness to how divided the Church is. Denominationalism gives the world/unbelievers the impression that Christians are in competition with one another. Consequently, the work of God has been greatly hindered. Denominations should be less concerned about what divides us and more concerned about what unites us – Jesus Christ and fulfilling His Great Commission to us, His followers, whether Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Mennonite, Catholic, Episcopal, etc.
Rahab the Harlot - Illustration of faith
Scripture reading - Joshua chapter 2; chapter 6
Faith as defined by Hebrews: Assurance of things hoped for ... Evidence of things not seen. Believe God exists. Believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. James – Belief in God must be followed by works for faith to be real.
1. Why do people give other people nicknames?
Examples: Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Louis the Pious, Richard the Lion-Heart, Charles the Bald, Frederick Barbarossa, Ivan the Terrible
2. You are a visitor to Jericho. A guide is leading you around the city showing you the sites. He points to a house and says, “That is the home of Rahab the Harlot”. What words/phrases do you associate with someone named Rahab the Harlot? Prostitute; whore; strong scent of perfume.
3. How did people in Jericho see her? Trash; someone to be avoided; Talked bad about her behind her back.
4. How do you think she saw herself? Piece of meat; abused; unloved; lonely; looked down upon; Low self-esteem.
Background on Jericho and the spies. One of the oldest cities in the world – 9000 B.C.
5. Of all the places the spies could have stayed, why Rahab’s house? Prostitutes have a reputation for keeping secrets if you pay them well.
6. What do you suppose the spies’ initial impression of Rahab was? Same as everyone else’s in Jericho.
7. When word reached Rahab and the spies that the king was searching for them, what do you think was going through the minds of the spies? We’re dead. Rahab is going to surrender us to the king. She is not going to risk her life for ours.
8. What did Rahab do? Hid the spies and sent the king’s men on a wild goose chase. Prostitutes have a reputation for being good liars. Her actions guaranteed the downfall of Jericho
9. Why did she do this? What was her motivation?
In a word salvation. Salvation for herself and her family. Her salvation rested on the mercies of the God of Israel. See verses 12-13.
10. Read verses 9-11. What did Rahab know about God? How did she refer to God? His power? How did she learn about God? The people whom the Israelites defeated were fleeing from the Israelites. Many saw the mighty walls of Jericho and figured they would be safe there. They spread the word around Jericho about the Israelites and their God. Rahab may have clients who shared with her their fear of the Israelites and their God. Do you think this head knowledge translated to heart knowledge (Faith)?
Rahab calls God “Lord” 4 times in the ESV. Hebrew word is Yahweh/Jehovah. It means self-existent or eternal one. God told Moses “I AM …”
(2:11) Your God - Elohim “the supreme God” Deut. 5:9 - I, the Lord(Yahweh/Jehovah) your God (Elohim), am a jealous God.”
Clincher - last sentence in verse 11. He is God in heaven above and on earth below. Translation - Jehovah, the Supreme Being you Israelites recognize, is above all, and yet he is here on earth too.
Rahab had sound knowledge of God and His people. She knew of Israel’s past, present, and future. She knew that the hand of God was at work in Israel. More importantly, she knew who God was: Jehovah, the sovereign Lord of Lords. He is almighty and His will cannot be thwarted. Her salvation and the salvation of her family rested in His hands.
Remember this prostitute saying all this. Not a priest, seminary student, or a theologian. A prostitute! Moreover, a Gentile prostitute. Not a Jew. Rahab’s faith was based on her belief of events she had not witnessed. She placed her hope in a God that she was sure can and would save her – a Gentile prostitute.
Why did you become a Christian? Why does anyone become a Christian? For the same reason Rahab became a follower of God. Salvation. In Rahab’s case, salvation from death at the hands of the Israelites. In your case, salvation from eternal death in Hell.
How did it happen? When you became a Christian, you did the same thing Rahab the Harlot did. Rahab believed that God existed (Hebrews) and that this God was the one true God (James.) She earnestly sought (James) this God believing He would reward her with salvation (Hebrews.) Rahab no longer believed in the gods of Jericho (fertility god, war god, etc.) or the gods she and her family had worshipped. She no longer sought them for her salvation.
When you became a Christian, you believed that God existed (Hebrews) and that this God was the one true God (James.) He alone offered salvation through the death and resurrection of his only Son Jesus. You earnestly sought (James) this God believing He would reward you with salvation (Hebrews.) You did not believe salvation came from the god of Islam, the teachings of Buddhism, the gods of Hinduism, hedonism (eat, drink, party because tomorrow we die), or atheism. You rejected the premise that other religions are pathways to God. You believed that God and God alone offered salvation from eternal torment – His only Son Jesus. You did not seek any other god, religion, or philosophy to find salvation. They did not provide you the assurance of what you hope for – life eternal.
How did you reach this conclusion? Like Rahab. She heard stories … testimonies about the God of the Israelites and they were enough to convince her that her salvation rested in Him alone. You heard testimonies from others about God – His power, His grace, His love, His mercy, His wrath - and they were enough to convince you that your salvation rested in Him alone.
In order to become a Christian, you have to have faith (Hebrews, James) in the following:
a. Belief there is a life after this earthly one.
b. Believe there are two destinations after this life – Heaven AND Hell
c. Believe that God alone offers salvation from Hell.
d. Salvation came in the form of His only Son Jesus and nothing else.
Faith as defined by Hebrews: Assurance of things hoped for ... Evidence of things not seen. Believe God exists. Believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. James – Belief in God must be followed by works for faith to be real.
1. Why do people give other people nicknames?
Examples: Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Louis the Pious, Richard the Lion-Heart, Charles the Bald, Frederick Barbarossa, Ivan the Terrible
2. You are a visitor to Jericho. A guide is leading you around the city showing you the sites. He points to a house and says, “That is the home of Rahab the Harlot”. What words/phrases do you associate with someone named Rahab the Harlot? Prostitute; whore; strong scent of perfume.
3. How did people in Jericho see her? Trash; someone to be avoided; Talked bad about her behind her back.
4. How do you think she saw herself? Piece of meat; abused; unloved; lonely; looked down upon; Low self-esteem.
Background on Jericho and the spies. One of the oldest cities in the world – 9000 B.C.
5. Of all the places the spies could have stayed, why Rahab’s house? Prostitutes have a reputation for keeping secrets if you pay them well.
6. What do you suppose the spies’ initial impression of Rahab was? Same as everyone else’s in Jericho.
7. When word reached Rahab and the spies that the king was searching for them, what do you think was going through the minds of the spies? We’re dead. Rahab is going to surrender us to the king. She is not going to risk her life for ours.
8. What did Rahab do? Hid the spies and sent the king’s men on a wild goose chase. Prostitutes have a reputation for being good liars. Her actions guaranteed the downfall of Jericho
9. Why did she do this? What was her motivation?
In a word salvation. Salvation for herself and her family. Her salvation rested on the mercies of the God of Israel. See verses 12-13.
10. Read verses 9-11. What did Rahab know about God? How did she refer to God? His power? How did she learn about God? The people whom the Israelites defeated were fleeing from the Israelites. Many saw the mighty walls of Jericho and figured they would be safe there. They spread the word around Jericho about the Israelites and their God. Rahab may have clients who shared with her their fear of the Israelites and their God. Do you think this head knowledge translated to heart knowledge (Faith)?
Rahab calls God “Lord” 4 times in the ESV. Hebrew word is Yahweh/Jehovah. It means self-existent or eternal one. God told Moses “I AM …”
(2:11) Your God - Elohim “the supreme God” Deut. 5:9 - I, the Lord(Yahweh/Jehovah) your God (Elohim), am a jealous God.”
Clincher - last sentence in verse 11. He is God in heaven above and on earth below. Translation - Jehovah, the Supreme Being you Israelites recognize, is above all, and yet he is here on earth too.
Rahab had sound knowledge of God and His people. She knew of Israel’s past, present, and future. She knew that the hand of God was at work in Israel. More importantly, she knew who God was: Jehovah, the sovereign Lord of Lords. He is almighty and His will cannot be thwarted. Her salvation and the salvation of her family rested in His hands.
Remember this prostitute saying all this. Not a priest, seminary student, or a theologian. A prostitute! Moreover, a Gentile prostitute. Not a Jew. Rahab’s faith was based on her belief of events she had not witnessed. She placed her hope in a God that she was sure can and would save her – a Gentile prostitute.
Why did you become a Christian? Why does anyone become a Christian? For the same reason Rahab became a follower of God. Salvation. In Rahab’s case, salvation from death at the hands of the Israelites. In your case, salvation from eternal death in Hell.
How did it happen? When you became a Christian, you did the same thing Rahab the Harlot did. Rahab believed that God existed (Hebrews) and that this God was the one true God (James.) She earnestly sought (James) this God believing He would reward her with salvation (Hebrews.) Rahab no longer believed in the gods of Jericho (fertility god, war god, etc.) or the gods she and her family had worshipped. She no longer sought them for her salvation.
When you became a Christian, you believed that God existed (Hebrews) and that this God was the one true God (James.) He alone offered salvation through the death and resurrection of his only Son Jesus. You earnestly sought (James) this God believing He would reward you with salvation (Hebrews.) You did not believe salvation came from the god of Islam, the teachings of Buddhism, the gods of Hinduism, hedonism (eat, drink, party because tomorrow we die), or atheism. You rejected the premise that other religions are pathways to God. You believed that God and God alone offered salvation from eternal torment – His only Son Jesus. You did not seek any other god, religion, or philosophy to find salvation. They did not provide you the assurance of what you hope for – life eternal.
How did you reach this conclusion? Like Rahab. She heard stories … testimonies about the God of the Israelites and they were enough to convince her that her salvation rested in Him alone. You heard testimonies from others about God – His power, His grace, His love, His mercy, His wrath - and they were enough to convince you that your salvation rested in Him alone.
In order to become a Christian, you have to have faith (Hebrews, James) in the following:
a. Belief there is a life after this earthly one.
b. Believe there are two destinations after this life – Heaven AND Hell
c. Believe that God alone offers salvation from Hell.
d. Salvation came in the form of His only Son Jesus and nothing else.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Faith Defined - James
Review background on Epistle of James.
1. Is there a difference between a Christian and a churchgoer? If so, what is the difference? James answers this question.
Read James 1:22-25
2. James writes that a person who professes to be a Christian is to be what? Doer of the word. Not what? Hearer of the word.
3. What does James mean by being a “doer of the word?” Curtis preaches the word of God. What does he normally end his sermon with? Application of God’s word. How to do God’s word in the coming week. Why? How many of the 800 or so who listened do so?
4. What does James mean by “hearer of the word?” Person hears Curtis preach. At end of sermon, leaves church and over the next week does not give the sermon another thought. Does not do anything that Curtis preached on from the word of God. Another name for “hearer of the word” is “pew filler.” Why does such a person come to church? Tradition – raised to go to church on Sunday; what a “Christian” does on Sunday; have to in order to stay on God’s “good list.”
5. What illustration does James give of someone who is only a hearer of the word? Read verses 23-24.
6. What does James say will happen to a person who is a doer of the word? Blessed. How? Remember Hebrews 11:6. What are the rewards the author is referring to? rewards/blessings - material, emotional, spiritual, (the gifts of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22) wisdom and knowledge, holiness/godliness, answers to questions. Perseverance to withstand adversity – See James 1:2-4. The more time you spend with God the more rewards/blessings you receive. Ultimate reward is eternal life.
Jesus on the difference between a doer of the word and a hearer of the word – Matthew 7:24-26: Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
According to Jesus and James, it’s not enough to be a hearer of the Word, one must be a doer.
Read James 2:1-7
7. What did James tell his audience not to do? Prejudice for the rich and against the poor. Emphasize verse 1 – Show prejudice for or against no man if you profess to have faith in Jesus Christ. What example did he give of their failing? Read verses 2-3. Give up to date example.
8. How did members of the church judge who sat where? Appearance; name. Why do you think the people James wrote to showed partiality to the wealthy over the poor? Greed? Seeking influence? Give up to date example. Who will feel more welcomed in our church/receive preferential treatment – Bill Gates or David Crowder? A person wearing a suit, tie, and Dockers pants or a person in a well worn shirt, blue jeans, cheap pair of sneakers, and tatted up arms? Well respected mom of four or a lady with a “bad reputation?” What does James say? WDJD – What did Jesus do? He reached out to both rich and poor, the “good people” and the “bad people.”
Read James 2:8-13
9. According to James, because the audience was practicing prejudice they were committing what? Sin.
10. What commandment were they breaking? Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31.
Response of James audience – Coming down on us a little harsh, aren’t you James? So we don’t keep all of the commandments. At least we believe there is a God. That’s all that matters.
Read James 2:14-20
11. After reading verses 14-20, what are the answers to the two questions James asks in verse 14:
a. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Their faith is worthless. Read verses 17 and 20. The people James was rebuking – the “hearers of the word only” group … they claimed to be Christians (Christ-like). Based on what? We believe in Jesus Christ. We believe he died and was resurrected. OK, so we show prejudice for the rich and against the poor. We don’t feed the hungry. We don’t look after widows and orphans. We still believe in God and His only Son Jesus Christ. As James points out who else believes there is one God? The demons believe and live in fear of that fact. The people James is writing to have no such fear or otherwise they would not be so bold to call themselves Christians and yet commit such egregious sin. Bring up to today. OK, you believe in Jesus Christ. You believe he died and was resurrected. And yet, you live your life not acknowledging that truth. Based on the life you live Mon-Sat., no one would know you were a Christian …. not friends, co-workers, not even your spouse and children. Jesus is nowhere evident in your everyday walk. Consequently, sin is prevalent in your life. Reason why – you are not a doer of the Word.
b. Can that faith save him? No. True faith produces outward evidence of that faith. Read Romans 10:9-10; John 3:16-21; II Corinthians 13:5.
Read James 2:21-26
12. James offers Abraham and Rahab as examples for “faith and works” argument. How did they illustrate the relationship of faith with works?
Abraham – Read Hebrews 11:17-19. If Abraham had refused to obey God’s command to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, of what worth is Abraham’s faith in God and His promise to produce through Abraham a great nation? By obeying God (works), Abraham gave credibility to his faith in God and His promise. See verse 22. By his works, Abraham “justified” his faith. The word “justified” is a legal term. Abraham was on trial to determine if his faith in God was true. God passed judgment in Abraham’s favor based on the evidence – Abraham’s actions/works.
Rahab the harlot – talk about in the next lesson
Many, including church leaders such as Martin Luther, have gotten the wrong impression about James argument regarding faith and works. They believed James was teaching that works are necessary to attain salvation. They call him the anti-Paul because the apostle Paul taught that faith alone, not works, produced salvation. James is not saying that works are necessary to attain salvation. He is saying that works are necessary to provide evidence/proof that one is saved/follower of Jesus. In that respect, Paul and James were in agreement. One of the major themes in Paul’s epistles was living a life based on God’s word. The reason Paul placed a greater emphasis on faith is because the audience he was writing believed works were necessary to ATTAIN salvation. James emphasized works because the audience he was writing to believed that works played no role in one’s faith.
Application
Take time this week to practice II Corinthians 13:5. Meditate upon this verse. Ask yourself this question: If you were put on trial for being a Christian, what would the verdict be? Guilty of being a Christian or not guilty of being a Christian? Do you have proof (works) that you can offer as evidence to convict you of being a Christian? Can you call witnesses (co-workers, spouse, friends, children) who will testify on your behalf that you are guilty of being a Christian? Would you be “justified” as Abraham and Rahab?
1. Is there a difference between a Christian and a churchgoer? If so, what is the difference? James answers this question.
Read James 1:22-25
2. James writes that a person who professes to be a Christian is to be what? Doer of the word. Not what? Hearer of the word.
3. What does James mean by being a “doer of the word?” Curtis preaches the word of God. What does he normally end his sermon with? Application of God’s word. How to do God’s word in the coming week. Why? How many of the 800 or so who listened do so?
4. What does James mean by “hearer of the word?” Person hears Curtis preach. At end of sermon, leaves church and over the next week does not give the sermon another thought. Does not do anything that Curtis preached on from the word of God. Another name for “hearer of the word” is “pew filler.” Why does such a person come to church? Tradition – raised to go to church on Sunday; what a “Christian” does on Sunday; have to in order to stay on God’s “good list.”
5. What illustration does James give of someone who is only a hearer of the word? Read verses 23-24.
6. What does James say will happen to a person who is a doer of the word? Blessed. How? Remember Hebrews 11:6. What are the rewards the author is referring to? rewards/blessings - material, emotional, spiritual, (the gifts of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22) wisdom and knowledge, holiness/godliness, answers to questions. Perseverance to withstand adversity – See James 1:2-4. The more time you spend with God the more rewards/blessings you receive. Ultimate reward is eternal life.
Jesus on the difference between a doer of the word and a hearer of the word – Matthew 7:24-26: Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
According to Jesus and James, it’s not enough to be a hearer of the Word, one must be a doer.
Read James 2:1-7
7. What did James tell his audience not to do? Prejudice for the rich and against the poor. Emphasize verse 1 – Show prejudice for or against no man if you profess to have faith in Jesus Christ. What example did he give of their failing? Read verses 2-3. Give up to date example.
8. How did members of the church judge who sat where? Appearance; name. Why do you think the people James wrote to showed partiality to the wealthy over the poor? Greed? Seeking influence? Give up to date example. Who will feel more welcomed in our church/receive preferential treatment – Bill Gates or David Crowder? A person wearing a suit, tie, and Dockers pants or a person in a well worn shirt, blue jeans, cheap pair of sneakers, and tatted up arms? Well respected mom of four or a lady with a “bad reputation?” What does James say? WDJD – What did Jesus do? He reached out to both rich and poor, the “good people” and the “bad people.”
Read James 2:8-13
9. According to James, because the audience was practicing prejudice they were committing what? Sin.
10. What commandment were they breaking? Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31.
Response of James audience – Coming down on us a little harsh, aren’t you James? So we don’t keep all of the commandments. At least we believe there is a God. That’s all that matters.
Read James 2:14-20
11. After reading verses 14-20, what are the answers to the two questions James asks in verse 14:
a. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Their faith is worthless. Read verses 17 and 20. The people James was rebuking – the “hearers of the word only” group … they claimed to be Christians (Christ-like). Based on what? We believe in Jesus Christ. We believe he died and was resurrected. OK, so we show prejudice for the rich and against the poor. We don’t feed the hungry. We don’t look after widows and orphans. We still believe in God and His only Son Jesus Christ. As James points out who else believes there is one God? The demons believe and live in fear of that fact. The people James is writing to have no such fear or otherwise they would not be so bold to call themselves Christians and yet commit such egregious sin. Bring up to today. OK, you believe in Jesus Christ. You believe he died and was resurrected. And yet, you live your life not acknowledging that truth. Based on the life you live Mon-Sat., no one would know you were a Christian …. not friends, co-workers, not even your spouse and children. Jesus is nowhere evident in your everyday walk. Consequently, sin is prevalent in your life. Reason why – you are not a doer of the Word.
b. Can that faith save him? No. True faith produces outward evidence of that faith. Read Romans 10:9-10; John 3:16-21; II Corinthians 13:5.
Read James 2:21-26
12. James offers Abraham and Rahab as examples for “faith and works” argument. How did they illustrate the relationship of faith with works?
Abraham – Read Hebrews 11:17-19. If Abraham had refused to obey God’s command to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, of what worth is Abraham’s faith in God and His promise to produce through Abraham a great nation? By obeying God (works), Abraham gave credibility to his faith in God and His promise. See verse 22. By his works, Abraham “justified” his faith. The word “justified” is a legal term. Abraham was on trial to determine if his faith in God was true. God passed judgment in Abraham’s favor based on the evidence – Abraham’s actions/works.
Rahab the harlot – talk about in the next lesson
Many, including church leaders such as Martin Luther, have gotten the wrong impression about James argument regarding faith and works. They believed James was teaching that works are necessary to attain salvation. They call him the anti-Paul because the apostle Paul taught that faith alone, not works, produced salvation. James is not saying that works are necessary to attain salvation. He is saying that works are necessary to provide evidence/proof that one is saved/follower of Jesus. In that respect, Paul and James were in agreement. One of the major themes in Paul’s epistles was living a life based on God’s word. The reason Paul placed a greater emphasis on faith is because the audience he was writing believed works were necessary to ATTAIN salvation. James emphasized works because the audience he was writing to believed that works played no role in one’s faith.
Application
Take time this week to practice II Corinthians 13:5. Meditate upon this verse. Ask yourself this question: If you were put on trial for being a Christian, what would the verdict be? Guilty of being a Christian or not guilty of being a Christian? Do you have proof (works) that you can offer as evidence to convict you of being a Christian? Can you call witnesses (co-workers, spouse, friends, children) who will testify on your behalf that you are guilty of being a Christian? Would you be “justified” as Abraham and Rahab?
Faith Defined - Hebrews
One of the themes of Hebrews is Faith. The author is concerned about the faith of his audience. He was concerned that due to the persecution they were experiencing their faith in God was weakening. What can cause your faith in God to waver?
Hebrews chapter 11 - the author defines faith and explains its importance
1. Read Hebrews 11: 1 - How does the author define faith?
The assurance (literal translation of the word assurance is “substance”) of things hoped for (hasn’t happened yet)
The evidence/certainty/conviction of things not seen.
Paraphrase - Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Example - Kid stuck in a tree. Father is below telling kid to jump, I’ll catch you. Father tells kid to close his eyes and jump.
2. Hebrews 11: 2-40 - How does the author illustrate what faith is? In the lives of the ancients - the men and women of old. LIST NAMES ON THE BOARD!
Does any name stand out to you? Surprise you? Rahab the prostitute. A Gentile with a bad reputation.
3. Hebrews 11: 6 - Without faith, it is impossible to do what? Please God. In order to come to God, one must do what? A) Believe God exists. B) Believe that God rewards those who seek Him. In the Greek the word “seek” is defined - to investigate, scrutinize - in depth, leave no stone unturned search.
Various translations (NIV, KJV, etc.) add the following adjectives to enhance the meaning of the word “seek”
diligent - characterized by steady, energetic application and effort
earnest - a serious and intent state of mind
sincere - marked by genuiness
All three relate to commitment.
4. What are the rewards the author is referring to? rewards/blessings - material, emotional, spiritual, (list the gifts of the Spirit) wisdom and knowledge, holiness/godliness, answers to questions. Perseverance to withstand adversity. The more time you spend with God the more rewards/blessings you receive. Ultimate reward is eternal life.
5. Faith encompasses both believing God exists and that He rewards you for seeking Him. Why are both necessary? Shouldn’t believing God exists be enough? Answer that question next when we look at how the Book of James defines faith.
Application:
1. Does your faith match the definition provided by the author in Hebrews 11. Is your faith pleasing to God? Do you believe there is a God and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him? If you are only doing the former and not the latter, you’ll find yourself in poor company. See James 2:19
2. You and your spouse each pick one of the ancient ones mentioned in Hebrews 11 and do a family devotional on how they illustrated persevering faith.
Hebrews chapter 11 - the author defines faith and explains its importance
1. Read Hebrews 11: 1 - How does the author define faith?
The assurance (literal translation of the word assurance is “substance”) of things hoped for (hasn’t happened yet)
The evidence/certainty/conviction of things not seen.
Paraphrase - Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Example - Kid stuck in a tree. Father is below telling kid to jump, I’ll catch you. Father tells kid to close his eyes and jump.
2. Hebrews 11: 2-40 - How does the author illustrate what faith is? In the lives of the ancients - the men and women of old. LIST NAMES ON THE BOARD!
Does any name stand out to you? Surprise you? Rahab the prostitute. A Gentile with a bad reputation.
3. Hebrews 11: 6 - Without faith, it is impossible to do what? Please God. In order to come to God, one must do what? A) Believe God exists. B) Believe that God rewards those who seek Him. In the Greek the word “seek” is defined - to investigate, scrutinize - in depth, leave no stone unturned search.
Various translations (NIV, KJV, etc.) add the following adjectives to enhance the meaning of the word “seek”
diligent - characterized by steady, energetic application and effort
earnest - a serious and intent state of mind
sincere - marked by genuiness
All three relate to commitment.
4. What are the rewards the author is referring to? rewards/blessings - material, emotional, spiritual, (list the gifts of the Spirit) wisdom and knowledge, holiness/godliness, answers to questions. Perseverance to withstand adversity. The more time you spend with God the more rewards/blessings you receive. Ultimate reward is eternal life.
5. Faith encompasses both believing God exists and that He rewards you for seeking Him. Why are both necessary? Shouldn’t believing God exists be enough? Answer that question next when we look at how the Book of James defines faith.
Application:
1. Does your faith match the definition provided by the author in Hebrews 11. Is your faith pleasing to God? Do you believe there is a God and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him? If you are only doing the former and not the latter, you’ll find yourself in poor company. See James 2:19
2. You and your spouse each pick one of the ancient ones mentioned in Hebrews 11 and do a family devotional on how they illustrated persevering faith.
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