I AM COMING SOON

Revelation 22

They Will See His Face

The angel shows John the river of life that flows from God’s throne and throughout the new Jerusalem. On the banks of the river grows the tree of life which will be enjoyed because the work of salvation is completed. The tree bears fruit abundantly, and the leaves of the tree will be used for the healing of the nations. The curse of sin is finally removed, but the thing that will make heaven such a beautiful place will be the face of the Lord Jesus Christ. Moses was not allowed to see the face of God, but in heaven, it will be the glorious privilege of the redeemed to look directly into the face of Jesus. Jesus' face in glory will be a human face because he has forever taken a body to himself since he added our humanity to his deity in the incarnation. Nothing will stand between the king and his servants. Those who belong to Jesus will bear his name and worship him. Night will be expelled for God gives light to his people. 

I Am The Bright Morning Star

The angel who has served as a guide speaks to John about the nature of this revelation. It is faithful and true. It is reliable and accurate. God guarantees this revelation. The Lord has dispatched his angel to show his servants what will soon take place. Jesus' second advent is imminent; he is coming soon, and there is a blessing for the one who heeds the words of this prophecy. John is so overwhelmed by the revelation and the sights that he falls down at the feet of the angel in worship, but the angel rebukes him for his behavior explaining that God alone is to be worshiped. The angel will not rob God of his glory for he is a fellow servant. John is told not to seal up these words because the time is near and God intends for these words to be published. Evil will continue, but it is on borrowed time because of the imminence of God's return. The returning Christ will judge everyone according to what they have done. Jesus is set apart from all of creation as the Alpha and Omega of all things. Those who have been made clean by Christ will have access to the holy city and the tree of life. The negative reality is pictured by those who are left outside and have no access to the city. Jesus authorized his angel to testify about these things to the churches. Jesus is the rightful heir to David's throne and a new day has dawned. The Spirit of God and the bride of Christ call for the thirsty to come and drink of the water of life freely. The only condition is to come thirsty for God. God’s message of salvation is found in the Bible, and it must not be tampered with in any way. Any alteration will bring a curse. Jesus is coming again, and he is coming soon. To this, every Christian says yes and amen longing for Jesus' return. John closes reminding the reader that we all depend on the grace of the Lord Jesus.

Things To Consider:

• How does the river of life and the tree of life point back to Genesis?
• Why must we remember Jesus is the Lamb?
• How did Jesus remove the curse of sin?
• Why do the servants of Jesus bear his name?
• How do the people of God bear his name today?
• Why is it noteworthy that we will see Jesus' face?
• Jesus wants his people to know that he will return soon?
• Why did the angel rebuke, John?
• How do we misplace our worship today?
• Why does judgment accompany Christ's return?
• Why does Jesus have to be descended from David?
• Why is the water available without price?
• Why must we be careful not to alter God's word?
• How should we live in light of Jesus' imminent return?

I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW

Revelation 21

A New Heaven And A New Earth

John describes a complete transformation when he sees a new heaven and earth. The sea was seen as a source of evil, unstable, and dangerous, but in the new order of things, it is gone. The holy city, the new Jerusalem descends as a bride made ready and adorned for her husband. Heaven comes down because God's plan from the beginning was to be with his people. However, sin had prevented that reality but in the new Jerusalem he will dwell with his people and this new place will be different from everything that we have experienced. Jesus shared our life so that we might share his life in heaven. God will comfort his people and death will be no more. Mourning, crying, and pain will all cease as creation is restored and the former things pass away. God declares from his throne that he is making all things new and he reminds John to write these things down for they are trustworthy and true. God is the Alpha and the Omega meaning he originates and completes everything. Only God can truly satisfy humanity's true need, and he bids all who are thirsty may come and drink deeply from the spring of the water of life. God welcomes all who have remained faithful to inherit all things and enjoy the unique relationship of the family with God himself. John offers a sober warning to sinners when he describes their fate as the second death. Those who have willfully walked in an ongoing pattern of evil and disobedience have no place in heaven, and their portion will be in the lake of fire. John's non-exhaustive list if sin and vices remind the reader of the penalty for sin is death. 

The Glory Of God Gives It Light, And Its Lamp Is The Lamb

John is summoned to a high mountain where he sees the holy city in greater detail. The city is the glory of God, and it is radiant, with beauty and clarity of light typical of jewels and crystal. John describes it as a cube that is almost 1,500 miles long and wide and high. The city is fortified with a high wall and has an angel posted at each gate. The twelve gates are inscribed with the names of the tribes of Israel and the twelve foundations of the wall bear the names of the apostles. Jesus has reconciled people to God, so there is no need for any sacrifice. There is no temple in the New Jerusalem because God's presence will not be confined. The new Jerusalem has no need of the sun and moon because the glory of God is light and life. God's light will shine on the nations, and the gates will never be shut because there is no more night. The nations will come to worship the Lord God who is worthy of honor and glory. The city is not open to everyone and everything. Sin cannot exist in the holy city, so nothing unclean will ever come into the city for it is a place of holiness and salvation. Either one repents of sin and trusts Christ for salvation, or they are excluded from the presence of God. At the end of days, God will not send people to hell. Instead, he will grant their desire to remain separated from him, the source of life. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and his people are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Things To Consider:

• Why does God restore all things?
• What makes heaven, heaven?
• What can we learn from the imagery of the bride and her husband?
• Why did God give marriage to humanity?
• How is marriage a living parable of the gospel?
• How will we be comforted by God?
• How is suffering linked to sin?
• Why can't we pay God for the water of life?
• Why is being made family by God so amazing?
• Why does sin bring death?
• What is the second death?
• How is the continuity of God's plan made clear by the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles?
• Why is the temple unnecessary in the new Jerusalem?
• Why is light so prevalent in the holy city?
• How is one's name written in the Lamb's book of life?

EARTH AND SKY FLED AWAY

Revelation 20

They Will Reign With Him

John sees an angel from heaven appears with a key and a chain. The key is to the bottomless pit, and the chain is for binding Satan and casting him into the pit. Satan is not seized by God; it is this unnamed angel who has authority over the pit and sufficient power to bind the ancient serpent. The enemy will not deceive the nations for a thousand years. Imagine the scene as one angel binds the fallen angel, casts him into the pit and seals it. Satan is dominated, and although he may be at work, he is restrained from doing his worst, and he cannot destroy the church. The enemy cannot gather the nations for war until God allows him to mobilize them for war, for God controls the end and every moment is a part of his plan. John sees thrones and the ones seated on those thrones would soon have justice. The souls of those who were proved faithful to the end when they were executed for holding to Christ and the word of God. These martyrs refused to worship the beast, his image, or wear his marks. These martyrs who belong to Christ enjoyed a blessedness because they were a part of the first resurrection because they will reign with Christ and the second death will have no effect on them. 

Released From His Prison

At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released for one final, terrible assault. During this time, he will be allowed to do what he had previously been unable to do, namely, deceive the nations and gathers them once again for a battle and this time it will be on a much larger scale. The evil host will take their position for war against the people of God. They will be like the sand of the sea. The stage is set for a great battle, but no such thing takes place. Instead, the wicked are annihilated by fire from heaven which consumes them in an instant. Satan’s final rebellion will end in him being cast eternally into the lake of fire with the beast and the false prophet.

A Great White Throne

John sees the awesome sight of a great throne occupied by the one from whom the earth and sky flee without any place to go. Everyone will give an account to the righteous judge. This final judgment will show that judgment belongs to Christ as the people are judged by what is contained in the books which will show what they have done in this life. Jesus is just in all his dealings, and people will receive exactly what is deserved. 

The book of life contains the names of all those who know the Lord, and for those whose names are not there, they will suffer everlasting punishment. Everything is powerless before God and the end of days will reveal the strict division between heaven and the lake of fire.

Things To Consider:

• Why is it significant that another angel will bind Satan?
• What does this remind us of regarding Satan's origin and nature?
• Why is deception his weapon?
• What lies does Satan tell us about God?
• How is Satan bound now?
• Why is Satan limited by God?
• How will the final battle prove God's power of the enemy?
• Why is justice important to God?
• What do the books have to say about you?
• How do you know?
• Why does the second death prove powerless against Christians?
• How do you feel about the description of the great white throne judgment? Why?

HALLELUJAH!

Revelation 19

Salvation And Glory And Power Belong To Our God

This chapter begins with the voice of a great multitude responding to God’s judgment on Babylon. They are praising God for his judgment which is irrevocable. John describes hearing the loud voice of a great multitude singing a song which begins with Hallelujah which appears only here in the New Testament. It is a transliteration of a Hebrew expression that means praise God. Salvation, glory, and power all belong to God. Justice has been accomplished, and God's judgment is always right. Babylon corrupted the earth and shed the blood of God's servants; therefore she had to be held accountable for her sin. The praise continues to rise because God's judgment is final. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fall down in worship. Heaven celebrates the judgment of God. The creatures closest to God join in worship as they bow before the throne declaring amen and hallelujah. Another voice then urges all the servants of God and those who fear him to join the chorus. 

The Marriage Of The Lamb

John hears the voice of a great multitude once again and describes its timbre as the roar of many waters and thunder. It is powerful, and it echoes the Hallelujah and proclaims the reign of the Almighty. It calls for the throng to rejoice, exult, and give glory to God because the marriage of the Lamb has come and the Bride is ready. The Bride was given bright, fine, and pure linen to wear and explains that the linen is the righteousness deeds of the saints. This celebration leads to rejoicing over the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His bride, the church, is clothed in righteousness enjoy the blessing of participating in this wonderful event. When the angel explained this, John fell at his feet to worship him, but he refuses the worship and identifies himself as a fellow servant. Angels cannot receive worship because only God is worthy of worship. The angel speaks of the blessed call extended to those who participate in the supper. The words that John hears are the words of God. John falls before the angel, but the angel quickly rebukes him declaring to be a fellow servant with John and those who hold to the testimony of God. The angel directs John to worship God only as the first command echoes reverberates. 

He Judges And Makes War

The vision of the Bridegroom gives way to the vision of a Warrior as John sees heaven opened and the vision of a rider on a white horse with the names Faithful and True. Christ is in his final triumph, and he judges and makes war in righteousness. He is coming for war with his eyes like fire which see everything. Jesus comes in majesty with crowns that represent his dominion. Christ will never be completely understood by his creatures, so he has a name that only he knows. Jesus wears a robe that is dipped in blood because his victory is by his blood. He is The Word of God, and he leads the armies of heaven to follow him riding white horses as well. The king bears a sharp sword that comes out of his mouth with which he will strike the nations and rule over them. He has an army, but Christ will conquer the nations and rule them. He treads the winepress of God’s wrath and fury. He will crush and trample the wicked like grapes. Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. An angel calls for birds to gather for supper. They will gorge themselves on kings, captains, mighty men, horses, riders, and all men. All the enemies of God come together in a fierce rebellion against Christ and his army. Jesus' victory over his enemies is swift, and the beast, as well as the false prophet, are thrown alive into the lake of fire. 

Things To Consider:

• Why do salvation, glory, and power belong to the Lord?
• Why does God judge sin?
• How will God accomplish perfect justice?
• Why is worship continual in the presence of the Lord?
• Why should we fear God?
• How is the fear of God commendable?
• What does that teach us about the nature of fear?
• Why is the bride completely dependent upon Jesus?
• Why do angels refuse worship?
• How are we fellow servants with angels?
• Is it difficult to think of Jesus as a warrior? Why or why not?
• Why does Jesus make war?
• Why is blood necessary for sin and judgment?
• How does Jesus judge and save by his word?

WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS

Revelation 3

To The Angel Of The Church In Sardis

The words that Christ speaks to the church at Sardis are devastating and blunt, this church has a reputation for being alive, but she is dead. Christ commands her to wake up and strengthen what little life is left because she is headed toward death. Jesus announces that he will come to judge her unexpectedly. Jesus calls this church to remember and repent with the serious warning that failure to do so would result in the church being opposed by Jesus himself. It seems there was a remnant remaining faithful. Christ promises to keep those who conquer from being blotted out of the book of life. The faithful will remain until the end, and they will be confessed by Jesus before the Father.

To The Angel Of The Church In Philadelphia

Jesus is the holy one, the true one, and he has the key of David. This statement is most likely a reference to Isaiah 22:22. Jesus has the authority and power to act in ways that none can interfere. The open and closed doors may describe entrance into the city of David, the heavenly Jerusalem. Philadelphia is commended for standing firm in spite of having little power. It seems the letter to Philadelphia contains no words of censure. They are commended keeping God's word, not denying Christ, and patiently endured persecution. Jesus loves them, and others will recognize that as well. He urges them to continue to hold fast. The church of Philadelphia had been faithful to the Lord in the face of real opposition. The synagogue of Satan seems to refer to the Jews who opposed Christianity. These Christians would be rewarded by the Lord for their faithfulness by making their enemies recognize that the church truly is the fulfillment of God’s promises from the Old Testament. They will enjoy the presence and the name of the Lord forever.

To The Angel Of The Church In Laodicea

Jesus addresses Laodicea as the Amen of God, faithful and true for he alone is supreme and preeminent over creation. Laodicea was known for its prosperity, a city with banking, manufacturing, and a medical school. The prosperity of Laodicea led to pride and arrogance. Prosperity can be as great a threat to God’s people as adversity in spite of the fact that it is usually overlooked as an imminent threat. This church received the most severe rebuke of Christ’s letters. He issues a blistering indictment of the church’s sickening lukewarmness. These Laodiceans did not see their spiritual condition and had no sense of their need. They thought that they were just fine when in fact they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Pride can lead to a false sense of security. Jesus offers them everything they need, but he requires repentance. Jesus' love is accompanied by rebuke and discipline. He is able, willing, and ready. If the church will not listen, he individually appeals to any in the Laodicean church that will respond. The penitent will be seated at a banquet with Jesus and given a seat with Jesus on the throne of heaven. Jesus introduces these seven letters with titles demonstrating his right and authority to correct these churches. He is the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. He is the holy one, the true one, and has the key of David. Jesus is the Amen, the faithful witness, the true witness, and the beginning of God's creation. His call to these churches has application for us today. May we wake up, be strengthened, remember, endure, obey, and repent. If you have an ear, listen to what the Spirit says.

Things To Consider:

• How does a reputation get separated from the truth?
• What is repentance?
• How can one be strengthened in the Lord?
• How do you deny the word of God?
• How does someone hold fast to the faith?
• Why is being lukewarm such a problem?
• Why is prosperity so dangerous?
• How can you guard against being blind to the truth?
• What can we do to seek the riches of God?
• Why does God discipline us?
• Why do we reject discipline as love?
• How can one be zealous to repent?
• What does it mean to have an ear to hear what Jesus says to his churches?

TO THE ONE WHO CONQUERS

Revelation 2

To The Angel Of The Church In Ephesus

According to some traditions, John was the overseer in Ephesus which if true, means that John must have received this word with great interest. The message to be delivered was from Christ who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. These are not notes for consideration; these are directives, warnings, and promises from the King. Years have passed since John was serving in the church at Ephesus but he must have often wondered how his children fared. Jesus commends the works, toil, and patient endurance specifically the way the Ephesian believers hold to sound doctrine. The church has tested those who make claims and addressed their false teaching. The church has taken a strong stance against those who practice evil. The church at Ephesus was doing many good things, but it suffered from a serious flaw. These good deeds did not excuse the fact that they had abandoned their first love. The people were not expressing love with the same intensity and passion at the beginning. The Lord’s rebuke reminds us that we can have solid theology, be busy in service, and do many good deeds without loving Christ as we should. Writing these words must have been somewhat difficult for John, who had served them at one time. Jesus wanted the church to remember the love they once had, repent, and return to their former ways. This call to repentance was accompanied by a warning. Failure to repent would result in the end of the church at Ephesus. The survival of the church at Ephesus came down to the issue of love. Paul points out vividly in 1 Corinthians 13 that without love works and gifts are rendered pointless. Jesus declares his hatred of the Nicolaitans and recognizes that Ephesian church possesses the same feeling. Repentance and return to love will grant them the tree of life.

To The Angel Of The Church In Smyrna

Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna as the first and the last and the one who died and came back to life. The members of this church were suffering persecution and needed to be reminded of the victory that comes through Christ. They were impoverished and were being slandered by the Jews in their city. God’s control does not mean that Satan will not inflict pain and hurt. These Jews would have considered themselves part of God’s synagogue, yet they were proving to be part of Satan’s synagogue. While you might expect words of deliverance from their suffering, they were instead told of the increasing persecution and imprisonment that was coming. This beleaguered body was being exhorted to hang on it's about to get worse. The message for the church at Smyrna is to be faithful even unto death for God will reward them with the crown of life, and they will enjoy the hope promised in the life to come without fear of the second death.

To The Angel Of The Church In Pergamum

Pergamum was a city in which the proconsul possessed the power to put people to death, but Jesus introduces this letter by proclaiming that he has greater power and wields a two-edged sword. The city of Pergamum was about fifty-five miles north-east of Smyrna, and it was tough to be a Christian there. The city was an official center for the worship of the Roman emperor. He commends them for holding fast and not denying the faith. While the Lord was pleased with the faithfulness of the church, he was not pleased with those tolerating or advocating compromise in their pagan society. He compares them with Balaam, who advised Balak, the king of Moab, to conquer Israel by enticing them to compromise. Evidently, the Nicolaitans encouraged attending idol feasts and engaging with the temple prostitutes. The Lord began this letter to Pergamum by telling them he is the one with the sharp two-edged sword, and he ends it by assuring Pergamum that he will use that sword for war. To those who conquer through Christ, they will be sustained and receive guidance from the Lord.

To The Angel Of The Church In Thyatira

Jesus introduces this letter describing himself as having eyes of fire and feet of bronze. The sins in the church at Thyatira are immorality and idol worship. The church at Thyatira is making progress, but they are guilty of spiritual adultery. It seems that a woman has declared herself a prophetess and is teaching false doctrine in the same way that Jezebel seduced God’s people into the same kind of unfaithfulness. The city of Thyatira was known for its trade guilds. This posed a problem for the Christians there. To have a job, Christians had to belong to one of the guilds, and belonging to a guild meant worshipping the representative god and just as Jezebel had troubled Israel, so too a  prophetess was troubling the church and encouraging them to indulge in various sins of the flesh particularly promiscuity. The Lord graciously gave this woman time to repent, but she refused to do so and therefore he promised severe judgment for both her and her followers. She would be cast into a bed of suffering, and those who committed adultery with her would suffer a great tribulation. Christ with his piercing eyes of fire and his trampling feet comes like the sun shining will come to execute justice. To those who will repent, he promises that this hindrance will be removed. He admonishes the faithful to hold fast and remember that we will rule with Christ and receive the morning star which refers to Christ himself. Jesus is our reward.

Things To Consider:

• What are things or ways that our first love can diminish?
• Why are good works not enough?
• What does it mean to repent?
• Why is truth without love insufficient?
• How can one be impoverished and rich at the same time?
• Why should we not fear suffering?
• What is the crown of life?
• What are some places that you are tempted to compromise?
• How can one be gracious and uncompromising at the same time?
• What is the sword of Jesus' mouth?
• Do you find comfort or fear in the truth that Jesus searches mind and heart?
• How can we hold fast to our faith?
• How are you walking in faithfulness as the church?

THE FIRST AND THE LAST

Revelation 1

The Revelation Of Jesus Christ

Revelation sets forth of what God has made known by Jesus Christ who sent his angel. John is not using his imagination to explain the circumstances of his day; he is receiving what was given to him Jesus from the Father to show his servants the things that would soon take place. 
Scripture always benefits those who receive it as God's word and John assures the reader that those who read and keep this revelation will receive great benefit. The message is to be delivered to the seven churches in Asia. John summarizes the gospel reminding the people that salvation is by grace and the redeemed enjoy peace because of what Christ has done. Jesus is the faithful witness that is the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Jesus has liberated Christians from the tyranny of sin and made a kingdom of priests. King Jesus rules and reigns and one day his victory will be acknowledged by all when he comes with the clouds, and every eye sees him. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is the beginning and the end because he is eternal. The Almighty will return in glory and receive the glory that he is due.

One Like A Son Of Man

John pens this book while in exile on the island of Patmos. He connects his condition to the tribulation being experienced by the believers in the seven churches. John kept the Lord’s Day even during his isolation. Every Lord’s Day is special, but this day is unique in all of history. John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day when he heard a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet. John turns to see the voice that was speaking, and he was not prepared for the glory he witnessed. John had not seen Jesus since he ascended back to heaven and what he beheld was etched in his heart and mind forever. The voice declared that John should write down what he would see and send it to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Having seen the seven golden lampstands, John saw Jesus as a remarkable human figure. He saw Jesus clothed in a robe reaching to His feet, having a golden sash. Like the Ancient of Days, we read about in Daniel, this glorious figure with brilliant white hair. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and in his right hand, he held seven stars. Proceeding from the mouth and his face was like the sun. Overwhelmed with this vision of the Son of man, John fell down as a dead man, but the Lord comforted him and encouraged him to take courage. Jesus tells John not to be afraid because he is the living one who was once dead but now is alive and it will never change. Jesus has conquered death and Hades; every enemy is under his feet. He instructs John to write an account of the things he both had seen and would see. The mystery of the seven stars is explained as the angels of the seven churches. The word angels should probably be taken in its general use as messengers, perhaps the pastors of these seven churches. The lamp stands are representative of the seven churches themselves, and Christ stands in their midst. 

Things To Consider:

• How do we benefit from reading scripture?
• How is Jesus the faithful witness?
• What is the relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit when it comes to the way they bear witness to one another?
• How does Jesus free us from our sins by his blood?
• How is John a partner in tribulation?
• Why is it important to remember the Lord's Day?
• Why did God have men write down his word?
• How did they know what to write?
• What does the description of Jesus remind you of?
• Why do you think John fell down?
• Why is it important for Jesus to have the keys of death and Hades?
• What do you think it was like for John to see Jesus again and in this way?
• How does Jesus speak to churches today?

BY FAITH

Hebrews 11

The Assurance Of Things Hoped For

Everyone lives by faith, the question is,"What is the object of that faith?" The object of faith is not fixed on some vague spiritual reality, but the object of faith is found in the truth of Scripture. Scripture explains origin, meaning, and purpose. Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The story of Cain and Abel is mentioned because Abel’s sacrifice was accepted not because it was animal rather than vegetable but because it was offered by faith, a matter of the heart and not just a religious ritual and through his faith, he still speaks today. Enoch escaped death because he pleased God who cannot be pleased without faith. The one who has faith believes that God is real and that he rewards those who place their trust in him. Noah also walked with God and obeyed God’s commands in spite of the evidence. His obedience in constructing the ark was evidence that he took God at his word. His actions were a condemnation to a sinful, disobedient generation. Noah is an heir to the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith, Abraham obeyed, leaving behind the security he knew so well. Abraham embraced a life of pilgrimage because he looked to an eternal city with hope. Abraham trusted God's promise, and God would bless the people of faith in every age through him. Abraham’s test came when God asked him to offer his son. Abraham had faith and believed that God would keep his promise even if he God needed to raise him from the dead. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph are highlighted as they share the same story of faith in action. Joseph gave instructions concerning his bones when he made mention of the exodus which would not come for hundreds of years. Moses story begins with the courageous faith of his parents, a faith that defeated fear. Moses made his choice because by faith he saw that the Hebrew slave people were those with a greater future in the divine plan than all the intellect and power of Egypt. Sin offers pleasure in the short term, but it cannot ultimately satisfy. The eye of faith gave Moses the ability to see Jesus, and his obedience proved his faith. The march to the Promised Land required the people of Israel to step into the waters of the Red Sea, confident that God would deliver them. By faith, Jericho fell by the illogical command to march round the walls of Jericho for seven days. The fall of Jericho serves as a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of God’s promise made real through obedience. The faith of the prostitute Rahab becomes a vivid picture of mercy and faith shown by works. The writer has to apologize for some glaring omissions, and all six mentioned in that verse had weaknesses and failures. God uses ordinary people made extraordinary by grace. Other examples of faith are mentioned including those who faced lions and fire, and yet came through victoriously. Faith is not a life without struggle, it is a life of increased struggle and sometimes leads to martyrdom. Many times the prophets suffered persecution because of their faithfulness. In times of intense hostility and brutal persecution, many were given the faith to cope with torture, mockery, and other sufferings. The world despised them, but it was not worthy of them. These examples are commended for their faith, but they were confined to the limits of the old covenant. They anticipated the fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ, but they did not witness its realization. They could be made perfect only as Christians are today, that is by Jesus himself and his sacrifice. Perfection or fulfillment would come through a new covenant and a better sacrifice. Christ has always been the proper object of saving faith.

Things To Consider:

• How can someone have assurance?
• Why is faith necessary for a Christian?
• Why can't we please God without faith?
• What is the relationship between faith and obedience?
• What should Christians look forward to?
• Why does God test his people?
• How does faith overcome fear?
• Why is it helpful to understand that the pleasures of sin are fleeting?
• How are you encouraged by this list of people?
• How does faith help us in suffering?
• Why couldn't the ole testament saints not receive what was promised?
• How does Christ perfect us?

AN ETERNAL REDEMPTION

Hebrews 9

The Holy Place

One does not come to God on their own term whether it is the first covenant or the new covenant. The writer of Hebrews proceeds to explain the liturgy and regulations observed in the tabernacle as well as describing its structure and furnishings. The tent was prepared and consisted of two parts. The first section was closer to the entrance from the outer courtyard, and it had three pieces of furniture in it, the lampstand, the table and the bread of the Presence. This area was called the holy place. The second curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The ark of the covenant stood in the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle and in Solomon’s temple, but not in the later temple. Three items are mentioned in the contents of the ark. The golden urn storing manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tables of the covenant. Above the ark, were the cherubim of glory and they were overshadowing the mercy seat. The writer of Hebrews does not offer any details and comes to an abrupt stop in describing the tabernacle any further. The Israelites could not approach God directly; they had to come through the priests, and only one could enter annually into the Most Holy Place. Certain preparations were necessary before the priests were allowed to enter, preparations which served to remind the priests of their personal need and God’s provision. As the Day of Atonement approached, the soberness of the occasion was made clear as the priest prepared a blood sacrifice for himself before providing it for his people. The high priest would sprinkle the blood of the bullocks on the mercy-seat seven times and then repeat the performance with the blood of a goat. The Holy Spirit indicates that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper and worship is a matter of conscience. The first covenant dealt with external issues about matters of food and drink and various washing. 

The Mediator Of A New Covenant

Christ appeared as a high priest. The picture is the Day of Atonement, but Christ’s offering of himself is the propitiation and expiation of sin. Christ offered himself once and for all, securing eternal redemption for his people. These external provisions only offered ritual cleansing from the defilement of the flesh and only provided ceremonial purity on a temporary basis. Christ's sacrifice purifies the conscience eternally. The offering of Christ is through the eternal Spirit, which is an entirely different category from the Levitical animal offerings. Christ offered himself without blemish by his perfect obedience.With an offering so superior, the results must be correspondingly greater. Christ, the mediator of a new covenant, bringing a righteous God and disobedient children together. It is all of grace. The new covenant provides the promised eternal inheritance. The sign and seal of the Mosaic covenant was the victim’s blood. The general conclusion is that almost everything is purified with blood under the law. The forgiveness of sins comes through the shedding of blood points shown by the death of the animal and the ceremonial outpouring of its blood. The picture is about more than the giving of life, and its effectiveness comes from the application of the blood. The copies give way to the heavenly realities through the sacrifice of Christ. All that the copies were intended to teach are to be seen in Jesus. The present mission of Christ is to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. The finality of the voluntary self-offering of Jesus does not need repeating; it is complete. Jesus offered the sacrifice of himself. Sin has been carried away by Christ like the Levitical scapegoat which carried the sins of the people away into the wilderness. Those who are eagerly waiting for Jesus know that when he returns, it will be to complete salvation. 

Things To Consider:

• What do the separations in the tabernacle teach us about God?
• Why can't we come to God in our own way?
• What does the annual Day of Atonement teach us about God's holiness?
• What is the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation?
• Why couldn't the law save?
• How is Christ priest and sacrifice?
• How is Christ the scapegoat and the lamb?
• Why do we need a mediator?
• What did Jesus redeem us from?
• Why is blood necessary for the forgiveness of sins?
• What are two ways that Christ deals with our sin?
• Are you eagerly waiting for Jesus?

ENACTED ON BETTER PROMISES

Hebrews 8

A Copy And Shadow Of The Heavenly Things

The writer explains that the point of the previous assertions is that Jesus is a high priest who operates from heaven in holy places that are not earthly or temporary, but eternal. Jesus does not function as a high priest in a temporary and symbolic fashion within a tent or a building constructed by man, Christ's ministry is real and everlasting. Christ could not serve in the same way as the earthly priests who offer gifts according to the law. Christ satisfies the law, is sinless, and he serves as both priest and sacrifice. The ministry of earthly priests and the obligations which accompany the old covenant relating to gifts and sacrifices served as a copy and shadow of real and true heavenly realities. Moses built a dwelling place for the Lord when he raised the tabernacle, but it was done according to the specific instructions given by the Lord. The priests who served the people could never enter directly into the eternal dwelling place of God and minister before the face of God without being killed. God designed the tabernacle as a copy and shadow pointing to a greater heavenly reality. The ministry of Christ is better, the new covenant is better, and the promises are better when compared to the old covenant. Christ is the mediator of a new covenant because the first covenant was not faultless. The law is not the problem, humanity is the problem, and the law cannot save fallen humanity. It is important to note that Scripture is viewed as authoritative by the author as they use a quotation from Jeremiah 31:31-34. Jeremiah looked to a new covenant that would be different from the old covenant could only point to the way; the new covenant would provide the power to walk in the way. The new covenant would bring reconciliation between Israel and Judah. The new covenant would be placed in the minds and written on the hearts of God's people instead of chiseled on tablets of stone. The new covenant provides the ability to obey God's law and not just hear it. The new covenant is universal, and everyone from the least to the greatest can know the Lord without an intermediary. The new covenant promises mercy and the complete pardon and forgiveness of sins. The new covenant is guaranteed, and eternal for God himself will initiate it and keep it perfectly. The new covenant renders the old covenant obsolete. The old covenant served its purpose, but Christ fulfilled it, and it now gives way to the new covenant, and it is already enacted on better promises. Jesus is the place where humanity and God meet, not the tabernacle or the temple. The Holy Spirit gives the believer power over sin and sanctifies the Christian. 

Things To Consider:

• Why does it matter that Christ is ministering in heaven?
• How is Jesus both the priest and the sacrifice?
• Why did God give his people copies and shadows of heavenly things?
• How does the tabernacle point to Christ?
• What are some of the better promises of the new covenant?
• Why is it important to understand that Jeremiah spoke of the new covenant?
• What does this quotation teach us about studying the old testament?
• Why was there a need for a new covenant?
• How are our sins put out of remembrance?
• What hope do we have because of the new covenant?

THE FOUNDER OF THEIR SALVATION

Hebrews 2

The Message Declared By Angels 

The author urges the reader to pay close attention to the message of the gospel to avoid drifting away. Failure to pay attention leads to the possibility of drifting away from Christ's gospel. If the message declared by angels is true and transgression of the Law results in retribution, then how grave are the consequences neglecting the gospel of Jesus Christ resulting in a great salvation. Jesus declared the good news of the kingdom as he shared the word. Those who heard Christ attested to his message and God confirmed its authority and authenticity through signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. God's power was demonstrated to show his sovereignty. The world to come is the new order initiated and ruled by Christ, not the angels. Salvation could not be accomplished by the angels, only Christ could bring about salvation, and so he humiliated himself becoming like the creature and for a time a little lower than the angels. Man was the apex of God's creation, but because of sin, humanity is not what he was intended to be. Christ assumed our humanity and was exposed to the perils of life and death. Man is not what he was designed to be, but Jesus came to reveal what man is like in God’s original purpose and what humanity can be through Christ. Christ was humiliated, but he is now exalted with glory and honor because he was obedient through suffering and by grace Jesus tasted and defeated death for all who will believe. 

The Founder Of Their Salvation

Christ's sacrifice was fitting, and it has been part of God’s compassionate plan from before the beginning. Jesus, the creator, for whom and by whom all things exist, determined this way of salvation through suffering. God will bring many sons to glory by the pioneer and founder of our faith. Jesus leads and shows the way that leads to salvation. Christians will be brought to glory by Christ. Jesus is fully qualified to be the pioneer and the object of saving faith. By his death, Jesus sanctified us by becoming one of us in his humanity and by making us one with him. In salvation, the Christian is adopted as a child of God with Christ as the elder brother and Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers. Through Christ's grace, the Christian is to live a holy life that is set apart. Christ has conquered all enemies, and they are his footstool. Christ became human facing the same weaknesses and temptations as the creature. Christ liberates the slaves held by sin, death, and the devil because he reigns victorious. Christ has removed the fear of death in the future and guilt the fear of the past. Jesus Christ, the merciful and faithful high priest, takes away our sin rendering sin forgiven, the sin debt paid, and pardon secured. God does not overlook sin, sin is dealt with decisively, wrath is satisfied, and justice is accomplished through the atonement of Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus is faithful, and he will never fail. Jesus shared the suffering of humanity and is able to sympathize with his people in every way. Jesus does not just offer emotional support; he is able to help those who suffer and are tempted. Jesus leads by his example and his word, instructing his siblings on how to respond to suffering or temptation but he does much more than teach, he supports because he is the brother for adversity who supplies the strength needed.

Things To Consider:

• How do you pay attention to the word?
• How should we think of Christ's humiliation?
• How can we see Jesus now?
• How does Jesus lead many sons to glory?
• If Jesus is sinless, how is he made perfect through suffering?
• Why did Christ have to become human?
• How did Christ destroy death?
• What is the power of death?
• Why is propitiation necessary?
• What comfort do you receive knowing that Christ has suffered and been tempted? Why?

A CHOSEN RACE

1 Peter 2

Grow Up Into Salvation

Peter directs believers to put aside malice, deceit, and hypocrisy because of the brotherly love that comes from a pure heart. Christians who are born again by the word are to grow up into salvation. The word of God is the bread from heaven, the water that washes, and the milk that nourishes. There is no such thing as a Christian who grows apart from the word. The Christian should long for the word the way a newborn longs for milk. For the newborn, milk is not an optional benefit. The Christian must feast upon the word for it is part and parcel for growing up into salvation. The people of faith have tasted the grace of God by the word of God, and they know that the Lord is good. Jesus Christ delights of the soul.

A Spiritual House

Peter's given name was Simon, but here he declares that Jesus Christ is the rock. Jesus explained that he would build his church upon the rock of the revelation that he is the Christ. Christ is the living foundation of the church. The church is a people and not a location. God set Christ in place although he was rejected by men, he was chosen and precious to the Father. Peter magnifies the love of God as he explains that as the Son is precious so too are believers who are living stones. God perfectly fashions his living stones and uses them to build a spiritual house. God's people are a royal priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices declaring his praises which are pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. Church fellowship is not optional. Peter quotes from Isaiah 28:16 where God promises a new work that would replace the temple. Peter also cites Isaiah 8:14 to show that the rejection of Christ was prophesied long ago. The church is described as a living body, a building built on the foundation of Jesus, and as a select people. Peter again refers to the Old Testament, this time connecting Exodus 19:6 to the church being a new spiritual nation, not based on ethnicity or geography but the people who belong to Christ. The church has been called out of the darkness and into his marvelous light. The church is a people whom God has called to himself, and they have received mercy. Peter reminds the Christian that this world is not our home and believers only sojourn for a short time. God's people should abstain from the fleshly passions which war against the soul. Peter urges God’s people to demonstrate distinctive, obedient behavior to convince critics of their faith. Since they are living as God’s people in a pagan world, they are called to live in such a way that the only thing they can be accused of is being honorable and doing good deeds. The lives of believers should bring glory to God on the day of visitation. 

For The Lord's Sake

Believers are to submit to one another and to the authorities that God has established for an orderly society. God expects Christians to be subject to authorities who are neither believers or morally upright. The purpose of civil government is briefly defined as sent by God to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. God will use the behavior of his people to silence those who would falsely slander Christians. Christians have liberty and should live as free people, but Christian freedom must not be used to indulge the flesh or to cover over evil. True freedom is experienced in complete surrender to God. Christians should be respectful of all people. Christians should love their fellow Christians. Christians should fear God with a holy reverence. Christians have an obligation to the state, but they have a greater responsibility to other believers and God. Peter begins to give practical examples of submission for the Christian. Peter commends believers to accept legal and economic authorities. God is pleased when his people trust him during unjust suffering because they follow the example set by Christ. The Christian must trust that God will ultimately bring justice and that will allow the believer to submit without resentment or despair. Christ gave the example to follow when he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. Jesus Christ bore the sins of believers in his body on the cross so that the people of God might die to sin and live to righteousness. Christ's wounds are healing for the Christian. Christians have come to Christ the Good Shepherd, and he is the guardian of their souls. This Servant King can be trusted and is to be obeyed. Submission is a kingdom value.

Things To Consider:

• How can Christians actively put away sin?
• Do you long for the word like a desperate infant?
• Are you taking in God's word daily? 
• What spiritual sacrifices are you offering to God?
• Are you proclaiming the excellencies of Christ? To whom and how?
• Are you living honorably before those around you?
• Are you walking in subjection to the authorities that God has placed in your life?
• Do you believe that God is just?
• Do you believe that he will obtain justice for you?
• Will you endure suffering with confidence?
• Are you using Christian freedom to indulge in sin?
• What comfort do you receive from knowing that Christ is your Good Shepherd and your guardian?
• Will you offer a sacrifice of praise this very moment?

A LIVING HOPE

1 Peter 1

According To His Great Mercy

Peter identifies himself as an apostle reminding the reader that Jesus chose twelve disciples, and he named them apostles (Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13). Other people were called apostles, but Peter clarifies what he is an apostle of Jesus Christ. These men were given authority because they spoke and wrote God's very words. Peter reminds the reader that these words are God's words and they should be received as such. The office of apostle has ceased because there are no more eyewitnesses of the resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). This letter is not written to one specific church to address specific issues. Instead, it is written to the church in Asia Minor for encouragement when facing various trials. Peter writes to these sojourners who were God's chosen people that he knew before the world began. Salvation comes from God. The Father decrees, the Son accomplishes, and the Spirit applies. The Christian pattern is a growing obedience and an increasing freedom from sin through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Peter blesses his readers and prays that God's grace and peace would be multiplied as they experience God's blessings. Peter blesses God rejoicing in what he has done. The merciful God did not abandon the children of wrath. Instead, he intervened on their behalf and interposed Christ's precious blood. Christians have a living hope because Christ conquered sin and death and by his resurrection believers have a guaranteed hope, an inheritance to share with their elder brother Christ that cannot diminish in any way. The hope of heaven and the resurrection to eternal life is reserved and kept for every believer. Salvation is God's work, and he who saves is able to keep all that he rescues, preserving them to the end by his power. It is faith that keeps the believer and saving faith saves to the uttermost. 

The Outcome Of Your Faith

Peter moves quickly from rejoicing to grief and trials because sometimes life is hard. Grief and joy are a normal experience in the Christian life, and they may even be concurrent. Faith gives the child of God something to look to beyond our brief earthly sojourn. Trials demonstrate genuine faith and as fire burns away impurities, so to trials show true faith. When Christ is revealed, faith will be to the praise of Christ. The believers Peter addresses had never seen Jesus, and yet they rejoice with inexpressible joy because of the fellowship experienced with the unseen Christ. The realization of faith comes at Christ's appearing, the goal of our faith. God's plan of salvation was prophesied by the prophets of old, but the types and shadows were clarified by Jesus, the zenith of God's revelation. Christians enjoy the profound benefit of God's word and the benefit of the promised Holy Spirit. Peter includes an interesting statement about the curiosity of the angels concerning the recipients of God's grace. 

Obedient Children

Peter moves from the indicative of salvation to the imperatives of Christian living. The reality of redemption is accompanied by the call to obedience. The Christian life is to be lived out. Believers should prepare their minds for action, spiritually alert, and looking at the life to come. God's children are not to live as they once did in their former sinful passions which sought to please the flesh. Holiness is necessary if one is to see God and one must remember that he is a righteous judge. As God's children, disobedience will not be unnoticed, nor will it go undisciplined. Christians have been ransomed from what was the sinful patterns of humanity by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ satisfied the wrath of God through his obedience and the sacrificial giving of his life. Salvation has always been God's plan and God's purpose even before creation was that Christ would die and rise again for those chosen in him. All of history centers around the person and work of Christ who is the object of hope and faith for all who believe. Those who have been redeemed from sin love God and must love the people of God as well. God's word is creative and powerful. God uses his word as a means to bring new life to the sinner. The word of God that has given us life is unchanging and eternal. Physical life is not permanent, but God gives eternal life. Peter cites the prophecy of Isaiah to contrast our mortality with the eternity of God’s word, and it is this gospel that was preached to these believers.

Things To Consider:

• How were we saved? How are we being saved? When is salvation complete?
• What is justification?
• What is sanctification?
• What is glorification?
• Why is the resurrection of Jesus necessary for salvation?
• How should a Christian face trials?
• How can you prepare your mind?
• Why is obedience a part of the Christian life?
• Why is God's word living?
• Why do we proclaim the gospel?

READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK

Titus 3

Renewal Of The Holy Spirit

Titus was a Gentile believer who served alongside Paul and Barnabas. In this letter, Paul counsels Titus on matters of ministry and church leadership. He instructs Titus to remind the people of the teaching and instruction they had received concerning Christian relationships with others in the world. Christians are to obey and submit to the rulers and authorities as a good citizen. Christian liberty is not an excuse for unchecked civil unrest and disobedience. The Christian cannot give unconditional allegiance to the state, and if there is a collision of faith and conscience between God and the state, the Christian is obligated to God first. Christians should be law abiding citizens that seek the good of their communities and be ready to contribute for every good work. When it comes to relationships within the community, the Christ should not speak evil of others, avoid quarreling, and be courteous to all people. Paul’s instructions could not be clearer. The way a Christian speaks is a good indicator of the posture of their hearts. The Bible shows that words come from the heart, so our language should not be abusive or insulting. Even if it becomes necessary to criticize a politician, a fellow believer, a colleague, or a family member, must be exceptionally careful in choosing the way believers speak to others. The way believers speak of others should be noticeably different. The Christian should speak with gentleness, humility, and courtesy. Paul directs Titus to remind believers that they too were unbelievers at one time and shows the progression of moving from foolish to the breakdown of relationships in hostility. Paul reminds the people of God's goodness and loving kindness which serves as the basis for good works motivated by love. Salvation is from God who because of kindness, love, and mercy extended grace to sinners and rescued them from the hopeless condition. There is nothing to commend a sinner to God. There is no merit, and there is nothing that can be given to the Almighty, for he lacks nothing. The sinner is incapable of righteousness, and so in mercy, God saves his people by the work of the Holy Spirit whom he poured out richly through Jesus Christ, the Savior. The sinner is justified and declared righteous through the work of Christ. The saint who has been justified because of God's grace is made family and becomes a co-heir with Jesus Christ because they have been adopted as children. The believer enjoys the promise of eternal life, and Christ is the object of hope. Paul insists that believers should live lives characterized by good works. The Christian is obligated to do what is good because they are excellent and profitable for people. Titus is to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law. Titus should not get tangled up and distracted by such matters because it would not spiritually benefit the church. The divisive person should be warned twice, and if they refuse to repent, their membership should be revoked, and there is to be no fellowship until he gives clear evidence of repentance. The refusal to repent leaves the divisive lead self-condemned. Artemas or Tychicus should replace Titus in Crete. There were several cities named Nicopolis, but it is assumed it was the city of that name in Epirus because of Paul’s plan for the winter there. Titus is to help Zenas and Apollos on their way and make sure that they were well fortified. These instructions to Titus are followed by a general exhortation for the people to devote themselves to good works and help those with needs for the sake of being fruitful. Paul extends greetings to Titus personally and from everyone with him. He asks Titus to convey his greetings to those who love them in the faith. Finally, Paul closes his letter with the comforting words, "Grace be with you all."

Things To Consider:

• Why is forgetfulness dangerous for the Christian?
• Do you struggle to submit to governing authorities? Why?
• Why are our words important?
• How can we speak grace when others speak hate?
• Why is it helpful to remember our condition before salvation?
• How does God save us?
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
• How is the sinner made righteous?
• Why is justification necessary?
• How can leaders avoid being distracted by divisiveness?
• Why is church discipline important?
• How should we help others in ministry?
• Are you giving yourself to good works? If so, what are you doing? If not, why?
• How can we speak grace to others?

HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD

Colossians 3

Set Your Mind On Things That Are Above

The Christian is alive in Christ and has not only been freed from the penalty of sin, but they have also been freed from its power. The Colossians are exhorted to seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Sin is vanquished when Christ is seen as most glorious and beautiful. Sin is mortified when our love for Christ flourishes. The Christian lives for Christ and not the things of the world. The believer is alive in Christ, and their life is hidden with Christ in God. The Father looks on his children with favor because when he sees them he sees the righteousness of the Son and he is glorified. The old way of life has passed away, and the child of wrath is a child of God at work in the process of sanctification. The child of God is not under condemnation, and when Christ comes in glory, the believer will share in Christ's victory. Those who belong to Christ will be raised triumphantly. In light of his grace and mercy, the Christian must seek to put to death what is earthly. Immoral sexual behavior outside the context of marriage, moral impurity, self-serving lusts, evil desires, and covetousness which is idolatry must be put to death because the Christian is either killing sin or sin is killing them. God hates these sins, and he will act in wrath toward them because his holiness is offended and he will be vindicated. The first list of vices may be avoided, but as Paul moves into the next part of the list, the motivations of the heart are exposed, and the struggle with the flesh is made clear. The believer walked in these things before Christ saved them, but now they must put them away. The five things Paul lists point to the issues of the heart that make their way out in one's speech. Anger that rises and then pours forth in wrath. The malice that grows toward neighbor and breaks for in slander or obscene talk, it is sinful and not fitting for a Christian. The tongue that is tempted to lie out of fear or manipulation must be controlled because the old self has been put off along with all its practices. The child of God is growing in grace and godliness, and the fruit of righteousness is shown through obedience as they confer to the image of Christ. The new self has been put on as the believer is renewed in knowledge. The image of the creator is being restored. The process of sanctification is the daily work of conforming to the image of Christ and reflecting his glory. The kingdom of God is diverse, and Christ redeems people from every tribe, every language, and every station in life. Racial barriers fall, religious barriers fall, cultural barriers fall, and social barriers fall for Christ is all in all. God's chosen people are loved and set apart which will be evident by the way they adorn themselves. The spiritual wardrobe of the Christian contains compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. They are not selfish and driven by pride and selfish ambition, they gladly submit to one another in love, forgiving each other and bearing with one another. The community of faith is the visible evidence of the power of God, and the way they live is an apologetic for Christ's gospel. When irritated or offended, Christians die to themselves. Finally, Paul exhorts the people of God to put on love, the self-sacrificing, self-giving love of God. This is obedience to the new command of Jesus. Christians are commanded to love one another as Christ loves them. Love is superior to all other pieces the Christian wears, for nothing else so clearly identifies them with Jesus. The love of God binds the people of God together in harmony and maintains peace. As Christ rules the heart of the believer, gratitude, and thankfulness grow. The Christian is to make their home in the word of Christ. This echoes the words of Jesus in John's gospel. God's word is so important as we live in it and it lives in us. Love makes the heart sing and the church gathered serves one another rooted in love and the word of Christ. The Christian cannot compartmentalize their lives because the gospel has implications for everything they do, and it must be done in light of the Lord Jesus with a grateful heart. 

As For The Lord

The Lordship of Jesus Christ transforms our relationship with him and with each other. The Christian life is to be lived at home, at school, and the workplace. Paul approaches the subject of discipleship and dependence by looking at three partnerships: wives and husbands; children and fathers; and slaves and masters. These verses show a picture of marriage that reveals the Christian view of the union of one man and one woman in covenant relationship. The Christian’s view shows the order of life’s priorities, which should be first to God, then to one’s spouse, next to one’s children in the parent and child relationship, and finally to one’s employer. God’s order is for human flourishing and is designed for our benefit and protection. The Bible teaches headship which points to one's role and not to one's value. It seems that people get bent out of shape over this concept and see it as archaic and in need of change. However, in other areas of life, there seems to be no conflict with roles and order such as the workplace, the school, or a team. Identity and roles are given for our good. The way we are to live together in marriage is mutual love, respect, and submission. The Christian life is one of submission. Jesus submitted to the Father, but he is coequal and co-eternal with him. There is no concept of inferiority, this about the role one has been given by their creator. Husbands are to love their wives and put her interests first. The marriage relationship is a living parable of the gospel and husbands and wives have a unique relationship that should not be shared with anyone else. Husbands are not to be cold, rude, or harsh with their wives. Instead, there is to be grace, love, and mutual submission. The family picture continues as Paul moves to the relationship between parents and children. Children are to obey their parents because this pleases the Lord. Children must be instructed in what is right and what is wrong as taught in the Scriptures. Children need to be taught the things of God and instructed wisely. Parents are responsible for their spiritual formation. Disobedience is a mark of sinfulness. Fathers should build a loving and trusting relationship with their children. In this way, an earthly father can offer a picture although inadequate of how magnificent it is to be a child of God. Fathers must not be too severe with their children, and they must speak words of grace over them regularly. Father's must seize every opportunity to teach their children about grace and forgiveness. The Scriptures do not approve of slavery. He did not create a slave or hint at slavery as an acceptable practice. Slavery is descriptive, not prescriptive. In Old Testament times, slaves were not so oppressed and did have the right to own property and conduct business. Hebrew slaves were treated under a somewhat complicated set of biblical rules, one of which commanded that they be kept in bondage for a maximum of six years only, in order to pay off the debts they owed. Christians are to work not only out of duty, with self-preservation and self-interest in view; rather they are to work with sincerity. The motivation for such work was a Holy and reverential fear of God. This is not repressive; rather it takes into account that God is almighty and that men are answerable to him at the day of judgment for all that they have done. Work was to be done as unto Christ himself. Slaves were not rewarded as a rule, but Paul reminds the believers that there are rewards to come for the good and faithful servants of Christ. Ultimately, we do not work for our employer but for the Lord Jesus Christ. Understanding this principle will help produce a better and healthier attitude to work and allow us to do the unpleasant tasks with patience. There are rewards promised and waiting for believers in heaven after a lifetime of faithful service. Serve the Lord with gladness. 

Things To Consider:

• How can we seek the things that are above?
• How do you set your mind on Christ when things are difficult?
• How should the life to come affect our service?
• How does one put sin to death?
• Who do you confess your sins to for accountability sake?
• How can we work on the heart?
• How does the gospel change all our relationships?
• When you put on clothes, do they just jump on your body? Then how can you put on the things of God?
• Why must everything be tested by scripture?
• How does the word dwell in us richly?
• How can we help others see the gospel pictures of mutual love and submission in marriages?
• How do the roles of men and women within marriage give us a picture of the gospel?
• How should a Christian approach every task?
• Why should Christians be missed when they change jobs?
• How can we look for rewards and find joy without being greedy?

HE DISARMED THE RULERS AND AUTHORITIES

Colossians 2

The Firmness Of Your Faith In Christ

Paul continues to speak of the struggles he endures, be they trials, afflictions, or hardships for the sake of the Colossians, Laodiceans, and all believers who have never seen Paul. Paul's desire is to encourage Christians everywhere to walk in unity together. However, Paul is clear that real unity in the faith must have both love and truth. The grounds for faith and the object of faith is Jesus Christ who alone is the source of wisdom and knowledge. Everything the church needs spiritually and eternally is found in Christ who is the foundation for justification, sanctification, and glorification. Paul declares that no matter how charismatic or eloquent the teacher is or how plausible the argument everything must be judged by Christ and his word. Paul rejoices over the orderly and steadfast faith held by the Colossians despite facing false teachers. 

Made Alive Together With Him

Paul reminds the Colossians that they received Christ Jesus the Lord and as such it requires submission to his rule in their lives. The Christian should continue to live out their faith daily. Paul follows this with the directive to grow in Christ. Faith must be rooted and established in Christ as taught by the scripture which leads to gratitude for God's amazing grace. Paul is concerned that the Colossians may be taken captive by false teaching, so he calls for vigilance. A worldview that included philosophy, tradition, and human wisdom posed a serious threat to the church. Any teaching that negates the work of Christ or declares that it is not sufficient for salvation must be rejected. In Christ, the whole fullness of deity dwells because Jesus is God in human flesh. All that God is, in his divine essence, so too is Christ. There must be no doubt that Jesus Christ is God and nothing can be added to him for he is the whole fullness of God. In light of this, Paul declares that the believer is brought to fullness in Christ who has dominion over all things including the church. Christians have been delivered from the flesh by the regeneration of the Spirit who applies salvation through the finished work of Christ. The believer's union with Christ is pictured in baptism as the outward sign that Christ's burial and resurrection is their burial and resurrection because his resurrection life is their eternal life. All humanity is born dead in trespasses and sins, but those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ are made alive with Christ who became sin and satisfied the justice of God by canceling the record of debt by the cross. Jesus Christ defeated sin and death, and Christians partake in his victory. 

Promoting Self-Made Religion

Paul addresses the false teachers who focused on two issues as the basis for the passing judgment on the Colossians. The issues were dietary expectations and the observance of sacred days and seasons. The false teachers demanded loyalty to old patterns of spirituality and embraced asceticism to some extent. Paul explains to any who might be confused that Christ fulfilled the law and all of the shadows are now given substance by Christ and his work. Paul exhorts the church not to let anyone disqualify them because of their insistence on asceticism, the worship of angels, or detailing of visions. The worship of angels should be understood as worship of the creature instead of the creator. God demands exclusive worship, and he will not allow any other gods before him. He is zealous for his glory, and Christ is God, so the worship of the creature is misguided and false. These false teachers also focus on visions they have experienced while boasting in their experiences and holding them as authoritative. These false teachers did not submit to Christ's authority as head of the church who nourishes it, keeps it, and causes it to grow. All these benefits are from Christ. Paul calls the church to consider why they would submit to religious regulations and subjugate themselves to the rules of the world. Paul runs through some of the made up rules that were to be obeyed as a way of salvation. Religion cannot save, only Jesus saves. The Christian must hold to the doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. These kinds of rules reflect human wisdom, but they cannot save or accomplish gospel transformation. 

Things To Consider:

• Why is unity important?
• How is unity maintained?
• Why should we contend for the truth and correct error if it causes division?
• Why is Christ necessary for salvation?
• How should we test Christian teaching?
• Is it essential to believe that Christ is fully God and fully man? Why?
• Why is baptism important?
• How did Christ cancel sin?
• What manmade laws do people follow today?
• How can we stop the indulgence of the flesh?

THE GLORY OF THIS MYSTERY

Colossians 1

The Grace Of God In Truth

Paul uses his standard salutation establishing his call as an apostle and recognizes Timothy. He greets the church and speaks of the family at Colossae with great affection. Paul continues to condense the gospel by mentioning the grace that saves and the peace that follows. Salvation is from God. Paul was not nominated or voted on for the office of apostle, rather he was appointed by Jesus, authorized to speak on his behalf, and commissioned to organize the churches. When Paul speaks, it should be received as Jesus personally addressing the church (2 Corinthians 5:20). He acknowledges their faith and encourages them by letting them know that he regularly prays for them. Paul commends the Colossians because they are progressing and have been fruitful from the start. The Colossians had learned the gospel from Epaphras, who had communicated their love in the Spirit to Paul. Paul prayed for their knowledge and godly habits. He prayed for spiritual understanding and discernment, faithful obedience, and moral excellence. He reminds them of their identity in Christ. They could find strength, endurance, patience, joy and thanksgiving because they had been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God. They are the children of God because Jesus has redeemed them, forgiven their sin, and they are his righteousness. 

All The Fullness Of God

Paul transitions into a beautiful declaration concerning Jesus nature, work, and his preeminence. Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, not simply because he is a human made in the image of God, but also because he possesses the same nature as God. The Father is invisible to us, but God reveals himself by his Son. Jesus said that to see him was to see the Father. Jesus is the firstborn of creation due to the truth that Christ pre-existed with the Father and the Spirit before the world was created. Jesus is the divine agent of creation, and everything owes its origin to him. Creation exists for Christ. Every particle and molecule in the universe are held together by Jesus, and he has dominion over all things. He is the head of the church, and he exercises his authority by the Spirit and the word. Jesus is the greatest, supreme, foremost, best, finest, and most excellent over all things. Jesus is fully God and fully man possessing the fullness of God, and it is through the person and work of Jesus Christ that reconciliation his made possible by the peace that comes through his cross. The glorious news of the gospel is that Jesus reconciles those who are alienated, hostile, and capable of nothing but evil. His death is our life. His perfection is our righteousness. Our faith has a sure object in Jesus. We have the promise that he will keep us to the end, and the demonstration of his work in our lives will be seen in the ongoing pattern of repentance and faith. Jesus nature, work, and preeminence are the reason for ministry, and the gospel gives us reason to proclaim and hold fast to our hope. God will keep his people by the work of the Holy Spirit, but believers are responsible for persevering and working out their salvation if they expect to be vindicated.

Christ In You

Paul speaks of his sufferings for you because participating in the sufferings of Christ is the result of a believer’s union with Christ. He then speaks of his body because of the universal church which he serves through suffering. Paul participates in the sufferings of Christ because there is nothing he can add to the finished work of Christ. God's plan of redemption had been hidden for ages and generations as God continued to reveal it until he reached the apex of his revelation in Jesus, the Word who became flesh. God has revealed himself most clearly in Jesus, and he is the one that Paul preaches. The gospel of Jesus Christ reveals God's plan of redemption which includes the Gentiles. Christians are united with Christ, and it is his finished work that gives the believer the hope of glory. Paul proclaims Christ through the Word of God. Paul explains that through his preaching he is prophetic, fatherly, and scholarly. The Spirit and the Word will do their work through faithful preaching. Paul labors with all his energy and his might, but it is Christ who works in Paul enabling him to fulfill his calling.

Things To Consider:

• Why do you think Paul called attention to the role Jesus gave him?
• What is the gospel? How do you know?
• What does it mean if someone that professes faith in Christ does not bear fruit or increase?
• Why isn't Paul jealous of Epaphras?
• Why must a believer love the people of God?
• How does one increase in the knowledge of God?
• How does the Father qualify us? How do you know?
• What is the domain of darkness?
• How did Jesus transfer you to the kingdom of his beloved?
• How is Jesus the image of God if he is invisible?
• How can you describe the greatness of Jesus?
• What is your response to Paul's description of Jesus?
• Is your heart filled with affection for Jesus? Why or why not?
• Why do we forget just how incredible salvation is?
• Have you thanked God for reconciliation?
• How does Jesus make peace by the blood of his cross?
• How will Jesus present you holy and blameless?
• If grace saves us, why are we held responsible for working?
• Are you willing to suffer for Christ's church?
• Why is a knowledge of God linked to his word?
• Why is preaching essential for the church?

THE SERVANT KING

Philippians 2

Have This Mind Among Yourselves

Paul begins this section with a series of questions that are rhetorical in nature as he points them to the grace that abounds and lists some of the benefits they enjoy because of Christ. Believers experience encouragement, comfort, love, affection, and sympathy. Paul tells them to complete his joy through the same mind and love walking together in unity. He then alternates between the negative and positive ways that believers should relate to one another. Pride and ambition are enemies to Christian love and humble submission to one another. To be of one mind, the believers in Philippi must stop setting their minds on their ambitions because they cannot seek their glory and God's at the same time. As long as Christians have the attitude that what matters most is self-fulfillment and self-advancement, they will not experience unity. Paul confronts the cause of disunity by exposing these divisive attitudes. Paul does not say to ignore or completely abandon personal interests, and he says to be mindful of the interests of others. The love and unity of the local church can be a convincing apologetic. 

He Humbled Himself

Jesus' incarnation is often sentimentalized to the point that his humiliation is ignored. Jesus did not insist upon what was rightfully his. God became like his creatures. These words should render us speechless and overwhelmed. Christ left the glory he had before the foundation of the world (John 17:5). The King of all creation became a servant (Philippians 2:7). Jesus was born into a poor family (Luke 2:7). The lawgiver submitted himself to the law (Galatians 4:4). The one with authority was obedient (Philippians 2:8). Jesus' people rejected him (John 1:11). The Holy One became sin for our sake (2 Corinthians 5:21). Instead of grasping what was rightfully his, Jesus laid aside his glory and took our humanity. Humility, as exhibited by Christ, is not passive or pathetic. Christ chose to humble himself and to obey the will of the Father. Jesus never ceased to be God, but he took on our humanity becoming fully God and fully man at the same time. Jesus humiliated himself willingly to serve his creation and redeem them. God humbled himself to the point of death, even enduring the curse of the cross. Jesus was not the only person to die on a cross, but his death was different because he is the sin-bearer for his people as he bore the wrath of God for our sake so that we might be reconciled to God. 

This mind is the result of Gospel transformation and not a set of behaviors that we must achieve on our own. It is our union with Christ that is the basis for this mind. We are commanded to love God with all our heart, MIND, soul, and strength so we must learn and think. Jesus is God, but he did not seize all of his privileges. We do not merely look to Christ as a great moral example to follow, but he is the exalted Lord who we worship and obey. We forfeit privileges following the example of Christ and for the sake of others. Christ’s humiliation was even more extreme because he not only became flesh, he became a slave. This concept is absolutely absurd! The God of glory, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent came to a poor family from a small village. The word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We are called to be servants just like our Servant King. Jesus Christ is exalted, and the Servant King will return in power. King Jesus will be worshiped by all. All creation will bow before him, and he will restore all things. Worship is a communal response to the sacred through activity reflecting praise, thanksgiving, supplication, or repentance.

Work Out Your Own Salvation

Salvation is God’s work. We cannot save ourselves. It is God’s gift to us, but Paul calls the Philippians to work out what God had worked in. The evidence of grace should be seen in the life of believers showing outwardly what God had done inwardly. Salvation is not by works, but salvation works. Paul calls for Christians to live with a sense of awe and wonder. God is still at work, giving both the desire and the power for working out salvation. Paul is not saying that they would become children of God by avoiding complaining and disputing. They were already children of God. His point is that they would be known as children of God by avoiding grumbling or disputing. Paul found tremendous joy in suffering for they faith. 

Honor Such Men

Paul announces his plans to send Timothy to Philippi. Timothy’s visit would facilitate communication and understanding between Paul and the church. Epaphroditus appears only in Philippians. He is a brother, a fellow worker, a fellow soldier, and the messenger who came to minister to Paul. While he was there, he fell ill and almost dies. Epaphroditus eventually recovered, and Paul sent him back to the church with the letter to the Philippians in his hand. Paul wants the Philippians to honor him because he laid aside his comfort and convenience for the cause of Christ. 

Things To Consider:

• How are you encouraged in Christ?
• Why is it difficult to have the same mind?
• Is ambition always a bad thing? Why or why not?
• Why is it difficult to think of others as more significant?
• How can we look to the interests of others?
• Why did Jesus humiliate himself?
• Where do you see Jesus move from humiliation to exaltation besides the resurrection?
• Is Jesus your Lord?
• Are you currently in rebellion or submission to his rule in your life?
• Why is Jesus worthy of worship?
• Why is confession necessary?
• How does our confession glorify the Father?
• How are you working out your salvation?
• Why should we live our lives before others? Why?
• How are you giving yourself away for the sake of the gospel and others?
• How are you honoring those who serve the Lord?

TO LIVE IS CHRIST

Philippians 1

Partnership In The Gospel

Paul opens this letter to the Philippians by including Timothy in the salutation. Timothy was with Paul on his initial visit to Philippi (Acts 16), and he is very much like a son to Paul. Paul refers to both he and Timothy as slaves of Christ Jesus. This statement was not false humility or empty words, Paul considered this a great privilege and will later show that it is the same position taken by Jesus himself. The epistle is to God's holy people, the saints who are made holy in Christ Jesus and are in Philippi. Paul also addresses the plurality of leaders in the church that serve with the church and not over the church. Paul's greeting is a condensed synopsis of his theology namely that grace is the saving work of God that brings peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The letter moves into words from a heart that loves and appreciates the church at Philippi. Paul is thankful and filled with joy because of their partnership in the gospel. Paul is not shy in expressing his certitude that the same God who began the good work is the same God who will bring it to completion. He speaks tenderly of the way he feels about the people. They are constantly in his thoughts while he is imprisoned. Paul calls on God to witness to the yearning of his heart empowered by the love of Christ Jesus, and he prays for the Philippians to abound more in their love. The love that Paul speaks of is not some fatalistic out of control emotional experience; it is to be practiced with knowledge and discernment so the believers can distinguish his ways, grow in holiness and be filled with the fruit of righteousness. 

Served To Advance The Gospel

Paul is in a difficult season of his life. He was arrested in Jerusalem on a false charge, taken into custody, and held at Caesarea for two years. During this time various governors tried to get a bribe to release him. Finally, Paul claimed his right as a Roman citizen to have his case heard by Caesar in Rome. Paul’s appeal was granted, but the journey to Rome proved a disaster. He experienced shipwreck on the island of Malta, and when he arrived in Rome, Paul was placed under house arrest (Acts 27 and 28). This servant has every reason to be frustrated and angry, but he assures his friends that what has happened to him served to advance the gospel. The palace guards have learned why he is in prison and the gospel has been shared without fear. The apostle identifies preachers who preach from envy and rivalry as well as those who preach from good will. Paul delineates between these two groups, but he is clear that they have the same message. No matter the motivation of these other preachers, Paul rejoices that Christ is proclaimed.

I Am Hard Pressed 

Paul rejoices knowing that regardless of the outcome, he wins. Paul walks through his reasoning process explaining his past and present situation weighed against his future. The joy of Paul’s life was grounded in his Christ-centered life. He states, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Dying was gain because it meant to be with Christ, the better by far. Yet it was the Lord’s will for Paul to remain in this life because it was more helpful for the Philippians’ progress and joy in the faith. Paul calls the Philippians to join him in contending for the faith of the gospel. The gospel is the good news of what God has done through the saving work of Jesus Christ. It is the message of the holy God providing in Christ the righteousness that sinners must have in order to stand in his presence. It is the message of God propitiating his wrath against sinners by pouring out that wrath upon our substitute the Lord Jesus Christ. It is good news because there is bad news and it is exclusive news because Jesus is the only way to the Father. Soldiers and athletes need to be united with one mind as they work to achieve the objective. The conflict would come, but standing in one Spirit, with one mind, jointly contending for the faith of the gospel, they would not only see the power of the gospel. 

Things To Consider:

• Why is it important to understand our identity as servants?
• What can be learned about church governance from this passage?
• How should we pray for other believers?
• Why must we remember that salvation is God's work?
• Why assurances are given to the believer in this passage?
• How does love abound more and more?
• How should a Christian think of suffering?
• Do people still preach Christ with impure motives? 
• How is the fear of death removed by Christ?
• Is your manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ? Why or why not?
• How does a Christian strive?
• Why is unity important?
• Are you engaged in the conflict? Why or why not?

BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED

Ephesians 2

Alive Together With Christ

Paul provides a devastating description of humanity as he writes about the state of the soul. Humanity does not enter the world with a blank slate or inherently good. People begin under the dominion of death. It is not physical death; it is alienation and separation from God, the source of life. The church at Ephesus followed the course of the world, the devil, and the flesh. Paul paints a picture of our adversary the devil as he details this supernatural being that has authority over evil spirits. The devil does not have dominion; he has influence only because King Jesus has dominion over all things. Paul acknowledges that it is not just the Gentiles who experienced this dead state, he declares that all were included in the disobedient sons and daughters. The conduct of the lost is driven by the sinful desires of the flesh making the sons and daughters of disobedience also the children of wrath. God acts in wrath toward sin because he is holy, just, and righteous. Paul follows this catastrophic explanation that includes the necessary judgment and wrath of holy God with the beauty and wonder of amazing grace. God is rich in mercy, and the wonder of the gospel is that he sets his affection on creatures who are his enemies and loves them. While dead in sin with nothing to offer, God brings the dead to life with Christ. The curse is reversed, and the believer's union with Christ imputes his righteousness and shares his resurrected life. Jesus Christ brings dead sinners to life and rescues them from the dominion of death and power of sin. Salvation is a work of grace. Only Jesus saves sinners. Christ's resurrection raises the believer with him and moves them into heavenly places away from the old jurisdiction of the enemy. God's immeasurable grace and kindness will be on display in the coming ages by his work of salvation. People are saved by grace alone through faith alone. Grace is a gift, not a reward for anything good in the creature. There are no grounds for anyone to boast of any works. The Christian is God's workmanship as he creates a new humanity from both Jews and Gentiles. The believer is saved by grace through faith alone, but it is not a faith that stays alone. Good works cannot save anyone, but they serve as evidence of the grace at work in us. God has called a people to himself and called them to holiness. To walk in the good works which God prepared beforehand, he must save and enable his children to demonstrate the hallmarks of salvation. 

One New Man In Place Of The Two

Paul points to the sign of the covenant that was given to Abraham and Moses called circumcision. Anyone outside of this covenant relationship was called the uncircumcision, and it pointed to the reality of their estrangement from God. The Gentiles were separated from Christ and alienated from Israel. The Gentiles were outside the covenants of promise and Paul states they had no hope in the world. This dreadful position is reminiscent of the previous verses describing man's condition. The separation is taken away by the blood of Christ, and the distance is removed. Christ himself is our peace, and he reconciles us to the Father as he takes away any external distinctions between Jews and Gentiles. Jesus' work of salvation should remove hostility and bring unity. Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly, and his death on the cross satisfied the divine wrath and justice of God. Therefore, Jesus is our peace, and there is a new covenant in his blood which renders the old covenant obsolete. God is creating one new humanity and reconciling that humanity to God through his life, death, burial, and resurrection. By the cross, Jesus killed the hostility between God and man as well as man and man. Christ proclaims peace to those who were separated from God. Through Jesus, Jew and Gentile are made family and have access to the Father. The church is the people of God, both Jew, and Gentile who are adopted as the children of God into one household. This household is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. The members of God's household rests on the normative teaching of the scripture. Christ is the cornerstone upon which the building is constructed, and he determines the position of all other living stones. The church is a people, not a building and God the Holy Spirit indwells every believer and builds them together.

Things To Consider:

• Why is sin associated with death?
• How does the devil have influence?
• How the knowledge that we were all dead in our trespasses and sins effect evangelism?
• Why were we the children of wrath?
• Why would God rescue rebellious children of wrath?
• How does God save his fallen creatures?
• Why is God's grace necessary for salvation?
• Why do we keep trying to earn our salvation?
• What is the difference between repentance and feeling sorry about our mistakes or trying to do better?
• Are you walking in an ongoing pattern of obedience?
• Why do we need peace with God?
• What impact should this passage have on racism?
• Why is the teaching of scripture essential for the church?
• How is one built together for God?