Meditations

Revelation Bible Study - Chapter 8 - Revelation 2:4-7

2012-01-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have, you hate the works of the Nicola'itans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (RSV)

Rebuke

What is Jesus’ rebuke to the Ephesian Church?

Why do you think they came to earn this rebuke?

They had forsaken their first love. Wouldn’t you think, considering all that Jesus has already said to the Ephesians’ church, that there wouldn’t be any rebuke? Paul spent three years with them and also wrote a letter of encouragement and instruction that eventually became a part of the Bible. They had so much going for them, how had they arrived at this point of rebuke? It is apparent that a church can do a lot, even have the correct focus on what it is doing, and yet not have the right motivation.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. (2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV)

Like the Ephesians, we need to be able to have perseverance, which is included in our Christian growth. These verses show that perseverance is right in the middle of a Christian’s growth pattern. The Ephesians had already done well in the knowledge department and had advanced through perseverance, but somehow, after moving on to godliness, their spiritual growth stopped or they regressed. It is possible that their zeal for godliness kept them from showing genuine love and kindness for each other. In Matt 25:34-40, Jesus clearly correlated our love and outreach to others with our love of Him.

By focusing on knowledge and self-improvement, the Ephesians may very well have stagnated in their growth. As Peter says, these qualities need to be increasing or our knowledge of the Lord Jesus will become unproductive as a result. When we become involved in the pursuit of outward godliness and forget about love, we may become a legalistic church.

Besides loving others, what kind of love should we have for Jesus?

Our relationship with Jesus is a two-way affair. We hear and speak much about the love God has for us, but seldom do we really look at the Word to find out what kind of a love we should have for Him.

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth — for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you! Take me away with you — let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. How right they are to adore you! (Song 1:2-4 NIV)

Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (Song 2:3-4 NIV)

These verses can be taken to be symbolic of the love that the Lord has for the Church and how the Church should love the Lord.

Is the name of Jesus like perfume to you?

Do you delight to hear His name and to speak it with love and tenderness?

Do these verses express the desire of your heart in your relationship with Jesus?

Take me away with you - hurry! We rejoice and delight in Jesus! We praise His love more than anything on earth! How right we are to adore Jesus. We delight to sit in His shade – to be in His church every chance we can to worship Him. All that we have comes from Him and all He provides for us is sweet because we love Him and know He has our best interest in His heart. Just as Mary sat at His feet to learn from Him and to be near Him, we too, must always want to be in His presence.

But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42 NASU)

If this is our desire, it won’t be taken away from us.

In Jesus’ rebuke and Peter’s warning in 2 Peter 1:9 both provide another possibility for the Ephesians’ lack of love. What is it?

And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. (Luke 7:37-38 NKJV)

Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. (Luke 7:47 NKJV)

Jesus made a clear connected between this woman’s recognition of being forgiven and her love for Him. In 2 Peter 1:9, Peter states that people who don’t have these qualities have forgotten that they have been cleansed from their past sins. The Ephesians must have forgotten who they were before Christ. Even if we received Christ at a very early age, we need to remember that He has cleansed us from our past sins and has forgiven us much. If we don’t, we are likely to forsake our love of Him. The woman showered Jesus’ person with physical expressions of her affection. We can’t do this now so we have to find other ways to express our love for Jesus.

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. (John 12:3 NLT)

Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." (John 12:7-8 NLT)

What can we learn about our devotion to Jesus from Mary and Jesus’ reply to those who criticized her?

Like the woman in Luke, Mary showed her love of Jesus in a manner that surprised those around her. Jesus not only accepted the demonstration of love, but also indicated that there are times when we need to devote our attention to Him, even to the exclusion of what would appear to be His very important work for us, such as feeding the poor. The Ephesians may very well have been so busy doing “the Lord’s work” that they neglected their time with Jesus, individually as well as corporately.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15 RSV)

What other ways can we show our love for Jesus?

Three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him and told him to take care of His sheep. There is always a balance in Scripture. Lest we spend all of our time trying to find out how we can be with Jesus and shower our affection on Him, we see that Jesus also expects us to take care of His people as an expression of our Love for Him. Since He lives in us, is it appropriate to say that to love Him is to love His people?

There are many Scriptures that tell us to show love for one another. Describe the love we should have in these verses:

Eph 5:1, 2

Ph 1:7-9

Col 1:3-5

Col 2:2, 3:14

1 Thess 2:8

1 Thess 3:12

2 Pet 1:7, 8

(Eph 5:1, 2 a sacrificial love; Ph 1:7-9 a growing love; Col 1:3-5 a love that springs from hope; Col 2:2, 3:14 united in love; 1 Thess 2:8 a sharing love; 1 Thess 3:12 an increasing love; 2 Pet 1:7, 8 a fruit bearing love). If we stop loving each other, we will stop loving Him. Jesus ends up saying to Peter, “Follow me.” The ultimate in loving Jesus is being willing to do anything for Him, even die.

How is our relationship similar to that of a husband and wife?

My beloved is mine, and I am his: (Song 2:16a KJV)

The selflessness of this verse describes how this relationship should be. Jesus gave Himself for us so we need to completely give ourselves to Him. When that happens, we are in a relationship with Jesus in the same way that a husband and wife want to do things for each other. This brings us back to the Ephesians who were no longer doing things out of love, so Jesus was no longer going to do “anything” for them. How many verses do we have where He says he will do whatever we ask?

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7 ESV)

Remember that these promises are conditional and this one is conditional upon our remaining in Him.

How does loving God and each other fulfill the Law?

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matt 22:37-40 NIV)

We must love the Lord with all our being, not just part of it. When we do this, love for each other will follow. We will then be doing everything out of the motivation of love. In this way, all we do follows the Law. A legalistic church is motivated out of the fear that they won’t follow all the rules. However, if they concentrated more on the command to love, they would be obedient and all of their man-made rules would not even be necessary.

Counsel and Warning

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Col 3:1 NASB)

Is it possible for a church to fall from this position?

What is Jesus talking about when He asks them to remember the height from which they had fallen?

I have often stated that our position of salvation is secure in Jesus. The Scriptures are clear about this so we have to look for meaning other than this.

Read Ezekiel 16:1-39. In this passage, God tells Jerusalem that she was like a discarded baby girl about to die. He found, loved, and claimed her as His own. She rose to become a beautiful queen with fame among the nations. She then became a prostitute disregarding all that the Sovereign Lord had done for her. Finally, He tells her that He will destroy her. The wording is much stronger than the message Jesus is giving to the Ephesians, but the principle is the same. Without Him and His love, we would have died in our sins; He has caused us to grow and become beautiful. When we stray, we forget where we came from and how high He has raised us. The resolution to the problem is to look back at what He has done, from where He took us, to where He brought us, and where we are headed if we do not change our ways.

However, like the passages in Ezekiel, Revelation is not addressed to individuals, but to an organization or community of people. These passages in no way indicate that a person can lose his salvation. Removal of the lampstand indicates that the church at Ephesus will die, not that an individual will lose his or her salvation. When Jesus said that His Church would prevail against the gates of hell, He was talking about His Body, which is His Church with a capital “C.” All believers belong to His Church and it will always exist. That doesn’t mean that a congregation will not die out, as in fact the Ephesian church did. Ezekiel 16 ends with a promise of restoration, but only after there has been agonizing pain, humiliation, and destruction. There is no need for a congregation (or an individual) to go through that if we heed the warnings and remember where we were and where we are now. Ezekiel 16:39 says that Jerusalem will be turned over to her lovers. So a church can be turned over to the things it loves and puts ahead of Jesus.

A church that doesn’t turn will eventually die out. A believer that doesn’t repent will not lose his salvation but may very well receive divine discipline resulting in a premature death.

Describe what is needed for repentance.

Jesus commands the church to repent and do the things they did at first. Even though we know that salvation is by grace, repentance is associated with action, which is the demonstration that what we are doing is in accordance with our faith.

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chron 7:14 NKJV)

If we want to see the Church receive the same spiritual blessing as Israel, then this truly makes sense in conjunction with the church at Ephesus. The land being healed is the Church or a church, not the country in which the church resides. So if any church does not humble itself, pray, and turn from evil, it would be taken away. The last item, turning is the key to showing that it is serious.

That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead." Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. (Joel 2:12-13 NLT)

The book of Joel, in 2:28, contains the prophecy of the Spirit being poured out, which is a description of how things would be in the Church age. Before that takes place, this description of repentance is provided. Repentance is not just turning with physical demonstration of change, but the heart must change as well. Turning over a new leaf because I was caught is not repentance.

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! (2 Cor 7:10-11a NASU)

This is the outcome of true repentance. The change in heart produces earnestness, eagerness, longing, and concern. I think this is what the Ephesians had lost, the eagerness and earnestness to serve the Lord in love and the longing to be close to Him. They had drifted to actions driven from strict obedience. Thus He says they had forsaken their first love. The Ephesians had started with a good attitude, but somewhere it failed. In many cases, we teach our children to obey in spite of their attitude because we know that attitude often follows actions. However, if that attitude never changes, we end up with outwardly compliant kids who will rebel at their first opportunity. In the case of the Ephesian church, they had outward behavior down pat, but they were not doing it out of love.

Another Commendation

How does Jesus encourage the Ephesians?

Who does Jesus hate?

It’s always good to give someone some encouragement after pointing out mistakes. Jesus does this when He lets the Ephesians know that He approves that they hate the practices of the Nicolaitans. Note that it is the practice that is hated, not the people. (The last question was a trick question to see if you were reading the text or not.) Tradition says that Nicolaitans hate things offered to idols, participated in idolatrous worship, denied God to be the Creator, had a “community of women,” and indulged in licentious behavior.[1] Hal Lindsey says that they taught that their physical actions didn’t affect their spirit, so sin it up.[2] Rev 2:15 also refers to the fact that the church at Pergamum had these in their midst. They also had the teachings of Balaam. Unger links these two together and so does Lindsey. The Nicolaitan’s teaching was an outgrowth and refinement of Balaam’s teachings. Balaam couldn’t directly curse the nation of Israel, so he taught their enemies to entice the young men with women and draw them away from the teachings of the Lord. God’s Law was given in part to isolate them from the foreign influence.

How has idolatrous teaching infiltrated the Church?

We should look at these teachings to see how they are carried out today. Idolatrous worship is precisely what has happened in the Catholic Church. Many worship Mary, saints, the communion wafer, even bones and “relics” of saints. This is particularly bad in poorer parts of the world where Catholicism has been mixed with primitive witchcraft and native religions. Not all Catholics participate in this worship, but many do and don’t even realize it.

How does evolution affect the Church?

Evolution denies God to be the Creator, or at least the Creator in the method that He said He did it. As evolution creeps into our churches, it weakens our understanding of who God is and His ability. Worse, it puts our own logical thinking on a pedestal that leads to rationalization of the Scripture. Look at Rom 1:18-32 to see what the eventual end of the downward spiral is for those who deny that God is the Creator. 2 Pet 3:3-15 also addresses the issue of those who may agree that God created the earth, but then let all things continue (evolution, etc.). He says they deliberately forget that God has intervened in history. And why do they forget? It is because He has promised to come again and set all things straight. That is the last thing they want to hear. Evolution comforts them. They don’t have to hear Peter’s warnings about how we should live. Once you start picking what you want to believe out of the Bible, or even reshaping it to what you want to believe, you open yourself up to anything.

What is permissiveness and how is it manifested in the Church?

Permissiveness is an attitude that you can do whatever you want and that it won’t hurt the Spirit or your spirit, i.e. your relationship with God; it is pervasive in the church today. It is seen in things ranging from the acceptability of unmarried “Christians” living together to social drinking.

"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. (1 Cor 6:12 ESV)

A misunderstanding of this verse leads to permissiveness. While some things may be permissible such as social drinking, there isn’t any benefit and it may very well end up mastering us. Other things simply are not permissible and should be avoided. We must be alert because many things bombard us today through T.V., books, movies, the internet, smart phones, and seemingly innocent things that “Don’t affect me.” That is why the principal of separation was given to the nation of Israel. They were to stay away from the enticements of the nations around them. We need to stay away from those things that take us away from the Lord. This is the meaning of sanctification, to set ourselves aside and make ourselves available for holy use. We can’t be legalistic and condemn the technology, but we must use it wisely.

Promise

To whom is this promise addressed?

“He that hath an ear” Everyone has an ear. It may function well or not, that isn’t the issue. This is an invitation to all who read these messages. First, it is an opportunity to find out what it means to overcome and become a follower of Jesus. Second, it is a message for anyone who is straying or has strayed and needs to turn back.

What does it mean to hear what the Spirit is saying?

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. (Isa 55:2-3 NIV)

This seems to sum up what it means to listen to God. We tend to run around and look for things that satisfy in all the wrong places. What we need is to simply listen to God and come to Him. Our souls will live and that provides true satisfaction that will last for eternity. It gets right back to the first love that the Ephesians had lost.

What does it take to overcome?

For by their own sword they did not possess the land, And their own arm did not save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, For You favored them. (Ps 44:3 NASU)

The Israelites had to overcome physical enemies to enter their promised land. It is evident, as you read the book of Joshua, that they didn’t do this by their own strength. The Psalmist reiterated that it was God’s strength that enabled them to overcome their enemies. The same is true of how we are to overcome. We need to overcome sin and the evils of this world before we will have the right to eat from the tree of life. Just as the Israelites couldn’t overcome by their own strength, we can’t defeat sin in our lives by our own power. It only comes because we place our faith in the fact that Jesus has already paid the penalty for our sins and has overcome on our behalf when He died on the cross.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17 NKJV)

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17 NKJV)

We have faith by hearing (those who have an ear). But action must follow to prove that the faith is real. The person who overcomes is the one who puts his faith into action. Still, it we can’t do it by ourselves. We must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. And that power is great. It is greater than most of us imagine.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. (Eph 1:19-20 NLT)

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Eph 3:20 NLT)

What is the gift that overcomers will receive?

The gift for those who overcome is eternal life, which includes true spiritual food.

And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Gen 2:9 RSV)

The tree of life first appears in the book of Genesis where it was provided for Adam and Eve so that they may never die. Whether it was an actual tree is not as important as the fact that it is a gift from God. In Gen 3:24, the Lord makes sure that they cannot go back to the tree and eat of it.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Rev 22:1-2 ESV)

The river of the water of life (The Holy Spirit) flows from the throne of God. It goes through the city (that’s us, we are the bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem) and through the tree. The one tree of life is on both sides of the river. See how His Spirit permeates all of life at this time. The tree continually bears fruit. The true and holy age of God has arrived, and we are promised to partake of that if we overcome.

Church History - Churches Today.

I don’t think we see as many churches like this as in previous centuries, even in the 20th. More recently they have become the minority. These churches have so many rules that the Love of Christ is seldom seen. They are against so many things that what they are for is lost. Of course this kind of church doesn’t have problems with wicked men and practices like the Nicolaitans. However the wicked people in them publicly proclaim hate for modern Nicolaitans instead of hating their practices. (Those outside the Church don’t understand the difference, but Jesus does.) The Ephesian church is most likely representative of many churches soon after the apostles died. John was the only one left at that time. It took only a few years for people to jump into legalist practices. Look at the next church at Smyrna to see what it is that shakes legalistic churches up to bring them back into line.

What can we do to avoid being an Ephesian church?

[2] Hal Lindsey, There’s A New World Coming (Santa Ana: Vision House, 1973) page 46

Revelation Bible Study - Chapter 7 - Revelation 2:1-3

2012-01-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

"'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary.” (ESV)

Read all the messages to the churches (Rev 2 and 3). We aren’t going to study all of them at this time, but we need to read them in order to see that Jesus has set a pattern for His messages. As you read, look for similarities and repetition in phrases.

What four elements can you find in the messages that are common? What are the key words or phrases that you found for each? Describe the general content of each element.

You may not use the same title for each section as I have, but the key words and content should match.

Description of Jesus

Each letter begins with the same phrase to introduce Jesus’ letter, “These are the words of ...”

What significance do you find in this phrase?

Each description has some special significance for the church being addressed as well as for us. The words of Jesus are a direct message from our Creator. It is an awesome thought to realize that He had a specific message to these churches and He is speaking to us through these messages as well.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matt 24:35 KJV)

Since His words will never pass away, they have relevance for us today.

Commendation or Rebuke

In each letter, Jesus states, “He knows...” It is what He knows about each church that brings the commendation and or the rebuke.

"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." (Jer 17:10 NIV)

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 NIV)

After reading the two verses above, what comes to your mind regarding your life and your church?

The Lord knows everything about us as individuals as well as a local body of believers. It makes me stop to think about what kind of church I want to be involved with as well as how I live my own life. Judgment is going to come upon churches that allow evil practices and heresies; we will see this when we study the each church.

Counsel and/or Warning

Jesus is quite specific when He counsels the churches. If the church is out of line, He tells them what they need to do to get things back on the right track. He doesn’t hide the consequences of their misbehavior or their faithfulness. On one hand, their misbehavior will bring repercussions from the Lord. I know that I don’t want to be anywhere near when the Lord brings His discipline on a church because I know that even those that are on the right path will suffer some consequences. As an example, you can look at the life of Jeremiah. Even though God called Him to preach to unfaithful Judah, he suffered much at the hands of the officials as well as the rest of the people who were starving during the Babylonian siege.

What often happens when we closely follow Jesus?

On the other hand, the Church’s faithfulness brings attacks from the enemy.

Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. NASB (Matt 5:11)

Unlike those who preach a prosperity gospel, following Jesus can be costly in earthly terms. He stated this from the beginning of His ministry and the message should never have been changed. It is our choice when we seek membership in a church to become part of a church that is Biblical or one that seeks to bend His Word to its own desires. There will be consequences either way.

Promise

The promises are addressed to those who overcome. They are the ones who hear what Jesus says and it results in godly lives.

What is our reward when we live upright and godly lives, especially when it results in persecution?

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt 5:12 NKJV)

None of the promises of reward for these churches are in this world. Jesus has always told us that this isn’t our eternal dwelling and that true riches are not on this earth. The reward is only for those who overcome. Look ahead to Rev 3:4, 5 to get an idea of what it means to overcome.

Now, we will start with the specifics of the Church at Ephesus.

Ephesus – Description of Jesus

What is Jesus trying to tell the Church in Ephesus when He repeats that He holds the seven stars?

He holds the seven stars and walks in midst of the lamp stands. Holding the seven stars is a reminder that Jesus is in control of all things. As noted before, we are in His hands when are saved and there isn’t anything that can remove us. (John 10:28) However, there is another aspect of His hands that the Church at Ephesus needs to hear.

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. (Ps 32:1-5 NASU)

His hand is heavy on those who have committed their way to Him but have strayed. The promise in these verses is that He will forgive us when we confess our sins and then we will be blessed. The longer we ignore our sin, the heavier will be His hand.

Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. (Ps 89:13-14 NLT)

What else does Jesus’ hand represent in Ps 89:13-14?

His arm and hand are a symbol of His power and might. He is not just in control of our salvation and spiritual condition but He is also in control of the events of history. This gives us great confidence and comfort as we think of the problems that could be coming ahead. It would have been a blessing and comfort for the Ephesians as well. Because of His power and strength, He can bring about righteousness and justice as well as showing His mercy and love.

What is the meaning of Jesus stating that He walks among the lampstands (Churches)?

Jesus is in the midst of His Church.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt 18:20 KJV)

This may be the very definition of a church. Anywhere Jesus is you will find His Church.

… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matt 28:20 ESV)

These last verses in the book of Matthew are directed to His disciples. While applicable to individuals, He is primarily saying that He will always be with His Church.

Commendation or Rebuke

Describe at least four points of commendation for this church.

Perseverance

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV)

Peter praises God for our salvation and the inheritance that we have in heaven, which can’t be taken away and will never perish. We receive that salvation through faith. He explains that it is perseverance in trials which proves that our faith is real. The Ephesians have persevered and endured hardships. Their faith has indeed been proven genuine. However, as we look at the rebuke that comes later about forsaking or abandoning their first love, I wonder if their perseverance produced self-pride instead of a deepening faith.

What can happen when perseverance leads to pride?

Did they still love Jesus the way they did in the beginning? Had they lost the inexpressible joy that Peter discussed? Is there some warning here that we haven’t seen, such as looking at the track record of the church (how much they’ve done), instead of their dedication to Jesus? The church then loses its perspective and sees the survival of the organization more important than the goals of Jesus. It can’t be called the Church but a church.

Intolerance of Wicked

When should we associate with wicked people and when should we avoid them?

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler — not even to eat with such a one. (1 Cor 5:9-11 NASU)

Paul makes it clear that we should judge and actually shun any Christian who behaves in a wicked manner. Some will point out that Jesus associated with sinners. However, Jesus associated with sinners, not for companionship, but to bring the light to them (Luke 5:30-32). Scripture also teaches that our association with non-believers is not to be close.

Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; (Prov 24:1 NKJV)

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Cor 6:14 NKJV)

We have to be careful that our intolerance of the wicked doesn’t distances us so much that we miss our mission to be salt and light in the world.

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. (Eph 5:11 NLT)

I also wonder if the Ephesians’ intolerance of the wicked had lost the temper of Jesus’ love so that they were no longer an effective witness. This can happen with legalistic churches and individuals.

How does your intolerance of wickedness manifest itself?

Tested Teachings

What is one of the signs that the end is getting closer?

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared. (1 Tim 4:1-2 RSV)

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. (2 Tim 4:3-5 RSV)

One of the marks of the coming of the end will be an increase in false teachers; therefore it is very important to be able to discern the false from those who are teaching the Word. One of the reasons the Ephesian Church doesn’t fit the mold of many churches of today is because they were testing the teachers, not gathering the false teachers around them.

What are some of our modern myths and unsound teachings?

Some of our modern day myths are evolution, materialistic life style, and a prosperity gospel. Many other things like re-incarnation are not modern but are being revived in popularity. Nothing is new, it is just packaged in a new name, but it is scary to see what is coming back and not even repackaged.

What can we do to counteract these teachings?

Isn’t it interesting that one of Paul’s comments to Timothy to counteract this was simply to do the work of an evangelist? Paul tells us to keep our head, not get angry with false teachers and their disciples. See also 2 Pet 2:1-3. In Acts 17:11 we are told that the Bereans studied the Scriptures to see if Paul’s preaching was correct. How much more do we need to do this today? We can’t trust what a preacher is saying just because he is on TBN or has published many popular books. We need to be well grounded in His Word.

Not growing weary

What is the secret to not growing weary? Is all of the talk about “burnout” legitimate?

The Ephesian church apparently hadn’t burned out even during times of persecution.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt 11:28-30 ESV)

The first thing to remember is to whom we have been yoked. Our Master is carrying the largest portion of the load. Our bodies may become weary but if it is our souls that are weary, then we have been taking a load upon ourselves that doesn’t belong.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6:31 NIV)

Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. (Mark 6:45-46 NIV)

What are some things we can do to make sure we don’t burn out?

After a strenuous mission, Jesus took the disciples away to a quiet place for rest. However, the crowds followed. Later, Jesus sent His disciples away from the crowd so that they could get away while He dealt with the crowd. He then went away to pray. Many other times, after a strenuous day, Jesus would get by Himself and pray. We need to make sure our bodies don’t become so exhausted that we can’t continue; we need physical rest. One way is to take the time to get away from the usual routine for rest and another is to make sure we take time to pray.

And when the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. And taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida. But the multitudes were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing. (Luke 9:10-11 NASB)

It was Jesus’ intent to spend some time alone with His disciples after their trip. Again, anytime we become weary from the work of the Lord, we need to take retreats and focus on Him. Either small breaks for prayer or longer weekend times for refreshing. It’s interesting to note that on both this occasion and the one above, their break didn’t prevent them from ministering. Sometimes our interruption is our most important ministry.

What happens when we focus on ourselves instead of Jesus?

And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, "Arise and eat." (1 Kings 19:3-5 NKJV)

It was appropriate for Elijah to flee, and he needed the rest. But his problem was that he took his focus off his Savior and placed it on himself. When we start to focus on ourselves we lose our ability to see what the Lord wants us to do. We imagine what He wants and can start doing things that are not appropriate. That leads to burnout. Sometimes He has to get us alone to get our attention. When we are working in His will, he will sustain us.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:13 KJV)

How did Paul encourage the Ephesians in Eph 3:12-13?

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence. So please don't lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. (NLT)

Suffering can drag us down even if we do not become physically weary. We usually start by saying, “Why me Lord?” It is possible that the Ephesians saw Paul’s suffering and became discouraged. When Paul wrote this, they hadn’t come before God in confidence and couldn’t do their work, perhaps out of fear. There is no question that we should seek Him to see if He is trying to get our attention or just testing our faith so that it may be proven. The more we know Him, the easier it is to come to Him and ask Him in confidence what is going on and ask without complaining. This encouragement from Paul must have helped the Ephesians because Jesus commended them for not growing weary.

Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus so that we can hang in there and hear His commendation!

Revelation Bible Study - Chapter 6 – Revelation 1:17-20

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When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

"Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. (NIV)

Falling at His Feet

Compare Daniel’s vision in Dan 10:5-6 with John’s vision.

I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with gold of Uphaz. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the noise of a multitude. (RSV)

These two visions are very similar but also very different. Daniel’s vision specifies a man clothed in linen while Jesus is described as one like a son of man having a long robe. Even though Daniel says he is a man, the description of him is much more than a man. My mind pictures both as having with clothes, but color isn’t specified. Daniel’s man has gold around his loins (waist and thighs) but Jesus has a gold band around His chest. Their faces are both bright, one like lightning and Jesus’ like the sun. Their eyes are very much the same with flame of fire. And finally, their voices are like multitudes, Jesus’ voice is like many waters.

With these similarities, who do you think appeared to Daniel? (You may need to read further in Daniel to be more certain.)

Why do you think John and Daniel were unable to stand in the presence of their visitors and what enabled them to stand later?

This could very well be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus. Daniel often calls him lord; however, it is not uncommon for a person to refer to an angel as lord. Although there is no indication that Daniel worshipped this person, he was unable to stand in his presence in the same way that John fell before Jesus.

This person touched Daniel twice, once to give him strength to stand and again to enable him to speak. In the presence of this person who was sent from the throne of God, Daniel was unable to stand or talk. How much more would he have been in awe if it were God?

In the same way, when Jesus laid His hand on John was able to continue and carry out God’s command. Without God’s touch in our lives we are unable to do anything. In fact, it takes more than just a touch, it takes the living Christ abiding or living in us. It is a two-way relationship. As we live in Him, He then also lives in us.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (John 15:4 NKJV)

In Isa 6, Isaiah saw the Lord and was dreadfully afraid. In this case, the Lord sent an angel (seraph) to touch his lips with a coal so that his guilt would be taken away. Isaiah knew that he could not stand before the living God without a touch from Him to cleanse him and give him that ability. Likewise, when Ezekiel saw a vision of the Lord in Chapter 1, he fell face down until the Holy Spirit came into him and raised him up.

How do you think we will react when we first see Jesus in His Glory?

What advantage do we have over the Old Testament Saints?

We have an advantage over the Old Testament saints because the blood of Jesus has already cleansed us. We also have many promises in Scripture that tells us we will be able to come into His presence without blame.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25 ESV)

With His saving touch, we know that He loves us and we can have confidence to respond to Him and be completely free in His love. It is Jesus who takes us into the presence of God the Father and that Jesus, Himself, is God. He is the one who will touch us and tell us not to be afraid.

But consider this: John had been with Jesus for three years and probably knew Him better than any of the other disciples.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") (John 21:20 NIV)

Jesus loved John so much that John called himself the disciple that Jesus loved five times in his gospel. You would think that if there were anyone who, upon seeing Jesus, would be able to run to Him and give Him a bear hug, it would be John. Yet look at what happened when John saw Jesus in His glory. He fell at His feet as though dead! I hear a lot about people saying how they will run up to Jesus and give Him a big hug when they get to heaven. Yeah, right! I think that when we see Jesus for the first time, we will only be able to fall at His feet in worship until He touches us and gives us the ability to stand in His presence.

Why We Should Not Fear

What are the four reasons Jesus provided so that we don’t need to fear? Why do these reasons abate our fear?

Jesus says that He is the first and the last, the same as the Lord told the people through Isaiah. Jesus is our God and there is no other.

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Isa 44:6 KJV)

That means everything is in His control. There isn’t anyone who has been around longer than Jesus has and He will be here long after all others are gone. He knows all that has happened and all that will happen in our lives and the lives of every person we know.

He is the Living One.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26 NASU)

It is by faith in the Living One that we too can have eternal life. It would be rather ludicrous to place your faith in a dead person to give you life.

He was dead. He knows precisely what will happen to us when we die and there is nothing to fear. Many people don’t even want to talk about what will eventually happen to them. It is too fearful. Jesus has been there and He assures us that we don’t need to fear death.

"O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:55-57 NKJV)

He has conquered death; it has no power over us because of who He is. Isn’t death the worst that can happen to us? If we shouldn’t be afraid of death, then what other things could so paralyze our lives with fear that we fail to what is right and follow our Lord?

I heard about a widow who had a bum of a son in his 40’s who wouldn’t work so she was working herself to death to support them both. She sought counseling and the counselor asked her a few questions.

“What would happen if you quit work?"

"I wouldn’t have any money.”

"Then what would happen?"

"We would be evicted and starve.”

"Then what would happen?"

"I would die.”

"Then what would happen?"

"I would be with Jesus!"

"Would that be so bad that you are letting your son ruin your health as well as his life?”

The woman then went home and didn’t get up the next day to go to work. Her lazy son asked her why she wasn’t getting up and she told them she had quit and it was up to him to support both of them. It took a couple of days for the son to believe it, but he finally got a job and started taking care of his mother.

Sometimes we simply need to ask ourselves the same “worst case scenario” questions to find out how to face difficulties and fears.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Cor 15:58 NLT)

Ultimately, though, He has given us the victory so that we can give ourselves fully to Him and His work.

Jesus has the keys to death and the Hades. No one is going to die and go to hell without Jesus’ intervention. That should give us great confidence in our eternal security.

What reasons may this give someone great fear?

Why We Should Fear

Since Jesus has the keys to death and Hades, we should show Him the proper fear.

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:4-5 RSV)

Just because Jesus has the victory over death and Hades doesn’t mean that everyone is going to escape hell. Only those who have surrendered themselves to Jesus will participate in His victory. That is a great comfort for those who have made their alliance with Him, but should be a terrible fear for those who are still fighting against Him. If you haven’t formally surrendered, then guess on which side you are.

What is Next

What are the three things Johns is commanded to write down?

Where do these things occur in relationship to our time?

John is commanded to tell everything that he has just seen – the appearance of Jesus and His commands. He is also to write, “What is now” – the messages to the seven churches. Then he is to write, “what will take place later” – the message that starts in chapter four. Many things have occurred that seem to fit what John describes in his “now” and his “later.” For this reason some view the whole book as a book of history. Others can see today’s events unfolding in both of these areas. Others can only see the far distant future in what will happen next. Then there are some who say that these things are only symbolic and have no place in real time.

The Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. Read enough and much will be explained. For example, Jesus tells us that the stars are the angels or messengers of the churches and the lampstands are the churches. We can look at the symbols in the future chapters and try to find out what God is saying to us in those symbols. We can also look at the clear meaning of the text and discover that some things are not symbolic. When Jesus said to write what will take place later, we know that He was talking about John’s future. If we haven’t seen what John described, then it must also be our future.

The Churches

How is the Church like the lampstand that was in the temple? See Lev 24:1-4.

What comes next is a series of letters to seven churches that existed around 90 AD. Jesus has some good and bad things to say to these churches because they are supposed to be lampstands. In the temple there was a lampstand that was always supposed to be burning. The Church is always to be before God and should be on fire, shedding its light to the world.

Why should we see the angels of the churches as their pastors?

The angels must be the pastors because it doesn’t make sense for God to send messages to angels via men. In chapters two and three, He says to write to the angel of each church, yet the message is definitely for people. Because this is a timeless book, we will be able to apply His message to ourselves and to our churches.

May you look forward to His message through His word, and not fear to do His will.

Revelation Bible Study - Chapter 5 – Revelation 1:12-16

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Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. (NKJV)

Golden Lampstands

What do the seven golden lampstands represent? See verse 20.

The marvelous thing about the Scripture is that it often explains things like symbols that are used. In verse 20 Jesus will tell us that the seven lamp stands represent seven specific churches.

What is the significance of Jesus standing in the midst of the seven lampstands?

While Jesus holds the seven stars (the angels of the seven churches) in His hand, He is standing among the lampstands. Jesus is present in His churches. It doesn’t matter what the state of the church is, as we will see later; He is there. I’ve heard people say that God showed up at church long before we did on Sunday and He has been waiting for us. The statement is actually inaccurate. Wherever His people are, Jesus is among them.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt 18:20 KJV)

In this sense, Jesus doesn’t arrive at a building until His people do because He is in their midst. On the other hand, since Jesus – being God – is omnipresent. He has never left the church.

The Glorified Christ

Other than John, who has ever seen Jesus in His glorified body?

As John turned to see who was speaking to him, he saw something that no other living person has seen. When the disciples saw Jesus after His resurrection, He appeared as a normal person. In Luke 24:13-32, the two disciples who walked along with Him on the road had no idea that the person they were talking to had an immortal body. When Jesus left and ascended into heaven, there was no indication that His appearance was any different from you or me at that time or during any of the other encounters. In Acts 7:55, 56 Stephen saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing beside Him. Stephen didn’t have a chance to describe Jesus in this encounter; however, there isn’t anything there to indicate that Jesus’ appearance was extraordinary. In Acts 9, Jesus appeared to Saul in a bright light but he never recounted any description of Jesus. Even the pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus in the Old Testament are quite different than this description of Him.

If Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8) why did Jesus appear so naturally to most people after His resurrection, in a bright light to Saul and so much differently to John as described here?

Jesus has always had the ability to appear to us as meets our need and not our expectations. Would Saul have turned to Christ and become the Apostle Paul had Jesus not literally knocked him of his horse? The disciples had seen Jesus as a man for years and He was their friend. They only needed to know He was still alive. It was enough for Stephen to see Jesus standing beside God the Father to assure him that he would soon be with Jesus. John is going to carry a message that will describe the end times. The importance is underscored by the appearance that Jesus assumes to deliver the message.

Like A Son of Man

How is the title, Son of Man, a reference to the Messiah?

I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve [worship][1] him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. (Dan 7:13-14 RSV)

As far back as Daniel, the term “Son of Man” had meaning related to the Messiah. It is clear from these verses that the person is equal with God in that He is worshiped in the presences of God (the Ancient of Days). Worship and glory are things that God reserves for Himself. The term “Son of man” is descriptive of someone who has the form of a man but is obviously more than a man.

He answered and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." (Dan 3:25 ESV)

King Nebuchadnezzar had a pagan culture which influenced his comment; however it is apparent that he saw someone who had attributes of a “god” but also the form of a man. We believe that this was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus. Historically, the term “Son of Man” came to be a title of the Messiah.

How did Jesus establish His identity as the Son of Man and the Messiah?

Jesus refers to Himself and to His next appearance as the Son of Man 78 times in the gospels. In Matt 24 and 25 Jesus uses the title seven times in reference to His return.

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"

"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:61-62 NIV)

In this instance, Jesus clearly identifies Himself as the Christ and the Son of Man as he refers to Dan 7:13-14. In Matt 25:31-46 the Son of Man is later called King and Lord. Jesus established the clear connection between His title of Son of Man and His deity.

Considering the Book of Revelation and the coming events, what aspect of the Messiah is important? See John 5:27.

And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. (John 5:27 NLT)

Another important function of the Son of Man is that He will have the authority to judge all men. As John was able to see Jesus – His divinity and His physical being – when He returns as judge all people will be able to see Him and recognize him. His timing will catch some unprepared and unaware however that will not prevent them from being judged.

Robe & Golden Sash

What do the robe and golden sash that Jesus is wearing represent?

The robe and golden sash that Jesus is wearing is representative of His designation as King and Priest. At the beginning of Jesus’ life on earth and the beginning of His ministry, He is declared to be the King of the Jews and of Israel.

Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:49 ESV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matt 2:1-2 ESV)

Throughout His ministry, the disciples were continually expecting Him to take control of the nation and establish His reign (Acts 1:6). However, that wasn’t His plan or timing.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come. (Matt 24:14 RSV)

It wasn’t until after His ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit that they fully understood that He wouldn’t be crowned King of Israel and King of kings until the end times. It is fitting that Jesus now appears in His royal and priestly robes as He discloses more about how this will all take place.

What is the role of a priest in most religions?

The job of a priest in most religion is to be an intermediary between God and man. Most religions recognize that people aren’t able to approach God without the aid of someone appointed to prepare the way. In the Old Testament, God appointed Aaron and his descendents to be priests. They were given the prescribed means of approaching God and atoning for the sins of the people.

How has the role of priest changed in Christianity?

The means of access has changed after Jesus’ death and resurrection. He is currently serving as our priest.

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Such a high priest meets our need — one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. (Heb 7:23-28 NIV)

List the ways in which Jesus’ priesthood is superior to all others.

Jesus’ priesthood is superior to those of the Old Testament because they died and had to be replaced. When Jesus died, He performed the most significant part of His priesthood by atoning for our sins. He was raised and now lives to prove His sacrifice paid for our sins.

Because He lives, He is always able to intercede for us. Think about that. Our God and Savior is interceding for us at this very moment.

Because He is holy and just, without any sin or fault, His sacrifice was for us and not Himself. All the other priest had to offer sacrifices for themselves showing that their intercession was not perfect. But Jesus’ intercession is perfect because His sacrifice was perfect. He doesn’t have to offer any other sacrifices day after day.

Why do we need to be reminded of Jesus’ priesthood at the beginning of Revelatin?

Our greatest need is to have a priest intercede for us because we are sinners. That need will be more evident in the Book of Revelation as our Holy God is finally fed up with all of the sin and corruption in the world and He puts an end to it by releasing His wrath on the world. Only those who have Jesus as priest will escape His wrath.

Is Jesus your King and Priest? If not, you should surrender now, while you can.

White Hair

What does Jesus’ white hair symbolize?

I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow, And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. (Dan 7:9 NASB)

Jesus inherited the same hair as His Father. White has always been a symbol of purity and so it can be applied to Jesus. Note that the description of the Ancient of Days says His hair is like pure wool. The purity of God is beyond question and so is the purity of Jesus.

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. (Prov 16:31 NLT)

If gray hair is a symbol of living a righteous life, how much more would white hair represent the righteousness and purity of Jesus? As we think about Jesus being our King, Priest, and Judge, it is important to remember that He is completely holy and righteous. If it were not so, He wouldn’t have the right to bring about the judgments of the end times.

Eyes Like Flaming Fire

What do Jesus’ eyes represent and what does that mean in our lives? See Heb 4:13.

I’m sure you all know about Superman who had X-ray vision enabling him to see right through walls. He also had a heat ray vision to weld or burn holes through anything he wanted. Well, that is nothing compared to the eyes of Jesus.

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Heb 4:13 NKJV)

If we really stopped to think about this verse, how would it change our lives? There are two important truths in it. The first is that He sees everything that we do. There isn’t any good or bad deed that goes unnoticed. The second is that we will give an account for all our actions. He will reward us for the good we have done and He will punish us for the bad. The good news is that Jesus has already taken the eternal punishment for the bad if we belong to Him, but that doesn’t mean that we can do anything we want and that He will ignore it. The next time we are tempted to do something we know is wrong, we should remember that Jesus is right there watching everything. He can even see our thoughts.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show his might in behalf of those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars. (2 Chron 16:9 RSV)

He will give us the strength to overcome the temptation as He shows His might in our behalf. However, as happened with King Asa, when we fail to take the way of escape and rely on His power, punishment will almost certainly come. As we study the Book of Revelation, we will see how that punishment will come upon the earth.

Brass Feet – Refined

What does Jesus’ feet represent? Consider that they have been refined as if in a furnace.

The purpose of a furnace is to refine and purify metals so that they can be made useful.

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Heb 5:8-9 KJV)

Jesus has already walked through the trials of this life. The Greek of this text doesn’t indicate that Jesus was imperfect and was now made perfect, but that His time of testing was completed. He went through the trial and was shown to be pure. He did not become pure. The result is that His suffering gave Him the ability to be the source of salvation for us.

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Heb 2:18 ESV)

He now helps us when we are being tempted so that we can walk through them. During the end times, most Christians will face temptations that few of us have ever seen. When we are tempted, we can remember His feet. He has been through it all ahead of us and is able to help us through it now.

In Ex 3:5 and Josh 5:15 Moses and Joshua were told to take off their sandals because they were standing on holy ground. Jesus is holy yet His feet had to walk this filthy, sin-filled earth. When He comes back, His holy feet will again touch this earth, but it will be a cleansing time as He comes to reign supreme.

Voice Like Many Waters

What do you think the sound of Jesus’ glorified voice will be like?

I don’t think we can even comprehend what the voice of the Lord is like. We underestimate the power of His voice.

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. (Ps 29:3-4 KJV)

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. (Ps 29:11 KJV)

This Psalm goes on and talks about His voice breaking trees, making nations jump, shaking the desert and stripping forests.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Gen 1:3 KJV)

We forget that it was simply by speaking that He created all that exists. Yet consider the ending of Psalm 29. The voice of the Lord is a comfort to those who know Him, yet will strike fear into the hearts of those who are opposed to Him.

When you hear His voice, will you be strengthened and have peace?

Seven Stars

What promise can we see in the seven stars in Jesus’ right hand?

There is security in knowing that Jesus holds His people in His hands. It isn’t just these seven angels or messengers of the seven churches (see Rev 1:20).

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30 NIV)

Once we have surrendered ourselves to Jesus and become His sheep, we can be secure in the knowledge that He will never let us go. There is nothing that will ever be able to take away His promise of eternal life. To believe that promise you need to answer these questions.

Who is greater than God the Father? Is Satan, your neighbor, or do you think you are greater than God?

Jesus says that no one is greater. That means that Satan can’t do anything to make you lose your salvation. Your neighbor can’t and as a matter of fact, if you could do anything that would cause you to lose your salvation, then you would have to be greater than God. Knowing that you are secure, you are free to live your life fully for Him. You don’t need to fear that you somehow won’t measure up at the end then be rejected. This again is a comfort that will help us as well as those going through the end times.

This doesn’t advocate the right to do whatever we want. While Jesus promises us eternal life, it doesn’t mean that He won’t shorten our lives here if we fall into sin.

For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord in order that we may not be condemned along with the world. (1 Cor 11:30-32 NASB)

Paul warned the believers in Corinth to examine themselves before taking communion. They were a pretty wild bunch and apparently the Lord had disciplined some with sickness and even death. We should take Paul’s warning seriously.

On the other hand, if you don’t belong to Jesus, you don’t have eternal life and you aren’t secure in His hands. Judgment will come upon you and you will be condemned along with the rest of the world. Unlike believers, that will mean eternal death instead of eternal life.

Sword

What is the sword that comes from Jesus’ mouth and what verses identify it?

The sword that comes from Jesus’ mouth represents the Word of God as described in the following verses.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12 NKJV)

This verse doesn’t say that the Word is just a sword but that it is even sharper than a sword. When judgment comes on the world, God’s Word will cut and pierce and bring to light the intentions of the heart. This means that no sin can be hidden from the Lord.

From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. (Rev 19:15a NLT)

A sword that can strike down the nations is no ordinary sword and that would fit the use of the Greek word “logos” which is translated as “word” in Heb 4:15. Logos is used to describe Jesus in John 1:1-3 and 14 as God and creator of the universe. Again, Jesus used “logos” when He described the judgment of the last day.

He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. (John 12:48 RSV)

Any who have rejected the Bible and not turned in faith to Jesus for salvation will eventually come face to face with the consequences of that decision and it will cost them their eternal lives. If they think they can say that they were sincere in their beliefs, they will have to reckon with the fact that His Word will completely judge every thought and attitude. The only remedy is to trust in the words that Jesus spoke to bring eternal life. Those words require us to accept Him as our Savior and surrender to Him as our Lord.

His Face

What does His face shining like the sun mean?

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9 ESV)

Jesus is the true light – representing complete and pure holiness as well as eternal life. The only way that we may become holy is by letting Him be our light.

How bright will Jesus be?

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person … (Heb 1:3 NKJV)

Even when Jesus stood before John, He couldn’t have demonstrated the complete radiance of God’s glory. John wouldn’t have been able to live in the presence of His light.

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. (Rev 21:23 NIV)

This city is a cube 1,400 miles on each side and is completely illuminated by the glory from the face of God and Jesus. But there will be a day when we will see Him face to face and we will be able to stand (right after we bow before Him in worship).

As you think back over all the symbols and descriptions of Jesus, how do they help you in your faith?

If we know Jesus, then all of these symbols used to describe Him can bring great comfort, hope, and power to overcome the problems of this life. Meditate on this description of Jesus then –

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16 NASU)

[1] pelach (Aramaic) — to serve, to worship, to revere, to minister for, to pay reverence to (P'al)

1) to pay reverence to

2) to serve

(from The Online Bible Thayer's Greek Lexicon and Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, Copyright © 1993, Woodside Bible Fellowship, Ontario, Canada. Licensed from the Institute for Creation Research.)

Revelation Bible Study - Chapter 4 – Revelation 1:10-11

2011-12-30T16:01:00.000-08:00

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."
(ESV)

When is the Lord’s Day? What Scripture can you find to determine this?

Most of us set apart Sunday as the “The Lord’s Day” and others insist that we should keep Saturday as “The Lord’s Day.”

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. (Acts 20:7 NIV)

On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. (1 Cor 16:2 NASB)

The first day of the week is Sunday. They gathered for two reasons, to break bread i.e. to celebrate communion and to hear the Word of God preached. It is also the day that Paul urged the churches to establish as a regular day of giving, most likely in their worship service. By the time that John wrote this book, the Christian community had established the custom of gathering together to worship on the first day of the week.

Why did the Church depart from observing the Sabbath and substitute Sunday?

Worshiping the Lord on Sunday and designating it “The Lord’s Day” is a significant departure from the observance of the Sabbath as required in the Old Testament. The first reason is that Jesus was raised on the first day of the week. His first two recorded appearances were on Sundays (John 20:19, 20:26).

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps 118:22-24 NKJV)

How is designating the Lord’s Day on Sunday a fulfillment of this prophecy?

On Sunday, Jesus rose again to establish Himself as the head of the Church. In the context of this prophecy the day the Lord has made is Sunday and we are to rejoice and be glad in it. What better way than to have our worship service on Sunday?

Why is it no longer a requirement of the Law for Christians to keep the Sabbath as the designated day of worship?

Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. (Matt 5:17 NLT)

It is only because Jesus has fulfilled the law that we are no longer required to keep the Law as the means of salvation. For Israel, keeping the law was a life and death matter. Anyone found working on the Sabbath was to be stoned. If we were to be legalistic and say that we should observe Saturday as the Lord’s Day, then we would also be obligated to observe all the law and that would include the penalty for those who don’t. Unger’s Dictionary says it better than I can.

The term “Christian Sabbath” is scarcely biblically defensible. This day of grace marks the beginning of the week with a day of privilege, whereas the Sabbath came at the end of a week of labor, an order expected under the law. It must carefully be remembered that the Lord’s Day, the term Sunday being of pagan origin, is strictly a Christian institution. It is not for all men, and it is scarcely justifiable to attempt to legislate its observance upon unsaved people. As Lewis Sperry Chafer points out, “Men are not justified in returning to the rules provided for the Sabbath in order to secure directions for the observance of the Lord’s Day...” [1]

Is it OK for a Christian to designate another day instead of Sunday as a day of worship? Provide your reason.

One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike. Let every one be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. (Rom 14:5-6 RSV)

In addition to all this, we have liberty in Christ. In many parts of the world, believers are unable to gather together on the first day of the week for worship because of the local culture. This is true in many Muslim countries where believers meet on Friday. We certainly shouldn’t hold anything against any Christian group that meets together on a day other than Sunday. Neither should any Christians who meet on another day condemn those who meet on Sunday.

Why is it important for believers to worship weekly with other?

The question should not be, “What day of the week do we gather to worship the Lord?” Rather it should be, “Do we gather weekly with other to worship the Lord?”

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb 10:24-25 ESV)

The author of Hebrews tied our worship to the approaching “Day.” He wasn’t talking about Sunday, but the day that the Lord will return. Since the book of Revelation has much to say about the Lord’s return, it is fitting that He gave it to John on “The Lord’s Day.” This reminds us that we should be gathering together regularly because we will also need to encourage each other to go through tough times. We will need these times to build up our love and remember to continue doing good. If we neglect gathering together, we will also neglect other aspects of our Christian walk. If we don’t go to church on Sunday when there isn’t any persecution, what make us think we will go when there is? All backsliding starts one slip at a time.

In the Spirit

What does it mean to be in the Spirit?

This may be answered in many different ways depending on your Christian or even non-Christian experience. Many of the charismatic persuasion would conclude that John was praying in tongues at the time. A shaman would conclude that he was in a trance or on some kind of “quest.” I think that it is simply a statement about John’s attitude of prayer and submission to God as he worshiped. He was absorbed in prayer to the extent that his own circumstances didn’t matter. There are many references that we can look up to discover a bit more about this.

Is praying in the Spirit something that all Christians can or should do? Explain your answer.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Eph 6:18 NIV)

We are all commanded to pray in the Spirit as Paul wraps up his commands on Spiritual warfare. We are to be praying with all kinds of prayers and requests if we are praying in the Spirit. Some say we shouldn’t pray for trivial things like parking spots. Praying in the Spirit means we are talking to the Lord about everything that we are doing including finding a parking spot or how to help a friend struggling with cancer. We don’t know what spiritual battles are going on around us, and sometimes things that seem trivial to us may have eternal consequences.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 20-21 NIV)

When we make our whole thought life a prayer – a constant conversation with the Lord – our faith will be built up. When we neglect talking with Him during the day, our faith will be more dependent on seeing the answers we want than on seeing Him. We can pray in the Spirit when we keep ourselves in God’s love. We do this by being conscious of the mercy Jesus has provided for us on the cross so that we can have eternal life. The full extent of that eternal life is yet to come as we will see in the Book of Revelation.

Is it always possible for us to know what or how to pray? Explain your reason and provide the Scriptures you use to support your answer.

If we are praying in the Spirit, there are times when we simply won’t know what to say in our prayers. We don’t know the mind and will of God for most specific circumstances.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom 8:26-27 NKJV)

We can usually be sure about some things when He has made it clear. For example, we know that He desires all men to be saved. (1 Tim 2:4) When we pray for the salvation of any person the Spirit doesn’t need to intercede to make our prayer in accordance with His will since that is already His will. However, we don’t always know His will for prayers such as healing. He hasn’t promised healing for all diseases of believers. But it doesn’t matter that we don’t know His will. We have His promise that the Spirit will intercede for us and present our prayer to the Father according to His will. This is a burden-lightening truth, especially for those of us on prayer chains. We constantly see requests for people we don’t know and whose circumstances seem beyond their ability to bear. If we are faithful to lift them up in prayer, then we can be assured that our words will reach the Father correctly, even if we aren’t asking for the right thing. It is more about our attitude and willingness to pray than what we say. This is what I would call praying in the Spirit.

Do you want to be in the Spirit? What do you think is the most important requirement to be in the Spirit?

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. (1 Chron 16:11 NLT)

But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. (Deut 4:29 NLT)

If we want to be in the Spirit, one thing is clear. We need to be seeking the Lord’s face. When we are seeking Him and not just what He can do for us, our minds, hearts, and souls will begin to be aligned with His.

What is the benefit of seeking God’s face?

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:17-18 RSV)

When we seek His face, we are transformed into His likeness. It doesn’t come all at once but is a progressive process where we become more and more like Jesus. This is sanctification – becoming holy just as He has already declared us to be in Jesus.

Do you want to be in the Spirit? If so, then seek His face continually and believe when you pray that the Holy Spirit intercedes in our prayers. By faith we believe that we pray in the Spirit since we are told to. He wouldn’t tell us to do something we all couldn’t do.

Out-of-Body Experience

What is an out-of-body experience?

Does being in the Spirit require some sort of out-of-body experience?

Can a Christian have and out-of-body experience or is this something satanic?

In spiritual encounters outside of Christianity many people have out-of-body experiences in which they talk about being able to look back and see their body asleep or unconscious.

Some think that being in the Spirit requires some sort of out-of-body experience. I don’t think so because John had not identified anything like this. He did have what may have been an out-of-body experience later. In the end times, many will be deceived as will become evident during this study. It is important to look at this and other experiences in the Bible to be able to discern satanic activity from experiences that are from God.

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things." (Rev 4:1-2 NASB)

And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; (Rev 17:3a NASB)

And I fell at his feet to worship him. (Rev 19:10a NASB)

John isn’t intent on his experience, but on what God wants to convey to Him. He is focused on God and His throne in heaven. As John was moved around to other places the emphasis was always to accurately convey the message the Lord was giving him in his visions. John’s ultimate response is to worship. At this point, he fell down before an angel who had to tell him to stop, but the point is that even though he was in the Spirit, he had the capability of physical movement. This doesn’t fit with my concept of satanic out of the body experiences where things happen to people but they don’t actually have any control of their bodies.

John isn’t the only person in the Bible to have an out-of-body experience.

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. (Ezek 37:1 ESV)

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. (2 Cor 12:2 ESV)

Paul had a similar experience. Even though he was taken up to heaven to see a vision, he could not distinguish whether or not he was physically moved or only his spirit had ascended. The Spirit took Ezekiel to the valley of dry bones. His description of the experience is similar to Paul’s and John’s.

In each of these experiences, there is one thing that is important. The emphasis is on the message that the Lord has to deliver. The emphasis is not on the experience itself. This is a primary difference between the Biblical experiences and extra-Biblical experiences.

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. (Matt 4:5, 8 NIV)

Satan took Jesus to the temple and to a high mountain; explain why or why not these were out-of-body experiences.

What warning should we take regarding Jesus’ experience?

I have always pondered how the devil had the ability to take Jesus anywhere and to give these experiences to Him. But think about it. If the devil could produce what appears to be an out-of-body experience for Jesus, is it not possible for him to do it to us? This in as a warning for anyone who may seek out-of-body experiences as evidence that they are in the Spirit. All the cases above where the Spirit provided the experience occurred to godly men who were not seeking an experience, but the face of God. In each situation, God initiated the experience. If a person is seeking the experience instead of God, the devil may very well provide it to mislead and subvert God’s will.

What is even scarier is that Satan attempted to do this when Jesus was seeking His Father in the desert. If Satan would try this with Jesus, what makes us think that he wouldn’t try to deceive godly men with tricks to make them think they are having some sort of new Christian experience of the Spirit only to find, after many wrecked lives, that it was from the devil?

Loud Voice

Why is it possible to hear God’s voice and not understand what He has said?

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. (John 12:28-29 KJV)

When the Father spoke from heaven, Jesus was able to hear and understand Him. The crowd of people could only hear thunder. They were spiritually deaf as is evidenced by the next few verses and by their actions. Only a few days later they called for Jesus to be crucified. If John hadn’t been in the Spirit – attuned to God – he would not have recognized or been able to understand the voice just as the people couldn’t understand God’s voice. I wonder how many times I have missed His message to me because I have been too engrossed in everyday life to set aside time to be in the Spirit.

What is the significance of the voice like a loud trumpet?

When the Lord speaks with a voice like a trumpet, He has something important to say.

So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder. (Ex 19:16, 19 NASB)

This was one of the most significant times in the history of mankind. It was the only time God spoke in such a dramatic fashion. It is when God came to Mount Sinai and began revealing the Law to Moses. In the same way, this message to the seven churches is vitally important to all Christians. It is coming with the authority and power of the Almighty.

Why is it significant that John was told to write down what he saw?

Many times the prophets wrote what the Lord had for them to say. However, there are only a few times in the Bible where God commands them to write it down emphasizing its importance. When it was, it often had to do with future events and God’s judgment upon a nation or people. The fact that John was commanded to write the message down demonstrates the importance that it has to these seven specific churches. As we study the churches we can see characteristics of individual churches that are in the world today. We can also make general observations of the spiritual condition of the Church throughout history that match the characteristics of these churches.

How can we apply Revelation 1:10-11 in our lives?

Let’s make sure that we are honoring the Lord every week whether we gather together on Sunday or some other day. We need that time not only to honor Him, but also to strengthen our walk with Him. The Church will only be strong when we do this.

Let’s continually seek His face so that we too, can be in the Spirit when He returns and avoid the pitfalls of false spirituality.

As He speaks to all of us in His Word, let’s listen for His voice and act on what we hear.

Revelation Bible Study Chapter 3 - Revelation 1:7-9

2011-12-27T20:44:00.000-08:00

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

What are three key elements regarding Jesus’ return are revealed?

Jesus’ Return

It seems that Jesus’ return is one thing that is acknowledged by many people, believers, and unbelievers alike. You can read the magazines at the grocery store checkout stands and almost every week there is a headline promising some new revelation about the return of Christ. They claim that these revelations come from such various sources as Nostradamus or even from the Bible. So what does the Bible say about His return?

First, verse 7 says that He will be coming back with the clouds and this is in keeping with the way He left.

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!" (Acts 1:9-11 NLT)

I can imagine that it will be very much like running a video backwards. There will be at least one cloud in the sky and it will part, revealing Jesus who will then descend back to the earth. In Acts, Jesus had been standing on the Mount of Olives with His disciples giving them His last minute instructions. It makes sense then that He will return and stand on the Mount of Olives as is confirmed by Zech 14:4.

On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives which lies before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley; so that one half of the Mount shall withdraw northward, and the other half southward. (RSV)

The importance of Him coming back with clouds is both prophetic and symbolic. The prophecy is in Dan 7:13-14 when One like the Son of Man is ushered into the presences of the Ancient of Days and He comes with the clouds of heavens. He is given dominion over all and forever. Jesus quoted this prophecy to His disciples (Matt 24:30) and when He was asked who He was at His trial (Matt 26:64). The symbolic nature of the clouds can be seen in Rev 19:14 as He returns with the armies of heaven all mounted on white horses.

Second, everyone will see His return. This is important to understand that when Jesus comes back to put His foot down on the Mount of Olives, it will not be a sneak appearance.

How do you think it will be possible for everyone to see Jesus’ return?

Is it possible that a massive cloud formation will appear over Jerusalem and that it will be broadcast all over the world? Do you think that Jesus will slowly descend so that TV cameras and web cams will catch the action? Perhaps, since there will probably still be people living in primitive areas, God will provide a vision or apparition in the skies for everyone to see. What is important is to not limit His appearance to our technology or our abilities. The glory goes to the Father through Jesus, not to our inventions even if He chooses to use some of them. This will be a demonstration of His power and authority.

When He returns, it will be with authority and power.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matt 24:30 KJV)

This theme is repeated in Matt 26:64 and is also recorded in Mark 13:26, 14:62. When He left, only a handful of people saw Him go. They were still unsure of what His plan was since they were still asking if “now” was the time He would restore the Kingdom to Israel. There will be no doubt that He has returned to establish His Kingdom when He comes again as all nations will be able to see Him. Some will mourn because of His arrival while there will be rejoicing for others.

Why do you think the people on earth will mourn when Jesus returns?

Third, the tribes of the earth will mourn when Jesus returns. This phrase “tribes of the earth” is a key that will later be repeated in various forms in the Book of Revelation. It refers to those who are living on the earth, but have not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. There are only a couple of reasons why anyone would mourn when Jesus returns. The first is that they had not believed in Him and are now facing a terrible judgment. The other reason is that their eyes have been opened to who He is and they are mourning because their ancestors had missed His first coming and were responsible for His death.

And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. (Zech 12:10 ESV)

These Jews will receive grace from our Lord indicating that they will be saved; however, they will mourn as a people because their ancestors rejected Jesus when He came the first time. Mourning for the sins of our fathers is a concept that we don’t have in our culture; however it is understood in the historical Jewish culture. (Daniel 9 and Nehemiah 9) They may also be mourning because they will be entering the millennial reign of Christ as mortals instead of having resurrected bodies. Being mortals, they will still be subject to the ability to sin. They will have to wait until the end of Christ’s millennial reign before they will be completely free from sin. It will be interesting to find out the timing of these events to see when the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem are no longer classified as “tribes of the earth” but become believers in Jesus.

What do you think the day will be like when Jesus returns? See Zech 14:6-7.

There has always been a lot of speculation about the day Jesus will come back. One of the things that bother people is that every eye will see him. How can that be if He returns to the Mount of Olives? Other problems deal with the fact that He will be coming with the clouds. How can that happen when there are so many places in the world that are sunny while it is cloudy elsewhere (Seattle)? And there is this “sign of the Son of Man” that will appear in the sky (Matt 24:30). What is that and does that mean that everyone will be able to see it? The only thing that I can say is that the Lord has already told us that it won’t be like anything we have ever seen before.

On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime — a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light. (Zech 14:6-7 NIV)

A lot of Scripture suddenly made sense when I realized the implications of these verses. We have to think “outside of the box” to fathom any part of it. He will take care of all the details and answer these questions in a way that will be unexpected. His sovereignty His power can overcome any of the problems we may have with understanding how He can do anything.

John’s Situation

Describe John’s situation at this time in His life.

John was not immune to suffering. He was on the island of Patmos because he had been exiled for the Word of God and his testimony about Jesus. In the Roman Empire, John didn’t enjoy freedom of religion. While we do have a great degree of freedom in the U.S., this is not the case in most of the world now or in the past. By the time John had written this, he was the only one of the original twelve apostles that was left alive. All had been martyred for their faith. Apparently the Roman government didn’t want another martyr on its hands and instead, tried to minimize his influence by isolating him after he had been tortured. It is worthy of note that his exile wasn’t because he was standing up for some cause such as freedom of religion, his opposition to slavery or the violence in the gladiator games. It was simply because he was preaching salvation through Jesus Christ.

What is there about John’s situation that would lead you to believe that this message isn’t just for his time?

Many believe that this book was written only for John’s era and should only be studied as history. However, John’s identification as a brother in suffering spans all ages. I think it shows that there will always be persecution. For this reason we can study the Book of Revelation as history with application for the present as well as God’s plan and warning for the future. In verse 8, the eternal nature of God is described and adds to the confirmation that this book is for all ages.

Why shouldn’t we look at the Book of Revelation only to make sure Christians will escape the Great Tribulation? See 1 Peter 5:8-9.

One thing is for sure; there will be suffering in the future just as there is now. We shouldn’t look at the Book of Revelation simply to try to figure out whether or not Christians will escape the Great Tribulation described later in the book. The fact is that there are currently Christians who are undergoing tribulation that rivals the problems in Revelation. More important than the fact that suffering occurs throughout history is our attitude toward it. We can learn a lot from John’s attitude.

He identifies with all others in the kingdom of Christ who are suffering when he states that he is our brother and companion.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)

Peter also understood our need to identify with those who are suffering. It is a kingdom thing. We belong to either Christ’s kingdom or Satan’s. As a part of Christ’s kingdom, we will have opposition from the enemy, which in various parts of the world manifests itself in persecution. One way of being alert and resisting the devil is to remember that others have the same or worse problems than we do. We need to be holding them up in prayer.

Why does suffering and tribulations come to Christians?

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. (1 Peter 4:12-13 NASB)

We have been told over and over again in the Bible that we will suffer because of our relationship with Jesus.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matt 5:11 KJV)

However, there is joy and blessedness in participating in the sufferings of Christ and we need to be prepared for it.

If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Rev 13:9-10 NKJV)

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12 NKJV)

Two more times in the Book of Revelation, the phrase that John used for patient endurance (here is the patience) is used to let the saints know that they will have to be patient and endure suffering.

What should our attitudes be in the face of suffering, tribulations, and persecutions?

The battles we endure tempt us to give up, complain or fight back with worldly weapons. John suffered with patient endurance.

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! (James 5:7-9 NLT)

We need to be like farmers who continue to plant and wait year after year. Some farmers watch their crops burn up in drought or destroyed by insects, yet they continue to plant because they know they won’t receive a harvest if they give up. When we identify with others who are undergoing suffering, we are more apt to be able to stand firm in our faith and continue to plant seeds from the Word of God. If we start grumbling about our situation, it is likely that we will eventually grumble about everything, including other brothers and sisters in Christ and end up being judged for that instead of reaping a harvest.

Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over him who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. (Ps 37:7-8 RSV)

Many people are becoming extremely anxious as they watch the world economy crumble. They are concerned about the leaders of their nations and the evil direction they are heading. This isn’t the first time in history that evil has threatened. It may be the last but no one knows for sure. If we are fretting over evil then we need to examine our relationship with the Lord. He tells us over and over to wait patiently for Him. When we get upset and angry we don’t accomplish God’s work because our anger only leads to more evil. James 1:20 tells us that man’s anger doesn’t accomplish God’s righteous desires.

News Alert: Christians will not resolve the evil in the world by political means. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to establish godly laws, but the ultimate victory isn’t going to be accomplished by man’s efforts. We need to wait patiently.

What is your relationship with Jesus? Are you ready for His return?

John says that both suffering and patience are the results of our relationship with Jesus. Does the thought of Jesus coming back in the clouds give you joy or cause you to mourn? Are you ready to greet Him with great joy as a close friend who has been away on a long journey? Do you fear His return because He is coming back with power and authority to judge? Is it possible that you want to see Him come back again, but you don’t want it to happen now because you have things to do, goals to achieve? If you can relate to either of these last two situations, then I would urge you to get your relationship with Jesus straightened up - something is dreadfully wrong that will have eternal consequences.

When you are suffering for any reason, not just persecution, what is your attitude? Do you consider others who are suffering? Do you suffer with patient endurance or grumbling? If you aren’t suffering, are you willing to suffer for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus? You may have to.

Let’s work on our relationship with Jesus so that regardless of the situation we will have patient endurance and would welcome His return right now!

Revelation Bible Study - Chapter 2 - Revelation 1:4-6

2011-12-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

How would you describe John’s role in this Book of the Bible?

John now addresses the seven churches that are specified by Jesus later in this chapter. John identifies himself, not as the author of the letter, but the scribe who has faithfully written everything that Jesus has commanded. He is concerned with getting the message across as it was given him and was very careful not to add or subtract anything from the message. Later in the book, we’ll talk more out why. If you want to peek ahead, look at Rev 22:18, 19.

Why do you think God speaks of grace and peace in these first few verses?

Grace and Peace – in the same way Jesus greeted the disciples after His resurrection, He greets us with Grace and Peace. In verse 17 He tells us not to be afraid. This is the greeting to the Church, His holy people. It is significantly different from the greetings later in the book, to those who don’t belong to Him. This is written shortly after Nero’s persecution of Christians, yet even in troubled times it is His greeting to us. This book is full of more trouble, but the message to the believer is still grace and peace.

Earlier we said that the message was from God. Now He reveals to us the triune nature of God. The message is from the Trinity.

Who do you normally think of when you see the phrase, “Who is and who was and is to come?”

How is the Trinity indentified in these verses?

The Father

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Rev 1:8 NKJV)

Generally, when I think of the One who is to come, I think of Jesus, but these verses clearly identify that this is the Lord God, the Almighty, the Father. The phrase, “who is and who was” is repeated in verse 8 with the additional references to the Greek letters.

What is the significance of using the Greek letters Alpha and Omega to describe God?

Alpha is the beginning of the Greek alphabet and Omega the end. This shows that God includes all of time. There is not a time He did not exist because He says that He is the first and the last. Three times (also in Rev 21:6 and Rev 22:13) He emphasizes that He is beyond all time and therefore has knowledge of all that has or will happen. With this concept firmly in place, the rest of the book can make sense.

Describe God’s kingdom in the these verses: Ps 145:1-2, 4, and 13.

How does God reveal His eternality in Ex 3:6?

How does this knowledge help provide us grace and peace?

I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever.

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever.

One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

(Ps 145:1-2, 3, 13 NASU)

From generation to generation we have the same God and these verses describe His continuity through history. He is faithful to all His promises and to all He has made. As the Book of Revelation unfolds, it is important to remember this because His wrath will be revealed against some of His creation. We will see His promise fulfilled in the culmination of the Book when He restores all creation. Even as we view this Psalm with an eternal perspective, we need to view the Book of Revelation in the same way, not always in the same time order as it is written down. God reveals it this way because His kingdom is everlasting.

Moreover He said, "I am the God of your father — the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. (Ex 3:6 NKJV)

The Lord speaks in the present tense, not the past tense. Our God is beyond time and all is the present to Him. No wonder Moses hid his face, no wonder David said he would praise His name forever! When we contemplate the eternal nature of God, how can we do anything other than worship Him?

Do you remember the grace and peace He promised? We can have that grace and peace because we know that He knows exactly what will happen to us in the next five minutes as well as the next thousand years. God is never surprised. He doesn’t see either a tragic or a happy ending to a problem and say to Himself, “I didn’t think it would turn out that way!” He knows how it will turn out because He is in control.

The Holy Spirit

How do we know that the seven spirits before the throne is a reference to the Holy Spirit? See Rev 3:1 and 4:5.

The NIV translation never capitalizes references to God such as “He” or “His” like many other versions. I don’t know why, because it is a help to me. Several other translations capitalize the word spirit to make it clear that it is referring to God. However, to make sure we aren’t just taking someone else’s word for it, a little research will clarify that this is a reference to the Holy Spirit. In Rev 3:1, Jesus refers to the seven spirits as the seven Spirits of God. Again in Rev 4:5, there are seven lamps before the throne of God and they are also identified as the seven Spirits of God.

Why does God identify the Holy Spirit with seven spirits?

Seven is a sacred number to the ancient Hebrew people. The word is used often in the Bible to symbolize perfection, fullness, abundance, rest, and completion. This number was also considered holy or sacred by other cultures of the ancient world. It may have received its significance from the seven “planets” visible in the heavens-the sun and moon and the five planets known to the ancients.[1]

If seven represents perfection, abundance, and completeness, then how do the following verses describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives as sufficient for all we need?

1. John 16:13

2. John 14:26

3. John 14:26 and 1 John 2:27

4. Eph 1:13-14

5. Acts 1:8

6. Rom 8:14

7. John 16:8

1. He is the Spirit of truth. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. (John 16:13 NLT) He teaches what He hears from in front of the throne about the past, present and future.

2. He is the Counselor (or Comforter in some versions). But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26 RSV) Believers certainly need counsel and comfort now as well as in the days ahead.

3. He is the Teacher in John 14:26 (above). But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything—and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you—abide in him. (1 John 2:27 ESV) Just as He reminded the disciples of everything so they could accurately recorded the gospels, so He teaches us today. Wherever the Word is banned or hard to find, the Holy Spirit is able to keep the Church alive and functioning.

4. He is the Earnest - the promise or down payment on our inheritance. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession — to the praise of his glory. (Eph 1:13-14 NIV) There are times today when we need to remember that His Holy Spirit seals us forever, otherwise we would give up.

5. He is our Power for witnessing. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NASB) His power is especially needed during times of persecution. For many, admitting allegiance to Christ will bring a death sentence, not only in the times of tribulation to come, but also in today’s world.

6. He leads us. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom 8:14 KJV) He leads us in paths of righteousness so that we won’t sin. This is vitally important for us in today’s age. Think also how those living through the tribulation years will need His leading when the world will be much more evil than it is now.

7. He convicts the world. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16:8 NKJV) One way the Spirit convicts is through the Word of God. The book of Revelation is especially convicting when people finally realize that there will be a judgment and that they will be held accountable for their actions and rejecting Jesus.

Obviously there are more than seven functions of the Holy Spirit; however these are some that come to mind as they will be important for believes that are alive during the end times as well as for us in an ever increasingly evil age.

Jesus - The Son

What are the three titles given to Jesus in this passage?

See Isa 55:4 and John 18:37. Why is Jesus called the faithful witness?

Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. (Isa 55:4 KJV)

Long before the book of Revelation was written, Jesus was referred to as a witness. When He came the first time, He said that He was here to do the Father’s will. God the Father had announced through Isaiah that the Messiah would be a witness. He would speak what the Father wanted Him to say and would carry out that witness.

Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice." (John 18:37 RSV)

It certainly makes sense that if one of the reasons that Jesus was born was to testify to the truth, then we had better listen!

He knew what God wanted of Him and He obeyed, knowing that it would lead to a horrible and painful death. In the end times as described in the Book of Revelation, many will have the same choice, expressing faith that will result in death. We are called in times of trouble to remember He was a faithful witness and to follow His example.

What does Jesus’ title of Firstborn of the Dead mean?

How does this help people going through tough times?

While there have been several people who were raised from the dead, they all died again. Jesus is the first born from the dead because He was raised with a new and glorified body. He will never die again. Being raised from the dead was one of His rewards for being a faithful witness.

First born implies that He isn’t going to be the only one raised in this way. 1 Corinthians 15 expounds in detail about His death and resurrection as well as the fact that we can also look forward to this reward. God invented carrots - things to help get us through troubled times and this is one of them. But His rewards are eternal carrots, not temporal things with which we eventually tire. The issues in the Book of Revelation are eternal and can be applied whether there is tribulation or not. Rev 1:18 adds that Jesus holds the keys to death and this adds to our hope. We don’t need to fear the things of this life - especially death.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt 10:28 ESV)

We need to have an eternal perspective and remember that Jesus has been through it all and has come out victorious. This is at the heart of getting through all tribulations, now and in the future.

Explain Jesus’ title, Ruler of the Kings.

Jesus is the prince (or ruler in many translations) of the kings of the earth. He has the authority to rule and it was given to Him long before His first coming.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6 KJV)

I just love this verse. It clearly identifies the Messiah with the same attributes of God the Father! I sometimes wonder why people can’t see the truth in this verse and can’t admit that Jesus and the Father are one. Anyway, it was foretold thousands of years ago.

… [God] raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Eph 1:20-23 NIV)

He is at this time exalted above all rulers. We don’t see it yet, but we will see it take place in the book of Revelation when He steps forward to exercise His right as ruler of all things. He now reigns as head over the Church, which guarantees that no matter what happens, the Church will never disappear regardless of persecution now or in the future.

Praise to Jesus - The Gospel

What are the two most basic elements of the Gospel revealed in these verses?

He loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood. Every time we share the basic facts of who God is (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and that we are freed from our sins by the blood of Jesus, we are giving praise to Jesus. The gospel is always at the heart of the Bible and is the reason there is a Book of Revelation. However, we can become so caught up in His splendor (which is good) that we forget His purpose for coming the first time. When we share His second coming we need to point people back to the first coming so that they won’t fear His second.

What is our future because of His salvation? See also 1 Peter 2:9.

Verse six also summarizes our inheritance and our service. The Book of Revelation is full of kingdoms and demonstrations of authority. We have His reassurance before all this unfolds that we who know the Lord are not included in the demonstration of God’s wrath toward these kingdoms since we are His priests and in His kingdom.

Today we ordain ministers to do the “work of the Lord.” Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to go out and ordain ministers so that they would do all the work. We often overlook the fact that we are all members of the priesthood of believers.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9 NASB)

How is our ministry as priest different from the priest in the Old Testament?

Priests were the intercessors between man and God; they performed certain duties that the common man was not allowed to do, and even some of the priests could not do all things. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies and then only once a year. We are called to intercede for people in the most significant ways. First of all, we have the privilege of praying for people, sharing the gospel, and hopefully leading them to the Lord. It doesn’t stop there since there is nothing in the Bible that says we can’t baptize or even lead in sharing the Lord’s Supper. I’m not advocating that we should all run out and start our own little churches, I’m only pointing out that we often limit our service to the Lord because we aren’t “ordained.” Whenever we serve others, whether it is preparing for a communion service, washing baptism cloths, or teaching children, we are being priests as well. This brings glory to Him when we use the power He has given us to be priests. Giving Him praise is the way it will be – forever and ever.

May you be blessed as you ponder the Trinity and His shed blood that has freed us from sin and given us the power to serve Him as priests. May fear be far from you as your ponder His victory over death and our promised eternity with Him.

Revelation Bible Study Chapter 1- Revelation 1:1-3

2011-12-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. (ESV)

Revelation of Jesus

Who is the source of this revelation?

Who or what is being revealed in this book?

Who receives the revelation?

The whole book of Revelation is revealing Jesus to John. It isn’t John’s revelations as though he made it up. The whole purpose of the book is to show us more of the glory of God in Jesus as He shows John what must soon take place. The revelation is given from God to Jesus to give to John. Of course, John writes it down for any who consider themselves the servants of Jesus. Jesus sent an angel to John to convey the message.

Why is all of this being mentioned at the beginning of the book?

I think it is because the message of the book is complicated and without the assurance that it is from God, some people would reject it or possibly not even bother studying it.

Why do you think someone in John’s day might doubt that this revelation is about Jesus? See Matt 24:23-25.

John was sure that this message was from God, that it is His word, the truth about Jesus. Remember that Jesus said in the last days, many would say Christ is here or there – don’t go looking.

At that time if anyone says to you, “Look, here is the Christ!” or, “There he is!” do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect — if that were possible. (Matt 24:23-25 NIV)

John had to make sure that this vision was really Jesus; otherwise people could quote Jesus’ words and claim that John was going off the deep end.

Why do you think many people do not study prophecy? See Matt 6:34

Many people think it doesn’t make sense to study prophecy. They believe it is not healthy or is unscriptural to try to see what is in the future and back up their opinion by quoting Matt 6:34.

Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NASB)

This is not the case when we study prophecy. What we are doing is seeing what God has revealed to us and how that should affect our lives.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV)

This isn’t someone trying to make up what he thinks God has said. This is from God. Since it is from God, all scripture is useful for us to study (even genealogies) so that we will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. These have to be fundamental beliefs whenever we dig into any portion of Scripture.

What is the promise in these opening verses and how should that affect us?

Prophecy is about one third of the Bible so we need to know how to study it, understand it, and glean from it the God’s truth. Included in the opening of the book of Revelation is a promise of blessing for reading, hearing, and taking it to heart. That means we need to do something with it. Prophecy is not for idle curiosity. It has a purpose and that is to encourage us to know more about God and His nature. We know that as we get to know Him better and better, our will becomes the same as His and the holy life He wants us to lead comes closer to a reality.

His Soon Return

Why should we believe His return is soon and that it is just as much a possibility today as it was believed to be 1,900 years ago?

One reason we are encouraged in our walk is that these events must soon take place. The time is near. When this was written 1,900 years ago, John believed that the time was near. The message to the churches was meant to correct problems and help them to live godly lives in light of Jesus’ soon appearing. There is no reason to believe that soon could mean today. The urgency is to prompt us to holiness as well.

If the time is near, why haven’t we seen these events fulfilled? See 2 Peter 3:3-10.

What does “soon” mean? Two Greek words are used. The first is en, which is a preposition meaning a fixed position in place, time, or state.[1] The second is tachos, which means a brief space (of time).[2] When prefixed by en¸ it means in haste. So what’s going on? A study of prophecy requires knowledge of God and His timing.

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created."

They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. (2 Peter 3:3-9 NLT)

Even before John wrote down the words of Revelation, people were scoffing at the idea that Jesus would return at all. They pointed to nature and how it seems as if it has always existed, reasoning that things would go on as they always have. Sounds just like today with the theories of evolution, doesn’t it? But look at what Peter says to us. He reiterates that there was a flood and that there will be a fiery end. There are two reasons that it hasn’t happened sooner. The first is that God is an eternal being who doesn’t measure time or “soonness” with the same clock as we do. The second is that He is patient with mankind. He wants everyone to come to repentance and not to die without salvation. As we go through the book of Revelation, when we see disaster after disaster falling on mankind, we must not forget that God has given everyone an opportunity to repent and escape the disasters that will occur.

Regarding time, what do we need to learn from the following verses? Ps 39:5, James 4:13, 14

We need to remember just how short our lives are.

Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! (Ps 39:5 ESV)

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:13-14 NIV)

We really can’t compare our life span with God’s timing. Consider what James said. We like to think that we can plan our future and be secure in knowing how it will turn out. We lay up retirement accounts, IRAs, and even depend on social security. The truth is that God can change the situation in the world overnight. How long did it take for the communist empire to crash? I certainly didn’t think the political climate in the Soviet Union could change so quickly. Who thought that in six days Israel could win a war and gain control of Jerusalem for the first time in thousands of years? It works both ways. “Soon” in God’s timetable can be days or centuries in ours.

What is stopping Jesus Christ from returning today?

There is nothing stopping Jesus from coming back today. I know there are events that must first take place before He comes, but God can work out any details in a matter of minutes. There is also the possibility that the events we think must occur before He comes back are based on our misunderstanding of scripture. As we look through the book of Revelation, I hope to point out some of the various points of view that might not be the current popular position.

Look up the following verses and explain what we should remember regarding Jesus’ return and the study of the Book of Revelation.

Acts 1:11

Matt 24:36

Matt 24:42

Matt 24:46

Phil 3:20

One thing is certain. Jesus will be returning and it will be soon. These are some facts that we need to remember as we study the book of Revelation.

1. They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11 NASU) Jesus will return just as he left – physically and in the clouds – and He will return to the Mount of Olives. See also Zech 14:4.

2. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. (Matt 24:36 RSV) No one knows when He will return. Don’t listen to those who set dates.

3. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. (Matt 24:42 NASB) Watch, we are commanded to expect him at anytime and to be ready.

4. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. (Matt 24:46 ESV) We need to be active in our Christian walk and service when He comes back. Our wait is not an idle wait. Our reward is to be blessed by God.

5. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil 3:20 NIV) Our attitude of waiting should be with eagerness as the NIV states. If we have a problem with that, then we probably aren’t using the spiritual gifts that He has given us, or worse, we are in sin or not even saved.

We must be patient and realize that it could be another 1,000 years before these “soon” events take place or they could be tomorrow. In the mean time, we must plan and work accordingly. We must share the urgency of His coming again with others to encourage them to live a holy life. We need to share the gospel with others; after He comes it will be much more difficult for people to come to Him and the circumstances of life will be much harsher than they are now.

May you be blessed and encouraged to draw closer to our Lord as we go through the book of Revelation. May you eagerly expect His soon return and be a shining lamp for others to see.

Watch Out – 1 Tim 4:16

2011-12-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (ESV)

Watch Yourself

Who is watching you? If you are a parent, you children watch you. They imitate you and even later in life, they have some of the same mannerisms. Terri (my wife) and I visited my brother and spent a few days with him and his wife. Afterwards, Terri commented about how much alike we were. I’ve seen some of the same things in myself that I saw in my dad, and I’ve seen them in my son. We are all very much different people but we have some learned habits that we picked up from our parents.

When we admire someone, we will try to emulate them. What is really scary though, is that I’ve even caught myself picking up characteristics of people that I don’t want to emulate. These are things like shrugging my shoulders or raising an eyebrow, not necessarily anything wrong. However, I’ve also seen people who have purposely tried to copy another person’s mannerisms.

Eph 4:21-22 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. (NLT) Mannerisms are one thing, but lifestyles are another. According to this verse, before we came to know Jesus, we learned a lot of corruption. Many of the habit that we learned from our parents, teachers, or other we admired were simply wrong. We have to watch ourselves to make sure we have thrown off those things and have replaced them with godly habits.

Because others are watching, and most importantly because God is watching, I need to be more self-aware. Ps 39:1 I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence." (ESV) I need to be always on guard to make sure that I don’t sin and it just isn’t because of the influence I have on the people who might imitate me, but it is also because of those who are wicked. When I’m not watching myself closely and slip up, it gives the wicked opportunity to speak evil of God.

Many verses command us to take heed to ourselves. Deut 4:9 Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. (NKJV) This one was very interesting because it points out how easily we can forget what God has done for us. When I’m not depending on God daily, it is easy to think that I’m in charge and am able to accomplish things in my own strength. It would be easy to drift away and end up at the end of my life having even done things “for the Lord” but having my heart far from Him.

Watch What You Teach

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. We are all teachers to one degree or another. What we don’t teach by word, we teach by action. Some of us are more able to teach by word than others can. With blogs and self-published books, it is easier to put our teaching out to other, even millions of people. James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. (NASB) I need to be very careful that my teaching lines up with the Word of God. Anyone who reads my writings must be alert as well; however, I am the one that is ultimately accountable for what I teach.

What kind of accountability will teachers face? Jesus said that it would be better for a person to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck if he caused a little one to stumble (Matt 18:6). This is in the context of keeping other from coming to Jesus or putting obstacles in someone’s path. This is probably best applied to a person who teaches a totally false doctrine and isn’t a believer himself. However, the intensity of the punishment should warn anyone who knows Jesus to be careful about what he teaches.

Some people rightly denounce sinful lifestyles as something that God hates. However, the way they do it, without presenting God’s mercy, love, and sacrifice of Jesus for that sinful lifestyle, turn people away from Jesus. It isn’t always what I teach but the way I teach it that causes problems. I can be 100% theologically sound in what I say, but say it in such a way that places a stumbling block in the way of those who are seeking God. I just have to watch my teaching all the time.

Who Gets Saved

As I see that I’m accountable for what I teach, it explains how I’m able to save myself. Paul isn’t telling Timothy that he can earn salvation by teaching. That would go against everything he has taught in Eph 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, and in other verses. This is more on the order of avoiding loss because of building on the wrong foundation (1 Cor 3:15).

In Ezek 3:17-21, God calls Ezekiel to be a watchman who is to warn Israel of their sinfulness. If he fails to do what God has called him to do and a wicked man perishes, God says, “I will hold you accountable for his blood.” (Ezek 3:18 NIV) Again, this sounds quite ominous and almost like losing your salvation. However, a watchman would not lose his salvation but his life if he failed in his duty. In the same way, I would suffer God’s disciple if I failed to do what He wants by not teaching or not teaching correctly. Certainly, in Paul and Timothy’s time, some were disciplined and died because of sin (Acts 5:1-10 and 1 Cor 11:30).

Now when it comes to my hearers being saved, that could be a very different story. As I’ve mentioned, if my teaching is done in such a way to encumber the Gospel so that people are turned away, then it may indeed result in someone not coming to salvation. Of course, there is also the possibility that teaching a false doctrine would lead people into believing they don’t need to repent of their sins and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. That would certainly prevent hearers from being saved. Another problem could be teaching that there are other ways to heaven than by faith in Jesus.

So I hope that it is clear to all who hear my teaching that salvation is only through faith in Jesus and Him alone. Faith in Jesus is faith in God, but faith in God without Jesus won’t save. Faith must result in repentance and obedience to Jesus to show that it is genuine. In other words, I can’t simply say I believe in Jesus without it changing my life.

As a watchman, I say, “If you haven’t already put your faith and trust in Jesus for your salvation, then you need to do it now.”

Devoted to Ministry – 1 Tim 4:15

2011-11-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. (NASB)
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. (NKJV)

Meditation

When it comes to ministry, Paul tells me that I should be very intense about it. When was the last time I took pains with anything? It generally isn’t my nature to do anything until it pains me. Other translations don’t make it sound this intense with words like meditate, diligence, and practice. Then I looked up mediation. Joshua was told in Joshua 1:8 to mediate day and night on the Word. Again, in Ps 1:2, I’m told that a blessed man will meditate on the Word day and night. I believe I’m greatly blessed, but I wonder how much more I would be blessed if I took these instructions seriously enough to work at and take pains in meditation on God’s word and what He wants.

Ps 63:1-8 is a great framework for what it takes to be devoted to ministry and meditation is at the center of it. It starts out with the attitude that I need to have if I’m going to meditate and do what God wants. I need to search for God earnestly. This can’t be a willy-nilly, catch-can, or when-I-have-time approach to seeking God. This has to be a quest in which I’m serious. I need to pursue knowing God with deep conviction and seriousness.

David said he faints for God like someone who is a desert land without water. Do I thirst for God? Do I understand that without enough of Him I would faint and even die? Until I meditate on my need for Him, I don’t really appreciate how much all that I am depends on Him. A thirsty man in a desert has only one thing on his mind and that is finding water. That is the way I should seek God in my meditation.

Meditation can also be seen in worship. For David, that started when he remembered seeing God’s glory and power in the sanctuary. David had pitched a tent for the Ark of the Lord in Jerusalem even though the official sanctuary with the altar for sacrifice was not there. David spent much time in this tent before the Ark. 2 Sam 12:15-20 records the time that he spent laying on the ground and fasting before the Lord pleading for his son’s life. Then after the boy died, he cleaned up and worshiped the Lord.

People throughout history have made up their own ideas about God. They believe that God should do things the way they think is best. From our own sinful nature, we formulate what God should be like. Have you ever heard someone say, “I couldn’t submit to, love, or obey a God who would send anyone to hell, let babies die, allow war, etc.” In saying this, they are essentially saying they know better than God does. They say that God is vengeful or wrathful but never loving.

David said that God’s steadfast love was better than life. For that reason, he would praise God and bless Him as long as he lived. I need to meditate on that to understand it better. Isn’t life the most important thing to us? Yet God’s love is better. That means that His love must surpass life, suffering, and even death. His love explains why He allows things we call evil. It even explains why He has reserved a place for everyone who doesn’t want to have anything to with Him. His love gives me reason to absorb myself in ministry.

Worship and praise can take many forms and one is when I lift up my hands to God. This is a sign of complete and utter surrender. I depend on God for all my being, for all my needs, and even my wants. When David did this, he found that his soul was satisfied just as he was physically satisfied by the richest foods. There is a huge difference in physically satisfaction and spiritual or soul satisfaction. God can provide both, but physical satisfaction is temporary and fleeting. Soul satisfaction last a lifetime and even beyond into eternity. It can only be found when I’m completely surrendered to God.

The TV image of meditation is someone sitting in a lotus position surrounded by candles and smoldering incense sticks. Meditation is not limited to special environments but quiet places certainly help. David meditated on his bed during the night watches as well as before the Ark. I can meditate in front of my computer as I write but not in front of the TV. I can meditate while doing yard work, but not as well as when I’m not distracted other activities.

As I meditate, I begin to understand just how much I depend on God. David describes God’s help as being under the shadow of His wings. Just as a bird protects its young from the heat of the day, rain, or predators, so God protects those that trust in Him. I understand that this protection isn’t always physical because there is more to His love and the reality that goes beyond this physical world. His protection means that when the adversary, Satan, prowls around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 3:8), I can resist him with God’s help. It means that when temptations come, I can find the way out because He has provided it (1 Cor 10:13). I can’t do these things in my own power or strength.

When my soul clings to God, it is then that His right hand upholds me.

Progress

The problem with comparing my progress to others or even trying to impress others with my progress is that someone will always be doing better than I am and I can become envious or feel bad about my progress. Some will not advance as far as I have and I’ll feel proud. Paul recognized that he hadn’t come as far as possible. He knew that he still had a long way to go (Phil 3:12-14). Yet Paul saw the importance of progress that was visible. That progress served as an inspiration to other so that they would not only seek to do the same but also recognize the position and authority that Timothy had. It was very important for a young pastor. It is very important to anyone who wants to be a good witness to the grace of Jesus in our lives.

Is my progress in ministry and faith in Jesus evident to others? Paul assures Timothy that as he gives himself completely to his work, people will see his progress. I had to stop and think about this. I wanted to justify a lack of progress by thinking that I had progressed far enough that any further progress would be more difficult to see or achieve. That seemed logical until I reread the passage and understood that my progress is related to how much I give myself to the ministry. As I reflected again on David’s meditation, it is clear that progress is related directly to how much I’m yielded to God.

In order to be yielded to God, I need to be yielded to Jesus. In fact, Jesus needs to be the source of all my ministry, my being, and my life. He put it this way in John 15:4-6: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (NKJV)

What Life Will Be Like After Armageddon

2011-11-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

The world today is in a state of economic chaos. Governments are threatening to collapse; Iran is getting closer to having a nuclear bomb (they already have the missile capability to deliver one to Israel); a pandemic could easily wipe out millions. Life as we know it today could abruptly change for the worse.

The Bible is clear that economic, pandemic, and environmental disasters will culminate in a global war. That battle will take place in the valley of Armageddon in Israel. It says that demonic spirits will perform great signs to lure the kings of the whole world in assembling at the low hills around Megiddo overlooking the Plain of Esdraelon where many of Israel’s ancient battles were fought. The difference between this battle and previous ones is that these kingdoms will be assembling to fight against Almighty God.

Besides the demonic deception, the leaders of these nations will gather because they believe that God has caused the problems. They are right. The earth will be real mess by this time. God will have already killed one fourth of the population by wars, famine, pestilence, and even wild animals. There have been at least two gigantic world shaking earthquakes. How many will die in those isn’t recorded.

A third of the earth has been burned including a third of the trees and all the grass. A third of the oceans have been polluted by what appears to be an asteroid impact. A third of the animal life in the sea and a third of all shipping is wiped out. Another meteorite pollutes one third of the fresh water on the earth. Not surprisingly, this all probably causes such atmospheric pollution that the sun is dimmed by one third of its power and a third of the stars can’t be seen.

A third of the population is also killed in addition to all that died from the previous pollutants and fires. We aren’t told how many people will be killed during the battle of Armageddon. It could be that people all around the world who have aligned themselves with the kings will also be killed. The result is that earth’s population will be significantly reduced, perhaps to only a few million.

As the kings gather, many things will happen at about the same time. Babylon will be destroyed. This could be a symbolic name for another city or a rebuilt Babylon in Iraq. Jesus will come back with the armies of heaven and completely destroy the armies at Armageddon. For seven years, the cities of Israel will use the left over armament at Armageddon for fuel. They will send out search parties for seven months to find and bury all the bones of the dead.

Obviously, there will be people left doing this clean up. But what will the earth look like? Will the atmosphere be polluted for generations so that life is miserable? Will the infrastructure of the nations be devastated so that commerce reverts to bargaining and trading? How long will it take the earth to heal, vegetation to grow back, and the oceans to return to normal? Will mankind be able to survive until this happens?

The Bible doesn’t talk about how long these things will take. However, some very interesting changes will take place that indicate God will restore the planet. He will make it better than it has since before the flood. These are supernatural changes that affect the very nature of man and animals.

Carnivorous animals such as lions, leopards, and wolves will no long prey on other animals. Lambs, goats, and calves will dwell together in safety. The will graze together. This means the very DNA of these animals will be altered so that they can subsist on vegetation. The natural fear of carnivores will be taken away. These animals will be so tame that a child can safely walk up to them. Concerning vegetation, even harmful brier and thorn bushes will no longer grow. Instead, productive trees will take their place. The Dead Sea will also come alive and be teeming with fish.

It is a result of Satan’s deception that the world is in its current decaying state after mankind’s fall in the Garden of Eden. When Jesus comes back, He will bind Satan locking him in a pit. It is only fitting that Jesus will then return the earth back to the same or better state as it was in the Garden of Eden. It is evident that this dramatic change will be occur since plant and animal DNA will need to be altered for it to happen. Significant environmental changes will also be required.

What about people, will mankind’s DNA be changed as well? That is possible as well. The Bible certainly says that people will suddenly be living longer after Jesus returns. Infant mortality will actually cease. People who are a hundred years old will be considered only in their youth. If a person dies at the young age of a hundred, he will be considered accursed or a sinner.

It is possible that this long life may be a result of genetic changes in the human race or it could be because diseases will be eliminated. Death due to violence and war will no longer happen because Jesus will be in control of the earth. The Bible says He will rule with a rod of iron. That means that He and those who will be ruling with Him will have such a tight grip on society that rebellion and criminal activity will be effectively stopped before any harm can come to others.

There will be many benefits to this new society. Poverty will be eliminated because Jesus will make sure that everyone shares with others. Everyone will have the same opportunity for education. There will always be work available to anyone who wants a job. There won’t be a welfare system to enable people to live off others. Jesus’ government will make sure that able-bodied people will be working or punished if they don’t. People who don’t like Christian values in this age will find this new society to be very oppressive.

People who think capitalism is the only correct form of economics will be shocked to discover that the CEO of a company has the same rewards and benefits as the janitor. If the janitor has five kids and the CEO has only one, then the janitor would have a bigger house. The CEO may have some things that the Janitor doesn’t but it will only be because they are necessary for effectively running the company. The company will exist to provide products or services to others. Its success will not be measured by profits but how well it does this and without charge. The government, led by Jesus, will make sure that all is fair by His standards.

Considering all the changes that will be made, the earth could be rapidly repopulated. People will retain the technologies that have mushroomed in the past century. In this new environment, they will increase even faster. Since people will not die off when their research is yet unfinished, it won’t have to pass on to someone else who had to go over the same learning curve as his predecessor. This would lead to breakthroughs in physics which could enable travel to other planets and even stars.

Read the book 999Years after Armageddon, The End of the Millennium, a novel depicting the end of this time on earth to see if you would be one to find this life oppressive or liberating.

Using Your Gift – 1 Tim 4:14

2011-11-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (NIV)

Don’t Neglect Your Gift

Many things run through my mind as a read and think about this verse. I wonder what Timothy’s gift was. I also wonder about this unique method by which he received his gift. When I think about how I should respond to this verse, what is important is clear. I should not neglect any gift that God has given me.

In Matt 25:14-30, Jesus told the parable of three men who received property to be used until the owner returned. The story is familiar to most people. What is not familiar or is ignored is that it was told in context of the disciples’ question about the end of the age. In response, Jesus taught about signs of the end, how to get into the kingdom, the parable of the talents, and finished with final judgment.

In the parable, the first two men are rewarded because they used whatever was given to them and the third was punished because he failed to use it. Today, many preachers miss the true meaning of this parable by relegating it to good stewardship. The parable is primarily about God’s kingdom and whether we accept His gift of salvation and use it for His glory or whether we scorn it as the one who buried the talent in the ground. How do I know this is the primary teaching? I looked at the ending of the parable. The punishment for the one who scorned the gift is descriptive of eternal punishment. Since salvation doesn’t come by works, using the talents to get more vs. not using the talent couldn’t make the difference between the reward and the punishment. Even if a person were to use the talents to increase 1,000 fold but didn’t have the gift of salvation they would end up in the same place as the person who buried the talent. Therefore, the only gift that can be used and rewarded in this way is salvation. In addition, the wicked servant’s description of the Master was wrong, revealing that he didn’t really know the Master.

Since salvation is our greatest gift and we shouldn’t neglect it. What can I do to make sure I’m not neglecting it? Isa 12:1-4 Then you will say on that day, "I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord; For although Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, And Thou dost comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. Therefore you will joyously draw water From the springs of salvation. And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted." (NASB)

On the day of my salvation and even beyond, the very first thing I need to do is give thanks to the Lord, remembering that God is angry with sinners. Sometimes we dwell on God’s love for sinners so much that we forget that He is also angry with sinners. When I’m saved, His anger has turned away from me. It was poured out on Jesus on the cross.

After I’ve turned to Him, He comforts me. Again, I need to give him thanks. I need to shout, “Behold! God has saved me through Jesus Christ.” It doesn’t matter what happens in this life because He comforts me and strengthens me. I can sing praises to Him and about Him. If I don’t trust Him for this, then I am certainly neglecting His wondrous gift of salvation. If I’m fearful of what may happen, it demonstrates that I’m not trusting God but other things such as my own strength, the government, other people, or even other gods. All of these things will fail us but God won’t.

Jesus said that He was the living water and whoever comes to Him will never thirst (John 4:14, 6:35). When I walk with Jesus, I will have His joy as I draw on His springs of living water, His salvation. If I’m not joyous in my Christian life, then it’s because my trust is elsewhere and I’m not drawing on His living water, His strength, His Spirit, but my own or something else. That would constitute neglecting my gift.

Finally, using my gift of salvation means that I need to call on His name, pray. A lot of trusting, not being afraid, and being strengthened by God comes from prayer. Certainly, I can’t walk with Jesus without prayer. From prayer comes the ability to declare His mighty deeds – especially Jesus’ work on the cross. There are many ways to do this. Speaking to others about Jesus, writing blogs, posting on facebook or twitter are just some of the many ways to make it happen. Contributing to things like the Jesus Film Project can bring the message of salvation to thousands of people. Whenever I do any of these things, His name is exalted and I’m not neglecting my gift of salvation. It is different for each of us as He has given us different gifts of ministry.

Getting back to Timothy, Paul wasn’t talking about salvation but a specific gift of ministry. This isn’t what Jesus was talking about in the parable even though many preach that it was. The reason is that believers will not be punished if we don’t use our talent, but will lose the reward (1 Cor 3:14-15). God’s wrath is not poured out on those whom He has saved (1 Thess 5:9).

Rom 12:6-8 And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (NASB) Paul emphasizes the fact that each of us has received different gifts and this is the only resemblance to the parable. The gifts are given by God as He determines (1 Cor 12:11) and that is why Paul states that it is according to the grace given us. It is because of His grace that we receive anything. I’m not in a position where I can negotiate with God which gifts I want. I am born with certain abilities and potential and I’m also given spiritual gifts in the same way. The gift is only useful when it is used for His glory.

Attitude is as important as the gift. I could prophesy by faith or by my own conceit as did the false prophets of Jeremiah’s time (Jer 14:14). My teaching, serving, exhorting, or other gifts can all be exercised to bring glory to God or to myself. I can use them reluctantly or joyfully. I should be alert to any selfish or grumbling use of my gifts as I would classify that as neglect.

How Do I Get the Gifts?

If I were to only look at this verse in Timothy and Act 6:6, 8:17, 13:3, 1 Tim 5:22, and 2 Tim 1:6, I would come away with the faulty conclusion that having Christian leaders putting their hands on me is a requirement for ministry. Several denominations have pushed this to the limits. They believe that only those who have an unbroken chain of ordinations, which includes laying hands on the recipients, have authority in matters of faith, morals, and the valid administration of sacraments. There is a huge gap between what these verses say and this dogma about who has authority in these matters. Based on Jesus’ commission in Matt 28:18-20, any believer has the right to baptize. I haven’t found anything in Scripture that would prevent me from leading in communion unless I was ordained. It doesn’t matter if it was with my family, or in a large group or a small one. In addition to these, as long as we are remaining true to the Bible, we have the same authority to rebuke or instruct others on moral issues and to share our faith inviting anyone who hears to believe in Jesus and be saved.

Another fallacy that comes from 1 Tim 1:18 and 4:14, is that gifts of ministry require some sort of prophecy. I’ve read about this and heard about it. Some preacher or ministry leader tells someone that he is called to a mission, ministry, or other service. Based on this prophecy, they jump on board. God is glorified and this is wonderful, however it doesn’t mean that this is the normal or only way people are given gifts of ministry. I mentioned before that Timothy was unique. There aren’t any other Scriptures that follow this pattern. If it were the only or even the normative way gifts were bestowed, then I would expect to see it either directly explained or found in multiple places.

If I’m using my gift of salvation as described above, my ministerial gift will become evident. I don’t have to ask for it or wait for someone to tell me what it is. I don’t need to have someone lay hands on me before I start using it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating that everyone should run out and be a Lone Ranger. Eph 4:11-16 describes using gifts in conjunction with the Church. It also provides accountability because a Lone Ranger can very easily stray without someone to hold him accountable. Taking official positions in the church should require examination to ensure this happens.

Read, Exhort, Teach – 1 Tim 4:13

2011-11-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (NKJV )

I looked at eight different translations of the Bible before deciding to quote the NKJV for these verses. I picked this one because it was the closest to a literal translation without using thee and thy. I was disappointed in the big three (NASB, ESV, and NIV) because they all added words so that the instruction was to give attention to the public reading of Scripture. Perhaps these translators did this because of the word exhortation, which often implies that it is public encouragement. Then looking ahead to verse 16, there is a connection to others hearing. I think adding public and specifying scripture doesn’t clarify what Paul wrote and may even detract what the Holy Spirit wants to say to individuals who are not pastors.

Reading

Most people don’t have an opportunity to read the Bible aloud to other people. My wife and I read aloud to each other every day, but this isn’t public. If I were to read this as being attentive to the public reading of Scripture, then I could easily say it doesn’t apply. However, by going back to a more literal translation, I see that I need to be reading and this could very well be my own private reading as well as public. What do I need to read?

I agree that reading Scripture is one thing that I can’t neglect. However, I don’t think that I should read Scripture to the exclusion of other books. I firmly believe that I should be able to get the most out of reading the Bible by comparing the Bible to itself. However, there are times when I need to read another person’s insight to help me out. I also need to read to find out what others are teaching. This is still in context with previous verses, which were cautioning about silly myths and other things.

Exhortation

Normally, I think of exhortation as a public function as well. However, there is no need to limit it in this way. Much exhortation takes place between two people. Some takes place in written communication (the epistles especially), publically and in private.

Being curious, I looked up the word in the Greek. Paraklesis, means "a calling to one's side" (para, "beside," kaleo, "to call") (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.) That was a surprise. The word is often translated as comfort, consolation, and entreaty as well as exhort. That reminded me that Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Comforter or Helper in John 14:16. That word is parakletos meaning called to one’s side. This is very similar to paraklesis.

Now Paul’s instruction is taking a much greater view of ministry. Not only am I supposed to be reading to gain insight into God’s Word and His instruction to me, but now I need to use what I’ve read to help others. I can be like the Holy Spirit and come along side another person who is hurting to be a consolation and to comfort him. I can exhort or entreat a sinner to repent and turn his life around.

Teach

The NKJV uses the word doctrine. Most other translations use the word teach. The word doctrine stirs up ideas that explanations about God and man are esoteric or difficult to understand. However, the Greek word didaskalia can mean either teaching or what is taught – doctrine. It is the same word used in verse 16. Since the instruction is to read and exhort (both verbs) then it would makes sense that teach is the best translation. In verse 16, the command is to watch yourself (a pronoun) so it makes sense that this would be translated doctrine or the teaching (a noun not an action).

With all that aside, I can now talk about teaching instead of doctrine, which will come in verse 16. I can teach individuals, which would be one way of offering comfort or it could be in small or large groups. This isn’t just a pastoral function as we all teach someone. As parents, we teach our children. As Christians living in a fallen world, we teach others how to live by our lives. Believe me, they do watch and take note, especially when we fail.

Matt 5:19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (ESV) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke these words. He also went on to explain that the commandments didn’t just apply to outward behavior but our inward attitudes. My attitudes are usually evident to others. If I ogle a woman, you can bet there is lust behind it. Jesus said that was the same as adultery. If I relax the Law by doing that and others see me do it, I teach them that it is OK. Read the rest of the Sermon on the Mount and it will become obvious that we are all sinners and in need of a heart change.

Someone may tell me that I’m teaching the Old Testament and the Gospel isn’t about that. The Gospel is about love and forgiveness and this emphasis on doctrine and doing is impossible. I have to agree that Jesus fulfilled the Law because it is impossible for us, but it doesn’t mean that we toss out the principles that are in the Old Testament. In fact, I need to understand them even better so that I know how they apply to me today. I have to live to a higher standard than the O.T. since it dealt with external obedience (even though that wasn’t God’s only intention). In Matt 5:20 Jesus said my righteousness had to be greater than the scribes and Pharisees. I have to be more righteous than these people who were experts in keeping all the external commandments plus hundreds they made up. How can I do that?

The good news (Gospel) is that there isn’t any condemnation for us who are truly Christians (Rom 8:1). But that doesn’t let me off the hook to live any way I want. Rom 8:13-14 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (NIV) Anyone who is ignoring the Bible’s teaching to live godly lives is demonstrating that the sinful nature is still in full control and not subject to the Holy Spirit. That sounds a lot like a person who doesn’t really know Jesus.

We can only be led by the Spirit when we love Jesus. We prove that we love Jesus by obeying His commandments. One of those commandments that is imperative is to believe Jesus and the Father who sent Him (John 5:24). When we believe, the Holy Spirit is given to us to guide us into all truth. John 14:15-17 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. (NASB)

Are you able to read the Scriptures and understand them so that you can comfort, console, or exhort others in times of trials? Are you teaching others to be godly by your life as well as your word? Are you led by the Spirit? If you aren’t doing these things then maybe it’s time for some self examination to determine if you really know Jesus.

Rebuking Others – 1 Tim 4:11-12

2011-10-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)

Command and Teach

That is a pretty strong opening. Here is the seasoned Apostle Paul telling the young pastor to command and teach. What kind of person do I have to be in order to command anyone else? It makes it sound very heavy handed and controlling. A couple of verses come to mind as I think about this.

1 Peter 4:11. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (NASB) There are certain conditions placed on commanding anyone anything. I would need to recognize that in this situation (being a pastor, leader, or teacher) if I were to command anything, I should consider it as speaking on behalf of God. Yuck, that sounds cultic or mystic. Cultic would be trying to control others and using God as justification. Mystic would be claiming to have a direct line from God that others don’t. This is really serious business. I don’t want to be anything like that. Therefore, I need to make sure that whatever I command lines up with what God has already said.

I think the Lord provided a wonderful balance in this when He instructed Israel in Lev 19:11-17. In these verses, He gave a lot of don’ts that expand on the Ten Commandments. Things like not stealing, lying, swearing, slander, and doing other things. He also provided a couple of things to do that deal with this topic of commanding and teaching. In verse 15, He said I’m supposed to judge my neighbor fairly. If I’m to judge fairly then the only way to do that is to judge according to His standard and not my own. If I command someone to stop or start doing something, then I better have all the facts and not work from hearsay. In verse 17 He says, “You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.” (NKJV) This came after commands not to be gossips or hate others in our hearts. So what must I do if my brother slanders another or gossips? I must rebuke him. This is a command and not an option. If I don’t rebuke the person, then I am participating in the sin by letting it go.

By the strength that God provides, not in my own strength, I should command others. When I do that, God will be glorified. Commanding others out of a sense of control and executing personal power over them is certainly not going to bring glory to God. Commanding others to do things contrary to God’s Word and claiming it is will not bring glory to God either.

Youthful Example

So Timothy was a young guy. Have you faced this kind of situation? An older Christian (both in terms of age and years as a Christian), one who certainly should know better, says or does something that is clearly out of line. What do you do? How can a person who is younger in both age and years as a Christian rebuke an elder? It’s even harder if the person is a pastor or an elder in your church. This is really hard to do. I would like to avoid conflict and just let it go.

However, this isn’t the instruction that Paul gives Timothy and I should follow the same example. The way I’m living my life sets an example for all to see and can’t be denied. This is a putting practical advice to Jesus’ instruction in Matt 7:3-5 where He tells the hypocrites to remove the log from their own eye before helping other. If my speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity are all of good report, then the older person should note that and consider it when I approach him. If I’m not an example of holy living, then the rebuke, no matter how right, will probably fall on deaf ears.

There are some other things to remember when I have to rebuke my neighbor, whether he is older or not. Some people are simply not going to accept it. Unfortunately, some of us tend to think we have it all together and any rebuke is nothing more than criticism, my opinion verses his opinion. In this case, I have to remember some proverbs.

Prov 9:7-9 He who corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. (RSV)

I need to face the fact that I may very well end up on the person’s bad side. If the person was being rebuked for slandering another, then he may very well hate and slander me after I attempted to rebuke him. On the other hand, if the person is a Christian, I will first of all believe that he is a wise man and will welcome the rebuke and become even wiser. With this confidence I will approach him but also be prepared to be ignored or worse.

Rebuke hurts. Hopefully, it is hurting because I’ve grieved the Holy Spirit and I’m feeling the pain of knowing that I’ve failed to bring glory to my Lord. When I’m rebuked, I pray that I’ll be able to handle it correctly by repentance and thanking the person who brought it to my attention.

Toiling and Striving - 1 Tim 4:9-10

2011-10-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. (RSV)

God’s Work

I left off with Paul’s comments that training in godliness is of better value than physical training. He then emphasizes this by assuring us that what he said is a trustworthy statement. To prove just how trustworthy it is, he tells us that he has toiled and strived. However he isn’t doing it to gain a better life now, but in eternity because he has his hope set on God.

However, it is interesting that while training in godliness has eternal consequences, bodily training sometime is required to accomplish the work that God has provided for us. In many areas, a weak body can’t serve as well as a strong one. Paul is a great example of someone who must have been physically fit despite his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor 12:7) as he endured much physical abuse. While he gave all the glory to God, it is inspirational to see what happened to him.

2 Cor 4:8-11 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (ESV)

I can’t say that there has ever been a time in my life when I was afflicted in every way. Sure, I’ve had problems as every person does. I can see in Paul’s comments that even though he was afflicted, he was physically spared. This is certainly not by his own strength. In Acts 14:19-20, he was stoned and dragged outside the city, yet he was able to get up and walk back into the city. Many of us have had to suffer disease and injury simply because we live in a fallen world. Few of us have suffered these afflictions because we were serving the Lord. If Paul could be so focused on eternity and the work that was before him that he could say he wasn’t crushed, who am I that I should complain when physical suffering occurs?

Sometimes we simply don’t understand what God wants or what He is doing. It is perplexing. Added to that is trying to deal with imperfect people. It can be very perplexing, especially when brothers and sister in the faith don’t live up to our expectations for the name, Christian.

What kept Paul from being driven to despair especially when some were intentionally trying to antagonize him while he was in prison (Phil 1:17)? Phil 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (NKJV)

To Live is Christ

I read that well known verse and nod my head in agreement until I stop to ponder what Paul meant when he said, “to live is Christ.” It isn’t exactly good English to put a proper noun after the verb is. I expect a verb or adjective would normally be here, but Paul is attempting to convey a meaning of life that surpasses all the adjectives he could throw at it. It is much more profound that he stated to live is Christ. Everything that Jesus is, all that He represents, all that He commands, all that He has done for us, is what makes living as a Christian worthwhile.

Paul could suffer all the things that happened to him because His life had become Christ living through him. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV) If I’m to say that to live is Christ, then I have to have the same attitude that Paul expressed. I have to be able to say that I’ve been crucified with Jesus. I have to consider all my personal desires dead. Anything that I want to do has to be what Jesus wants to do. That’s extremely radical. That can only be done by faith in Jesus. That is a radical faith.

My struggle is knowing what Jesus wants to do. It isn’t as if He has taken over my body and I’m just going along for the ride. I have to make decisions about everything from when to get up in the morning to what kind of toothpaste to use. What kind of work am I supposed to be doing or what ministries should I be doing? Fortunately, Paul also gave some instructions. 1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (NASB)

Jesus needs people to live and work in this world not only as missionaries like Paul, or Pastors like Timothy, but also as common people who go to work every day. The way I live must glorify God. I can do that when I do it for Him or unto Him. If I’m doing it only for my own needs, then He is robbed of the glory and I’m robbed of the reward.

I don’t have a problem with the “to die is gain” part. The benefits there are overwhelming. However, there are many who can’t see this. Their life on earth is far more important to them than eternity with Christ. This is a reflection of their walk with the Lord here. I don’t think they can say, “To live is Christ.” To live is to get married. To live is to have a career. To live is see children married or graduate or have children. When all of their life is tied to things of the world instead of Christ, then death means an end to what gives them pleasure and meaning.

We need to get it in the right order and make sure that to live is indeed Christ. When we have our hope set on the living God, Jesus, then we not only say to live is Christ, but we will also be able endure the hardships that come in this world. Paul faced things most of us will never see in our lives. However, his attitude was completely wrapped up in giving glory to God.

2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (NASB)

He didn’t just put up with hardships, but was content with them. When was the last time you were content with an insult? Sometimes, the hint of an insult can bug me. It’s very hard to live up to being content with everything from weakness to persecution. I don’t think we really consider this verse very often. When James says that we need to consider our trials to be joy, I think about severe, life-threatening, painful stuff. I don’t think about simple weakness, insults, or minor problems as trials. Because of that, it makes it too easy to grumble about them.

I just need to keep my eyes set on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, my Savior, my Lord. When I do that, then I can strive, toil, and do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col 3:17).

What is Arrogance?

2011-10-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Do you think people who confident of their faith in Jesus Christ are arrogant? Have you been called arrogant because of your faith in Jesus Christ? If so then read on and decide for yourself who is arrogant.

I recently witnessed a two-sided conversation that started out with a person who said that Susan B. Anthony distrusted people who know so well what God wants them to do, because it always coincides with their own desires.

The second person responds that the statement is rather offensive to those who actually believe that God directs their path.

The first person says that feeling and believing that personally is one thing. He then adds that when a person claims his God is ordering the path of others, it is the height of arrogance as well as other adjectives. The other adjectives were not expressed but conjure up the worst.

That effectively ended the conversation and left the second person realizing that some people are so anti-God that any expression of faith will be called arrogance or worse.

I would like to note that Susan B. Anthony’s quote is in keeping with the same debate style as the first person. She used the word always to describe a behavior, which by her distrust, puts it in a negative light. Always is an all-encompassing word that should not be used instead of generalizations. That means that Ms. Anthony had never seen anyone like William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, who knew what God wanted him to do and did it. It has resulted an immense benefit for thousands if not millions of people. She had never seen a person of faith give up everything he had ever wanted to serve others in his own or other countries. The second person may have understood this and therefore correctly assumed that Ms. Anthony distrusted all Christians who have a good understanding of God’s will as expressed in the Bible.

The first person then rebuts the second and brings up his own issue with people of faith that has nothing to do with Susan B. Anthony’s quote or the second person’s comment. It is as if the first person is lashing out to make sure that any statement of faith will be duly suppressed in his presence.

Using the dictionary definition of arrogant, an arrogant person is one who is proudly contemptuous, i.e. feeling, or showing self-importance and contempt or disregard for others. I would ask you, which person above is showing arrogance?

I have personally been called arrogant for my faith. The first time was when I expressed that I knew for sure that I was going to heaven. I was told that it was arrogant for a person to presume to know something that no one can know.

To be arrogant about going to heaven, I would first have to be proud about it. Pride in getting into heaven can only come if I were able to do something that would earn my right to get there. Unfortunately for many, the Bible is clear that heaven can’t be attained by doing a bunch of good things (Eph 2:8-9). It can’t be earned by sacrificing animals or myself (Ps 49:7). It can’t be attained by belonging to the right church or the right family (Matt 3:9). I could be the very best person in the world and still not be good enough to stand before God and expect Him to let me into His presence based on any of these things. The Bible is very clear about that.

Instead the Bible is clear that the only way I can get into heaven is by faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on my behalf (John 14:6, Rom 3:21-26, 5:17, 21, 1 Cor 1:30, Phil 1:11). There is no room for pride or self-importance in that. It means that I have to recognize my sinfulness and a need for Jesus to pay the penalty for that sin since I can’t do it myself. Again, the Bible is clear on this as well.

Finally, I can know that I will go to heaven because that is what the Bible tells me when I believe on the name of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13). My confidence in knowing this is not based upon me but on what God has said.

Who is arrogant? Is it Is it the one who presumes to know how God works without knowing what He has said in the Bible or is it the one who has studied the Bible and believes what it says? Is it the one who presumes that people with faith in God can’t know what God wants or is it the ones who have determined that God wants people to place their trust in Jesus and have done that?

A Good Servant of Jesus – 1 Tim 4:6-8

2011-08-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." (NLT)

What Christian doesn’t want to be a good servant of Jesus? In this case, Paul was writing to Timothy. That means that I can get some general truths about what a good servant is but I don’t think I can do exactly what Timothy was supposed to do, as my life is different from his. I’m not a young pastor who needed to warn his congregation about departing from the faith by listening to doctrines taught by demons including false rules about marriage and food.

To be a good servant, Timothy needed to make these things clear to his people. I can be a good servant as I sit in the congregation and be attentive to what my pastor is teaching then put it into practice. Of course, there is much more to being a good servant and I can look to other Scriptures to understand some of these things.

It’s always good to find out how Jesus taught and demonstrated a principle. John 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.” (RSV) A good servant is one who is doing his master’s will. In fact, it Jesus didn’t just do the Father’s will, but the way He phrased this, it was His motivation and desire. It was what kept Him going. I find this hard to do. There are many distractions in the world and each seems good and right. However, they can take my focus off doing the Father’s will. Each of us has to examine our activities to make sure they aren’t distractions. They can be things like wanting to earn a living, staying or getting healthy, getting married, preserving a marriage, or raising children. Sometimes they can be lofty goals such as writing a book that will change lives for the better, feeding the hungry in Africa or Asia, or bringing clean drinking water to villages. Motivation for doing these things is often what determines whether or not they are God’s will or a distraction.

John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (NKJV) As I think about motivation, I have to decide if what I’m doing is something I want to do or is it something that I know the Father wants me to do. In my previous list, I mentioned earning a living. That is certainly something that God wants each of us to do. 1 Tim 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (NIV) In examining this desire, it passes the test of being in God’s will. However, the wrong motivation can mess up being a good servant. If I’m only providing for my family so that I’ll have respect among other, maintain my reputation as a believer, or to become wealthy, then I’m not being a good servant. The motivation or attitude for all goals in life can be summed up in one short verse. 1 Cor 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (ESV)

It is very easy for me to trick myself into believing I’m doing what the Father wants. Our desires are very powerful as James points out, we are lured and enticed by our desires which then give way to sin (James 1:14-15). It takes a lot of soul searching to make sure that the things I’m doing are truly for God and not for myself. I have to ask the Lord to search me and reveal to me whether I’m doing this to bring honor to myself or if it is what He wants. 1 Cor 4:4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. (RSV) Even Paul considered the fact that he could be acting with a clear conscience and still not be motive properly.

A Good Servant Is Nourished by the Word

One of the ways that I can let the Lord search me and reveal to me whether my motivations are my own desires or His will is to be reading and studying His Word daily. When I’m nourished by food, I must take the time to eat, chew, and let it digest. In the same way, I must take time to read the Bible. A bite here and there will not work. If I don’t chew on the Word, think about it, and work on understanding, it will be ineffective in nourishing my soul. I also need to make sure that it digests so that it becomes a part of my life. Someone said that you are what you eat. I think that applies to the Word of God also. If His Word is nourishing me then I will become more like Jesus.

Jer 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. (NKJV) Does God’s Word bring joy to my heart or is it a chore or duty to read it daily so that I can cross it off my list? It is possible to lose the awe for His Word that first saved me. It is possible to read and not see the Glory of the Lord in all that He is and all that He has done. If I am called by the name of Christ, then I have reason to have joy and I should know His Word and the promises found in His Word.

Peter commanded us in 1 Peter 2:2 to crave pure spiritual milk. I not only need to enjoy the Word of God, but I must crave and desire it. It has to be a longing that is there every day. The craving for the Word of God is the same as craving to be in the presence of the Father. There is no church, temple, or place on earth where we can be any nearer to God than when we are dwelling on His Word. David expressed it wonderfully. Ps 42:1-2 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? (NASB) When I thirst for God and hunger and thirst for righteousness, then I will have a craving for His Word and will be nourished by it.

A Good Servant Doesn’t Waste Time

I’m not supposed to be arguing over godless ideas or old wives’ tales. That is a waste of time. If I spend some time thinking about these and writing about them, can it be called arguing about them and wasting my time and the time of anyone who reads this? If you think so, then skip to the next section. However, I need to describe some godless ideas and old wives’ tales so that I know what to avoid.

Godless ideas are philosophies that invoke emotional discussions that can’t be resolved. They are godless because they leave God out of the argument or use God without a good Biblical foundation. Two topics that are sure to cause debate are:

· Government should solve all our social problems

· Government should be small and not try to solve social problems.

I can feel the heat rising already. The first is a godless idea because it leaves no room for God, rule and order based on His Word, and His working through His people. The second is godless because it refuses to acknowledge that God has established governments and that He is sovereign in how a government works, especially when His people don’t do what they are supposed to do. I better stop with these very general comments otherwise I will be wasting my time and yours.

Old wives’ tales are a different category of wasting time. They include everything from methods of removing warts to being blessed by God or getting luck by forwarding an e-mail. They have wild claims about people (politicians, movie stars, etc) being super good or bad. There are stories that grab my emotions and make my eyes water but they aren’t true. While they may inspire me for a few moments, they are not the Word of God backed by the power of the Holy Spirit to produce godliness. Others make me laugh and bring joy for a minute. Some may be valuable and provide something of worth, after all, Jesus taught with parables. But I must be discerning to pass on the good and skip the bad, especially the ones that are not true and are nothing but slander and gossip.

A Good Servant Trains to Be Godly

This is really a big subject. Most of the Bible is devoted to this. I can look at the Sermon on the Mount and see what Jesus taught or I can read the epistles and see what the Apostles taught. Paul tells me that godliness provides benefits in two ways, for this life and for eternity.

Speaking of eternity first, godliness can’t be developed until salvation is first settled. I can only be a godly person if I’m saved. The Bible is loaded with verses that explain that we are all sinners (Rom 3:23) and that all of our attempts at being righteous before becoming a believer are worthless (Isaiah 64:6). Most religions teach the we are actually good people and we just need to find the goodness inside to achieve godliness. Jesus made it clear that only God is good. Mark 10:18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” (ESV) To be godly, we need to have God within us. Paul prayed in Eph 3:16-19 that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith and then we would be filled with all the fullness of God. We can’t have God in us unless we have Christ in us. When we have Christ in us then we can be full of God and become godly. Then, according to 1 Cor 3:10-15 I will receive a reward in eternity for everything I do based on Christ the foundation. In other words, when I act and do godly things as a Christian, I will receive a reward in eternity. If I do time wasting things, I won’t receive a reward for those things, even if I’m a Christian. If I’m not a Christian, then whatever I do will not be rewarded because it isn’t founded on Jesus but myself or others.

Even though I have Jesus living in me, it doesn’t automatically make me godly. I need to train myself for godliness. This is the interesting part because now it sounds like this is all about my ability to train myself and how diligent I am in practicing Christian disciplines. However, it is also about the Holy Spirit working in me. Rom 8:13-14 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (NIV) Training myself in godliness can’t be done on my own. I must do it in complete dependence on the Spirit to lead me and give me the strength to put off all the sinful things I practiced before becoming a Christian. I have attitudes and motivations that have all been corrupted by my sinful nature. Those things can’t be put away without the power of God’s Holy Spirit working in me. I must cooperate with Him if I want to be trained in godliness.

The benefits I receive when I practice godliness in cooperation with the Spirit lead to a life that is much more pleasant in this world as well as preparing me for eternity. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV) The only people who wouldn’t want these attributes in their lives are blinded by sin and sensuality. When I have these, then life is so much better even when the circumstances are almost unbearable.

It isn’t easy to be a good servant of Jesus, but the rewards are out of this world.

Falling Away Because of Bad Doctrines – 1 Tim 4:1-5

2011-07-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (ESV)

The Elect Don’t Fall Away

What does it mean when Paul says that some will depart from the faith in the end times? Does this mean they lose their salvation? I’ll have to go back to some things that Jesus said about the last times to understand it. Matt 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect — if that were possible. (NIV) While Jesus may have been talking about a time that is even closer to the end than Paul, the principle is applicable. These great signs and miracle will attempt to deceive the ones that God has chosen, but the wording is clear that it is impossible. The NIV and KJV both insert the words “that were” between “if” and “possible” to make sure that we understand that it isn’t possible. English is an interesting language; using the plural “were” instead of the singular “was” is a technique that writers use to convey that it is not true or possible. As an example, I could make as statement like this, “if I were a lion, I would not eat zebras, only antelope.” The reader automatically understands that I am not a lion and can’t be a lion. That is an extreme example but it points out that the translators understand that the elect can’t be deceived.

Applying Jesus’ principle to Paul’s statement, I can say that the elect can’t or won’t be deceived to the point of departing from the faith. So those who do depart are not those who are elected or chosen by Jesus. They may have rubbed elbows with true Christians when they went to church with them. They may have sung along with the rest of the congregation, they may have danced and raised their hands as well. When they departed, they showed that they were not true believers. See also 1 John 2:19.

The book of Daniel has much to say about the end times and how people will be drawn away from the faith. Dan 11:32-35 "And by smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. And those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder, for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. "And some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge, and make them pure, until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.” (NASB)

The chief of deceitful spirits will use smooth talk to lure people away from God. The angel tells Daniel that the ones who are deceived are people who are not acting in agreement with the covenant. This would describe people who claim to be Christians but violate the New Covenant by their actions. In other words, their walk doesn’t match their talk. They say they believe in Jesus but their lives are just like people who don’t. Jesus hasn’t made a difference in their lives. When faithful Christians, those who know God, take action to expose these lies and false teaching, they will be physically opposed and persecuted. Some of the pretenders will also join with them until they see Christians being killed for their faith. As unbelievers distant themselves to avoid persecution, the Church will refined.

Bad Doctrines

People eventually depart from the faith for various reasons, however the ones in this passage end up giving themselves over to teaching that they think is correct because they can follow them and thereby earn their way to heaven. Paul probably had some specific cults in mind when he wrote this. They believed that by not marrying, they could avoid sexual sins and be super spiritual. In addition, by maintaining strict diets, whether it was rigid adherence to the Jewish dietary law, becoming vegetarians, or adhering to some other diet, they believed that they would become pure enough to get into heaven.

Any doctrines that contain these kinds of restrictions are from demons. I’ve heard them called the “Jesus plus doctrines.” They want to sound Christian in order to deceive people so they say that you need Jesus for salvation then add on something else. They tell us that in order to get to heaven, we need to believe in Jesus AND obey their dietary laws or some other thing or person. When these people come knocking on your door, ask them exactly what you must do to be saved. If they add joining their church, believing in their prophet, making pilgrimages to a certain place, giving money, or anything else other than faith in and obedience to Jesus, beware.

One of the biggest demonic lies and one that most of the world believes is that we can do something to earn our salvation. Satan told Eve that if she ate of the fruit she would become like God. Her action would enable her to be on the same level as God. Now, the demons tell us that if you refrain from certain food you will be able to obtain this same position.

Paul makes it clear that food isn’t the issue. Neither is the health aspect of the food. He isn’t advocating that we should eat anything we want when he said that nothing is to be rejected. Otherwise, we would be able to eat poisonous foods and have no ill effects. He is talking about the spiritual effects of food. Any healthy food, whether pork, which would be a sin for a Jew to eat, or any other forbidden food in the Jewish dietary laws are now available for us to each without any sin.

Peter had a big problem getting this through his head until God spoke directly to him. Acts 10:15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." (NKJV ) This was why God showed him all sorts of animals including things that the Law of Moses declared unclean or sinful to eat. He told Peter to kill them and eat but Peter was stuck in his Jewish tradition and wouldn’t do it. He should have already known this since Jesus declared all food spiritually clean (holy) in Mark 7:19. When we pray and receive the food with thanksgiving we confirm that what God has provided is good and can eat it with a clear conscience.

God gave the dietary laws of Moses to help distinguish Israel from the other nations who slaughtered and sacrificed many of the specific animals in their pagan rituals. Some claim it was only for health reason but that doesn’t stand up otherwise God would not have told Peter that everything was now OK to eat. It would also not stand up to the fact that God had declared all animals fit for consumption before the Law of Moses. Gen 9:3-4 I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables. But you must never eat any meat that still has the lifeblood in it. (NLT) God’s only restriction was not to eat the meat with blood in it. This restriction is still in effect as it was confirmed by the Jerusalem council in the letter they sent to the Gentiles (Acts Acts 15:29).

These liars who try to distract and turn people from the faith always have at the heart of their lies the goal of discrediting God. God gave marriage as the foundation of the family and these tried to distort that by forbidding marriage. Today they try to distort marriage and God’s Word by advocating living together without marriage or same sex marriage. Both of these are abundantly condemned in God’s Word. Only liars can read His Word and come up with anything different.

Whether it is food, marriage, or any other doctrine of demons, knowing God’s Word will always steer you in the right direction as long as you are willing to be submissive to God.

God’s Household – 1 Tim 3:14-16

2011-07-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (NIV)

Indoor Voice

Paul’s reason for writing (so that I will know how to conduct myself in God’s household) reminds me of times I’ve heard people tell children to use their indoor voice. There is conduct that is acceptable outdoors and a different set of rules for indoors. Likewise, there is conduct that is appropriate for Christians and different behavior that the rest of mankind believes is appropriate. While there are times that I need to protest against some of that behavior, I must also recognize that it will never change.

Rev 22:10-13 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy."

"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.” (ESV)

An angel told John that the evils of this world will continue right up to the end time. Then Jesus made it clear that He will judge my behavior, along with everyone else’s. The evildoers will find that His recompense will deal harshly with their behavior, but I, along with all Christians, will find forgiveness and mercy at the judgment seat of Christ.

However, if I’m emulating the world and using my “outdoor voice” (doing evil and being filthy) instead of my “indoor Christian voice,” (being righteous and holy) I will suffer loss of rewards. 1 Cor 3:14-15 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV) All the instructions that Paul has given and the ones yet to come have the same goal. My behavior should result in bringing glory to God when I receive my rewards instead of losing them.

Paul already listed qualifications for elders and deacons and this confirms to me that these qualities are for every Christian.

Household of God

There are many references to the family of God in the Bible. As I review them, I’m quite awestruck that I’m included in that family. The book of Ephesians is a great place to study and understand the family of God. It starts in Eph 1:5 when I’m told that I’m an adopted son of God. Ladies, don’t be concerned that this is a male image. In Paul’s day, you would be much better off adopted as a son than a daughter. As a son, I have an inheritance waiting for me (Eph 1:11, 14). Jesus is the head the household, the church (Eph 1:22) and that we are the body (Eph 1:22, 23).

Before I was adopted, I was a child of wrath (Eph 2:3). That means I belonged t a different family, the family of Satan. I don’t have to imagine that family and how dysfunctional it is; I was a part of it. I thought right was wrong and wrong was right. I was headed down a slippery road and didn’t even realize it. It was a spiral that slowly pulled me deeper into sin. However, by grace I was saved and rescued from that family and brought into God’s family. I was a dirty, ragged, poor waif totally undeserving God’s mercy. Instead of being treated as I deserved, He raised me up and seated me with Jesus (Eph 2:6). I’m now clothed in the righteousness of Jesus and rich in every way.

The household of God comes from every imaginable group of people in the world. Originally, the Jewish nation had a special relationship with God. They were the ones who received His laws and ordnances. They knew how to have a relationship with Him that the rest of us didn’t know. That changed with Jesus. We Gentiles now have access to God the Father through the Holy Spirit. We are now called citizens of heaven as well as being part of the family of God. This eliminated all racial barriers so that the Gospel has been freely preached to all people. In the past, some people considered others as sub-human and therefore not capable of being part of God’s family (Eph 2:15-3:6). That is not how the family of God should behave.

As God’s family we have been called His Body and we are also called His temple. The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and joins us all together. All temples need a firm foundation and that is what the prophets and the apostles’ teaching provided. I’ll cover the foundation and pillar in more detail shortly.

As an adopted member of God’s family, I now bear His family name, Christian. Every person who has been born again carries this name because Jesus lives in our hearts by faith. Not everyone understands this. Not everyone lets the Holy Spirit empower them to love as Christ loved us, but that is what families should do, love one another. We don’t always put off our old dysfunctional nature and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. I need to have my mind renewed if I’m going to live and act as one of God’s children (people who imitate God) and be called by His name.

I may be adopted as God’s son, but my future is to be Jesus’ bride. Guys have a hard time imagining what this really means just as some women have a problem thinking of themselves as sons. In Eph 5:21-33 Paul tried to put it into words that we would understand. I think the biggest issues are subjection, holiness, purity, and relationship.

As a member of God’s family, I willingly submit myself to Jesus’ leadership. This is the first and primary response to the good news of the Gospel. Without this, the family structure breaks down. If I’m not submissive, I may very well be proving that I’m not really an adopted son but a pretender.

A bride used to be pure, or at least they were supposed to be. This is not the way it is in the current world but it is the image that God has given us when Paul described the bride without a wrinkle or blemish, indicating holiness and purity. If I have no desire to holy and pure, then I am again proving to be pretender. As an imitator of God (all children imitate their parents) I will want to live a life of holiness loving my brothers and sister.

As a bride and a groom have a relationship with each other, so I must have a relationship with Jesus. That relationship is marked by sacrificial love. Jesus already showed His love by sacrificing Himself to take away our sins and make us holy. My responding love must be leaving the world and joining myself with Him in the Church. That means forsaking the pleasures of this world to become one who seeks to bring pleasure to Him.

Purpose of the Church

In thinking about the family of God, the Church came up many times. The Church, the Body of Christ, and the Family of God are all different ways of explaining our relationship with our Lord.

Some people want to make sure they get all these images correct otherwise they feel they aren’t being accurate in their Christian faith. As an example, I came across this name of a church on the internet, “The First Glorious Church of God in Christ of the Apostolic Faith House of Prayer for All People.” I can’t confirm that there is really a church named this way but it illustrates what some congregations do.

It isn’t what we name our church that makes it a body of believers who please God. It is what the body of believers does and what the elders, deacons, and pastors teach. Paul described a purpose of the Church in this way, Eph 3:10 that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. (RSV) As he stated above the Church is to be a pillar of truth. That truth is first of all proclaimed in the spiritual realm. It serves to notify the powers of darkness that they are defeated and on the way out. The angels who have remained faithful to the Lord are notified that mankind is redeemed and at the end of the ages we will be victorious.

This pillar of truth plays a very important part in today’s world where people have their own individual versions of truth. The Church stands as the one place on earth where I can rest assured that truth isn’t relative but is based on God who does not change. It is one of the reasons that Christians are vilified. Because we are unwavering in our belief of the truths of the true Church, we stand directly in the path of those who want to believe the things that lead them away from God, holiness, and righteousness. In this sense, the Church judges the world and that makes them very, very uncomfortable and even angry.

Mystery of Godliness

Some of the foundations of truth are summarized in this mystery of godliness, which is all about Jesus. Jesus is God incarnate, God in a human body. The world doesn’t like this truth because it means they have to believe what Jesus said. He said there is only one way to get to heaven and that is through Him and that just doesn’t make sense to those who have no faith in Jesus.

He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit as proof that Jesus wasn’t a liar or a fraud. The world has tried to deny and disprove His resurrection ever since the first Easter Sunday. His resurrection also proves that our sins are forgiven and that He has taken them all on Himself. The world considers His resurrection foolishness because it isn’t scientific. But the power of the Holy Spirit who raised Him gives us the ability to life a holy life.

The angels testified to His resurrection the very first day. Angels are very popular in the world as long as they don’t talk about or point the way to Jesus. When they point to Jesus, they encourage holy living.

Read the book of Acts and you will find Jesus preached to the nations.

·         God’s plan was Jesus’ crucifixion
·         Sinful man put Him to death (and we are include in putting Him to death by our sins)
·         God raised Him from the dead
·         He is Lord and Christ
·         We need to repent of sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins

These points are also a mystery to those who don’t believe. They refuse to believe any of these points, especially the need to repent. However many believed then and still do today. The world doesn’t understand how people can change and live godly lives after they believe in Jesus.

Jesus was taken up in glory. Since He ascended, He will also return just as He promised. When He comes back again, He will take His Church up in glory. The Church is the godly followers of Jesus. There are many who claim to follow Jesus but are not living godly lives. Will they be taken up in glory also? It’s a mystery but I don’t think so.

Today is the day to respond to Jesus and seek Him before He comes back and it’s too late.

Deacon Qualifications – 1 Tim 3:8-13

2011-06-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Likewise – for Me

I’m still looking at the qualifications of church leaders with the goal of being like them whether I serve in their capacity or not. These qualities should apply to all Christians, men or women. I can’t look at God’s Word, read the description of godly leaders and use the loophole that I’m not in their position to escape doing what God wants. James 1:22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. (NLT) If I read these qualifications and assume that I don’t have to live up to these standards, then I’m fooling myself.

In most churches, elders run the show and deacons do the work. I wondered how this came about until I looked up the Greek word for deacon (diakonos) and found that in twenty-seven other verses, the word is translated as either servant or minister in the KJV and servant in most other translations. Paul calls Jesus (Rom15:8), Apollos (1 Cor 3:4), himself and those working with him (2 Cor 6:4) a diakonos.

I thought it odd, at first, to think of Jesus as a deacon but He is the perfect definition of a deacon. He served completely to the point of dying on the cross to take away our sins. If I want to be a diakonos, then I need to have the same attitude and mind of Jesus. Jesus said that means being a servant or diakonos. Matt 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant [diakonos]. (NIV)

Paul was an elder and an Apostle as well as a deacon. He set the pattern so that all elders are also deacons or servants.

All of us should be servants, however it appears from these passages that some servant jobs within the church are official positions and require a qualified person. That qualification includes all the qualification for being an elder and more.

Several of the qualities seem to be either elaborations or summaries of the elder’s qualities. Since I’ve already expounded on the elder’s qualities, I’ll only address those that aren’t mentioned for an elder.

Mystery of the Faith

Paul explained the biggest mystery of the faith to the Ephesians. Eph 3:4-6 When you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (RSV) To be a servant of God, I must hold on to this, believe it, and live it. This means that every person I meet is a potential joint heir of salvation if not already a brother or sister in Jesus.

For a long time, salvation – knowing God – was through the Jewish sacrificial system and laws. Finally, salvation came to the rest of us by faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, almost every generation of believers has wandered from this truth in one way or another. Some have excluded people from the church because of their skin color, economic status, or other outward conditions. Some have included them in the church but segregated them. I wonder what their reaction is in heaven when they meet.

I don’t want to give the impression that the Church should accept everyone. Paul clearly said that I need to be discerning on moral grounds. In 1 Cor 5:9 he made the distinction that I should not associate with a person who claims to be a Christian and is immoral. If the person is immoral but doesn’t claim to be a Christian, then I can view them as a potential Christian.

Having a clear conscience in this area is vital for a deacon. How can I serve another person if think they can never be saved or that they are beneath my social or racial position? James 2:1 My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (RSV) James made this point when he warned us against favoring the rich over the poor.

Fruit Inspectors

People who want to do whatever they want, sinful or not, do not like verses in the Bible that hold us accountable to each other. They quote Jesus. Matt 7:1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (NIV) They usually have no idea what this really means and they don’t know the next verse. Matt 7:2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV) Jesus’ warning was not to ever judge, but to let me know that if I declare that a person is sinning in some area, then it proves that I know right from wrong and will also be held accountable for my sins. For people who aren’t forgiven through the blood of Jesus, this is a dire warning because they will have no excuse when condemned to hell. However, for us sinners who have the blood of Jesus washing us, it is a different story. We have recognized the plank in our own eyes and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. We will not be condemned but are able to help others find the same forgiveness once they acknowledge their sin and need for Jesus to be their Savior. They will then be able to turn from that sin and escape condemnation.

Paul says that the deacons must be proved blameless when they are tested. This means that there must be a standard that they are judged against. The people that are doing the testing and judging must also be willing to be judged by the same standard. Paul has listed the qualities of leaders. Matt 7:20 So then, you will know them by their fruits. (NASB) It is up to us to recognize whether these qualities are being met by observing their behavior then making a judgment whether or not they measure up.

Wives

The elder’s wives were not mentioned, but it stands to reason that an elder’s wife must also meet the same qualifications of a deacon’s. Why would a man’s wife make any difference whether or not he could serve in either capacity? I think it is because a husband and wife are a team in ministry.

Consider the help that a godly wife is to a person who wants to serve the Lord. Prov 31:10-11 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. (NKJV) When a man becomes a deacon or an elder, he has added responsibilities that will test and try them both. However, a virtuous wife will be one he can trust to help bear the burden. Their ministry will flourish because of this.

On the other hand, if a wife doesn’t meet these qualification, especially the one who slanders other, she will cause all sorts of grief. Prov 12:4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. (NKJV) A husband should be able to share with his wife what is going on in the church. He shouldn’t have to keep it secret from her because she can’t keep a confidence. If she isn’t faithful in all things, he will have a very difficult time serving. An irreverent wife or one who isn’t temperate is just as bad. Prov 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. (NKJV)

Benefits of Leadership

Becoming a leader in the church has benefits. They aren’t power, prestige, or money. They are spiritual. If you follow the lives of Steven and Phillip, the first two deacons mentioned in Acts 6:5, you will see how they were used by God in mighty ways beyond the duties that they accepted.

Philem 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (NIV) As we share our faith by both word and deed, we grow. We learn by doing and we develop into the people that God wants us to be. Whether in the position of elder, deacon, or simply a servant of Jesus, we are blessed when we obey Him and serve others.