QTRLY Bible Study:

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The rich ruler's question assumes that keeping some of the commandments is sufficient, and Jesus replies with a partial list. Is keeping part of the commandments good enough?

( James 2:10-11 tells us that violating one commandment is a violation of them all.)


Read Matthew 19:20-21. Is this the key to heaven? Selling our goods and giving them to the poor makes us perfect?


Read Matthew 19:22-25. I know why I'm astonished by Jesus' conversation with the rich ruler, why are the disciples "exceedingly amazed?"

(They had the Deuteronomy 28 understanding of things - this young fellow was blessed because he was good. In addition, the rich ruler said he had been obedient.)


Read Matthew 19:26. Finally, we get to an answer from Jesus that seems to fit the rest of the Bible. Let's consider a series of questions:


What was the consistent thinking of the rich ruler? (That obedience would give him heaven -- and he had been obedient.)


What do we ultimately learn about the rich ruler?

(That he could not (or did not) obey. He was unwilling to sell all that he had.)


Is it possible that with His questions Jesus was "playing along" with the rich ruler in order for the rich ruler to see the truth - that he could not work his way into heaven?


If Jesus was "playing along," why didn't He say to the rich ruler, "I was just kidding you, the key to heaven is grace, there is nothing you can do to be saved - including giving away your money or your life?" (Read 1 Corinthians 13:3 and compare.)


Re-read Matthew 19:23-24. This hardly sounds like Jesus is kidding about money being a problem. What do you think Jesus means? Is there one theme in this entire dialog? (Jesus' conclusion ( Matthew 19:26) is that salvation is impossible for men, but possible through God. If we work back from that, we see that this rich ruler depended first on his works and second on his wealth. These were things within his power. Jesus showed the rich ruler he was wrong about his works, and Jesus shows us that the ruler was dependent on his money.)


On what should the rich ruler depend? (God!)


If that is true, was giving away his money about helping the poor or about saving the rich ruler? (It was all about the rich ruler. The question was whether he would trust God or his money. He decided to trust his money.)


Read Matthew 19:27-28. Peter and the disciples say they have left everything and followed Jesus. What does Jesus say the disciples will have? Things? (No. Power.)


Read Matthew 19:29. I see two things on this list that represent wealth - houses and fields. Does it seem that this is a discussion of money? (No! This is about putting God first. Depending on God.)


Let me ask you again, why is it hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? (This is about grace and dependance. We cannot depend on our works. We cannot depend on our money. We cannot depend upon family. We must depend only upon God.)

 

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Nicodemus


Read John 3:1. What do we learn about Nicodemus?

(He was a man of influence. In the past I've read extra-Biblical sources that indicate that the House of Nicodemus was one of the richest.)


Read John 3:2. I think Nicodemus intended to compliment Jesus. If you were Jesus, would you be complimented?
(No. Nicodemus comes at night, which makes it appear he does not want to be seen with Jesus. He says Jesus is a teacher, he does not acknowledge that He is the Messiah.)


Read John 3:3. Has Jesus dispensed with the "small talk?"

(Yes. He gets right to the point.)


Read John 3:4-10. Nicodemus comes with what he thought were compliments. Is Jesus complimenting Nicodemus? (No!)


What does this teach us about dealing with the rich and powerful?

(Jesus shares truth with Nicodemus, but He is not compromising truth to get Nicodemus to endorse Him.)


Read John 3:11. Is "you people" a compliment? Who, exactly, is "you people?

(Probably the rich and powerful leaders.)


Read John 3:12-15. We discussed earlier the issue about Jesus denying that He was God. What does Jesus say here about His divinity?

(He says that He "came from heaven.")


Unlike the rich ruler, we are not given Nicodemus' final reaction to this discussion. What does Jesus say that indicates Nicodemus was probably thinking about whether he would accept Jesus as the Messiah?

(Jesus predicts exactly how He will die. This was powerful proof to Nicodemus.)


Read John 7:50 and John 19:38-40. What did Nicodemus ultimately decide about Jesus? (We see that Nicodemus spoke against Jesus' arrest and that he helped claim Jesus' body and prepared it for burial.)


Let's get back to Jesus' final statements in the interview with Nicodemus. Read John 3:16-18. What is the standard for the judgment? (Belief. If you do not believe in Jesus, you are "condemned already." The "already" suggests that our works do not earn salvation. If you don't believe, we don't need to get into the issue of your works.)


Read John 3:19-21. Is there a connection between belief in Jesus and works? (If you do evil, you love darkness. If you live by the truth, you love the light because your works have "been done through God.")

 

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Attitude

Read Luke 16:13-15 and Deuteronomy 8:17-18. What are some major attitude issues for those who are rich?

(A superior attitude. First, the attitude that they are responsible for their wealth, and second, an attitude of devotion to wealth.)


How does that fit into the two stories we studied: the rich ruler and Nicodemus?

(The rich ruler was looking for an affirmation of his righteousness. Nicodemus, was offended when Jesus told him that he needed to do something different to be saved.)


Do you have to be rich to love money?

(No. Some love money (and are covetous of the rich) because they don't have any. They, too, are devoted to money.)


When Jesus says in Matthew 19:23 that it is hard for a rich man (woman) to enter Heaven, what do you now think He meant?

(Getting into heaven turns on grace, dependence on God. Wealthy people often have the attitude of self-dependence. The two attitudes are in tension.)


Friend, what is your attitude towards money? Do you depend on it? Why not commit today to depending on God - whether for salvation or for your daily needs?

 

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Discipling the Powerful

(Romans 13, Acts 4, Matthew 26)

Introduction: Is government good? God tells us that it is. If that is true, why is it that government does so much evil? Government authority killed Jesus! How should Christians relate to those in power? Let's race into our study of the Bible and see what we can learn!

Christians and Government


Read Romans 13:1. 13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Did God get Ronald Reagan elected president? Did God get Barack Obama elected president? If you have a hard time saying, "yes," to both questions, what do you think this text means?

(These are two U.S. Presidents with different views of the role of government.)


We can all think of authorities like Hitler and Stalin who killed thousands (millions?)of their own citizens. North Korea is currently murdering its citizens. Would God establish them?

(I think this text means that God generally establishes governmental authority.)


Read Romans 13:2. The church in Germany has been condemned for not standing against the murder of millions of Jews during Hitler's reign. How would you understand and apply this text?


We would never have had the American revolution if this text had been followed. Was that movement contrary to the Bible?


If you say, "God supports some authority and not others," you run into Romans 13:1 that says that God establishes all authority. Is there another way to look at these verses?


Read Romans 13:3-5. We will look at Jesus' trial toward the end of this lesson. Is it true to say "rulers hold no terror for those who do right?" Paul knew what happened to Jesus. Jesus was right and Jesus faced terror!

(Two things. First, the context. It was important for the early church members not to be seen as enemies of Rome. This message helped in that regard. Second, I think Paul is speaking generally here. We know this is not literally always true because of what happened to Jesus. However, it is generally true.)


Is Paul only writing about practical matters?

(No. He says he is writing because of practical considerations (punishment) and "also because of conscience.")


Read Romans 13:6-7. Are Christians to pay taxes even if they disagree with government policies?

(Yes.)


Are Christians supposed to show respect to Nancy Pelosi (or fill in the name of some other controversial politician in your country)?

(Yes. A few years ago, I read this text again and it convinced me to quit referring to a leading politician in a disparaging way.)


Read Romans 13:8-10. Why are debts and love part of this line of teaching? How do they fit in with paying taxes and avoiding revolution?

(All of this deals with the obligations of Christians. They have an obligation to pay their bills, they have an obligation to avoid harming their neighbor, they have an obligation to be good citizens. All of this obligation arises out of the obligation of love.)


Wait a minute! If the underlying foundation from which all of these other rules arise is the rule of love, what does that say about the Jews under Hitler and living under Stalin?

(If the underlying rule is love, then Christians would defend the Jews and would resist Stalin's murders.)

 

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The Disciples and Government

Read Acts 4:1-3. We just read Romans 13:3 which says that those doing right have no fear of the government. Is that true here?

(No. Peter and John are preaching the gospel.)


Read Acts 4:4. What does this teach us about whether Peter and John were doing what is right?

(Their words converted sinners!)


Read Acts 4:5-12. Romans 13:7 says give respect and honor to those whom it is due. These are legitimate leaders, is Peter showing them respect and honor?

Is it respectful to say, "Were we arrested for being kind and healing a cripple?" "You claim to have the power to arrest us, but you killed the Messiah!"

Read Acts 4:13-14. Has Peter chosen a winning strategy?

(Yes! His opponents don't know what to say in response, and they decide to regroup.)


How does this inform our understanding of Romans 13?

(We are within the rule of love to resist government when it opposes us promoting the gospel.)


We need to stop a minute here. When we use the term "oppose government," does that have the same meaning in a democracy as it does in a totalitarian state - like Rome?

(Absolutely not. Authority is in the hands of the voters in a democracy. Therefore, to resist in accord with the laws is part of supporting the legitimate functioning of the government.)


Read Acts 4:15-17. The rulers are meeting to map out a strategy. What is their goal?

("To stop this thing from spreading." To stop the gospel.)


Read Acts 4:18-20 and read Romans 13:5. Peter and John ask if they should obey God or men. How can they create that distinction since God says to obey those in authority? If a ruler gives a command, you follow it!

(Apparently not.)


Read Acts 4:25-26. Here is a different view of rulers and government than what we read in Romans 13:1. This says that government plots against the work of God, while Romans says that authority is established by God. Which is it?


Read Acts 4:27-28. What does this say about God's power and will and the evil deeds of rulers?

(This says that the most evil deed - the murder and torture of Jesus - was what God had previously decided "should happen.")


Is God behind the evil done by rulers like Hitler and Stalin?

(No. In this case, God decided that He would die for our sins. Satan and his human allies decided to make it painful.)


Can you see a parallel between the discussion in Romans about God and earthly authority and this discussion about God and the death of His Son?

(I think so. It is God's will to have authority on earth. It was God's will, once we sinned, to die in our place. The fact that God has a general will for something to be done, does not mean that God endorses the evil that is done by the exercise of human free choice.)


Read Acts 4:29-30. Are the disciples praying that God will enable them to disobey authority?

(Yes.)


What, then, should be the rule for Christians about evil done by authority?

(We should not be part of it. But note that we may be punished for being disobedient: "consider their threats and enable your servants." Please, God, help us to be able to suffer the punishment of doing Your will.)

 

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Jesus and Government

Read Matthew 26:59-62. Obviously, the government is up to no good here. Should Jesus have answered? Isn't the highest authority asking Him to answer?

(Read Deuteronomy 19:15. The Bible has a form of the rule against self-incrimination. You cannot be punished on your statement alone. Therefore this was an improper question.)


Read Matthew 26:63. Did Jesus invoke the "Fifth Amendment?"

(Yes! For those who are not Americans, the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens against self-incrimination.)


Read Matthew 26:63-66. Is the high priest violating the law?

(Yes. He should not have demanded in the name of God that Jesus incriminate Himself, and he knew that Jesus' testimony alone was not sufficient for a conviction.)


What does this teach us about dealing with authority?

(Authority is not always good, and it is not always fair.)


When we are faced with unjust government authority, on what should we ultimately rely?

(Read Daniel 2:44. God controls kings and kingdoms. He will ultimately destroy all these earthly kingdoms.)


Re-read Acts 4:27-28. In what can we take confidence?

(Even though unfair things may happen to us, we know that God is in charge and that in the end His will must prevail.)


what is your attitude toward government? If it is hostile, why not today recognize that God establishes human authority. While it might not act appropriately, God calls on us to obey the government unless a moral issue is involved.

 

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Lesson 11 - Discipling Spiritual Leaders


Introduction: Consider Moses and the Apostle Paul. What traits did they have in common? I think of them as highly intelligent and highly educated men. Would you consider Jesus' disciples to have the same traits? Why did Jesus pick disciples who were not highly educated? We don't know how smart they were, but Jesus did call them "dull"(Matthew 15:16). Moses and Paul were great leaders - but so were the disciples. Something is going on with the training of the disciples that might bless our lives. Let's dive into our lesson and see what we can learn about the way Jesus trained future spiritual leaders!

Picking Disciples


Read Luke 6:12-13. What does this sequence of events suggest about the way that Jesus chose His apostles?

(Serious prayer proceeded the selection. This suggests that Jesus sought the aid of heaven in the selection.)


What should we do before we choose spiritual leaders in the church?

(Pray!)


Read Luke 6:14-16. What do you know about Jesus' choices?

(We know for sure that one of those chosen betrayed Jesus. We have no information to indicate that they were current spiritual leaders, educated theologians, or civic leaders.)


Why do you think Jesus picked a very limited number of disciples to be His apostles? Shouldn't everyone be treated equally? Shouldn't everyone have a turn at leadership?

(This fits our study of two weeks ago where we learned that God is behind the structure of government. Jesus believed in organization.)


Read Luke 6:17-19. What else seems connected with praying all night?

(Power is streaming from Jesus. Just touching Jesus resulted in healing.)


Read Luke 6:20-21. Is there merit in being poor, hungry and sad?

(Read Proverbs 14:23 and Proverbs 19:15. According to Proverbs, achieving that is easy: talk instead of work, sleep too much, be lazy and shiftless, and you will be poor and hungry.)


If we put what Jesus says together with what Proverbs says we find that the lazy who talk too much and sleep too much to get any work done will be blessed and satisfied in the Kingdom of Heaven. Does that sound about right?


Read Luke 6:22. Here we learn that being hated, insulted and rejected as evil is also good. What is the most important part of this verse?

(The reason behind it: "Because of the Son of Man.")


Jesus says things that our common sense (and much of the rest of the Bible) tells us is just plain wrong. There is no merit in being poor, hungry, sad, hated, insulted and rejected as evil. These are not goals. If they are, unlike righteousness, they are easy to achieve. All sorts of people who have done little good, and a lot bad, achieve these goals. So, what do you think "because of the Son of Man" means? How does it modify the true meaning of what Jesus is teaching?


Read Luke 6:23. Were the prophets lazy, shiftless, talkers who failed to work hard?
(No!)


Read Deuteronomy 28:1-6 and Deuteronomy 28:15-20. By now, you may be saying, "Bruce, you cite Deuteronomy 28 so much I've got it memorized!" How do you explain what Jesus is saying to His disciples?

(He is telling them that their life pattern will be different. They may be poor, hungry and sad now because they are promoting Jesus. But, they will be rich, satisfied and happy in heaven.)


What does this say to us? Which outcome is true for us, Deuteronomy 28 or Luke 6?

(Look again at Luke 6:20-21. It says things will get better. The poor "now" will own the Kingdom of God. Those who weep "now" will laugh. In fact, Deuteronomy 28 parallels Luke 6 in many ways.)

 

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Read Hebrews 11:32-38. God tells us that good things or terrible things can happen to us in this world because of being faithful. How can we reconcile this with what we have discussed so far?


Read Hebrews 11:39-40. Regardless of what happens on earth, what is the ultimate certainty?

(That God's promise to His disciples will not be completely fulfilled until heaven! This is the ultimate promise that things will be right.)


Let's circle back to be sure we have this connected to our topic. What does this teach us about training future spiritual leaders?

(The near term economic side of things is uncertain. The long term economic side of things is certain.)


Read Luke 6:24-25. Wait! This, of course, on its face completely contradicts Deuteronomy 28. How can we reconcile the two?


Read Luke 6:26. How does this help solve this apparent conflict?

(This is the key to solving this riddle. The first group were poor, hungry and sad, but because they were following Jesus they had a positive future. This group is rich, well fed and happy. However, they have a terrible future because they are like false prophets. This group is betraying Jesus and portraying Him in a false light.)


Does what I am suggesting about these verses make sense to you? If not, look again at Luke 6:24-25. If being poor, hungry and sad are goals, these "woe" people (the currently rich, well-fed and happy) are on the road to meeting the goal! They are on the road to success!


Context is extremely important in the Bible. Ripping out a single verse and studying it on its own can be deceiving. What kind of apostles did Jesus choose - those who were rich, well feed and happy?

(No - at least not rich.)


Is Jesus' continuing discussion an explanation of why He chose the unlikely disciples that He did?

(Yes! He wants disciples (and this applies to us now) who are more interested in promoting the Kingdom of God than promoting themselves. He is interested in those who choose faithfulness to Him over those who compromise the message so that others will "speak well of you.")


Read Acts 1:6-9. Did Jesus get what He wanted? Did the disciples get the message that wealth and power was not the goal?

(It took a little time for Jesus' message to sink in that the goal was not personal influence and wealth.)

 

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Discipling Disciples


We just saw that after all this time with Jesus, the disciples did not have a very good grasp of Jesus' message to them - a message He had been preaching from the time He selected them. Read John 16:7-11. What is the essential ingredient to getting Jesus' message right?

(Having the Holy Spirit.)


Read John 16:12. What limited Jesus in His teaching of the disciples? (They simply could not "bear" certain truth.)


Who would bring them that truth, if not Jesus? (The Holy Spirit.)


What does that teach us about our own walk with Jesus?

(We need to remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Things we might not have been able to "bear" at one time may be truth that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us.)


What does that teach us about discipling others? (We should use discretion about what new believers can "bear.")


Does this mean that we should not require new believers to accept all of the doctrines?


Read Romans 14:1 and Romans 14:22-23. Read the entire chapter if you want a fuller understanding. What does this suggest about what new believers can "bear?"

(This suggests another view of what we were just discussing. Here, the new believer is zealous over some doctrine or teaching that those with stronger faith know is not correct. When we put these two ideas together, we learn to "take it easy" with correcting new believers - both in what they don't know and in what they think they know.)


Read John 16:13-15. Who should be bringing the new believers into line? (The Holy Spirit! All the more reason to "take it easy" with new believers!)


How can you explain the rapid growth in the disciples' understanding when the Holy Spirit came upon them? (Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. The Holy Spirit lives in us. He can continually teach us and lead us.)


Friend, what do you think is the most important trait of a disciple? Jesus teaches us that it is not wealth, good-eating or happiness. Instead, it is seeking to advance the Kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you commit today to seek to advance God's Kingdom through His Spirit?

 

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The Harvest and the Harvesters

(Mark 6, Matthew 21, Luke 5, Acts 16)


Introduction: In Matthew 9:37 Jesus said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." Since Jesus is talking about harvesting souls for the Kingdom of Heaven, I would add, "and skilled workers are even fewer." I have the handle of an old scythe in my garage. Scythes are hand tools for harvesting wheat. They have a long, curved handle, and a long, narrow blade fastened at a right angle to the end of the handle. I've got an idea about how it works, but it would take on-the-job training for me to use it properly. What about harvesting souls? How do we become a skilled worker at that critical task? Let's plunge into our study of the Bible and see what we can learn!

Trial Run


Read Mark 6:7. How many of you served an internship for your current job? Is that what we are seeing here, on-the-job training?

(Yes. Jesus decides that before He returns to heaven, He will give the disciples a practice run, or internship, for their ultimate harvesting mission.)


Consider the first two things that Jesus does. Why do you think Jesus sent them out in pairs? Why do you think that the second thing He did was give them authority over evil spirits?


Read Ephesians 6:12. In our evangelistic work today, do we underestimate the importance of spiritual warfare?


Read Mark 6:8-9. When the children were small, we would take vacation trips in our motor home. I believed in taking spare equipment and parts. I thought this was prudent preparation. Are the disciples unprepared? Why would they lack even the essentials - like food and money?


Is the idea to teach them true faith and dependence?

(Read Matthew 10:10. Matthew's version of this event gives Jesus' reason - and He does not mention increasing faith. Instead, Jesus says that those who benefit from ministry should support it.)


In the past I've had ministries ask me to contribute to a fund so that they could accrue enough money to "launch" the missionary. More recently, a ministry asked me to contribute to the work of close friends. Is this a flawed approach? Should those who directly benefit from missionary work pay for it?

(Read 1 Corinthians 9:6, 12 and 15. The principle is that those who benefit should pay, but it is not a moral issue to make them pay.)


Read Mark 6:10. Why not keep a look-out for better accommodations?

(If you consider all of Jesus' directions, they seem to point to an uncomplicated approach - don't be weighed down by extra stuff and don't be searching around for different places to stay. Focus on the mission of sharing the gospel.)


Read Mark 6:11. What lesson should we learn here that will help us with our current evangelistic efforts?

(We should focus on those who want to hear what we have to say.)


Those of you who have read my lessons for many years may recall the struggle I had about my elderly neighbors. I did all sorts of "works" for them, but he did not want to discuss salvation with me, and at one point his wife seemed hostile. When they had trouble, they would call me to pray, but I never converted either of them. I thought it was my failure. What does this text suggest?

(If some resist the gospel, move on to the next person.)

 

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The Message[/B]


Read Mark 6:12. Consider the disciples' message. Should that be our message today?


Read Matthew 3:1-2. John preached repentance for Jesus was coming. When Jesus came He sent out his disciples and they preached repentance. How do you combine the message of repentance with having a welcoming attitude towards sinners?


Read Luke 5:29-30. The Pharisees wanted sinners to change before they ate with them, but Jesus is eating with sinners. What would you guess was the first thing that Jesus said to the sinners?

(I doubt it was "repent." More probably, "Why don't we eat?")


Read Luke 5:31-32. What is Jesus' message? (Repent!)


As a practical matter, what do you think this means? Exactly what should we say to people who come to our church seeking truth?


When we see something that the new people are doing or wearing or eating that is inconsistent with our view of what is right, should we call them to repent of the doing, wearing or eating?


Read Matthew 21:23 and Matthew 21:32. Who is Jesus addressing?

(The chief religious leaders. These are people who believe in God and seem to have the doing, wearing and eating requirements exactly right.)


In this context, what is Jesus asking them to do in Matthew 21:32?

(Repent of their failure to believe in Jesus. John was also preaching faith in Jesus.)


When they refused to "repent" and accept the "way of righteousness," what had they refused?
(Grace! Righteousness through faith in Jesus.)


Now, let me ask you again, what is it we should be telling our visitors about repentance?

(They should repent of sin, they should repent of believing in righteousness through their own works, they should accept righteousness through faith in Jesus!)


If we tell visitors looking for truth that they should stop doing, wearing or eating something to be saved, who needs to repent?

(The person suggesting that salvation comes through doing, wearing or eating!)


Read Matthew 21:28-30. This is the story that lead up to the verses we just discussed. Which son did the will of the father?

(Read Matthew 21:31. Not the son who merely said the right things, but the son who did the right thing.)

 

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Let's discuss this. Based on the verses connected to this story, I suggested that church people who tell visitors that they must stop doing, wearing or eating something need to repent. This story says the son who does the right thing is the one who pleases the father. Was my suggestion wrong?

(I trust not. Instead, I think this shows us the two sides of error. One side of error falls in the ditch of works - that you must do or not do something to be entitled to salvation. The other side of error falls in the ditch of saying sin is fine. You need change nothing. The path of truth is that you agree to accept Jesus as your only source of salvation and turn your life and your will over to Him.)


Read Luke 24:46-49. What does this tell us is our message to the world?
(Repent and seek forgiveness of sin, and you will have righteousness through Jesus' life, death and resurrection.)


They have the message. Why wait?

(The power, the skill is promised. We turn to that next.)


The Power


Read Acts 16:6. If our goal is to share the good news about Jesus, why would the Holy Spirit keep us from doing good work?

(The Holy Spirit was not keeping them from preaching, He was simply directing where they should not go.)


Read Acts 16:7-10. Have you ever wondered if you should share the gospel with a certain person? What kind of aid can we expect from the Holy Spirit?

(This story teaches us that the Holy Spirit will lead us to people who want to hear the gospel.)


Read Acts 2:1-3. Why the wind, noise and fire?

(Read Acts 2:4-6. It attracted a crowd. Consider how your church attempts to bring seekers into the church.)


Read Acts 2:7-12. If you had a church meeting, and you wanted to share the gospel with people who spoke 15 different languages, how would you do it?

(Recall that I was blaming myself for not having the best gospel "pitch" for my elderly neighbors? The task facing the disciples was impossible - 15 (count them) different languages. But the Holy Spirit resolved it all.)


What does that teach us about how we should present the gospel message? (It tells me that getting the right "help" is the most important thing.)


Friend, if you are not sharing the gospel message, will you start today? Will you share with those who want to hear the message? Will you share repentance and salvation by grace alone? Will you pray that the Holy Spirit will empower you with the right opportunities, words and actions?

 

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Laws in Christ's Day
(Romans 2, 5 & 13, James 2, Revelation 22)
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Introduction: For decades my brother lived in Southern California. When he would speak to me about towns, I would have an idea of the direction and distance to that town. He has now moved and when he mentions a town I have no idea about either direction or distance. Imagine you have to travel to a town and you have no idea about its location. You need a map. We start a new series of lessons on the law of God. It seems so natural to think of the law and grace as being opposed to each other. My goal in this series is to help us think about the law and grace as being gifts. Like a map, the law is a wonderful gift from God to help us to understand how to get safely to our destination. Let's dive into our study of the Bible and see what we can learn!

Natural Law

Read Romans 5:12-13. This text tells us that sin is not taken into account when there is no law. What do you think that means? In the absence of the law, no sin exists?


Read Romans 5:14. We just read in Romans 5:12 that sin brings death. How do we explain that everyone died even when sin was not taken into account?


Read Romans 2:12. This tells us that we can sin even when there is no law. How would you reconcile Romans 5:13 (no law = no accountability for sin) and Romans 2:12 (sin apart from law = death)? (Humans died from sin even when God did not hold them accountable for sin.)


Does this mean that sin has its own mechanism for bringing death apart from God?


Read Romans 2:13-14. What does it mean to "do by nature things required by the law?" (Welcome to the concept of natural law! Whether or not they are written down, natural laws control things in our life.)


Can you think of some natural laws? (Consider all of the physical laws like gravity and the predictable movements of the sun and planets. What about injury and pain?)


Let's go back to my brother's move. Let's say that I want to visit him. What natural (physical)laws are involved? (We can group the most critical ones and conclude that travel in the right direction is required. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line - a natural law. I could go in the wrong direction, but the trip would be much more difficult.)


Is it God's fault that travel in the correct direction is required, or at least an issue?


Let's look at God's law as a map. Does the map make the journey more difficult? (No! It is a tremendous help!)


Recall that in Romans 5:12 it says that sin was not taken into account before the law was given. Could you could say that I was violating the "rule" of the map before you gave me a map? (No.)


Would I be any less lost before I had a map? (No, I would still be subject to the natural law that I needed to travel in the right direction.)


Does this clarify the texts in Romans? Humans did not violate God's given law (the map) when they did not have the law, but that did not suspend the operation of the natural laws.


Read Genesis 2:8-9, Genesis 3:22, Genesis 3:24 and Revelation 22:12-14. What do these verses suggest about death? (Dying with age is natural for humans. It is a natural law. It took the Tree of Life to protect us from this natural law.)


Read Revelation 21:4. Has God changed the natural law of death in the "new order?" Or, is death like a disease cured by the Tree of Life?


Read Revelation 22:1-2. If sickness is a thing of the past, why is the Tree of Life "for the healing of the nations?" (We are beyond a subject easily understood by humans, certainly it is not easily understood by me, but it appears that when we are resurrected to a perfect state and living in the earth made new, we will still need the Tree of Life to prevent sickness and death.)


Why does God not just rewire us to allow us to live eternally? (This causes me to think, in my very limited human understanding, that God lives with natural laws. He does not alter them.)

 

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Moral Law


Read James 2:8-11. What law is referred to here? (The Ten Commandments. What we call the "moral law.")


Read James 2:12-13. How can James call this "the law that gives freedom?"


Does a map give you freedom?


Consider this. If natural laws are operating in our universe, and God's moral law gives us a map to avoid violating the natural laws with their natural penalties, would you call the moral law something that gives you freedom? (Yes!)


Would it be fair to say that the moral law operates something like the Tree of Life?


Let's see if we can draw some conclusions about the natural law and the moral law. For reasons that are beyond my understanding, it appears that God does not attempt to rewrite natural laws. Instead of changing the natural law that weakness, sin and death come with time, He gives us the Tree of Life in the earth made new. Instead of changing the natural laws that operate on earth, God gives us His moral law to help us avoid suffering the penalties of violating natural law. Does this seem right to you?


Civil Law


Read Romans 13:1-3. On what are civil laws based, natural law or the moral law? (Remember that God's moral law is supposed to help us deal with natural law. Thus, the authority of civil rulers, which comes from God, should be based on both.)


Read Romans 13:4-5. Why is conscience involved in obeying civil laws? (This shows that at least God's moral law is involved.)


Read Romans 13:8-10. How does this help resolve the issue of whether civil authority is based on the moral law? (Paul is clearly referring to the Ten Commandments - moral law. He tells us that human authority is established by God to enforce the law of love.)


What example can you give of how civil laws enforce the law of love? (Take for example private property and the judicial system. The examples in Romans 13:9 involve taking something from someone else. If we love our neighbor as our self, then we will not take anything from our neighbor. Since not everyone is in tune with the moral law, the civil authorities (the police and the courts) enforce the laws against stealing.)


Can you begin to see a picture here? Natural laws exist and it appears that God does not alter them. God gives us His moral law to help us avoid violating natural laws. Not everyone is in tune with moral laws, and thus God establishes civil authority to enforce His moral laws. These three levels of law are all related!


What does this say about church-state relationships?

 

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Ceremonial Law


Read Leviticus 1:1-4. What law is this?

(This is part of the "ceremonial law" given through Moses.)


What "ceremony" are we talking about?
(It was the procedure for obtaining the removal of sin from the person offering the offering.)


Are the ceremonial laws also a map? (Yes. They illustrate the plan of salvation. They pointed to the coming of Jesus and His sacrifice.)


Are the ceremonial laws still valid?

(No. They were fulfilled. However, we should not forget them because they reinforce our belief in Jesus.)


Read Romans 8:1-4. What law is referred to here?

(At least the moral law because it refers to sin.)


Did Jesus fulfill the moral law in the same way that He fulfilled the ceremonial law? (I think the answer is "yes.")


Should we forget the moral [/B]law?

(No! Recall the map. If you want to avoid getting into trouble with natural laws, pay close attention to the moral law.)



if you feel this discussion is just a beginning, you are right! Let's ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth when it comes to the different laws with which we live.


Next week: Christ and the Law of Moses.

 

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Lesson 2 - Christ and the Law of Moses


Introduction: Last week we discussed natural law, the moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. Which one is the "Law of Moses?" Moses delivered both the moral law and the ceremonial law in written form to God's people when they journeyed to Canaan. However, did they exist prior to Moses writing them down? Do they apply today? Let's plunge into our Bibles and see what we can learn!

Dedicated to God


Read Luke 2:21. What happened on the eighth day to new born boys? (They were circumcised and given a name.)


Why? (Read Genesis 17:12. This was part of the law.)


Whose law? What did circumcision represent? (Read Genesis 17:9-11. It was God's command to Abraham. It represented the fact that Abraham's descendants had a special relationship with God. However, we find in Leviticus 12:3 and John 7:22 that this is later included as part of the Mosaic law.)


In Genesis 17:9-10, circumcision is called a "covenant" (contract) between humans and God. Why would it take place on the eighth day, before the boy had any ability to understand what was taking place or consent to this contract with God?


Read Galatians 5:2-4 and Galatians 5:6. Recall last week that we discussed natural law, civil law, moral law and ceremonial law. What type of law does circumcision represent? (Paul suggests that the law of circumcision was fulfilled in Jesus, therefore it must be a ceremonial law.)


Read Genesis 17:13. How can Paul tell us this law has no value when God clearly called it "an everlasting covenant?"


Read Colossians 2:9-12. How do these verses help us to better understand this everlasting covenant? (This tells us that the moral law of God is involved. The covenant (contract) between God and Abraham's descendants (the Jewish people) was that they would promote His moral law. As we discussed last week, this helped them avoid the problems presented by natural law.)


How do we, who are not Jewish, keep the everlasting covenant with God? (Through acceptance, by baptism, of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.)


Read Romans 2:29. How else can we participate in the everlasting covenant? (The Holy Spirit living in us "circumcises" our heart, so that we want to obey God's will.)


Read Luke 2:22-24. What else happened to Jesus in accord with the ceremonial law? (He was presented to God and a sacrifice offered on His behalf.)


How would you apply these principles to a new-born baby today? (A dedication to God. If circumcision is replaced by baptism, grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, then it seems reasonable to invoke all three.)

 

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Relating to the Law


Read Matthew 17:24. This was a tax to support the temple. What kind of law requires this tax? (Read Exodus 30:13-16. This tax began as part of the law of Moses!)


If you were Peter, how would you answer this question? (Moses commanded it! The temple was the central religious site. Paying that tax might be a test of religious faith. Paying your taxes shows honesty. The obvious answer is "Yes, Jesus pays the temple tax!")


Read Matthew 17:25. What issue had Peter failed to consider? (Kings don't tax their sons. If Jesus is the Son of God, He should not pay the tax.)


Read Matthew 17:26. What is the central religious issue involved in paying this tax? (The most important question for every age: who is Jesus? Is He God or is He merely a man?)


If Jesus paid the temple tax, what would He be saying about whether He is God? (It would be a denial of who He is.)


Let's put you in Peter's shoes again, should Jesus pay the temple tax?


Read Matthew 17:27. Does Jesus pay the temple tax?


My bet is that the drachma collectors followed Peter to the water so that they could collect. What do you think about the way that the coin was obtained by Peter? (This, of course, is a miracle. How many fish are in the sea? Jesus says go fishing, the first fish will have exact change in its mouth!)


What does the method of obtaining the coin say about the divinity of Jesus? (It attests to His divinity.)


Why not just say "No?" (Jesus says "so that we may not offend them.")


In Matthew 12:34 Jesus calls some religious leaders a "brood of vipers." Can we conclude that Jesus is concerned about insulting people? (If you look at the entire conversation in Matthew 12, the religious leaders said Jesus was in league with demons. The temple tax collectors seem to be simply doing a good thing - following the law of Moses.)


What lesson in the temple tax story is Jesus teaching us about the law? (The temple system and its support were about to end because of Jesus' mission on earth. Nevertheless, Jesus goes as far as He can to avoid giving offense, without compromising the central moral principle.)


Does the temple tax lesson have anything to do with Paul's teaching on circumcision? (Paul tries to avoid "offending" new believers by telling them that they have to be circumcised.)


Do we take seriously the lesson of avoiding giving offense to others who seek God? (We cannot compromise central principles, but we should do all in our power to avoid offending those who think they are doing God's will.)

 

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Festivals


New Unger's Bible Dictionary points out that every festival was "connected in some way with the number seven." There is the weekly Sabbath

(Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11), the Sabbatical Year (Exodus 23:10-11), the Seventh New Moon (Feast of Trumpets - Numbers 29:1), Year of Jubilee ("seven times seven years - Leviticus 25:8-12). Then there are the "three great annual festivals of Israel," Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:5-6; Exodus 12:1-28), Pentecost (Feast of Weeks - Leviticus 23:15-16), Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:33-34).


What lessons can we learn from these festivals which are part of the law of Moses?


Should we observe these festivals today? (Those that pointed to Jesus, like Passover and the Day of Atonement, are clearly fulfilled by Jesus. Pentecost marks the new age of the Holy Spirit.)


What about the rest? (Many Christians observe to some degree a weekly Sabbath, in a few jobs a "Sabbatical" of some sort is provided, but it is generally not a year of rest. My thought is that I like God's vacation schedule!)


Is this really about vacation?
(In part, but consider the religious nature of the festivals. We need to spend more time resting and contemplating God. How about Campmeeting?)


Looking Deeper


Read Mark 3:1-4. When Jesus asks about the law, which law is he talking about? (Both the moral law (Exodus 20:8-11) and the law of Moses (Leviticus 23:3) prohibited Sabbath work.)


What is the purpose of Jesus' question? (He asks the religious leaders to look at the reason why the law exists. It exists to promote the good of humans.)


Read Mark 3:5. Why was Jesus angry? (The religious leaders refused to look deeper into the reason for the law.)


Consider the Mosaic laws we have studied in this lesson: circumcision, temple tax, and festivals. What common thread of logic runs through the Bible teaching on each? (Look for the reason for the law. Don't offend others who seek God because you are fixated on the terms of the law rather than the reason for the law.)


Friend, will commit today to look deeper when it comes to God's law?

 

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Lesson 3: Christ and Religious Tradition *

Introduction: Recall our previous discussion about natural law, moral law, civil law and ceremonial law? Our working theory is that each level of law (with natural law at the top) is intended to support or explain the higher level of law. We know, however, that this does not square with what we observe in life. Some civil laws are clearly contrary to moral and natural law. Humans substitute their own judgment for that of God. We see the disasters which follow. How do we deal with the failure of human lawmakers? Let's dive into our study of the Bible and see what we can learn!

Filling Moses' Shoes


Read Matthew 23:1-2. What does Jesus mean by "Moses' seat?" Did Moses sit on a throne and they still had it?

(No. Moses was the religious and political leader of God's people. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees held a similar position in Jesus' time.)


Read Matthew 23:3-4. Are the current leaders worthy of the title? (No!)


What is wrong with them? (Their actions do not line up with their words.)


We all understand why it is good to follow correct teaching even if the teacher fails to follow his own teaching. But, why would Jesus tell the people to "obey" when it involved "heavy loads?" Loads that appear, in the context, to be unjustified?


Read Matthew 15:1-2. What charges are made against the disciples? (They are not carrying the "heavy load" of the elders' tradition.)


Read Matthew 15:3-6. How would you characterize Jesus' response? When someone tells you that you are doing something wrong, do you say, "You, too, are doing wrong things!"


Is that what Jesus is doing here - you are a lawbreaker too?

(No. When we go below the surface of what is said, we see that the religious leaders argue for their tradition. Jesus says their tradition violates God's law.)


Recall our discussion last week. What were the ceremonial laws suppose to do?

(They were to help us understand God's plan of salvation. They were to help us avoid violating the moral and natural laws. Jesus says that this tradition is contrary to its purpose.)


Read Matthew 15:10-11. Would it violate God's law for the disciples to wash their hands?

(No, but it would make the people misunderstand God's law. They would be focused on hand washing and turn their attention from the real problem - what comes out of their mouths. Can you see how the man-made law violates what is suppose to be its purpose - to be in accord with the moral law.)


Is that a lesson for us today? Do we emphasize unimportant things that distract us from considering the more important points?


Read Matthew 15:12. What did we learn in the lesson last week about giving offense?
(Read Matthew 17:27. Jesus paid the temple tax so as not to give offense.)


Are the disciples reminding Jesus of His own teaching?


Read Matthew 15:13-14. What does Jesus tell us to do with regard to false religious teaching?

(Avoid it. Do not follow it.)


Re-read Matthew 23:2-4. Jesus would not contradict Himself, so we must find the solution to the apparent conflict in the matter of giving "offense" and following "everything" taught by the religious leaders. What do you suggest?

(I think this is similar to our discussion of civil law. God is the author of authority and civil order, but that does not mean that God intends that we should follow human laws which violate natural or moral laws. Thus, I understand Jesus to say that we should follow the teachings of those who hold positions of religious authority, avoid offending them whenever possible, but we should reject those things that are inconsistent with moral law. This would include teachings that are not immoral in themself (like washing hands), but which direct attention away from what is important.)


Bursting Moses' Robes


Read Matthew 23:5-7. What is the main problem with those sitting in the place of Moses?

(They have forgotten that they are simply conveying the will of God to the people. They start thinking that they might be like God. They have begun to "swell.")


Read Genesis 3:4-5. Does Satan have a list of standard temptations he uses repeatedly?


Read Matthew 23:8-10. In years past a member of my church took to calling me "Rabbi" and it reminded me of this text. Students normally call me "professor," many call me "teacher" and my children call me "Dad" or "Father." Are these obvious violations of Jesus' teaching?


What do your children call you?

(Compare Exodus 20:12.)


Read 1 Corinthians 12:28. Is God opposed to church organization and titles?


If so, why did the disciples call themselves (Acts 15:23) "apostles?"

 

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Read Matthew 23:11-12. What point is Jesus making?

(Human authority makes us proud. In the relationship between natural law, moral law and civil law, it is a perversion of the law to set the ones who are conveying God's will above the rest. "You are all brothers.")


Do you think Jesus meant exactly what He said, and the words "Rabbi, teacher and father" should not be used?
(I don't think Jesus is saying that we cannot call people by their roles in life or in the church. Are "apostle," and "prophet" acceptable, and "rabbi" and "father" unacceptable? Is "teacher" wrong in Matthew 23, but right in 1 Corinthians 12? I think Jesus' point is that we should avoid "honorifics" - titles that are more than a simple job description.)


Can you think of any of those?

(How about "Right Reverend," or "Most Reverend?" These do not seem to be job titles, they are intended to convey much more.)


What does Jesus require of those in leadership positions, those who are administering the law? (Servant leadership - Matthew 23:11.)


True Moses


Read Matthew 5:17 and Colossians 2:9-12. Last week we studied this text in Colossians and the circumcision controversy. How does this relate to what Jesus says in Matthew 5:17?

(This is a perfect example of what Jesus is saying. He fulfilled the law of circumcision.)


Read Matthew 5:18. Is the law still valid?

(Recall our conversation about natural law and moral law? God gives us the moral law, like a map, to avoid the pitfalls of violating natural law. Natural laws do not disappear. We need our map! Our map, like grace, is a gift from God.)


Read Matthew 5:19. Is Jesus saying that bad teachers go to heaven?

(Yes. Grace saves us, not being good teachers or commandment keepers. But breaking God's commandments and teaching others to do so is pure foolishness that has no reward in heaven.)


What logic lies behind this?
(What fool tells you to ignore the map? What idiot tells you to violate natural laws? God gives us the moral law to protect us and give us freedom!)


Read Matthew 5:20. Do we have to outperform the religious leaders of Jesus' day? Those He called ( Matthew 15:14) "blind guides!"

(Yes, and the task is both easy and logical. If we accept Jesus as our righteousness, then we have exceeded the righteousness of any human. Logically, we will focus on major things and oppose those who seek to focus on minor things that distract us from what is important.)


What, exactly, are some of the major things?

(Read Matthew 15:17-20. What you eat, the cleanliness of your hands, are minor things. Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, perjury, and slander are major things.)


Friend, humans make errors in their laws and rules. Will you accept the challenge to keep your focus on what is important?


Next week: Christ and the Law in the Sermon on the Mount.

 

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Lesson 4: Christ and the Law in the Sermon on the Mount *

Introduction: Last week's study ended with Jesus' saying that He came to fulfill the law, not abolish it ( Matthew 5:17-20). Not only would the law would remain according to Jesus, but our righteousness must exceed that of the religious leaders of the day. We concluded (I hope) that the law is like a map to help us in life, thus we did not want it to go away. And, we decided that since we are covered by the righteousness of Christ, we are miles ahead of the religious leaders of the day. Our study this week is Jesus' next topic - a surprising commentary about what it means to keep the law. How does detail about the law make sense if we are saved by grace? Let's plunge into our study of the Bible and see what we can discover!

Temper Equals Murder?


Read Matthew 5:21-22. When was it said, "long ago," that murder was wrong?

(We can go back as far as Genesis 4 and the account of Cain and Abel.)


Jesus adds that getting angry also subjects us to judgment. Is killing someone and getting angry with someone the same?

(Obviously not, and Jesus does not say that. Instead, He says both are a sin.)


Why would Jesus compare the two and suggest that they are related?

(Recall how the moral law is a "map" to help us avoid harming our self by violating natural law? Getting very angry with someone is a preliminary step to murder. All of us have gotten angry, few of us have murdered, but this is wise counsel to keep us safe from murder.)


When Jesus says calling someone "Raca" can get you hauled before the Sanhedrin, He means using this language was illegal under contemporary law. Raca seems to be a word that shows contempt for the other person. What does this have to do with anger and murder?

(Have you ever noticed that in war we develop terms of contempt for those fighting on the other side? It makes it easier to kill someone if you think they are contemptible, without value.)


We all know fools, the Bible frequently describes them, why can't we also identify fools?
(Think again of our map. First step to murder is thinking someone is of no worth. Second step to murder is getting angry with the contemptible person. Next step, murder! This is a map that tells us where not to go.)


Read Matthew 5:23-24. Years ago I read this, and for the first time it occurred to me that the problem was someone holding a grudge against me, not me holding a grudge against someone else! That seemed backwards. Why are we responsible for people holding a grudge against us?


When this new understanding came to me, I thought of a former church member who deeply disliked me because I had taken a stand for God's word - or at least that is how I viewed it. Should we take steps to cure this kind of problem - one where we think we are innocent?


This text kept bothering me until I wrote the former member a letter. She had an angry response, but it helped me understand her anger. I wrote a conciliatory note back. She shared our correspondence with some of her children. I don't think she will ever become my friend, but my letter not only softened her attitude, her children had a different view of my actions. One contacted me and came back to church!


Why does Jesus tell us to reach out to those who hold grudges against us?
(The map to murder is contempt and anger. Murder is the complete opposite of love. By reaching out in love, we try to reverse the course of those following the map to murder.)

 

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Litigation is Wrong?


Read Matthew 5:25-26. As most readers know, I'm a lawyer and a law professor. Does the legal situation Jesus describes seem familiar to you?

(Not to me. It sounds like a civil matter (a dispute between two people), but it ends with a criminal penalty (being thrown into prison). The best parallel to today is a criminal fraud. You take a person's money and you are exposed to jail time.)


Is Jesus on the same topic as He was when He discussed people who have grudges against you?

(I think so. Here, your adversary thinks you have defrauded him.)


Is Jesus telling us that we should never go to court?

(In the Old Testament we see that Moses was a judge ( Exodus 18:13) and the people were ruled by judges ( Judges 2:16)for a time. This type of judicial system is God-ordained! Therefore, God is not against a third-party dispute resolution system.)


What is Jesus teaching us here?

(When someone thinks you have cheated him in some way, try to resolve it as soon as possible.)


Looking is Wrong?


Read Matthew 5:27-28. Is this only a sin for men, or do you think Jesus' advice applies to both sexes?


What do you think Jesus means? Is this like contempt, anger and murder? Clearly those three things are not the same, but do they lead in the wrong direction?

(Yes, that is one of the lessons here. Read James 1:14-15. Sinful actions begin with sinful thoughts.)


If you are attracted to someone who is not your spouse, have you crossed the line into adultery?


How can you tell when the line is crossed?


Many years ago, a handsome American President who was known to be a committed Christian confessed that he had committed adultery in his heart. I'm not sure he understood Jesus' teaching. How many women would be willing to have sex with a handsome American president?

(Probably quite a few. If you could actually commit adultery if you wanted to, and you do not, I don't think you have crossed Jesus' line. On the other hand, if you would commit adultery if you had the opportunity, then you have crossed Jesus' line.)


Read Matthew 5:29-30. Can recently blinded people commit adultery in their heart? (Why not?)


If they can, what is Jesus teaching us?


I just suggested this about Jesus' lust/adultery teaching: if you would commit adultery if you could, then you have sinned. Jesus seems to say here, take away the opportunity

(blind yourself, cut off your hand) and you will be okay. Have I suggested the wrong understanding? (We know that blind and maimed people can sin, so Jesus must mean something else. I think He means we should be willing to take radical steps to avoid sin.)


What kind of radical steps, short of maiming yourself, can you suggest?

(Consider what sort of "non-sin" things lead you into sin? Even though they are not sin, avoid them!)


Read Matthew 5:31-32. Why do you think Jesus raises the topic of divorce right after he speaks of insults, anger, murder, lust and adultery?

(They are all related. This is a different aspect of adultery - divorcing your wife on a whim.)


Love


Much of what we have discussed so far deals with having the right attitude toward others. Read Matthew 5:43-45. How many people are your personal enemy? How many people persecute you?

(Unless you are in some special circumstance (like living in a religiously hostile country), or need to work on your emotional intelligence, the chances are that you can only name one or two people at most.)


What sense does it make to love and pray for those who are your enemy?

(Think of the great opportunity for personal growth! This is a rare opportunity that we do not have with most of the people we know.)


Do you think this teaching has anything to do with anger, name-calling and lust? Does it have anything to do with natural law?

(Yes! Who is most likely to do you harm - your enemy. If you work to resolve the problems with your enemy, you lower the chances that your enemy will harm you.)


Friend, sin starts in the mind. Jesus teaches us that if we pay close attention to our thoughts and attitude, we can promote the law of love and avoid crossing the line into sin and the harm that results. Will you commit today to be careful about your thoughts?


Next week: Christ and the Sabbath.

 

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Lesson 5: Christ and the Sabbath *

Introduction: The Sabbath is a special time. When I was very young, it was the day when the family was all together. No doubt there were times that I wished the Sabbath day would end because my parents restricted what I could do on the Sabbath. When I was in college, it was a great day to spend with my girlfriend and not have to study. In law school and thereafter in life, it was a wonderful time to rest without guilt. Normally, I've got things to do and deadlines to meet. But, since I believe that working on Sabbath is a sin, it was a guilt-free rest. What is the Biblical basis for taking the Sabbath seriously? How should we view the Sabbath? Let's dive into our Bibles and find out!

Creation Sabbath


Read Genesis 2:1-2. Why do you think God took six days to create "the heavens and earth ... in all their vast array?"

(Based on the account in Genesis 1, it seems that God could have done it all instantly. But, He had something in mind. I suspect it was giving humans a pattern for work and rest.)


Read Genesis 2:3. We can all understand the need for rest after all God accomplished, but why would He "bless" the seventh day and make it "holy?"

(It seems God wanted a special time to celebrate His work of creation.)


Read 1 Samuel 7:12-13. Samuel memorialized the Israelite victory over the Philistines by setting up the Ebenezer stone. Why?

(The people would be reminded of the victory that God had given them.)


Is the Ebenezer stone like the Sabbath?

(I think it is exactly the same kind of thing.)


Read Exodus 20:8-10. Can animals remember the Creation? Why does God include them?

(God wants us to give a rest to all those within our control. The Sabbath does not depend on wealth, power or influence. It is for all.)


Read Exodus 20:11. This is thousands of years after the Creation. What does this suggest about the Sabbath?

(It is permanent institution memorializing the Creation.)


Read Deuteronomy 5:12-15. Why does this statement of the Fourth Commandment give us a different reason for the Sabbath?

(The reason here is that God rescued His people from Egyptian slavery. This suggests the Sabbath is a memorial for all God has done for His people - created a perfect world for them and rescued them from slavery.)


Read Matthew 27:50-52. We just celebrated Easter. We recognize this as a text telling us about Jesus' crucifixion on our behalf. What does this say happened at the moment of Jesus' death?

(Among other things, many people were raised to life.)


Assume Jesus was your child, and your child was terribly brutalized and killed. Assume that at the same time your child won the Super Bowl of the universe. If you were God, would you raise Jesus to life while He was still on the cross - just like these others were raised to life -- and gloriously welcome Him to heaven?

(Yes, of course we would.)


Why did God wait until Sunday?

(This is exactly the same pattern we have seen before with the Sabbath - Jesus rested in the grave on the Sabbath to memorialize His next great work - saving us from sin and death. He rested on the Sabbath to memorialize Creation. He rested on the Sabbath to memorialize freedom from Egyptian slavery. He rested on the Sabbath to memorialize our rescue from the slavery of sin and our new relationship with God!)


Read Isaiah 66:22-23. When should we stop observing the Sabbath?

(Never! God tells us that Sabbath observance will continue in the earth made new.)


What do you think the Sabbath will stand for then?

(Read Isaiah 66:24. This suggests that we celebrate God's ultimate victory over the rebellion. Victory over sin, sickness and death.)

 

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The Sabbath and Natural Law


We have previously decided that the moral law (which includes Sabbath worship) is a map to help us avoid running into trouble by violating the natural laws of the universe. How does the Sabbath fit into that logical framework?


Read Mark 2:23-24. What is the basis for the Pharisees' charge?

(No doubt working on Sabbath.)


Read Mark 2:25-26. Two weeks ago we heard Jesus give a similar response. The religious leaders say that His disciples are violating the law and Jesus responds "you also violate the law." Do two wrongs make a right?


What do you think Jesus is really saying?

(Jesus is too smart to respond, "You're one too." He must be saying that when King David and his companions satisfied their hunger with consecrated bread this was appropriate. Thus, Jesus' disciples could satisfy their hunger on a consecrated day.)


If hunger trumps consecration, what does that teach us about the Sabbath and eating?


Read Mark 2:27-28. What does Jesus mean when He says, "The Sabbath was made for man?" (The Sabbath is not supposed to be painful, it is supposed to be a time of joy. It was made to give us a break from our daily obligations.)


What point is Jesus making when He says that He ("the Son of Man") is "Lord even of the Sabbath?"

(Jesus created the Sabbath ( John 1:1-3), and therefore He gets to authoritatively describe its purpose and how it should be observed.)


How does Jesus' statement fit into our understanding of natural law?
(It tells us that everyone needs a Sabbath rest. Eating is part of that rest.)


The Sabbath and Healing


Read Mark 3:1-2. Why would the religious leaders suspect that Jesus would heal on the Sabbath?
(He must have done it before. Or, at a minimum, they were beginning to understand Jesus' view of Sabbath-keeping.)


Read Mark 3:3-4. Why does Jesus ask this question?

(He is intending to teach. This is a point He thinks is important.)


Read Mark 3:5. Was it necessary to heal this fellow's hand on Sabbath? (Absolutely not. It was no emergency.)


Why was Jesus angry? (He was upset that their understanding of the Sabbath was so corrupted.)


What lesson about the Sabbath should we learn from this account?

(That doing good for others on the Sabbath is in accord with the purpose of the Sabbath.)


What does this say about Jesus and Sabbath-keeping standards? Are they gone?

(This story teaches just the opposite. Jesus wants humans to understand the appropriate Sabbath-keeping standards. If He didn't care, He would not have taken the time to address this issue.)


Read Mark 3:6 and review Mark 3:4. How much of Jesus' anger would this explain? (Jesus knew they were willing to spend their Sabbath plotting His death. He, on the other hand, was giving more abundant life.)


Read John 5:5-6 and John 5:8-11. This healing was obviously not an emergency. Carrying the mat was not a necessary part of the healing. What lesson is Jesus teaching?


Read John 5:14 and John 5:16-17. We have several moving parts here. A non-emergency Sabbath healing. Commands to carry a mat on Sabbath and to stop sinning. The statement that Jesus works on the Sabbath. How would you put these parts together to make sense about Sabbath-keeping?

(First, Jesus is not rebelling against the law because He says, "Stop sinning." Second, healing, mat carrying, and certain work must be consistent with the Sabbath.)


What kind of work is consistent with the Sabbath?

(Helping others. Lifting others up.)


What about carrying the mat? (Being able to carry his mat was part of the restoration miracle.)


Friend, does this study give you a better vision of God's goal for His Sabbath? It is a day to celebrate what God has done for us. It is a day to take a break from our regular activities. It is a day to restore others. Will you determine to properly keep the Sabbath?

 

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Lesson 6 - Christ's Death and the Law


Introduction: When we studied Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), you might have felt a little depressed. Jesus explained that keeping the law is not just a matter of avoiding sinful acts, it has to do with our thoughts and attitudes. It requires attitudes that are, frankly, foreign to our natural heart. We are to do good to those who abuse us? Turn the other cheek? The good news is found in our lesson today. Jesus kept the law for us. The law is still our ever constant "map" to keep us out of trouble, but the high standard Jesus holds before us is not the test of salvation. Let's wade into our Bibles and learn more!

A Dead Map?


Read Romans 7:1-3. What is the most important legal issue in a second marriage?

(Whether your original spouse is dead.)


Is the death of a spouse something over which you have control?

(I hope not!)


What is Jesus teaching us?

(Jesus' example has both an obvious message

(you are free to remarry after the death of your spouse), and a less obvious message (whether you are violating the law can turn on circumstances outside your complete control.)


Read Romans 7:4. When Jesus says that we died to the law "through the body of Christ" what does He mean?

(We died to the law when Jesus died on our behalf on the cross. Jesus' death was outside our control, but it makes all the difference regarding our relationship to the law.)


What is the ultimate intended consequence of Jesus' death?

("That we might bear fruit to God.")


Read Romans 7:5. What creates sinful passions in us?

(Two things: a) a controlling sinful nature; and, b) the law!)


How can the law "arouse" sinful passions?

(Have you ever had someone say that you were not permitted to do something? Now you understand.)


Notice the last words of Romans 7:4 and Romans 7:5 about "fruit." How does grace help us to provide Godly fruit and the law help us to provide deadly fruit? Doesn't that turn our normal expectations upside down?


Read Romans 7:6. What is our present relationship to the law?

(We are released from it.)


What does it mean to "serve in the new way?"


I've been hammering the "map" analogy - that the moral law is like a map to help us avoid the damage that violating natural laws would do to us. How does my map analogy fit? Let's turn to that next.

 

[blazingthru]

GPS Life!


Re-read the last part of Romans 7:6. Have we traded masters: the law master has released us into the hands of the Spirit master?


What does it mean to "serve in the new way of the Spirit? (Read John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will lead us in life.)


Read Galatians 3:10. How does this help us to understand the "fruit" issue?

(Relying on obedience to the law for our salvation is certain death. This is part of the deadly fruit.)


This suggests that map-reading is a "curse!" How many of you have trouble with a map?

(We have trouble following maps: holding a map, seeing a map's details, figuring out where we are on the map, etc. Worse, a map is only a representation of real roads. The Bible says that "keeping" the map is not the goal. If the goal is to keep the map (keep the law) we are destined to fail. We will be cursed.)


Read Galatians 3:11-14. How are we justified?

(By Jesus redeeming us!)


What is our promise for the future?

(Again, we see a reference to the Holy Spirit. Like many others, I have a GPS ("Global Positioning System") program on my cell phone. The need for guidance has not changed since Jesus' death. We still need and want guidance to keep us safe. The change is that observing the map is not the ultimate goal. The goal is a Holy Spirit led life - which still holds the promise of helping us to avoid the damage arising from violating the natural law.)


Dead Law?


Let's return to Romans. Read Romans 7:7. What is important about the law?

(It informs us about sin. Like a map, it gives us direction.)


Read Romans 7:8-11. What is wrong with gritting our teeth and determining to keep the law?

(It causes us to want to sin.)


Read Romans 7:12-13. How is the law both good and death?


Did the law die?

(Notice something very important. All of the statements about something dying in the texts we have studied refer to us dying or sin dying. It never refers to the law dying.)


Why is it important that we died?

(The penalty for sin is death. When Romans 7:4 tells us that we "died to the law through the body of Christ," it means that through Jesus we paid the penalty for sin. That is how we are freed from the law, we already died!)


Read Romans 7:14-20. Let's think about the law being a map again. You are a rebellious map reader! Sure, you can see the map, you agree that the directions on the map are accurate, but you hate to take directions from a piece of paper. You want to go in the way that looks interesting from a real-life point of view. What does the map do for you now?

(Makes you feel guilty. You know the way to go, but your rebellious nature takes you in another direction.)


Read Romans 7:21-24. How do we get out of this predicament with the map? (Read Romans 7:25. Jesus rescues us!)

 

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Getting in the Car


Read Romans 8:1-4. How are "the righteous requirements of the law ... fully met in us?"

(Through Jesus' "sin offering" on our behalf. When we accept Jesus through baptism, His death is our death to sin.)


How is it (Romans 8:3) that Jesus "condemned sin in sinful man?"

(Because Jesus died in our place, we see the terrible consequences of sin.)


Read Romans 8:5-8. Should we be frightened by this? Is the new test of salvation where we have set our minds?


Recall that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said lusting and anger were serious problems like adultery and murder. Has the works battle moved to our minds?

(No. Grace covers both our thoughts and our actions. However, we have to make a grace decision.)


Read Romans 8:9-11. Let's step back a minute. In the last part of Romans 7 Paul tells us that we have this daily struggle between wanting to do God's will and doing sinful things. In the first part of Romans 8, Paul says this is not a problem because we already paid the penalty for sin through Jesus. But, now, we are told that we should not be "controlled" by our sinful nature. Why is that?


Is this simply another way of saying that we have to obey to be saved, except this time we have to obey the Holy Spirit instead of the law?

(Re-read Romans 8:1-2. Grace releases us from condemnation. The question then is, "How shall we live?" If you want to live a life that pleases God, and takes advantage of His loving directions for avoiding disasters, then you need to choose a Spirit-led life.)


Consider this example. Assume you want to arrive at a destination that is very difficult to find. Arriving at the destination is the most important thing in your life. I hand you a map, and tell you that if you do not strictly follow the map you will never make it. What would the map be to you? (Everything!)


Now assume that I tell you that you are assured of reaching your destination because your car has been pre-programmed with GPS control by an experienced guide. You can rest in the knowledge that you will make it to your destination if you simply enter your car. What is the map to you now? (Not a bad thing, but compared to the pre-programmed car it is useless.)


What if you are in the car, heading towards your destination, but you are looking at the map and feeling rebellious. Does that matter?

(No! This is the transition from the last part of Romans 7 to the first part of Romans 8. We have a war going on in our lives against sin. But, Jesus rescues us. When we are in the car (saved by grace) our destination is sure even if we are wrestling around in the car with the map.)


Friend, how about you? Do you want to spend your life wrestling with obedience to the law? Or, would you rather know that through Jesus, the penalty for all your sins has been paid? If you prefer the assurance of salvation, then commit to living a life led by the Holy Spirit.


Next week: Christ, the End of the Law.

 

[blazingthru]

Lesson 7: Christ, the End of the Law *

Introduction: What does "the end of the law" mean? If someone said "the end of you," you would be seriously concerned that "end" meant "death." What else could it mean? If you have a boss who leaves the company, you could reasonably say, "That's the end of him!" "That's the end of her!" Is that the way the Bible means ( Romans 10:4) that "Christ is the end of the law?" Let's plunge into our study of the Bible and see!

Better Adam


Read Romans 5:12-13. Who is this "one man?"
(This refers to Adam.)


What law was in affect when Adam sinned? This says that sin is not taken into account when there is no law, and the Ten Commandments were given to Moses long after Adam's sin!

(Read Genesis 2:15-17. God gave Adam the law against eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God may have given other laws, but at least we know specifically about this one.)


Read Romans 5:14. What did Adam's sin bring?

(Death, just as God warned in Genesis 2.)


Who is the "One to come," and how is Adam a pattern for that person?

(This refers to Jesus. Of the several ways in which Jesus was like Adam, the most relevant one here is that they both had a huge impact on life and death for those who followed.)


Why do we see a reference to death reigning "from the time of Adam to the time of Moses?" Why throw Moses into the discussion?

(This makes clear that the law in question is the Ten Commandments.)


Sin Shield


Read Romans 5:15-16. How is the "trespass" of Adam and the "gift" of Jesus so different?

(Adam brought death and Jesus brings life!)


Read Romans 5:17-19. In battle, we like to brag about how many enemy soldiers it takes to equal one of their soldiers. What is the "equivalence" statement here?

(Adam's one sin brought death to everyone who followed. Jesus' gift brought grace to everyone. It erases many sins and brings righteousness to all "who receive" it. It is a powerful grace.)


Read Romans 5:20-21. Adam had one law and one tree to avoid, or at least so it seems. Why would God add the Ten Commandments to increase the amount of sin?

(The reason is to increase our knowledge. Recall that the moral law was given to us by a loving God to help us avoid being harmed by the operation of natural law. We now know more about the right direction to take, we now have guidance to avoid making terrible mistakes in life, and the really good news is that grace increases with the number of laws.)


Imagine that you are a parent and you give your child one rule. Let's say that rule is to be home by 10 p.m. Would you be a good parent? Would you have a good child?

(Your child would have a very limited opportunity to disobey you. But, your child would be subject to all of the injuries every other child faces - except your child has no guidance from you!)

 

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Law and Grace


Read Romans 6:1. We learned that Jesus brought us life, that His grace covers many sins, and that the law was given to increase sin. We could be forgiven for thinking that sin is not such a bad thing. Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?

(If we give our children more than one rule, does that mean they should violate as many rules as we can give?)


Read Romans 6:2-4. How did we "die" to sin? If violating the moral law means that we open ourselves to be harmed by the operation of the natural law, how can we ever die to sin?

(This is important. Sin affects us in two ways. One is very practical and immediate: you sin and you get in trouble. Some natural law kicks in. You lose your temper and punch someone, they are likely to punch you back. The second is the long-term effect of sin. It brings eternal death. When we are baptized, we symbolically die in Jesus. As Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by His death, so we die in Jesus for our sins. As we rise from the waters of baptism, with Jesus we rise to live a new life. The penalty of eternal death has been paid through Jesus.)


Is this the end of the law? If so, how?

(It is the end of the power of the law to kill us eternally for our sins. Just like the spouse who died is no longer bound by the marriage vow, so when we die in Jesus the penalty for sin is paid. However, since sin caused Jesus' death (and, in Him, our death)why would we want to sin? Why would we want to be so stupid as to ignore the immediate problems that sin brings?)


Maps and Slavery


Read Romans 6:5-7. Have you heard of zombies? In the United States we have this crazy, un-Biblical, fictional idea in books, television and movies about people who died, but who continue to live in some diminished capacity. They are called "zombies." If you were a zombie, would you worry about dying?

(No. You already died. Romans tells us that since we already died in Jesus, we do not need to fear death from sin. We enter into new life with Jesus through His resurrection.)


Read Romans 6:15-18. What should motivate us to try to live in accordance with the law even though it can no longer kill us when we are united with Jesus?

(Have you ever been addicted to something? Have you ever been damaged by your sins? The natural laws are still alive and well. If you want to avoid the slavery that comes from sin, then you need to avoid sin.)


Read Romans 6:19. We are weak, how do we avoid the slavery of sin?

(We make a decision. We decide to offer ourselves "to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness" or "offer ... in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness." You are saved by grace. You died in Jesus for your sins. Now choose who you will serve!)


How many of you can attest to the fact that sin is addictive? That it leads "to ever-increasing wickedness?"

(If you have found this to be true, then it shows how important it is to turn away from sin.)

 

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Pure Grace!


Read Romans 7:14-20. Can you identify with this?

Romans 7:14-20
King James Version (KJV)
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Read Romans 7:21-23. Can you identify with this?
Romans 7:21-23
King James Version (KJV)
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.


Notice that this discussion follows the discussion about dying to sin that we discussed in the prior chapter (Romans 6). Is Paul describing the life of someone saved by grace?

(Paul is describing himself! The fellow who was inspired by God to write Romans 6 is obviously someone saved by grace.)


Read Romans 7:24-25. I just encouraged you to choose to be a slave to righteousness. Can we be a slave to both?

(Paul says that his mind is a slave to God and his sinful nature a slave to sin.)


Read Romans 8:1-3. If you feel like Paul, what is the Bible's message for you?

("There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Praise God!)


Read Romans 8:4-5. Is Paul contradicting himself? I thought his mind was a slave to God and his sinful nature a slave to sin? Paul just got through saying he did things he did not want to do. How can he say that we must not "live according to the sinful nature?"

( Romans 8:3-4 tell us that we fulfill the requirements of the law through Jesus. Nevertheless, we find a war going on in our life, just like Paul. Even though the war is going on, we are saved! "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." ( Romans 8:1)But, we must choose to live in accordance with God's law.)


How do you choose properly?

(Read Romans 8:9 and Romans 8:5. You ask the Holy Spirit to live in you. You set your mind on what the Spirit desires!)


That still is unclear. Paul already told us ( Romans 7:22-25) that his mind was in the right place, but his body was not. His mind is already set "on what the Spirit desires." What else can we do? Or is, "we do" getting us off the right track? Is this just "God do?"


Read Romans 8:12-14. What does this say about our obligation?

(We do have an important part in this. But our part is a partnership with the Holy Spirit to "put to death the misdeeds of the body.")


Is this a correct summary? The law no longer poses the threat of death to us, because at our baptism we died for our sins in Jesus and rose to a new life. However, the law is still important to us. Among other things, it is a roadmap that keeps us from becoming a slave to our sin addiction. Even in the new life, we find that the practical battle for sin rages every day. But, the key to this is to choose daily to ask the Holy Spirit to help us to set our minds on what God wants and to put to death the sin in our life.


Friend, will you accept this challenge? Will you accept the free gift of eternal life, and take up the daily challenge to live a life led by the Holy Spirit, a life in which you choose to live as a son or daughter of God?


Next week: The Law of God and the Law of Christ.