Category: Subject Index

Paul reveals God as the source of all comfort, in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. His comfort for us allows us in turn to offer comfort to others.

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The Lord’s church today needs devoted disciples! Webster’s New World Dictionary, in describing the nuances of the term “devote”, states, “Devote suggests the giving up or applying of oneself or something with the seriousness or earnestness evoked by a formal vow (to devote one’s life to a cause).” Consider the Apostle Paul’s sentiment as recorded in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It must be stated that the only true disciple of Christ is the devoted disciple of Christ.

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Paul exhorted the Philippians:

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

From this text we learn that Paul had supplied them, through teaching and example, with those things that are true, noble, just, pure and lovely. He instructed them to meditate on these things. To meditate is to reckon, to deliberate, to take into account. The idea is to consider what is righteous for the purpose of making application to our lives.

Of those things, Paul wrote, “these do.” Obedience to what God has ordained as right and good is necessary for the “God of peace” to be with us. We don’t approach God on our terms. We approach God on His terms! Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

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In 2 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul expresses irritation at the Corinthians. The fact that they were listening to the attacks others made against his apostleship necessitated his defense of himself. He stated, “It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast” (1). Then he wrote, “I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing” (11).

Paul knew that some might accuse him of boasting, though his defense was both necessary and proper. Still, it galled him to have to defend his legitimacy as an apostle, because he was a humble man and did not desire to talk about his merits. As he wrote, “…though I am nothing” (11).

The lesson for us is a simple one. It is acceptable for us to defend ourselves against false accusations. However, to enumerate our accomplishments, intelligence or prowess in any area because of pride is inappropriate. Instead, consider the words of Jehovah:

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 Paul uses the marriage metaphor to call his readers to faithfulness to the Lord.

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This lesson is a discussion of some of the most important attributes of God. He is 1) Right; 2) Good; 3) Loving; and 4) Longsuffering.

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Our obligations toward truth include: Procuring it, Practicing it, Proclaiming it, Protecting it, and Pleading it.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Peter 1:15-16 Peter gives us the single and completely sufficient reason a Christian should live his life differently than those around him.

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I will call upon the Lord
Who is worthy to be praised
So shall I be saved from my enemies
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock
And let the God of my salvation be exalted

– Michael O’Shields

“I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.”

(Psalm 18:1-3)

As God cared for Israel, and saved His people from harm – He desires to save all mankind. His salvation is from sin and death, His promise is life eternal in the heavens. “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.”

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In John 5, Jesus showed his enemies that He was God’s son. The testimony came from various sources, such as John the Baptist, the miracles Jesus performed, the Father in Heaven, and Moses and the Prophets. This testimony is true and sure!

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Moses exhorted the Israelites to “remember the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Remembering is important, as we are to be mindful of the past, the present and the future as a means of preparing us for eternity.

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Paul told Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). For this we rejoice. We acknowledge that our salvation is wholly dependent upon God’s extended favor. If Jesus had not come to earth and died on the cross, we would be without hope.

This we know, but what does this teach us? What truth does God want us to derive from that extended grace? It teaches us that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age” (Titus 2:12).

When men are exhorted to be obedient to God, they often respond with cries of “legalism”, and “salvation by works.” They object to being “judged” and proclaim that they are “trusting in the finished work of Christ alone.”

But, Titus was told to speak these things. He was told to exhort and to rebuke. He was told not to let anyone despise him. Titus, in his rebuke, had the authority of His Lord. When we call men to an obedient life, submitting to the pattern of God, we speak with the same authority!

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Three points are made in the lesson:

• A Christian should always be honest
• A religious teacher’s honesty should be tested
• We must honestly appraise ourselves

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The sermon analyzes the the Lord’s conversation with his parents, recorded in Luke 2:41-50.

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In Romans 16:17, Paul wrote, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

Some would take this as a mere suggestion, that can be heeded or rejected at our whim. However, we note that Paul was writing this by inspiration. As such this is the urging of the Holy Spirit, not to be taken lightly.

Others had rejected Paul’s instructions regarding disciplining the unruly. The Corinthians had ignored Paul’s admonition to withdraw themselves from a sexually immoral brother (cf. 1 Corinthians 5). In response, Paul wrote, “And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you” (vs. 2). Later in the text, he wrote, “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (vs. 6).

When we reject the Holy Spirit’s admonition to discipline the disorderly, we are prideful. Such pride is sinful, and such action is willful. We are not at liberty to disregard God’s instructions on this or any other matter!

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