Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Peter 2:1-3
There were false prophets in Israel, and Peter promised that false teachers would exist in the church. What is the difference between a false prophet and a false teacher? In reality, nothing at all. A prophet is one inspired of God. A false prophet may claim to be inspired, but his message is his own. A preacher of truth is not inspired, but speaks in accord with inspiration. A false teacher claims to preach truth, but his message is his own. Such men may evidence characteristics that are worldly and evil, but they are known by their fruit (their doctrine, cf. Matthew 7:15-20), which does not accord with righteousness.
Peter warns about such men because some would follow their teaching, contradicting truth. They would exploit Christians, convincing some that their message was from God when it was not.
It is obvious that such men will come into judgment. However, their doctrines destroy those who follow them as well. This is why Peter warns of them, and why we must as well.
For the Profit of All
In the first century spiritual gifts were common. Paul wrote at length to the Corinthians regarding the practice of these gifts. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
It was necessary that he make this point, that all might understand how to utilize the gift given specifically to them. Some were given “the word of wisdom”, others “the word of knowledge”, or “faith”, or “gifts of healings”, “miracles”, “prophecy”, “discerning of spirits”, “different kinds of tongues”, and “interpretations of tongues” (12:7-10). Regardless of the actual gift, the intent was emphasized again in verse 11, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Our Warfare
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).
How many wars have been fought in the name of God? In the new covenant ratified with the blood of Jesus Christ, the concept of warfare changed. It has nothing to do with swords, chariots, horses, or bullets, missiles and ships. What does that mean? It means that the eight crusades, battles fought between the Catholics and Muslims from 1096 — 1291 were misguided. The Kingdom of Christ had no possessions or land to guard or reclaim.
It means that Medieval Catholic tortures as a part of the Inquisition, and the conversions at sword point of the indigenous population in the Americas were likewise egregious examples of the corruption of the Christian faith.
Our method of battle is persuasive. It is the casting down of arguments, not the blowing up of city walls. Our purpose to save is accomplished through the gospel, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
All accounts will be settled in judgment. Rewards and punishments will occur after our time on earth is over (2 Peter 3:14), with Christ as our judge (Romans 14:10-12).
The Christian Life
Speaker: Ian Tilley. A discussion of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 giving practical advice on what God requires of the Christian as he lives his life.
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:6-9
In the previous verses, Peter referred to the inheritance that awaits all the faithful. It is reserved in heaven (4), and is eternal in nature (5). In our text, he notes this is a reason for rejoicing though our lives at present may be difficult.
It is a fact that life here on earth may be difficult for every human. Christians are not excepted. Rain falls on “the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). These trials serve a specific purpose for the child of God. The establish the genuineness of his faith.
Is your faith in Jesus true? You have never seen Him. Do you truly love Him? The hope that is proclaimed, an eternity in Heaven in the presence of God, is contained in a future promise. Do you believe it? The proof is seen in how you conduct yourself as you live here on this earth. Trials and tribulations on earth serve the same purpose as fire does to the purification of metal. If you prove yourself by the life you live on earth you will receive “the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (9).
John 46: I Have Overcome the World
(John 16:25-33), “Jesus speaks plainly to his disciples, telling them that he was leaving the world to return to God. But, he left them with cheer, in the knowledge that He was victorious over the worl
Divine Implication
Another lesson in our series on Principles of Authority. God authorizes and establishes truth through implication. The principle is explained.
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The Depraved Mind
In the beginning of his letter to the Romans, Paul described a culture that had forgotten God. They no longer glorified Him, had darkened hearts, and so were given up to uncleanness by the Creator.
This purposeful rebellion and its descent into ignorance led men to engage in despicable behavior. Paul especially noted the depraved nature of their sexual appetites. They dishonored their “bodies among themselves” (1:24) through homosexual acts. Paul described it as “vile passions” (1:26). “For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (1:26-27).
Mining the Scriptures: James 1:19-20
Our text begins a section that emphasizes the proper response to God’s grace. We are brought forth by the word of truth, How do we respond?
We listen to God’s word, “swift to hear”! Listening rather than talking is a good response in just about every situation. It is especially important when considering the source of information is God Himself. We exercise care in our speech, “slow to speak.” In James 3:1-12, the writer shows the danger to be found in the use of the tongue. This is especially so when words are uttered from anger “slow to wrath.”
Our purpose in life is to express the wisdom we receive from God in our own words and actions. Wrath precludes this. It takes discipline on our part. One who is “slow” is one who has control over his words and actions. It is contrasted with being “swift” to hear God. Used only here, the word swift shows a man who does not hesitate to listen to and apply God’s word in his life.
Sound Doctrine
Doctrine is not important to many religious people today. A common belief distinguishes between the gospel of Christ and Christian doctrine. One is necessary to hold to and be in agreement about, the other is not. Others emphasize the “Man” rather than the “Plan,” and call those who advocate for unity in doctrine to be “legalists.” They emphasize a relationship and deemphasize the necessity of adhering to scriptural precepts. In their words, they serve “the Living Word [Christ}, and not a bunch of dead words on paper.”
The apostle Paul felt differently. In his words to Timothy, he denounced some in his time that were causing disputes, straying from the “purpose of the commandment.” He noted the “ungodly and sinners” the “unholy and profane” who were guilty of various listed sins like murder, fornication, homosexuality and lying. He ended the list with “any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:3-11). Continue reading “Sound Doctrine”
The Consequence of Sin
The prophet Obadiah declared the coming of judgment against Edom because of her sins against “your brother Jacob.” Edom thought herself safe. “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?”’ (3). But, this judgment was inexorable, “‘From there I will bring you down,’ says the Lord” (4).
Why was Edom guilty? Notice the following phrases used in the text. “But you should not have” (12); “Nor should you have” (12); “You should not have” (13); etc., etc., etc.
These phrases indicate the concept of consequence. You should not have… because this is the result! A result they did not desire, and would not appreciate. As Obadiah wrote, “As you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head” (15).
In conclusion, Obadiah wrote, “Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (21).
There is much to be learned here. God’s will is inexorable. What He desires to occur on earth will happen. God’s people will be blessed, and the ungodly will suffer the consequences (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10). Sin always has unpleasant ramifications. From Adam to eternity, God has and will deal with the transgressions of men. To avoid judgment, we “should not” sin against God.
Sermon: Does the End Justify the Means?
Many have the idea that as long as you attain a goal, the means of obtaining it is unimportant. This is not true with God. Both the method as well as the result must be sanctioned by the Lord.
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