Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: The Curious Case of Simon the Sorcerer
A discussion of Simon’s conversion, and the sin he committed following, taken from the text of Acts 8.
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:15-18
In his second letter to Timothy, as Paul neared the end of his life, he was again in prison. The fact that he referred to his “chain” in verse 16 indicates that his circumstances were far worse than the house arrest of his first imprisonment.
During this imprisonment, the apostle had been deserted by some. He mentions individuals in Asia, including Phygellus and Hermogenes. These two are mentioned only here, and we know nothing else about them.
In contrast, we have Onesiphorus. While others deserted Paul, this man sought to help him. In doing this, Onesiphorus helped not only Paul, but the Lord Himself (cf. Matthew 15:36). We are told he “refreshed” Paul. Consider the relief that comes amidst dark despair when your brethren bring encouragement and help.
When Paul received such encouragement, he was quick to note that such diligence brings benefits to the one offering the gift (cf. Philippians 4:17). Here Paul prayed such for Onesiphorus and his family.
Love for the Brethren
In 1 Thessalonians 2, the apostle Paul spoke of his great desire to come to Thessalonica to see the brethren there. But, he was unable as his efforts to visit were delayed time and again. Finally, he wrote in chapter 3:1, “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith.”
Consider the conflict in Paul. He desired greatly to see their faces. They were his “glory and joy” (2:20). He knew of their struggles in the midst of persecution, and was concerned they might be “shaken by these afflictions” (3:3). He had to know of their faith. It would be a devastating thing if they had faltered, and his labor among them to be in vain. And so he sent Timothy to minister to them.
Paul’s love for his brethren is commendable. The fact that it consumed him to such a degree is significant. It serves as a wonderful example for each of us. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Consider John’s words: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).
Freedom in Christ
Freedom in Christ is freedom from the bondage of sin, and all that goes along with it. When we are redeemed by Christ’s blood, our burden becomes light, and our destiny is immortality in the presence of the Almighty.
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Mining the Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:5-7
In the fourth verse, Paul noted that “fables and endless genealogies” bring disputes and strife. They are to be avoided. In contrast, the intention of God’s commandments are to promote love. The two great commandments are to love God and love your neighbor. God has established this as a primary principle. All that is required from Him leads to these two things. A love for God and for man characterizes the true Christian. So, a keeping of the laws of God leads to love, not strife.
In order to attain the objective of love, out text indicates that our hearts must be pure. The word pure indicates a heart that is clean, free from corruption. This is especially true with regard to motivation. Also needed is a good conscience. In effect, a man who consistently does what he thinks is right, and avoids doing what he thinks is wrong. Finally, it requires a sincere faith. Faith that is genuine. These are the prerequisites of God’s law bringing about love.
Without these we are ineffective, lacking in understanding.
“Shouted with a Great Shout”
The book of Ezra begins with the return of a remnant of Judah to Jerusalem. The king of Persia, Cyrus, made the proclamation that allowed the return. He wrote, “go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:1). More than 40,000 Jews returned, and restored worship as they began laying the foundation of the temple. Continue reading ““Shouted with a Great Shout””
Beware the Coppersmith
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, near the end of his letter, he gave his friend a warning, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You must also beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (2 Timothy 4:14-15).
Such identification or marking of those dangerous to the faith was done on numerous occasions in the first century. Paul also named Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:15). John marked Diotrephes in his third letter.
Paul not only identified those destructive to the faith, but encouraged other Christians to do the same. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceived the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18).
The reasons this is needed and expected are obvious from the texts. First, Timothy needed to be aware of and careful about the coppersmith. If he did Paul harm, it stands to reason that Timothy could be harmed as well. Second, those who act in this way are acting contrary to the faith and the Lord. While it is never a pleasant task it is important to protect the righteous against such ungodliness. The worldly might not see it, but it is God’s way.
Sermon: Believers in Creation
Both the creation itself and the inspired word of God reveal that the universe was created by the Almighty in six days. We address several individuals in the New Testament who made that affirmation, including Jesus Himself.
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Sermon: Good, Better, Best
In this lesson, Justin explains a good (though radical) way to deal with sin, and even better way to deal with it, and then discusses the best way to handle the issue of sin.
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
This passage is one of the most difficult in the New Testament. The difficulty comes in our not knowing the oral teaching of Paul, who had already spoken to the Thessalonians about the subject (2:5). So, let us instead focus on what we can know.
First, the Thessalonians were challenged in their understanding of Christ’s second coming. Some thought it to be imminent (2:2), though the letter was written at an early date (about 51 AD).
Second, Paul assured them that the day of Christ was not yet present, because two events would have to happen before its occurrence. One, a falling away. (There have been numerous apostasies since the writing of this passage). Second, the revelation of the “man of sin”, the “son of perdition.” (While it is difficult to say who this is, it can again be said that many individuals through the last two centuries can be described in this way). (2:3-4)
So, while it is difficult for us to understand exactly what these two events are, there is no reason to think that the events are still in the future. The Lord has not come, but He could at any time (2 Peter 3:8-13).
God’s View of the Worldly
The book of James is full of wisdom and practical knowledge that helps a Christian know God’s will, and how to adhere to it. It is certainly worth the effort to become familiar with its teaching.
In James chapter four he shows the origin of most strife. “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (1). This is demonstrably true when considering the motivation of just about every war and conflict that has ever occurred on earth. The pursuits of pleasure, possessions and prestige are the common motivations of conflicts. James noted, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war” (2). Continue reading “God’s View of the Worldly”
