Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:15-18
Paul here gives a wonderful description of our Lord, expressing His preeminence. He is the visible manifestation of God (John 14:9). He is the firstborn over all creation – not first created, but the preexisting Creator (John 1:3). The creation was created “for” Him as our Lord and God (Revelation 5:13). He is “before all things”, the preeminent One. In effect, His standing with relation to creation is supreme. He preceded it in eternity. He is the Creator.
He also holds creation together. That is the meaning of the word “consist.” In Hebrews 1:3, the writer affirms that the Son upholds “all things by the word of His power.” As such, the universe will continue until such time as He determines to bring it to an end (2 Peter 3:10-12).
Finally, He is the head of the church. He has all authority (Ephesians 5:23-24). The church is His creation (Matthew 16:18), and its hope comes from His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). So He is peerless, unique, and supreme, in all things. Praise Him!
The Presumptuous Prophet
In Deuteronomy 18, Moses told the people that prophets other than Moses would rise from the nation to “speak to them” all God required of them, (cf. 18:15-18). This, of course, is seen in the history of the nation. The most significant voices that followed, men like Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc., have had their voices recorded in the canon of the Old Testament. The Hebrew writer spoke of these men. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” (Hebrews 1:1).
An obvious question arises. How were they to know the prophet was from God? Consider Moses words, “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Continue reading “The Presumptuous Prophet”
Winning Souls Without A Word
Peter had instructions for women married to non-Christians. “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).
It is an interesting concept, winning souls to Christ “without a word.” Of course, this doesn’t mean that there is another way of saving souls other than through the preaching of the gospel (cf. Romans 1:16). Rather, it is a strong statement about the efficacy of good influence.
Many men are not swayed by the words of a preacher. However, if they see Christian principles in action — morality, integrity, kindness, mercy and love — they may become convinced that there is “something to” being a Christian. Then, when the gospel is shared, their heart is fertile and responsive to the truth.
It works when wives show a good example to their husbands, and when husbands show that same type of example to their wives. It also is effective in other familial relationships (an important principle for parents to consider), with friendships, and any others you may impact in the day to day exercise of your faith.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Sermon: The Fundamental Principles of Calvinism
An examination of Calvinism, especially as it pertains to the redemption of men. Referenced in the Lesson is the Acrostic TULIP, which is commonly used to summarize the tenets.
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Sermon: Living a Balanced Life
A discussion of the text of Ecclesiastes, learning from the wise man how to live a balanced life.
Mining the Scriptures: Philippians 1:19-20
In our text, Paul is unsure of whether he will live or die as he awaits his judgment from Caesar. So, his words, “For I know” should indicate faith rather than certainty. Paul was always willing to accede to God’s plan, but he believed the Lord would want him to continue his ministry to the Philippians and others. “…to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (24).
Paul believed in the power of the Philippians’ prayers for him. He also believed in the ability and willingness of Jesus Christ to spare Him should he so desire. Paul was also confident that His ministry and life was in accord with the Lord’s will.
As such, his expectation (indicates an intense watching) and hope (desire and expectation) is that his life at present, and that which would follow would lead to God’s approval. He would not be ashamed. There would be no legitimate reproach found in his suffering (cf. 1 Peter 4:16), and God would be glorified both through his life and also his death should he be martyred for the cause.
Meditate On These Things
“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” (Philippians 4:8).
This passage, is of course, very familiar. But, it may be that a word study of the things, (true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praiseworthy), may be helpful. Continue reading “Meditate On These Things”
Walk in Wisdom
Paul’s exhortation is, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6). It seems that the instructions in both verses have reference to how a Christian should behave among those who are not Christians.
They are to walk wisely. This is the general admonition. It includes the call to redeem “the time.” The word redeem is defined by Strong—to buy up, i.e. ransom. Figuratively, to rescue from loss, (improve opportunity). Time unused is time lost. We have limited opportunities to both influence and teach those in the world. A wise Christian will make use of such opportunities to the best of his abilities. This is wise.
A wise Christian will measure his words. His speech will be careful, with a consideration of how they might impact the lost. Graceful speech represents Christ. It is speech where He can be seen. In the words, “seasoned with salt” we see the idea of influence. These words should exclude idle words, corrupt speech, filthiness, offensiveness, curing and lying. They should include soundness, blessings, that which edifies and expresses love for God and man.
Wise talk glorifies God, and is much more likely to bring the outsider to Christ. Our love for mankind is not only seen in such speech, but is demanded by it! May we all take this to heart.
Sermon: 5 Explanations of Mark 16:16
Our lesson examines the text of Mark 16:16, giving four failed interpretations of the text, based on incorrect presumptions, contrasted with the actual words and meaning of Jesus.
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Sermon: Courage Needed
In the presence of a hostile and intolerant culture, the Christian needs the spirit of power, love and a sound mind to boldly proclaim the gospel of our Lord
The Response of Faith
The apostle Peter began his second epistle with a proclamation of God’s mercy and grace. With His divine power, He “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises.” Because of this, we “may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (1:2-4).
What a wonderful expression of God’s love. He determined to save man from Himself, and sent His Son. It is through Jesus that God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). When we have gained so much from Him, the obvious question we should be asking is—how should we respond to His munificence? Continue reading “The Response of Faith”
Mining the Scriptures: Ephesians 1:15-21
Our text here consists of a single, convoluted sentence by the apostle. There is much to unpack, but consider these highlights. First, Paul was encouraged by the reputation of the brethren there at Ephesus. Their faith, and love toward the brethren were strong (15). So, he prayed to God for them. He gave thanks, and he made petitions for them to receive wisdom and understanding. In this they would know of hope (in eternal life), the glory of their eternal inheritance (that eternal abode), and power (of God, who raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand) (16-20).
As a part of his description of the Christ, Paul affirmed His preeminence in verse 21. The Lord has authority and dominion over all, “every name that is named.” His dominion has existed from the time that God sat Him upon the throne at His right hand. He is today King in His kingdom, a truth that some do not grasp. And, His dominion will continue, “not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”
