Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
The Patternists: Reformation VS Restoration
The Reformation Movement is well known. The term refers to the efforts of men like Martin Luther, beginning in the 16th century, who sought to reform certain practices of the Catholic church. These men believed such practices were in violation of scripture. Interestingly, before being branded as heretical by the Catholic church, Luther was a priest in that organization. He wasn’t seeking to leave it, he simply wanted to make it better by making changes.
The term “reform” is defined as: “make changes in (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it.”
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Of Good Behavior
The Greek word kosmios is interesting, occurring only twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In (2:9) it references the manner of dress appropriate for a Christian woman, and is translated “modest.” In (3:2), it is a qualification for an elder, and is translated in the NKJV “of good behavior.”
Thayer defines the term, “well arranged, seemly, modest.” Trench describes the term in this way, “The well-ordering is not of dress and demeanor only, but of the inner life, uttering indeed and expressing itself in the outward conversation.”
This characteristic is important for an elder, but not for elders only. One’s dress and demeanor can be said to accurately reflect the Lord only if it is seemly. The Christian is always to act, dress, speak in ways that are appropriate. This takes thought, effort and self-control.
You have heard the criticism, “Well that was completely inappropriate!” The Christian who shows good behavior always does what is seemly or appropriate for the situation. He always says the right thing, he always takes the appropriate action, always makes the proper decision. It is a part of his character. This trait comes naturally to some, but it certainly can be added through the process of growth and maturity (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-7).
What you are on the inside is exposed by your outward actions. Good behavior starts in the heart!
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Sermon: The Curious Case of Micah and His Idols
Micah was one in Israel (like many others) who did what was right in his own eyes (cf. Judges 17:6). His willful, uninformed worship of God teaches us much about the dangers present in our own day.
Sermon: The Death of a Grain of Wheat
A discussion of the illustration Jesus used to emphasize the necessity and glory of His death (John 12:20-26)
The Patternists: David and the Temple
In 1 Chronicles 17:1, David showed a sincere heart in his desire to build a permanent Temple to honor God. “Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under tent curtains.”
Interestingly, it seems that Nathan’s response to David was presumptuous. That is, it came from Nathan himself, rather than from God. Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you” (17:2). Much of Nathan’s words were accurate. David was certainly a righteous king, and in general his reign was in accord with God’s purpose. However, it was wrong for Nathan to assume God would desire for David to build the temple.
Sober-Minded
The Greek word sophron, translated “sober-minded” in 1 Timothy 3:2, is found a total of four times in the New Testament. It is twice used as a qualification for the office of elder, in 1 Timothy 3:2, and Titus 1:8 where it is translated “sober.” It is also used as a wanted characteristic for older men “sober”, and finally as a wanted characteristic for older women, where it is translated “discreet” (cf. Titus 2:2,5).
Thayer defines the term: 1) of a sound mind, sane, in one’s senses; 2) curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate.
While the attribute certainly applies to intoxicants, the application is much broader in scope. It is common to hear men described by an overriding trait. Some are hot-headed, others are frivolous, still others may be described as sensitive. A sober-minded man or woman is in control of their passions and desires.
Consider how important such an attribute is in the area of leadership. Being in control of one’s passions. Clear-headed amidst controversy and provocation. The ability to set aside selfish desires, and to act righteously despite any inclination to prejudice or volatility. It is not surprising that an elder is to show himself to be sober-minded. Oversight could hardly be effective otherwise.
The attribute, however, is one that is needed by all. Maturity helps in developing this trait, which is why Paul suggests it should be present in all older Christians.
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Sermon: Desensitized!
Christians must be careful to not become desensitized to Sin, as we encounter it frequently in our culture.
Invitation: Repentance and Sin
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
A short 10 minute talk where the following point is made. Sin constitutes a turning away from God. Repentance is a turn back to God. No sin can be forgiven unless repentance is present.
Pieces of Armor
Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (10-13).
What is the armor of God? Well, it certainly is not any type of physical armor. While Paul uses the metaphor, mentioning shields, swords and helmets, he is of course not talking about physical pieces of a literal suit of armor. This is because of the nature of the conflict waged between the child of God and the forces of evil we fight. We must stand against the wiles (devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants) of the devil. A literal shield or sword is of no use in such a conflict.
The Patternists: Walking in the Light
In 1 John 1:7-9, John gives us a wonderful promise. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Our question, since the promise is that God will cleanse us from all unrighteousness, is, “What does it mean to walk in the light?” John gives us some idea of that in his phrase, “as He is in the light.”
Temperate
The Greek term (nephaleos, 1 Tim. 3:2, 11; Tit. 2:2), or its root (nephos, 1 Thess. 5:6, 5:8; 2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Pet. 1:13; 4:7; 5:8) are found nine times in the Bible, (references above).
Nephaleos is translated in the NKJV (as a qualification for an elder, or an elder’s wife) as “temperate.” The root term nephos is typically rendered “sober”, but is translated as “watchful” in 2 Timothy 4:5 and 1 Peter 4:7.
Thayer defines nephaleos — 1) sober, temperate; 1a) abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use.
The typical use of the English term temperance is to abstain from wine, i.e. — the 19th century “Temperance Movement” in America. However, the overarching idea found in scripture is for a person to be watchful of any danger (temptation), and to restrict involvement to avoid it.
Examples of a sober individual. He does not drink, do drugs, gamble or party. He is not a frivolous person, and does not need to “settle down” or “grow up.” Because of his demeanor, he can be counted on, as temperance brings dependability. He is serious minded, so he is rarely caught unawares. He thinks about what is needed, and spends his time preparing to supply what he can. Consider that a godly person is not only characterized by his action (the positive things he does), but also by his restraint (the negative things he avoids). The temperate man is equipped to avoid the negative, pleasing God.
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Sermon: Traditionalism
Description Josh Cox describes the dangers of traditionalism from two extremes. First, binding the traditions of men as equal to scripture. Second, rejecting expedient traditions as part of a compromise with current culture.
Sermon: Be Reconciled to God
An exegetical study of 2 Corinthians 5:12-21, explaining the importance of Paul’s ministry, and why we should all be striving for reconciliation with our God!
The Patternists: A Conditional Covenant
There are a number of agreements, or covenants which the Lord has entered into with mankind. Some of these covenants were unconditional. Some had conditions appended to them.
After God had destroyed the world with the flood, he placed a bow in the cloud, with the promise that he would never again destroy the world by water. No conditions were placed on this. It was God’s decision, regardless of man’s actions.
Blameless
The Greek term (anepilemptos) is used three times by Paul in his first letter to Timothy. In (3:2) it is translated “blameless”, and is a required qualification for the office of bishop. In (5:7) a number of instructions are to be given to widows, that they may be “blameless” before God. Finally, in (6:14) Christians are instructed to flee the love of money, and instead fight the good fight of faith, that they might be “blameless” until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing.
The word consists of the negative (a), and a root word that means “to seize.” It literally means: not to seize, or apprehend.
Consider a person who is a keeper of the law. He lives an honest life, and because of this is not in danger of being apprehended by law officers. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same” (Romans 13:3).
This, of course, does not mean that we must be free of false accusations. Such accusations are inevitable as we live for Christ. Because we are different, we will be defamed by those who are opposed to righteousness (cf. 1 Peter 3:16).
The idea is to be a person against whom no accusation can be proven. This requires righteous living. No matter the attack, it is destined to failure because the character and reputation of the Christian is unassailable. This is a lofty, but worthy goal to seek and to meet.
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