Key Christian Duties - BSFL - November 16, 2008
13 Nov 2008 01:35 pm
Key Christian Duties
BSFL - November 16, 2008
Background Scripture: Acts 4:1-22; 5:17-42; Romans 13:1-14
Focal Scripture: Romans 13:1-14
Open up
Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in his Democracy In American in 1835 and 1840, "Not until I went into churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good; and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." Have we reached the time when America is declining in greatness because she is no longer pursuing the path of good? Abortions, gay marriage licenses granted, properties seized by imminent domain, murders, rampant adultery and skyrocketing divorce rates seem to be clear indications that America has strayed from the path which de Tocqueville witnessed on his visit here. Dr. Martin shared with our staff at lunch on Wednesday that he believes that the Church today is counter to the culture of the world we live in. It would certainly seem so as the world seems to look with contempt on Christians and anyone who subscribes to living a righteous life seeking to do that which is good.
Paul lived in a day when there was a growing distrust and general lack of respect for the governing powers as well as comtempt to living life according to a moral code of goodness as espouesd by Christianity. Sadly, there are those in our churches today who are so disheartened by our leadership in government both past, present, and future that they are willing to speak and act against the interests of our leaders while at the same time living lives with little regards to moral standards. No doubt many of these people could write eloquent editorials to the paper rationalizing and giving religious reasons for why their positions were right in our day. However, in Romans 13 Paul wants us to recognize that God requires us to be obedient to our government, love our neighbors, and to live Christ-like lives.
It would be easy to say Paul did not live in our day and face the challenges we now face to our faith as a result of governmental positions. Such a view would be naive as Paul was indeed well acquainted with both the best and the worst of civil government. As you look at the context in which Paul wrote one sees that he practiced what he taught in Romans 13:1-7. Paul had already been imprisoned, given lashings five times by Jewish authorities, and beaten three times by the Romans (Acts 16:16-24; 2 Corinthians 11:24). Therefore, some knowledge about the political situation the early Christians faced can help us see why Paul's counsel made sense then and makes sense now.
The Roman Empire was an authoritarian regime, not a democracy; freedom of speech and assembly were not rights. The government knew religion had political implications, so it tolerated certain religions as "legal" while others were considered "illegal." Judaism was a legal religion and in AD 57, when Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, Chritianity was considered by the Romans to be just another sect within Judaism. This benefited Christianity greatly.
The Jews were exempt from offering sacrifices to the emperor as a god. Instead, the Jews were expected to offer sacrifices and pray for the emperors welfare in the Jerusalem Temple. This exemption allowed the Jews and Christians to maintain their allegiance to one God. However, as Christianity grew and the gospel was more widely spread then conflict often arose between traditional Jews and Christian converts (Acts 9:19-31; Acts 14:1-7). Other times there arose dissension from local pagans whose livelihood was threatened by the gospel message (Acts 16:16-24; Acts 19:23-41). Eventually this led the Roman officials to view Christians as troublemakers.
Sedition and riot were major threats the peace as discontented groups stirred up trouble. The Roman leadership expected these troubles to be dealt with ruthlessly so that no private group could breed a plot against the empire. Many groups were forbidden from meeting privately for this reason. As news began to surface about the Christians private meetings half truths were spread both deliberately and through rumor and gossip. For example, some said Chrisitans practiced orgies and incest as taken from the practice of the Holy Kiss between brothers, Romans 16:16, and even cannibalism, John 6:54; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). On top of everything else the founder of Christianity was purported to have been executed for challenging Caesar's authority, (Luke 23:2). For these reasons, Christians meeting in homes and missionaries preaching in rented spaces were constantly aware of the threat of Christianity being declared illegal if they were not model subjects.
Paul knew that there would be times when, like Jesus and Peter, Christians would have to "obey God rather than men," (Acts 5:29). Jesus had been crucified for being the King of the Jews. Paul had been imprisoned several times for disobeying orders not to preach the gospel. This sometimes was necessary but Paul knew if these times were to have any impact then it was crucial that he be able to claim to have obeyed all laws that did not transgress God's law. As an innocent martyr he could witness to the faith in a way that would draw converts. As and indiscriminate lawbreaker, he would dishonor God and draw no sympathy when punished.
Move Inside
Submit To Civil Authorities
Romans 13:1-7
1. How would you define the word submit?
Submit was originally a military term that meant to arrange troop divisions in marching order. Thus to submit was to take one's assigned place because it was assigned, not because of personal inferiority. Submission meant to respect the other persons's rank and authority, his place in a chain of command. This included selfless, but not blind and slavish, obedienceto the extent of the other person's authority.
2. Why should Christians submit to governing authortities according to Romans 13:1-2; according to Romans 13:3-5?
3. Paul says that if we do what is good then rulers will praise us. Does this apply to just and unjust rulers?
Have groups of four look at the following scripture I. Luke 21:12-15 II. Acts 16:16-40 III. Philippians 1:12-14 IV. 1 Peter 2:19-21; 4:12-14
Allow time for groups to share.
How do the authorities in our country and locality do good for us?
4. What has the sword historically symbolized? National Defense and punishment of criminals. The Roman empire was ruthless in maintianing order. Is the United States as ruthless? At home? Abroad?
Read Acts 4:1-22; 5:17-42
1. How did the apostles show submission to the authorities in these passages?
2. The apostles clearly disobeyed the command of authorities. Why was this disobedience not a rebellion against the authority God established?
3. What lessons can we draw from our own submission and obedience?
Love Your Neighbors
Romans 13:8-10
When it comes to civil authorities Paul basically says give authorities what you owe authorities, (Romans 13:7), but when it comes to neighbors or individuals in business and private matters we are held to an even higher standard. The parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) forever destroyed our prejudiced definitions of a neighbor, and made us look upon our neighbor in a whole new light. Our neighbor is any person in need of services we can give. Spiritually this means our neighbor is everybody. We are to care for our neighbor as we would care for ourselves. It is human to love ourselves. That is to say, I may not always feel good about myself but almost invariably I will put great thought and effort into caring for myself. We are concerned for our own needs. The commandment to love is less about healthy feelings than about this active caring and concern.
1. How is love a proof of one's faith?
2. What did Paul mean when he said that love fulfills the law?
Wear The Character of Christ
Romans 13:11-14
State that Romans 13:11-14 contains a strong motivation for meeting the obligations to the governments and the people of this world. Ask your learners to read the verses and identify the motivation. (Jesus is coming soon!)
How might you live differently if you knew the Lord's return was near? What can you do to implement some of these changes now?
Take It Away
Think for a moment, Is there a way you might write or talk with one or more of our government officials and let them know that you are praying for them and with whom you might express your concerns? Set aside a time to pray for them.
Let us pray silently right now,
Thank God for your governing officials. Ask Him to help you appreciate their value and to help you take responsibility forr praying for them. Thank God for his commandments and for the nearness of His day of salvation. Pray that until that day He will strengthen you to put off the deeds of darkness and wear the armor of light.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
When Tangled IN Sin - ETB - November 16, 2008
10 Nov 2008 11:05 am
When Tangled In Sin
ETB - November 16,2008
Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-12:31 (I Chronicles 19:1-20:3; Psalm 51
Open It
Some years ago I learned anew a valuable lesson about the ravages of unconfessed sin. How no matter how hard you try to hide it for the true believer it is impossible to conceal. I was living in another state and serving a local congregation there. I was single at the time, so I spent much of my time at the church even when no one else was there. Most of the congregational members were aware of this which is why it no surprise when someone would look for me there before calling my home. One Sunday afternoon I was at the Church office when the phone rang and this distraught young lady called and asked if I could meet with her. I did so. This young lady confessed to the sin of embezzlement. It seems that in her government job she received daily small payments from people and she, being a single mother had devised a plan in which she kept a certain percentage of those payments each day. The totals only amounted to a few hundred dollars in a week or so. Her intention originally was to borrow the money and pay it back. However, as time passed one noticed it became easier and easier to put off put anything back until she reached a point that she did not have the funds to return. All of this was done not for frivolous luxuries but to provide for her son's needs.
She came to me on this particular Sunday because her superiors has announced a surprise audit to be performed on Monday. She was so riddled with guilt that she could not sleep or eat all weekend. I prayed with her and asked her if she was willing to do whatever the Lord led me to direct her to do. She agreed. I then called her manager, which was hard for me because I knew full well that she would most probably be fired. Her manager met with us and this lady confessed. I was amazed at the tears and sobs of joy which streamed from this young lady's face and voice as she expressed how great the relief of getting this sin out in the open was to her. Amazingly, her superiors treated her with grace. She was not fired although she was required to pay back the money by allowing her pay to be garnished.
It often seems easier to cover up our sin rather than confess it and accept the consequences. In chapter 11 of 2 Samuel 11, King David tied desperately to hide what he had done. After his plan was frustrated again and again, he coldbloodedly killed the one who threatened to expose his sin. The chapter ened with the telling words, "But the thing David had done displeased the Lord."
Then when David assumes his "problem" is behind him, Nathan the prophet appears with a message from God. Let's look together at what happens a person tangled in sin confesses that sin. God responds by forgiving their sins and giving them a new start.
Move Inside
Sin Confronted (2 Samuel 12:1-4)
1. Ask, How do you tend to respond when someone confronts you about
something you know you have done wrong?
2. Why do you think Nathan tells David a story rather than confronting
him directly about his sin? Why is it difficult for us to be objective
about our own sin?
Sin Personalized (2 Samuel 12:5-7)
Why do you think David reacted so strongly against the sin he was hearing about in this story? Read Matthew 7:3, Why are people quicker to recognize the sins of others before their own?
Sin Judged (2 Samuel 12:7-12)
1. Why do you believe that the Lord felt David had despised both Him
and His word?
2. When we sin, how do we display contempt for God and His word?
Sin Confessed and Forgiven (2 Samuel 12:13-14)
The author of Hebrews writes: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).
How is God's justice and mercy revealed in His decision about David's sin?
Take It Away
Do you believe David was sincere in his confession to Nathan of his sin?
Read Psalm 51. Now what do you think about David's sincerity?
In Psalm 51:17 what do you understand a broken and contrite heart to be?
Privately consider your own experience with this conditon.
The lady I spoke of who embezzled the funds felt a new sense of release once she confessed her sin. How does it feel to receive a fresh start from God after confessing sins and receiving forgiveness?
Remember, when we confess our sins to the Lord, He forgives us gives us a new start. Perhaps there is something you need to confess today. Take the time to share it with God and begin anew today.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
Not Conformed But Transformed - BSFL - November 9, 2008
07 Nov 2008 01:14 pm
Not Conformed But Transformed - BSFL – November 9, 2008
Background Scripture: Romans 12:1-21
Focal Scripture: Romans 12:1-8, 14-21
In Romans 11:33-36 Paul breaks out in praise to God acknowledging all that God has done for us. He realizes just as Job did in Job 41:11 that God has done everything for us but we have done nothing for God, truly there nothing that God needs from us. God has given us salvation by grace and He has even given us righteousness through the Holy Spirit’s activity in our lives. All of this has been given as a gift of God to us. The wisdom of God, Paul says is far above our ability to comprehend so he takes a few moments to just praise God for his greatness and mercies to us. In chapter 12 he transitions from talking about how God has transformed us to live righteous lives as individuals to how we should live together as the people of God. Those individuals who have received the gift of God are to band together in community. In this community, fresh aspects of God’s goodness and His beauty will be expressed.
In chapters 12-16 Paul describes the attitudes and actions which bond believers together in love and which create a relational climate in which maximum personal spiritual growth can take place. How wonderful these chapters of Romans are! We need to take them to heart, making them our guidelines as we learn how to live together as God’s holy, loving family of faith.
Perhaps the key to living now a joyful Christian life in community with other believers is found in Romans 14. Here Paul speaks of acceptance. Acceptance is the attitude we are to have toward all who are fellow believers, even though they may differ from us in significant ways. They may be vegetarians whereas you may enjoy a good porterhouse. Paul says do not judge yourself as better than the vegetarian but rather accept them. The greek word for accept, proslambano, literally means to “welcome,” to actively draw another into one’s society or circle of friends. So now let’s look at how we are to live in view of God’s mercy.
Open up
1. In groups of four get together and draw a picture of the person who lives the righteous life. Do not draw what you believe the Bible says righteous people are to look life but how the world views righteous people.
2. Why do you think the world views righteous people this way? Look at Galatians 5:22-23 to see how the righteous person should appear. (Bright and colorful)
Move Inside
Consecrate Yourselves
Romans 12:1-2
1. What do you think Paul means by the way he describes our response to God’s
mercy in 12:1:
offer your bodies
as living sacrifices
holy and pleasing to God
2. What do you think he means by “this is your spiritual worship?
3. What does it mean to conform?
4. How about the transformation, is it all at once? Look back at Romans 8:29.
5. According to 12:2, what must happen in order for us to discern and agree with God’s will? Reflect for a moment, Is there any pattern of this world that is currently tempting you to conform to it?
6. How can our minds be renewed? Have volunteers read Romans 8:5,9,12-13; II Cor. 3:18; Ephesians 3:14-21; 4:22-24; 5:1-2; II Tim. 3:16; Luke 11:13; Psalm 1:1-3; 119:11.
Live Humble Yet Significantly
Romans 12:3-8
1. How are we to view our place in the body of Christ?
2. What facts should keep us from feeling superior or inferior to other Christians?
3. In 12:6-8 Paul lists examples of gifts that may be found among Christians in any given Church. The list is not exhaustive, as it is meant to teach principles about how we should use each gift. Identity the gifts and how they should be used.
Differing Gifts – Charismata from charis, “grace”. God gives these gifts by grace to enable Christians to meet needs in the Church.
Prophesying – A communication of the mind of God imparted to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It may be a prediction, an indication of the will of God in a particular situation (Acts 13:1-2; I Cor. 14:29-30), or a word given for “strengthening, encouragement, and comfort (I Cor. 14:3)
Serving – Practical Service to those in need in the name of God.
Teaching – To impart a message of revelation based on the Word of God to tell us what is true and what we should do in light of it.
Encouraging – To motivate a Christian to live the truth they have been taught.
Giving – To help others financially through generosity.
Lead – Guide others to follow with enthusiasm.
Showing mercy – Caring for the sick, the poor and the elderly.
4. Discuss in your groups of four how Paul’s teaching in 12:3-8 should affect your thinking and actions with regard to your function and worth in the Body? Try to name some specific ways in which you want your thinking and will to be renewed.
Do Good To All
Romans 12:9-21
1. Not surprising Paul says the Christian life is to characterized by a genuine love.
What is the source of our love for fellow Christians and non-Christians? (The Holy Spirit – Romans 5:5)
2. In what ways is Christian love more than just sentimentalism? (Romans 5:6-8; 12:7-8; 10-21; 13:8-10; I John 3:17-1
3. List ways this love is to be shown.
Take It Away
How do you need to be transformed by the renewing of your mind? Confess this to God and ask Him to fill you with His love by His Holy Spirit. Ask God to make you a conduit of His love and that those around you will know Him better. Ask Him for harmony in your Christian community and in the Church around the world.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
When Assessing One's Life's Work - ETB - November 9, 2008
06 Nov 2008 12:43 pm
When Assessing One's Lifework
ETB - November 9, 2008
Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-18(I Chronicles 11:1-9; 13:1-14:16; 15;25-16:3; 17:1-18:17)
Focal Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:9-12; 7:1-7,8-11, 18-21
Open Up
In 1992, I had been serving the Lord faithfully at a local Church for five years. During my ministry there I had served four of those years with a dynamic Pastor and we had seen the Church grow in attendance and membership. In 1991 my Pastor moved on to another pastorate. Over the next year I was given the responsibility of basically being the administrator and pastoral care minister of the Church in addition to my other duties as the Associate Pastor of Education and Youth. The preaching ministry was taken care of by a retired Pastor who was quite liberal in his interpretation of the scripture. In 1992 I was quite proud that our church had not dropped in attendance over the previous year. However, the Church seemed to be changing direction slowly in the search for a new Pastor. Most candidates seemed to be moderate in their theology. I began to feel that the time was drawing near for me to move on in my ministry. An opportunity arose for me to join the staff of the previous pastor whom I had served so well with previously. I interviewed with the prospective Church and departed for home feeling confident that I would be moving to this new Church field. However, the next morning I felt an uneasiness in my spirit during my prayer time. The more I prayed the more I developed the sense that God did not want me to accept this new position. I could not believe it because I really wanted to make the move. I consulted my prayer partners and they too had the same feeling that God was not ready for me to make this move. I remember the day I received a call from the chairman of the search committee extended an offer to me. I respectfully declined and chose to stay in my present ministry position until God led me to do otherwise. I served in this position for another year and four months. The Lord blessed and the Church continued to enjoy good attendance and giving. A new Pastor had arrived and begun his ministry a year before. During this time I began to sense in my prayer time that God was ready for me to move but I had closed the door on the previous opportunity. I consulted my prayer partners and they too discerned that God was ready for me to make a move. A few days later I received a call from my previous Pastor. The position I had declined before was no longer available but a new opportunity had opened up. I prayed, interviewed, and consulted my prayer partners and the message was clear. God was ready for me to embark on a new ministry. This was fifteen years ago this December and I have been amazed at what God has done in the Church I now serve. Blessings of growth that I never really believed I would ever witness personally in my ministry were happening everyday. I attribute this to carefully praying with my prayer partners to make certain that my life and ministry was aligned with God's will and purpose for my life.
David time and time again stops to consult the Lord's will before beginning a new campaign. 1Samuel 30:7-8; 2 Samuel 5:19; 5:22
Has there ever been a time when you acted without consulting God's will, how did that work out for you?
How about a time when you did consult God's will, how did that work out for you?
Move Inside
It's Not About You! (2 Samuel 5:9-12)
General Abner is dead
The rival King Ishbosheth is dead
David is now the unchallenged King of Judah and Israel
David has led three military campaigns to victory, and established a
neutral city as the new capital
King Hiram of Tyre has sent materials and craftsmen and built a palace
for King David
1. All of these blessings having come to a common shepherd boy could understandably make him feel that it was indeed all about him. Did David feel this way?
2. Did David's military successes prove him to be a great military strategist? How does the phrase, "...and the Lord God of Hosts was with him," shed light on the previous question?
3. Have you ever expeirienced success on the job or in a social position and felt that it was all about you?
4. Do you believe seeking God's direction and the advice of other Chritians helps or hinders one in one's spirtitual life?
5. Why do so many Christians fail to acknowledge God's role in their successes?
But What Does God Say? (2 Samuel 7:1-7)
1. What bothered David in verses 1 and 2?
2. In what way do you think church buildings should reflect our humility? our esteem for God?
3. Did David's concern for the house of God sound pious or presumptuous?
4. How did the prophet Nathan initally react to Davids desire to build a house for the ark of God?
5. Have you ever failed to seek God's will first before making a momentous decision?
6. In verse 7 what did God say about building Him a house?
Have You Completed Your Assignment? (2 Samuel 7:8-11)
1. What do you believe was God's purpose for making David powerful and prosperous?
2. What assignment had God given David?
3. What is the most reassuring aspect of God's covenant with the house of David?
Take It Away
Consider this, God just may be intending to bless others by blessing you personally. Identify God's blessings in your life and seek way to bless those around you.
What is the temple that God is most concerned about in your life? How may you offer this temple to God?
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
When Responding To Loss - ETB - November 2, 2008
30 Oct 2008 11:08 am
When Responding To Loss
Background Passage: 2 Samuel 1:1-4:12 (I Chronicles 3:1-4)
Focal Passage: 2 Samuel 1:17-19, 24-27, 2:1-7
Open Up
How do we respond to the loss of a loved one? How do we respond to the loss of an adversary or rival? Some people respond to the loss of a person they had an intimate relationship with by becoming bitter and questioning God. Others turn to God for comfort through His Holy Spirit and seek ways to discover the good He promises will come out of all things for those who are called according to His purpose. In the case of an adversary or rival people often people are like the sojourning Amalekite of 2 Samuel, they seek personal gain by taking advantage of the loss. Through today's lesson we want to demonstrate how God's people show spiritual strength and help others find stability when they respond to loss with God-honoring actions.
Lifeway this week speaks of the reactions in the ETB Leader Guide for November 2, "Adults respond to significant loss in various ways. Some of those responses are healthy and helpful; others are not. Generally, in times of loss people experience heavy emotional turmoil stemming from grief, loneliness, uncertainty, and fear. They also may raise serious questions about themselves, the future, and spiritual matters. A common lament among adults who suffer significant loss is 'I don't know what to do now.' Christian adults can find comfort and strength in time of loss from their relationship with God. Those Christian adults who come along side others in time of loss and support them through God-honoring actions model spiritual stability."
1. In groups of 4 compose a list of songs that have spoken to you in times
of sadness? Share your list with the group at large.
2. Whose has died in your lifetime that has had the greatest impact on
you? What words would you have used to describe that person?
Move Inside
Find Ways To Express Sorrow
2 Samuel 1:17-19
1. Why do you think David composed the lament for Saul and Jonathan
(the poem The Song Of The Bow)?
2. What order did David give regarding the lament? What is the book of
Jashar?
3. Consider the words of high praise David used to describe the Saul and
Jonathan in verse 19, what do you think he meant by the splendor of
Israel?
4. Make a list on the board of ways the class has found helpful to them in
expressing sorrow.
Acknowledge What Is Lost
2 Samuel 1:24-27
1. Look back at verses 21-24, what do you think David was saying in
these verses? His praises of Jonathan were understandable but why
Saul? Consider Proverbs 24:17.
2. Is it easy to be a Proverbs 24:17 Christian?
3. Why did David say the daughters of Israel should weep for Saul?
4. Do you believe there to be anything unnatural about David's expression
of his personal grief for Jonathan in verse 26?
Look For New Opportunities Of Service
2 Samuel 2:1-4
1. Where did David seek direction for what to do next?
2. Since David already knew that he was going to be anointed King of
Israel, why did he seek the Lord's guidance?
3. Have you ever sought the Lord's guidance? How did it help?
Show Kindness To Others
2 Samuel 2:5-7
1. Why did David ask God to bless the men of Jabesh-Gilead?
2. Were there any political advantages to David's kind treatment of the
men of Jabesh-Gilead?
3. What did David exhort the men of Jabesh-Gilead to do in the face of
of their loss?
Take It Away
Think of a faithful and valiant saint you could share about with your friends
and family this week. Share about them.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
