Berean Bible Fellowship Church

Kingdom Principle: “We do not want this man to reign over us”, is the refrain of the citizens of this world. We need to be careful not to emulate it. As Christians we are called to submit our lives to the sovereignty of the great king. The world refuses his reign; we ought to embrace it as good servants.   ______________________ of the KingLuke 19:38 (ESV) — 38 …“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Jesus demonstrates his authority to be King of the universe.Zechariah 9:9 (ESV) — 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. All things are not as they appear to be.Matthew 21:8–11 (ESV) — 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” ______________________ of the KingLuke 19:41 (ESV) — 41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, In AD 70, Titus, under the direction of the Emperor Vespasian, surrounded the city of Jerusalem and set up embankments on every side so that no one could escape the city. (verse 43) This caused mass starvation and infighting. It is said by Josephus that the city of Jerusalem was destroyed both from the inside, because of the civil wars between different sects, and from the outside, as Rome intended to quell the insurrectionist fully and finally. On the tenth day of Av (month of Sept) the temple is burned to the ground and completely destroyed. It is said that the Emperor Titus left the Western wall intact so that it could be seen for generations to come the strength and might of the Roman army to destroy such a fortified city as Jerusalem.John 18:36 (ESV) — 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” ______________________ of the KingLuke 19:45–46 (ESV) — 45 And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” Luke 19:47–48 (ESV) — 47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, 48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. The gospel of Luke declares that the realm of Jesus’ reign, in this age, will be over those who are redeemed by his blood, restored to fellowship with God the Father, and receive and love God’s truth. John 17:16–19 (ESV) — 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 2 Corinthians 10:3–6 (ESV) — 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 

Kingdom Principle: What will the world be like in the interim between Jesus’ ascension and his return? Who will make up that world? Jesus very clearly teaches us that there will be three kinds of people. Those who love him and serve him faithfully. Those who hate him and rebel against his rightful rule. And those who find themselves somewhere in the middle. May we be among those who serve the Lord faithfully.  _______________________  _______________________Luke 19:13 (ESV) — 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ The servants are being tested to see whether they are fit for larger tasks. The Matthean parable reminds us that we all have different gifts, the Lucan that we all have one basic task, that of living out our faith.17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’The parable of the mina shows that we ought to be faithful in the little things, and also the outrageous generosity of the nobleman.1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (ESV) — 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. What responsibility has the Lord given “you” in the management of his kingdom, while he is absent?The point of this parable is not to constrain service because of the Lord’s judgment, it is to encourage service in light of the Lord’s generosity._________________  ____________________Luke 19:14 (ESV) — 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ If the first group is characterized by responsibility in the current iteration of the kingdom, the second group is characterized by rebellion. If the first group is characterized by willingness, the second group is characterized by wrangling.Citizens will be citizens, there is no reform, they must be transformed.Luke 19:27 (ESV) — 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ” ___________________ to be servants, but are __________________ citizensLuke 19:20–23 (ESV) — 20 Then another came (with the servants mind you), saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant!You can see the mixed nature of this third group of people. They share something from the first and second group. From the first group they have been given responsibilities in Christ’s kingdom, but from the second group they are given to the same excuses as to why the king does not have a rightful claim over them, he is a harsh king. They are responsible and they rebel. How does Jesus then respond to this third and final group? With condemnation. Even though they share some things with the first group, they inevitably share the fate of second group. Luke 19:22, 27 (ESV) — 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant!... 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ” Question to ConsiderWith which group do you identify? Do you love the Lord and serve him faithfully? Do you hate him and rebel against him? Or do you find yourself in the middle? How is the Lord calling you to repent and embrace his gracious and generous rule?

Kingdom Principle: How would you know if one were saved? Would you be able to see it in their life? What the bible teaches us is that the transformation that God brings in the gospel changes a man so that he joyfully and eagerly obeys the Word of the Savior. This ought to be clearly seen in the things that we want and do.  ______________________ to JesusLuke 19:1–2 (ESV) — 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. Now one of the things for which Jericho was famous was the balm derived from the balsam tree. Josephus (Antiquities XV.96) calls balsam “the most precious thing there is.” It was fragrant, soothing, and highly regarded for its healing qualities. The trade in this commodity—and in other commodities abounding in the Jericho region—yielded high taxes for the Roman government. Besides, Jericho was at the heart and center of a vast trade route network, as is clear from the map on p. 854. The city had trade connections with Damascus, Tyre, and Sidon to the north, Caesarea and Joppa to the west, and Egypt to the south, as well as with many other cities and countries in every direction. An important man, therefore, this Zacchaeus!Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus, yes, but even before this, Jesus was seeking him. John 6:37 (ESV) — 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:44 (ESV) — 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. ______________________ to be CalledLuke 19:6 (ESV) —6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. Ephesians 2:1-10“…when God works in us, the will, being changed and sweetly breathed on by the Spirit of God, desires and acts, not from compulsion, but responsively, from pure willingness, inclination, and accord; so that it cannot be turned another way by any thing contrary, nor be compelled or overcome even by the gates of hell; but it still goes on to desire, crave after, and love that which is good; even as before, it desired, craved after, and loved that which was evil.” –Martin LutherIn this encounter with Zacchaeus we see the gospel on full display. Jesus commands Zacchaeus to hurry and come down, and he hurries and comes down joyfully.The ruler asks the question because he is looking to do more in order to inherit eternal life because he thinks eternal life is gained by doing something more.___________________________ from his sinLuke 19:8 (ESV) — 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” Jesus does not even have to ask Zacchaeus to sell his possessions and give to the poor. (remember the rich young ruler) Something prompts him to offer this up all by himself. Or maybe I should say someone. Psalm 110:3 (ESV) — 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. ___________________________ of SalvationLuke 19:9 (ESV) — 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. Question to ConsiderIn what ways do you see the power of God in salvation clearly demonstrated in your life? How might you continue to joyfully obey Christ in your life?

Kingdom Principle: What must I “do” to inherit eternal life? This is the question from the Rich Young ruler. Jesus reminds us that eternal life is not a product we purchase by our obedience but a quality that we possess to produce good works. We work from eternal life, not towards it. When we believe in Jesus, we have eternal life, and this wells up in us like a spring of life. What does it mean to be truly _______________________?Luke 18:18 (ESV) — 18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The ruler asks the question because he is looking to do more in order to inherit eternal life because he thinks eternal life is gained by doing something more.The goodness of God can be conceived in terms of God in himself (ad intra) and God’s work in creation (ad extra). A thing is good to the extent that it is all that it can and should be—namely, perfect. God alone is all that he can and should be. Thus, since God is wholly perfect, lacking nothing, he is the supreme and absolute good. Moreover, since he is already himself fully perfect according to his nature, there is no end—no good—toward which he strives. That is to say, God is immutably incapable of becoming more good or less good. To refer to God’s goodness is simply to refer to God himself. That is to say, God’s essence is identical with goodness, and goodness is an essential and necessary attribute of the divine nature.God’s goodness is not static and isolated within himself but is diffusive and overflowing as demonstrated by God’s free decision to create. As creator, his goodness overflows in both creation and providence. Creation is good because God, who is good, is its source and cause, its ground and standard (Gen 1:25; 1 Tim 4:4). Genesis 1:31 (ESV) — 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Jesus uses the law as a tool in order to point the Rich Young Ruler to his need for salvation. The law can be used as a mirror for us to see how far short we fall from God’s goodness. Eternal life is not gained by our good works, it is given by a good God.How does a man or woman enter eternal life? They are transformed by the work of God the Holy Spirit. This causes them to value heaven more than any earthly prospect.What does it mean to be truly _________________?Luke 18:28–30 (ESV) — 28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” The reason the disciples have left house and home is because they are convinced that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and being convinced of this they understand that following him brings the greatest reward, not because they earn it, but because it is found in him. They didn’t give in order to receive, they gave in light of what they had received.John 17:3 (ESV) — 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Eternal life is less like a gas tank and more like an underground spring.John 4:13–14 (ESV) — 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”Questions to ConsiderWhy has God given us his Word, prayer, service, sacrifice? How might we use it to tap into the Spirit that lives within us?

Kingdom Principle: What does it mean to humble oneself? It means to see ourselves as we truly are; incapable and insignificant. Those prepared for the kingdom of Christ are those who see their only capability and significance coming from the capability and significance of another, namely Jesus, the Son of God. We are In-_______________________________Luke 18:15 (ESV) — 15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them…I am not sure there is a better picture of absolute incapability and dependency as an infant. Babies are helpless.The blind beggar is a picture of absolute desperation. It is a picture of complete helplessness. It is a picture of utter incapability. In Adam we all died. (1Cor. 15:22) In the natural man, there is no part of us that is animated toward God. There is no source that we can pull from to move toward Him. We are life-less. John 6:44 (ESV) — 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:37 (ESV) — 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. Like the parents brought their children to Jesus for his blessing, and like the crowd carried the blind man to be near to Christ, so the Father must bring us to the Son. We are offered up to the Son by the Father, in order that we have no merit upon which to stand.Ephesians 2:5 (ESV) — 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been savedWe are In-________________________Luke 18:15 (ESV) — 15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Luke 18:38–39 (ESV) — 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” At this point in Jesus’ ministry he is pretty important. And so those following him (disciples/crowd) think they are pretty important as well. A mentality Jesus must disabuse them of. 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (ESV) — 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” You are empty!What we learn from Jesus is that when we come to grips with the reality of who we truly are, we are ready then, and only then, to receive the capability and significance of another.“Humility is nothing but the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all… Here is the path to the higher life: down, lower down! Just as water always seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds men abased and empty, His glory and power flow in to exalt and to bless.” Andrew MurrayQuestions to ConsiderDo you see yourself as nothing, so Christ might be all? In what ways do you see God humbling you so that you might depend on Him?

Kingdom Principle: The narrative of the coming of Jesus the King is simply but profound. Jesus the King has come, Jesus the King has gone away (for a time), but Jesus the King will come again. And when He returns he will bring justice with Him. Who will be justified when he returns?The Self-_________________ Pharisee depending on his _______________Luke 18:11 (ESV) — 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. Luke 18:11 (NASB95) — 11 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself…This is a man who is not impressed with God, he is impressed with himself. And the only reason he is impressed with himself is because he does not know himself truly. He has an inflated view of himself. Mistake #1: The Pharisee compares himself to “other men”. (vs. 11)When we compare ourselves to other sinners, it is easy enough to justify ourselves before God.You are never as good as you think yourself to be.The Law provided for but one fast, that on the Day of Atonement, so his fasting twice a week was [superfluous]. The pious were in the habit of fasting more often than the Law required and fasting on Monday and Thursday is attested (e.g.Taanith 10a, 12a). The Pharisee also went beyond the Law’s requirements in tithing. The Law prescribed that certain crops be tithed (Deut. 14:22), but it was a Pharisaic practice to tithe even garden herbs (11:42). The Pharisee relies on his merit instead of God’s mercy.Mistake #2: The Pharisee does not compare himself to God. "I venture to say that no man rightly knows himself till he knows his God, because it is by the light and purity of God that we see our own darkness and sinfulness. There must be a perfect model before us before we can discern our own departures from perfection. You must have a standard by which to weigh yourself or you cannot tell whether you are wanting or not: God is the standard, and until a man knows the standard he does not know how far he himself has fallen short of it." — Charles H. Spurgeon, Heart-Knowledge of God (Jeremiah 24:7)The Pharisees have erred in two ways. First in comparing themselves to others in regards to their righteous deeds and secondly in seeing God as a mere mortal that they can appease with those same meritorious works.The Self-________________ Tax Collector depending on God’s ____________Luke 18:13 (ESV) — 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ The Pharisee is impressed with himself, the tax collector hates himself and his sin. Revelation 1:12–17 (ESV) — 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead…We are all sinners. We have all fallen short. More than this, we actively offend God by our ongoing rebellion against his sovereign rule. Our only hope is God’s unmerited mercy found in Jesus Christ. Questions to considerTo whom are you tempted to compare yourself? Why is this unproductive?What happens when we compare ourselves to God? Why must God be merciful to us?

         I.           Listening to theWord…more than yourself (18-21)                 II.           Listening looks likedoing (22-27)

Main Point:  In trial, don’t blame or accuse God.  Rather remember that he is the giver of goodgifts, evidenced by saving you.             I.           Seeing the End:  The Crown of Life (12)            II.           The Danger ofMisinterpretation (13)         III.           Correction 1:  Temptation Comes from Us (14-16)         IV.           Correction 2:  Every Good Gift Comes From God (17-18)

Main Point:  In trial, don’t turn inward, but go to God infaith for help to understand the trial and how to count it joy.  1.     His Calling:  Count It all Joy    2.     His Resource:  Wisdom    3.     His Requirement:  Faith    4.     His Example:  The Trial of Wealth

1.  Count it joy     2.  When you meet various trials     3.  Because he’s producing Steadfastness     4. Count it all joy

Kingdom Principle: The narrative of the coming of Jesus the King is simply but profound. Jesus the King has come, Jesus the King has gone away (for a time), but Jesus the King will come again. And his return will be un-expected and un-mistakable. And when He returns he will bring justice with Him. Justice ___________________________Luke 18:2–8 (ESV) 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ Justice is the measure taken to protect that, which is good, true, and beautiful.Psalm 10:16–18 (ESV) — 16 The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. 17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. God has called us to protect the poor, widows and orphans because they are the most vulnerable among us. Isaiah 1:16–17 (ESV) — 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. James 1:27 (ESV) — 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Why ought we suffer injustices for a time? Because we know that justice is coming.Revelation 19:11–16 (ESV) — 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Matthew 25:31-46 (pg 780)Justice __________________Luke 18:6–8 (ESV) 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” If we can expect a thimble full of justice from an unrighteous judge, how great will be the bucket of God’s justice when it is unleashed on the earth.The intent of the parable is that God is far different from the unjust judge. It is not that he is ignoring justice. It is that he is postponing justice for a time. And for what purpose? In order that he might show mercy.2 Peter 3:8–9 (ESV) 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Questions to considerIn what ways are you experiencing injustice in your life? How ought you respond to it?Do you find hope in the reality of the coming justice when the King returns? Why or why not?

Kingdom Principle: The narrative of the coming of Jesus the King is simply but profound. Jesus the King has come, Jesus the King has gone away (for a time), but Jesus the King will come again. And his return will be un-expected and un-mistakable.     The Return of the King will be ____-_____________________ (sudden)Luke 17:26–30 (ESV) 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all… 30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. The issue in this text isn’t the activities that the world is engaged in. It is their pre-occupation with those activities.Genesis 19:26 (ESV) 26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:15–17 (ESV) 15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16 But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” Are you ready to go?Revelation 19:17–18 (ESV) 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” Revelation 19:21 (ESV) 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. The Return of the King will be ____-______________________ (spectacular)Luke 17:22–24 (ESV) 22 And he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. "When Christ comes, there will be no need to publish the tidings of it in the newspapers, no need to send the herald from town to town to tell that he has come; for as the lightning is seen from one end of heaven to the other, so shall the coming of the Son of man be."  –Charles SpurgeonJesus wants us to understand that not only will his return come unexpectedly but it will also affect all peoples. It will be universal. It will be unmistakable.Revelation 1:7 (ESV) 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. AmenQuestions to ConsiderAre you greatly anticipating Christ’s return? If not, why not?What are some things on this earth that are holding you back from fully embracing Jesus’ second coming? How is the Lord asking you to let go of those things?In what ways might you let those around you know that Jesus is coming back so that they are not completely unaware?

Kingdom Principle: The narrative of the coming of Jesus the King is simply but profound. Jesus the King has come, Jesus the King has gone away for a time, but Jesus the King will come again. Might we be ever watching for his return.    The King _________ ___________________Luke 17:20–21 (ESV) — 20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom first. The power of the kingdom of God changes the hearts of men and women everywhere. Jesus, however, in his answer indicates that they harbor a misconception concerning the nature of the kingdom, as if it would arrive with loud proclamations, prancing horses, marching armies, martial music; briefly, with “outward show.” If that were true, people would be greeting its arrival by shouting, “Here it is,” “There it is.” Over against all this, Jesus declares that the kingdom—or here preferably kingship, reign, rule—of God is basically spiritual in its essence. It is within, or, if one prefers, inside a person. Wherever God is truly recognized and honored as King, there one finds his kingdom or kingship.Note that little word within or inside… the kingdom-kingship Jesus has in mind here is not an outward, visible entity, so that people would be able to point to it and exclaim, “There it is,” but consists of inner qualities, such as “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17), qualities that exist wherever God is recognized as King.Submission and gratitude, ought to mark every believer in Christ.“Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how can I blaspheme my King and Savior now?” –PolycarpMatthew 13:24-30; 36-43 (pg 768)How is the kingdom of God among the Pharisees? For three reasons; the king has come and his name is Jesus. He is ruling in the hearts of men and women who have given their allegiance to him. And those willing and joyful subjects find themselves mingled among those who belong to the world.The King _______ _____________ ____________ (for a time)Luke 17:22 (ESV) 22 And he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.We are living in the days of Christ’s departure. Jesus will suffer at the hands of lawless men. (Acts 2:23) Not because he isn’t the King of the Universe, not because the kingdom has not come, but because it is in the plan of the Heavenly Father. John 15:18–20 (ESV) — 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. This is the plan of God. That we, who belong to Christ’s kingdom and who are among the world (the kingdom is among you), might make the glories of that Kingdom known to those who are blinded by sin and taken captive by the evil one. We are on a rescue mission.Questions to ConsiderHave you given your life to Christ the King? In what ways do you long for his return?To whom is God calling you to declare the glories of Christ the King?

Kingdom Principle: What are you trusting in for your salvation? If it is anything other than Jesus it is not sufficient. Jesus teaches us here, that faith is required to be saved, but that faith must be in the one who can save. Jesus is the always the proper object of our faith.   Jesus Save You, Not Your _________________ __________________Luke 17:12–13 (ESV) — 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Why does the Samaritan turn around and the others don’t? He had nowhere else to go. Samaritans faced systematic exclusion from Jewish community life during the first century. The 1st century was a time of very strained relations between Jews and Samaritans.1The conflict ran deep. Jews called Samaritans “Cutheans” and would not accept them as blood-relations.1 Beyond genealogical rejection, the legitimacy of their worship of Yahweh was questioned.1 This theological dismissal had concrete consequences: Samaritans were excluded from practicing the Jerusalem religion, Jews were prohibited from intermarrying with them. Samaritans were treated as Gentiles in practice.1The social reality reflected this legal and religious framework. Jews and Samaritans avoided contact with one another3, and Jews regarded Samaritans as “foreigners,” using the same term applied to non-Jews excluded from the Jerusalem temple.3 Rather than occupying an intermediate status, Samaritans were functionally treated as outside the covenant community entirely.Jesus does not discriminate based on ethnic boundaries. Jesus discriminates based on one thing. Do you have faith in him or not.Galatians 3:29 (ESV) — 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. Hebrews 8:13 (ESV) — 13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. John 1:29 (ESV) — 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Romans 1:16 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Jesus is at the center of salvation not a religious system.Jesus Saves You, Not Your _______________________Luke 17:12–19 (ESV) — 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” It is really important what we put our faith in. The object of your faith matters. And we must also be careful, that faith does not become the object of our salvation. "It is not faith that saves, but faith in Jesus Christ; strictly speaking, it is not even faith in Christ that saves, but Christ that saves through faith." — B. B. WarfieldQuestions to ConsiderIn what are you trusting for your salvation? What does it look like to trust in Jesus to overcome your sinful habits and tendencies?How might faith become the object of salvation? How do we protect against this?

Kingdom Principle: The Lord’s Supper is an important and weighty matter. It is one that should be approached with the utmost attention. Paul’s words in 1Cor. 11 demand it. What we see is that those who partake in an unworthy manner are liable to God’s judgment. How do we protect against this? Why Does it Matter?The ____________________________ of the Lord’s Supper1 Corinthians 11:20–22 (ESV) — 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat…The Lord’s Supper is not a casual event.The Lord’s Supper signifies the death of Jesus for his bride. Ephesians 5:25 (ESV) — 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, His death for our death. His life for our life.All of those who enjoy being reconciled to the Father, should partake of the Lord’s Supper. But also, only those who have enjoyed this reconciliation and life should partake in the Lord’s Supper.Unworthy = Not giving the proper ____________________ to something.The ________________ Consequence of taking in an unworthy mannerDiscern = to judge rightly or to separate outThe one takes of the Lord’s Supper ought to properly consecrate (set apart as holy) it in their own hearts.It might be hard to discern what Paul is actually referring to when he cites weakness, illness, and death, but what is not hard to discern is that the Lord takes the Supper seriously and so should we. “It is not the worthiness of your persons, but the worthiness of your faith, desire, and acceptance of Christ, that is necessary… Christ inviteth you to come as sinners, but not as careless or impenitent sinners.” -Richard BaxterHow do we guard to the Lord’s Table?Elders are responsible to _______________ sanctify the Lord’s Table1 Corinthians 11:23 (ESV) — 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread…Something must happen in order for a meal to be consecrated (set apart as holy), it must be clearly delineated as such.How can we, as a church, discern to the best of our ability, who belongs to the one body of Christ, in order that they participate in the elements rightly?1 Corinthians 12:12–13 (ESV) — 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. One of the ways that we can clearly discern who belongs to the body of Christ is through baptism.Individuals are responsible to ___________________ themselves1 Corinthians 11:27–30 (ESV) —28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. The final say for the one who eats, is you.We as elders will do our best to guard the table, but we are not going to block it. We are going to do our best to consecrate the table, we are going to invite those who have been baptized to partake, but at the end of the day, you have to make the decision for yourself, based on your own examination of your own heart, whether or not you will take the elements. 

Kingdom Principle: One relationship image that is important for us to maintain before a holy and righteous God is that between Master and servant. Jesus teaches us this morning that we are mere servants. We have nothing of real value to offer the Lord as if he needed us. We serve at his pleasure and serving the Lord is always for our good and his glory. The Good Master Commands without __________________________Luke 17:7–10 (ESV) — 7 “Will any one of you (master) who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him… 8 Will he not rather say to him… 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded… The role of the Master is to make commands, to command what is good, and to command without exception. The role of the servant is to obey those commands without excuse or expectation. Q: Why is it good that the Lord command and that he expects his subjects to obey those commands absolutely?A: God is absolutely good and therefore what he commands is always best. Psalm 19:1–2 (ESV) — 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV) — 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Psalm 119:68 (ESV) — 68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. Disregarding God’s commands at any point leads to death and destruction. Genesis 3:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The Good Servant Obeys without  __________________Luke 17:10 (ESV) — 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ” A good servant does all that the master commands without excuse and without expecting anything in return. If God’s commands are good and they lead to life, even the obeying brings about inherent blessing. More than this, the Scripture teaches us that God rewards his people for faithful service, but God is not obligated to reward us.Acts 17:24–25 (ESV) — 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. The blessing is the consequence of obeying not the reward for obeying. Psalm 1:1–3 (ESV) — 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Questions to ConsiderWhy are God’s commands good? Why do we struggle to obey God’s commands?What is something God is calling you to do that you are struggling with? How might you trust him in faith to obey his command?

Kingdom Principle: As we await for our ultimate consolation in the age to come, what should our lives be like? We should be a community of faith that should never be guilty of high handed sins that take advantage of others. In order to protect ourselves from this we need to practice loving rebuke, repentance, and restoration.  The _________________________ of WickednessLuke 17:1 (ESV) — 1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! Jesus is addressing a more high-handed, intentional kind of wickedness here. Why do I say this? Let me give you three reasons. The first is the context. The second is the word Jesus uses for “temptation”. And the third is the target of this kind of temptation. The word skandala… means the bait-stick of a trap, that which triggers off trouble...Proverbs 16:29 (ESV) — 29 A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.2Peter 2:12-14; 17-19Proverbs 1:10–16 (ESV) — 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, 16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. The __________________ of Confrontation (Rebuke)Luke 17:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” The Lord calls us to move toward one another in loving confrontation. This should be done not out of anger or spiritual superiority but in love and gentleness, seeking to win our brother back. Galatians 6:1 (ESV) — 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.the early Church recognizes only one situation when a formal [rebuke] is in keeping for man. This is the brotherly correction of a fallen brother… (Lk. 17:3). Reproof should be accompanied by the awareness of common guilt before God and therefore by a spirit of unconditional forgiveness.James 5:19–20 (ESV) — 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. The __________________________ of ForgivenessLuke 17:5–6 (ESV) — 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. It is uncertain what tree the sycamine was, but most think of the black mulberry. The rabbis held that the roots of the tree with this name would remain in the earth for 600 years (SB). Clearly it was very firmly rooted, so that removing it would be difficult.

Kingdom Principle: Our hope is in Christ. It is not in this world. Those who experience comfort on this earth without trust in Christ will suffer terrible discomfort in the life to come. But those who suffer greatly in this life, but have Christ, will experience the greatest of all comfort in the life to come. The ___________________________ of RichesLuke 16:19 (ESV) — 19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.Dressed in PurplePurple was cloth dyed with a very costly dye (obtainable from the shellfish murex). It would be used for the outer garment and the fine linen for the undergarment. The combination stands for the ultimate in luxury.Feasted Sumptuously EverydayThe rich man not only was dressed head to toe in the finest linens, he also ate the finest foods for every meal.Lives in a Gated HomeLazarus lies before the home’s high ornate gate. Πυλών (pylōn) is usually used of entrances to cities, temples, or palaces…Lazarus (El-Azar)= God _______________John 1:18 (NASB95) — 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. The rich man’s comfort, in this life, pales in comparison to his suffering in the life to come. On the other hand, the poor man’s suffering in this life pales in comparison to his comfort in the world to come. More than that, the poor man’s suffering in this life pales in comparison to the rich man’s suffering in the life to come and the rich man’s comfort pales in comparison to the poor man’s comfort in the world to come.Luke 6:20–21 (ESV) — 20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Luke 6:24–25 (ESV) — 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. The __________________ of the WordHebrews 4:12 (ESV) — 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 1 Peter 1:23 (ESV) — 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; What the world needs is gospel literate messengers, because the power is not in the messenger the power is in the message.1 Corinthians 2:1–5 (ESV) — 1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Questions to ConsiderIn what ways do you find yourself trusting more in the things of this earth and not in the life to come? How are you tempted to alter the gospel message in order that it might be more suitable to your loved ones and neighbors? How is God calling you to trust him in this?

Big Idea: We are commanded to love one another in the same way Christ loves us but the ability to do so does not come from our own strength1. The ____________ of Our Souls.1 Peter 1:22 (ESV) — 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,Romans 1:3-5, 16:25-26Hagnizó (hag-nee-zo) = to make ________ or to ____________1 Peter 1:22 (YLT) — Your souls having purified in the obedience of the truth through the Spirit to brotherly love unfeigned, out of a pure heart one another love ye earnestly,2. The __________ of the Word.1 Peter 1:23-25 (ESV) — 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.Matthew 24:35, Isaiah 55:11In a very practical way, it is also through the revealed Word of God in the Scriptures that we learn what it looks like to love one another properly. Although the Spirit transforms us to do this, we still need to be taught and reminded because of our flesh.Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-173. The __________ of Brotherly Love.1 Peter 1:22 (ESV) — 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,Two types of love mentioned: Phileo = loyal, strong love between close friends, Agape = selfless, sacrificial, seeking the greatest possible good for its object, choosing what God prefers1 John 4:7-11In Christ, we see love in its truest form.Five aspects of Christian love:1. Sincere2. Strenuous3. Seeking to restore4. Soft-hearted5. Servant-mindedQuestions to Consider- In what ways do you fall short of the love we are called to us brothers and sisters in Christ? How can you specifically grow in these areas?- How does it affect you to know that your salvation purified you? How have you seen your love for God's people grow since salvation?- How does it comfort you to know that your love for others is empowered by the Word of God?- What is one way that you can better love your brothers and sisters in Christ this week? Will you commit to doing it by the grace of God?

Kingdom Principle: God loves the sinner through Jesus Christ and calls him to repentance and life in his name. The self-righteous refuses to see himself as a sinner but is not being honest. The perfect law of righteousness ought to convict us of sin because none of us have ever kept the law perfectly.The Condition of the SinnerThe Re-cognition, Confession, and Coming Home of the RepentantThe Compassion of the FatherThe _________________ of the Self-RighteousLuke 15:25–28 (ESV) — 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in…The self-righteous is just as lost as the sinner, he just doesn’t see it.__________ is Jesus addressing?Jesus is addressing the Pharisees miss-perception of God and their own righteous accomplishments.Luke 15:29 (ESV) — 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat…___________ does Jesus address this miss-conception?The Parable of the dishonest manager is not the same as the forgiving father. The father in the first parable is how God should be perceived. The rich man in the second parable is how the Pharisee’s perceive the father to be, but is not. (that’s important)Luke 16:8 (ESV) — 8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. ___________ does Jesus apply this to?Matthew 19:3–9 (ESV) — 3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” Most Jewish debate on divorce centered on what the expression “something indecent” in Deut 24:1 meant. Hillel interpreted this broadly and permitted divorce in such cases as a wife burning supper or if a husband found another woman more attractive.Luke 15:30 (ESV) — 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’Luke 16:18 (ESV) — 18 “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig!The Pharisees were wallowing in the pigsty as much as the younger brother, but they were dishonestly dressing it up in religious practice. Don’t be like the Pharisee!Questions to ConsiderDo you identify with the sinner or the self-righteous more? In what ways have you attempted to lower God’s standard so he might be pleased with you?In what areas is God seeking to humble you by showing you, you are no better than the self-indulgent sinner? Would you turn to Christ?