Grace Truth Bible Fellowship

Verse 1-6 • “Partakers of the heavenly calling” – Heb 6:4, 8:5, 9:23, 11:16, 12:22, Matt 6:9-10, Luke 11:13 i. Don’t be confused – Heavenly calling is different than a position in the heavens. • “Consider” – set your mind upon. The writer wants their audience to see how Jesus was a faithful high priest, more than Moses. • “Apostle and high priest” ii. Apostle = One sent forth with orders, messenger, delegate. iii. High Priest = Chief priest, holding the high priestly position – whenever you see priest mentioned you know its audience is Israel. • “Who was faithful to him that appointed him” – John 5:36, 17:4. • “As also Moses was faithful in all his house” – Exo 40:1-16, Num 12:1-8 • Verse 3 – Jesus is worthy of more honour than Moses being the builder of the house, Moses being part of it – Acts 7:38, Matt 16:18, 1Pet 2:5. • Verse 4 – A physical reality used to show a spiritual/biblical one – God is creator of all, the world (Col 1:16), Israel (Exo 4:22, Isa 64:8), Body of Christ (Eph 2:10). • “Moses… faithful…. In his house… as a servant” – Exo 14:31. i. “For a testimony of those things spoken after” – Deut 18:15-19, John 1:45, 5:46, Acts 3:22. ii. The things Christ would speak – Matt 4:17 • “Jesus…..faithful(vs2)…as son… over his house” – The writer in these verses is showing how Jesus Christ is greater than Moses. • “Whose house are we, if we hold fast” – Matt 10:22, Rev 2:25-26, Matt 6:14-15. If-Then = under the law. Verse 7-14 • “As the Holy Ghost saith” – The next few verses are quotes from Psalmd 95:7-11. • “Take heed” – A warning to not be like the generation in the wilderness that had unbelief and do not make it to the promised land. • “Exhort one another daily” – So that they do not slip, fall away. • “Partakers of Christ….if we hold…..Steadfast unto the end” – Matt 24:9-10 • “The beginning of our confidence” – vs 6, 10:35, 1John 2:27-28 (John 15:1-14), 3:18-24, 5:14. • “Unit the end” – 1Peter 1:7-13. Verse 15-4:1 • Vs 15 – Quoting Psalm 95:8 • Vs 16-19 – Using Israel in the wilderness ass an example – Num 14. • 4:1 - A warning to the remnant to not be like those in Israel in the day of they murmured again God and didn’t go in the land. • The remnant must trust God unto the end, even through the tribulation. • Old covenant Israel is an example for New covenant Israel, Not the body of Christ.

Verse 9-10 • “But we see Jesus” – Here the writer identifies the name of the Son, the Messiah, Christ Jesus. • “Who was made a little lower than the angels” – Because he put on flesh – Psalm 8:5, Phil 2:5-7, Gal 4:4. • “For the suffering of death” – Part of the purpose for which he came – Isaiah 53, Luke 24:44-46 • “Crowned with glory and honour” – Because of his work, being God, triumphing over his enemies – Isaiah 53:11, Acts 2:33, 3:13, 5:31, Phil 2:8-9, Col 2:15. • “Taste death for every man” – This is the judgement of God – Gen 2:15-17, 3:17-19, Matt 10:28, Rom 6:23, 1Cor 15:25-26. i. The gospel message is that Jesus paid our debt, he died – Phil 2:8, Luke 23:46, Rom 5:6-8 • “Him for whom are all things and by whom are all things – Jesus Christ – Col 1:16-17. • In bringing many sons unto glory” – John 1:12, Psalm 102:16, Isa 62:1-3, 1Pet 1:11, 5:10. • “Captain of their salvation” – Acts 3:15, 5:31. • “Perfect through sufferings” – Not that his person needed to be made perfect but his experience, tasting death and suffering temptation makes him the complete captain and author of Israel’s salvation. Verse 11-13 • “He that sanctified hand they who are sanctified are all of one” – God – John 17:17-22 • “He is not ashamed to call them brethren” ii. Psalms 22:2 (church = congregation – Acts 7:38) iii. 2Sam 22:3 iv. Isa 8:18 Verse 14-18 • “Flesh and blood, He also himself took part in the same” – John 1:14, 1Tim 3:16 • “That through death He might destroy….. the devil” – Col 2:15, Rev 1:18 – He had to become man to experience and defeat death. • Verse 15 – His triumph over death gives him power to deliver others from it i. .We are freed from the bondage of the “fear of death” – 2Tim 1:10 • Verse 16 – He took on him the nature of man, not angels. i. “Seed of Abraham” – Isa 41:8-9, John 1:11 • Verse 17 – It was necessary for him to become man, experience temptation, defeat death so that he could make reconciliation for Israel as a faithful priest -Heb 4:15 • Verse 18 – He suffered through temptation but did not sin making him complete to help those who are tempted -

Verse 1-4 • “Therefore” – The thing proceeding in the following verse are argued from the point made in chapter 1 – Jesus is the Son of God. • “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard” – Heb 1:2, Matt 28:18-20. • “Lest at any time we should let them slip” – James 1:22-25, Luke 6:47-49, John 14:21. • Verses 2-4 is comparing Jesus earthly ministry/doctrine to Law. NT>OT but both have consequences for those who do not obey. • “For it the word spoken by angels” = The law – Deut 33:2, Acts 7:53, Gal 3:19 • “Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward” – Deut 17:12, Num 15:30-36. • “How shall we escape” – Notice the “we”. Rejecting the message of Jesus results in the same judgement as disobedience to the law – Heb 10:28-31, Acst 5:1-11, Luke 12:4-5, Matt 10:28. • “So great salvation” – Doesn’t have to be talking about soul salvation of sins – Exo 14:13, 1Sam 11:13, 19:5. i. This Salvation is spoken in MMLJ – Luke 1:69,77, 2:30, John4:22 ii. The cross was not preached for salvation – Luke 9:6, 18:31-34, Matt 6:10-15, 19:16-17, Mark 13:13. • “Which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord” – This makes it clear that the content of Hebrews is for remnant Israel – Matt 4:17, John 6:68-69. • “And was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” – Rom 15:8, Acts 2:16, 3:19-21, 2Pet 1:16-21. i. The author of Hebrews then cannot be Paul as he did not receive his message from any of the disciples – Gal 1:11-19. • “Verse 4” – Mark 16:15-20 - This is how God would confirm his message throughout scripture Verse 5-8 • Gods purpose was for man to have dominion, not angels – Gen 1:28 • “World to come” – What Israel looks forward to – Heb 6:5, 13:14, 2Pet 3:13. • The writer uses prophecy to show that Gods purpose was for man to have dominion and how this is fulfilled in Jesus – Dan 7:13-14 • “Verse 6-8” – Psalm 8:4-6, Job 7:17. • “Nothing that is not put under him” – This includes angels – Matt 28:18, 1Pet 3:22 • “We see not yet all things put under him” – The kingdom had not yet come, they are still waiting.

Verse 2-4 • “By his son” – This is the topic of this chapter, Jesus was the Son of God the only begotten of the Fsther – John 1:14,18, 3:16, Heb 1:5. • Only begotten ~only one of its kind~ - Heb 11:17-19, Gen 6:2, Job 1:6, John 1:12, Rom 8:14. • “Whom he hath appointed heir of all things” – Because he is the creator of all things. • “By whom also he made the worlds” – Shows his power as God – Col 1:15, John 1:3, Eph 3:9. • “Who was the brightness of his glory” – John 1:14, Matt 17:1-2, 2Pet 1:16-17, John 12:39-41, Isa 6:1-4,9-10. The flesh was a veil, but his glory still shone through. • “And the express image of his person” – Strongs ~the exact expression of any person or thing, marked in likeness, exact reproduction in every aspect~ Col 1:16 • “Upholding all things by the word of his power” – By him all things exist and consist - Col 1:17, Gen 1, Rev 19:15,21 • “When he had by himself purged our sin” – He was God, he didn’t need help to purge sins. • “He sat down at the right hand of Gods” – Where he is today. (Standing in acts 7:56) • “Being made so much better than the angels” – So much better, no comparison – Col 1;16, Psalm 103:20, Rom 8:38-39, Acts 7:51, • “A more excellent name than they” – Isa 9:6-7. Luke 1:32-33, Phil 2:9-11 Verse 5-7 • “This day have I begotten thee” – At the resurrection - Psalms 2:7, Acts 13:33, Heb 5:5 – His name is not only Jesus but Son – Rom 1:4, Matt 3:17, 17:5 • “I will be to him a Father” – 2Sam 7:13-14 • “And let all the angels of God worship him” – Psalm 97:7, Jon 1:6, Neh 9:6, Luke 2:13 • “And his ministers a flame of fire” - Angels are his ministers – Psalm 104:4, Matt 4:11, Luke 22:43 Verse 8-14 • “But unto the Son he saith” - Contrasting between angels being ministers and the Son be over all. • Vs 8-9 – Psalm 45:6-7. • “Unto the Son He saith…. O God” – Showing Jesus deity. • Vs 10-11 – Psalms 102:25-27, Isa 51:6 • “But thou art the same” – Heb 13:8, Mal 3:6 • Vs 13 – Psalm 110:1 • Vs 13-14 – The angels do not have a position at the right hand of the Father, they are his ministers. • “Heirs of salvation” Believing Israel – Rom 11:25-27, Isa 62:1. • Conclusion – Heb 2:18

OVERVIEW a) Pure speculation on authorship… Luke – Luke 1:1-2 cf Heb 2:3-4. • Words in Luke 19,482, Acts 18,450, Hebrews 4,953 – Heb13:22 • Would make sense why the reference to Timothy – Acts 16:1-10 cf Heb 13:23. • Neither Luke nor Acts name the author. b) Hebrews is the longest of the Hebrew epistles. As Romans is to the BoC, Hebrews is to NC Israel/Remnant. It is the foundational doctrinal book for NT Israel c) Popular passages in Hebrews – Heb 4:12,16, 9:27,10:4,25, 11:1,6, 12:1-2, 6-7, 13:5-6 d) Important but ignored passages – Heb 1:1-2, 2:3-4, 6:4-6, 9-11, 7:12,19,8:13, 9:15-17,28, 12:28. e) Summary of the book in sections – Heb 6:1 • The first principles of doctrine of Christ: ch 1-5 1) 1:3-14 – Jesus as God, higher than angels. 2) 2:6-18 – Jesus as man, lower than angels. 3) 3-4 – Must follow Jesus into their rest. Must endure & not err as the fathers did with Moses in the wilderness. 4) 5 – Christ is the high priest after the order of Melchisedec • The principles of perfection: 6-13. 1) 6 – Remain faithful to receive the better promise 2) 7 – A better priest 3) 8 – A better covenant 4) 9-10 - A better blood/sacrifice 5) 10 – Patience and Faithfulness required 6) 11 – Examples of the need for faith and obedience 7) 12 – The need for chastisement and godly fear 8) 13 – The need for righteousness and to serve God acceptably Verse 1-2 • “God” – The ultimate author – 2Tim 3:16, 2Pet 1:20-21. • Gods purpose changes, he did not say everything at once. • Sundry times = When God spake – ~Several, different, separate, divers~ • Progressive revelation - Cf Rom 10:4-5 vs Deut 6:25, Gen 9:3 vs Deut 14:3 vs 1Tim 4:4, Joel 3:10 vs Micah 4:3, Rom 16:25 vs Acts 3:21. • Divers manners = How God spake – Different ways, different manners. • His voice – Gen 1:3, 12:1-4, Exo 19:19. Dreams – 20:3. Prophets – 2Sam 12:7,11. Angels – Matt 1:20-21. Apostles – 1Cor 14:37. The Son – John 6:63, Mark 1:14-15. • Not only did God speak at different times in different ways, but also to different people. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, 12 apostles, Paul. • Time past, unto the fathers, by the prohpets = Gen-John the baptist, Old covenant, Kingdom coming, keep the law. • Last days, unto us, by his son = Matt-John, Kingdom at hand, new covenant being established, law in your hearts. • Hebrew deals with changes in Israel’s program – Heb 8:6-8. • Hebrews 1:1-2 teaches the principle of progressive revelation and the need for rightly dividing because God spoke at different times, in different ways, to different people.

THE 4 W’s a) Who is it written to? Hebrews, Jews, Israel. • Peter’s Pentecost group – Heb1:1-2, 2:3-4, 6:4-6 b) What is written about? • The need for the Messiah to suffer as incarnate man, Jesus fulfilled that 1-5 • A better promise, priest, covenant, blood, sacrifice 6-10 • The need for faith, patience, & endurance to enter into the holy city, kingdom 11-13. c) When was it written? We do not know the exact date or time, but the dispensational context is the same as the other Hebrew epistles and concerns: • “a world to come” & a future fulfilling of the new covenant – Heb 2:5, 6:5, 8:13,9:11, 10:1 • People waiting for a kingdom to come – Heb 12:28, 13:14 – Acts 1:6, 3:19-21, 1Pet 1:5-11, 2Pet 3:12-13 d) Who wrote the book? We simply do not know. Most say Paul but the Bible does not. • Arguments for Paul: i. Hebrews deals with a transition for Israel’s OC to the NC and talks about Israel’s transition away from the law, temple, priest, etc.. ii. Hebrews mentions the blood of Jesus more than any other NT book (Rev is 2nd & Lev has the most references) and talks about Jesus death and better heavenly things. iii. Heb 13:20-25 most attributed to Paul and say is the best evidence. iv. 2Peter 3:15 is said to be a reference to the book of Hebrews. • Arguments against Paul: i. Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles and was given the ministry of laying the foundation of the BoC/mystery/Disp grace. If he wrote Hebrews then he wrote an epistle not to Gentiles/BoC- Eph 3:1-5, 1Cor 3:10, Gal2:7-9 ii. All of Paul’s epistles are identified as Paul’s containing his name. iii. Compare Heb 13:22 to Gal 6:11 – Heb = 4953 words > Gal = 2230 words iv. 2Pet 3:15-16 – Hebrews distinct from Paul’s epistles so 2Pet 3:15-16 does not make sense if speaking of Hebrews. 1) Paul speaks to Jews in Rom 2, 9-11. 2) Paul wrote more than 2 letters to the Corinthians, that doesn’t mean they were inspired by God – 1Cor 5:9-11. v. Heb 13:23 – What of Hebrews was written before Acts 16? Or, like James, Mary, and others, what if there is more than one Timothy? Or what if Timothy was helping the remnant with something? 1Cor 4:17, 16:1-3, 2Cor 8:18-20, 12:18. Point being Heb 13:23 does not prove Paul write the book. e) If Paul wrote Hebrews the Holy Spirit did not want us to know. It would also cause confusion if he did since it is not a book to Gentiles/BoC – Gal 3:28 – There is no such thing as Hebrew Christian’s according to Paul. • If Paul wrote Hebrews then we have the danger of making ourselves the recipients of the covenants and spiritual Israel. • If Paul wrote Hebrews then he wrote a book to the remnant concerning the kingdom and covenants. The content does not apply to us today regardless of who wrote it. f) Answering the 4 questions above can help to get the context of a book. Hebrews is written to Hebrews about their Messiah, better covenant, and the need for faith, obedience, and endurance to enter the Kingdom.

SHINING LIGHT Philippians 2:15-16 among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; 1. LIGHT VS DARKNESS a) Light = Illumination, day, knowledge and truth – Psalms 119:130 b) Darkness = blindness, ignorance accompanying immorality, night, confusion - Psalm 78:2, Matt 13:34-35 c) God separated the light from the dark in the beginning – Gen 1:3-5,18 d) They are opposite – Isa 5:20, Acts 26:18, 2 Cor 6:14 2. DIFFERENT LIGHTS a) Natural, artificial, fluorescent, LED, incandescent, sun, moon. b) Israel as a light: • Israel was given the responsibility/covenant of being a light to the nations – Isa 2:2-3, 60:3, • God gave them his law as light – Psalm 119:104-105, Prov 6:23, Rom 2:17-20. • To be the light they had to keep the law – John 3:21, Matt 5:14-16 • Those who break the law are in darkness – 1John 2:9 c) The Light of the gospel: • Gods revealed light of the gospel in the mystery – 2Cor 4:6, 1Cor 2:7-10. • Those saved are in the light – 1Thess 5:5, Eph 5:8, Col 1:12-13. • We shine as lights by holding forth the gospel – Phil 2:15-16 • Satans ministry is blind men of this light by giving them artificial light – 2Cor 4:4, 11:12-15. 3. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD a) The Lord is light – John 1:4-10, John 8:12. b) Gods word is light – Psalms 119:30, Gen 1:3, 2Cor 4:6. c) The word of life that we hold forth as lights concerns Jesus Christ – 2Tim 1:10. d) Our walk as children of light is in Christ – Eph 5:8, Col 2:6, Eph 5:2, Rom 6:4 e) Israel’s rising and light happen when Christ is on the throne – Isa 49:6, Rev 21:23-24.

1. HOW TO APPLY SCRIPTURE a) There are three ways to apply scripture: 1) Historically – Believing the things in the Bible really happened to real people, in real places, at a real time in history. This is faith in God. 2) Spiritually – Knowing the words are from God, we believe the to contain what we need spiritually and morally. 3) Dispensationally /literally – Who, What, When, Where? Comparing scripture to scripture and rightly dividing them to see to whom they apply. b) We can apply all scripture this way and we will do so today with Psalms 1. 2. HISTORICAL a) A real written Psalm usually attributed to David, but we do not know because no author is attributed. b) There are 7 known authors – David 73 (Acts 2:25-34, Psalms 16:8-10, 110:1), Asaph 12 (Psalm 81), Sons of Korah 11 (Psalm 86), Solomon 2 (Psalm 72, 127), Moses (Psalm 90), Ethan (Psalm 89), Heman (Psalm 88) c) That means there are 49 Psalms with unknown authors, Psalms 1 being one of them. 3. SPIRITUAL a) Verse 1 – The road to wickedness – Walking, standing, sitting. • It’s good to surround yourself with righteous godly people and not wicked – 2Cor 6:14, Eph 5:6-7,11 b) Verse 2 – We should delight and meditate on the word of God – Luke 4:4, Col 3:16, 2Tim 2:15. c) Verse 3-4 – You reap what you sow – Gal 6:7-8. d) Verse 5-6 – The wicked will be judged – Rom 6:23, 2Thess 1:8-9, 1Thess 5:2-3. • The righteous are known by God – 2Tim 2:19, John 10:14,27, Eph 5:30. 4. DISPENSATIONAL a) Written under the law, old covenant – Psalm 1:2 b) Blessed is the man who does not do something (walk with sinners) but also does something (meditate on the law) – Psalms 26, Jer 15:11-20, Josh 8:34 • We aren’t blessed for what we do today, we are blessed for what Christ did – Eph 1:3 c) Meditate day and night - To do the things in them – Josh 1:8 • We are not under the law – Rom 6:14, 1Tim 1:7 d) Like a tree planted by rivers of water – They will stand and produce fruit – Psalm 92:12, Jer 17:7-8, Matt 17:16-20 • Our fruit comes from the Spirit, not by doing works – Gal 5:22-23 e) Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper – Josh 1:7-8, Deut 5:32-33, 29:9 • We have no such promise – Phil 4:11-13. f) Verse 4-5 – Definitely a truth in all dispensations that the wicked will be judged, the congregation of the righteous here would be a reference to true Israel – Rom 9:6, John 8:39. g) Verse 6 – Another truth in any dispensation, but the context has to do with the day of judgement – Nah 1:7, Psalms 37:37-39. • We will not be there on the day of trouble – 1Thess 1:10, 4:13-18, 5:9.

THE WAY OF GOD MORE PERFECTLY Acts 18:26 ….when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly 1. INTRODUCTION TO APOLLOS a) We are introduced to Apollos in Acts 18:24-26 b) He was: • Eloquent – vs 24 – The content of what is spoken is more important – Rom 16:17-18, 1Cor 2:1-5, 2Cor 11:5, 1Cor 14:19 • Mighty in the scriptures/instructed in the way of the Lord – More harm than good if you don’t have the updated information – Acts 18:24-19:6, 1Tim 1:5-7. • Fervent in spirit – Having zeal for what is good – Rom 12:11. • Diligent in teaching – Diligence is a good thing – Prov 10:4, 11:27, 12:24, 13:4, 22:29 • Bold – Boldness is good in a good thing – Prov 28:1, Acts 4:13, 29-35, 13:46, Eph 6:19-20, • Ignorant, but humble - “knowing only the baptism of the lord” – Missing information. Christ had come, Spirit had come, mystery had been revealed. Apollos received the truth and believed – Acts 18:27-28 • He became a minister of Jesus Christ and companion of Paul – 1Cor 3:4-6, 4:1,6, Tit 3:13 2. THE CHARACTER OF AQUILA AND PRISCILLA a) We are introduced to Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:1-3, b) They were helpers of Paul – Rom 16:3 c) “They took him unto them” - They corrected Apollos without shaming him publicly – 1Tim 5:1-2. d) “And expounded the way of God more perfectly” -This isn’t just the pastors job – Tit 2:1-8. 3. THE WAY OF GOD MORE PERFECTLY a) At this point in Acts Apollos is behind and ignorant of information – Acts 18:26 b) John’s Baptism doesn’t save you and is not required – Matt 3:1-2, 1Cor 1:17, Rom 6:3, Eph 2:8-9. c) Our faith and the mystery concerns Jesus Christ who had already came – 1Cor 3:10-11, Eph 2:20, Rom 16:25. d) We have the promise of the Spirit – Eph 1:13-14, 2Cor 1:22 e) We are under grace, not the law like John was – Lev 11:22, Matt 3:4 cf Rom 6:14 4. OUR MINISTRY a) Gods will is for all to come to a knowledge of the truth – 1Tim 2:4. b) We need Christian’s who know the word of God to correct and teach others when they are ignorant – 1Tim 1:3, 2Tim 2:2. c) Our ministry is to make all men see, even ignorant teachers – Eph 3:9.

WHAT PETER LEARNED 2 Peter 3:15 - And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him 1. LEARNS THE MESSIAH HAS COME a) John 1:35-42, Luke 5:1-11, Matt 4:18-22, Isa 11:1 2. THE NEED FOR FAITH a) Matt 14:22-33, Heb 11:6 3. THE NEED TO FOLLOW JESUS a) Matt 16:24-25, 29:27-30, 1Pet 2:21, 4. JESUS DIDN’T COME TO SET UP THE KINDOM THE WAY HE THOUGHT a) John 18:3-12, Acts 1:6, Isa 11:2-4, Luke 4:17-20, Isa 61:1-9 5. JESUS HAD TO DIE & RESURRECT a) Matt 16:21-23, John 20:1-10, Luke 24:44-47, Isa 53:8-12. 6. THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS a) Matt 18:21-22, Luke 22:31-34, John 21:15-17, Psalm 86:5. 7. THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT a) John 14:16–17, 26, Matt 10:19-20, John 20:21-23, Acts 2:1-4, 14, 5:1-12, Joel 2:28 8. GENTILES CAN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST/SALVATION a) Acts 10:9-16, 25-29, 34-48, 15:7-11, Isa 11:10, 42:6-7, 49:6, 59:20-60:5, Zech 8:23. 9. THE KINGDOM IS YET FUTURE a) Acts 1:6, 3:19-21, 2Pet 1:16, 3:10-16, Rom 11:25-27.

IT IS WELL 1. THE HISTORY BEHIND THE SONG a) The words were written by Horatio Spafford in 1873. b) He was a successful Lawyer who had invested in property in Chicago that was destroyed in the the great Chicago fire of 1871. c) In 1873 he planned to travel to England with his family to help with Moodys evangelistic campaigns. d) He had to stay behind for business but sent his family ahead on the ship names SS Ville du Havre, in the way they ship crashed into another boat and sank, all four daughters died and only his wife survived. e) Upon hearing the news Spafford immediately boarded a ship to go be with his grieving wife, when he got to the spot where the Ville du Havre sank, he penned this song. f) The song shows Spafford faith and hope in Christ and his finished work, and this is why we can sing it today to edify the Body of Christ. 2. VERSE 1-3 a) Verse 1 and 2 teach us contentment and the reason why. • Peace or sorrow, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well – Phil 4:11-13 • Though Satan should buffet – Eph 2:2-3, 6:11-12, 2Cor 12:7 • Though trials may come – 2Cor 4:17, 11:23-30, 2Tim 4:5. • Let this blessed assurance control – This is how doctrine and faith works, what you learn and believe from the word of God should affect how you think and react to situations. Just like it did with Horatio Spafford. • Christ has regarded my helpless estate – Job 7:17, 15:14, Psalm 8:4. Rom 3:10-26 • And hath shed his own blood for my soul – This is why we have assurance of salvation and forgiveness if sin – Rom 3:26, 5:9, Eph 1:7, 2:13. b) It is this understanding of what Christ has provided you and all the spiritual blessings and hope of glory that you have that can teach is to be content in any situation – 1Tim 6:6-8. 3. THE NECESSITY TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE HYMNS a) The reason for singing together – Col 3:16 – This is why songs need to be doctrinally correct. b) We know we will not go through the tribulation or the day of Gods wrath – 1Thess 4:13-18, 1:10, 5:9, Rom 5:9 – Isa 13:9,13:13. c) Verse 4 originally sings about an event surrounding the day of Gods wrath which will not be a day where men say it is well. • The clouds be rolled back as a scroll – This is really the only incorrect phrase that could cause doctrinal confusion - Isaiah 34:4-6, Rev 1:7 – cf 1Thess 4:17 • The Lord shall descend – To earth? Or in the clouds? Isaiah 66:15-17 vs 1Thess 4:16 d) For clarity and right doctrine made clear the words were changed in the 4th verse to speak of our rapture – 1Thess 4:13-18, 1Cor 15:51-57. e) It speaks of our blessed hope that we look for – Tit 2:13

1. WHAT IS GRACE? a) Strongs ~Favour, Thanks, Pleasure~ b) Many Christian’s define Gods grace as unmerited or undeserved favour. c) We often think of the cross and salvation when talking about grace, but there’s more…. d) Receiving grace should initiate a response of grace/thanks – 2Cor 4:14-15 e) When you receive a gift someone has shown you grace, you respond with “thank you” 2. WHAT HAS GOD GIVEN? 1) Life – Gen 1:26-27, 2:7, Job 33:4. 2) Food to sustain life – Gen 1:29, 2:15-16, 9:1-3, 1Tim 4:1-4. This is why we say a blessing/thanks before our meal. 3) His Words – Deut 8:1-3, John 17:4, Col 1:25. 2Tim 3:16-17 – We live and grow by the word of God which is a gift that he has given. 4) The Spirit – Rom 5:8, 2Cor 1:22, 5:5, 1Thess 4:8…. Acts 2:4, Matt 10:19, (Exo 4:12), 1John 3:24, 4:13. 5) Pleasures and necessities from your labour – Ecc 2:24, 3:12-13, 5:18-20….. not teaching we should try and get rich…. 1Tim 6:10,17-19, (cf Ecc 3:22) 2Cor 4:17-18. 6) Dispensation of Grace – Rom 12:3,15:15, 1Cor 3:10, Gal 2:9, Eph 3:2,7-8. 7) Resurrection – Rom 6:5-8, 1Cor 15:19-23. Resurrection is necessary for eternal life but is not the same – John 11:43-45, 12:19, 1Cor 15:20,23. 8) Eternal life – Rom 6:23, Tit 1:2,3:7. 9) Salvation – Eph 2:5,8-9, 2Tim 1:9, Rom 3:24-26. 10) This is not an exhaustive list. Promised positions north to Israel and the Body of Christ, forgiveness, righteousness, love, hope, etc… 3. OUR RESPONSE TO GODS GRACE a) Our response is simple…. Thank you – 1Cor 15:57. This is the will of God – 1Thess 5:18 b) Rejoicing – Rom 4:2,11, Phil 4:4, 1Thess 5:16. c) A desire to serve or show our gratitude for the grace received – 2Cor 5:14-15.

EASTER IN YOUR BIBLE 1. WHY DOES THIS MATTER? a) It matters for Bible belief; many critics point to this as a big mistake in the KJV b) It matters for your understanding of this passage and why it should be translated Easter. c) It shows how shallow some of the arguments can be against the KJV. d) Help us to understand the difference between a mistake Vs just a difference in translation. e) Show how reading the context in English can help you understand the proper word to be translated without knowing Greek. f) Does the Bible have a mistake? Should we observe Easter? What was Herod’s intent? 2. ACTS 12:4 a) This is the only passage that you will find the word Easter in YOUR Bible b) (YOUR Bible) assuming you are using a KJV Bible c) This is a translation issue; you need to believe every word – Deut 8:3, Prov 30:5, Psalm 12:6-7. d) Greek word is Pascha and is found 28 times in your NT and every time except Acts 12:4 it is translated Passover. That’s why it is said to be an error e) Pascha can mean Easter or Passover and the word Passover was not invented until the 1500’s by Tyndall, Easter was around since the 800’s and used in Bible prior to the 1500’s f) Multiple words meaning the same thing even in Greek. 1) Here one Greek word (Pascha) two English words – Passover, Easter. 2) One English word (Love) two Greek words – Agape, Phileo – John 21:15-17, Eph 4:2 (agape), Eph 4:25 (agape) vs Tit 2:4 (Philandros). Tit 3:4 (Philanthropia) vs John 3:16 (agape)….. 3) Eros and Storge are also green words that mean love. 3. THE CONTEXT a) Act 12:1-4 – Herod is vex (harassing, persecuting) the church (Jewish assembly). b) He kills James the apostle (Matt 4:21) and decides to take Peter also. c) Why? Because it pleased the Jews – Showing their fall and rejection of Christ and the kingdom. d) Herod decides to keep Peter in prison until after Easter. Strange…. John 19:14. e) The key is Vs 3 – days of unleavened bread f) Passover is the holyday that remembers the day the angel of the Lord passed over – Exo 12:1-12 g) Always takes place in the fourteenth day of the month – Lev 23:5-6, Num 28:16, Num 33:3, h) Easter is a holyday Christian’s celebrate to commemorate Christ resurrection – Jesus resurrected after the Passover – Luke 22:15 i) There was a pagan holiday of Eostra the spring goddess and the celebration of the spring equinox and new life/fertility- Herod was a pagan king…. j) Easter means dawn, rising of the sun. It is connected to the word “East” where the sun rises – Ezek 8:14-16 k) Pascha mentioned 3 times after Christ resurrection – 1Cor 5:7 (singular person Exo 12:21). Heb 11:28 (Moses keeping the Passover day) Acts 12:4 (Easter after the Passover day and the killing of the Passover lamb). l) The context is that you have a pagan king, holyday keeping remnant, unbelieving Jews, days of unleavened bread (after the 14th day), after the resurrection of Christ. Which makes Easter a better translation here. m) Some say passover can be used for the (days of unleavened bread) – Luke 22:1, Ezek 45:21 but whenever you see the Passover being spoken of it is referring the lamb or the specific day or the feast – Luke 22:7-8. Luke 22:1 also refers to the feast and not the days Matt 26:17.

1. KNOWN BEFORE CALVARY a) The song was changed by changing one word…. At to by. We are looking at the Bible to see if this change is necessary to be biblical. b) Calvary is Latin, Golgotha is Hebrew, and both mean a skull – Luke 23:33, John 19:17. c) Calvary represents the cross or the place where Jesus died. d) Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53 prophesy of Christ death and the events surrounding it before it happened. e) Types and shadows were not known until they were fulfilled or understood later – Col 2:16-17, Hebrews -8:5, 10:1. f) What we know today was not known by those in the Old Testament, knowing that Christ was going to die is different than knowing all that his death and resurrection would accomplish. 2. KNOWN AT CALVARY a) Jesus himself prophesied his death and resurrection but even his disciples did not know what He meant – Matt 16:21-23, Mark 9:30-32, Luke 18:32-34 b) Jesus gives the reason for his going to the cross – Matt 26:47-58, John 19:28-30. c) The disciples did not believe in his resurrection until Jesus appeared to them – Matt 27:62-66, Mark 16:1-14, John 20:24-28. d) After his resurrection Jesus again explains the reason for it – Luke 24:44-48. 3. KNOWN AFTER CALVARY BY THE 12 APOSTLES a) Israel now knows how they can have their new covenant fulfilled – Heb 9:12-28, 10:14-18, 1Pet 1:18-21. b) His death and resurrection fulfilled the prophets proving he was the Christ – Act 2:22-36 c) Forgiveness to Israel through his blood – Act 5:29-32. 4. NOW KNOWN BY THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY TO PAUL a) The Bible tells us that the purpose of the cross today was kept secret – 1Cor 2:6-8, Rom 16:25. b) That it was not know until revealed to Paul (years after Calvary) – Eph 3:1-5, Col 1:25-27. c) That it was by the cross, not at the cross – Eph 2:12-17. d) The change in the song is biblical and accurate, the purpose of singing is to minister, and we must minister right doctrine – Col 3:16, 1Tim 1:3.

1Thessalonians Part 13 5:14-28 Verse 14-22 • “Now we exhort you” – The rest of the chapter is exhortations, instruction in righteousness. • • “Warn them that are unruly” – The Thessalonians did have an issue with some disorder – 2Thess 3:6-14, • “Comfort the feebleminded” – Those who lack knowledge, weak minded, faint hearted, those who need comfort and encouragement. • “Support the weak” – In faith and knowledge of the doctrine – Rom 14:1-2, 1Cor 8:6-12, Rom 15:1 • “Be patient toward all men” – Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit -Gal 5:22, 2Tim 2:24-26 • “See that none render evil to any man” – overcome evil with good – Rom 12:17-21 • “Follow that which is good” – Cleave to it – Rom 12:9. Meditate on it – Phil 4:8, Do it – Gal 6:10. • “Rejoice evermore” – Phil 3:1, 4:4 - We joy in God, not circumstances – Rom 5:11 • “Pray without ceasing” -Continue in it, never stop praying or think it’s not needed – Rom 12:12, Col 4:2. • “In everything give thanks” – in every situation you can still be thankful for what God had given you – Eph 5:20 (Eph 1:3, 1Cor 6:11, Col 1:12, 3:17) • “This is the will of God” – The second time we see this in 1Thessalonians (4:3) • “Quench not the Spirit” – Eph 4:30, 1Cor 6:16-20, Gal 5:16-17 • “Despise not prophesyings” – Prophesying was necessary for the word of God to be known – 1Cor 12:27-28. Despised as a gift because it was not spectacular – 1Cor 14:1,4,19, but it would cease – 1Cor 13:8-10 • “Prove all things” – The prophesyings? – 1Cor 14:29, 12:10.Today we prove things with the scripture not a gift – Rom 16:17. • “Hold fast that which is good” – Comtrqsting to the next verse. Also the word of God – 1Tim 1:13-14 • “Abstain from all appearance of evil” – Hold to the good, abstain from evil – Rom 12:9 i. Appearance ~External or outward appearance, form figure, sight~ Meaning the manifestation of evil needs to be abstained from. When evil appears, abstain. ii. This verse is often quoted out of its true meaning, but i iii. t does contain wisdom and good intent – 1Cor 10:20-23, 2Cor 6:14-16, Titus 2:7-8 iv. But….. consider the following – 1Cor 8 & Matt 9:9-11, Verse 23-28 • “The very God of peace” - Phil 4:6-7,9, Rom 15:33. • “Sanctify you wholly” – Set you apart completely • “Whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless” – Your whole being – 1Cor 1:8, • “Faithful is He… who also will do it” – 2Cor 3:3, Phil 1:6. • “Pray for us” – Paul request prayer often – Rom 15:30, 2Cor 1:11, Eph 6:28-19, Col 4:3, 2Thess 3:1, • “Greet all brethren with and holy kiss” – A cultural kiss of greeting – Gen 29:13, Exo 18:17, Luke 7:44-45. • “Vs 27” – All need the word of God – Eph 3:4, Col 4:16, 1Tim 4:13 • “Vs 28” –Paul ends all of his epistles with grace to the the

1Thessalonians Part 12 – 5:9-13 Verse 9-11 • “Hath not appointed us to wrath” – Rom 5:9, 1Thess 1:10 – Tbe day of the lord is a day of wrath – Zeph 1:14-15, Rev 6:16-17 • “But to obtain salvation” – 2Thess 2:13 – In Christ, you are chosen to salvation – Eph 1:13-14, 4:30. • “By our Lord Jesus Christ, who died” – 2Cor 5:14-15. • “Whether we wake or sleep” - Alive or dead we will one day all live with Christ – 1Thess 4:13-18. • “Wherefore” -Because of this information • “Comfort” – With the knowledge of our blessed hope – 1Thess 4:18 • “Edify” – Because we are of the day, therefore we should live like we are light – Eph 5:7-8 • “Even as also ye do” – This points again to the Thessalonians being a model church, Paul says for them to continue doing what they already were. Verse 12-13 • “We beseech you” – To know and to esteem those that are over them. • “To know them which labor among you” – knowing them in the sense of paying attention to, cherishing, having regard for them – 1Cor 16:15-18. • “And are over you in the Lord” – There are still positions of authority that God has ordained. 1) Government – Rom 13:1-7 2) Husband – Eph 5:22-24 3) Elders/Bishops – 1Tim 3:1-7, Tit 1:7-11 - The Bible doesn’t teach the rule of the congregation, but rather their discerning. • “Admonish you” - ~warn, exhort~ - 1Tim 4:13, 2Tim 4:2, Tit 1:9. • “Esteem them very highly in Love” - Paul teaches that those in a position of elder should be esteemed by the church, in love for their work of ministry- 1Cor 16:10-11, Phil 2:25-30, • “For their works sake” – This is the key, you do not esteem them for their position only, but their work, this is where the discerning comes in. i. We all are called and have a position in Christ body – Rom 1:7, Rom 8:28-30, 1Cor 1:26, Eph 4:1,4, Col 3:15, 2Thess 2:14, 2Tim 1:9, ii. Bishops desires the office, not a special calling or ordaining of God like the prophets and apostles – 2Kings 2:23-24. iii. Their works sake – Not visiting, or planning events, dramas, get togethers – 1Tim 5:17-18, 1Cor 9:6-15, 2Cor 11:7-8 – Those who rule well, in word & doctrine…… If their work is wrong? – Rom 16:17, 2Tim 2:16-18. • “And be at peace among yourselves” – Rom 14:19, 2Cor 13:11, Eph 4:3,

1Thessalonians Part 11 – 5:1- Verse 1-3 • “But” – Now a different subject than chapter 4. • times and seasons” – Setting up Kings and Kingdoms - Dan 2:21, Act 1:7 i. The subject of prophecy – Matt 24. • “Ye have no need that I write unto you” – If chapter 4 was the prophetic day of the Lord this would not make sense. 1) It doesn’t concern them – Prophets, Jesus, Peter all spoke of the end times, but Paul said there was no need – Rom 5:9, 1Thess 5:9. 2) They already had knowledge – “yourselves know perfectly” vs 5:2. • “That the day of the Lord” – A day of wrath and darkness – Joel 1:15, 2:1-2,30-32, Acts 2:16-22, Isa 13:9-13, Acts 1:9-11, Rev 1:7 • “cometh as a thief in the night” – When they are not expecting – Matt 24:42-43, 2Pet 3:10 • “When they” – “They” because the Thessalonians will not be there. ”We” in chapter 4. • “Sudden destruction” – As in Noah’s day - Joel 1:15, Isa 10:25, 13:6 Matt 24:36-37, 50-51. • “As travail upon a women with child” – Isa 13:6-8. • “They shall not escape” – All will be destroyed. Verse 4-8 • “But ye” – Now he is talking about the Thessalonians. Previous verses not about them. • “Are not in darkness, not of night” – The day of the lord is darkness- Amos 5:18,20 • “Ye are children of light, and day” – Eph 5:8, 1Cor 6:11 • Light and dark describe what something/someone is – Matt 5:14-16, John 1:6-9, John 12:35-36, Eph 5:8, Col 1:12-13, 1Peter 2:9. John 3:19-20, Eph 4:17-18 • Day and night describe when something is, they do not happen at the same time. 1) Day = Body of Christ, dispensation of Grace. 2) Night = Day of the Lord • “Vs 6” – Righteous instruction because we are children of the day not because we are trying to be counted worthy – Matt 25:13-30. 1Thess 4 is different. • “They that sleep” – Luke 21:34-36, Rev 3:1-7 • “Drunken in the night” - Luke 12:35-48, • “But, let us” – Different audience now contrasting to those in verse 7. • “Who are of the day” – We have nothing to do with the night, we will not be there. • “Be sober” – Instruction for us because we are light – Tit 2:2,4,6,13. • “Breastplate of love and faith – Eph 6:14 says righteousness – ii. Faith in Christ for righteousness – Rom 3:21-22, 2Cor 5:21 iii. Love to live righteously – Rom 13:8-10 • “Helmet the hope of salvation” – Which they posses, they don’t have to endure for it – Rom 5:2, Eph 1:18, Col 1:5, 27, Tit 3:7. Verse 9-11 • “Hath not appointed us to wrath” – Rom 5:9, 1Thess 1:10 – Tbe day of the lord is a day of wrath – Zeph 1:14-15, Rev 6:16-17 • “But to obtain salvation” – 2Thess 2:13 – In Christ, you are chosen to salvation – Eph 1:13-14, 4:30. • “Verse 10” – Whether we wake or sleep, alive or dead, watching or sleeping, sober or drunk. • “Wherefore” -Because of this information • “Comfort” – With the knowledge of our blessed hope – 1Thess 4:18 • “Edify” – Because we are of the day, therefore we should live like we are light. • “Even as also ye do” – This points again to the Thessalonians being a model church, Paul says for them to continue doing what they already are.

POPULAR PAULINE VERSES pt2 1. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST (Phil 4:14) a) A very popular verse. Especially people who do great things. b) Context is key – Phil 4:11-12. The “all things” – Is the being abased and abounding. c) Paul had learned some things – 2Cor 11:7-9, 23-33, 1Cor 4:9-12. Phil 4:18, 1Tim 6:6 d) This verse doesn’t mean that you can break records, get rich, fly, etc…. e) It’s “Through Christ” who strengthens you – Eph 3:16-19, Col 1:9-11 – As member of his body you are attached to Christ. f) Conclusion: We can go through all things (states) as a member of the body of Christ because he is our strength, joy, hope, whereby we are content in all things. 2. HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT (2 Cor 12:9) a) Paul says this about his infirmities – 11:30, 12:5,9,10. b) ~Infirmity~ Want of strength, weakness, sickness – Gal 4:13 c) Paul prayed for this thorn in the flesh to removed – 2Cor 12:7-8 d) Gods response? – My grace is sufficient ~to be strong, to suffice, to be enough~ e) Our weakness requires grace – Rom 5:8-21 f) Being able to bear things is strength, not taking them away – Rom 15:1, 1Thess 5:18 g) His grace is sufficient because we have everything we need – Rom 5:1-2, 2Cor 9:8, Eph 1:3,7, 2Tim 1:9, Tit 3:7, Col 2:10. h) Conclusion – You have everything you need spiritually to go through this life, even if this life is hard and full of infirmities you still have all spiritual blessing and the hope of glory. 3. GOD WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE TEMPTED WITHOUT ESCAPE (1Cor 10:13) a) Context – Example of people falling to temptation – 10:5-11 b) “Take heed” – Vs 12 c) “Common to man” – Meaning, all temptations humans experience. d) “God is faithful” – He is not the tempter – Rom 5:12, James 1:13-15 e) “Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” – Does not mean God is deciding what you are tempted with based on your individual personality – 1Cor 10:14, 6:18, 2Tim 2:22, 1Tim 6:6:11, f) We make choices and face the consequences – Gal 6:7 g) “Make a way of escape” – The escape is right doctrine in you – 2Tm 3:16-17, Eph 6:11-17, 1Thess 2:13, Rom 6:3-4,11, Gal 5:16-17,24-25 h) “Bear it” – By Gods strength – Phil 4:13. i) Conclusion – God has given us his word to help us escape the the temptations common to humanity so that we follow righteousness and do not fulfill the lust of our flesh.

1. RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH (2Tim 2:15) a) Study – ~Strive, Be zealous, diligently endeavor~ b) “To show thyself approved unto God” – This is what we are to strive for – Rom 12:1, Col 1:28. c) “A workman that needed not to be ashamed” – What you do matters – 1Cor 3:12-15.1Cor 15:58, 1Cor 16:10, Eph 2:10. d) “Rightly dividing” – This is part of the work and it must be done RIGHTLY – Rom 16:17, 1Tim 1:3, 4:13,16. i. Rom 3:21, 7:6, 8:1, 16:25-26, Eph 2:11-13, 2Cor 5:16, e) “The word of truth” – The word of God - John 17:17, 2Thess 2:13. ii. Start here – Eph 1:13, Col 1:5 – Matt 9:35, 1Cor 15:1-4, Gal 2:7, 3:8, Rev 14:6-7. f) Conclusion – We should strive to shew ourselves approved unto God which starts with knowing right doctrine which comes from dissecting the word of God rightly. 2. GLORY IN THE CROSS (Gal - 6:14) a) “God forbid” - ~Refuse to allow, don’t let happen~ b) “That I should glory” – ~boast, joy/rejoice - We glory in things all the time, food, sports teams, accomplishments. God forbid. c) “Save in the cross of Jesus Christ” – We should glory in this – 1Cor 1:17-18, Eph 2:16, Col 1:20, 2:14 d) “The world is crucified unto me” – because you are a new creature – 2Cor 5:17, Eph 2:1-5, 5:7-11. e) “I unto the world” – Because you are crucified with Christ – Col 2:20, Rom 6:2-3. f) Conclusion – We should look to glory in God and in the cross of Christ, not things of this world because we are dead to them. 3. DIE TO SELF (a popular phrase) a) Comes from 1Cor 15:31 because the phrase (die to self) is not found in scripture b) 1Cor 15:30-31 – Die daily means he literally was in jeopardy of dying on a daily basis – Acts 20:24, 2Cor 1:8-10, 11:23. Paul was often in danger or close to death. c) The principle is good, but not accurate – We die to the flesh or rather, are already dead to the flesh and just need to reckon it true – Rom 6:11, 7:4. d) Conclusion – Acknowledge who you are in Christ and walk in who he has made you to be.

1. SUMMARIZING THE LAST 14 WEEKS a) Genesis – The book of beginnings • God created the world – Gen 1 • God created man – Gen 2:7, 21-23 • God God allows animals as food – Gen 9:1-3 • God confounds languages which created nations – Gen 11:7-8 • God calls out Abraham and makes a nation of him – Gen 12:1-3 b) Exodus-Ruth – Israel’s journey to the promised land • Israel’s exodus from Egypt – Gen 15:12-14, Exo 13:30-36 • The giving of the Law – Exo 20-23, Leviticus-Deuteronomy. • The wandering in the wilderness – Num 32:9-13 • The taking of the promise land – Joshua 6, Judges 1 (not fully obedient) • The rule of judges – Israel’s disobedient heart show in the book of Judges c) 1&2 Kings/2Chronigles – The Kingdom established • The rule of Judges ends, a king chosen – 1Sam 11:15 • David chosen because his heart was towards God – 1Sam 16:7, 12-13, 1Sam 13:14, Acts 13:22 • David given a promise of a seed on the throne forever – 2Sam 7:12-16 • Solomon builds the temple – 1Kings 9:1 d) 2Kings & 2Chronicles – The kingdom divided, judgment prophesied, carried out. • An important event happens with the split of the Kingdom – 1Kings 11:34-36 • This is the time period of a majority of the prophets – Prophesying of future judgement • Israel taken into captivity – 2Kngs 18:9, 24:1, 10-11 e) Ezra-Esther (Haggai-Zephaniah) – A remnant of Israel returns to rebuild the city • A remnant of Israel returns to Jerusalem - Ezra 2:1, 64-65 • Jerusalem and the Temple rebuilt – Ezra-Nehemiah. f) Matthew-John • The messiah born – Matt 1:18-25, Luke 2:6-7 • The kingdom preached – Matt 3:1-2, 4:17 • The messiah rejected – Matt 27:1-2, Mark 15:13-14, John 1:11 • The Messiah resurrected – Luke 24:1-8 • The 12 apostles commissioned – Mark 16:15-18 g) Acts – The fall of Israel • Repentance preached to Israel – Acts 2:22,36, 3:12, 4:8-10, 5:35. • The 12 apostles rejected – Acts 5:40, 8:1 • Salvation rejected – Acts 13:46, 18:6, 28:28 • Israel blinded – Rom 11:25 h) Romans-Philippians • The apostle Paul saved in Acts 9, the mystery of the Body of Christ revealed to him – Acts 9:1-8, 1Tim 1:16, • The preaching of the gospel of grace committed to his trust – Gal 2:7, 1Tim 1:11, Titus 1:3 • The dispensation of Grace given to Paul – 1Cor 9:19, Eph 3:1-3 • The mystery fulfills the word of God and explains why the prophetic program was paused – Col 1:25, Eph 1:9-10 i) Hebrews-Jude – Instruction for New Covenant Israel • Clearly the books are to Israel – Heb 8:8, James 1:1, 1Pet 1:1, 2:12. • Instruction for those who will see the wrath of God – Heb 10:26-27, James 2:11-13, James 5:9, 2Pet 3:7, j) Revelation -The revelation of Jesus Christ • The fulfilling of prophecy – Rev 21

Verse 11-12 • “And” – Continuing from where we left off last week. This has to do with Gods will and how we possess our vessels. • “Study to be quiet” – Strive, make it your aim to be, be ambitious about it. The opposite of this is found in 2Thess 3:11-12, 1Tim 2:2 –“They lead a quiet life” (not meddlesome, mind their business) • “Do your own business, work with your own hands” – “If a man doesn’t work he shouldn’t eat” comes from the scripture – 2Thess 3:10. i. Paul setting the example – 2Thess 3:9, 1Thess 2:9, 1Cor 4:11-12, Acts 18:3, 20:34. ii. Different instructions than those expecting to enter the kingdom – Luke 12:22-31 cf 1Thess 4:11-12, 2Thess 3:10-12 . • “As we commanded you” – One of the commandments of Paul – 1Thess 4:2 • “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without “ – Rom 12:1….. By living and working among them, and by not being blasphemed or accused of unrighteousness and bringing accusations on the church. • “That ye may have lack of nothing” - Paul taught that we should provide for our own – 1Tim 5:8…. Further evidence of the dispensational change from Jesus earthly ministry to Paul. Here it is work to provide…. in MMLJ it is have faith in God to provide – Luke 12:31. Verse 13-15 • “I would not have you to be ignorant” – When it comes to the Bible, ignorance is a choice – 1Cor 14:38….Rom 11:25, 1Cor 10:1, 12:1, • “Concerning them which are asleep” – Here the topics is about those who are dead – John 11:11-13, Acts 7:60, 1Cor 15:6,8, 2Pet 3:4 • “That ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” – As Christian’s, we should not sorrow over the dead the same way as the lost because we know we have the hope of resurrection unto eternal life, this is our hope of glory – Rom 8:18,23-25, Eph1:18, Tit 1:2,3:7 • “Verse 14” – Our hope is in Christ and his resurrection – 1Cor 15:12-24. • “Even so” – Our life is in Christ – Rom 6:3-4,8 • “Bring with him” - Because the dead rise first. • “This we say by the word of the Lord” – Not simply something Paul is making up • “We which are alive and remain shall not prevent them which are asleep” – Christ doesn’t just come back for the living but the dead also because he will resurrect them. Verse 16-17 • “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven” – Christ is the one who has power to resurrect – here he descends, but not all the way to the earth – (Vs 17) • “With a shout” - The idea is one giving a shout like a captain would to his sailors. • “The voice of the archangel” - Perhaps the one doing the shouting – Michael – Jude 1:9. • “The trump of God” – 1Cor 15:52 • “The dead in Christ rise first” – This why those that are currently asleep in Jesus will be brought with him in vs 14….. In Christ -Eph 1:13-14,4:30 • “Then…. We which are alive and remain” – After the dead are raised. • “Shall be caught up together in the clouds… in the air” – Because that is where our position is – Eph 2:6, Col 3:14, Phil 3:20-21. • “So she’ll we ever be with the Lord” – Our eternal destination, our hope of glory. • “Verse 18” – The resurrection is our hope and comfort – (Rom 8:18) This is our hope and should give us comfort knowing there is life after death. The dead in Christ do not stay dead as others who have no hope.

Verse 3-5 • “For this is the will of God” – Many Christians and even pastors are unwise not knowing Gods will – Eph 5:17. i. The Bible is clear and can be understood – 1Thess 4:3, 5:18, 1Tim 2:3-4 • “Even your sanctification” - ~Sanctification – Purification, Seperation~ ii. Positional – Christ has sanctified you – 1Cor 1:2,30, 6:11, 2Thess 2:13, iii. Personal – Eph 5:1-17, 1Thess 4:3-4, Rom 12:1-2, Col 1:9-11. • “Abstain from fornication” – Immoral sexual sin (Adultery, homosexuality, beastiality, sex with close relatives, idolatry) – Jer 3:6-10, 1Cor 6:18-20, Eph 5:3. • “Know how to posses his vessel” – Rom 6:19, Col 3:5, Eph 4:23-25, 2Tim 2:18-21. • “Not in lust of concupiscence” - ~Concupiscence~ Lustful desires, especially something God has forbidden or sexually immoral desires. This would be walking after the flesh. • “As the Gentiles which know not God” – Eph 4:17-19 – Who you were is not who you are – Eph 2. Verse 6-8 • “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother” – We should not take advantage of the brethren – 1Cor 6:6-8, Phil 2:2-5. • “The Lord is the avenger” – Rom 13:3-4, 12:19, 2Thess 1:8. • “As we also forewarned and testified” – Paul informed them of this already, not doubt when showing them their need for salvation. • “God hath not called is unto uncleaness” – Gal 5:19-21 – Some think so since we are under grace. • “But holiness” – 2Cor 7:1, Eph 4:24, Tit 2:1-8. • “He that despiseth, despiseth God” – God has called you to sanctification and holiness. To despise the instruction to live holy is to despise God. • “Who hath given us his Holy Spirit” – Who lives in you – 1Cor 3:16-17, 2Cor 5:10, Eph 4:30. Verse 9-10 • “Touching brotherly love… ye need not that I write unto you” – He explains why in the rest of this verse and verse 10 • “Ye are taught of God to love one another” i. In the law – Matt 22:36-40, Lev 19:18, Rom 13:9-10, Gal 5:13-14, Rom 7:12, 15:4. ii. By God himself – Rom 5:8, 8:35, 38-39, 2Cor 5:14, Gal 2:20, Eph 5:2,25, 2Thess 2:16 • “And indeed ye do it to all the brethren” – This is why the Thessalonians are known as the exemplary church. • “We beseech…..that ye increase more and more” – 1Thess 3:12, 4:1, Phil 1:9.

Verse 9-10 • “What thanks can we render to God again for you” – They were very thankful for the Thessalonians and gave thanks often for them – 1Thess 1:2, 2:13, Eph 1;16 • “We joy for your sakes” – 1Thess 2:19-20 -Seeing others saved and abounding in the faith should be our joy. • “Night and day praying that we might see your face“ – Paul’s desire to see them in person was strong – 1Thess 2:17, 3:6, Phil 1:8 • “And might perfect that which is lacking” – Notice the question mark. Paul’s desire is to see them to strengthen and perfect them if they need it. This is not Corinthians where he knows what to write to rebuke & correct them – 2Cor 13:9-10 or the Galatians – Gal 3:3. i. Perfecting each other is the work of the Body of Christ – 1Cor 1:10, Eph 4:11-13, Col 1:28…. Through Gods word today – 2Tim 3:17. Verse 11-13 • “Verse 11” – They were trusting in God to reunite them – Rom 1:9-10 • “The lord make you to increase and abound in love” – By holding the head and through the ministry of the church - Eph 4:16, Col 2:18-19, Phil 1:9, • “Toward another and all men” – Rom 12:10, Phil 2:2-5…..Gal 6:10, 1Tim 2:1-4, Titus 2:11 • “Even as we do toward you” – Paul being an example – 1Cor 11:1, 9:19-22 • “To the end he may stablish your hearts” – Through doctrine – Rom 1:11, 16:25. ii. Establish ~Creating or starting something new~ iii. Stablish ~Making something firm or stable~ iv. Timothy Established them….. the Lord Stablishes them – 2Cor 1:21 2Thess 3:3. • “Unblameable in holiness before God” – Holiness comes through love towards others – Col 3:14, 1Cor 13:13. • “Coming of Jesus Christ” – Our deliverance - 1Thess 1:10. And joy - 1Thess 2:19. • “With all his saints” – The dead rise first – 1Thess 4:16. Verse (4) 1-2 • “We beseech and exhort by Jesus Christ” – Paul beseeches them to do what he just prayed for them. He doesn’t just say a prayer but puts it to action through beseeching and exhorting. • “Received of us” – If you want to know how to walk today, you must know the doctrine given to Paul – 2Tm 2:7. • “How ye ought to walk to please God” – Eph 4:1 – Col 1:10, 3:20. • “abound more and more” – Gives the idea that this is something that takes time and growth • “Verse 2” – Not MMLJ or OT, but commandments of Paul – 1Cor 11:2, 14:37 cf Eph 2:16, Col 2:14.

1. TO LIVE IS CHRIST TO DIE IS GAIN (Phil 4:21) a) “For to me” – Not just Paul’s judgement but his own personal life. b) “To live is Christ” – Phil 3:7, Gal 2:20, 2Cor 5:14-15 – His life was in Christ and he lived fully for him. c) “To die is gain” – “because you go to heaven” is inserted here. What is the gain here? • No longer suffering in prison? – Phil 1:19 • Gain for the gospel/Christ? – Phil 1:12-20. • Going to heaven? – Phil 1:23. d) Phil 1:22-24 cf 2Cor 5:1-8 – Paul speaks about the resurrection in his other epistles not going to heaven – Rom 6:5, 1Cor 15:21-24, 2Cor 4:14, Phil 3:7-11 e) Conclusion – Paul does not say the gain here is going to heaven, that is assumed. We must use scripture to interpret scripture. 2. GRACE ABOUNDS (Rom 5:20) a) “Moreover the law entered” – Not only were many made sinners through Adam’s disobedience, but the law also entered…. Why? b) “that the offense might abound” – The law shows your sin – Rom 7:7-11, 1Tim 1:8-11. c) “But where sin abounded” – Because of the law – Rom 3:19-20 d) “Grace did much more abound” – Because of Christ – Rom 5:15, 1Tim 1:11-16. Grace abounds today because it is reigning – Rom 5:21, Eph 3:1-2, Acts 20:24. • We do not sin so that grace can abound – Rom 6:1, 15, 3:8. e) Conclusion – Grace abounds today because God is offering salvation freely to all. We being no longer under the law but grace. This is not a license to sin but rather a gift of God so that we can be saved and live for Christ. 3. WHOSEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED (Rom 10:13 a) Quoted as part of the Romans road. Used by preachers to get people to come to an alter. b) If we understand the mystery we know this is not the gospel commissioned to Paul – Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21. c) Context of Romans 10 is dealing with Israel and their confession Rom 9:1-5, 10:1,14. d) “Whosever” – Not unique to Paul – Ruth, Ragan, John 3:16, Jer 17:7, Acts 10:42-43. e) “shall call upon the name of the lord” – Gen 4:26, 26:25, Psalm 99:6-8, 116. f) What’s missing for Romans 10? – Death, Burial, & Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the gospel whereby ye are saved – 1Cor 15:1-4. g) Conclusion – Romans chapter 9-11 is dealing with Israel and how they heard the gospel and their messiah was sent to them but they did not believe. It is dealing with their fall and is not explaining the gospel whereby we are saved today. You can’t just call upon the name of the lord and be saved, but rather have to have faith in his death and resurrection for you.

1. HE IS A NEW CREATURE (2Cor 5:17) a) “If any man” – The gospel is to all – Eph 3:9, 1Tim 2:4, Tit 2:11. b) “He is a new creature” - There are 2 ways this can be used. i. Can be used individually for each member of the Body of Christ • Rom 6:3-6, Gal 2:20, Gal 6:15. ii. Dispensational for the Body of Christ. • Gal 6:15, Eph 2:14-16, 4:24, Col 3:10-11 c) “Old things are passed away” iii. Your old man – Rom 6:6, Eph 4:22, Col 3:9 iv. How God was working in the world – Matt 10:5-6, 15:24, Rom 2:25, 3:1-2 cf Gal 3:28, 6:15, 5:2,6 d) “All things are become new” - Gal 3:28, 6:15, 5:2,6. e) Conclusion – The new creature is the Body of Christ and those in it. 2. NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD (Rom 8:37-38) a) “I am persuaded” – Paul was convinced of this and is his life showed it – 2Cr 5:14-15. b) The following list are things Paul is persuaded cannot separate us from the Love of God and why. • Death and Life – 1Thes 4:13-18, 1Cor 15:51-52 • Not angels – 1Cor 6:3, Eph 2:6. • Principalities and Powers – Eph 1:18-23, Col 1:16, 2:10 • Things present – Wickedness in the earth, our body of flesh • Things to come – 1Thess 5:9 • Height or depth – Speaks to places, wherever you are you can’t be separated for Gods love. • Any other creature – Satan, Governments, Aliens, nothing. c) “Shall be able to separate us from the love of God” - The love of Christ is not a romantic love, but a sacrificial love. He’s already shown it to you – Rom 5:8, Eph 2:1-9, Eph 5:2, Gal 2:20. This is the type of love he tells the husband to love his wife with - Eph 5:25. i. Love of Christ = Christ death on the cross for you and the grace it allows to be offered to you – Rom 3:24-25. ii. This is the love that constrained Paul and why he lived for Christ – 2Cor 5:14-15. d) Conclusion - Paul was persuaded that nothing could separate him from this love – Rom 8:35-39 – This is why Paul could endure what he did and go all in for Christ – 2Cor 11:23-28. 3. ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD (Rom 8:28) a) “And we know” – this is the second time in this chapter that Paul says we know something (vs22) The whole creation groans for the “restitution of all things” – Acts 3:21. This verse can also be taken as a contrast to what we don’t know in verse 26.. b) “all things work together for good” i. Not all your things/situations. Just look at Paul’s life, who wrote this epistle – 2Cor 11:23-28, Act 28:20, 2Tim 1:16. ii. Good for believing Israel on earth – Rev 21:1-8 iii. Good for the Body of Christ – 1Thess 4:13-18. c) “to them that love God, to them who are the called” – Good is only worked for a certain group of People. i. The called: e) Israel - Isaiah 43:1, 48:12, Hosea 11:1. f) Members of the Body of Christ – Rom 1:6-11, 2Tim 1:9, Col 3:15, ii. How are you called? – Rom 10:14-17, 2Thess 2:14, iii. Can you resist the calling of God? Jere 35:17, Rom 10:18-21, Gal 1:6. d) “according to his purpose” – Before you can know how all things work together for good you have to know Gods purpose which has been revealed to the apostle Paul – Eph 1:9-11, Act 3:19-21, 2Tim 2:9. e) Conclusion – Gods purpose is to have all things in Christ which is good, everything God has done and is doing is working to bring his purpose to pass, the little everyday things are not part of that.

Verse 1-3 • “Verse 1” -It seems that Paul and Silas agreed to dispatch Timothy back to Thessalonica when they were at Athens - The we and I of Vs 1& 5 – Paul at Athens with Silas & Timothy, they apparently both leave on separate missions and are joined again at Corinth – Acts 17:13-16, 18:1-5. • “Timotheus…brother, minister, fellowlabourer in the gospel” – Acts 19:22, Acts 16:21, 1Cor 4:17, 16:10, Phil 2:19 • “To establish” – In doctrine (Rom 1:11, 16:25-26, Col 2:6-7, 2Tim 4:2). And order – (Acts 14:21-23, Titus 1:5, 1Tim 1:3) • “and comfort” - With their hope of resurrection – Rom 8:18, 2Cor 4:17-18 • “That no man be moved by these afflictions” – The purpose of sending Timothy. • “we are appointed thereunto” – Act 9:15-16, Phil 1:12, 2Tim 3:12, 1:8. Verse 4-5 • “Verse 4” – Paul already informed them that they would suffer and the Thessalonians experienced it – Acts 17:1-10 • “For this cause” – The reason why he sent Timothy -to make sure they were not worried about Paul or discouraged. • “I could no longer forbear, I sent” – Paul apparently alone – Paul’s mind constantly thinking of them – 1Thess 1:3, 2:13 • “Lest by some means the tempter have tempted you” – The tempter being Satan – Matt 4:1,3. i. How? – 2Cor 2:11 – False doctrine (2Cor 11:14-15). Lust of the flesh (Eph 2:2-3). Riches (1Tim 6:8-10). It’s easy to fall prey to these temptations when going through suffering. • “Labour be in vain” – Gal 4:9-11, Phil 2:14-16. Verse 6-8 • “But now” – Paul’s concerns were negated once Timothy returned and told him of the Thessalonians faith in the Lord. Previous verses a recount of how Paul felt and what he did. • “Good tiding of your faith and Charity” – 2Thess 1:3, 1Tim 1:5, 4:12, 2Tim 2:22,3:10. • “Remembrance of us, desire to see us, as we also” – The fellowship of the Body of Christ – Rom 12:5, Eph 4:25, 1Cor 12:25-27. • “We were comforted over you…..by your faith” – Mutual comfort Rom 1:11-12. • “For now we live” – Meaning they joy they now have after hearing the good tiding of Timothy, producing a renewed spirit that their labour was not in vain – 1Cor 15:58 • “If ye stand fast in the Lord” - Their continuing to stand gives Paul joy and rejoicing – Phil 2:17.

1. THE KINGDOM AT HAND a) John’s and Jesus’s message – Matt 3:1-2, Matt 4:17 b) “The kingdom of heaven is like” - Matt 13:44-51 c) Jesus's message was the Law – Matt 5:17-20, Matt 23:1-3 d) Keep the commandments (law) – Matt 19:16-22, John 15:1-14. e) Sell all because there is a reward coming/kingdom at hand – Matt 6:24-34, 19:23-30 2. THE DISCIPLES COMMISSION a) Jesus was rejected by his own people – John 1:11, Mark 14:55, 15:1,12-14…but forgave them – Luke 23:34 b) Jesus's death and resurrection was necessary to fulfill the law and prophets – Psalms 22, Isa 53 – Luke 24:44-48. c) Jesus commissions his disciples – Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:48, John 20:22-23, i. Teach all nations to observe all things I have commanded you – The law. ii. Baptizing them – For remission of sins – Mark 16:16. iii. With power and signs – Mark 16:17-18, John 20:22-23 iv. Begin At Jerusalem – Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8 d) The apostles understood Christ ministry and message – Matt 13:51, Luke 24:45, Acts 1:8 e) They were filled with the Holy Ghost – Act 2:1-4 f) And they carried out the commission – Act 2:36-47, 8:1. g) Peter offers the kingdom in Acts 3:12-26 3. ISRAEL’S FALL a) Israel rejected God who sent the prophets – Matt 23:34-37, 11:9-11, 14:3-11. b) They rejected the Son, their messiah – Luke 9:20-22, Luke 17:22-26, Matt 21:42-47, John 19:1-18 c) They rejected the Holy Ghost and the kingdom – Acts 1:6, 5:28-42, Acts 6:5-7:60. d) They rejected salvation – Luke 1:69,77, Acts 4:12, Heb 2:1-4, 1Pet 1:5-10. 4. THE BOOK OF ACTS DOCUMENTS ISRAELS FALL a) You can see the decline of Israel throughout - Acts 1:8, 2:14,22,36, 41-47, 7:51-60, 13:45-47, 18:5-6, 28:28. b) John 4:22 not by the end of the Acts period – Acts 28:28 c) Peter’s ministry to Israel is rejected, but gentiles accept – Acts 10, 11:19 – Peter not seen after Acts 15. d) Paul ministry to Israel is rejected, but gentiles accept – Acts 28:28 - Paul seen from Acts 7-28 e) Acts 1-7 – Apostles preaching the kingdom to Israel and rejected at the stoning of Stephen. f) Acts 8-15 – The kingdom message declines, the Spirit leaves Jerusalem, the kingdom ministry confined to only Jerusalem. g) Acts 16-21 – Salvation and the Spirit accepted by the Gentiles by Paul, ends with Paul imprisoned by Israel. h) Acts 22-28 – Paul on trial and testifies against Israel- Ends with Israel blind and salvation to the gentiles i) Salvation preached today because Israel rejected Christ and the Kingdom….. this was a mystery.

Verse 13 • “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing” - Thankful for their belief in the word of God and it’s working in them – 2Thess 1:3, Rom 1;8, • “Received the word of God which ye heard of us” – What Paul preached was the word of God – Gal 1:11-12, Col 1:25, 2Peter 3:15-16. • “Ye received it not as the word of men” – Which Paul warns against - 1Cor 2:4,13, Eph 5:6, Col 2:4. • “as it is in truth the word of God” – John 17:17, Eph 1:13, Col 1:5, 2Tim 2:15 – How they knew - 1Cor 14:37, Rom 15:19, 1Thess 1:5. • “Which effectively worketh also in you that believe” – Gods word has power – Rom 1:16, 1Cor 1:18. i. Heb 4:12, Eph 6:17 – Rom 10:17, 2Tim 3:16-17. Verse 14-16 • “Ye becam followers of the churches in Judea” – Only in suffering persecution of the Jews….. “For ye also have suffered” – Paul/Saul persecuted the church in Judea – Gal 1:13, Acts 8:.1. The High priest persecuted them in Jerusalem – Act 5:26-29,40-41. • “Which are in Christ” – How? – John 15 • “Ye also suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews” – This is how they are followers of the churches in Judea. Jews used others to persecute – Acts 17:8-9,13. • “Killed the lord Jesus and their own prophets” – Matt 23:34-35, Acts 7:52, Acts 2:23. • “And have persecuted us” – Acts 17:5,13, 2Cor 11:24. • “Forbidding us to speak to Gentiles that they might be saved” – This is how they are contrary to all men and please not God – Acts 9:15, 1Tim 2:4 • “To fill up their sins always” – Matt 23:27-34, Gen 15:16. • “For the wrath is come upon them” – Rom 1:18, 2:5….. Them, not the Thessalonians – 5:2,9 VERSE 17-18 • “Being taken from you” – They left Thessalonica not of their own accord – Acts 17:10 • “We endeavored to see your face” – Paul had a desire to be there in person among them. • “But Satan hindered us” – Rom 1:13, 15:22 (Roman’s does not attribute the hindering to Satan) ii. Satan has ministers – 2Cor 11:13-14 and he is opposed to the gospel – 2Cor 4:3-4 VERSE 19-20 • “For what is our hope, Joy, Crown of rejoicing” – Not a physical crown to wear but the Thessalonians being the fruit of their ministry – 1Cor 9:24-27, • “Are not even ye in the presence of Jesus…. at his coming? – 2Cor 1:14, Phil 2:16,4:1. • “For ye are our glory” – Being his spiritual children – Psalm 127:3, Prov 17:6 – 1Thes 2:7,11 1Cor 4:15.

1Thessalonians Part 5 – 2:7-12 Verse 7-8 • “But we were gentle among you” – Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit – Gal 5:22. How Christian’s ought to behave themselves – 2Tim 2:24-26, Titus 3:1-3. • “Even as a nurse cherisheth her children” – A mother cherishes and cares for her child, the same way Christ does the church and we do ourselves - Eph 5:29 • “Verse 8” – They were willing to give their own selves for the Thessalonians because of their care for them – 2Cor 12:15, 1:6, Phil 2:17, Col 1:24. Verse 9-12 • “Our labor and travail, laboring night and day” - 2Thess 3:7-8, Acts 18:1-3, 20:34-35, 1Cor 4:11-12 – Paul practiced what he taught – 1Tim 5:8, 2Thess 3:10,12. • “we would not be chargeable unto any of you” – So as not to be blamed and to set the example – Acts 20:33, 2Cor 11:9, 12:13-14. To boast in the gospel – 1Cor 9:14-19 • “we preached unto you the Gospel of God” – Freely, even in trial – Be leery of any wealthy pastor or minister seeking money – 1Tim 3:3,8, Titus 1:7,11. • “Ye are witnesses how…..we behaved ourselves among you“ - Actions do matter, here they behave holily, justly, unblameably. i. Holy ~Pure, saintly~ Col 3:12, Romans 12:1, 1Cor 3:17, ii. Justly ~Acting honorably before God and man, fair,righteous ~ 1Cor 6:11, Col 4:1, Titus 1:8. iii. Unblameable ~Without blame, no evil thing to say against you ~ Eph 1:4, Col 1:22, Phil 2:15, Titus 1:6-7, 2:7-8. • “Exhorted, comforted, charged every one of you” – Not just a few, but everyone. i. Exhort ~Strongly encourage, urge someone to do something ~ 1Tim 4:13, 2Tim 4:2, Titus 1:9 – Done by the word of God/doctrine ii. Comfort ~To give strength and hope, ease the grief or trouble, console~ 2Cor 7:6-7, 1Thess 4:18. iii. Charged ~To command, instruct with authority, to give a duty or responsibility to~ 1Tim 1:3, 6:17. • “As a father does his children” – The above are things fathers do. i. You see a comparison between mother and father and how Paul demonstrated both a mother cherishes, father exhorts, comforts and charges. A Christians we should do both especially amongst the brethren just as Paul did to the Thessalonians. • “That ye would walk worthy” – Eph 4:1, Col 1:10 – Walk in light of who Christ has made you and called you to be. • “Called you unto His kingdom and glory” – Because you are called with a holy calling – 2Tm 1:9, 1Cor 1:9, Eph 4:4, Col 3:15, 1Thess 4:7, 1Tim 6:12. ii. Not the gospel of the kingdom here – Mark 1:14-15 – It was at hand but didn’t come – Acts 1:6. iii. We ARE translated into the Kingdom of His son– Col 1:13. iv. A heavenly kingdom in heavenly places – 2Tim 4:18, Eph 2:6. v. Peter and the 12 looked for a kingdom to come to earth – Luke 12:31, 22:30, 1:33, Matt 6:10, Heb 11:10,16, 12:22, 13:14, Rev 21:2 vi. We are called to glory – Rom 8:18, Col 3:4 – Looking to be take from earth – Tit 2:13, Phil 3:14, 20-21. vii. Kingdom of God has to do with Gods sovereignty and is all encompassing – Acts 28:31

1Thessalonians Part 4 – 2:1-6 Verse 1-2 • “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you” – Calling to remembrance of the situation and character with which they came and how they behaved among the Thessalonians. • “was not in vain” – There was fruit in their ministry there – Tit 1:10-11, 3:9, Eph 5:6, Phil 2:16. • “Suffered, shamefully entreated, at Philippi” – Acts 16:16-24, 2Cor 11:23-24. • “we were bold in our God” – Not bold in their own wisdom, but in God – Eph 3:12-13, 6:19-20, It was God who told them to go to Macedonia – Acts 16:9-10 • “To speak the gospel with much contention” – Acts 17:1-10. Verse 3-4 • “our exhortation not of:” – 2Cor 4:1-2, 2Cor 11:13, Tit 1:10. i. deceit – ~Error, that which leads to error, deceit or fraud~ ii. uncleanness ~the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living. Impure motives. iii. guile - ~craft, subtilty, deceit~ …… 2Cor 12:16, Phil 3:7-8. • “to be put in trust with the gospel” – Paul being the one that it was given to first – 1Cor 9:17, Gal 2:7, 1Tim 1:11, Tit 1:2-3. • “not pleasing men, but God” – Gal 1:9-12….. but 1Cor 10:32-33, 1Cor 9:22, Rom 15:2, Col 3:22, • “who trieth our hearts” This is what we keep in mind – Prov 17:3, 1Cor 3:12-15, 4:5. Verse 5-6 • “neither at any time used we flattering words” –1Cor 2:1-5, 2Cor 2:17, 3:12. • “God is witness” – He tries the hearts – Rom 1:9, Gal 1:20, Phil 1:8, 2Cor 1:23. • “nor of men sough we glory” – Gal 6:14. • “we might have been burdensome” – Meaning they did not ask money from them, did not burden them – 2Cor 11:7-10, 12:13-14. Did not pressure them by coming in glory of their apostleship. • “as the apostles of Christ” – They had a right to reap carnal things – 1Cor 9:1-13, 1Tim 5:17-18. i. This is where we know that there were more than just the 12 apostle’s and Paul. ii. These would be the apostles in Eph 3:5, 1Cor 12:28, Eph 4:11-16 iii. Eph 4:11-16 Is not the reason he gave the 12 – John 15:16, Matt 19:28, Luke 22:30, Matt 28:18-20, John 20:19-23, James 1:1, Rev 21:14.

1Thessalonians Part 3 – 1:6-10 Verse 6 • “and ye became followers of us” – Not of the Jews – Acts 17:5. i. More contrast between the Corinthians – 1Cor 4:16, 11:1, Phil 3:17, 4:9. • “and of the lord” – Because they were sent by the Lord, being his apostles (2:6) and speaking his word (2:13). • “received the word…… with Joy of the Holy Ghost” – Gal 5:22, Rom 5:11, 15:13 Verse 7-8 • “ye were ensamples” En = with in. Ex = with out. They were ensamples to those believers within the region that believed. ii. Ensample (1Cor 10:11, Phil 3:17, 2Thess 3:9, 1Pet 5:3, 2Pet 2:6) iii. Example (Matt 1:19, John13:15, 1Cor 10:6, 1Tim 4:12, Heb 4:11, 8:5, James 5:10, 1Pet 2:21, Jude 1:7). • “Macedonia and Achaia” = Philippians, Corinthian, Athens, Berea. • “From you sounded out the word” – Sounded out gives the idea of a trumpet sounding out – 2Chron 7:6, 13:14. • “in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad” – Beyond even their own region – Rom 1:8, 16:19 iv. We need be like the Thessalonians here and also sound out the word of the Lord – Phil 2:15-16, 2Cor 5:20-21. • “so that we need not speak anything” – Meaning, when they had gone to the other cities, or met people in the region, they did not have to tell them of the Thessalonians faith and conversion, for they had already heard. Paul likely not knowing the full result of the word on the Thessalonians since he left shortly after due to the persecution. Verse 9-10 • “For they themselves shew of us” - In contrast, rather than Paul telling others of how the Thessalonians had converted to faith in Christ, others would tell Paul. • “how ye turned to God from idols” – When one believes the gospel it changes them on the inside, this here is true repentance ~A change of mind.~ • “to wait for his Son” – This is our hope as Christians – Col 3:4, Titus 2:13, 1Cor 15:51-58. • “whom he raised from the dead” – The foundation of Christianity and Paul’s message – 1Cor 15:12- 22 • “delivered us from the wrath to come” – Notice the past tense “delivered”. It has already happened because we will not see the tribulation – Rom 5:9

1Thessalonians Part 2 – 1:1-5 Verse 1 • “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus” – found together in Acts 17:10-14 Act 18:5, 2Cor 1:19. i. Paul – Formally Saul, was saved on the road to Damascus – Act 7:58, 9:1-8 ii. Silvanus = Silas – Came from Peters group – 1Pet 5:12, Acts 15:22. iii. Timotheous – From Lystra - Acts 16:1-3 • “Church of the Thessalonians” – Started in Acts 17:1-9 • “Grace and peace” – Paul begins all of his epistles with this greeting. Gods if offering these I’m this dispensation “From God our father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” i. 18 times in NT – 14 from Paul, the first appearance in scripture is Romans. Verse 2 • “We give thanks to God always for you” – 2Thess 1:3 – A pattern of Paul – Rom 1:8, Phil 1:3. • “making mention of you in our prayers” – Thanksgiving unto God is a function of prayer. Verse 3-5 • “Remembering without ceasing” – 1Thess 2:13 – They were constant upon their minds. • “faith, love, hope” – 1Cor 13:13. i. “Work of faith” – Believing the word of God – 1Thess 2:13, Acts 17:4 ii. “Labor of love” – 1Thess 4:9-10 – Paul likely experienced it himself (Acts 17:5-10) but also was reported from Timothy – 1Thess 3:6. iii. “Patience of hope” – The Thessalonians we’re going through persecution, Hope give patience and allows us to endure – Rom 8:18-25. • “knowing, brethren, beloved, your election of God” – The Thessalonians had faith (1:8, 2:13, 3:6, Rom 10:17) they made a choice to believe the gospel after hearing it – Acts 17:2-4, Eph 1:13, 2Thess 2:13-14. i. 2 Thess 2:13/election – They were chosen to hear the gospel (Acts 16:9-10) but that was unique to them – Col 1:5-6. You also had some who didn’t believe – Acts 17:5. ii. Christ was elect – Isa 42:1 – They were in Christ – Eph 1:4-7, Col 3:10-12. iii. Christ is the beloved son of God (Matt 3:17, 12:18) and you are accepted in him – Eph 1:6, Eph 4:32. iv. You can be elect and know your election by being in Christ which comes by faith in the Gospel of his death and resurrection. • “For our gospel” – Acts 17:3 • “came not in word only” – All we read about in Acts 17 • “in power…… in the Holy Ghost…… much assurance” – Spirit gifts – this was to verify Paul’s message was of God – 1Cor 2:1-4, Gal 2:7-8, Rom 15:19. i. We can make a contrast here in verse 3&5 between the Thessalonians and the Corinthians. The Thessalonians are praised while the Corinthians are rebuked – 1Cor 3:1, 12-14. • “as ye know what manner of men we were among you” – Apostles that were no burdensome - 1Thess 2:6.

PROPHECY OF A MESSIAH a) Prophecy of a Messiah to come – Isaiah 9:6-7, Deut 18:17-19. b) Daniel 9:25-27 gives the timeline for when the Messiah would come. i. The commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem – Neh 2:4-6 ii. Seven weeks (49years) – Rebuilding the city – Neh 12:27. iii. Threescore and two weeks shall messiah be cut off (434years) - John 19:30 iv. One week (7years) – Matt 24:21, c) The weeks = 7 years. 70 weeks = 490. 483 from Nehemiah until Jesus came. d) People talk about a 400 year gap between Malachi and John the Baptist, but Israel could’ve known. 2. JESUS PROPHESIED LIFE a) Jesus whole life was prophesied – Luke 24:44 b) Jesus life fulfilled things in the law, prophets, and Psalms – 39 books to Israel – Matt 5:17. c) Many prophecies fulfilled by Jesus proving he was the Christ – MMLJ “as it is written” “that it might be fulfilled” d) A messenger comes before him – Isa 40:3, Mal 3:1, Luke 1:76 - Matt 3:1-3, 11:7-10. e) His lineage was prophesied- 2Sam 7:12, Psa 132:11, Jer 23:5 – Matt 1:1, Luke 3:23-31. f) His place of birth was prophesied – Micah 5:2, 1Sam 17:58, 20:6, Isa 11:1 – Luke 2:4. g) His virgin mother – Isa 7:14 – Matt 1:21-25. h) His going to Egypt as a child – Num 24:7-8, Hos 11:1, Jer 31:15 – Matt 2:13-18 i) His baptism was prophesied – Psalms 2:7, Isa 11:2, 42:1 – Matt 3:13-17 j) His miracles and healings – Isa 53:4 – Matt 8:16-17, 9:10-13, Hos 6:6. k) Where he traveled – Isa 9:1-2, Matt 4:12-16. Zech 9:9 - Matt 21:2-7. l) His speaking in parables – Psalm 78:2 – Matt 13:34-35 – The reason why and the response of those who heard – Isa 6:9-10, Matt 13:13-15. 3. JESUS PROPHESIED DEATH a) That he would die – Isa 53:5,11, Dan 9:26. b) He would be betrayed by a friend – Psalm 41:9 – John 13:18,21 – And the price he would be betrayed for – Zech 11:12- Matt 26:14-16 c) His being taken and scattering his disciples – Zech 13:7, Mark 14:27 – Matt 26:54-56. d) The events on/surrounding the cross: i. Numbered with the transgressors – Isa 53:12 - Mark 15:28 ii. Lots cast for his garments – Psalms 22:8 – John 19:23-24 iii. Smitten upon his head with the reed and being spit on – Isa 50:6 – Matt 27:30. iv. The people despise him – Psalm 22:6-7, 109:25, Mark 15:29. v. My God, my God, what has thou forsaken me – 22:1 – Mark 15:34 vi. I thirst – Psalm 22:15 – John 19:28 vii. Drinking vinegar – Psalm 69:21 – John 19:29 viii. His hands, feet, and side pierced (crucifixion) - Psalm 22:16 – John 19:18, 20:25 ix. No bone broken – Psalm 34:20, Exo 12:46, John 19:32-36 x. His resurrection – Isa 53:10, Psalm 110:1 – Mark 16:19, Acts 2:34-35. 4. JESUS TAUGHT WHAT WAS IN THE LAW AND THE SUBJECT OF PROPHECY a) Jesus came preaching the kingdom – Mark 1:15-16 b) The kingdom is like – Matt 13:24,31,33,44,45,47,52.”1 c) Obey those that sit in Moses seat – Matt 23:1-3 d) The sermon on the Mount was about the law and kingdom – Matt 5-7, Matt 5:17-20, 6:10-12,14-15,31-33, 7:7-8,20-21,24.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL a) God could not utterly destroy them because he made a promise – Lev 26:43-45, Jer 30:10-11. b) There are examples throughout Israel’s History of a remnant – 1Kngs 19:13-18, Isa 1:9-10, c) It was prophesied – Isa 10:16-22, Isa 11:11, Ezek 6:7-9, Joel 2:28-32, Zech 8:11-12. d) They would return after judgment – 2Kings 19:30-31, 2. A REMNANT RETURNS a) This is what Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, Nehemiah are about. b) It was foretold they would be captive for 70 years – Jer 23:1-4, 25:11-12 c) Return is through the Persian empire = Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes. i. Cyrus – Prophesied he would allow Gods people to return and build – Isa 44:28-45:1,13….. 2Chron 36:22-23. ii. Darius – Haggai, Zechariah prophesy – Haggai 1:1, Zechariah 1:1 iii. Artaxerxes – Let Nehemiah go to Jerusalem to build – Neh 2:1-8. d) Ezra was a Priest and Scribe and established the law in the land – Ezra 7:11, Neh 8:1-8. e) Nehemiah was governor and established rule – Neh 12:26-27. f) Haggai and Zechariah prophesy about Zerubbabel and Joshua – Haggai 1:12-14, Zech 4:6,9. g) The remnant returns – Ezra 1:1-5, 2:1-2,64-65. 3. JESUS AND THE REMNANT a) Jesus came to confirm the promises -Rom 15:8, Isa11:1, b) He came to cause division in Israel – Luke 12:51-53, Matt 10:31-38. c) He promised the kingdom to a nation bearing fruits – Matt 21:33-43, 3:8-10, Luke 12:32 d) Ezra and Nehemiah not the fulfilling of all prophecy – Dan 9… John 14:1-3,

1. A KINGDOM DIVIDED a) The kingdom divided – 1King 11:26-43. 2. THE PROPHETS BEFORE ISRAELS CAPTIVITY (2Kings 18) a) Jonah – Amaziah/JereboamII – Jonah 1:1- cf 2Kings 14:23-25. b) Isaiah, Micah, Hosea, Amos – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah – Isa 1:1, Micah 1:1, Hosea 1:1, Amos – 2Kings 15:1-2Kings 20:21. 3. THE PROPHETS BEFORE JUDAHS CAPTIVITY (2Kings 24-25) c) Habakkuk – Before the Chaldeans take Judah captive – Hab 1:5-6 – 2Kings 24:1-2. d) Zephaniah – Josiah – Zeph 1:1 – 2Kings 21:24-25:1. e) Jeremiah – Josiah, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah – Jer 1:1 – 2Kings 21:24-25 i. Lamentations - written by Jeremiah about the destruction of Jerusalem. 4. THE PROPHETS DURING CAPTIVITY f) Daniel – Captivity Around 2Kings 24:1 g) Ezekiel – 5th year of captivity of Jehoiachin - Ezek 1:1 – 22years before 2King 25:27. h) Haggai, Zechariah – During the reign of Darius and rebuilding of the temple – Haggai 1:1, Zech 1:1 – Ezra 6:14-15. i) Malachi – After Ezra and Nehemiah and the building of the temple and alter – Mal 1:7-8, 3:3-4, 10. 5. OBSERVATIONS a) Joel, Obadiah, and Nahum not in list because no dates given. ii. Joel looks ahead to judgement. iii. Obadiah deals with Edom iv. Nahum deals with Nineveh b) More prophets than just the books of the Bible – Elijah, Elisha, etc… c) Important to know the kingdom divided and Israel scattered. i. Prophecies about the kingdom reuniting – Ezek 37:16-24, Jer 33:6-9 ii. Jesus speaks of sheep “not of this fold” – John 10:16, 11:52, he chose 12 apostles. iii. The new covenant made with Judah and Israel – Heb 8:8, James 1:1 d) Samaria became the capital of Israel – 1Kings 16:29 – 2Kngs 17:29 e) Exile was judgement because Israel kept not the law – Lev 26. f) Israel was once “not a people” – Hosea 1:9-10, 1Pet 2:10. g) Judah – All kings come from the line of David, Israel has 9 lines. (2Sam 7:15-16)

1. SOLOMON’S REIGN a) 1Kings 1 – David now in old age and near death, Adonijah sets himself up to be the next king – 1-9 • Nathan makes a plan to tell David of Adonijah’s doings – 10-27 • Solomon made king – 28-40 • Adonijah fearful of his life – 41-53 b) 1Kings 2 – David gives Solomon warning and charges of people in the kingdom (Joab&Shimei) – 1-10 • Adonijah, Joab, & Shimei judged and killed by Solomon – 11-46 c) 1Kings 3 – Solomon asked for wisdom and discerns between the two women and the child* d) 1Kings 4 – Solomon’s prince’s, Priest, Scribes, & officers – 1-19 • Details about Solomon (riches, kingdom, wisdom) – 20-34* e) 1Kings 5 – Solomon starts the building of the temple. f) 1Kings 6 – The Temple built* g) 1Kings 7 – Solomon also built the “house of the forest of Lebanon” & a house for his wife – 1-8 • More detail on the work of the temple- 9-51* h) 1Kings 8 – Dedication of the temple, Solomons prayer i) 1Kings 9 – God answers Solomon – 1-9* • Some details of Solomons kingdom – 10-28 j) 1Kings 10- The Queen of Sheba comes to see Solomon – 1-13* • Solomons riches – 14-29* k) 1Kings 11 – Solomons sin and downfall – 1-11* • God raises adversaries of Solomon as judgment - 12-43 2. OBSERVATIONS a) 1King 3:3 – cf 2Kings 17:8 b) 1Kings 4:26 – A textual controversy – 2Chron 9:25 – Words matter – “for” vs “and” – 40,000 not unrealistic – 1Kings 10:28, 2Chron 9:28, c) 1Kings 6:2-3 – 90ftx30ftx45ft the porch was 30ftx15ft. (The length of a cubit is still debated so this is an estimate. d) Solomon had a head start on the temple – 1Chron 22, 28-29. 18:5-8 e) 1Kings 1:8 is the same context as 2Chron 7:14 – Does not apply to America. f) The Queen of She a mentioned by Jesus – Matt 12:42, Luke 11:31 – Condemnation of the Jews. g) 1Kings 10 is a picture of Christ and his reign – Acts 1:6, Zech 8:1-3, 20-23 h) Solomons riches is unknown because we do not know for sure how much a talent was worth, esteems say this would have been 3-4 million, some say 8 million. This is just the Gold cf vs 15, 22, 25-26. Estimates of his peak net worth are 2+ trillion. • 666 – The number of man – Rev 13:18. i) Riches are vanity – Ecc 2:3-11. j) Solomon disobeyed Gods law – 1Kngs 11:2 – Cf Deut 7:1-6, Judges 1:21-36, Exo 20:3-5.

1. ABSALOMS REIGN a) 2Sam 13 – Amnon’s sin with Tamar – Vs 1-21 • Absalom’s plot to kill Amnon – vs 22-39 b) 2Sam 14 – Joab gets David to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem – Vs 1-28 • Absalom gets Joab to have the King see him – Vs 29-33 c) 2Sam 15 – Absalom’s plot begins by winning the heart’s of the people – vs 1-9* • A strong conspiracy – vs 10-12 • David flees – Vs 13-30 • David’s counterplot – Vs 31-37 d) 2Sam 16 – Mephibosheth slandered? – vs 1-4 cf 2Sam 19:24-30 • Shimei curses David – Vs 5-14 • Ahithophel councils Absalom – vs 15-23* e) 2Sam 17 – David’s plan for Hushai works – Vs 1-26 • Children of Ammon bring relief to David – Vs 27-29* f) 2Sam18 – The battle between David and Absalom, Absalom killed – Vs 1-18 • David mourns for Absalom – vs 19-33 2. OTHER EVENTS g) 2Sam 19 – Joab rebukes David over his mourning for Absalom – vs 1-8 • David brought back as king – 10-43* h) 2Sam 20 – Sheba a sin of belial killed. i) 2Sam 21 – A famine in the land for the Gibeonites because of Saul’s evil against them – Vs 1-14 • War with the Philistines – vs 15-22 j) 2Sam 22 – Song of David. k) 2Sam 23 – “David’s last words” – vs 1-7 (ch 23 not in chronological order) • David’s mighty men – vs 8-39* l) 2Sam 24 – David sinned 3. OBSERVATIONS a) Absalom’s pride evident – 1Chron 15:1 b) The council of Ahithophel were likely from feeling of revenge for David’s sin with Bathsheba which was his granddaughter- 2Sam 23:34 cf 11:3. • Prophesied by Nathan in 2Sam 12:11-12. c) Evidence that David had friends in Ammon – 2Sam 10:1-2 d) David shows mercy to Shimei – 2Sam 19:16-23 e) Joab not mentioned among David’s mighty men – 1Kngs 1:5-7 f) The “he” in 2Sam 24:1 is Satan – 1Chr 21:1 – James 1:13-14.

1. THE 4 W’s a. Who wrote the book? – Paul – 1Thess 1:1, “I”… 2:18, 3:5, 4:9,13, 5:1, 23,27…. Maybe with Silvanus and Timothy as co-writers 1Thess 1:1…… ”We, Us, Our”….. 2:1, 3:1, 4:1. b. Who is it written to? I. The church of the Thessalonians – 1:1 II. The Body of Christ – 1Thess 1:10, 2:16, 5:1, 9-10. c. What is he writing about? – Paul wanted them to know he desired to see them and know how they faired – 1Thess 2:17-18, 3:1-2. Writing to comfort the – 4:18, 5:11. Instruction in the will of God and walking righteously – 4:1-5,12. d. When was it written? Man and tradition say 50A.D.or 52A.D. The Bible does not. We can look at Acts to see when in scripture it may have been written – After Acts 17-18:1 cf 3:1….. maybe around Acts 18:5 while Paul is in Corinth. e. Answering the 4 questions above can help to get the context of a book. Paul is writing to comfort and encourage the Thessalonians to see how they faired because they were being persecuted. Acts 17:1-13 2. OVERVIEW a. Popular passages in 1Thessalonians – 2:13, 4:13-18, 5:17-19 b. Important but ignored passages – 2:4-6, 4:11-12, 5:1-11 c. Summary of the book in sections I. Writing to let the Thessalonians know that they cared for them and wanted to see them – 1-3 II. Instruction in their walk – 4:1-12 III. Comfort of what happens to the dead in Christ – 4:13-18 IV. Times and season/end times – 5:1-11 V. Final Exhortation 5:12-28. d. Thessalonica is in Macedonia

How did Israel come to be? How did they get where they are today? This is the fifth lesson in a series reviewing the history of the nation of Israel.

How did Israel come to be? How did they get where they are today? This is the fourth lesson in a series reviewing the history of the nation of Israel.

How did Israel come to be? How did they get where they are today? This is the third lesson in a series reviewing the history of the nation of Israel.

How did Israel come to be? How did they get where they are today? This is the first in a series reviewing the history of the nation of Israel.

We look at different responses one can have toward sin. Looking at the wrong responses in contrast to the biblical response.

We look at Paul’s use of prayer in the book of Romans as a pattern for us to use today.

GOD’S TWO-FOLD PURPOSE PT2 Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth 1. SINCE THE BEGINNING (Review) a) God’s will is clearly stated in Eph 1:9-11. b) Since the world began – Luke 1:68-70, Acts 3:18-21 c) Before the world began – Rom 16:25, Col 1:25-26. d) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, two different realms – Genesis 1:1, Psalms 102:25, Isa 48:13, 1Cor 15:48-49 2. GOD’S PLAN FOR HEAVENLY PLACES a) This plan was kept secret since the world began – Rom 16:25 – (Hid in God) – Eph 3:9, Col 1:25-28. b) Satan rebelled in pride and took angels with him – Gen 3:1, Rev 12:9, Isa 14:12, Luke 10:18, Rev 12:4 c) 1Cor 2:7-8 explains part of the reason God kept it secret. d) The mystery is the Body of Christ, a new creature – 2Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Eph 5:30-32 e) You become a member of this new creature by grace through faith in the work of Christ – Eph 2:8-9, Rom 4:23-25. f) Members of the new creature have a position in heavenly places – Eph 1:3, 2:6-7, 2Tim 4:18. g) We will be working there, having a job to do – 1Cor 6:3 3. THINGS OF HEAVEN IN CHRIST a) You are in Christ by faith in his cross work and resurrection – Rom 3:23-25, Gal 3:26-28, Eph 2:13, 1Cor 15:19-22, b) The Spirit places you in Christ and seals you upon your faith - Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, 1Cor 12:13, 2Cor 1:21-22 c) God will use his body in some way to assist in the ministry of redeeming the heavenly places – Eph 3:9-11, Col 2:10,

GOD’S TWO-FOLD PURPOSE PT1 Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth 1. SINCE THE BEGINNING a) God’s will is clearly stated in Eph 1:9-11. b) Since the world began – Luke 1:68-70, Acts 3:18-21 c) Before the world began – Rom 16:25, Col 1:25-26. d) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, two different realms – Genesis 1:1, Psalms 102:25, Isa 48:13, 1Cor 15:48-49 2. GOD’S PLAN FOR THE EARTH a) This was plan was spoken since the world began, after Gen 1 – Gen 1:28, Psalm 8:4-9 – God gave man dominion over the earth. b) Man sinned and corrupted the earth – Gen 3:17-19, 6:5-7…. Rom 1:18-32 explains this early period in Genesis. c) God called Abram, Isaac, and Jacob - Gen 12:1-3, Isaac and Jacob – Gen 17:19-21, 26:3-4, 39:9-12. d) Jacob’s name turned to Israel, Israel had 12 sons which make up the 12 tribes of Israel – Gen 49:1,28. e) Not only did God make a covenant with the fathers of Israel, but with the nation, Israel’s seed – Exo 19:5-6, 23:20-23, Deut 5:2-3. f) The covenant concerns a kingdom, a nation, a land on the earth – Isaiah 65:19-25, Zech 8:3 g) Those who make it in this kingdom must endure – Matt 10:22, 24:13, Heb 6:13-15, James 5:10-11, 1Pet 1:6-9 – Noah, Job, Daniel are examples of this. h) God chose a nation to be a light to the world to show righteousness – Matt 5:14-20, Deut 6:24-25, Isa 2:2, 62:1-3. i) God will use his nation to bring in the Gentiles – Isa 59:20-60:3, Zech 8:22-23. j) The earthly kingdom is Jewish – Rev 21-10-14. 3. THINGS OF EARTH IN CHRIST a) They have to abide in him – John 15:1-10 b) They will be able to keep the law because of the Spirit in them – Jer 31:31-34, Ezek 36:26-27, Act 4:31-32, c) They have to believe in him – John 6:56 cf vs35, 11:25-26.

NO RESPECTOR OF PERSON’S Romans 2:11 – For there is no respect of persons with God 1. PART OF GOD’S CHARACTER a) We serve a God that changes not – Mal 3:6, Heb 13:8. b) This doesn’t mean that he does not change what he is doing – 2Tim 2:15…. But now - Rom 3:21, Eph 2:13, Col 1:26. c) God is true, loving, merciful, gracious, and just, the latter is our topic today – Isa 45:21, Jer 23:5, Rom 3:26 2. THIS IS NOT THE MYSTERY a) That God has no respect of persons is not the mystery – Rom 2:11, Eph 6:9. 1Pet 1:17 b) It’s in the law – Deut 1:17, 16:19, James 2:9. c) It is wise to not have respect of persons – Prov 24:23, 28:21. d) Act’s 10:34 is not God revealing the mystery to Peter, but a simple truth and lesson that we learn from all scripture about God’s character and justice. 3. CLEARING UP CONFUSION a) The mystery is not Gentile salvation or Jews OT and Gentiles NT – Isaiah 49:6, Ruth, Ninevah? b) The key is understanding Romans 2:25-29 c) People make the mistake of making this passage talk about the church, but Paul is not revealing the mystery here. He is teaching a truth from scripture. d) The key here is found in the phrases “if though keep the law” and “If it fulfil the law” – Vs 25, 27. i. Ruth: 1) Ruth 1:4 – See Deut 7:3, 23:3 – Marriage of a gentile. 2) Ruth 1:14-16 – 2:2-3 – Lev 19:9-10. 3) Ruth 2:11-12 – Her work, keeping the law. ii. Nineveh: 1) Jonah 1:3 – Jonah disobedient to God 2) Jonah 3 – Nineveh repents and God sees their works – vs 10. iii. Cornelius: 1) Acts 10:1-4 – His prayers and alms have gone up before the Lord. 2) Acts 10:10-17 – Peters vision, realizes the meaning later – Acts 10:28 3) Acts 10:34-35 – He the worketh righteousness. e) All of the above examples are Gentiles keeping the righteousness of the law, but today – Rom 6:14 f) All of the above examples have Gentiles being blessed by a Jew, but today, Israel is fallen and there is no difference because we are all counted as sinners, so God is offering grace to all – Rom 11::15,25, Rom 3:9,19-23, Acts 15:9. g) He has created a new creature, a new man – Eph 2:13-17, Gal 6:15 h) We can conclude that God does not have respect of persons throughout all of scripture, but what he is doing has changed.

FORGIVENESS CONTROVERSY Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses 1. DIFFERENT TEACHINGS a) You have to confess your sins to the priest – Biblical support from the OT and MMLJ b) You have to confess your sins to God – 1John 1:9 c) There is an unforgivable sin – Matt 12:31-32….. What about Matt 6:14-15? d) Forgiven of all sin – Found in Paul’s epistles (Eph, Col) 2. CONFESSING SINS TO A PRIEST a) This is the Catholic teaching, they do have scriptural support. b) Baptism for past sins – Acts 2:38. Penance after baptism. c) A pattern seen in the OT – Lev 4:20, 5:5-10. d) The Son of God had power to forgive sins – Matt 9:6…. And gave this power to men? – vs 7-8. e) He gave the power to the apostles to carry on his commission – Matt 28:18-20, John 17:18 20:21. f) John 20:21-23 Is clear – Matt 16:18-19. g) The issue is that all of the scriptural support for the Catholic teaching comes from books of the Bible containing doctrine for the circumcision under the law/covenants – Rom 6:14,15:8 3. CONFESSING SINS TO GOD a) This is the teaching of most protestants, you must repent and confess your sins for forgiveness. b) It’s main support from scripture is found in 1John 1:9 c) David is seen as a pattern – Psalm 32:1-5, Psalm 51:1-3 d) Jesus is our priest – Heb 3:1, 4:14-15, 8:1 9:11, e) The issue is that you could have unconfessed sin when you die. Therefore, unforgiven sins. 4. THE UNFORGIVABLE SINS a) Found in Matthew and Mark – Matt 12:31-32, Mark 3:27-30. b) You would think killing the Son of God would be unforgiveable…but – Luke 23:33-34 c) The context of Matt 12 and Mark 3 you have Scribes and Pharisees attributing Christ work to the devil – Matt 12:22-32, Mark 3:22-30 d) It concerns the work of the Holy Ghost. e) “the world to come” – The world to come concerns the kingdom – Heb 2:5, Heb 6:4-8. i. You do not taste of the Holy Ghost but are sealed – 2Cor 1:22, Eph 1:13, 4:30. f) One you don’t hear talked about - Matt 6:14-15 g) Forgive or you won’t be forgiven – Matt 18:21-35. i. This teaching clearly contradicts Eph 4:32. h) People say unbelief is the only unforgiveable sin…but – 1Tim 1:12-16. We were all in unbelief at some point and time, yet we are forgiven – 1Cor 6:11, Eph 2:1-3, Col 1:21-22, 5. FORGIVEN OF ALL SIN a) Only found in Paul’s epistles – Eph 1:7, 4:32, Col 1:14, 2:13. b) Because God is offering reconciliation today – 2Cor 5:18-21, Eph 2:13-16 c) Forgiven for Christ sake, not because you asked or are special - Eph 4:32. d) Grace abounds over sin today – Rom 5:20-21.

THE NEW CREATURE 2Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 1. WHAT IS THE NEW CREATURE? a) The Body of Christ, no longer Jew or Gentile – Gal 6:17, 1Cor 12:13, Gal 3:28. Your status in the flesh does not matter to God. b) The new man – Eph 2:13-17, Eph 4:24, Col 3:8-11. c) It’s God’s purpose kept secret until revealed in the mystery – Eph 5:30-33, Eph 1:9-11, 3:1-6. d) Its also your new life in Christ as a member of His body 2Cor 5:17 “he is”…… Rom 6:4, Gal 2:20, 6:17. 2. IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST a) Not just for the elite, upper class, wisest, Jews…. but for “any man”- 1Cor 1:26-29, Rom 3:29-30, b) Because Christ died for all – 2Cor 5:14-15, 2Tim 2:5-6. c) Offering grace freely to all – Rom 3:20-26, 4:16, Eph 2:8-9, Tit 3:5-7. d) The key is being in Christ – Rom 8:1-2,38-39, 12:5, 1Cor 15:19,22, Gal 6:15, Eph 2:13…. which happens by faith – Gal 3:26, Rom 5:1-2, Phil 3:9. 3. OLD THINGS PASSED AWAY a) Your old man – Rom 6:6,11, Gal 2:19-20, Col 3:9. b) The law – Rom 6:14, Rom 7:4-6, Col 2:13-14. c) Distinction between Jew and Gentile – Rom 3:21-23, 1Cor 12:12-13, Gal 3:28. d) How we follow Christ – 2Cor 5:16, Rom 9:4-5,15:8, i. Matt 4:19, 9:9, Luke 9:23, Matt 15:21-28. ii. 1Cor 4:16, 11:1, Phil 3:17, Eph 3:8, 1Tim 2:7. e) Gods operation in the world – Rom 16:25, 1Cor 2:7-8, Eph 3:1-5, Col 1:25-27,4:3…. God working through his body today, not one nation. 4. ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW a) Your life – 2Cor 5:17, Rom 6:8-11, Gal 2:20. b) Who you are, your position – Eph 2:6-7, Eph 5:30, Col 2:9-10. c) Your calling – Phil 3:14, 2Tim 1:9. d) Your hope – Eph 1:18, 4:4, Col 1:27, 1Thess 4:13,17, 5:8-10

THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus 1. “I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK” a) What is the mark? – Win Christ (vs 8). Having his righteousness by faith (vs 9). Being conformed to the image of Christ (vs 10, Rom 8:29, 2Cor 3:18, Rom 12:1-2, Col 3:10). b) The mark is resurrection glory and living that way now – Phil 3:12, 1Tim 6:11-12, 2Tim 2:22, Rom 14:19, 1Cor 14:1. c) Having the mind of Christ – Phil 2:1-5, 3:15-16 cf vs 19. d) Not by our own righteousness – Phil 3:4-9, Gal 2:19-21. e) Paul was pressing toward something, looking ahead – Phil 3:13, 1Cor 9:24-27, 2Tim 4:7 2. “FOR THE PRIZE” a) The prize is what Paul kept his eyes on “resurrection – Rom 8:18, Phil 3:13,20-21. b) Resurrection is the hope of our calling – Eph 4:4, 1:18-20, Rom 8:22-25. c) If this world is all there is, then we are most miserable – 1Cor 15:12-20, 51-58, 2Tim 1:12 3. “OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD” a) God has called you to a heavenly position in resurrected glory – Eph 1:3, 2:6, 2Tim 4:18 b) Far greater than your earthly vocation – 1Cor 1:26-29, 2Tim 1:8-10, Rom 8:28, 2Thess 2:14, 1Tim 6:17-20. c) He has called you to be an ambassador – 2Cor 5:19-20, Phil 2:15-16. d) Called you be ministers of the gospel and the fellowship of the mystery – Eph 3:9, 6:14-17, Phil 1:27, 2Tim 1:8. 4. “IN CHRIST JESUS” a) This calling is to those in Christ Jesus – Rom 1:6-7, 1Cor 1;2,9, 2Tim 1:9. b) Christ gives you a position in his body – Rom 12:4-5, Eph 3:6, 5:30, Col 3:15 c) We are in Christ by faith, not works – Eph 1:13, 1Cor 12:13, Gal 3:26. d) We receive the prize of resurrection in Christ – Eph 1:13-14, Phil 3:20-21, e) We press on in Christ – Phil 3:14, Rom 7:24-25, Phil 4:13,