ROOM 308
Jan 11- Thessalonians/Evangelism Focus Intro- Rob
Jan 18- Thessalonians Ch. 1- Michael
Jan 25- Louis to speak on his ministry over the past year
Feb 1- Thessalonians Ch. 2- Veer
Feb 8- Thessalonians Ch. 3- Brian
Feb 15 Thessalonians Ch 4- Rob
Feb 22 Thessalonians Ch 5- Michael
March 1- Redemption Series begins- Veer
March 8- Brian
March 15- Rob
March 22- Michael
March 29- guest speakers to speak on Mentors and their role
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Upcoming teaching schedule
November 23- Aaron
November 30- No Class (Thanksgiving weekend)
December 7- Louis
December 14- Brian
November 30- No Class (Thanksgiving weekend)
December 7- Louis
December 14- Brian
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thorn In The Flesh
Paul's Thorn in the Flesh
2 Cor 12: 7-10 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
INTRODUCTION
1. Paul tells of "a thorn in the flesh" which greatly bothered him.
a. It was something for which he prayed the Lord to remove from him.
b. The Lord did not do so, but gave Paul an answer that greatly encouraged him.
2. We might not be able to know exactly what the "thorn" was, but there are some valuable lessons to be gleaned as we consider...
a. Why this "thorn" was given to Paul?
b. Paul's initial reaction to the "thorn".
c. His reaction to the answer given him by the Lord.
I. WHAT WAS PAUL'S "THORN IN THE FLESH"?
A. SEVERAL PHYSICAL AILMENTS:
1. A pain in the ear or head (Tertullian)
2. Unruly fleshly lusts (medieval commentators)
3. Stammering speech (MacKnight)
4. Malarial fever (Ramsay)
5. Acute eye problems (Farrar and others)
a. Eye inflammation
b. Based upon comments in Gal 4:13-15; 6:11
c. Possibly brought on initially by the blinding vision on the Damascus road
B. "INFIRMITIES" PAUL SUFFERED:
1. The persecutions he suffered as an apostle of Christ
2. Reasons for this view:
a. In the OT adversaries are sometimes referred to as "thorns in your sides" (Numbers 33:55; Judges 2:3)
b. The term "messenger" in Paul's writings refer to a person
c. The basic topic of 2 Cor 10-13 is Paul's opponents, those who were troubling the Corinthians and Paul himself
d. Paul parallels the "thorn" with a "weakness" (or infirmity) in which he will glory; in the context of 2 Cor 10-13 he connects his weakness with persecution -2Cor 11:30-33; 12:10; 13:3-4
II. WHY WAS THE "THORN" GIVEN?
A. LEST PAUL BE "EXALTED ABOVE MEASURE" (2 Cor 12:7)...
1. Paul had been blessed to receive many revelations...
a. On the road to Damascus - Acts 9:3-6,
b. In Jerusalem - Acts 22:17-21,
c. At Troas - Acts 16:8-10,
d. In Corinth - Acts 18:9-11,
e. In Jerusalem again - Acts 23:11,
f. On his way to Rome - Acts 27:22-25,
g. The vision of Paradise - 2Cor 12:1-6
2. It would have been quite easy...
a. For Paul to be filled with pride over these revelations
b. For the church to exalt him too highly
B. THERE IS A PRACTICAL LESSON RELATED TO HUMILITY...
1. Humility is a necessary trait for God's people - Luke 18:13-14; 1 Peter 5:5-6
2. Sometimes it is useful to have "outside help" to keep us humble!
III. PAUL'S REACTION TO THE "THORN"
A. BEING HUMAN, HE WANTED TO GET RID OF IT! (2 Cor 12:8)...
1. He pleaded with the Lord three times to remove it
2. Just as the Lord Himself prayed in the garden at Gethsemane - Luke 22:39-43
3. Notice the interesting similarities between Paul and the Lord...
a. Both prayed three times
b. Both did not receive the answer for which they prayed
c. But they both received answers that were sufficient...
1) An angel came to minister to Christ
2) The Lord told Paul:
a) "My grace is sufficient for you"
b) "My strength is made perfect in weakness"
B. THIS SHOULD REMIND US OF CERTAIN PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER...
1. We are to pray with persistence - Luke 18:1-8
2. We are to pray in earnest - Matthew 7:7
3. We are to pray specifically (as Paul did) -- Yet God knows what is best for us, so the answer may not be what we wish.
IV. PAUL'S REACTION TO THE LORD'S ANSWER
A. TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LORD'S ANSWER (2 Cor 12:9a)...
1. "My grace is sufficient for you"
a. The Lord would give Paul what he "needed"
b. But not necessarily what he "wanted"
2. "My strength is made perfect in weakness"
a. It is in times of weakness and hardship that the Lord's strength can be experienced most completely.
b. For in such times we really come to depend upon the Lord, and not upon our own strength or wisdom.
B. NOW CONSIDER PAUL'S REACTION...
1. "I will boast in my infirmities" – 2 Cor 12:9b
a. Rather than complain about his trying circumstances, he will glory in them!
b. For it is in such infirmities that he has the opportunity to experience the power of Christ in his life as He helps him deal with them.
2. "I take pleasure in infirmities...for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." – 2 Cor 12:10
a. Infirmities can be a time for rejoicing! - Romans 5:3a
b. For that can be a time in which to experience the strength Christ gives, and the development of character that pleases Him - Romans 5:3b-5; James 1:2-4
CONCLUSION
1. It may be impossible to determine exactly the nature of "Paul's Thorn In The Flesh"
a. Some commentators believe that this ambiguity was by design
b. Otherwise, those with other "infirmities" may think the spiritual lessons are not for them
2. But from a perplexing passage, we can glean powerful principles applicable to all...
a. In time of infirmity, pray!
b. But don't be surprised if the answer to your prayers are similar to those given to Paul
1) "My grace is sufficient for you"
2) "My strength is made perfect in weakness"
c. The Lord may choose not to remove the infirmity...
1) Instead, He may choose to give you the strength to endure it
2) If so, then rejoice that power of Christ rests upon you!
As we close, think about the Lord's statement as it relates to the problem of SIN, and the SALVATION He offers ("My grace is sufficient for you")... – Titus 3:4-7
WRAP-UP
The model of the apostle Paul:
1. Admit your weaknesses
2. Be content with your weaknesses
3. Honestly share your weaknesses
4. Glory in your weaknesses
Admit my weaknesses. I need to admit not only that I have weaknesses, but admit specific weaknesses. When I am honest with myself I can learn how God wants to use my weaknesses.
Be content with my weaknesses. By being content with my weaknesses I am telling God that I trust that He knows what is best for me. My weaknesses will increase my dependence on God. They can also cause me to draw closer to other believers as I share my weaknesses with them and help others who share the same weaknesses.
Honestly share my weaknesses. Ministry begins with vulnerability. I need to share my failures, feelings, frustrations and fears so I can be an example of humility to others. By admitting my weaknesses I build credibility with others.
Glory in your weaknesses. I need to see my weaknesses as a "trophy of grace" that shows just how incredible and faithful God has been in working in my life. God can turn my weaknesses intro strengths. The very things that bother, embarrass and humiliate me most can be used by God for His glory.
Are you thinking that God wouldn't use you because you do not have any big weaknesses. Be convinced that God is going to use you to do incredible things because you are completely messed up -- and yet His grace is greater still.
My weakness:
My action:
Scriptures Referenced in Lesson:
2 Cor 12: 7-10 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Gal 4:13-15 13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Gal 6:11 11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
2 Cor 11:30-3330 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
2 Cor 13:3-43 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
Acts 9:3-63 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 22:17-21 17 "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. 'Quick!' he said. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 " 'Lord,' I replied, 'these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr [a] Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.' 21 "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' "
Acts 16:8-108 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 18:9-119 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Acts 23:1111 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
Acts 27:22-2522 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
2Cor 12:1-61 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about someone like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,
Luke 18:13-1413 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
1 Peter 5:5-65 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Luke 22:39-4339 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
Luke 18:1-8 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!' " 6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Matt 7:7 7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Romans 5:3-5 3 Not only so, but we [a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Titus 3:4-7 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
2 Cor 12: 7-10 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
INTRODUCTION
1. Paul tells of "a thorn in the flesh" which greatly bothered him.
a. It was something for which he prayed the Lord to remove from him.
b. The Lord did not do so, but gave Paul an answer that greatly encouraged him.
2. We might not be able to know exactly what the "thorn" was, but there are some valuable lessons to be gleaned as we consider...
a. Why this "thorn" was given to Paul?
b. Paul's initial reaction to the "thorn".
c. His reaction to the answer given him by the Lord.
I. WHAT WAS PAUL'S "THORN IN THE FLESH"?
A. SEVERAL PHYSICAL AILMENTS:
1. A pain in the ear or head (Tertullian)
2. Unruly fleshly lusts (medieval commentators)
3. Stammering speech (MacKnight)
4. Malarial fever (Ramsay)
5. Acute eye problems (Farrar and others)
a. Eye inflammation
b. Based upon comments in Gal 4:13-15; 6:11
c. Possibly brought on initially by the blinding vision on the Damascus road
B. "INFIRMITIES" PAUL SUFFERED:
1. The persecutions he suffered as an apostle of Christ
2. Reasons for this view:
a. In the OT adversaries are sometimes referred to as "thorns in your sides" (Numbers 33:55; Judges 2:3)
b. The term "messenger" in Paul's writings refer to a person
c. The basic topic of 2 Cor 10-13 is Paul's opponents, those who were troubling the Corinthians and Paul himself
d. Paul parallels the "thorn" with a "weakness" (or infirmity) in which he will glory; in the context of 2 Cor 10-13 he connects his weakness with persecution -2Cor 11:30-33; 12:10; 13:3-4
II. WHY WAS THE "THORN" GIVEN?
A. LEST PAUL BE "EXALTED ABOVE MEASURE" (2 Cor 12:7)...
1. Paul had been blessed to receive many revelations...
a. On the road to Damascus - Acts 9:3-6,
b. In Jerusalem - Acts 22:17-21,
c. At Troas - Acts 16:8-10,
d. In Corinth - Acts 18:9-11,
e. In Jerusalem again - Acts 23:11,
f. On his way to Rome - Acts 27:22-25,
g. The vision of Paradise - 2Cor 12:1-6
2. It would have been quite easy...
a. For Paul to be filled with pride over these revelations
b. For the church to exalt him too highly
B. THERE IS A PRACTICAL LESSON RELATED TO HUMILITY...
1. Humility is a necessary trait for God's people - Luke 18:13-14; 1 Peter 5:5-6
2. Sometimes it is useful to have "outside help" to keep us humble!
III. PAUL'S REACTION TO THE "THORN"
A. BEING HUMAN, HE WANTED TO GET RID OF IT! (2 Cor 12:8)...
1. He pleaded with the Lord three times to remove it
2. Just as the Lord Himself prayed in the garden at Gethsemane - Luke 22:39-43
3. Notice the interesting similarities between Paul and the Lord...
a. Both prayed three times
b. Both did not receive the answer for which they prayed
c. But they both received answers that were sufficient...
1) An angel came to minister to Christ
2) The Lord told Paul:
a) "My grace is sufficient for you"
b) "My strength is made perfect in weakness"
B. THIS SHOULD REMIND US OF CERTAIN PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER...
1. We are to pray with persistence - Luke 18:1-8
2. We are to pray in earnest - Matthew 7:7
3. We are to pray specifically (as Paul did) -- Yet God knows what is best for us, so the answer may not be what we wish.
IV. PAUL'S REACTION TO THE LORD'S ANSWER
A. TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LORD'S ANSWER (2 Cor 12:9a)...
1. "My grace is sufficient for you"
a. The Lord would give Paul what he "needed"
b. But not necessarily what he "wanted"
2. "My strength is made perfect in weakness"
a. It is in times of weakness and hardship that the Lord's strength can be experienced most completely.
b. For in such times we really come to depend upon the Lord, and not upon our own strength or wisdom.
B. NOW CONSIDER PAUL'S REACTION...
1. "I will boast in my infirmities" – 2 Cor 12:9b
a. Rather than complain about his trying circumstances, he will glory in them!
b. For it is in such infirmities that he has the opportunity to experience the power of Christ in his life as He helps him deal with them.
2. "I take pleasure in infirmities...for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." – 2 Cor 12:10
a. Infirmities can be a time for rejoicing! - Romans 5:3a
b. For that can be a time in which to experience the strength Christ gives, and the development of character that pleases Him - Romans 5:3b-5; James 1:2-4
CONCLUSION
1. It may be impossible to determine exactly the nature of "Paul's Thorn In The Flesh"
a. Some commentators believe that this ambiguity was by design
b. Otherwise, those with other "infirmities" may think the spiritual lessons are not for them
2. But from a perplexing passage, we can glean powerful principles applicable to all...
a. In time of infirmity, pray!
b. But don't be surprised if the answer to your prayers are similar to those given to Paul
1) "My grace is sufficient for you"
2) "My strength is made perfect in weakness"
c. The Lord may choose not to remove the infirmity...
1) Instead, He may choose to give you the strength to endure it
2) If so, then rejoice that power of Christ rests upon you!
As we close, think about the Lord's statement as it relates to the problem of SIN, and the SALVATION He offers ("My grace is sufficient for you")... – Titus 3:4-7
WRAP-UP
The model of the apostle Paul:
1. Admit your weaknesses
2. Be content with your weaknesses
3. Honestly share your weaknesses
4. Glory in your weaknesses
Admit my weaknesses. I need to admit not only that I have weaknesses, but admit specific weaknesses. When I am honest with myself I can learn how God wants to use my weaknesses.
Be content with my weaknesses. By being content with my weaknesses I am telling God that I trust that He knows what is best for me. My weaknesses will increase my dependence on God. They can also cause me to draw closer to other believers as I share my weaknesses with them and help others who share the same weaknesses.
Honestly share my weaknesses. Ministry begins with vulnerability. I need to share my failures, feelings, frustrations and fears so I can be an example of humility to others. By admitting my weaknesses I build credibility with others.
Glory in your weaknesses. I need to see my weaknesses as a "trophy of grace" that shows just how incredible and faithful God has been in working in my life. God can turn my weaknesses intro strengths. The very things that bother, embarrass and humiliate me most can be used by God for His glory.
Are you thinking that God wouldn't use you because you do not have any big weaknesses. Be convinced that God is going to use you to do incredible things because you are completely messed up -- and yet His grace is greater still.
My weakness:
My action:
Scriptures Referenced in Lesson:
2 Cor 12: 7-10 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Gal 4:13-15 13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Gal 6:11 11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
2 Cor 11:30-3330 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
2 Cor 13:3-43 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
Acts 9:3-63 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 22:17-21 17 "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. 'Quick!' he said. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 " 'Lord,' I replied, 'these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr [a] Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.' 21 "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' "
Acts 16:8-108 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 18:9-119 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Acts 23:1111 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
Acts 27:22-2522 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
2Cor 12:1-61 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about someone like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,
Luke 18:13-1413 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
1 Peter 5:5-65 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Luke 22:39-4339 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
Luke 18:1-8 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!' " 6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Matt 7:7 7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Romans 5:3-5 3 Not only so, but we [a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Titus 3:4-7 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Turning the Page
Focal Verses: Acts 4: 8-10 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed
Turning the Page
Setting the Stage
I. Read Acts 3:1-5
There were 3 special hours for prayer according to the Jews- 9am, noon, and 3pm.
Prayer was viewed as more precious when offered in the Temple Courts.
We see Peter and John blending their new faiths with their old customs.
Beggars sat at the entrance to the temple and people were more likely to be generous.
Read Acts 3:6-10
What did the crippled beggar do once healed? He ran into the temple courts praising God
Read Acts 3:11-16
What do we see Peter doing?
Preaching. He stresses 3 points.
1. The crucifixion
2. The resurrection
3. The power of the risen Lord
He knew the healing was of God, not himself.
Quote from William Barclay: So long as the Christian thinks of what he can do and be there can be nothing but failure, frustration, and fear. But when he thinks of “not I, but Christ in me” there can be nothing but peace.
Read Acts 3: 17-26
What is Peter’s message to the people? You have seen, now repent and return.
Read Acts 4:1-4
Backdrop: the Gate Beautiful led from the Court of the Gentiles into the Court of Women. The Court of the Gentiles was the largest and busiest of the temple courts. Anybody could enter as long as they obtained the temple laws.
Is it any wonder that this miracle would occur in the location with the greatest exposure.
Why were the Saducees “annoyed”
1. these men did not believe in the Resurrection
2. The Saducees were Roman collaborators. The Roman gov’t was tolerant until it came to public disorder and then they were merciless.
They arrest Peter and John because they are creating a scene and they just want to put them away and figure out how to deal with what has happened.
Read Acts 4:5-12
What do we learn about the situation just before Peter speaks? God speaks through him and gives him the words to say.
Where does this event take place? Before the Sanhedrin. This is the Supreme Court of the Jews. This was the same place that Jesus was sentenced to die.
The Sanhedrin had 71 members. The high priest was the leader. It was comprised of the wealthiest, most intellectual, and most powerful men in the land.
What was Peter by trade? Fisherman
When Peter made this speech, he knew he was taking his life in his hands. I think that Peter has turned the page on the 3 denials. He now has purpose and strength of conviction and the power of the resurrection behind him.
How much courage did this man display to walk back into the place where Christ was condemned to die and speak in the manner he did.
Read Acts 4:13-22
What impression is the Sanhedrin left with? That these men, though viewed as ignorant and unlearned, had been in the company of Jesus.
What does the Sanhedrin command Peter and John to do? Quit preaching and telling people about Jesus
How do Peter and John respond to the command of the Sanhedrin? They say that they can’t stop speaking the truth of God. To them it would be like asking them not to breathe. They couldn’t stop. It would be unnantural.
H.G. Wells was quoted as saying, “ The trouble with so many people is that the voice of their neighbor sounds louder in their ears than the voice of God.
The most unanswerable defence of Christianity is a Christian man.
Challenge of the Week.
1. Decide this week which role you find your life currently fitting into- Peter, the crippled beggar, or the members of the Sanhedrin. I’m guessing many of us have played multiple roles at different times of our lives.
2. If you find yourself in the role of Peter, look for opportunities to heal this week. Healing can take many forms
3. If you find yourself in the role of the crippled beggar, find a Peter and work on letting the healing process begin.
4. If you find yourself in the role of the Sanhedrin, engage a Peter in dialogue this week and go a little deeper.
Turning the Page
Setting the Stage
I. Read Acts 3:1-5
There were 3 special hours for prayer according to the Jews- 9am, noon, and 3pm.
Prayer was viewed as more precious when offered in the Temple Courts.
We see Peter and John blending their new faiths with their old customs.
Beggars sat at the entrance to the temple and people were more likely to be generous.
Read Acts 3:6-10
What did the crippled beggar do once healed? He ran into the temple courts praising God
Read Acts 3:11-16
What do we see Peter doing?
Preaching. He stresses 3 points.
1. The crucifixion
2. The resurrection
3. The power of the risen Lord
He knew the healing was of God, not himself.
Quote from William Barclay: So long as the Christian thinks of what he can do and be there can be nothing but failure, frustration, and fear. But when he thinks of “not I, but Christ in me” there can be nothing but peace.
Read Acts 3: 17-26
What is Peter’s message to the people? You have seen, now repent and return.
Read Acts 4:1-4
Backdrop: the Gate Beautiful led from the Court of the Gentiles into the Court of Women. The Court of the Gentiles was the largest and busiest of the temple courts. Anybody could enter as long as they obtained the temple laws.
Is it any wonder that this miracle would occur in the location with the greatest exposure.
Why were the Saducees “annoyed”
1. these men did not believe in the Resurrection
2. The Saducees were Roman collaborators. The Roman gov’t was tolerant until it came to public disorder and then they were merciless.
They arrest Peter and John because they are creating a scene and they just want to put them away and figure out how to deal with what has happened.
Read Acts 4:5-12
What do we learn about the situation just before Peter speaks? God speaks through him and gives him the words to say.
Where does this event take place? Before the Sanhedrin. This is the Supreme Court of the Jews. This was the same place that Jesus was sentenced to die.
The Sanhedrin had 71 members. The high priest was the leader. It was comprised of the wealthiest, most intellectual, and most powerful men in the land.
What was Peter by trade? Fisherman
When Peter made this speech, he knew he was taking his life in his hands. I think that Peter has turned the page on the 3 denials. He now has purpose and strength of conviction and the power of the resurrection behind him.
How much courage did this man display to walk back into the place where Christ was condemned to die and speak in the manner he did.
Read Acts 4:13-22
What impression is the Sanhedrin left with? That these men, though viewed as ignorant and unlearned, had been in the company of Jesus.
What does the Sanhedrin command Peter and John to do? Quit preaching and telling people about Jesus
How do Peter and John respond to the command of the Sanhedrin? They say that they can’t stop speaking the truth of God. To them it would be like asking them not to breathe. They couldn’t stop. It would be unnantural.
H.G. Wells was quoted as saying, “ The trouble with so many people is that the voice of their neighbor sounds louder in their ears than the voice of God.
The most unanswerable defence of Christianity is a Christian man.
Challenge of the Week.
1. Decide this week which role you find your life currently fitting into- Peter, the crippled beggar, or the members of the Sanhedrin. I’m guessing many of us have played multiple roles at different times of our lives.
2. If you find yourself in the role of Peter, look for opportunities to heal this week. Healing can take many forms
3. If you find yourself in the role of the crippled beggar, find a Peter and work on letting the healing process begin.
4. If you find yourself in the role of the Sanhedrin, engage a Peter in dialogue this week and go a little deeper.
Who Are You?
WHO ARE YOU?
To see who you are, see how Paul identified himself:
Romans 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God
1 Corinthians 1:1- Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
2 Corinthians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
Galatians 1;1- Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father
Ephesians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
Philippians 1:1- Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus
Colossians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
1& 2Thessalonians- Paul (and that’s all)
1 Timothy 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior
2 Timothy 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus
Titus 1:1- Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness
Philemon 1:1- Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus
WHO WAS PAUL?
Why did he change his personal description from book to book?
He was a Roman to Romans
By whose authority did he say he was what he was?
WHO ARE YOU?
What is God’s will for us to be?
What is God’s calling for us to be?
What is God’s command for us to be?
WILL-
1 Thes 4:3- It is God's will that you should be sanctified
1 Peter 3:17- It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil
CALLED-
Romans 1:6- you…are called to belong to Christ
1 Cor 1:2- you are …called to be holy.
1 Cor 1:9- called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 3:1- See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
How do you identify yourself scripturally, rather than/addition to work, life family?
COMMAND
Matt 28:20- For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. "
1 Cor 1:26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let those who boast boast in the Lord."
Are you worthy to be who God says you are?
CONCLUSION
Who was Paul before he was Paul? As a killer of Christians, he could never say he was worthy to call himself what he called himself in those letters. However, he said those things because it was God's will for him to be. Even though we may not feel like we are all those things, or are worthy to be all those things, it doesn't matter- we are because He says we are.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 NLT
CHALLENGE: Take one or more of these verses this week and see yourself as God has called you to see yourself.
To see who you are, see how Paul identified himself:
Romans 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God
1 Corinthians 1:1- Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
2 Corinthians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
Galatians 1;1- Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father
Ephesians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
Philippians 1:1- Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus
Colossians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
1& 2Thessalonians- Paul (and that’s all)
1 Timothy 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior
2 Timothy 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus
Titus 1:1- Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness
Philemon 1:1- Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus
WHO WAS PAUL?
Why did he change his personal description from book to book?
He was a Roman to Romans
By whose authority did he say he was what he was?
WHO ARE YOU?
What is God’s will for us to be?
What is God’s calling for us to be?
What is God’s command for us to be?
WILL-
1 Thes 4:3- It is God's will that you should be sanctified
1 Peter 3:17- It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil
CALLED-
Romans 1:6- you…are called to belong to Christ
1 Cor 1:2- you are …called to be holy.
1 Cor 1:9- called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 3:1- See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
How do you identify yourself scripturally, rather than/addition to work, life family?
COMMAND
Matt 28:20- For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. "
1 Cor 1:26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let those who boast boast in the Lord."
Are you worthy to be who God says you are?
CONCLUSION
Who was Paul before he was Paul? As a killer of Christians, he could never say he was worthy to call himself what he called himself in those letters. However, he said those things because it was God's will for him to be. Even though we may not feel like we are all those things, or are worthy to be all those things, it doesn't matter- we are because He says we are.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 NLT
CHALLENGE: Take one or more of these verses this week and see yourself as God has called you to see yourself.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
Focus Verse:
What do we learn from these verses?
What does this tell us? Zacchaeus repaid much more than was required by law. The amount he repaid was more than if he had taken the money through violent means
As I see it, this verse tells us how we are to operate during these times of economic and political uncertainty.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Hello from the Insane Teaching Posse
We'll post notes and other tidbits of lesson material from class on this blog, and hopefully it can be a source of spiritual nourishment (or junk food) during the week as we all try to internalize what we learn and grow. Does that sound spiritual enough? -Veer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
