Work Matters Genesis, Pslams, Proverbs and Colossians January 1, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Work Matters – January 1, 2006

This lesson begins a new series of study, “Things That Matter.”

January 1, 2006 – Work Matters – Why should we value work?

January 8, 2006 – Money Matters – Keeping money in proper perspective.

January 15, 2006 – Life Matters – Life is precious.

January 22, 2006 – Character Matters – Why is character important?

January 29, 2006 – Sexual Purity Matters – Live within GOD’S guidelines of sexual and moral purity.

Background scripture: Genesis 1:24-31; 2:8-17; Proverbs 6:6-11; 21:5; Psalm 127:1-5; Colossians 3:18- 4:1.

Focus scripture: Genesis 1: 24-31; 2: 8-9; 15-17; Proverbs 6: 6-8; Psalm 127:1; Colossians 3:22 – 4:1.

Life presents challenges to mankind. Work is a major part of our life. Trying to decide upon a career is very difficult for many people. There are times we pursue one career and discover that we are not cut out for it, so we choose another path. Our goal often is to retire at an early age and live in luxury in a certain place we have described in our minds as the ideal, safe, happy place for the rest of our life.

In our study we will find that work is a gift from GOD. It is important that we balance our life with work, family and relaxation. We need to plan for the future as well.

Let’s read: Genesis 1: 24-31:
24 Then God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and creatures that crawl on the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth,[11] Syr reads sky, and over every animal of the land and the creatures that crawl[12] Lit scurry on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls[13] Lit and all scurrying animals that scurry on the earth.” 29 God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you, 30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it. [I have given]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. Evening came, and then morning: the sixth day.

Notice in verse 25 after GOD had made the animals and they were able to live upon earth, HE said this was good. Then HE produced mankind, male and female and HE said in verse 31 this was very good. Male and female made in HIS own image were created and put in charge of the all that GOD had created.
Verse 26 makes the statement, GOD said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth.”

This raises the question to whom is GOD speaking when HE says “let us”? Many believe that the triune GOD is present, GOD – THE FATHER, THE SON and THE HOLY SPIRIT. Others think HE could be speaking to other heavenly beings. Others believe HE is referring to the royal “us”, as in now let’s see what we are going to do next when we think ourselves.

I lean to the trinity of GOD being present. In the book of John, JESUS is referred to as THE WORD. THE WORD has been with us from the beginning.

John 1:1-3:
1 In the beginning[1] Gn 1:1 was the Word,[2] The Word (Gk Logos) is a title for Jesus as the communication and the revealer of God the Father; Jn 1:14,18; Rv 19:13. and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.[3] Col 1:16; Heb 1:2

I think Genesis 1:1-2 is so neat.

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was[1] Or When God began to create the sky and the earth, 2 the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

I think these verses along with the remaining verses describing creation express GOD’S work ethic. You may want to read the first chapter of Genesis to refresh your memory. GOD is creating earth. Notice the word “hovering” in the later part of verse 2.

Hovering connotes the idea of checking it out thoroughly, such as an engineer who has designed a space craft that is to be launched on a long term mission, it must be perfect, functional and every detail thoroughly thought through. There cannot be a mistake. It must be perfect and able to handle every encounter.

GOD is checking out earth before proceeding to the next phase of the strategic launch. All is ready, so-to-speak, press the launch button. GOD is organized and does not proceed to the next step until all is in place to proceed.

When you think about it, we can learn a lot about GOD in this scripture and apply it to how HE can work in our life. When we ask GOD for something through prayer, sometimes HE waits. GOD is sovereign, is all knowing, is all powerful and present everywhere therefore HE is in the best position to answer our request from HIS vantage point. There is often a sequence that must be accomplished. We may not be ready or the circumstances may not be in place for the next sequence to take place.

In Romans 8:26-30 Paul tells us:

26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us[15] Some mss omit for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together[16] Other mss read that God works together in all things for the good[17] The ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew[18] From eternity God knew His people and entered into a personal relationship with them He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

The focus is on verse 28; GOD is in all things bringing about good. It is not things that are in control and working in our behalf but GOD is directing all things working to bring about the best that can be achieved from a circumstance. When we don’t make the right decisions, GOD still is in there working to help make the best of a mess.

This is why GOD challenges us to work and to do all things as unto THE LORD. Try to do it right the first time. After all we have been created in HIS own image.

What does it mean to be created in HIS image? Many say it is a spiritual, intellectual and moral likeness, not necessarily a physical or material image. We know Moses saw GOD and asked GOD to let him see HIS face. GOD said no. But I will walk by and cover your eyes with MY hand and then remove it when I pass by and you can see the back of MY head. Exodus 33:18-22:

18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see Your glory.” 19 He said, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name • Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”[3] Rm 9:15 20 But He answered, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.”[4] Jn 1:18

This leads me to believe we are made in GOD’S physical image as well. GOD is creative and HE has also given us a creative nature. Mankind searches for GOD and finds GOD or god in many different ways. But completion and fulfillment occurs when we have found THE TRUE GOD through CHRIST and rebirth.

What a wonderful way to begin the New Year, fully committed to CHRIST as SAVIOR and LORD. Do it now!

JESUS said if you have seen ME you have also seen THE FATHER. Again another reference to let us know we have been created in the image of GOD.

John 14:9-11

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?[5] Jn 10:30,38 The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe[6] Other mss read believe Me because of the works themselves.

We as humans are made in HIS image and we are responsible to GOD for being good stewards of the resources GOD has provided upon earth. We see in the next scripture that GOD planted the garden but man was given the responsibility to work it and watch over it. This is before sin came into the world.

Genesis 2: 8-9; 15-17:
8 The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there He placed the man He had formed. 9 The Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the midst of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.[10] Pr 3:18


15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,[16] Gn 3:1–2 17 but you must not eat[17] Lit eat from it from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”[18] Gn 3:5

GOD gave mankind responsibility to work and manage an ideal place with freedom to choose. GOD placed one restriction upon them, but with the right to choose, verse 17 spells it out. Freedom requires responsibility.
The lure of the unknown is and always will be a strong force in most of our lives. We are made in the image of GOD. GOD loves to create and so do we. We explore and work to uncover and discover. We love to build. GOD ordains work and HE has a plan for each of us spiritually and physically. But when HE says do not eat of a certain tree, don’t do it. That forbidden tree varies with each of us. Stay away from your forbidden tree.

Work is good but too much work along with the wrong motivation can result in many problems. GOD challenges us to allow HIM to guide our life and give us the proper balance of work, family and recreation.

After sin came into the world, work became toil. When we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR, GOD through the workings of THE HOLY SPIRIT, begins the process of putting work into perspective and restoring the joy of work.

Let’s read: Proverbs was written by King Solomon.

Proverbs 6:6-8:
Laziness
6 Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. 7 Without leader, administrator, or ruler, 8 it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest.[9] Pr 10:5; 30:25

Proverbs 21:5:
5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless only becomes poor.[5] Pr 10:4; 14:23; 21:20

GOD led King Solomon to observe the ant and relate the ant’s freedom, diligence and discipline to life.

GOD planned for able bodied humans to work and plan. The ant is an example. The ant does not have to be told what it needs or when to gather its provisions in preparation for winter.

We know what is needed and we should be prepared to meet those needs. We are responsible for managing our time and resources.

There is one key factor in our favor; we can look to GOD to help supply our needs and ask HIM to help us manage our life. GOD does not want us to be reckless with our diligence. In other words get rich schemes are considered as one being lazy and will lead to the poor house.

Let’s read: This Psalm was written by King Solomon.

Psalm 127:2:
2 In vain you get up early and stay up late, eating food earned by hard work; certainly He gives sleep to the one He loves.[1]

“Vain” means empty and falling short of its intended purpose.

Some people point to this verse as a reason not to work.

The emphasis is on people who overemphasized work and ignored GOD. Psalm 127:1 puts it in perspective “1 Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.”

GOD watches over each of us and is our protector, don’t neglect HIM. GOD gives the increase.

GOD expects us to work but HE will help us. When we do an honest days work in an honest profession, we can rest easy at night. GOD provides the rest we need from the cares of the world.

Let’s read - Colossians 3:22 – 4:1:

22 Slaves, obey your human masters in everything; don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but [work]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically,[5] Lit do it from the soul as something done for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 4:1:

1 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

Paul addresses work in his letter to the Colossians. It has been estimated there were over 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire when Paul wrote his letter. He did not address slavery but he addressed the work ethic of both the slave and the slave owner. When GOD is in control of our life whether slave or free we are to work as unto HIM. The slave owner is responsible to GOD and should treat the slave as they should. Vengeance is MINE says THE LORD and HE will take matters into HIS hand. We are not to take matters into our hand unless GOD leads us to respond.

A master or anyone responsible for employees is accountable to GOD. Some times employees working for a Christian company think they can take advantage of the company having Christian principles. That is not true. An employee is responsible to work hard for the employer regardless whether it is Christian or non-Christian. The key is for the work to be honest work.
Of course a true slave didn’t have much of a choice but if the master was Christian then chances were the work would be honest.

I know we had Christian folks in the plant who got very upset with their supervisor for not allowing them to read the Bible while they were suppose to be working. There was no problem with them reading their Bible during break but not while they were watching the control panel or equipment.

Work is ordained by GOD. We can abuse work and become a workaholic. We are to balance our work, family and recreation.

I learned late in life that I had to make time for the family.

I know GOD opened doors and gave me success while I was working. The company benefited from GOD working through me to bring about a good result. There were things that I could have never brought about through my own effort. I knew GOD was working in my behalf.

Many of us are in our retirement years. We are still to be diligent in the work of our LORD. We have a wealth of experience and we need to invest this experience in our children, grandchildren and others as our LORD gives us opportunity.

Work is a gift from GOD.

1 Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

FATHER be with each of us, guide us and our families throughout this coming year. We do not know what the year holds but FATHER we know you hold each of us in YOUR hands. May this be the most productive year for serving YOU and our spiritual growth. May we see YOUR handiwork in all we do. We ask this in the wonderful name of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

Why JESUS? Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-2,11 December 25, 2005

Sunday School Lesson – Why JESUS? – December 25, 2005

This is our last lesson in this study of “The Manger and the Mission.”

Questions have been asked for each of our studies, “Why?”

This leads us to the ultimate question of “Why JESUS?”

Our background study is Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12.

Our focus scripture is Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-2, 11.

I want us to begin with Genesis to examine “Why JESUS?”

Genesis 3: 8-15: Sin’s Consequences
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,[7] Lit at the wind of the day and they hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.[8] Jb 34:22–23 9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard You[9] Lit the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” 11 Then He asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I had commanded you not to eat from?” 12 Then the man replied, “The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me [some fruit]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from the tree, and I ate.” 13 So the Lord God asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.”[10] Rm 7:11; 1 Tm 2:14 14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. 15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your • seed and her seed. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.
Heb 2:14; 1 Jn 3:8
Notice the bold words in verse 15, “her seed and HE will.”
This is the earliest prophecy of the virgin birth of JESUS, as foretold by GOD HIMSELF and the victory that JESUS will have over Satan by conquering death, which was brought into the world by the sin of disobedience.

The scripture states it is the seed of woman that will produce THE ONE who will defeat Satan, not the seed of man. Eve is the one who took the first step and crossed-the-line GOD had drawn. So GOD determined that the solution for the sin that brought death to all mankind would be conquered through the seed of woman. The solution would require a miracle which would give life to the seed of woman. This woman would have to be a virgin so there is no question as to who THE FATHER is.

GOD HIMSELF through THE HOLY SPIRIT provided the DIVINE POWER which gave life to Mary’s egg. So we have the union of 100% GOD with 100% human, thus JESUS is both 100% DIVINE and 100% human.

Contrast this with the miracle of our rebirth when we receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR. THE DIVINE SPERM of GOD through THE HOLY SPIRIT comes into our life and unites with our human spirit. This union of GOD’S SPIRIT with our human spirit results in the miracle of rebirth in our spirit. Our born-again spirit goes to live with GOD the moment our earthly body dies and dwells with GOD in heaven until CHRIST returns at HIS second coming. At this time all Christians receive their new glorified bodies just like CHRIST’S resurrected body.

So the seed of woman being fertilized by THE DIVINE POWER OF GOD produced JESUS, GOD’S ONLY SON. HIS mission is to conquer the sin of death by being the perfect sacrifice for sin, which GOD required.


JESUS was given the final test to ensure HE is sinless and all that needs to be accomplished had been accomplished occurred on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-11). Moses was present on the mountain to represent the law and Elijah was present to represent the prophets. Both were present to meet with JESUS along with GOD THE FATHER. Three (3) disciples are witnesses.

GOD THE FATHER uttered the wonderful words “THIS IS MY SON, WHOM I LOVE; WITH HIM I AM WELL PLEASED. LISTEN TO HIM.”

This means SON, YOU PASSED THE TEST!

No sin has been found in YOU and all that needs to be fulfilled has been accomplished except the ultimate sacrifice of JESUS giving HIS life for the sins of mankind. JESUS fulfilled all of GOD’S requirements. This was JESUS’ permission from THE FATHER to proceed to THE CROSS where HE GAVE HIS life for each of us to satisfy GOD’S requirement for sin.

As CHRIST died upon THE CROSS our sin was poured into HIM and HIS righteousness was poured into us. Our part is to accept what HE did for us. That requires a decision.

Have you made this decision? If not ask JESUS to forgive you of your sins and come into your life now.

The proof of the virgin birth and the fact JESUS is THE SON OF GOD is the resurrection. So let’s examine the birth of JESUS.

Let’s read Matthew 1:18-21
The Nativity of the Messiah
18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been • engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. 20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus,[9] Jesus is the Gk form of the Hb name “Joshua,” which = “The Lord saves” or “Yahweh saves.” because He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew gives his account of the birth of JESUS in today’s scripture and Luke gives his account in Luke Chapters 1 and 2.

Matthew 1:1-16, which was written with the Jews in mind, gives us the lineage of JESUS from HIS earthly father’s line. Luke 3:23-37, which was written with the Gentiles in mind, gives us HIS lineage by tracing HIS mother’s line. Both ancestral lines trace back to King David because THE MESSIAH would come from King David’s lineage.

Verse 18 tells us that Mary was engaged to Joseph. In that day the Jews had a three (3) step process in marriage:
1. There is the engagement, generally made by the parents or a matchmaker.
2. Then there is the betrothal. At this stage the girl could break the engagement if she decided not to go through with the marriage. If she accepted this step in the process, it became binding. The betrothal lasted one (1) year. The betrothed couple was considered man and wife but did not live together as husband and wife. The girl lived with her parent’s for this year. No sex! Once the girl accepted this stage, it required a divorce to break it. If the girl had an illicit relationship it was considered adultery and she was subject to death. This is the stage Mary and Joseph are in.
3. The third stage is the actual marriage ceremony at the end of the year.

So what do you do when, as a man, you are told by your wife to be that she is pregnant? Joseph being a righteous man had a plan to quietly, secretly and discreetly divorce Mary. This shows Joseph loved Mary very much and did not want her subjected to public ridicule.

THE LORD sends an angel to Joseph to confirm that Mary is being a servant of THE LORD. The angel came to Joseph in a dream. It was common for special messages from GOD be communicated in the form of dreams.

Joseph shows his trust and confidence in GOD by obeying THE LORD as instructed, even to the naming the baby, JESUS.

Now think for a minute, Mary just finds out she is pregnant. This is before sonograms’ but both are told the baby will be a boy. Guess what? It is a boy. Another confirmation it is from the LORD.

They are to name their baby, JESUS.

The name JESUS is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua”. “Joshua” means “Yahweh saves” or “Jehovah saves”. The word “saves” means to “to rescue” or “to deliver.” The word “sin” means “to miss the mark.” It is like an archer shooting an arrow at the bull’s eye of a target and misses.

GOD expects and demands perfection. The Bible tells us that the very best in us as a human or the very best we can do as a human is like dirty, filthy rags to GOD.

This is why we need a SAVIOR, ONE WHO IS perfect in every way and acceptable to GOD. JESUS is THE ONE and ONLY who meets the requirements GOD demands. JESUS is the only provision for the sins of mankind. Accepting CHRIST as our SAVIOR is our guarantee of forgiveness of our sins and eternal life.

I like a sure thing. No guess work. My ticket to heaven is CHRIST. I ride into heaven on HIS credential, not mine.
Why not enjoy the relationship with GOD now on earth by committing your life to CHRIST and getting to know HIM in a more loving and intimate way.

Let’s read Matthew 1:22-25:

22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel,[10] Isaiah 7:14 which is translated “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son.[11] Other mss read to her firstborn son And he named Him Jesus.

There are many prophecies about the coming of THE MESSIAH in the Old Testament. Verse 23 is taken from Isaiah 7:14:

14 Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you[3] The pronoun you is pl a sign: The virgin will conceive,[4] Or virgin is pregnant, will have a son, and name him Immanuel.[5] = God With Us; Isa 8:10

GOD confirmed the truth of what was being told to him with scripture. Scripture is one of the ways GOD confirms HIS will to us. Joseph trusted, obeyed and married Mary but no sex until after JESUS was born.

Mary and Joseph did have other children, after JESUS was born, as we find in Matthew 13:54-58:

54 He (JESUS) went to His hometown and began to teach them in their • synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “How did this wisdom and these miracles come to Him? 55 Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother called Mary, and His brothers James, Joseph,[17] Other mss read Joses; Mk 6:3 Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, aren’t they all with us? So where does He get all these things?” 57 And they were offended by Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his household.” 58 And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

We studied in a recent lesson about JESUS brothers not believing HE was THE MESSIAH until after HIS death, burial and resurrection.

Let’s read Matthew 2:1-2, 11:
Wise Men Seek the King
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King • Herod, • wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east[1] Or star at its rising and have come to worship Him.”[2] Or to pay Him homage
11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him.[6] Or they paid Him homage Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew makes it clear JESUS is born in Bethlehem of Judea and not Bethlehem located about seven (7) miles northwest of Nazareth. Bethlehem of Judea is the ancestral home of King David. Both Mary and Joseph are of the lineage of David, so they had to go to Bethlehem of Judea to register as ordered by Rome.

King Herod ruled over the Roman province of Judea from 37 B.C. to 4 B. C. King Herod was appointed King over that region because he was a builder of public works and was a good diplomat. He was half-Jew and half-Idumean (Gentile). He was mean and ruthless. He murdered members of his family who threatened his throne.
During his reign the wise men came to Jerusalem, the center of the Jewish faith, to inquire about the birth of a king. Surely the religious and political leaders would know where they could find this new born king of the Jews.

The wise men were a combination of priests and astrologers/astronomers. They were cultured and studied the stars. They had seen a special star, HIS star, which led them from the Babylonian or the Persian area to Jerusalem. The trip took from six (6) weeks up to 2 years.

Special note, we are not sure how many wise men came on this trip. It has been assumed there are three (3) because of the three (3) gifts. It could have been two (2) or more. They did not find JESUS in the stable where HE was born. Verse 11 tells us HE was in a house when the wise men saw HIM. This means JESUS was at least six (6) weeks to 2 years old. Nothing says the wise men were kings. It is thought that the link with the wise men being kings comes from the prophecy given in Psalms 72: 10-11:

10 May the kings of Tarshish and the coasts and islands bring tribute,[12] 1 Kg 10:22; Isa 60:9; Ezk 27:15 the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.[13] 1 Kg 10:1–10; Isa 60:6 11 And let all kings bow down to him, all nations serve him.

We know that kings regarded the wise men as counselors, advisors and could predict future events.

We know their visit to Jerusalem and ultimate meeting with King Herod resulted in King Herod having the boy babies two (2) years old and under killed because he wanted to eliminate any threat to his throne.

Since the visit of the wise men occurred during the later part of King Herod’s reign, JESUS was likely born between 7 and 5 B.C. Also since shepherds are in the field at night, JESUS was likely born in the spring of the year not on December 25.

The early Christians chose to celebrate the birth of JESUS on December 25 because Rome had declared a holiday known as Saturnalia, a pagan holiday on December 25. So the Christians thought since we have a day off so let’s celebrate JESUS’ birthday. Thus Christmas is on December 25. This occurred some time after the New Testament period.

The wise men fall to their knees and worship JESUS. They give HIM their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Certainly gifts fit for a king but somewhat strange gifts for a child. Gold certainly is a fit gift for a king. Frankincense is a fragrant gum and is a symbol of prayer. Myrrh is also a gum used as a perfume, spice and a medicine. It is a symbol of suffering and used to embalm the dead.

Some say the gold is the gift for a king, the frankincense is a gift for a priest and myrrh is a gift for someone who is to die, fitting gifts for the mission of JESUS.

The wise men are Gentiles and it is interesting that they received and understood the message of the birth of THE MESSIAH along with the humble Jewish shepherds in the field. GOD wanted the Jews and the Gentiles to know HIS SON had been born. JESUS is THE SAVIOR of the world and is not for a select few. HE is THE SAVIOR of the poor as well as the rich, the lowly and the kings, male and the female, people from all walks of life.

So as we celebrate this Christmas if you have never invited CHRIST into your heart do so right now. If you are a Christian and you do not have an intimate loving relationship with HIM, commit your life to HIM right now.

You might say, “FATHER, I have tried to live my life in my own strength but I want YOU to be THE LORD of my life and I want YOU to help me to have an intimate loving relationship with YOU from this moment forward. Let’s form a partnership right now and I want us to travel through the rest of this life in fellowship with each other.

If you have made either of these commitments I would like to hear from you. An exciting journey awaits you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Why Try? Romans 15:14-33 - December 18, 2005

Sunday School Lesson – Why Try? – December 18, 2005

This is our third lesson in our series, “The Manger and the Mission”.

Our background scripture is Romans 15:14-33

Our focus scripture is Romans 15:14-24, 30-32.

Last Sunday we studied Paul’s opening remarks in his letter to the Christians in Rome. Today we study the next to the last Chapter in his letter to the Roman’s.

We see the passion or “The Why Try?” Paul has for presenting the gospel to all people as he is led by THE HOLY SPIRIT. We see that Paul depends upon GOD, THE FATHER, THE SON and THE HOLY SPIRIT and the help and prayers of others to accomplish GOD’S leading.

Paul covers a number of issues between Chapter 1 and Chapter 15 in his letter to the Romans:
v Roman road to salvation – Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:8-10.
v Facts about the gospel of CHRIST JESUS.
v The gospel is for the Jew and the Gentile or all mankind.
v Salvation is, also, for all mankind.
v All Christians are justified before GOD through CHRIST.
v All Christians are free from the power of sin, which is death.
v CHRIST fulfilled the law therefore Christians are no longer under the law but under grace, which gives freedom to serve.
v GOD’S desire is for every Christian to become like CHRIST thus GOD has called each Christian to be a saint through the process of sanctification.
v Christians war against the flesh.
v The love of GOD and CHRIST in us sets us free from the dictates of the flesh.
v GOD has a plan for each Christian.
v GOD equips every Christian with HIS power to serve HIM and the body of believer’s by manifesting spiritual gifts through them as HE chooses.
v Agape love is the key to serving HIM and others.
v Be good citizens. A Christian is a citizen of heaven and GOD’S Ambassador here upon earth.
v As Christians we must help each other. Some of us are weak and others are strong. We need to be understanding of each other. We are under grace, which gives us certain freedoms.
v Paul stresses unity between Jew and Gentile Christians.
v Paul gives some insight into his strategy for missions, which gives us guidance to go when we are called, the importance of prayer and the importance for resources whether we go or send others.
v Our passion should be to spread the gospel to others and assist those who may be struggling be it an individual or a church.

Let’s read Romans 15: 14-16

14 Now, my brothers, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15 Nevertheless, to remind you, I have written to you more boldly on some points[7] Other mss add brothers because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of God’s good news. My purpose is that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

The Christian church in Rome likely began when “visitors from Rome” in Acts 2:10 were converted in Jerusalem at Pentecost and returned to Rome and started the church. Paul had a genuine respect for the Christians in Rome.

Paul has discussed a number of points with the Christians in Rome. So as he is getting close to the end of his letter, he wants to make sure they do not get the wrong impression about the points he has made. He calls them his brothers in Christ.

Then Paul uses the word “convinced” which reveals his absolute conviction without any question of three things:
v Their goodness – which implies they are manifesting the fruit of THE SPIRIT, gentleness, kindness, being upright, righteous in their life. It not only refers to the quality of their character but refers to the action of goodness in their deeds. They are good morally. It is genuine character, no phoniness.
v Filled with all knowledge – Paul is referring to knowledge of the Christian faith and not knowledge in general.
v Able to instruct one another – being filled with the knowledge of the Christian faith through the power of THE HOLY SPIRIT equips them to instruct or “counsel”, “warn” or “admonish” one another.

They are well founded in CHRIST never-the-less Paul reminded them boldly and without hesitation about certain matters. Paul admonished them in Romans 14:1-15:13 about eating, drinking certain things and observing holy days.

This is what happens when we have a revival in our churches. We need to be reminded of certain points and matters. Often we become slack or drift unintentionally from our calling. We get caught up in matters that take us away from our first love of building our relationship with our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST and serving as GOD directs us.

I know, years ago in quality control, we tried to control the drifting of our production equipment too closely. As a result we produced off quality product. The process equipment had a natural drift. If we let it drift normally, then we produced a good consistent quality product.
The key is we had to know its limits. When it drifted outside normal limits, we applied correction to bring it back within acceptable limits.

I think this is true for us as Christians. Sometimes we try to place tight limits on ourselves or fellow Christians. The result is frustration. GOD has given us limits by way of the Ten Commandments and THE HOLY SPIRIT to guide us along life’s journey. When we drift or go beyond the acceptable limit of “grace”, GOD applies correction to our life.

Paul was called of GOD to be a minister to the Gentiles. The word “minister” used here means public service and emphasizes his call to serve in sacred and religious matters mainly presenting the gospel of CHRIST to the Gentiles.

Then Paul continues by saying he is serving “as a Priest”. The word Paul uses in the original text means to “act as a priest”. This is the only place in the New Testament this word is used. Paul was not calling himself a priest but he is describing his calling to be LIKE a priest offering up the Gentiles to GOD.

Keep in mind GOD demands a perfect sacrifice or offering when it is offered up to HIM. Paul seems to be saying the Gentiles not only need salvation but also instructions. They need to be taught through faith and power of THE HOLY SPIRIT how to walk with THE LORD and be sanctified. Paul’s priest-like work is to bring the Gentiles as an offering to GOD.

This ties back to his calling as a minister; to serve by presenting the gospel and challenging new converts to grow and mature in their relationship with THE LORD.

The gospel, which means good news, is only possible because of what CHRIST has done for mankind on THE CROSS.

When the Gentiles accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR this makes them acceptable to GOD and they are sanctified by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT just like any other converted person - Jew, Greek, or Barbarian. Sanctification is to be set aside for service according to GOD’S purpose.

Paul was obedient to GOD’S call for him.

The key for us is to respond to GOD’S call in our life. It is not a matter of us responding to what we want to do for GOD but responding to what GOD wants us to do for HIM. This can only be accomplished through an intimate loving relationship with our FATHER and THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. When we have the right relationship with GOD, we are always in HIS will.

Making GOD’S purpose our purpose can make a difference in the world as we travel through life. Ask our FATHER to reveal anything that is hindering you from knowing HIM in such-a-way that may prevent you from serving HIM completely.

Let’s read Romans 15:17-19

17 Therefore I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus regarding what pertains to God. 18 For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed, 19 by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit. As a result, I have fully proclaimed the good news about the Messiah from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum.[8] A Roman province northwest of Greece on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea
Paul knows his calling and is confident in that calling. GOD through THE HOLY SPIRIT has equipped Paul to carry-out his calling. GOD will equip us to carry out our call as well. GOD usually does not equip us and then asks us to respond but as we respond HE equips.

In verse 18 Paul makes it clear because of his calling to the Gentiles, he only presents CHRIST and HIS power.
It seems to me that Paul may be making it clear that he does not bring into any of his teachings any thing from his past life as a Jew and a Pharisee. Paul has been changed by the power of the gospel of CHRIST and THE HOLY SPIRIT and that is all that is needed to carry out his calling.

Whether Paul is in Jerusalem speaking to his fellow Jews or any where else his message is the same. CHRIST in you is the hope of glory. Paul makes it clear all that is accomplished through his ministry belongs to GOD.

The area of Illyricum (ih LIHR ih kuhm) is the area northwest of Macedonia. We know this area today as Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Let’s read Romans 15:20-24
20 So my aim is to evangelize where Christ has not been named, in order that I will not be building on someone else’s foundation, 21 but, as it is written: Those who had no report of Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.[9] Isaiah 52:15
Paul’s Travel Plans
22 That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. 23 But now I no longer have any work to do in these provinces,[10] Lit now, having no longer a place in these parts and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you 24 whenever I travel to Spain.[11] Other mss add I will come to you. For I do hope to see you when I pass through, and to be sent on my way there by you, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.
Paul is what we would call today a pioneer missionary. He wants to present the gospel where it has never been presented. He has not excluded those areas where the gospel has been presented but his passion and calling is new territory.

Paul recognizes that people are called into a variety of ministries.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 3:5-15.
The Role of God’s Servants
5 So, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 Now the one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s co-workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, 11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid—that is, Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day[4] The Day of Christ’s judgment of believers will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.[5] Lit yet so as through fire

In verse 21, Paul quotes scripture from Isaiah 52:15. In this scripture the prophet Isaiah speaks of the work of GOD’S SERVANT which is prophesy fulfilled in CHRIST.

This scripture could have been the basis for Paul’s strategy for taking the gospel to those who have never heard it.

Paul tells us why he has been delayed from visiting Rome. Simply he has been evangelizing areas where CHRIST was not known. Now he feels that his work in those areas is complete and GOD is calling him to Spain.

It is interesting that Spain in that day was an intellectual center of the Roman Empire. Spain was the center of commerce and a popular tourist location. There were Jewish synagogues in Spain. Paul’s strategy was to go to the synagogues because the Jews are the ones who are looking for the Messiah. Paul was armed with the good news that THE MESSIAH has come. Paul had a group ready to hear about CHRIST.
Paul wanted to visit the Christians in Rome but he also wanted them to partner with him through:
v Prayer for him as he was planning a mission trip to Spain.

v Providing financial support for his mission trip to Spain.

Just think of the travel conditions in Paul’s day. Paul is planning to go from Corinth to Jerusalem to Rome to Spain. This is about a 3,000 mile trip by sea.

As we respond to GOD’S call, HE empowers us through THE HOLY SPIRIT to make a difference in the world around us. We do not have to go to distant lands but be obedient to what GOD asks us to do each moment where we are at any given moment.

Giving to missions is one way we can partner with others in local and world missions. Prayer is another way. Going or doing where we are is another way.

The measure of our obedience will only be revealed in heaven along with the impact our obedience made on the world around us.

Let’s read Romans 15:25-33 (I am including verse 25-32 for information the focus verses are 30-32.)

25 Now, however, I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints; 26 for Macedonia and Achaia[12] The churches of these provinces were pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews[13] Lit to them in material needs. 28 So when I have finished this and safely delivered the funds[14] Lit delivered this fruit to them, I will go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing[15] Other mss add of the gospel of Christ. 30 Now I implore you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to agonize together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf: 31 that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you. 33 The God of peace be with all of you. • Amen.

Paul begins verse 30 with the word “implore”. Implore means “to call upon”, “to exhort”, “to urge”. Paul is pleading with the Roman Christians to form a partnership with him to pray.

Not just pray but to “agonize” with him in prayer. The word “agonize” is an athletic term meaning to “to strive together”, “to contend along with”, “to share in a contest” in order to defeat the enemy that would try to prevent him from accomplishing his mission.

When we present the gospel, Satan will try to defeat us but partnering through prayer and giving of our resources as GOD leads us provides the spiritual weapons to defeat the enemy. This still does not mean smooth sailing but it does mean arriving to a safe harbor.

Paul is concerned about:
v The unbelievers in Judea trying to stop him from preaching the gospel. These are unconverted Jews to the Christian faith.
v Paul is taking a financial gift from the Gentiles to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The Jews in Jerusalem who had converted to the Christian faith could not find jobs and were cut off from the support of fellow non-Christian Jews. They were suffering.
v Paul wanted to build a bridge between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians. His hope is that the Jewish Christians will accept the financial support that the Gentile Christians were sending to them by way of Paul.
v Paul also wanted the Christians in Rome to be aware of his situation, pray with him and see the hand and power of GOD working. Paul would share the joy of answered prayer with them when he visits them in Rome.
We find in Acts 21:15-20 that the believers in Jerusalem welcome Paul and the Gentile gifts. Paul’s opponents attack him and attempt to kill him found in Acts 21:21- Acts 23:35. Paul arrives in Rome but not as he had expected. This is found in Acts 24:1-Acts 28:16.

We need to keep in mind that GOD’S ways and HIS thoughts are different and higher than ours. HIS vantage point is broader than ours. Because of his arrest Paul witnessed to the Governor Festus, King Agrippa and then appeals to Caesar. His appeal to Caesar gets Paul his trip to Rome. Paul arrives in Rome, under guard, with a mission to present the gospel to Caesar and to write letters to the churches.

During such times we have to trust that GOD is sovereign and completely in control of all things according to HIS plan and purpose. If Paul had not appealed to Caesar and been under house arrest in Rome where he could write his letters, would we have GOD’S message to us through Paul? GOD always has a purpose.
Partnering with GOD and each other is important to our journey through life serving our LORD JESUS CHRIST:

v Prayer is essential to the success of our calling.
v Agonizing prayer defeats Satan and his power.
v We can partner with others by giving, praying, going, proclaiming, encouraging and responding as GOD calls us to respond.

Why should we try? Because in GOD’S hand all things are possible. The results are not up to us. Our part is to be obedient to HIS call.

Only eternity will reveal the impact of what we might have considered trivial on the lives of others. A lump of coal in the hands of GOD produces diamonds.

Why Me? Romans 1:1-17 December 11, 2005

Sunday School Lesson – Why Me? – December 11, 2005

This is our second lesson in our study “The Manger and the Mission”.

Our scripture is Romans 1:1-17

Our focus scripture is Romans 1:1-7; 13-17

It is believed that Paul wrote this letter while he was visiting the city of Corinth about 57 AD. Paul was on his third missionary journey in Corinth collecting money for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-26). Paul had planned to take the offering to the Jerusalem Christians and then travel to Spain. Paul wants to visit the Christians in Rome to get their support for him in his journey to Spain. Plus Rome would be a strategic location for training strong Christians not only to evangelize Rome but carrying the gospel to other parts of the world including Spain.

Let’s read Romans 1:1-7
Chapter 1
God’s Good News for Rome
1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle[1] Or Jesus, a called apostle and singled out for God’s good news— 2 which He promised long ago through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David[2] Lit was of the seed of David according to the flesh 4 and was established as the powerful Son of God by the resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness.[3] Or the spirit of holiness, or the Holy Spirit 5 We have received grace and apostleship through Him to bring about[4] Lit Him into, or Him for the obedience of faith[5] Or the obedience that is faith, or the faithful obedience, or the obedience that comes from faith among all the nations,[6] Or Gentiles on behalf of His name, 6 including yourselves who are also Jesus Christ’s by calling: 7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since Paul has never visited the church in Rome he begins his letter giving his credentials.

If we were to describe ourselves to other Christians how would we begin?

Our testimony is the most powerful statement we can give to others. People can argue the scriptures with us but when we tell others of our encounter with our LORD there is no argument.

Paul begins by telling the Roman Christians he is a slave of CHRIST JESUS.

This is significant because the word “slave” Paul used is the word referred to a slave that had been freed by his master and chose to remain in the service of his master. Paul was freed from the bondage of sin but chooses to serve his master who freed him.

Paul also uses CHRIST JESUS, which CHRIST is the Greek word “Christos” meaning “anointed one” and JESUS is the Messiah of Israel. Messiah is the Hebrew word for “anointed one”. In stating it in this manner Paul is expressing that CHRIST is for the Jew and the Gentile.

Paul is an apostle. Apostle means “one who is sent” by CHRIST. Paul was singled out by CHRIST HIMSELF to be a special apostle to the Gentiles. Paul was called of GOD for this purpose.

Paul is making it clear that this is not some new fad religion that is occurring but JESUS the Messiah of Israel has been prophesied over hundreds of years. There is scripture that can be read to prove it such as Isaiah 53:10-11; Genesis 12:2-3; Joel 2:28; 2 Samuel 7:8-16; Psalms 2; Psalms 110. There are over 900 references to THE MESSIAH in the Old Testament scriptures to, HIS coming, HIS life, HIS purpose, HIS miracles, HIS sinless life, HIS death and HIS resurrection.

In verse 3, Paul states that JESUS is a descendant of King David. In fact JESUS’ lineage from a human point is traced back to King David on HIS earthly father’s side, Matthew Chapter 1 and on HIS mother’s side Luke Chapter 3. Keep in mind JESUS is both human and divine. THE SPERM that produced HIM is from GOD.

Keep in mind that when we are born-again THE DIVINE SPERM of GOD, HIS SPIRIT unites with our spirit, which we can think of as an egg, we are born of THE SPIRIT into GOD’S family. This is the miracle of rebirth. Once born into GOD’S family we have eternal life and all the rights and privileges of being the son or daughter of GOD.

Once we are born into GOD’S family we need nourishment to grow into a mature SPIRIT led child of GOD. This is why we need to commit our life to having an intimate loving relationship with GOD. We must learn from our FATHER.

Why should we believe this?

Paul answers the question in verse 4. The proof that CHRIST is WHO HE said HE is is the resurrection. The empty tomb is the proof. Over 500 people saw CHRIST after HIS resurrection.

Paul studied the facts after his conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul prayed and pondered his conversion for 3 years then he went to Jerusalem to verify the facts about JESUS. Paul spoke to the disciples and then to the brother of JESUS. Paul himself confirmed that all he had heard about JESUS was true.

JESUS’ brothers, before the resurrection, did not believe in JESUS:

John 7:5 The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers
1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the • Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles[1] Or Booths [2] One of 3 great Jewish religious festivals, along with Passover and Pentecost; Ex 23:14; Dt 16:16 was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)

After the resurrection HIS brothers became believers’.

Acts 1:12-14
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive Grove, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually united in prayer,[3] Other mss add and petition along with the women, including Mary[4] Or prayer, with their wives and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

CHRIST’S brother, James, was the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem and was martyred for the faith.

The resurrection made the difference for HIS brothers seeing JESUS as a prophet versus seeing HIM as THE ONLY SON OF GOD WHO lived in the flesh among us as a human, tempted in all ways as we are, yet remaining sinless, suffered for our sins, died on THE CROSS for our sins, was buried but raised from the dead as the first fruit from among the dead as proof that HE IS WHO HE SAID HE IS.

The resurrection is vital to all of us as Christians as well. Without the resurrection we would have no more reason to believe in CHRIST than any other religious person trying to find god or GOD. The empty tomb is critical.


The resurrection also shows us, as Christians, that we too will have a new glorified body fashioned as CHRIST’S resurrected body at HIS second coming. The moment we die, as a Christian, our born-again spirit goes immediately to heaven and then our born-again spirit will be united with our glorified body when CHRIST returns at HIS second coming. WOW!!!

In verses 5 and 6 Paul is confirming that through “grace”, GOD’S unmerited favor, and being called by CHRIST HIMSELF to be an apostle, Paul was proclaiming the gospel of salvation to all nations. GOD loves all people both the Jew and the non-Jew (Gentile). In fact once a person receives CHRIST as their SAVIOR all born-again people, Jew or Gentile, are called to be set aside “as Holy ones” to serve GOD and are called saints.

So each of us regardless of national origin, race, gender, color who have accepted CHRIST as our SAVIOR are saints, Paul makes this clear to the Roman’s of his day and to us today.

Let’s read Romans 1: 13-15

13 Now I want you to know,[8] Lit I don’t want you to be unaware brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry[9] Lit have some fruit among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians,[10] Or non-Greeks both to the wise and the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the good news to you also who are in Rome.

Paul tells his fellow Christians in Roman that he has wanted to visit them but has been prevented to do so. In Romans 15:22 Paul tells us why he has not visited Roman. Romans 15:14-24 gives us the complete reason.
Romans 15: 18-24:
18 For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed, 19 by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit. As a result, I have fully proclaimed the good news about the Messiah from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum.[8] A Roman province northwest of Greece on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea 20 So my aim is to evangelize where Christ has not been named, in order that I will not be building on someone else’s foundation, 21 but, as it is written: Those who had no report of Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.[9] Isaiah 52:15
Paul’s Travel Plans
22 That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. 23 But now I no longer have any work to do in these provinces,[10] Lit now, having no longer a place in these parts and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you 24 whenever I travel to Spain.[11] Other mss add I will come to you. For I do hope to see you when I pass through, and to be sent on my way there by you, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.Paul sees Rome as a strategic location for establishing a strong church because it is the hub for the Roman Empire and strategic to spread the gospel to Spain.

The Greeks divided the world into 2 groups Greeks and Barbarians.

Greeks considered themselves as cultured, wise and knew Greek philosophy. The Greeks considered anyone who did not speak Greek to be a Barbarian. They claim other languages sounded as if they were saying “bar bar” thus Barbarian. Since those who did not know the Greek language could not be as cultured and wise as the Greeks, the Greeks considered all non-Greek speaking people to be Barbarians, thus the Barbarians were considered uncultured and foolish, according to the Greeks.

Paul does not make such a distinction between people and will present the gospel to both the Greek and the Barbarians (the rest of the people world).

Let’s read Romans 1:16-17
The Righteous Will Live by Faith
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel,[11] Other mss add of Christ because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith,[12] Or revealed out of faith into faith just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.[13] Or The one who is righteous by faith will live [14] Hab 2:4

Paul makes it clear he is not ashamed of the gospel but knows that the gospel is for every human being upon the face of the earth. Those who are considered cultured or those considered foolish or uncultured can all understand the gospel of CHRIST. It is not just for a select group of people.

The gospel is GOD’S power for salvation and is not based upon a person having to speak a certain language or knowing a certain philosophy or being cultured to comprehend or understand it but a person must be willing to listen and respond by faith. GOD will do the rest.

Here the Greek word “believe” also means “faith”. The use of the Greek word for believe or faith means more than an intellectual assent to statements about GOD or CHRIST but it is the kind of faith in JESUS CHRIST that involves commitment and trust.
It is heart knowledge and not head knowledge. It is placing oneself into the care of CHRIST, such as a drowning person would place themselves into the hands of a person recurring them from certain death.

Paul tells them the Jews divided the world into two groups, Jews and Gentiles. Since the gospel has its origin in JESUS WHO is THE Jewish SAVIOR, the gospel naturally came to the Jews first and then comes to the Greeks or Gentiles.

It is thought that Paul referred to the Greeks in verse 16 because of their presence and influence in the Roman Empire. Paul was using some early marketing techniques.

Verse 17 refers to righteousness. As you may recall when CHRIST was crucified HE took our sins upon HIMSELF and GOD imparted HIS righteousness to us. As our sin, so-to-speak, was poured into CHRIST on THE CROSS, HIS righteousness was poured into us.

2 Corinthians 5:21
21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Keep in mind we are saints of GOD set aside to serve HIM and are not withhold the gospel of CHRIST from anyone regardless of their race, national origin, color, social status, etc.

We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Let us be salty and let our light shine for the GLORY OF GOD.

We have the GOOD NEWS! HE HAS RISEN!!!

The title of our lesson is Why Me? This is why us.

Why Care - Jonah - December 4, 2005

Sunday School Lesson – Why Care? – December 4, 2005

We begin a study on The Manger and the Mission for the next 4 Sunday’s:

December 4, 2005 – Jonah 4:1-11 – Identifying barriers that hinder Christians from reaching out to others.

December 11, 2005 – Romans 1:1-17 – Our responsibility in missions.

December 18, 2005 – Romans 15:14-33 – Can I really make a difference?

December 25, 2005 – Mathew 1: 18-25; 2:1-12 – What’s so special about JESUS?

Our scripture is Jonah 4:1-11.

The Book of Jonah is only 4 chapters and I encourage you to read all 4 chapters. I can relate to Jonah in the early days of my walk with the LORD, when GOD did not do as I wanted HIM to do. Thanks to THE LORD, HE has helped me grow beyond that attitude. GOD is sovereign, whether we like it or not. Some times we have to look back to see GOD’S plan in some things that happen in our lives. There are some things we will have to wait until we get to heaven to understand. The key is GOD is sovereign.

Jonah is a prophet. He lived during the time of the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel 793-753 BC. The Book of Jonah was written about 760 BC. Jonah lived in the village of Gath Hepher located about 3 miles northeast of Nazareth in Israel. As a prophet he represented GOD to the people of Israel. GOD asked Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh, which is a large city in the gentile nation of Assyria. The Assyrians were vehement enemies of the Jews. Nineveh is about 500 miles northeast of Israel over land far from the Mediterranean Sea.

So when GOD called Jonah to go and warn the Ninevites of the pending destruction of their city, Jonah hopped on a ship to Tarshish headed in the opposite direction of Nineveh. Tarshish is thought to have been located on the tip of Spain.

When GOD calls, what is our response?

For the last month we have studied Job. GOD called Job to serve HIM in a test which would be used as a witness to his family and friends as well as to us throughout the ages as we encounter difficult circumstances along our journey with our LORD. Job was called of GOD but Job was not aware of the call.

Jonah is very aware of the call of GOD.

Let’s read Chapter 1 of Jonah:
Jonah
Chapter 1
Jonah’s Flight
1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai:[1] Jnh 3:1; 2 Kg 14:25 2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because their wickedness has confronted Me.” 3 However, Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down[2] Jnh 1:5; 2:6 to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, from the Lord’s presence. 4 Then the Lord hurled a violent wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose on the sea that the ship threatened to break apart. 5 The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his god. They threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel and had stretched out and fallen into a deep sleep. 6 The captain approached him and said, “What are you doing sound asleep? Get up! Call to your god.[3] Or God Maybe this god will consider us, and we won’t perish.” 7 “Come on!” the sailors said to each other. “Let’s cast lots. Then we will know who is to blame for this trouble we’re in.” So they cast lots, and the lot singled out Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Tell us who is to blame for this trouble we’re in. What is your business and where are you from? What is your country and what people are you from?” 9 He answered them, “I am a Hebrew. I worship[4] Or fear • Yahweh, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were even more afraid and said to him, “What is this you’ve done?” For the men knew he was fleeing from the Lord’s presence, because he had told them. 11 So they said to him, “What should we do to you to calm this sea that’s against us?” For the sea was getting worse and worse. 12 He answered them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea[5] Lit sea that’s against you so it may quiet down for you, for I know that I’m to blame for this violent storm that is against you.” 13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not because the sea was raging against them more and more. 14 So they called out to the Lord: “Please, Yahweh, don’t let us perish because of this man’s life, and don’t charge us with innocent blood! For You, Yahweh, have done just as You pleased.” 15 Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. 16 The men • feared the Lord even more, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. 17 [6] Jnh 2:1 in Hb Then the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in[7] Lit in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.[8] Mt 12:40

GOD calls Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach about how wicked they are and unless they repent GOD will destroy them. Because of his hatred for the Assyrians, Jonah does not want to be any part of the Assyrians being spared the wrath of GOD. Burn-baby-burn is his attitude. I am intrigued with GOD’S patience with Jonah. Jonah was the person GOD wanted to do the job. Jonah needed to be taught by GOD and repent of his attitude toward non-Jews as much as the Assyrians needed to know about GOD and repent of their sins.

To me it is interesting that even though Jonah is rebellious GOD uses his rebellion as a witness to the lost on the ship.

The crew on the ship recognized and acknowledged that the GOD Jonah represented was truly GOD.
Notice GOD “prepared” a great fish that swallowed Jonah. Jonah is in the belly of the fish for three days and nights. JESUS was in the tomb three days which is mentioned in relation to Jonah being in the belly of the fish.

Being in the belly of the fish gets Jonah’s attention and he is fearful that he will die. So Jonah prays I need YOUR help LORD! How often do we do the same thing in the midst of trouble, which is okay because we recognize our hope and salvation is in GOD? I think GOD puts us in situations to get our attention.

GOD acknowledges Jonah’s prayer and caused the fish to vomit up Jonah onto dry land. Jonah still has to travel over land to reach the city of Nineveh.

Some scholars say there are stories of other people who were swallowed by a large fish, likely whales, and survived. They believe the gastric juices in the fish likely bleached their skin and they were white when they were released by the whale. Some think Jonah was a ghastly sight and certainly got the attention of the Ninevites.

Jonah does what GOD has asked him to do, preach to the Ninevites in Chapter 3. Nineveh is a large city requiring three days to get around it. Jonah told them GOD would overthrow the city in 40 days.

To Jonah’s dismay his message took root in the heart of the Ninevites and the king of Nineveh. They repented and trusted that GOD might spare them of certain doom.

GOD saw them repent, changed HIS mind and did not destroy them.


Chapter 4:1-11 is our today’s lesson.
Jonah’s Anger
1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious. 2 He prayed to the Lord: “Please, Lord, isn’t this what I said while I was still in my own country? That’s why I fled toward Tarshish in the first place.[1] Jnh 1:3 I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to become angry, rich in faithful love, and One who relents from [sending]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. disaster.[2] Ex 34:6; Nm 14:18; Neh 9:17 3 And now, Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 The Lord asked, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 5 Jonah left the city and sat down east of it. He made himself a shelter there and sat in its shade to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the Lord God appointed a plant,[3] = either a castor-oil plant or a climbing gourd and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head to ease his discomfort.[4] Lit to deliver him from his evil Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant. 7 When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, and it withered. 8 As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, “It’s better for me to die than to live.” 9 Then God asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “[Yes,]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ” he replied. “It is right. I’m angry enough to die!” 10 So the Lord said, “You cared about the plant, which you did not labor over and did not grow. It appeared in a night and perished in a night. 11 Should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people[5] Or men who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?”

Jonah is really ticked with GOD for sparing the Ninevites.

He says I knew YOU would spare them and that is why I ran the other way.



Notice what Jonah knows about GOD:

Gracious
Compassionate
Slow to anger
Abounding in LOVE
Relents from sending calamity

So Jonah tells GOD, Just take my life it is better for me to die!!!!

GOD asks Jonah “Have you any right to be angry?”

Jonah does not answer HIM.

So Jonah goes to a place he can look at the city, likely on a mountain side. He is still hoping GOD will destroy the city.

Jonah made a shelter using branches with leaves still on the branches. Notice, Jonah made the shelter, which soon lost its leaves.

Notice here that the word “LORD” is used and the word “LORD GOD” and the word “GOD” are used.

LORD refers to “Yahweh” which is the covenant name for the GOD of Israel. When “GOD” is used it refers to “Elohim” which means the sovereign GOD ruling over all nations not just Israel. When used together as “LORD GOD” it refers to “Yahweh Elohim” which means the covenant LORD of Israel and as the sovereign GOD ruling all nations.

Jonah certainly knew “Yahweh” as the GOD of Israel but he did not want to acknowledge “Elohim” as the GOD for all nations as including the Ninevites.

Now a series of events occur which GOD provides. The same word is used for “provided” when GOD “provided a great fish” to swallow Jonah. This word is used in this sequence of events.

GOD “provided”:
- A vine
- A worm
- A scorching east wind (sirocco)

The only time Jonah is happy is when he is shaded by the vine that he had nothing to do with. GOD had provided the vine which shaded Jonah. This could have been either a gourd vine or a castor-bush.

Again Jonah wants to die. GOD asks Jonah “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?”

Jonah answers GOD this time with, “I DO!”

I am so angry that I want to die!!!!!

Is this Jonah’s way of trying to force GOD to choose between killing him or destroying the Ninevites?

Have you ever been so angry you wanted to die? Then you know how angry Jonah is.

Was Jonah concerned about his reputation as a prophet? To be a true prophet of GOD what you said that GOD said had to be 100% correct. GOD was not doing what HE said. Jonah did not cut GOD any slack that these Ninevites could repent and be forgiven by his GOD.


GOD tries to put it all in perspective for Jonah. The name of GOD switches back to “Yahweh” the covenant name for the GOD of Israel. In the previous verses GOD was referred to as “Elohim” the GOD for all nations including Nineveh. GOD says in essence to Jonah, Son think about this for a minute? You are so concerned over this vine, that you had nothing to do with, being there to shade you. Do you think just maybe that I provided the vine for you???? I took compassion on you and showed you mercy by providing you shade.

Your compassion and love for the vine is greater than your concern for the souls in Nineveh. I AM THE ONE who is responsible for the souls in Nineveh and you are MY messenger. These are fellow human beings not plants. In fact there are 120,000 children so young they do not even know their right hand from their left hand. Just the children alone should cause you to want the city to be spared. Just think of all the adults and the cattle also in the city?

We do not know Jonah’s response. It seems it is left for each of us to consider our attitude toward others.

Would we allow our prejudice or hatred towards others to prevent us from presenting the gospel to them? Would we withhold resources because they would be used for a group of fellow human beings we may despise or hate? What is our attitude toward others who need to hear THE GOSPEL? How will we respond if GOD calls us to ministry?

Here are a few thoughts comparing Job and Jonah to get us thinking about the two lives. Add to the list as things come to your mind. The key is GOD deals with each of us in HIS own way to accomplish HIS plan and purpose. The plan and purpose benefits us as well as others. It also reveals to us the character of GOD and helps us to understand how and why GOD works in the world.

As HIS children we are under GOD’S tutelage. HE knew us before HE created the world. So HE knows us intimately and wants us to serve HIM fully trusting HIM in all areas of our life. HE is sovereign.

GOD’S concept of Job:
Loved HIM
Obedient
Perfect Character
Honored HIM
Right person for the task
Trusted him to finish the task
Needed to know HIM in a more intimate way
Knew about GOD but needed to know GOD
Knew GOD was sovereign

GOD’S concept of Jonah:
Loved HIM
Needed to build his character
Prejudice
Impulsive
Right person for the task for 2 reasons – Jonah needed it as much as the Ninevites needed to hear the word from GOD.
Needed a change of attitude
Knew about THE GOD of Israel but needed to know THE GOD for all people
Knew GOD was sovereign








Job’s concept of GOD and attitude toward GOD:
Sovereign
Knew about GOD - traditions
Feared GOD
Honored GOD
Honors GOD in the face of calamity
Is humble
Questions his circumstances
Asks why


Jonah’s concept of GOD and attitude toward GOD:
Knew GOD’S character – Gracious, Compassionate, Slow to anger, Abounding in love, relents from sending calamity.
Willing to flee from GOD - he must have considered GOD patient and understanding to his attitude.
Heard GOD’S call to serve
Is angry with GOD when HE shows mercy
Is happy when GOD spared him from the belly of the great fish.
Wants GOD to do what he thinks is best, not what GOD wants done.
Defiant
Tries to force GOD to choose between doing what HE said HE would do to Nineveh or killing him.
Jonah’s ego and reputation is on the line. A prophet has to be 100% correct to be a prophet of GOD.