Big Picture - 2 Peter, 1Thessalonians 4 and 5 - August 2, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Big Picture – August 2, 2009

This begins a new study series entitled “Finding and Following God’s Will.”

Our scripture for our first study is 2 Peter 3:8-9, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5; 5:15-22.

Finding and following the will of GOD is what most all believers desire to do. Many believers begin to do what they believe is the will of GOD based upon their understanding of GOD, which is based upon all sorts of knowledge sources. One would think if a believer has the desire to do the will of GOD, GOD would honor whatever knowledge source. GOD is truth and HE will not support a lie but HE will expose the lie and lead believers to truth and true knowledge of HIM.

So what is GOD’S will? First, HE wants all people to become Christians. Then HE wants believers to build upon the foundation of CHRIST. Since the passion of CHRIST all believers have direct access to GOD through CHRIST. All believers are in essence priests. This is referred to as the priesthood of the believer. That is why every believer can go directly to GOD, in the name of JESUS. Believers need to grow and mature spiritually. So, how do believers discern GOD’S will?

The Bible is clear we are to seek HIM first, which is to get to know HIM as we build an intimate relationship with HIM. We do that through the study of the Bible, talking to HIM in prayer and responding to HIS call for us to obediently serve HIM. GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever. HE is not fickle. That is why the study of HIS Word is vital in getting to really know HIM. Knowing HIM is vastly different from knowing about HIM. When we apply what we really know about HIM it is then we get to really know HIM. Serving HIM can either reveal false notions we have about HIM or confirm the truth we can count upon. GOD likes for believers to interact with HIM and learn the truth themselves. Believers cannot grow and mature relying on other believers experiences. Being a believer should be a dynamic relationship with GOD through CHRIST. But having such a relationship is the believer’s choice.

To me one of the best workbooks to guide us to know and understand the will of GOD is “Experiencing God – Knowing and Doing the Will of God” written about 19 years ago by Dr. Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King, published by LifeWay Press in Nashville, TN. It is available through the Baptist Bookstore. There is a workbook but there is also a DVD of Dr. Blackaby, which is a tremendous help as you ponder each lesson in the workbook. To me it is different from any study course, I have taken.
When my wife and I went through the workbook, we had our own workbook. We shared only what we wanted to share with each other. This is a personal time between you and GOD. To me, it is a time when you must be completely honest with GOD. I know that is the way I began my workbook. I told GOD I had some issues with HIM that we needed to get straight between us and that I would not go from one lesson to another without us resolving those issues as revealed in each lesson. I was equally sure HE had issues with me. I wanted us to use this time to get all of our issues out in the open and we did. It was a major growth step in my spiritual journey in building a more intimate relationship with HIM. You cannot build a relationship unless you are completely honest with GOD. Nothing can be hidden. It is not pretty but guess what – GOD knows all of our hang-ups and knows us intimately even to the number of hairs on our heads.

Our study this week study is a foundational message:

- First we must be on a firm spiritual foundation. That is, we must have asked CHRIST to forgive us of our sins, believe that HE died upon the cross for our sins and ask HIM to come into our life. This is fundamental to know GOD and build a relationship with HIM. If you are unsure whether or not you have asked CHRIST into your life, ask HIM to forgive you of your sins, acknowledge that HE died upon the cross for your sins and for HIM to come into your life. When you make that decision, thank HIM because in that instant you are a born-again believer and you are a child of GOD through the miracle of rebirth.

- Once a person becomes a believer, he/she has the HOLY SPIRIT WHO will teach, enlighten, confirm, assure and lead the new believer to all truth. This is the process of spiritual growth, which is sanctification. Sanctification does not happen in a flash but begins by committing our lives to serve HIM and allowing GOD, through the HOLY SPIRIT, to lead and guide us instead of our flesh. This can only happen through relationship; that is, realizing we cannot serve GOD in our own strength but as we get to know HIM, trust HIM and build confidence in HIM. HE empowers us through this relationship by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. Does this mean our spiritual journey will be easy? NO!!! But it will be a journey fully knowing that you are doing the will of GOD in an evil world ruled by Satan. Believers are living and serving in enemy territory. Sanctification is a lifelong journey of getting to really know GOD through Bible study, talking to HIM in prayer and obediently serving HIM. Why do I use “obediently serve HIM?” It is easy for a believer, in his/her zeal wanting to do something for GOD, to launch his/her own service agenda. GOD allows believers to launch their own agenda to bring them to the realization that they are doing their own thing and are not doing things according to HIS plan and purpose. Let GOD lead you into serving HIM through relationship. In my opinion, when you are in right relationship with GOD though CHRIST, you are always in the will of the FATHER.

- A believer’s spiritual journey will not be easy. It is through our relationship that we learn to trust HIM and confidently serve HIM when bad times come our way. Easier said than done but when we get through the tough times, we are stronger in our relationship with HIM.

Let’s read 2 Peter 3:8-9:

8 Dear friends, don’t let this one thing escape you: with the Lord one day is like 1,000 years, and 1,000 years like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

The Apostle Peter had encountered some people who were trying to discourage believers. The Christians were looking for the coming of the LORD. These non-believers were chiding beleivers by telling them their faith was in vain, because CHRIST had not returned and would not return, so why follow CHRIST.

Peter is reasoning with his fellow believers to consider the fact that GOD’S timing is different from our timing. In essence, we as humans were not made for time but for eternity. GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON. GOD is eternal and time to HIM is not an issue but the salvation of every human who will ever live is HIS priority. Aren’t we glad GOD has waited for us to get to know HIM as our SAVIOR and given us the opportunity to become more like HIM through the process of sanctification? GOD’S desire is for every human ever to be conceived to be saved from the penalty of sin and eternal death by accepting CHRIST as their SAVIOR.

Peter used the word “repentance.” Repentance, as used in the original Greek, describes a change in mind as the result of a changed life. It means to turn away from sin and to turn to GOD by seeking HIS forgiveness for your sin through CHRIST. The idea behind repentance is not lip service or just uttering words of sorrow but putting our regret for our sin into action by seeking a genuine relationship with HIM through CHRIST.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:

The Call to Sanctification
1 Finally then, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you must • walk and please God—as you are doing[1] Lit walking —do so even more. 2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4 so that each of you knows how to possess his own vessel[2] Or to control his own body, or to acquire his own wife in sanctification and honor, 5 not with lustful desires, like the Gentiles who don’t know God.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Christians in the church at Thessalonica. He is urging Christians not to compromise their witness and journey with CHRIST. Paul and his group have given them the truth regarding CHRIST and living for HIM. They must not lose sight of the fact that their daily walk with CHRIST is vital. It is easy for the flesh to lure them into compromise and commitment to the LORD. GOD gives each believer freedom of choice. A choice requires a decision and the world offers many opportunities for a believer to decide whether or not to follow CHRIST or the world. Paul urged the Christians to follow CHRIST.
In verse 1, Paul refers to the Christians in Thessalonica as “brothers.” This was a term of endearment. Then he used the word “ask”, which is a gentle request. He then quickly follows “ask” with “encourage”, which carries a more authoritative or urgent tone. Paul reminds his fellow believers that as they “walk” or “live” their daily lives, to serve the LORD as HE leads them. Paul acknowledges that they are being obedient but they do not need to grow weary but keep their minds focused upon keeping on keeping on.
All believers must keep their minds focused upon HIM because once they become believers, GOD still gives them the right to choose. Our walk with the LORD is a daily choice. Now, that is not to say we slip into and out of heaven on a daily basis. Once you are GOD’S child through the miracle of the rebirth, you forever belong to GOD. However, our obedience is a decision and we can allow the flesh to take over the rule of our lives. That is why our relationship with HIM is so vital. It is like any other relationship, when something begins to come between you and your very best friend, you know it and it bothers you. If that relationship is important, you do something about it.
Christians must keep in mind that we are GOD’S representatives to the world and must stand in contrast to what the world embraces. In Paul’s day, one lure was to visit the pagan temple prostitutes. Sex has been and will always be a strong lure that most, if not all, all Christians will have to deal with. Pornography is freely available via the Internet. There are other things as well – addictions in many and varied things compromise our witness and growth in CHRIST.
Paul used the word “sanctification.” Sanctification can be translated “holiness” or “being set aside for the use and service of GOD.” Sanctification is our spiritual journey as we obediently serve our SAVIOR and LORD, JESUS CHRIST.
There are three (3) stages to salvation:
Justification – Justification happens the instant we acknowledge CHRIST as our SAVIOR. You can use the word “justification” to help understand what it means – just-as-if-I-never-sinned. How can I say that? I don’t, GOD does in 2 Corinthians 5:21:
21 He made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (believers) might become the righteousness of God in Him (CHRIST).
Notice the words, “that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The becoming is the process of sanctification. That occurs here upon earth. When we die and we see CHRIST our sanctification will be completed. That is when believers will be glorified.
Glorification is the final stage in our process of salvation. When we see CHRIST we will be like HIM. The goal of the FATHER is for all of HIS children to be made into the image of HIS SON, JESUS. Now that is exciting.
In verse 5, Paul referred to “vessel.” Bible scholars have two (2) schools of thought regarding the word “vessel”. Some believe vessel refers to a believer’s wife. Others believe vessel refers to a believer’s body.
I believe “vessel” is referring to a believer’s body but it is not absolutely clear. The important thing is that a believer needs to focus upon the fact that he/she is set aside to obediently serve GOD through the process of sanctification, which means being made saint like. Therefore, do not contaminate your mind and body with things that compromise your holiness, such as sexual sins or any other thing that can lure you away from serving GOD.
Again, it is all about making the right choices. The flesh leads us one way and the HOLY SPIRIT leads us another. Believers decide and choose who they will follow. GOD’S desire is for believers to choose to follow HIM. That is the will of the FATHER.
Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22:
15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always! 17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every form of evil.
Paul was urging the Christians in Thessalonica to remember who they were. They represented GOD and the living body of believers. An individual believer’s attitude toward others can have either a positive or negative influence on others, therefore, watch your attitude and pursue good toward fellow believers, as well as others. Then Paul tells them how to pursue good by rejoicing in all situations. When people try to provoke you, do not think retaliation, but respond with rejoicing. This dumfounds those trying to discourage believers. If a believer results to retaliation, it robs them of the joy of serving GOD and harms them, as well as, all who call themselves Christians.
But how can a believer rejoice when people are harassing him/her? Paul tells us. A believer must pray and stay focused on the LORD, HIS strength, his/her salvation and the assurance that his/her home is not on earth but heaven. This leads a believer to recognize and acknowledge his/her eternal security by trusting GOD in whatever circumstance or situation he/she is encountering. It is a matter of trust.
Then Paul cautions believers not to “stifle” or hold back on using their Spiritual gift or gifts GOD has given them. In a hostile environment, it is easy to conclude “Why should I help these ungrateful people with a gift from the LORD.”
Paul continues his caution by urging believers not to reject prophesy by becoming callous to a true message from GOD. It is easy during difficult times to close our minds and hearts to a message from GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT. It is easy to blame GOD when we do not get relief from a situation so we shut down and shut out. But Paul was saying, when times get tough, that is when believers must get even closer to the LORD. It is important that believers test to make sure what they are hearing is from the LORD.
Paul is very clear that believers are to test all things to verify that they are from GOD. Those things that pass the test hold on to them. The things that are evil stay away from. Don’t compromise your stand with the LORD but be consistent. To me, this means staying in relationship because it is only in relationship with GOD that believers can be all that GOD desires for them during difficult times.
It is important that believers know the difference between situations or circumstances brought about by their decisions made by following the flesh versus those brought about while obediently serving the LORD. In either situation, I believe GOD is in all things working to bring about the best result. When believers’ sin, they confess their sin and GOD forgives them. However, they have to suffer the consequences resulting from that sin.
GOD wants believers to test all things and make sure they are from GOD. How do we test? One way to test is by questioning, “Are we being led to accept or do something contrary to GOD’S Word, the Bible?” Discernment is a Spiritual gift and sometimes our Spirit warns us that something is wrong. Pay attention. GOD equips believers to know the truth.
Paul gives good advice; do not put yourself in a situation that can lead you to compromise your witness. Those with addictions must stay away from the things that are a temptation and can lure them back into their old ways.
The big picture of GOD’S will as outlined by the scripture we have studied is:
GOD’S desire is for all people to receive salvation through CHRIST.
Once a person becomes a believer through CHRIST, GOD’S desire is for him/her to be holy through the process of sanctification.
Believers are GOD’S representatives to the world; therefore, HIS desire is for them to pursue good.