Bible Study - Going Right - Thriving in a Fast-Food Culture - Romans 13, Proverbs 23, Daniel 1 - January 1, 2012

Bible Study – Going Right – Thriving in a Fast-Food Culture – January 1, 2011

This is lesson one (1) in our new series entitled, “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture for this lesson is Romans 13:12-14; Proverbs 23:20-21 and Daniel 1:8, 11-16.

During the month of January, we will have a five (5) week study using various scriptures dealing with our theme “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.” It is a fitting study because most of us establish New Year’s resolutions of the things we want to accomplish for this next year. We want to lose weight, tone our bodies, read the Bible through, grow Spiritually, be more obedient to the Holy Spirit or do something better than we did this past year. Most of us fail within the first six (6) weeks.

Our physical health can play an important role in our Spiritual life.  Our study will focus on our Spiritual health in a world seeking satisfaction in all the wrong places and living in a world of I want it now. The important question Christians must ask themselves is, “Who rules their physical life - their flesh or the Holy Spirit?” Daniel faced this question when he was in held captive in Babylon.

Over the years, many of us have seen a dramatic shift in human behavior in our culture and it is not for the better. It is the “me” culture of what can you do for me now or the “I” attitude that I should have whatever I want without having to work for it. In my early days of walking with CHRIST, I sought instant Spirituality. But I quickly learned that GOD responds to our requests but HE does not sprinkle us with Holy Dust and in a flash we become more patient, a stronger Christian, a more obedient Christian and the list goes on. HE places us in situations that results in us obtaining the Spiritual qualities we desire. If you desire patience, then HE places you in situations that will help you practice patience. If you want to become more Spiritual, HE may wipe away everything you thought Spiritual and rebuild truth in your life. I asked the LORD to make me a stronger Christian about 30 years ago and HE is still working on me. There are Spiritual highs and lows but one thing for sure, it is a continual learning experience.

In today’s society many high school or middle school students think just because they show up for class, the teacher should be honored and pass them with flying colors regardless of the quality of their performance and attitude. In many cases, this shift is the result of poor parenting. I know there are many parents who are doing the right thing in raising their children but there are many children who raise themselves because they have no other choice. Their parent or parents are addicted to all sorts of things and could care less about the education of their children. Some come from single parent homes or homes where both parents are working to provide things for their children. These parents give things to their children believing that giving their children things makes them a good parent. They fail to give their child or children their time and show interest in them. They are not requiring their children to get a good education by studying hard and earning good grades. When a student gets a bad grade, he/she is quick to blame the teacher and the parent or parents support them. I realize there are some poor teachers but the important thing is the child must educate him or herself and rise above a poor teacher.

Just look at our congressional leaders and President they point their fingers at the other party for failure. Someone must step up to the plate and accept responsibility and do what needs to be done for the benefit of America.

This attitude often spills over to Spiritual education. A portion of these parents either send their children to church, which is better than not sending them, or they are turned off by organized religion and no one in their family has any Spiritual upbringing. The ideal is for the parents to attend church and teach their children the fundamentals of the Christian faith and live it in the home and in everyday life.

I will be the first to admit that not all organized Christian religions are what they need to be. However, we as humans are responsible to GOD for our relationship with HIM through CHRIST. In turn, we who know the truth are responsible for teaching our children about CHRIST and being the example of what it means to be a Christian. This is a tall order and without the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit it is impossible. That is why Christians must build an intimate, loving relationship with CHRIST.

Often, fellow Christians will not measure up to your expectations to what you think being a Christian is all about. You may believe that CHRIST has disappointed you or let you down. I know there have been times when I thought that HE had let me down and I got angry with HIM. I let HIM know how I felt about HIM, which is okay. One thing about GOD is that HE can take it because HE is GOD and HE loves us so much that HE allowed JESUS to come to earth and die for all who would believe in HIM. HE even knows the number of hairs on our head.

Even when I was upset with GOD, I continued to walk with HIM and talk to HIM to discover truth. HE revealed truth to me through the indwelling Holy Spirit, studying HIS Word, the Bible and everyday interaction with HIM. It was revelation on an ever ascending scale, which corresponded to my ability and willingness to comprehend Spiritual matters. Remember stubbornness blocks the Holy Spirit from working in our lives.

The Holy Spirit revealed that my major problem was that I had false notions about CHRIST and GOD. My expectations of their role in my life and responding to my prayer requests in the lives of others was such that, They (GOD or CHRIST) needed to jump when I said jump. But guess what, They didn’t jump when I said jump. GOD is not Santa Claus, yet, we try to make HIM to be and it leads us into false notions about HIM. GOD is the same day-in and day-out. HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts but always spot-on because HE is sovereign.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, death and decay came into this world. This world became imperfect. Satan rules earth. When things go wrong don’t blame GOD, blame Satan. Satan loves for humans to blame all the bad things on earth on GOD. Keep in mind John 3:16-21: (JESUS was speaking)

16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 1 Jn 4:9–10
17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God.
19 “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.
20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it,[11] Lit and does not come to the light so that his deeds may not be exposed.
21 But anyone who lives by[12] Lit who does the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[13] It is possible that Jesus’ words end at v. 15. Ancient Gk did not have quotation marks.  

JESUS came to earth to save all who would believe in HIM and restore them to the relationship GOD intended for them to have before sin came into the world. All who believe in CHRIST are born into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth and receive eternal life. Their citizenship is in heaven and the instant their earth suits die (the human body), they will be with CHRIST in heaven. While Christians remain on earth, they experience the abundant life. This is not to be confused with a trouble free life. Christians are still living in a world controlled by Satan. That is why Christians must put on the armor of light every day.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that GOD is in all things working to bring about the best from situations we get into. Christians must keep in mind that they will suffer the consequences of bad behavior, which includes not getting the right exercise and eating properly. It also includes neglecting building the right relationship with CHRIST by getting to know HIM through Bible study, talking to HIM, committing their lives to HIM and obediently serving HIM, as led by the Holy Spirit.

Humans are responsible for their relationship with GOD through CHRIST and, in turn, are to teach their children Spiritual truth. Most of us rely upon the church to do all the teaching but it is our responsibility.

I can tell you that my life has had many ups and downs in Spiritual growth. But as mentioned earlier, it has been on an upward scale.

As many of you know, “Experiencing God” written by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude King about 20 years ago, has been one of the highlights of my Spiritual journey. I recently received a notice that the Christians Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) is having Dr. Blackaby to speak at their meeting in Atlanta, GA, January 26-28, 2012 – for more info http://www.cbmc.com/2012mensconference

Now to our scripture study.

Let’s read Romans 13:11-14:

11 Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you[6] Other mss read for us to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
12 The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
13 Let us • walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires.

The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome. He was challenging them to wake up from being lackadaisical about Spiritual matters because the time for the return of JESUS, to fully redeem the world, was close at hand. Paul wrote this over 2,000 years ago and the time is even closer today. Many Christians in Paul’s day were expecting JESUS’ return at any moment. It is even closer than ever today but GOD may wait much longer. The important thing is that we are all one heartbeat away from eternity and we may go to HIM before HE returns to earth, so stay prepared.

Paul told the Christians of his day what they needed to do and Christians today can do the same thing in preparation for the return of CHRIST. Christians are to cast off the deeds of darkness. Paul was thinking of our old sinful life as old clothing. Christians are to take off the dirty clothes of their old life and put on the new clothes CHRIST has made possible for them to wear, which are the clothes of righteousness.

Paul referred to putting on the armor of light. We live in a world ruled by Satan. Satan does not want any human to give his/her life to GOD. So humans are in the middle of warfare over their very souls. Satan will do all he can to prevent you from becoming a Christian and if you do give your life to CHRIST, he will do all he can to defeat you. So what can you do?  First of all, know that when you receive CHRIST as your Savior, you are made righteous and GOD gives you HIS grace.

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

Paul tells Christians in Ephesians 6:10-19 that they are in Spiritual warfare, therefore, suit up for battle:

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.
¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics^[10] Or schemes, or tricks of the Devil.
¹² For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.^[11] Eph 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10
¹³ This is why you must take up the full armor^[12] 1 Th 5:8 of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,
¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.^[13] Ready to go tell others about the gospel
¹⁶ In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.
¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.
¹⁸ With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the • mystery of the gospel.

Paul told the Christians in Rome, that the lure of the flesh is ever present; therefore, they must be adorned with CHRIST every day because they will face the enemy for certain.

Satan is attacking the homes and children of Christian and non-Christian alike. When he defeats Christian homes the world does not see the victory in CHRIST. This is a very sad state of affairs. I know some Christians who read this are facing defeat. Therefore, confess that Satan is trying to defeat you but the victory is in CHRIST. You are HIS child and you are taking off the clothes of defeat and putting on the clothes of victory. Arm yourselves as Paul has outlined and March victorious into the light of CHRIST. Satan will try to defeat you but remember 1 John 4:4 - 4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world.

JESUS has won the victory. Walk in HIS light with confidence.

Let’s read Proverbs 23:19-21:

19 Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course.
20 Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine, or with those who gorge themselves on meat.
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. in rags.

This was a father giving wise instruction to his son. Satan battles for the minds of people, especially young people. Life is all about making the right choices. Satan wants humans to choose the wrong course. So it is a battle to choose the right course. This is where good Spiritual training comes in. This is not to say that all who have been raised in the church will make the right choices but the Bible does tells us in Proverbs 22:6 - ⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Notice the word “old.” Sometimes the child is old before he/she reconnects with his/her Spiritual roots. A Christian’s part is to provide the Christian foundation to their child.

In this scripture, the father was instructing his son to make the right choices. It is good not to associate with those who do the things that compromise their lives. The word “associate” does not mean to dump them but it does mean that when you do associate with them, don’t do the things they do which you know are not right. That takes a strong willed person to abstain. My advice is if you have stepped over the line and enjoy or have been addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling or whatever, then avoid that scene period. It will lead to your destruction.

We all know what happens to those who live lives of addictions. It will lead to their destruction and poverty. Therefore, make the right choice and do not yield to the temptation. Let your friends call you chicken or whatever the modern term is today for resisting the crowd. Peer pressure is very strong and so is our desire to belong. But if you are a Christian, you belong to JESUS. You are very important because you are the son or daughter of GOD and it does not get any better than that. So make the right choices. I have seen too much destruction for people who follow the wrong crowd. Be wise and follow JESUS. Put on your clothes of righteousness and face the world with confidence. Ask HIM to teach you and help you build the most intimate and dynamic relationship with HIM that is possible.

Let’s read Daniel 1:1-21: (Focus - verses 8, 11-16)

¹ In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar^[1] Or Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it.^[2] 2 Kg 24:1; 2 Ch 36:6; Jr 25:1
² The Lord handed Jehoiakim king of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels from the house of God.^[3] 1 Kg 7:51 Nebuchadnezzar carried them to the land of Babylon,^[4] Lit Shinar; Gn 10:10; 11:2; 14:1,9 to the house of his god,^[5] Or gods and put the vessels in the treasury of his god.
³ The king ordered Ashpenaz (ASH peh naz), the chief of his court officials,^[6] Or his eunuchs to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility—
⁴ young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace^[7] Isa 39:7 —and to teach them the Chaldean language and literature.
⁵ The king assigned them daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank.^[8] 2 Kg 25:30 They were to be trained for three years, and at the end of that time they were to serve in the king’s court.^[9] Lit to stand before the king
⁶ Among them, from the descendants of Judah, were Daniel, Hananiah (han uh NIGH uh), Mishael (MISH eh uhl), and Azariah (az uh RIGH uh).
⁷ The chief official gave them [different]^* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. names: to Daniel, he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

The Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took the Israelites captive to Babylon. This was about 605 B.C. when King Nebuchadnezzar had his staff select the brightest and physically best from those captured to groom them for his service. This gives us information about physical and Spiritual nature and character of Daniel and his three (3) friends. The Spiritual character of these young men had already been formed before they were captured. This is why Christians must teach their children from childhood about Spiritual matters because we never know when they may find themselves in a hostile situation, non-Christian environment. The King had the Israelites names changed from Hebrew names to Chaldean names. This would help them disassociate from their Jewish roots and better integrate into the Babylonian culture.

The King also had them fed royal food and wine.

Faithfulness in Babylon

⁸ Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself.
⁹ God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,
¹⁰ yet he said to Daniel, “My lord the king assigned your food and drink. I’m afraid [of what would happen]^* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. if he saw your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age. You would endanger my life^[10] Lit would make my head guilty with the king.”
¹¹ So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
¹² “Please test your servants for 10 days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.
¹³ Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.”
¹⁴ He agreed with them in this matter and tested them for 10 days.
¹⁵ At the end of 10 days they looked better and healthier^[11] Lit fatter of flesh than all the young men who were eating the king’s food.
¹⁶ So the guard continued to remove their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.

Daniel was determined not to defile himself. Daniel was a young man of conviction to serve GOD in a foreign land. We see in this scripture the character of Daniel. His desire was to remain faithful to GOD in a bad situation. We see that Daniel was very intelligent, in good physical condition and had common sense.

He had a problem. How would he handle it? He could have just said I refuse and there would have likely been severe consequences. We see that Daniel realized the predicament his refusal to eat the king’s food and drink his wine could put the king’s chief official in. So Daniel proposed a short term test for ten (10) days to the guard the chief official had assigned to them. We saw in verse 5 that this was a three (3) year training program, so a ten (10) day test was reasonable. The guard likely thought if after ten (10) they were not looking well that he had time to change their regime. I also imagine the guard told the chief official what he was going to do and may have even told him that he would be accountable of the outcome. Anyway, Daniel was granted his request.

After ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier than those who ate the king’s food and drank his wine. So rather than conforming to the king’s program and defiling themselves, their stand resulted in being a witness and a positive example for the GOD of Israel in a pagan land.

Daniel 1:17-21 - Faithfulness Rewarded

¹⁷ God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.^[12] Dn 2:19,30; 4:18; 5:11
¹⁸ At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar.
¹⁹ The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court.
²⁰ In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times^[13] Lit hands better than all the diviner-priests and mediums^[14] Dn 5:11 in his entire kingdom.
²¹ Daniel remained^[15] Dn 2:49 there until the first year of King Cyrus.^[16]

GOD was using Daniel and his friends to witness to their captors’. We see in verse 17, that GOD rewarded their faithfulness with knowledge and understanding. When we are faithful to GOD, GOD equips us to serve HIM. GOD gave Daniel the gift to understand visions and dreams, which would be important in his service to the king and to reveal GOD to the king and his subjects.

At the end of the training program, the king evaluated all in the program and guess who stood out? It was Daniel and his three friends. They were ten (10) times better. So the king immediately chose them to begin serving in his court. This made their handler look good as well. Because they had been faithful to GOD, GOD was able to use them in a mighty way. Serving GOD often requires HIS children to take a risk when they are in a bad situation, as prompted by the Holy Spirit. Daniel and his friends served the king. Daniel faced the lion’s den and his three friends faced the fiery furnace. GOD guided them and protected them.

Daniel served several kings until the first year of King Cyrus which was 536 B.C. This was about sixty (60) years of service.

GOD honors faithfulness, faithfulness honors GOD.

As we begin a new year, what will it hold for us? None of us knows but GOD does. As Christians, our part is to remain faithful to HIM though our relationship with CHRIST. May all of us, who call ourselves Christians, know CHRIST more and be in a deeper relationship with HIM by this time next year.

FATHER, here I am as I am, please help me to be all that YOU know that I am capable of being. Blessings to all.   Dn 6:28; 10:1; 2 Ch 36:22

Bible Study - Gift - Rejoice in God's Gift - Luke 2 - December 25, 2011

Bible Study – Gift – Rejoice in God’s Gift – December 25, 2011

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “God’s Greatest Gift.”

Our scripture is Luke 2:1-20.

In our last lesson, we studied the response of the wise men to the birth of JESUS. They were Gentiles and advisors to kings. They did not see JESUS until HE was between one and two years old. They gave HIM expensive gifts. They returned home confirming the birth of JESUS. Did they tell others about this Good News, we do not know but they had beheld GOD incarnate? This week, we study the response of the shepherds to the birth of JESUS, who were Jews, not considered high on the social calendar and poor. When you consider the contrast between the wise men and the shepherds you see that JESUS came to earth to give HIS life for all people regardless of their nationality, race or status.

As mentioned in our last study, December 25 is not the actual birthday of JESUS. Copied below is what I wrote about the birthday of JESUS in the December 19, 2010 lesson:

Our lesson this week focuses on the birth of JESUS. First, we need to address the question, “Is Christmas really the birthday of JESUS?” It is most likely not. December 25 was the birthday of a pagan sun-god Mithra, which the pagans celebrated from December 17-25.

The Roman pagans converted this practice to worship of the god Saturn which included gift-giving, singing, etc. The pagan priests carried evergreen boughs to various temples in Rome during this celebration. They celebrated Saturnalia from December 17-25. About 336 A. D., it is thought that the Emperor Constantine converted this pagan practice into a Christian holiday.

CHRIST was likely born in the spring or fall because the shepherds were keeping the sheep in the pasture at night. Unless it was an abnormally warm winter, sheep would have been kept inside during the winter months. But whether CHRIST was born on December 25 or some other day, the important thing is that HE was born and HE is GOD incarnate.

What does perplex me is that without Christians celebrating Christmas much of commerce would be in deep trouble. It is tempting to show the world what would happen if Christians did not buy Christmas presents one year. I don’t think it would take long before manufacturers and purveyors of goods would promote everyone greeting each other with “Merry Christmas.” We as Christians must stand our ground or else the world will continue to compromise our stand for us. This is not to say ram Christianity down the throat of others. That is not the right approach. Every person must choose of his/her own freewill to accept CHRIST as his/her Savior.

Does this diminish the birthday of CHRIST? NO!!! HE was born and HIS birth was prophesied about 750 – 687 years before HE was born. The Prophet Micah stated in Micah 5:2 - 2 [2] Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me.[3]His origin[4] is from antiquity, from eternity.[5]

Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and was located about five (5) miles south of Jerusalem. JESUS is the Bread of Life and was born in the city of David called the House of Bread. It is likely that the sheep the shepherds were watching were for sacrifice in the temple in Jerusalem.

GOD’S timing is always exciting and exact. GOD had to get Mary to Bethlehem for HIS SON to be born there. Mary’s hometown was Nazareth, which was ninety (90) miles from Bethlehem and somewhat uphill (Note verse 4 in the scripture below.). It was about a four (4) day journey.

How GOD got her from Nazareth to Bethlehem was normal and is revealed in Luke 2:1-7: The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus[1] that the whole empire[2] should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while[3] Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was • engaged to him[4] and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the inn.

Joseph was of the house and family line of David. Luke 3:23-38 gives a family line for Joseph but Bible scholars believe it was actually the family line of Mary. They believe that Mary was still alive and Doctor Luke, not being prejudiced against women, recorded her family line back to Adam. In verse 23, it states that Heli was the father of Joseph, but Bible scholars think Heli was Joseph’s father-in-law. This is something for you to ponder and pray about. 

The point being, they had to register by decree in Bethlehem. Often, GOD uses various events in ordinary life to accomplish HIS will. While they were in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to JESUS. Because of the required registration, there were likely many people in the area, thus no room in the Inn. This could mean that there was no suitable place inside the Inn for her to birth a baby. They were offered the place where the animals were kept, which was likely a cave type structure. It was where the animals were kept but it was clean, provided shelter and suitable for birthing a baby. Mary gave birth to JESUS and HE was placed in a manger or feeding trough. The feeding trough was also the place where the first born animal was placed which was to be sacrificed to GOD.

JESUS, the first born of Mary, was placed in a feeding trough and wrapped in swaddling cloth. Some relate swaddling cloth to grave clothes but they were also used to wrap babies. JESUS was born to die to pay the sin debt for all who would believe in HIM. Mary gave birth and nearby another event was taking place, which would confirm to both Mary and particularly Joseph that the baby Mary had just birthed was truly GOD’S SON.

Let’s read Luke 2:8-14:

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.
⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before[5] Or Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.[6] Lit they feared a great fear
¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
¹¹ today a Savior, who is • Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.
¹² This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”
¹³ Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors![7] Other mss read earth good will to people [8] Or earth to men of good will [9]

In verse 8, we learn that shepherds were “staying” in the fields and watching over their sheep at night. This was an indication that the season of the year was not winter thus an indication that December was not likely the month JESUS was born.

Verse 8 refers to “shepherds.” At that time, shepherds were thought of by society as thieves and social outcasts. Shepherding, in the early days, was considered an honorable profession. Isn’t it interesting that GOD uses the least likely to be involved in HIS plans. That is an encouragement to many of us regardless of how society views our earthly status. GOD often uses the least likely to accomplish HIS plan and purpose.

The angel of the LORD stood before them and the glory of the LORD shone around them and they were afraid. The angel of the LORD was accompanied by a bright light. This was an unmistakable event that many, if not all the shepherds witnessed. There was an unmistakable angelic form, an unmistakable voice and an unmistakable light to get the shepherds attention.

The angel put their minds at ease by telling them not to be afraid. The angel needed for them to stay calm so they could listen and comprehend the message.

Notice that JESUS is the SAVIOR, the promised Messiah for all people. GOD is no respecter of persons. JESUS came to earth and gave HIS life for all who would believe in HIM. When HE was born in the City of David, Bethlehem the angel could not hold the Good News any longer. WOW, what a message the angel had for all of mankind.

The angel told them how they could find the new born baby, the promised Messiah – The new born child would be wrapped in cloth lying in a feeding trough. That was better than having a GPS. This message from the angel was immediately reinforced by a sudden appearance of a multitude of heavenly hosts along with the angel praising GOD. Notice, they were saying and not singing, Verse 14 - Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors![7] [8] [9]


Peace comes when we accept JESUS as our Savior. Once we are reconciled to GOD through JESUS, Christians have the peace that passes all understanding. This is the peace that results in the abundant life that JESUS spoke about for those who accept HIM as their Savior. Those GOD favors are those who earnestly seek HIM and respond when they find HIM through their relationship with JESUS. GOD’S desire is for no person to be lost and go to Hell. HE appeals to the hearts of every person and uses HIS power to lead the lost to have a loving, intimate relationship with HIM through JESUS.

Do you know JESUS as your Savior? If not, now is the moment to ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. The instant you make that decision, HE will come into your life and you will be born into the family of GOD, never to leave HIS family regardless of what you do. Just getting fire insurance is not where it is. Living for JESUS is not easy but it is the most exciting thing you will ever do as HE leads and guides your life through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The shepherds had witnessed a marvelous event. But was it true? GOD tells us to test all things to determine if they are true. Verifying truth is no problem with GOD but do it in conjunction with HIM.

I used to think about testing GOD and tell HIM to do this or that and came to the conclusion that whatever I asked how could I be certain that what I asked was not going to happen anyway? I searched for many years until one day on my way to work, I asked CHRIST to take my life as it was, the good and the bad, and to give me the strength to live the Christian life. BAM!!! In the twinkling of the eye HE took my life and it has been an awesome journey since. It has not been easy and there have been many stumbles along the way but one thing has been certain, I belong to GOD through my relationship with CHRIST.

Let’s read Luke 2: 15-17:

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.
17 After seeing [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , they reported the message they were told about this child,

Once the angel and the heavenly hosts had left, the shepherds responded to what they had been told. They knew that the news came from GOD. They went to check it out and found this new born baby, just as the angel had told them. When GOD reveals truth to Christians and they respond, they confirm the revealed truth. They were the first to see and rejoice in the birth of the promised Messiah, JESUS.

Once they confirmed this major event which was promised by GOD through HIS prophets over hundreds of years, what did they do with this Good News? This is major news. Let’s find out in our next scripture.

Let’s read Luke 2:18-20:

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things[10] Lit these words in her heart and meditating on them.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.

The shepherds could not contain the Good News and had to tell it to others who were amazed. Once we find JESUS, we must tell others the Good News. The shepherds were the first witnesses to others. They had a marvelous story to tell. The promised Messiah had been born.


Mary treasured what had happened to the shepherds in her heart and meditated on them. What had happened to the shepherds confirmed to her and Joseph that this child born to them was truly GOD’S SON.

 Mary and Joseph remained in the Jerusalem area to complete the religious rites required for their new baby - JESUS had to be named, dedicated to GOD, circumcised and an offering made to GOD.

Do you treasure your relationship with JESUS? May this Christmas be a time to reflect on your relationship with HIM. It is not doing more but yielding more to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you as you obediently serve HIM.

Merry Christmas and blessings to all! 

Bible Study - Gift - Respond to God's Gift - Matthew 2 - December 18,2011

Bible Study – Gift – Respond to God’s Gift – December 18, 2011

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “God’s Greatest Gift.”

Our scripture is Matthew 2:1-12, 16.

In this lesson our focus is on the response of the wise men to the birth of JESUS. Traditionally manger scenes show the wise men visiting JESUS as a new born baby in the manger. But JESUS was likely two (2) years old or less. Tradition has it that there were three (3) wise men based upon the three (3) gifts they brought to JESUS – Gold a gift suitable for a king, frankincense a gift for deity and myrrh a spice for a person who was going to die. There may have been more wise men or Magi than the three. Another point to consider is that JESUS was not born on December 25. HE was likely born in spring or fall. But the point is that HE was born as a human. GOD incarnate with self imposed limitations that could be superseded if HE chose but if HE had taken matters into HIS own hands, HE would have not completed HIS mission.

First, who were these wise men or Magi, they were not kings. But they did advise kings. Where did they come from? Again, tradition has it that they came from Parthia which was near ancient Babylon, which was a thousand plus miles from Jerusalem. They were Gentiles. They came from an area noted for studying the heavens and probing the sciences of the times. They were astronomers and astrologers. Do not let the fact that they were astrologers legitimize this practice. They studied the heavens in an effort to connect events on earth to the things they observed in them. Foretelling the future is very wrong and GOD condemns it, unless it is GOD Who reveals the future. So stay away from you trying to discern the future by consulting with astrologers, horoscopes, fortune tellers, reading tea leaves and the like. HE wants HIS children to rely upon HIM for all things and to trust HIM for their future because HE is sovereign. GOD used the wise men’s knowledge of the heavens to lead them to observe that a special star had appeared in the heavens and tied it to the birth of the King of the Jews. How did they know that?

Bible scholars believe they had studied the scripture that the Israelites brought with them when they were defeated and led captive to Babylon. The wise men studied ancient writings from various sources (other cultures) which were available at that time. The Magi’s interest in the future led them to study scripture from all sources. It is likely that they either were told or they discovered in the Old Testament scriptures of the Israelites, GOD’S promise of a Messiah to rule HIS people. They likely concluded that the Messiah would be a king who would rule HIS people on earth, just as the Jews were viewing the role of the Messiah. But this is speculation. Seeking often leads to the discovery of wonderful truth. GOD will never disappoint those who seek HIM in earnest.

The important point is that GOD is GOD. HE had a plan and a purpose for the Magi traveling a very long distance to visit this new born King of the Jews whose star they followed. Could it be that they were the first missionaries who took the Good News of JESUS birth back to the place they had come from? They did connect the scripture to the birth of the promised Messiah for the Israelites and responded to what they knew. GOD did communicate with them through a dream. GOD uses all means to get HIS message of salvation to others. HE even spoke through a donkey one time.

Since the new born king was Jewish, they followed the star to Jerusalem where the king lived. Human logic would be that a new born king would be born where the king lived. They asked around where this new born king was and word quickly spread to Herod. Herod called his advisors who gave him the answer.

We need to note that the Old Testament scripture, Micah 5:2 provided valuable information regarding the birthplace of the promised Messiah:

2 [2] Mc 5:1 in Hb Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me.[3] 2 Ch 7:18; Isa 11:1; Mt 2:6 His origin[4] Lit His going out is from antiquity, from eternity.[5]

Bethlehem was the birth place of King David about 1000 B.C. Herod was king between 37 and 4 B. C. JESUS was born between 6 and 5 B.C. JESUS was born in Bethlehem, which was about five (5) miles south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem was also called the House of Bread and the Bread of Life was born there. When GOD has a plan, HE has a plan and when it comes together it is awesome. We have the privilege of seeing the whole picture. As Christians, we have the joy of living the abundant life and experiencing the indwelling Holy Spirit because of our faith in JESUS and what HE did for us. We live in a time to rejoice in the presence of the LORD and the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. CHRIST in you is the hope of Glory.

Let’s explore.

Let’s read Matthew 2:1-6:

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
³ When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
⁴ So he assembled all the • chief priests and • scribes of the people and asked them where the • Messiah would be born.
⁵ “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet:
6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.”[3]

Notice this scripture begins with “after” the birth of JESUS. This is to clarify that it was not at the time of HIS birth.

Herod was king and he was a ruthless king. He was paranoid about someone taking over the throne. He either killed or had killed his subjects, his family or anyone he suspected of plotting against him, whether real or imagined. When the wise men arrived seeking this new born King of the Jews and word got to Herod, he was very upset. He knew that a new born king was not in his household. It appears that the wise men did not go directly to Herod but word got to him quickly because no one wanted to withhold information from the king for fear of their lives.

Herod was deeply disturbed and so were all of his subjects. It is like the old saying, “When mama is not happy, no one is happy.” Well, all of Jerusalem was not happy about the news that was brought by the wise men. The very religious leaders who should have been studying the scriptures and eagerly anticipating the coming of the promised Messiah but instead, they had taken their eyes off this marvelous promised event. The King’s question forced them to study the scripture and they discovered that the promised Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Could it be that the promised Messiah had been born? We don’t see any excitement from these religious leaders. They were likely afraid to show their emotion about the birth of this new king.

The inquiry of the wise men put the Jewish religious leaders on alert that the promised Messiah had arrived!!! They should have been overjoyed. Do you think there was a buzz among them? I think so.

Armed with this information, Herod puts on his nice face and secretly summoned the wise men.

Let’s read Matthew 2:7-8, 16:

7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared.
8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.”[4]

Herod, “the nice guy”, wanted to find this new born King of the Jews and for the wise men to report back to him, so he could go and worship HIM. But GOD had a different plan and alerted the wise men to take a different route back home, which they did. This held Herod off for a short while but then for the rest of the story, we will read later in Mathew 2:16.

Let’s read Matthew 2:9-12:

9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east![5] Or star . . . at its rising It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure.
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.
12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

The wise men left Jerusalem and continued to follow the star. It seems that the star may have not been visible for a while but once they continued their search, the star reappeared. This was likely GOD’S way of aleerting the Jewish religious leaders of the arrival of HIS ONLY SON.

The star led them to the exact place where JESUS was living. The wise men were overjoyed. They had reached their destination. Isn’t that true for all who seek JESUS? Most people rejoice when they find HIM. When a person has been diligent to know the truth and discover it, they rejoice.

The wise men entered the house. It was not a stable, it was a house. Mary and Joseph were there taking care of JESUS. When they saw HIM, they fell on their knees and worshipped HIM. This must have been amazing to Mary and Joseph that these learned men came from such a great distance to see JESUS, worship HIM and give HIM expensive gifts.

When they found JESUS they opened their treasures. These were likely boxes or containers which housed and protected their precious gifts. Those who search for JESUS and find HIM, have a choice to make. Will they open their most valued treasure, their hearts and give HIM the treasure within, their lives? When people give HIM their physical lives, HE takes it and gives them salvation from sin and death and eternal life in return. JESUS is the source of eternal life. When you have JESUS, you have eternal life.

The wise men had gifts for JESUS – Gold a gift suitable for a king, Frankincense a gift for a deity and Myrrh a spice used for embalming. The key, besides their relevance to JESUS and HIS mission, was that these gifts had monetary value. I think when Herod issued the order to kill all males two (2) years and younger in the Bethlehem area, it provided escape money for Mary, Joseph and JESUS. They fled to Egypt until they received word that Herod had died. Sometime after 4 B.C. they returned to Israel.

GOD warned the wise men not to report back to Herod. So they returned home by a different route. GOD warned them in a dream and they were obedient to HIM. Had studying the Jewish scriptures, the prophesies they discovered regarding the coming of the Messiah and meeting JESUS confirm in their hearts and minds that JESUS was the promised Messiah? Did they now know the true GOD of the Israelites and know that HE had sent HIS Only SON to earth? We do not know but their hearts were open and responsive to GOD. They had confirmed that something very special had taken place between heaven and earth.

Have you sought JESUS? Have you searched for and found JESUS? If not, now is the moment you can ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. CHRIST in you will be the best Christmas gift you will ever receive because it is the gift of eternal life and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Matthew 2:13-23:

¹³ After they were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him.”
¹⁴ So he got up, took the child and His mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt.
¹⁵ He stayed there until Herod’s death, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called My Son.^[7] Hs 11:1

The Massacre of the Innocents

¹⁶ Then Herod, when he saw that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years^[8] Lit were from two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men.
¹⁷ Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
¹⁸ A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping,^[9] Other mss read Ramah, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.^[10] Jr 31:15

The Holy Family in Nazareth

¹⁹ After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
²⁰ saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, because those who sought the child’s life are dead.”
²¹ So he got up, took the child and His mother, and entered the land of Israel.
²² But when he heard that Archelaus^[11] A son of Herod the Great who ruled a portion of his father’s kingdom 4 b.c.–a.d. 6 was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee.
²³ Then he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that He will be called a • Nazarene.

GOD speaks to HIS children any way HE chooses, which HE knows will get our attention to carry out HIS plan and purpose. SO GOD spoke to Joseph through a dream.

Let’s focus on Matthew 2:16:

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years[8] Lit were from two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men.

This scripture is where we get the timeframe that JESUS was likely between 1 and 2 years old when the wise men found HIM. Mary and Joseph had moved into a house. When Herod realized that the wise men had outwitted him, he issued an order to kill all male children two (2) years old and under. The poor children suffered and their parent’s hearts were broken. These children were the first martyrs for CHRIST.

We see from scripture that all was prophesied in the Old Testament. The Jewish religious leaders of that day did not make the connection. When we choose not to see something, we won’t. Don’t turn a blind eye to truth.

The truth is that GOD loves you and allowed HIS Only SON to come to earth to die for your sins. Your part is to accept what HE did for you. Why not ask HIM into your life now. Blessings and Merry Christmas!