Bible Study

This is a copy of the Sunday School Lessons presented to an adult class each Sunday.

Name: Bible Study

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

Retired, Lobbyist in Washington,DC - Management - BS Chemistry and various continuing education courses

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Bible Study - Follow Jesus - Back to Bacics - Matthew 5 - September 2, 2012

Bible Study – Follow Jesus – Back to Basics – September 2, 2012

This begins a new series entitled “What It Means to Follow Jesus.”

Our scripture for this lesson is Matthew 5:1-16.

The five (5) lessons for this month will come from The Gospel of Matthew Chapters 5, 6 and 7.

Matthew was not written in chronological order, it was written topically. Doctor Luke wrote in chronological order. Therefore, if we look at the location of the Sermon on the Mount in Luke 6, we see that JESUS had been teaching and he had a number of disciples following HIM. Before JESUS chose HIS twelve disciples, HE went into earnest prayer about which ones to select. HE chose twelve disciples from this larger group of followers/disciples and led them to the location described in Matthew. This was away from the larger crowds to begin their special teaching and training. Other disciples were there with them and others joined them as HE was teaching.

Up to this point in JESUS’ ministry, HE had been teaching in the area of Capernaum. HE took the chosen disciples and went up on a hillside/mountain and sat down. Sitting was a common position for teachers and Jewish rabbis. This was not a closed teaching session because at the end of JESUS’ sermon, we find that the crowds were amazed at HIS teaching – Matthew 7:28-29 – 28 When Jesus had finished this sermon,l Lit had ended these wordsm ; ; ; the crowds were astonished at His teaching,n ; ; ; ; ; ;
29 because He was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their •scribes. This was exactly the message that GOD wanted both the disciples and the followers of JESUS to hear. HE was NOT like the scribes or the other religious leaders.

The “Sermon on the Mount” is also called the Beatitudes. Beatitudes comes from the Latin word “beatus” which means “blessed is” or “happy is.” The intent of JESUS’ sermon was to contrast HIS teaching on the attitude of the heart of a true believer and follower of GOD versus the legalistic attitude and pious nature of the religious leaders (Scribes) of that day. It is no wonder that the crowds responded to JESUS’ sermon as a breath of fresh air. Having the right relationship with GOD is the result of the attitude of the heart and not outward hypocritical actions of a person pretending to know to GOD.

It is so easy for us to get caught up in the outward signs of doing and portraying that everything is just fine while on the inside we are crumbling Spiritually. When Christian faith is superficial and the Christian is subjected to the refiner’s fire, it brings the dross of unbelief to the surface and he/she has to deal with it. When the refiners fire has done its work, the Christian is on a firm Spiritual foundation and much stronger. Only GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, can refine our lives to make HIS children more Spiritually honest in order for them to obediently serve HIM. It is no fun but rewarding.

The sudden death of our son, Ted, has resulted in my faith being tested. It has been a refiner’s fire that has caused me to examine, as I never have before, my relationship with GOD through CHRIST. My very foundation has been challenged but my foundation in CHRIST is firm and my faith in CHRIST stands firm. HE is the resurrection and the life and HE is the only way to GOD. Religion does not hold up but faith in CHRIST does because HE is the solid rock. When I exit my earth suit, I will not only see JESUS and GOD but our Teddy and the many others who have gone to heaven through faith in CHRIST.

When we read the “Sermon on the Mount” it seems to be something like the Ten Commandments. It seems like it focuses on different people who have certain qualities but JESUS is talking about one person having all these qualities. JESUS is describing the ideal Christian who has allowed the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and mold his/her life to reflect the image of CHRIST. HIS disciples were to have all the attributes HE stated in the sermon.

Our first reaction is, “That is impossible!” Yes, that is correct. The manifestation of these attributes in our lives, through our own effort, is impossible to achieve. But being indwelled by the Holy Spirit and yielded to the leadership of the Holy Spirit will result in these attributes being manifested in a Christian’s life. Again, it is all about having an honest and true relationship with CHRIST. But through it all HIS presence becomes a greater reality the longer we obediently serve HIM.

Why did CHRIST begin teaching HIS chosen disciples the Beatitudes?

- Code of ethics and a standard of conduct for the ideal disciple.

- Contrast the eternal values of obediently serving GOD versus the temporary values the world offers.

- Contrast the superficial feel good worship versus the worship of GOD in truth from a heart that has been changed by GOD.

- These were not attributes for believers to pick and choose what qualities they desired in their lives but qualities true believers will have in their lives when they are indwelled by GOD. The Holy Spirit had not come to indwell all believers at this time but after CHRIST gave HIS life and shed HIS blood to pay the debt for sin, was buried, resurrected and ascended into heaven, GOD sent the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell every true believer.

- It is only through the indwelling Holy Spirit that a Christian can begin to manifest the qualities and attributes expressed in the Beatitudes. That is why a Christian cannot focus on the process but must focus on knowing CHRIST. When we are born and begin to grow and mature physically we don’t dwell on, “Did we grow today?” No, we focus on eating the proper things, studying, exercise, sleep, etc. When we go about living, we grow and mature naturally. The same is true of Christians. Once they experience the miracle of rebirth they need to take in Spiritual nutrients through Bible study, prayer, obedient service and building an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide your life. That is easy to say but very hard to do because our flesh wants to be in control.

So let’s explore.

Your Inner Attitude

Let’s read Matthew 5:1-6:

The Sermon on the Mount

1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain,a and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
2 Thenb He began to teach them, saying:c

JESUS had been teaching in the area. When HIS disciples saw HIM sit down, they came over to HIM. It that day, teachers and the Jewish Rabbis sat to teach. So HIS disciples knew HE was going to teach. Some believe this sermon span more than one day. The focus of the sermon was on the attitude of the heart. The religious leaders of that day were generally arrogant and self-righteous but their true Spiritual condition was putrid. People spot a phony in a heartbeat. JESUS was genuine and that message was projected in HIS message.

The Beatitudes

3 “The poor in spirit are blessed,d for the kingdom of heavene is theirs.
4 Those who mourn are blessed,f for they will be comforted.
5 The gentle are blessed,g for they will inherit the earth.
6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed,h for they will be filled.

JESUS began by addressing the heart of the religious problem of that day. The religious leaders did not have a poor spirit. It was beneath them to acknowledge that they needed to be more spiritual than they were. They prided themselves in their self imposed piousness.

JESUS put HIS finger on the heart of the religious problem of that day, which was the lack of the need to change their relationship with GOD. To change one’s relationship with GOD begins in the heart; the very core of one’s being. Seeing and acknowledging the need for GOD and taking action toward GOD to meet that need will result in that person discovering what he/she needs to do from a Spiritual point-of-view to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. When the non-Christian understands the reality that CHRIST gave HIS life to pay the debt for his/her sin by HIS shed blood, he/she must make a decision either to accept or reject CHRIST as his/her Savior. If the person accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior, then the Kingdom of Heaven is his or hers through the miracle of rebirth.

Once a person recognizes his/her poor Spiritual condition, he/she mourns over his/her sins. The person that mourns will be comforted by the assurance that CHRIST paid for his/her sins through HIS shed blood because of HIS resurrection.

When people realize their poor Spiritual condition and are grieved over that condition but then realize that they have been rescued from that helpless condition, they are humbled. Those who have been forgiven much are more forgiving of others. A gentle person does not have a critical nature because the Spiritual process that produces gentleness reveals the sins of commission and omission in his/her own life.

Notice each stage of Spiritual recognition prepares the Christian for obedient service. In the fourth stage, the person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness will be filled. Christians are made righteous at the instant they ask CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and to come into their lives. So those hungering and thirsting for righteousness are seeking to walk the talk. Their desire is to reflect CHRIST because they are being made into the image of CHRIST.

Your Outward Relationships

Let’s read Matthew 5:7-12:

7 The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy.i
8 The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.j
9 The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.k
10 Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heavenl is theirs.
11 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.
12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecutedm the prophets who were before you.n

The first four Beatitudes focus on the heart of a follower of CHRIST and the personal Spiritual revelations that have taken place within. A Spiritual transformation has taken place within their hearts which is reflected in their changed nature. The Christian has encountered GOD, through CHRIST and gained knowledge of GOD. Knowledge gained is one thing but what a Christian does with that knowledge is another.

JESUS focused on what to do with the knowledge gained once followers of CHRIST go through the inward process of seeing their need for GOD in their life through a personal relationship with CHRIST. We must keep in mind that JESUS’ disciples and followers thought HE was going to over throw the Roman rule in their country and establish an earthly kingdom. Even HIS closest disciples did not fully comprehend this until after the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. JESUS was describing a Spiritual process that contrasted the true work of GOD in a follower’s life with the superficial, hypocritical nature of the religious leaders of that day.

CHRIST’S sermon should lead followers to the conclusion that GOD has been merciful to them and in turn they must be merciful to others. Mercy begets mercy.

GOD shows mercy to all who come to HIM and asks for forgiveness. Once the person who asks for forgiveness has received GOD’S forgiveness the veil of Spiritual blindness is lifted and he/she comes into the presence of GOD with a pure heart. The person will behold GOD as he/she has never before.

Those who come into the presence of GOD with pure hearts have made peace with GOD. Once peace has been made with GOD by a follower of CHRIST, then peace can be made with their fellow man. Peacemakers reflect GOD in their lives and as such portray GOD and will be called the Sons and Daughters of GOD.

Satan wars against Godly peacemakers and will do all he can to prevent peace from happening. Folks, the followers of CHRIST are in spiritual warfare and they will be attacked. When Christians are attacked because of righteousness, rejoice because they know they are being effective for GOD. The key point is that a Christian is being attacked for obediently serving GOD through CHRIST. Christians can be attacked because they are being led by their flesh but when led by the Holy Spirit they are secure.

Notice that JESUS points to the follower being insulted and persecuted falsely. The promise is that their reward is great in heaven. This world is not our final destination and the accolades this world has to offer vanish. Obediently serving CHRIST has eternal rewards. It is a training ground for eternity.

Your Worldwide Influence

Let’s read Matthew 5:13-16:

Believers Are Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.o
14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.p
15 No one lights a lampq and puts it under a basket,r but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.s
16 In the same way, let your light shinet before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.u

Again, CHRIST was describing the ideal Christian who has all the attributes described in the beatitudes. When followers of CHRIST have this nature, they reflect GOD and influence all they come in contact with. JESUS compared the Spirit filled disciple to salt and light. Notice, that person is the salt and the light, it is not something yet to be achieved. He or She reflects GOD to others as a result of being born-again through the atonement of CHRIST.

Salt was used in that period to pay a person for their work, to preserve food and to make food more savory. Once salt lost its taste, it was only useful to build a road to be walked upon.

Light dispels darkness. CHRIST’S followers know that HE is the light. HE is in them and they in turn reflect HIS light to others. JESUS said that it was so important that those who know the truth to share that truth with others. Christians have the truth of eternal life through CHRIST.

CHRIST knew the complete story and that after HIS passion, GOD would send the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell, teach, enlighten, secure, assure and empower all believers. If all that CHRIST had presented in the Beatitudes could be achieved by the will of a disciple and be acceptable to GOD, then CHRIST would not have had to give HIS life to pay for the penalty for sin. CHRIST knew that all Christians would be indwelled by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit would lead and guide them through the process of sanctification. Sanctification is the process of being set aside for the purpose of GOD to be made more Saint like.

When we look at the Beatitudes, we must keep in mind that they reflect the attributes GOD produces in a follower of CHRIST. But do not be discouraged. It can be overwhelming from a flesh point-of-view. It is a process that can only be achieved through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Blessings.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Bible Study - Person God Uses - Persevere in Obedience - Jeremiah 37 and 38 - August 26, 2012

Bible Study – Person God Uses – Persevere in Obedience – August 26, 2012

Note: A special thank you to all who have been praying for our family due to the death of our eldest son Ted. I have not figured out how to respond back to the comments. Blessings to all.

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “The Person God Uses.”

Our scripture is Jeremiah 37:11-17, 38:4-6, 38:14-18.

Imagine preaching for about forty years without anyone paying you any attention. GOD called Jeremiah when he was likely in his teens. It was during the 13^th year of the rule of Josiah 627 B.C. During the repair of the temple in Jerusalem, the Mosaic covenant was discovered and Josiah reinstated the Passover, forbade the worship of Baal and the places for the worship of Baal were torn down. Josiah reestablished the ritual of worship but the missing factor was that the hearts of the people did not change. Religion is like putting a bandage over cancer. People can go through the motions of being religious but unless their hearts have been changed by accepting CHRIST as their Savior, they are just going through the motions of worship, which makes them feel good but their hearts remain the same.

What GOD had told the people of Judah was coming true but they still refused to repent and return to GOD. Judah and Jerusalem were destroyed in 587/586 B.C. The events in our lesson today occurred about 2 years prior.

The prophet Jeremiah ended up in Egypt, against his will, and we do not know what finally happened to him.

Jeremiah preached the message that GOD laid upon his heart for over 40 years. He began preaching as a teenager. He was consistent and that was vital during the last days both for the final king of Judah, Zedekiah, and for the survival of Jeremiah. We will see this as these final events unfold.

Zedekiah was a puppet king. Zedekiah’s original name was Mattaniah but King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon gave him the name Zedekiah it is thought to demonstrate his ownership and authority over him. King Nebuchadnezzar gave the title of king to Zedekiah in 597 B.C. He was king in name only and was spineless. Zedekiah’s officials wanted him to rebel against Babylon and reach out to Egypt for help. He tried but in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign Babylon invaded Judah and besieged Jerusalem. Zedekiah ruled for 11 years until the Babylonians completely conquered Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Jeremiah preached truth to Zedekiah during his reign but he rejected it. Zedekiah had an opportunity to take a stand for GOD and lead his people to listen to the message of GOD that Jeremiah was preaching but he did not.

GOD has a message of salvation to the world today. It is the message of salvation through HIS Only SON, JESUS CHRIST. America embraced that message at one time but it is quickly abandoning it to seek the pleasures the world has to offer. We are in the me generation and it seems to be the idea embraced at the moment. Religion is for old folks because we, the young folks, have a lot of living to do. I will be the first to admit that many of us have not been consistent followers of CHRIST. We have not walked the walk of a consistent Christian life. I think it has been because many of us prevented the indwelling Holy Spirit from leading and guiding our lives. We did not want to become so called religious fanatics. We did not understand that being led by the Holy Spirit does not mean shoving CHRIST down the throats of others but waiting for the opportunity to speak truth when GOD opens the door of a person’s heart.

Our young adults have experienced the tragedy of abuse, divorce and failed institutions which used to be secure. This has resulted in them questioning or rejecting true Christianity because in many cases they have been betrayed by Christians or those in leadership of the church or institutions founded upon Christian values. I am not trying to put down these groups because there are many that are true to GOD’S Word. Those who have been hurt to the core by the actions of some of these groups are still accountable to GOD. Don’t let your disappointment result in missing out on eternal life through JESUS CHRIST.

It is time for a real revival among Christians to walk their talk through Spiritual renewal.

In our lesson today, there will be a lot of different names. If they are too tough just pronounce the first letter of the name and move on.

Let’s read Jeremiah 37:1-10: (Background)

Jerusalem’s Last Days (Eighteen (18) years had passed between the events in Chapter 36 and 37.)

1 Zedekiah (zed uh KIGH uh) son of Josiaha (2Kg 24:17; 2Ch 36:10) reigned as king in the land of Judah (b Ezk 17:12-21) in place of Jehoiachinc = Coniahd (Jr 22:24) son of Jehoiakim, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made him king.
2 He and his officers and the people of the land did not obey the words of the Lord (e 2Ch 36:12-16) that He spoke through Jeremiah the prophet.
3 Nevertheless, King Zedekiah sent Jehucal (f Jr 38:1) son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah (g 2Kg 25:18-21; Jr 21:1; 29:24-29) son of Maaseiah, the priest, to Jeremiah the prophet, requesting, “Please pray to the Lord our God for us!”
4 Jeremiah was going about his daily tasks (h Lit was coming in and going out) among the people, for they had not yet put him into the prison. (i Jr 32:2-3)
5 Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, (j Ezk 17:15) and when the Chaldeans, who were besieging Jerusalem, heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem.
6 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet:
7 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: This is what you will say to Judah’s king, (k Jr 21:1-2) who is sending you to inquire of Me: Watch: Pharaoh’s army, which has come out to help you, (l Lm 4:17) is going to return to its own land of Egypt.
8 The Chaldeans (kal DEE uhns) will then return and fight against this city. They will capture it and burn it down. (m Jr 21:10; 34:2,22; 38:18)
9 This is what the Lord says: Don’t deceive yourselves by saying, ‘The Chaldeans will leave us for good,’ for they will not leave.
10 Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire Chaldean army that is fighting with you, (n Jr 21:4-5) and there remained among them only the badly wounded (o Lit the pierced men), each in his tent, they would get up and burn this city down.”

Jeremiah was going about preaching GOD’S message of repentance. The Babylonian army (also referred to as the Chaldeans) had surrounded Jerusalem. Word came to King Zedekiah that the Egyptian army was approaching Jerusalem. The Babylonians/Chaldeans temporarily pulled back. Why they pulled back is not fully known because the Babylonian army was considered powerful enough to defeat the Egyptians. Jeremiah was advising King Zedekiah to yield to Babylon whereas Zedekiah’s advisors were urging him to make an alliance with Egypt, who was an enemy of Babylon. Zedekiah was caught between a rock and a hard place, so-to-speak.

King Zedekiah sent a messenger to Jeremiah requesting him to pray for them. Since the Egyptians were enemies of Babylon, did the king see a thin veil of hope since his advisors were urging him to make an alliance with Egypt? Had GOD changed HIS mind regarding the fate of Judah/Jerusalem?

In verses 6-10, we see GOD’S answer to the king. GOD’S message remains the same. The one thing the leaders and people of Judah can do is repent of their sins of worshiping pagan gods, child sacrifice and return to worship GOD.

By the king sending an inquiry to Jeremiah reveals to me that the king had confidence in the fact that GOD was speaking truth through Jeremiah. Jeremiah remained true to the message GOD had given him. Will Jeremiah remain faithful to deliver GOD’S message regardless of the circumstances? Let’s see.

Let’s read Jeremiah 37:11-17 and 38:1-3:

Jeremiah’s Imprisonment

11 When the Chaldean (Babylon) army withdrew from Jerusalem because of Pharaoh’s (Egypt) army,
12 Jeremiah started to leave Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin (Jeremiah’s hometown) to claim his portion there (p Jr 32:1-15) among the people.
13 But when he was at the Benjamin Gate, (q Jr 38:7; Zch 14:10) an officer of the guard was there, whose name was Irijah (eye RIGH juh) son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, and he apprehended Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans.”
14 “That’s a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” Irijah would not listen to him but apprehended Jeremiah and took him to the officials.
15 The officials were angry at Jeremiah and beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan (r Jr 38:26) the scribe, for it had been made into a prison.
16 So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeons (Gn 40:15; Isa 24:22; Zch 9:11) and stayed there many days.

When the Babylonians backed off, Jeremiah had some personal business in the land of Benjamin. When he was leaving the city an officer of the guard, Irijah (eye RIGH juh) took him to the officials. He accused him of defecting to the Babylonians/Chaldeans, thus being a traitor. It was a false accusation but none the less Irijah took him to the officials, who in turn had him beat, likely forty lashes and placed him in a house that had been made into a prison. There he stayed in the dungeon until he was summoned by the king. Had this beating and imprisonment resulted in Jeremiah changing his message from GOD? Let’s see.

Jeremiah Summoned by Zedekiah

17 King Zedekiah later sent for him and received him, and in his house privately asked him, “Is there a word from the Lord?” (t Jr 38:14-16) “There is,” Jeremiah responded, and he continued, “You will be handed over to the king of Babylon.” (u Jr 21:7)

Yes, Jeremiah had a message from GOD and he delivered it in verse 17 just as GOD revealed it. Jeremiah had a question for the king in verse 18.

Let’s read Jeremiah 37:18-21:

18 Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “How have I sinned against you or your servants or these people that you have put me in prison?
19 Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you and this land’? (v Jr 28:1-17)
20 So now please listen, my lord the king. May my petition come before you.(w Jr 38:26) Don’t send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.”
21 So King Zedekiah gave orders, and Jeremiah was placed in the guard’s courtyard. (x Jr 32:2) He was given a loaf of bread each day from the baker’s street until all the bread was gone from the city. So Jeremiah remained in the guard’s courtyard.

In essence, Jeremiah was trying to get the king to think outside his narrow mind by saying – Look at the facts dear king:

- I have been consistent in telling you what GOD has told me and it has come to pass just as I have told you. Notice how respectful Jeremiah was to the king, “my lord the king” in verse 20.

- You apparently are listening to those who were telling you that what Jeremiah has been telling you is not the truth. So who is right? The Babylonians have been all around you.

- This must have gotten the king’s attention for awhile because he honored Jeremiah’s request not to send him back to where he had been held prisoner. Jeremiah told the king that if he went back to that filthy, rat and germ infested cell, he would die.

- The king honored his request and had him placed in the guard’s courtyard, which was a better prison than where he was located. He could have visitors there, if he wished, plus he received a loaf of bread, which was considered a day’s wage. Apparently the king respected Jeremiah’s counsel and did not want to risk losing him. Jeremiah’s consistency and honesty in face of serious pressure did not change his message from GOD.

- Zedekiah was a spineless king as we will see in our next scripture.

Let’s read Jeremiah 38:1-3:

Jeremiah Thrown into a Cistern

1 Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucala = Jehucal in (Jr 37:3) son of Shelemiah, (b Jr 37:3) and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard the words Jeremiah was speaking to all the people:
2 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live. He will keep his life like the spoils of war and will live.’ (c Jr 21:9; 39:18; 45:5)
3 This is what the Lord says: ‘This city will most certainly be handed over to the king of Babylon’s army, (d Jr 32:3-5) and he will capture it.’”

We see Pashhur surface again in Jeremiah’s life. Jeremiah was still speaking GOD’S message of repentance with a new twist for the people to leave the city while they had this lull. GOD’S message was very clear; Jerusalem and Judah would fall into the hands of the Babylonians. Many still believed that they were in the sweet spot and GOD would not let anything happen to them. As I mentioned in an earlier lesson their comfort was in where they were physically located and not in the comfort of knowing that they abided in the loving and caring arms of GOD through their faithful and obedient worship of the true GOD of Judah.

The message GOD had given to Jeremiah was consistent but it made the officials of Jerusalem angry. That is what happens when the officials don’t like a message of truth that runs counter to what they want. You got it, they silence the messenger.

I bet there are a number of people reading this who recall in the last few years that knew the fate of the company they worked for due to poor management. I recall a true story of a high level vice president (H) speaking to a lower level Vice President (L). I will refer to H and L. H told L, if you have a choice of doing something trivial for the CEO such as go and buy a box of chocolates for his girlfriend or working on something important that would seriously impact the company, go buy the chocolates. Folks that is why we are in the mess we have in America. Sorry to say but we have that same or similar mentality running our governments in many states and federal. It is truly a sad day. Will America step up to the plate and do what is right for America?

It is still about greed and it is all about “me.” What is best for “me?” I came up in the period that if the owner could not meet payroll, he/she did without. Integrity has gone out the window and it is time it came back into the home, schools, work place and governments. It is time to hold leaders accountable.

I think GOD has given us a preview of what can happen when those who know HIM takes their eyes off HIM and do not take a stand for HIM.

Let’s read Jeremiah 38:4-6:

4 The officials then said to the king, “This man ought to die, because he is weakening the morale of the warriors who remain in this city and of all the people by speaking to them in this way. This man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but disaster.” (e Jr 29:11)
5 King Zedekiah said, “Here he is; he’s in your hands since the king can’t do anything against you.”
6 So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah the king’s son, which was in the guard’s courtyard, lowering Jeremiah with ropes. There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud. (f Gn 37:20-24)

Jeremiah’s message was beginning to affect the people and especially the warriors. The officials needed the warriors to remain in the city to protect them after all they were so important. So they concluded that Jeremiah had to be killed. But they were afraid to kill him outright. So they devised a plan.

They presented their case to the king and the spineless king washes his hands of the matter and hands him over to the officials. They take Jeremiah to the king’s son’s cistern which was in the guard’s courtyard. A cistern was designed to hold water and was generally bell shaped. These cisterns were hewed out of rock. They could range from 12 to 15 feet deep and 10 to 12 feet wide with an opening in the top of about 3 feet. In this cistern there was muck (mud) in the bottom.

Notice, they did not throw him into the cistern but they lowered him by ropes. This was likely so he would mire up in the muck standing up for him to die a slow painful death of starvation.

It would be impossible to escape a cistern unless you had assistance. But guess what? GOD called an Ethiopian to come to Jeremiah’s rescue. It took courage for this man to respond.

Let’s read Jeremiah 38:7-13:

7 But Ebed-melech, a •Cushite court official employed in the king’s palace, heard Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Benjamin Gate, (g Jr 20:2; Ezk 48:32; Zch 14:10)
8 Ebed-melech went from the king’s palace and spoke to the king:
9 “My lord the king, these men have been evil in all they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have dropped him into the cistern where he will die from hunger, because there is no more bread in the city.” (h Jr 37:21)
10 So the king commanded Ebed-melech, the Cushite, “Take from here 30 men under your authority and pull Jeremiah the prophet up from the cistern before he dies.”
11 So Ebed-melech took the men under his authority and went to the king’s palace to a place below the storehouse. (i Or treasury) From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them by ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern.
12 Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Place these old rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so,
13 and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern, but he continued to stay in the guard’s courtyard.

Ebed-melech served in the house of the king. He heard what the officials had done to Jeremiah and once he received the king’s okay, he went into action. Notice that Ebed-melech was prepared to hoist Jeremiah out without causing him harm. He instructed Jeremiah to place old rags, he provided, under his arms and they pulled him out of the cistern using ropes. Jeremiah was still relegated to the guard’s courtyard prison but he had the blessings of the king to be there and the watchful eye of Ebed-melech. Nothing is said about the 30 men that accompanied Ebed-melech but could they have been assigned to guard Jeremiah.

Let’s read Jeremiah 38:14-18:

Zedekiah’s Final Meeting with Jeremiah

14 King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance of the Lord’s temple. The king said to Jeremiah, “I am going to ask you something; don’t hide anything from me.”
15 Jeremiah replied to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, you will kill me, won’t you? Besides, if I give you advice, you won’t listen to me anyway.”
16 King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in private, (j Jr 37:17) “As the Lord lives, who has given us this life, (k Isa 57:16) I will not kill you or hand you over to these men who want to take your life.”
17 Jeremiah therefore said to Zedekiah, “This is what the Lord, the God of •Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If indeed you surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, (l 2Kg 24:12; Jr 27:12; 38:2; 39:3) then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive.
18 But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city will be handed over to the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape from them.’”
19 But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am worried about the Judeans who have deserted to the Chaldeans. They may hand me over to the Judeans to abuse me.” (m Jdg 19:25; 1Sa 31:4)
20 “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the Lord in what I am telling you, so it may go well for you and you can live.
21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the verdict (n Or promise); lit word that the Lord has shown me:
22 ‘All the women (o Or wives) who remain in the palace of Judah’s king will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon and will say:
Your trusted friends (p Lit The men of your peace misled) (q Or incited you) and overcame you. Your feet sank into the mire, and they deserted you.
23 All your wives and sons will be brought out to the Chaldeans. (r Jr 39:6; 41:10) You yourself will not escape from them, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon and this city will burn down.’”
24 Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Don’t let anyone know about these things or you will die.
25 If the officials hear that I have spoken with you (s Jr 38:4-6) and come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king; don’t hide anything from us and we won’t kill you. Also, what did the king say to you?’
26 then you will tell them, ‘I was bringing before the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’” (t Jr 37:20)
27 When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he reported the exact words to them the king had commanded, and they quit speaking with him because nothing had been heard.
28 Jeremiah remained in the guard’s courtyard until the day Jerusalem was captured, and he was there when it happened. (u)

The king summoned Jeremiah. King Zedekiah must have had confidence and respect for Jeremiah. Zedekiah wanted the truth. Jeremiah used the moment to bargain with the king. He knew the king was fickle. The king gave Jeremiah assurance that he would not have him killed after he revealed the truth to him.

Notice, Jeremiah’s message did not change. He told the king that he had a choice.

The king asked Jeremiah not to tell his officials what he had told him but to tell them something else as a diversion. The king’s officials did approach Jeremiah and he did exactly as the king requested. It was a message that Jeremiah was under the protection of the king and they left him alone. Jeremiah remained in the guard’s courtyard until the collapse of Jerusalem.

As stated earlier. Jeremiah went to Egypt where he faded into the landscape.

Being called by GOD to obediently serve HIM is not easy. But notice that even though Jeremiah suffered many things GOD came to his rescue by calling others to respond to his need. We may be called to be a Jeremiah or to come to the aid of the Jeremiahs of the world. When called will we respond? Blessings!!!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Bible Study - Person God Uses - Rise above Discouragement - Jeremiah 20 - August 19, 2012

Bible Study – Person God Uses – Rise above Discouragement – August 19, 2012

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “The Person God Uses.”

Our scripture is Jeremiah 20:1-13.

This lesson deals with being honest with GOD. GOD already knows our hearts. Christians often think they can hide their true feelings and questions they have about GOD from HIM. Often, a Christian displays an attitude of everything is okay because GOD is with me, while he/she really may be doubting GOD and his/her relationship with GOD may be crumbling. The Christian’s trust may have been built on false notions or someone else’s Spiritual experiences. Christianity is personal. It is CHRIST in you. It is not riding on someone else’s relationship with CHRIST. Who is CHRIST to you? Do you really know HIM personally as your Savior or just about HIM intellectually? HIS desire is for you to get to really know HIM through a personal relationship with HIM.

When people who are playing Christians or Christians who may only know CHRIST in a superficial way, discover this and they are honest with GOD, this can be the time of hammering out a genuine, dynamic, intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. GOD’S desire is for Christians to be honest with HIM. Reveal your doubts and questions to HIM and let HIM answer you through HIS Word, prayer, fellow Christians, circumstances that surround you each day as you walk with GOD through CHRIST. The ways that HE can reveal truth and Himself to you are endless.

You get to know HIM through relationship, just like we build a relationship with our very best friend. There will be times of disappointment and discouragement but that is when we go to CHRIST and have a heart to heart talk with HIM. When that happens to me, it always results in a learning experience. It was often a time when I discovered that I had embraced a false notion or assumption about GOD or CHRIST. Once truth was discovered it placed my feet more solidly on Spiritual ground. All Christians are building their relationship with GOD through CHRIST every day. Growing and maturing Spiritually is a never ending process as long as we are living upon earth. We were not made for time but for eternity. Our time upon earth is preparation time for eternity. Our only way to GOD is through CHRIST. CHRIST tells us in John 14:6 - 6 Jesus told him, “I am (k) the way, (l) the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Of all the religions of the world, CHRIST is the only person to be resurrected from the dead proving that HE conquered both sin and death. Christians serve a risen Savior. Because HE lives, so shall all true Christians live eternally with HIM and GOD in heaven. Christians serve a living Savior and not a dead icon.

Some may say, “But only if I really knew that?” We want proof before we take a step of faith. I know I was at that spot in my life many years ago. When a person takes that step of faith, GOD confirms it through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. True Christians know they belong to GOD as the Apostle Paul stated in Romans 8:16-17 - 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit (k) that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs (l)—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that (m) we suffer with Him (n) so that we may also be glorified with Him.

In our lesson today, the prophet Jeremiah hit a Spiritual wall and he became discouraged. Discouragement is one of the more powerful tools Satan uses against Christians. GOD allows Christians to hit Spiritual walls because when they plough through these walls they come out on the other side Spiritually stronger and on a firm Spiritual foundation. It would be nice if such Spiritual growth could be achieved by GOD sprinkling magic dust over us and bingo we have arrived Spiritually mature. But that is not the case. As we journey through this life with HIM, it is all about building an intimate, personal relationship with HIM through CHRIST.

Why through CHRIST? It is because CHRIST was willing to leave HIS glory in heaven as GOD’S only Son and come to earth to live as a human. HE did this of HIS own free will because HE was willing to sacrifice HIS life for all who will believe in HIM as their Savior. CHRIST is GOD with us, yet HE came as 100% human but with the ability to call upon GOD to rescue HIM. Satan tried to get HIM to throw in the towel but HE remained firmly fixed upon paying the sin debt in full for all who will believe.

HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted but HE did not sin. HE gave HIS sinless life to pay in full the penalty for sin, which is eternal death. All who will believe in HIM are redeemed from sin and death and receive the gift of eternal life through the miracle of rebirth. GOD gives to each Christian a guarantee or down payment that these things are true by allowing the Holy Spirit to indwell the lives of all true Christians.

Why do I say, “All true Christians?” People can say they are Christian and be Christian in name only and have never received the joy of salvation through CHRIST. What does your heart tell you? Your heart is your innermost being, your very core. We will see in our study that the people referred to their innermost core as being their kidneys. So we chuckle but the point being, whatever we call our innermost being, it is a place where we know the real truth. In that most inner place we may know that we doubt and that we need to ask CHRIST to forgive us for our sins and for HIM to come into our lives. You can do that now and settle that matter instantly.

In our study, there will be some names of the people which are difficult to pronounce but as the title states, “Rise Above Discouragement.”

Let’s read Jeremiah 20:1-6:

Jeremiah Beaten by Pashhur (PASH uhr)

1 Pashhur the priest, the son of Immera (IM uhr) (1Ch 24:14; Ezr 2:37-38) and chief official in the temple of the Lord, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things.
2 So Pashhur had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put him in the stocks at the Upper Benjamin Gate in the Lord’s temple.
3 The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “The Lord does not call you Pashhur, but Magor-missabib (MAY gahr mih SAY bib), (b = Terror Is on Every Side; Jr 6:25; 20:10; 46:5)
4 for this is what the Lord says, ‘I am about to make you a terror to both yourself and those you love. (c Jr 6:25) They will fall by the sword of their enemies before your very eyes. I will hand Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will deport them to Babylon and put them to the sword.
5 I will give away all the wealth of this city, all its products (d Dt 28:33; Ezk 23:29) and valuables. Indeed, I will hand all the treasures of the kings of Judah over to their enemies. They will plunder them, seize them, and carry them off to Babylon.
6 As for you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house, you will go into captivity. You will go to Babylon. There you will die, and there you will be buried, you and all your friends that you prophesied false lye (Jr 14:14) to.’”

Most often, we think that when we obediently serve GOD everything will go smoothly. Sometimes it does but often it doesn’t. When it doesn’t I have found that it results in GOD teaching me an important Spiritual truth which places me on a more solid Spiritual foundation. GOD has a plan both for those called and for those who are the reason for HIS call. Christians are in a constant state of Spiritual growth and maturing. Let’s see if Jeremiah comes out of his situation weaker or stronger.

The fact that Jeremiah was beaten and placed in stocks near the entrance to the temple labeled him as a false prophet. He was placed in stocks where all could see him and ridicule him as they went to the temple. Being placed in stocks was intended as torture. The word for stocks means twisted or contorted. That was such an insult to a true prophet.

Jeremiah wondered, “Where is GOD in all of this?”

While in the stocks, Jeremiah had a lot of time to question GOD. During these times of questioning, it is not pleasant. But GOD has a purpose. We have to keep in mind that HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts. During such difficult times, those who know HIM must trust HIM. Is it easy? NO!!! But when we do, it leads to something very vital in our Spiritual growth.

Often difficult circumstances in life result in us digging deep inside to bring to the surface matters which need to be revealed to GOD so we can serve HIM honestly in Spirit and truth. GOD’S desire is for us to see what is inside of us and then to let us see how we handle it. HE already knows but we need to see it for ourselves.

I have been having computer problems for the last several days. When an issue was discovered and a fix was available, I would get a message stating that a fix was available but they needed my permission to continue. GOD puts HIS finger on the problems in our lives but since HE does not make us robots, HE needs our permission to fix our problems. HE needs our cooperation. There are times when HE chooses to do the fixing but those times are embodied in HIS sovereignty.

We often need to see HIS hand at work in difficult times in our lives, this in turn results in us having more confidence and trust in HIM as HE leads and guides our lives. Do the challenges of life draw us closer to HIM or drive us away? We must keep in mind that when HIS children ask for a fish, HE does NOT give them a snake.

Jeremiah was called by GOD to serve HIM. GOD spoke through Jeremiah a message of repentance in order for HIS people to avoid destruction.

The religious leaders in Judah heard Jeremiah preaching the need for the people and the religious leaders to repent. Pashhur, the priest and the chief official in the temple heard him preaching and arrested him. Pashhur, being the chief official, was likely the chief of security over the temple. When Pashhur heard Jeremiah preach, truth hurts. Jeremiah was treated as a false prophet and also considered a traitor. They not only arrested him but they beat him and placed him in stocks near the temple for all to see and ridicule. Is that any way to treat a man of GOD preaching GOD’S message? Oh yes, when GOD’S message flies in the faces of those who do not want to hear it. GOD does not promise those who obediently serve HIM smooth sailing but in fact suffering is more likely. But when HIS chosen suffer for HIM, HE is right there with them.

GOD had a message for Pashhur through Jeremiah. When Pashhur released Jeremiah, Jeremiah told him that GOD had changed Pashhur’s name from Pashhur to Magor-missabib which means “terror all around or terror on every side.”

Pashhur would not be the one to punish others for speaking truth but he would become the one who was punished. Not only that but his friends and family would be punished. Pashhur being a priest could have repented and urged his family and friends to repent but he didn’t. Jeremiah delivered GOD’S message of doom, even after being released for the stocks and while confronting the man who beat him and placed him in the stocks. Jeremiah could not hold back because GOD’S message was burning within him. It was GOD’S message of doom but it was also GOD’S message of hope, if those hearing it would respond to HIS message.

Some may think, “Gee, GOD is mean.” GOD takes sin seriously and HE wants everyone to know it, yet HE is full of love and grace. That is why Jeremiah was called to preach to the people of Judah. This is why GOD allowed JESUS to come to earth in order to give HIS life for all who will believe in HIM, so that all who accept HIM as their Savior will be set free from sin and its consequence, which is eternal death.

Jeremiah concluded GOD’S message to Pashhur, as stated in verse 6. Bottom line Pashhur, the priest, would be punished for lying and Jeremiah made it very clear to him. Pashhur had an opportunity to repent and even tell the people to repent but he chose not. The end result was as GOD stated; the destruction of Judah and those who survived were carried off to Babylon. GOD revealed through Jeremiah that Babylon would defeat Judah. Jeremiah stating this was considered treason. Keep in mind that those in Judah, thought that since they were in Judah, GOD would protect them. They did not have to do anything because their security was in their location and not based upon the condition of their hearts toward GOD. Wake up America!!!

Let’s read Jeremiah 20:7-10:

Jeremiah Compelled to Preach

7 You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived. You seized me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all the time; (f Lm 3:14) everyone ridicules me.
8 For whenever I speak, I cry out, I proclaim, “Violence and destruction!”(g Jr 6:7) because the word of the Lord has become for me constant disgrace and derision.
9 If I say, “I won’t mention Him or speak any longer in His name, ”His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, (h Jb 32:18-20; Ps 39:3) shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
10 For I have heard the gossip of many people, “Terror is on every side! i Hb Magor-missabib; (Jr 20:3j Jr 6:25; 46:5) Report him; let’s report him!”Everyone I trusted (k Lit Every man of my peace) watches for my fall. (l Ps 35:15; 41:9; 56:6) “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we might prevail against him and take our vengeance on him.”

Here we see the prophet Jeremiah lashing out at GOD. He used the word “deceived” which is a strong, offensive word especially when used to accuse GOD. It is so important that Christians let it all out when they are upset with GOD because it reveals their true hearts and feelings toward GOD. When we do, that can be the foundation for a new beginning based upon truth. Jeremiah had time to ponder his plight while he was in the stocks. He felt angry, frustrated, hurt, humiliated, betrayed and discouraged. Being discouraged is a major problem to get over.

Sometime in our walk with CHRIST, we will have these same feelings with discouragement being at the top of the list. The important thing is to see what comes out of this honest venting to GOD. I know in my life, when I have revealed my true heart to GOD – questions, doubts, fears – those have been the times of Spiritual growth after we work through them and there have been many. It was because I had false notions about GOD. HE helped me to see Spiritual truth and HE still does. It is like a growing and developing child as he/she grows and develops, he/she can comprehend and understand more and more. At almost 75, I am still amazed as what HE teaches me as we walk together; most often with me kicking, screaming and pouting. But guess what? HE still loves ME and knows that I will grow up one day. GOD loves you and is patient. HIS desire is to have a loving, intimate relationship with you. Embrace that love now and begin your journey with HIM.

Jeremiah had been preaching without anyone paying him any attention. He felt like, as he stated, a laughingstock. He thought he would just stop preaching GOD’S message but he could not. When GOD calls those to obediently serve HIM, they are compelled to preach the message that HE lays upon their hearts. HIS message is like a burning fire within them. Every true Christian has GOD’S message of salvation through JESUS CHRIST and his/her desire is to share the Good News with others who need HIM.

In verse 10, Jeremiah’s friends called him the same name that Jeremiah had called Pashhur, “Magor-missabib”, which means terror on both sides. Jeremiah’s friends denounced him, as expressed in the words “report him.” It seems that his friends had the misguided notion that if they turned against Jeremiah, they would shut him up and avoid their impending doom. It is the classic example of “kill the messenger” because as long as we remain ignorant of the message, it won’t happen. If they could get Jeremiah to change his message they thought it would turn the tide of coming events. They did not believe it was GOD’S message to them. Jeremiah, even though discouraged, remained the same and continued to preach the message GOD had given him. When a preacher or pastor modifies GOD’S message, those who know the truth, must beware. GOD makes it very clear that judgment day is coming. Do you want to escape being judged? JESUS tells us how in John 5:24 - “I (JESUS) assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal lifec ; ; ; and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

America is at a cross road. Christians it is time to wake up.

Let’s read Jeremiah 20:11-13:

11 But the Lord is with me like a violent warrior. (m Ex 15:3) Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly shamed, an everlasting humiliation that will never be forgotten.
12 Lord of •Hosts, testing the righteous and seeing the heart (n Lit kidneys) and mind, let me see Your vengeance on them, for I have presented my case to You. (o Jr 11:20)
13 Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord, for He rescues the life of the needy from the hand of evil people.

Jeremiah comes to the conclusion that GOD is really with HIM. HE sees GOD as a violent warrior who will defend him and vindicate him. He acknowledges that GOD drills down to the core of our innermost being. In verse 12, we see the mention, “testing the righteous and seeing the heart or kidneys. It is interesting the Jews, at that time, considered the kidneys as the seat of affections and emotions, whereas the heart was considered the center of thought and the will. When Jeremiah comes to this conclusion he erupts in Praise!

As we look back, we see the mood swings that Jeremiah went through before coming to this conclusion beginning with verse 1 through verse 13 – humiliated, rails against GOD, wants to give up but he cannot give up, his friends make fun of him in hopes that doing so they will change their impending doom, then Jeremiah comes to the conclusion that GOD is really with HIM but when we read verses 14-18, we see that he had a relapse, wishing he had never been born.

Often, as Christians work their way through disappointment and difficult circumstances, HIS strength is renewed within them. Their trust and confidence in GOD is restored. But wham, they may have a relapse of doubt, only to come back to the sovereignty of GOD. It is like dealing with the death of our precious son. We swing from asking why to trusting that GOD is sovereign.

Through these circumstances, I believe Jeremiah saw his true heart and that GOD had tested him to reveal to him, his true heart. When Jeremiah saw his true heart, he also saw the hand of GOD at work through him. Being an obedient Christian is not for wimps but that MUST NOT frighten you because GOD equips you to obediently serve HIM. The key is having the right relationship with HIM and allowing HIM to live through you.

When we try to live the Christian life in our own strength, we find that it is impossible. We can go through the motions but many times we may hide our true doubts and concerns because we live in the flesh and not in the Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit gives each Christian the assurance that he/she is HIS child. If you have never asked CHRIST to forgive you for your sins, ask HIM to do so and invite HIM into your heart. It sounds so simple and it is. The instant you do, you become GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth and NOTHING you will ever do will change the fact that you are GOD’S child. As GOD’S child you are eternally secure.

What a joy it is to know that GOD is working through you in an effort to save others from sure destruction and devastation. JESUS said it best, harvest time is now. Blessings!!!