Bible Study - Do Over - A Problem You Can't Solve Yourself - Romans 1:16-17; 2:5-11; 3:9-12 - December 1, 2013

Bible Study – Do Over – A Problem You Can’t Solve Yourself – December 1, 2013

This is lesson one in our series entitled “Do Over: Experience New Life in Christ.”

Our scripture is Romans 1:16-17; 2:5-11; 3:9-12.

SPECIAL NOTE: My wife and I will be on travel and the availability of the Internet is uncertain so there may be a miss or two in publishing the lessons. I hope to get the December 8, 2013 lesson published. Anyway blessings and you may get several lessons at one time.

For the next seven weeks we will have three lessons in Romans, one special lesson for Christmas, then three more lessons in Romans.

How do you define a “Do Over?” Some define it as a complete remodel. For a house or business it is generally tearing out everything inside and starting over with a new interior. It could include the exterior of the building as well. Often a “Do Over” is required for business or even a house to meet a standard building code – structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing, fire walls, fire sprinklers, hand rails and the list goes on.

So why are we studying a “Do Over” for Christians?

Christians get into a rut. A rut has been described as a grave with the ends knocked out. Christians work in their own strength trying to measure up by their works and they burn out. They lose the joy of their salvation. They have Christian friends, church staff or leaders who have hurt them or disappointed them. It is easy to let these disappointments lead to us throwing up our hands and saying, “What is the use!”

Non-Christians often look at Christians and comment that they are no different from themselves. What is missing?

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter or treatise to the Christians in Rome. When he wrote the letter he had not visited Rome but his desire was to visit them. So his letter to the Roman Christians was Paul’s way of giving them a heads up regarding Christian doctrine and principles that he embraced as truth and Spiritual fact based upon his training and knowledge of the scriptures. Keep in mind that Paul had been trained by the best teacher of the Jewish faith. Paul was a Pharisee before his encounter with CHRIST changed his life forever. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Romans 1:16-17:

16 For [Because] I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For [Because] in it (The Gospel) God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

First, Paul made it clear that he was not ashamed of the gospel. The Greek word used for “for” indicates purpose and can be translated “Because.” As we read verses 16 and 17 where the word “for” is used to begin the verse, we can insert the English word “because.”

The word for “gospel” derives its roots from the Greek word that we translate into evangelism or “announce good news” which is the Good News of CHRIST. The Good News of CHRIST is embodied in all the facts regarding scripture prophesy and HIS birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, intercession and the return of the Holy Spirit to indwell all Christians.

As stated earlier, keep in mind that the Apostle Paul was first a devout Jew. He was trained by the best Jewish teacher, Gamaliel, regarding Jewish law, commandments, customs and rituals. Paul, as a Pharisee, was a zealot for GOD and an obedient servant of GOD, even to point of persecuting and killing Christians. He was keenly focused on annihilating this new threatening religious group to the Jewish religion called “The Way” who would later be called “Christian”.

CHRIST revealed Himself to Paul as Paul was on his way to round up Christians in Damascus. That encounter with CHRIST gave Paul a “Do Over.” Paul took his time to consider what had happened to him and checked it out with Christian leaders in Jerusalem such as The Apostle Peter and the half-brother of JESUS, James.

Paul, being a Jew, knew the scriptures. Based upon the scriptures, he knew that JESUS came to give the Jews the first opportunity to accept HIM as the promised Messiah. GOD gave the Jews that opportunity because GOD had chosen the Jewish people to be HIS people long ago. We know from New Testament scripture that some accepted CHRIST as the promised Messiah and their Savior but most rejected HIM. The Jews were looking for a political Messiah who would lead them to conquer Roman rule and establish Israel as a mighty earthly kingdom.

CHRIST ministered to the Jews but once that had been done the next step was to take the plan of salvation, through CHRIST, to the Gentiles. GOD called Paul through CHRIST for this purpose. This personal encounter with CHRIST on the road to Damascus gave Paul the status of Apostle. To be considered an Apostle, the person had to have a special calling by CHRIST.

The Apostle Paul made it clear that CHRIST was for both the Jew and the Greek, non-Greek or Gentile. The message of CHRIST is the power that GOD uses in the lives of all people to bring them face to face with their need of salvation from sin and its consequence, eternal death. GOD works in the hearts of every person to bring them to a point of decision. They either accept or reject CHRIST as their Savior.

Paul made it clear in verse 17, that salvation, through faith in CHRIST, allows the righteousness of GOD to be manifested through Christians. Paul stated that the righteousness of GOD is revealed from faith to faith. Salvation is just step one in the process of being saved or sanctified which will be completed the instant Christians exit their earthly bodies and see CHRIST face to face. The shed blood of CHRIST makes all who place their faith in CHRIST righteous before GOD. This is GOD’S plan and HIS gift of grace. GOD is sovereign and HE chose to impute righteousness to all who place their faith in CHRIST. As they exercise their faith and grow in their experiential knowledge of CHRIST, they build a personal relationship with HIM. Christians begin to comprehend and understand the righteousness of GOD which has been imputed to them, as they obediently take steps of faith.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

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

Even though Christians are secure in CHRIST, they must live each day exercising their faith, thus they live from faith to faith. Christians have the light of HIS presence in their lives and GOD’S desire is for them to share that light according to HIS plan and purpose. Righteousness is activated when Christians take steps of faith in their daily walk. JESUS said it best in Luke 9:23:

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

First of all, a Christian does not take up his or her cross daily to be saved but to serve. Christians cannot lose their salvation. Once saved always saved! Just as you cannot ever become unborn physically, you cannot be unborn Spiritually. As Christians journey through life, circumstances they encounter can result in them either growing in their faith or compromising. But there is something Christians need to consider. Are the circumstances being encountered the result of their own doing?

CHRIST makes it clear that being a Christian is not easy. Obedience to GOD, as led by the Holy Spirit, yields rewards. As Christians take steps of faith, they see the hand and power of GOD at work which builds their confidence and trust in GOD. As they grow Spiritually, GOD gives them other steps of faith, which will likely be larger.     

Satan is ready to defeat Christians at any split second as he spots a chink in the Christian’s amour. Christians must stay focused upon CHRIST and HIS strength, leadership and power in their lives. They are secure in CHRIST but if Satan can quench the flame of the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, doubt can quickly begin to take over.

Salvation from sin and its consequence is a problem no person can solve by themselves.  

Let’s read Romans 2:5-11: Because we are sinful, all people are subject to GOD’S judgment:

5 But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed. 6 He will repay each one according to his works : 7 eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but wrath and indignation to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth but are obeying unrighteousness; 9 affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 11 There is no favoritism with God.

In Chapter 2, Paul gave some of the principles that guide GOD’S judgment. He apparently was directing his remarks to his fellow Jews. The Jews were quick to judge the Gentiles or non-Jews but it was hard for them to see their own short comings. Paul’s desire was for the Jews to see their need for CHRIST. Just because they were GOD’S chosen did not mean that they were exempt from HIS judgment. The shed blood of animals was only a place holder until the ultimate price was paid in full by GOD’S only Son, JESUS. The Jews had the law but keeping the law did not exempt them from judgment. There was also the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. GOD’S requirement was for all people to keep both the letter and the spirit of the law.

The Jews refused to face the reality of GOD’S judgment. Those who are not in right relationship with HIM are disobedient and do works of unrighteousness thus they will reap the wrath of GOD.

The only way a person can escape the wrath of GOD is to accept, by faith, CHRIST as his or her Savior. HIS shed blood washes away all sin – past, present and future thus Christians are always righteous before GOD. Christians must keep in mind that they do earn rewards as they obediently serve GOD as led by the Holy Spirit. Some of the rewards Christians experience upon earth such as growing from faith to faith as they obediently serve. Keep in mind that it is not being busy doing that earns rewards but doing as led by the Holy Spirit.

The Jews, their heritage and traditions made it hard for them to see their need for salvation through CHRIST. When a person believes he or she is working or earning their salvation it is hard for him or her to trust any other way. They considered themselves good enough because they were chosen by GOD, had the law and lived by the dictates of the law. But they failed to realize how woefully short they fell regarding the spirit of the law.

Let’s consider the person who has been born into a Christian family and has grown up in the Christian church. That person could consider that he or she is a Christian, after all he or she has always been in church, likely worked or served in the church. That person is no different from the Jew who thought being born a Jew meant that he or she was in right-standing, justified or righteous before GOD. This is a most dangerous position to be in. Because a person has been born into a Christian family and raised in a Christian home and church has to realize that does not make him or her righteous before GOD.

As I heard someone use the analogy many years ago, that kittens in an oven don’t make them biscuits.

Paul was addressing the need for people to consider their true relationship with GOD – Was it real or imaginary? That is what all Christians must do today. We are to be honest before GOD – are we in right-standing with HIM through our relationship with CHRIST or are we playing like we are? GOD knows our hearts and HIS desire is for us to be genuine before HIM.

Verse 6 makes it clear that there will be payday some day. CHRIST gives eternal life to those who seek to obediently serve HIM and GOD’S wrath will come to those who do not seek a real relationship with HIM through faith in CHRIST.

What reveals our relationship with GOD through CHRIST? Our relationship is revealed through the works or deeds of righteousness. It is allowing GOD to reveal where HE wants Christians to serve. Dr. Henry Blackaby stated in “Experiencing God” written by him and Claude V. King and published by LifeWay, One LifeWay Place, Nashville, TN 37234-0175,  When you are in right relationship with GOD through CHRIST and GOD reveals or opens your Spiritual eyes to what HE is doing around you, that is your invitation to join HIM in that work. GOD works in many ways to call Christians to join HIM in meeting the various needs around them. When prompted by the Holy Spirit, respond and trust that GOD has prepared the opportunity. Oh, Satan will do all he can to discourage you but trust in the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

GOD does not play favorites regarding the judgment of those who reject HIS provision for salvation, which is placing your faith in CHRIST. Rich man, poor man, beggar man or thief, as the old saying goes; all people will be accountable before GOD. Those who have received CHRIST, as their Savior, will not be judged but they will receive rewards based upon their obedience to GOD. Others will be judged by GOD.

GOD makes it clear. The question is where are you in relationship with GOD through CHRIST? We must keep in mind verse 11:

11 There is no favoritism with God.

GOD cannot be anyone but Himself. HE is Who HE is, HE does not change like the wind or on a whelm. HE is consistent. HE told Moses in Exodus 3:14:

14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.”

Let’s read Romans 3:9-12: Even if we think we are righteous, we are not.

9 What then? Are we any better? Not at all! For we have previously charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin, 10 as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one. 11 There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away; all alike have become useless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one.

The Apostle Paul is still focused on Jews versus Gentiles. “What then?” was a transitional question to lead his readers to the real question, are we (Jews) better than the Gentiles or non-Jews? Because Jews have the law and structured worship are they better than the Gentiles who do not? Absolutely NOT! The bottom line is that all people, regardless of their religious orientation, are all sinners and need Salvation. Paul made it clear that he was not giving his opinion in this matter but “As it is written in the scriptures.”

No one in their own right or through their own effort can earn their way to heaven. Left to our own devices, it is not in our human nature or our unrighteous nature to seek GOD. The tendency is for all to depend upon themselves. GOD knows that because humans are in a fallen state, they need salvation and HE provides the way to Himself through CHRIST. GOD, because of HIS love for humans, works within every person to woo him or her to HIM. HE reveals Himself to every person and when HE does, he or she has a choice either to accept CHRIST or reject HIM. Before CHRIST, those seeking a relationship with GOD went to the temple. Since the passion of CHRIST, HE opened the way for all who place their faith in CHRIST to have a personal, intimate relationship with HIM. We know that the Holy Spirit confirms this by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The bottom line is that all have sinned regardless of our ethnicity or apparent physical wealth or physical gifts. Being born into a Christian family or the son or daughter of parents who serve CHRIST does not impute righteousness to that child. It does expose the child to the Bible and teachings of CHRIST but each person must make a choice.

What happens if a fetus dies or a child dies? I personally believe there is an age of accountability. It is not a numerical age but an age only GOD knows and HE will be the judge. Our part is to be obedient as HE leads us to those who are to receive either salvation or to plant a seed, water, take out some weeds or whatever is needed in their lives which will open the path to their salvation or recommitment of their lives to CHRIST.

The key is for every Christian to be obedient to the opportunity GOD provides. Because Christians know the truth and have been redeemed from eternal death by the shed blood of CHRIST, GOD declares them righteous and justified before HIM.

To be made righteous is to be made in right-standing with GOD. To be “justified” is to stand before GOD, thoroughly cleansed by the shed blood of CHRIST, such that a Christian appears to GOD as if he or she has never sinned or using a play on the word “justification” - “just-as-if-I-had-never-sinned.” Once a person receives CHRIST as his or her Savior, his or her Spiritual growth begins. GOD removes all the things that encumber him or her from obediently serving HIM as led by the Holy Spirit. As we read in Romans 1:17 - For [Because] in it (Salvation) God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

All Christians have the opportunity to obediently serve GOD and to experience GOD’S righteousness being activated in their lives by stepping out in faith as led by the Holy Spirit. Do not step out in your own faith but as GOD provides the opportunity. As Christians step out on faith, GOD provides as the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:10-15:

10 Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. 13 They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service. 14 And they will have deep affection for you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.  

The opportunity to obediently serve GOD comes in many different forms. Ask HIM to open your Spiritual eyes, which are the eyes of your heart, to discern those opportunities. Trust HIS leadership. Most likely you will stump your Spiritual toes a time or two but how else do you learn as you walk with HIM. Responding in faith often reveals our nature. Do not get discouraged but seek the fullness of HIS presence in your life and wait upon HIM. 

I know in the early days of my journey with CHRIST, I was very eager to serve HIM and I got ahead of HIM. I often thought GOD was dragging HIS feet and HE needed to catch up with me. Well, GOD lets us run ahead of HIM but just know HE teaches us as we journey with HIM. I had to learn to wait upon HIM. This is not to discourage you or to slow you down. GOD gives the balance in our lives through the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are all created differently and HE works within our nature to make us and mold us into the image HE desires for us. Some of us need to have some rough corners knocked off and HE knows how to do it. I have been journeying with the LORD since 1971, at the age of 34, and HE is still working on me. It is all part of the “Do Over” program. Happy Do Over. Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - Thanksgiving - Thank You LORD - Psalm 100 Plus - November 24, 2013

Bible Study – Thanksgiving - Thank You LORD – November 24, 2013

This is a special lesson to focus on Thanksgiving but not the day but thanksgiving and praise to GOD because HE is GOD. Since we are approaching Thanksgiving Day, it gives us an opportunity to reflect.

Our scripture is Psalm 100:1-5.

When I was growing up, no merchant would dare display any Christmas decorations or signage before Thanksgiving. The radio stations would not dare play a Christmas carol before Thanksgiving. Can you imagine living before television? But the day after Thanksgiving, it was let the celebration of Christmas begin.

Each year we have seen Thanksgiving steadily being overshadowed by Christmas. It must be because America is becoming more Christian or is it greed? LOL, if you know what that means – laugh-out-loud or so I have been told by our grandchildren.

Suppose Christians agreed to stop celebrating Christmas. I wonder what reaction there would be from the business community. This year Christmas is in full swing weeks before celebrating Thanksgiving Day.  We need to pause and consider Thanksgiving and the things for which we are thankful. Are we thankful for things seen or things unseen? This reflects the hearts of society. We enjoy the time off from work and being with family. Do we reflect and consider for what we are truly thankful and grateful? Often, it is when we lose something we have taken for granted that we wish we had appreciated it while we had the opportunity.

Life upon earth is fleeting, let us pause, reflect and consider the relationships and things in life and the life to come which are important. Life upon earth is temporary but eternity is forever. But while we are living in the body of flesh, it is hard to fathom eternity, yet it is a reality.

For the past six weeks we have been studying, “When Relationships Collide.” We have studied about conflicts or preventing conflicts from escalating:

-          regarding relationships between siblings (Martha and Mary) – Conflict can arise because of different priorities,

-         between those who have authority over us (King Saul and David) – Conflict can arise when thinking only of oneself,

-          between family (Abram and Lot)- Conflict can be avoided if we are willing to flex and not insist it is our way or no way,

-         between Christians (Paul and church leaders regarding Gentile Christians)  - There are times when we should never compromise or flex when it is a matter of Biblical right and wrong – Stand Your Ground,

-         bruised ego (Nabal, Abigail and David)  - Trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit when led to step in to keep a bad situation from getting worse,

-         Sibling rivalry (Joseph and his brothers) - GOD is at work in the lives of HIS children even in the midst of conflict. During the dark times in our lives is when we must practice in the dark what we have learned in the light.

These lessons revealed principles for resolving conflict or preventing serious matters from becoming worse. How we resolve or handle conflicts can reveal our Spiritual growth and maturity. When we go through times of conflicts or matters in our lives, as GOD’S children, HE always means it for good.

The process of sanctification is not easy but it is Spiritually rewarding. GOD allows certain things to come into our lives for us to be able to help others experiencing the same or similar difficulties, as the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all in our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

It is difficult to be thankful and joyful when we are going through tough times but James, the brother of JESUS wrote in James 1:2-4:

2 Consider it a great joy, my • brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

It takes a level of Spiritual maturity for a Christian to consider it great joy when trials come their way, as a natural part of their life.

Our study focuses upon expressing thanks and praises to GOD as a natural outflow of our heart.

Christians can learn the Christian jargon and utter words of thanksgiving and praise which comes from our mouths but not from our hearts. Spiritual growth and maturity produces thanks and praise naturally as the result of an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. As Christians, when we think of GOD or CHRIST what comes to our minds?

Bible scholars are not sure who wrote Psalm 100. Some attribute it to David. Whoever the author was, that person had a special relationship with GOD. Their heart overflowed with thanksgiving and praise. Some scholars think that the Psalm was sung as worshipers were entering the temple area. Verses 1 and 2 were sung by those entering the court area and verses 3 and 4 were sung by a group of worshipers already inside the temple courtyard like a response to verses 1 and 2. 

Let’s explore.

Thank GOD through Joyful Service.

Let’s read Psalm 100:1-2:

1 Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

The Psalmist begins with a triumphant shout of victory over an enemy. Spiritual battles have been fought and the person fighting those battles sees victory in GOD. Those who shout this victory cry have placed their full confidence and reliance upon GOD and HIS sovereignty. It is a shout of knowing that GOD is truth and victory over all. GOD is faithful, trustworthy, eternal and unchanging. The key is that this naturally flows from the heart of those who truly know GOD.

The Psalmist begins verse 2 with the word Serve. We can shout praises of thanksgiving and to know GOD intellectually but we need to put our faith and words into action by obediently serving GOD as HE leads us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians are to serve the Lord with gladness. Gladness comes from the heart. Gladness comes from the security of knowing that GOD is sovereign and is in charge of all things. It is all about trust, which comes from the heart. Trust comes from building a dynamic, personal, intimate relationship with GOD. Since the passion of CHRIST, when we are in right relationship with GOD through CHRIST, then we can naturally come into the very presence of GOD with gladness and joyful songs.  

Let’s read Psalm 100:3-5:

3 Acknowledge that • Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His — His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

The Psalmist stated that it was important to acknowledge the one true covenant GOD, Yahweh. There is no room for Christians to compromise in their relationship with GOD. HE made us and HE chose all people to have a personal relationship with HIM but all must, in turn, choose HIM.

In the Old Testament, GOD chose the Israelites to be HIS people and for them to be a witness to all nations, the world. GOD made a covenant for the Israelites to consider after they had experienced HIM, as HE, through Moses, led them out of Egyptian slavery.  HE revealed HIS presence through their journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai. HE prepared HIS covenant for them to consider and had Moses to reveal the covenant to them, which he did. The Israelites accepted GOD’S covenant as recorded in Exodus 19:3-13:

3 Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob, and explain to the Israelites: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Me. 5 Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine, 6 and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.” 7 After Moses came back, he summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 Then all the people responded together, “We will do all that the Lord has spoken.” So Moses brought the people’s words back to the Lord. 9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you and will always believe you.” Then Moses reported the people’s words to the Lord. 10 And the Lord told Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes 11 and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put boundaries for the people all around the mountain and say: Be careful that you don’t go up on the mountain or touch its base. Anyone who touches the mountain will be put to death. 13 No hand may touch him; instead he will be stoned or shot with arrows. No animal or man will live. When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they may go up the mountain.”

Our last week’s lesson was on Jacob. Some 400 years have passed and the Israelites were in slavery in Egypt. GOD is eternal and keeps HIS covenant. HE is not fickle but is trustworthy. GOD heard the cry of the Israelites. GOD called Moses to deliver HIS chosen people from Egyptian slavery. HE called Moses, while he was shepherding sheep on Mount Sinai to be HIS representative for HIM to deliver the Israelites from slavery. Moses grew up in Egypt and in the confines of Pharaoh’s palace. After GOD had delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, HE led them back to the very place that HE had called Moses to go to Egypt as HIS spokesperson.

Now, that part of GOD’S plan had been successfully accomplished. GOD had proven Himself to both Moses and the Israelites. All the Israelites had seen the mighty hand of GOD working in their behalf and brought them safely out of slavery to Mount Sinai (Mount Horeb). GOD’S desire was to build a personal relationship with them. HE had a plan for their existence as HIS special people through whom the Messiah would come to earth, be born and live as 100% human, yet 100% divine. Notice verses 5 and 6. GOD had chosen them. HE stated the criteria for them, if they chose to be HIS people. Moses relayed the words GOD spoken to him to the people and they agreed. Moses returned to GOD confirming that the Israelites agreed to the provisions of HIS covenant.

Once they agreed, GOD gave Moses specific instructions for the people to follow in order to hear HIM and experience HIS presence as Moses had experienced HIM. GOD’S desire was to confirm HIS existence to HIS chosen. GOD still confirms HIS presence to those who accept CHRIST as their Savior by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

GOD placed specific criteria for the people to follow and obey for them to approach HIM because GOD is pure and Holy. The penalty for sin had not been paid in full. The Israelites were being introduced to the one true GOD Who Moses had been talking to and obediently serving in their behalf. GOD’S desire was to confirm HIS reality to the Israelites. HE did not want them to blindly follow HIM without knowing HIS true existence and presence. HE is real but Holy.

Since the passion of JESUS, the barrier of sin has been removed between GOD and mankind for all who place their faith in CHRIST. 

Notice in verse 11. “and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” WOW!!! GOD’S desire was to come into the presence of the Israelites on the third day. JESUS was resurrected on the third day as proof that HE paid in full the penalty for sin. Paying, in full, the penalty for sin opened the path for CHRIST to come into the hearts and lives of all who will accept HIM by faith. CHRIST willingly came to earth to live as a human, to give HIS life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin and opened the path to GOD. JESUS said it best in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

On Mount Sinai, GOD placed boundaries for how close HIS chosen people could get to HIM. The good news, for those who accept CHRIST as their Savior, is that there are no boundaries. The shed blood of the perfect sacrificial Lamb, CHRIST, cleanses all who place their faith in HIM of their past, present and future sins. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:21:

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

Hebrews 4:14-16:

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens —Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

CHRIST’S shed blood cleanses those who place their faith in CHRIST such that they can come boldly into the presence of GOD and call HIM Daddy. The Apostle Paul stated in Romans 8:15-16:

15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “ • Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

In Ephesians 1:4:

4 For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love.

All people have been chosen by GOD to be HIS eternal children but all must choose whether or not to accept HIS gift of CHRIST as their Savior and HIS unlimited Grace. It is GOD’S part to reveal HIS presence to all people in the world. It is the Christian’s opportunity to reach out to all to whom the Holy Spirit leads them with the message GOD places upon their heart. Christians are the agents of GOD as HE gives them opportunity. Will we respond or remain silent?

We may think that we are inadequate to reach out to others. We must keep in our minds that only GOD saves. That is why it is important that Christians respond as the Holy Spirit prompts and gives them opportunity. We may plant a seed, water, encourage, fertilize, minster to needs of all kinds as GOD knows our ability and experience, be a sweet fragrance to those who seek salvation or be a foul smell to others who reject CHRIST* and the list is endless.

*2 Corinthians 2:14-16: 

14 But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life.

The writer of Psalm 100 expressed his heart knowledge of GOD.

Let’s read Psalm 100:5:

5 For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.

This is a summary of the true nature and character of GOD through the words of the Psalmist. GOD can be trusted. HE is faithful, HE is eternal and HIS love is steadfast, unending and unchanging. HE can be depended upon to keep HIS covenant. JESUS established a new covenant when HE instituted what Christians refer to as The Lord’s Supper as recorded in Luke 22:19-20:

19 And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant established by My blood; it is shed for you.

These are wonderful words but how can we know that they are true?

HE gives to all Christians, HIS children, the indwelling Holy Spirit as a guarantee and assurance that they are secure in CHRIST. Let’s review some of the scriptures of GOD’S assurance to those who place their faith in CHRIST:

2 Corinthians 5:5:

5 And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

2 Corinthians 1:22:

22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13-14:

13 When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 14 He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 4:30:

30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of •redemption.

Romans 8:16:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

1 John 5:11-14:

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

We must keep in mind that we were not made for time but for eternity. All humans will die and enter eternity. Those without CHRIST will be judged but those who have placed their faith in CHRIST will not be judged. JESUS said it best in John 5:21:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

What a heritage Christians have in CHRIST while they live upon earth because CHRIST came to give those who place their faith in HIM an abundant life as stated by the Apostle John in John 10:10:

10 A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

When we consider what GOD has done for all who place their faith in CHRIST and what CHRIST did voluntarily for those who place their faith in HIM, Christians have much to celebrate. When Christians realize, comprehend and understand what CHRIST did for them, it comes naturally for them to respond with praises and expressions of thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, both physically and Spiritually. Blessings!!!  

Bible Study - Relationships Collide - The Big Picture - Genesis 37:1-28 and 50:15-21 - November 17, 2013

Bible Study – Relationships Collide – The Big Picture – November 17, 2013

This is lesson six in our series entitled “When Relationships Collide.”

Our scripture is Genesis 37:5-8, 26-28; 50:15-21.

GOD works in mysterious ways. It is tough going through the dark times in our lives when all seems to be going wrong. Yet, it seems that GOD’S hand is involved in our lives. In our lesson this week, we see the hand of GOD at work in the life of Joseph. Many of us know that historical event well because Joseph is known for having a coat of many colors, which escalated a problem with his siblings.

There is a lot of history in our study which can be found in Genesis Chapters 25-50. We need to begin with Jacob who is the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob and Esau were twins.  Esau was the first born and was the right heir to the blessings from his father, Isaac. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of stew because he was hungry. When Isaac was old and it was time for him to pass along his blessings, Jacob and his mother, Rebekah, deceived Jacob’s father, Isaac. They tricked Isaac into giving his blessing to Jacob rather than to Esau. Esau was very angry with Jacob and Jacob fled to live with his mother’s uncle, Laban. Jacob was married to Leah and Rachel, his cousins. Jacob sired eleven children with four women – 2 were his wives and 2 were the maidservants of each wife:

Jacob – Leah’s Maidservant – Zilpah birthed - Gad and Asher

-         Leah – Reuben, Simeon, [Levi]*, Judah,  Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah (Only Daughter)

-         Rachel – [Joseph]*, Benjamin

-         Rachel’s Maidservant – Bilhah birthed – Dan, Naphtali.

*Replaced by Joseph’s two sons Manasseh and Ephraim.

We need to keep in mind that GOD changed Jacob’s name to “Israel” after he flees from his father-in-law, Laban and prepares to meet with his estranged brother, Esau. It was during the night before Jacob was to meet with Esau that he wrestled with GOD and GOD changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Now let’s focus on the first born son of Rachel, Joseph. Jacob made no bones about it, Joseph was his favorite son.

Put yourself into Joseph’s shoes as we study the history of his life. He was 17 years old when this part of his life was recorded. He was in the dark regarding GOD’S ultimate plan for his life until near the end of his life. Yet, GOD had revealed some possibilities through two dreams. Joseph was raised to honor GOD. He had to trust that GOD would take care of him regardless of the circumstances surrounding him. Joseph’s story is an encouragement to us when we going through troubling times. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Genesis 37:1-8:

1 Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. 2 These are the family records of Jacob. At 17 years of age, Joseph tended sheep with his brothers. The young man was working with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought a bad report about them to their father.

The sons of Bilhah were Dan, Naphtali and the sons of Zilpah were Gad and Asher. The sons were the offspring from the maidservants or Joseph’s half-brothers. Joseph brought a bad report about them to Jacob. This added fuel to an already troubled relationship. Nobody likes a tattletale. This just made bad matters worse.

3 Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a robe of many colors for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him.

Sibling rivalry is a bad thing, especially when it is obvious that the parent or parents favor a certain child over the other children. In the case of Joseph, the other siblings knew that Jacob favored Joseph when he gave him a robe of many colors. They hated him and their hatred of him was obvious every time they spoke to Joseph. You can almost hear their snide remarks and sharp criticisms of everything he attempted to do.

 5 Then Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: 7 There we were, binding sheaves of grain in the field. Suddenly my sheaf stood up, and your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 “Are you really going to reign over us?” his brothers asked him. “Are you really going to rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and what he had said. 9 Then he had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun, moon, and 11 stars were bowing down to me.” 10 He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him. “What kind of dream is this that you have had?” he said. “Are your mother and brothers and I going to come and bow down to the ground before you?” 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Dreams in that day were often GOD’S way of revealing matters which were coming to pass. Joseph had not one but two such dreams. The first dream revealed that his brothers would bow down to him and the second dream revealed that the entire family would bow down to him. These dreams angered Joseph’s siblings even more.  Joseph’s father tried to defuse the matter by not taking the dreams seriously but he kept the dreams in his mind.

If Joseph had kept his dreams to himself, he would not have made matters worse but he didn’t. Was Joseph using his dreams as an opportunity to get back at his brothers who were treating him badly such as “Just wait and see one day I will be in a position such that you all will honor me!” We don’t know but GOD wanted all who read the account of Joseph to know that HE is in charge of our lives no matter what the circumstances surrounding us may be. We know that Joseph trusted GOD and the understanding and interpretation of dreams was an important gift that GOD used in Joseph’s life. But Joseph had an immature attitude and was a braggart. GOD needed to do a work in his life so HE could use him for HIS plan and purpose. Does that ring a bell in our lives?

Christians need to keep that in mind. We can all get too big for our britches so-to-speak, meaning that we have the wrong kind of pride. GOD needs to rein us in so that HE can use us. That is no fun until we realize, often in retrospect, GOD was leading and guiding our lives all the time to accomplish HIS plan and purpose.

FATHER, clear the obscurities in our lives and reveal your plan and purpose to us as we struggle with and through the matters of life. Then help us to be the clay in Your hands to be molded into the Christians You desire for us to become.

Joseph Sold into Slavery

12 His brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem. 13 Israel (Jacob) said to Joseph, “Your brothers, you know, are pasturing the flocks at Shechem. Get ready. I’m sending you to them.” “I’m ready,” Joseph replied. 14 Then Israel said to him, “Go and see how your brothers and the flocks are doing, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem. 15 A man found him there, wandering in the field, and asked him, “What are you looking for?” 16 “I’m looking for my brothers,” Joseph said. “Can you tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” 17 “They’ve moved on from here,” the man said. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

At his father’s request, Joseph set out to find his brothers. Jacob and his family lived in Hebron and Joseph had to travel to Shechem some 50-60 miles away. When he arrived in Shechem he was looking for his brothers when a man told him that they relocated to Dothan, some 15-20 miles further and was along a major trade route to Egypt.

GOD positions HIS children such that they can fulfill HIS plans and purpose. In our next scripture, we see those who had to “step in” for GOD’S plan and purpose to be accomplished. Stepping in to a situation takes courage and the wisdom of GOD. Let’s continue.

18 They saw him (Joseph) in the distance, and before he had reached them, they plotted to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes that dreamer! 20 Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal ate him. Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” 21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from them. He said, “Let’s not take his life.” 22 Reuben also said to them, “Don’t shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him”—intending to rescue him from their hands and return him to his father. 23 When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped off his robe, the robe of many colors that he had on. 24 Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

Joseph was wearing his special coat of many colors when he located his brothers. Why was he wearing the coat that sparked animosity among his siblings? It reveals Joseph’s nature. GOD allows us to do some not so smart things when HE has a plan and purpose for us but our nature places us in the position HE wants us to be in. Joseph’s nature was interfering with his judgment.

Joseph’s brothers referred to him as “the dreamer.” They wanted to kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Reuben, the eldest son of Leah, came up with a plan to throw him into this pit. Reuben being the eldest was likely in charge of the group. Remember that Joseph had given a bad report to Jacob regarding the sons of the 2 maidservants. That would make Reuben the eldest trusted, first born of Leah, responsible for what happened while they were grazing the sheep. I think the reference to “this pit” meant that he wanted them to place him in that specific pit so he could come back later, rescue him and return him to Jacob.

They stripped Joseph of his special coat of many colors and threw him into the pit. The pit was a cistern which was bottle shaped. It was wide at the bottom and formed a neck or narrow opening at the top. Fortunately, the pit was empty. It would have been impossible for Joseph to climb out without help. Our next scripture reveals that his brothers had no remorse about what they had just done to Joseph.

25 Then they sat down to eat a meal. They looked up, and there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balsam, and resin, going down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh,” and they agreed. 28 When Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph to Egypt.

The brothers who threw Joseph into the pit, sat down to eat. They did not consider that Joseph had walked so far, found them and likely had not eaten. This reveals their callous hearts.

They were near a major trade route, which was likely the reason for all the pits. Only GOD can work out perfect timing. In GOD’S plans there is no such thing as a coincident, it is divine appointment. The brothers looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming along on their way to Egypt. Judah the fourth son of Leah came up with the idea to sell Joseph and make some money rather than killing him. As a side note, JESUS linage goes through Judah. The brothers involved agreed and sold him to a group traveling with the Ishmaelites, referred to as Midianite traders for 20 pieces of silver. Joseph was on his way to Egypt.

29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. 30 He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” 31 So they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. 32 They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it. Is it your son’s robe or not?” 33 His father recognized it. “It is my son’s robe,” he said. “A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has been torn to pieces!” 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put • sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to • Sheol to my son, mourning.” And his father wept for him. 36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard.

As stated earlier, Reuben was the trusted eldest sibling in charge of the family shepherding group. It is not clear where he was while Joseph was being sold to the Midianite traders. It seems that the group left because Reuben came back to free Joseph. That is when he learned that they had sold him to a passing caravan. Reuben was very upset and tore his clothes. He was likely relieved that they had not killed Joseph. He knew that Joseph was the favored son of Jacob and realized that he was in deep trouble. So they devised a plan to kill a goat and apply the blood of the goat to Joseph’s coat of many colors. They sent the coat to Jacob for him to identify. Of course, as soon as Jacob saw the coat he knew that it belonged to Joseph. Jacob knew that wild animals roamed the areas where sheep grazed and immediately concluded that a wild animal had killed Joseph. That was exactly what the brothers wanted their father to conclude. They did not have to tell a lie or the truth.

As any parent would do, Jacob broke down and grieved bitterly for Joseph. Jacob’s family tried to comfort Jacob but Jacob was distraught and could not be comforted. This was a very dark time for Jacob and a test of his faith to GOD. The Biblical account then switches to Joseph.

Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard in Egypt.

Joseph’s life took many turns in Egypt which at times looked dire but GOD was guiding him to the exact spot HE wanted him to be in at the exact time.

I encourage those who do not know the Biblical history of Joseph to read the account found in Genesis Chapters 25-50. Here is a very quick overview and much abbreviated, loose account.

Genesis 39 - As stated Joseph was sold to Potiphar and Joseph proved to be an exemplary servant. Potiphar eventually placed him in charge of his household, except the preparation of food. Joseph was handsome and well built. Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to have sex with her but he refused. She made up a false story about Joseph attempting to rape her, which was a lie, but it landed Joseph in prison. The fact that Potiphar did not either kill or have Joseph killed indicates to me that Potiphar likely knew the true account. But it was GOD’S way of getting Joseph into prison in order for Joseph to fulfill HIS plan and purpose.

Genesis 40 - In prison Joseph came in contact with Pharaoh’s baker and cupbearer or wine steward/cupbearer. Both the baker and the cupbearer had dreams relative to them, which Joseph interpreted for them. As Joseph had interpreted in the baker’s dream, the baker was hung and the wine steward was released from prison and returned to his position for Pharaoh. Joseph had requested the wine steward to put in a good word to Pharaoh in his behalf.

Genesis 41 - The wine steward/cupbearer forgot about Joseph’s request until Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret. The wine steward recalled Joseph interpreting his dream and he told this to Pharaoh. Joseph was summoned by Pharaoh. Pharaoh told Joseph about his dream and Joseph interpreted it. As a result Pharaoh made Joseph second in command in Egypt.

Genesis 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 – As GOD had revealed to Joseph through the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, a wide spread famine came to the land. Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt and sent his sons to Egypt to purchase grain. Joseph recognized his siblings but they did not recognize him. He tantalized them until he could not hold back any longer. Finally, he told them that he was Joseph, their brother, who they had sold into slavery. His brothers were frightened. Since he was second in command they knew that he could have them killed or thrown into prison. Instead he welcomed them and Jacob’s entire family relocated to Egypt. Later, others came to Egypt.

Genesis 48 – Jacob blessed Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Genesis 49 – When Jacob blessed his sons, he included Joseph and Levi. The twelve tribes of Israel with defined territory exclude Joseph and Levi as heads of tribes but include the two sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Let’s read Genesis 50:15-21: (Jacob, the patriarch dies. Joseph’s brothers’ security has been removed. What will Joseph do to them now? Joseph’s dream fulfilled.)

Joseph’s Kindness

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us; he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.” 16 So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: 17 ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.’ Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him. 18 Then his brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. 21 Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

This is the heart of the story. Joseph told his brothers that they meant what they had done to him for harm but GOD meant it for good. GOD used Joseph to save the lives of many people.

It is tough to see the hand of GOD at work in our lives when we are going through difficult times. It is during the dark times in our lives that we have to trust, when we know that we have not committed sin. Often, when we look back at our lives we see the hand of GOD working in our lives for us to see the "Big Picture". As Christians, we must trust in the dark what we learn in the light. Trust is critical and trust is developed through a personal, intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Proverbs 3:5 and 6 are worth memorizing:

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV) (I learned these verses in the King James Version and it still reads best for me. But choose the version which speaks to you.)

Here these verses are in the New English Version:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

GOD has a plan for your life. Step one, if you have not already done so, is to accept CHRIST as your Savior. Ask HIM to forgive you for your sins, believe that HE gave HIS life for you in order to pay, in full, the penalty for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. HE will and you will experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. At that instant you become a child of GOD and receive eternal life. That relationship will never change. Salvation is ground zero and the beginning of your new life in CHRIST. It will not be easy but the indwelling Holy Spirit will teach, enlighten, empower, and direct you to the degree you will allow HIM. There is so much more, which you will realize as you walk with CHRIST, study, talk to HIM (Prayer) and build a personal, intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST. CHRIST’S desire is for HIM to be your very best friend. That means trusting HIM and not holding back on your most secret thoughts, temptations, desires and needs.  Blessings!!!