Bible Study - Glue (6) - Stick with Acceptance - Romans 14:1-4, 13-19 - May 31, 2015

Bible Study – Glue (6) – Stick with Acceptance – May 31, 2015

This is lesson six (6) and final lesson in our series entitled “Like Glue: Making Your Relationships Stick.”

Our focus scripture is Romans 14:1-4, 13-19.

Strong relationships are not hindered by difference of opinion.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome about 57 A.D. Paul had never visited the church members in Rome but planned to visit them on his way to Spain. It is believed that the Christian church in Rome began after Pentecost as we read in Acts 2:

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different • languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. 5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and • Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and • proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages.”

In Romans Chapter 13, the Apostle Paul admonished Christians to love one another as revealed by their actions. In Chapter 14, Paul raised an issue of concern regarding their church body. Some Christians had the belief that under grace they were free from the strict Jewish regulations for eating or not eating certain foods. There were other Christians, likely coming from pagan backgrounds, thought it wrong to eat meat because the meat may have been part of pagan worship. In pagan worship, they used only certain parts of the animal for sacrifice and the other parts, not used, were sold at steep discounts in the market place. Thus, there were two camps of Christians classified as strong and weak. When this happens in a church unity is not achieved and unity is a must when obediently serving GOD. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Romans 14:1-4:

1 Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, but one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does, because God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to criticize another’s household slave? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand. For the Lord is able to make him stand.

Although not specifically stated, there is a presumption, based upon what Paul’s wrote in verse one, that those strong in faith, implied, were to “accept anyone who was weak in faith.” The premise was that the strong should focus on being patient and to be examples to those weak in faith until the weak became strong in their faith.

Opinions ran two ways. There were the Jews who had been taught the Jewish dietary rules, thus these Jews found it hard not to continue them in light of their new found faith in CHRIST. There were those coming from the Gentile or pagan side who wanted to distance themselves from their pagan way of life. Then there were Christians who embraced their freedom in CHRIST as led by the Holy Spirit.

Paul used the example of whether or not to eat meat. For whatever reason some Christians thought it was wrong for them to eat meat. Such a position likely came from the fact that the pagan temples offered sacrifices to their gods and that the leftover meat was sold in the market place at a discount. Some Christians bought that meat and thought, “what a bargain.” Others thought it was wrong to support the pagans by buying their meat. If a Christian ate any meat others would not know whether or not that meat had been used for pagan worship, therefore, to avoid sending the wrong message, they avoided meat. Others might think, so what if it was used for pagan worship, it is just meat because pagan worship is phony and useless and does not taint the meat. Thus, this was a serious issue that could break Christian unity and purpose in the church body.

Paul admonished them that neither group should look down on the other group because both groups were Christians. Paul tied them together with the statement in verse 4 “Who are you to criticize another’s household slave? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand. For the Lord is able to make him stand.”

The reference to “household slave” does not refer to a bond servant. The “household slave” was a servant who had the special status of, in essence, being a member of the master’s family or having the highest status in the category of slaves. Christians have been bought with the price of the shed blood of CHRIST and therefore they are members of GOD’S family. They are accountable to GOD and under the authority of GOD. Christians are to be obedient to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

It is the LORD who is our strength and HE hones us through the process of sanctification. Those who are weak will be made strong and those who are strong will be confirmed in their stand while not judging others. Christians are to live in harmony and unity with each other. Bickering sends the wrong message and divides. When Christians disagree, they must come together to agree or agree to disagree and move on with GOD’S business. Often, Christians focus on petty things that have nothing to do with the fundamentals of the Gospel of CHRIST. But what are Christians to do when the fundamentals of the Gospel of CHRIST are compromised?

Let’s read Romans 14:13-15:

13 Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way. 14 (I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is • unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean.) 15 For if your brother is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer • walking according to love. Do not destroy that one Christ died for by what you eat.

Stronger Christians are to be sensitive to the weaker Christians. Stronger Christians are not to flaunt their freedom to do or eat certain things weaker Christians avoid. What could that include today? But does this include foundational issues such as marriage, adultery, murder, homosexuality, stealing and the list goes on. The key is to love the sinner but hate the sin.

In today’s society is sin being redefined? We must keep in mind it is not our definition of sin but GOD’S definition of sin because every human will be judged according to HIS definition of sin. Just because everyone is doing a certain thing or turns a blind eye to it does not make it correct. What does GOD’S Word, the Holy Bible, have to say about certain issues? Not only will our churches be held accountable to GOD but so will our nation.

GOD’S Word is very clear on a number of issues all Christians face in today’s society. The true Spiritual body of believers must stand firm even in persecution.

Let’s read Romans 14:16-19:

16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.

Don’t let your Christian witness be compromised by taking such strong stands on issues that are personal choices. But instead focus on the big picture of living as GOD desires for you by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you every moment.

When Christians allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them, they are focusing on the will and purpose of GOD. Christians are to focus on building up the Spiritual body of believers.

Positions on various issues have resulted in a number of Christian denominations emerging over the years e.g. sprinkle or immerse in baptism; sprinkling, christening or dedication of children; the use of alcohol, tobacco or marijuana; observing the LORD’S Supper; type of music in worship; use or non-use of musical instruments or certain musical instruments; certain rituals and the list goes on. Most, if not all, of these are debatable and are opinions.

What is the core issue?

Have you asked CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and asked HIM to come into your heart? CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian. But by me stating these words, some reading this may disagree. Christians debated this issue in the early church as we read in Ephesians 2:8-9:

8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

In Galatians 2:15-21, we read:

15 We who are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners” 16 know that no one is • justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. 17 But if we ourselves are also found to be “sinners” while seeking to be justified by Christ, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild the system I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

To me, the key is building our relationship with CHRIST such that the Holy Spirit leads and guides us. Serving the LORD JESUS is not about what we want but what GOD desires for us according to HIS plan and purpose. This may require us to reconsider our lifestyles. We are to be in relationship with the LORD JESUS such that that our lives are being led by HIM. We no longer have the mind of the flesh but we have the mind of CHRIST accomplished by and through the renewing of our minds, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, as we obediently serve our LORD.

The Apostle Paul stated it well above in verse 20 “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Such a transformation comes about naturally through the process of sanctification as we build our relationship with GOD through CHRIST as guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

All Christians are in fulltime ministry, even though, some may have secular careers.  

2 Corinthians 2:14-17:

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. And who is competent for this? 17 For we are not like the many who market God’s message for profit. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

This is the final lesson in our series “Like Glue: Making Relationships Stick.” We have explored sticking with love, encouragement, forgiveness, service, humility and acceptance. Life can get complicated. We are living in a world where Christian values are being challenged and we remain silent. Why? Is it because Christians are uncertain of the truth? Seeking truth comes with studying the Bible and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us. Have Christians marketed GOD as they think HE should be or as HE is? GOD is love but also the GOD of wrath. HIS love for all is captured in John 3:16-21:

16 “For God loved the world •in this way: He gave His •One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. 19 “This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

Seek truth and live truth as empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. When you fail, confess it, repent, and keep on going. Christians are not perfect just forgiven. The goal of GOD is for every Christian to be made in the image of CHRIST. We are works in progress! All Christians are “sinners saved by grace” and are being perfected in the crucible of life. Blessings!!!

Bible Study – Glue (5) – Stick with Humility – May 24, 2015

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Like Glue: Making Your Relationships Stick."

Our focus scripture is Philippians 2:1-5, 13-15.

Humbly place the needs of others before your own.

On Paul’s second missionary journey, the LORD called the Apostle Paul and his team to go to Philippi, as we read in Acts 16:6-15:

6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in • Asia. 7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, bypassing Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 During the night a vision appeared to Paul: A Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to evangelize them.

Lydia’s Conversion

11 Then, setting sail from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, a Roman colony, which is a leading city of that district of Macedonia. We stayed in that city for a number of days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we thought there was a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. 14 A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was spoken by Paul. 15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Notice that the Holy Spirit prevented them from going in one direction to guide them to an area in need of the Gospel of CHRIST at that moment in time (opportunity). Humility gives us the ability to flex and not seek our will but to do the will of the Father as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke, it is believed that Doctor Luke joined them on their journey and made up the missionary team.

Philippi was an important city in the region of Macedonia (northern Greece today). It was about 10 miles from the Aegean Sea. It was named for Philip II, Alexander the Greats father. Octavian (Augustus) made Philippi a Roman colony for retired Roman soldiers and gave those who occupied the city full Roman citizenship.

It was on Paul’s first visit to Philippi that he established the first church in Macedonia. Lydia was the first convert to Christianity in that area. She had the gift of hospitality and insisted that Paul and his team come to her house.  

Paul’s letter to the Philippians was a letter of love and affection, which focused on humility and unity for the Christians to focus on the needs of others. Do you think that it being a retirement center for Roman soldiers was one of the reasons for the need for Paul to focus on humility?

Philippians 1:21-30: (Lead-in to our focus scripture)

Living Is Christ

21 For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance —and this is from God. 29 For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

The Apostle Paul admonished the Christians in Philippi to reflect on what CHRIST had given them by HIS faithful obedience and what such a great inheritance awaited them through their faithful, obedience to GOD. I think Paul had a glimpse of what awaited Christians when they leave earth and enter Heaven. There was the great joy of obediently serving GOD while they still remained upon earth.

As you recall, it is believed that Paul died and went to the third heaven as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:2-5:

2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know, God knows. 3 I know that this man —whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know, God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise. He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak. 5 I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.

Paul knew what heaven would be like when he departed his earthly body. He struggled with whether he wanted to leave his earthly body and be present with the LORD or remain upon earth to do the will of the LORD. He chose to minister, as led by the Holy Spirit, because he knew and had experienced truth in being a Christian. He challenged fellow Christians to stay the course because what awaited them was beyond the comprehension of the human mind.

Let’s read Philippians 2:1-4:

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

In verse one, “If” can be read as “since” or “assuming that” in each place where “if” is used. Paul was confirming that “since” there was:

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     Encouragement in CHRIST – The word “encouragement” is translated from the Greek word related to the word “paraklesis” used for the Holy Spirit. It carries the idea of solace, peace and comfort resulting from CHRIST coming along your side in times of need.

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    Consolation of love – The word “consolation” also carries the idea of comfort. Such consolation comes from the love of GOD through your relationship with CHRIST.

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         Fellowship with the Spirit – The word “fellowship” comes from the Greek word “koinonia” and carries the idea of intimate communication, communion and participation. It is about an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is “knowing” the presence of GOD within you.

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   Affection and mercy – Affection and mercy come from the core of a person as brought about by the renewing of the mind as a Christian’s obedient walk with CHRIST. Some translations translate “affection and mercy” as “tenderness and compassion”, “affection and sympathy” and “bowels and mercies.” These traits come from the very depths of our hearts or being which reflect the work of GOD in our lives.

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       Fulfill – Fulfill means to make complete. When these attributes which Paul listed are present in a person they reveal that the Holy Spirit is active in his or her life which brings about this completion and results in an unspeakable “joy.” Such “joy” comes from the unity of Spirit, with singleness of purpose in obediently serving CHRIST and focusing on one common goal. The goal is not stated but when there is unity then the goal would be mutual.

When these various attributes come together in Christians, there is unity and harmony of purpose. There is no rivalry or conceit but humility. Humility carries the idea of not thinking more highly of one’s self than he or she should. Humility is “lowness of mind.” It is not a person going around with a dark cloud hanging over his or her head. Humility comes about when a Christian realizes and understands his or her relationship with CHRIST and places others before him or herself. This comes about through sanctification. To “consider others” is to “deem” or “count” others as more important than ourselves. This comes from knowing that you are secure in CHRIST and are confident of your relationship in CHRIST. Such an attitude comes about naturally from the internal working of the Holy Spirit. Such a manufactured attitude is unfulfilling and does not produce “joy.”

Christians are to look beyond their own interest “but also for the interest of others.” This is not neglecting our interest but looking beyond our interest to the interest of others as led by the Holy Spirit.

This includes, if we see a person about to do something that will lead him or her into trouble, we are to try to give him or her wise counsel. That can be a ticklish area and needs prayer for the opportunity to counsel. This is where we have to trust, when the LORD reveals the need, HE will provide the opportunity.  We must look for it.

How is that possible?

Let’s read Philippians 2:5: Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,

How does a Christian “make his or her attitude that of CHRIST?”

The goal of GOD is for every Christian to be made in the image of CHRIST. 

Romans 8:29:

29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

Every Christian has the opportunity to have the attitude of CHRIST but it is a process of yielding his or her will to GOD. Salvation is just the beginning step in the process of obediently serving GOD and that is the process of sanctification. Christians are called, at the moment of salvation, to obediently serve GOD but Christians are free to choose.  As we grow and mature Spiritually in CHRIST through the renewing of our minds, as brought about by the work of the Holy Spirit, we are being made more like CHRIST.

As stated several times in this series, JESUS never did or said anything unless HIS Father revealed it to HIM. That is the attitude and mindset of CHRIST. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:12-16:

12 Now we have not received the spirit of the • world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. 14 But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually. 15 The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. 16 For who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Christians have the mind of CHRIST but will we use it? Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to all truth by being obedient to HIM in every aspect of your life. 

Proverbs 3:5-6:

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. (King James Version)

In order to trust the LORD we must yield and trust HIM. Through our journey with HIM we build an intimate, personal, trusting relationship with HIM. We replace our mind of flesh with the mind of CHRIST.

Let’s read Philippians 2:13-15:

13 For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. 16 Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.

Having the mind and attitude of CHRIST allows Christians to obediently function according to GOD’S plan and desire. When they allow GOD to work through them they see the handiwork of GOD being manifested. Living life upon earth is not easy but when Christians see GOD working through them it brings joy and purpose to their lives. The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20:

20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

CHRIST is the reality of things to come rejoice in that fact, as we obediently serve HIM. Unity of purpose! Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Glue (4) - Stick with Service - Galatians 5:13-15; 6:1-5, 10 - May 17, 2015

Bible Study – Glue (4) – Stick with Service – May 17, 2015

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Like Glue: Make Relationships Stick.”

Our focus scripture is Galatians 5:13-15; 6:1-5, 10.

Seize the opportunity to serve.

Today how do we view service in the world and in the church? How often do we walk into a business and employees are talking to each other or texting and ignoring the customer? As members of a church do we as church members reach out to visitors, the community around us and within our congregation with an attitude of service? As Christians, do we serve as the result of our relationship with CHRIST with a loving attitude or out of necessity or begrudgingly?

Consider the attitude of the conscientious employee versus the employee who is just filling a spot and the Christian who is obedient to the calling of CHRIST versus a Christian in name only.  A person whose desire is to serve seeks the opportunity to serve and is vigilant.

JESUS came to earth to serve. HE did not do HIS will but HE did the will of HIS Father. HE set the example of obedient service for all Christians.

The key is for Christians to look around to see where GOD is working and when they see GOD working it is their invitation to join HIM in HIS work. GOD opens the eyes of opportunity.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Galatia. After establishing the church in Galatia, Paul left but while he was gone the Judaizers came to Galatia. The Judaizers were Jewish Christians who taught that a person had to first become a Jew and obey the Mosaic Law and be circumcised before he could become a Christian. 

Paul was greatly concerned how the Gentile Christians were so easily duped into accepting the teaching of the Judaizers. The Judaizers taught that JESUS only came for the Jews, therefore, a person had to first become a Jew before he or she could become a Christian. This was an issue with the Gentiles.

Paul had taught that faith in CHRIST was all a person needed to become a Christian and he or she was free from the ritual of following the Mosaic Law. But Paul cautioned that although free from the dictates of the law they were not to follow the dictates of the flesh. Through their love relationship with CHRIST, they, in turn, would love their neighbor as themselves thus fulfilling the desires of GOD for their lives. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Galatians 5:13-15:

13 For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

Paul made it clear that Christians were called to freedom but not to be free to serve the flesh but to serve one another. When Christians have the attitude of loving others as they love themselves their attitude toward others will change. They will have unity and will not be hostile to others. They will see others as opportunities to obediently serve as led by the Holy Spirit.

How do we as Christians look at our neighbor? Some we love and adore but others?

Our love for others reflects our relationship with GOD through our relationship with CHRIST. If we consume one another then we cease to exist. So what is important? The Apostle addressed this in the following scriptures:

Galatians 6:13-15:

13 For even the circumcised don’t keep the law themselves; however, they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh. 14 But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The • world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world. 15 For both circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing; what matters instead is a new creation.

Romans 12:2:

2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Transformation into the image of CHRIST is to be the focus of all Christians.

Our focus scripture fast forwards to clarify how Christians are to deal with issues among the church body as we read our next scripture. Christians were not to allow fellow Christians to live like they wanted, even though they had freedom, but there were times when discipline was necessary.

Let’s read Galatians 6:1-5:

1 • Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. 5 For each person will have to carry his own load.

The Apostle Paul addresses fellow Christians by referring to them as “brothers.” If a fellow Christian was “caught” in any “wrongdoing,” those who were Spiritual should restore the perpetrator with a gentle Spirit. Christians must be held accountable by “those who are Spiritual” not the Spiritually blind.

Here we have several things:

-         The word “caught” can mean that the one caught was surprised that he or she ended up entangled in wrongdoing. It can also mean that someone suspected that a certain Christian was doing something wrong and a trap was set and it caught the Christian. The idea is not to catch the person to do him or her harm but to restore.

-         Wrongdoing captures the idea of either an unintentional or purposeful offense.

-         Restore carries the idea of counseling and helping the perpetrator bring the wrongdoing under his or her control.

-         A gentle Spirit. This Spiritual person is not to be judgmental but to focus on restoration as he or she seeks wisdom from GOD to counsel the perpetrator. Usually a person who has a gentle Spirit has been caught up in wrongdoing and gotten through it a much wiser person. Such a person has compassion for others and desires for the perpetrator to be restored. It captures the essence of “but for the grace of GOD there go I.” Just living in the world can teach us to avoid certain things in life; we don’t necessarily have to experience them.

-         Keeping a close eye on ourselves lest we be tempted to fall victim to temptation is critical. When the blind lead the blind both fall into the ditch. If the person trying to help another person is tempted, then he or she is little or no value to the person he or she is attempting to help. All Christians are sinners saved by “grace.” Christians are not to measure themselves using another Christian as their standard but the true measure and standard is CHRIST.

-         Carry carries the idea of “removal,” “to take up,” “endure,” to come along the side of the perpetrator with wise counsel and support. The purpose of being available to the perpetrator is to help lighten his or her load or burden. Often having someone to talk to helps relieve the struggles in dealing with situations.

-         Paul wrote that carrying one another’s burdens fulfills the “law of CHRIST. What is the “law of CHRIST?” CHRIST summed it up in Matthew 22:37-40: 37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important command. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” It is all about relationship. First, Christians must be in an intimate relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST. Such an intimate relationship produces unity because the Christian is intimate with the true vine, CHRIST, which produces fruit. The Christian is ready to serve because he or she realizes that GOD’S handiwork is flowing through him or her. Christians realize that the results they see being manifested, is not about them but they are about GOD’S plan and purpose being achieved.

-         The greatest danger of all is for the Christian coming to the aid of another person caught in wrongdoing is for the Spiritual person to pat him or herself on the back and think “I do not have that problem.” That is when the restorer must keep a very close eye on him or herself. A Christian should never become complacent or think he or she can never fall victim to sin or wrongdoing. That is when Christians are the most vulnerable.

-         Each Christian has his or her hands full just taking care of his or her burdens and often need help.

The Apostle Paul segue ways to application.

Let’s read Galatians 6:10:

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.

Seize the moment. Opportunities give Christians an entry point to become involved in the lives of others. Christians must work for the good of all, especially fellow Christians. But the statement “good for all” applies to all humans as GOD gives the opportunity but giving special attention to fellow Christians.

Working for the “good of all” is often a very tall order. It is doing the right thing when it comes to discipline and counsel but in a wise manner so as not to cause major harm in the true Spiritual body. Working for the “good of all” is doing so at the right moment in time. Christians are to seize the opportunity at that instant because the opportunity may never open up again.

Christians need to have such an intimate relationship with GOD that as they see HIM working, they are ready to seize the moment when the opportunity presents itself.

GOD’S desire is for every Christian to be made in the image of CHRIST. 

JESUS said that HE did or said only the things GOD told HIM to do or say. 

JESUS was intimate with GOD, HIS Father and that is why Christians must be intimate with GOD their Father through faith in CHRIST. As GOD speaks and shows us what HE is doing that puts us on alert to respond as HE gives opportunity. It is exciting to see GOD’S hand at work through us as HE leads us.

Once Christians have this experience, they must be careful not to rush headlong into situations which they need to wait upon the LORD. That knowledge comes with growing and maturing Spiritually through the process of sanctification. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Glue (3) - Stick with Forgiveness - Matthew 18:21-33 - May 10, 2015

Bible Study – Glue (3) – Stick with Forgiveness – May 10, 2-15

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Glue: Making Relationships Stick.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 18:21-28, 32-33.

Relationships grow deeper with forgiveness. It is easy to tell someone to forgive but often very difficult when it falls upon us to forgive.

Our lesson today focuses upon the forgiveness of an impossible debt for a person to pay. The debt was so large the person could never pay it in his lifetime under the best of circumstances. JESUS told about this debt using a parable, which JESUS intended for HIS followers to compare to the impossible sin debt they owe to GOD for their salvation.

JESUS often used parables for teaching Spiritual truths. Parables were being used before JESUS used them. 

One example is found in 2 Samuel 12:1-7:

1 So the Lord sent Nathan to David. When he arrived, he said to him: There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up, living with him and his children. It shared his meager food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man could not bring himself to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest. 5 David was infuriated with the man and said to Nathan: “As the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 Because he has done this thing and shown no pity, he must pay four lambs for that lamb.” 7 Nathan replied to David, “You are the man!

Parables are earthly examples used to help convey Spiritual truths. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Matthew 18:21-22:

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven.

JESUS had been teaching and preparing HIS disciples for HIS death, burial, resurrection and ascension. They would be the ones to help spread the Gospel of CHRIST.  They needed to know truth.

JESUS’ disciple, Peter, had a question regarding forgiveness. The teaching of the Jewish Rabbis regarding forgiveness was for a person to forgive a person up to three times with four being the upper limit. When Peter asked JESUS the question, he went beyond the three-four upper limits to seven times. In Jewish culture, the number seven was considered the perfect or complete number.  

JESUS went beyond Peter’s number of seven times to, as the scripture states, “but 70 times 7.” Some Bible scholars claim that the proper translation is “77 times.”

JESUS knew the Old Testament scriptures and some Bible scholars point out that JESUS may have used “77” in reference to the Old Testament reference regarding Lamech avenging anyone doing him wrong as found in Genesis 4:24:

24 If Cain is to be avenged seven times over, then for Lamech it will be seventy-seven times!

The idea JESUS was conveying was that HE wanted HIS disciples to have the opposite attitude of Lamech rather than seeking vengeance there is no limit when it comes to forgiveness as long as the person asks to be forgiven.  HIS disciples were to have a forgiving attitude and forgive and keep on forgiving.

JESUS set the example when HE spoke the words when HE hung on the cross as recorded in Luke 23:32:

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”

The idea was not to place a ceiling on the number of times to forgive but when a person genuinely repents of an offence and asks to be forgiven to forgive him or her. This attitude reflects the nature and character of GOD. In essence, when an offender is forgiven, the count is reset to zero. GOD forgives and forgets as recorded in Hebrews 10:11-17:

11 Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. 12 But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. 13 He is now waiting until His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. For after He says: 16 This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws on their hearts and write them on their minds, 17 He adds: I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts.

The key is for the person committing the offense to genuinely ask to be forgiven and when he or she is forgiven, the count is reset to zero. It is all about the heart. This in no way condones abuse.

JESUS immediately followed HIS statement to Peter with a parable to help elucidate this Spiritual principle.

In most parables when there was a reference to a king, the king referred to “GOD” and slaves or servants referred to those under the authority of GOD. In this parable, the use of the word “slave” renders the idea of a subordinate official in the king’s administration but Spiritually to all of mankind who owe a sin debt to GOD. 

Let’s read Matthew 18:23-27:

23 For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his • slaves. 24 When he began to settle accounts, one who owed 10,000 talents was brought before him. 25 Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. 26 “At this, the slave fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ 27 Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan.

Forgiveness is the hallmark of GOD’S love for mankind which JESUS willingly fulfilled when HE gave HIS life on the cross to pay the sin debt, in full, for all who place their faith in HIM. Those who reject JESUS will face GOD on judgment day and will be held accountable for their sin. The parable JESUS told was depicting judgment day and the need for every person to look objectively at his or her life and the fact that he or she will be held accountable for his or her debt of sin.

JESUS told of a king settling accounts among those accountable to him. The king calls for an audience with a slave who had great responsibility in his kingdom. This slave owed him an impossibly large debt to pay. The debt was 10,000 talents.

The talent was the highest known denomination of currency of that time period. It is interesting that “ten thousand” was the highest number for which the Greek language had a word. Ten thousand talents can be compared to the national debt of a country and this slave who owed it was a hired hand without the means to ever pay it off.

The king demanded payment or his wife, children along with everything the slave had accumulated would be sold to satisfy the debt. The slave fell upon his knees begging the king to be patient with him while he paid off his debt. It is obvious to the king that the slave could never pay off the debt, so the king takes pity on him and forgives him. Oh what a relief it is to be forgiven for something so impossible to ever pay or satisfy in full.

I am sure that slave left with a since of great relief and gratitude. But did it have a lasting effect on him? Let’s read on.

Let’s read Matthew 18:28-31 and 32-33:

28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 • denarii. He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’ 29 “At this, his fellow slave fell down and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he wasn’t willing. On the contrary, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed. 31 When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened.

You would think the slave who was forgiven would have looked differently on a person who owed him money. But did he?

What Spiritual truth is exposed in this parable? Does it reveal the hypocrisy in Christians who judge others?

It seems that since the king was having an accountability session, the forgiven slave thought he would have his own accountability session. He found a fellow slave who owed him 100 denarii. A “denarii” was a Roman silver coin and equivalent to a day’s wage. In comparison to 10,000 talents the 100 denarii could have been paid by working 100 days. But the forgiven slave grabbed this fellow slave and began chocking him.  Notice that the slave who owed 100 denarii began pleading with the slave to whom he owed the money using the same words “begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’”

But this fellow slave’s pleading fell on deaf ears and he was thrown into prison until he paid the debt.

Fellow slaves witnessed what had happened and they went straight to the king. We often do things without considering that others see our actions, which reveals our hypocrisy. So fellow slaves reported the actions of the forgiven slave to the king, as we read in our next scripture.  

32 “Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay everything that was owed. 35 So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart.”

The king summoned the forgiven slave. The king had forgiven him because he begged him and the king had compassion on him. But when the tables were turned, the forgiven slave’s fellow slave begged him to be patient with him; he had him thrown into prison. Of all people, those who have been forgiven of a debt they cannot pay should be merciful to those who owe them a debt. The king explained this principle to the slave.

The king turned him over to be tortured in prison until he paid his debt in full.

JESUS then turned the parable into a learning experience applicable to all people, especially Christians. Notice, forgiveness is not superficial but comes from the heart. That is, forgive and mean it.

Do you want to be forgiven and not face judgment? JESUS said it best in John 5:24:

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.

JESUS forgives all who place their faith in HIM because HIS shed blood paid in full their debt of sin which is impossible to be paid by human effort. Christians, in turn, need to show that same compassion to their fellow man when they are asked to forgive. They are also not to judge others. That is GOD’S business. Christians must keep in mind that they are all sinners saved by grace.

JESUS stated in the model prayer as recorded in Matthew 6:12:

12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

We are all sinners saved by grace and are in debt to GOD for our sins but to GOD be the glory, JESUS paid it all when HE gave HIS life upon the cross. How do we know that? GOD raised HIM from the dead as proof that HE conquered both sin and death for all who place their faith in HIM to have eternal life and to experience life upon earth more abundantly as JESUS stated in John 10:10:

I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Sunday is Mother’s Day and next month we celebrate Father’s Day. If you have not forgiven your parent or parents for something, consider doing that. Forgiveness is the best gift you can give them. This includes siblings, relatives, friends and others who you may need to forgive. All Christians have been forgiven of a debt they could never pay.

Blessings!!!