Bible Study

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

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Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

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

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Bible Study - Relationships (6) - Accept - Romans 14:1-4, 13-19 - May 31, 2020



Bible Study – Relationships (6) – Accept – May 31, 2020

This is our sixth and final lesson in our series entitled, “Dealing with Messy Relationships.”

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

Don’t let differences of opinion damage your relationships.

The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome. At that time Rome was the economic and political center of the world. It was a city of about one million people, half of whom were slaves. Paul wrote this in Corinth in the spring of 57 AD.

This lesson is where the rubber hits the road, so-to-speak. It deals with the uncertain areas in our journey as Christians through life. We know the Ten Commandments but how does a Christian respond to the issues they face along life’s journey – illicit sex, pornography, alcohol, healthy eating, exercise, recreational drugs, drugs, gambling, over eating and the list goes on. The issue our lesson focuses on is meat which had been offered to idols in pagan worship and sold in the pagan food market at a cheap price.
It was good meat but it had been used in pagan worship. Some Christians thought it was fine to purchase the meat and prepared it for consumption, after all it was cheap but other Christians believed it was wrong. Paul addressed this issue.

What issues do we face today, as Christians? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Romans 14:1-4:

14 Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables. One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able[a] to make him stand.

The Apostle Paul was instructing fellow Christians not to argue about issues that might be considered disputed matters. Paul used the word “weak,” which carries the idea of “sick,” “diseased,” or “feeble,” which carry the idea that with the right treatment their weakness can be made strong. The Greek word for “argue” comes a word involving “judicial estimation,” “discernment,” or “disputation.” Disputed matters were the ethical considerations or principles that inhibited action e.g. “doubtful disputations,” “opinions.”  

Many scruples/principles came from Jewish backgrounds. Those coming from Jewish backgrounds continued to follow the Mosaic Law regarding their eating habits. Paul did not want fellow believers getting into arguments on matters that would likely resolve themselves as Christians matured in the faith. It was of greater importance to achieve unity and fellowship.

Food was a big issue for those coming from Jewish backgrounds.

What did JESUS teach about food? Let’s check Matthew 15:16-20:
16 “Do you still lack understanding?” he[j] asked. 17 “Don’t you realize[k] that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated?[l] 18 But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander. 20 These are the things that defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a person.”

Christians are all in the household of GOD through faith in JESUS. 

Christians get their commands from GOD through the indwelling Holy Spirit. They depend upon GOD to deal with HIS Children in matters that need to be corrected. Unity and fellowship were of greater importance until they grow Spiritually.

What does GOD reveal to us in the Bible?
GOD gave us an example in the life of one of the disciples of JESUS, Peter, as we read in Acts 10:9-16:
(Background - The Apostle Peter was a Christian but also a devout Jew and still followed Jewish eating guidelines. GOD knew HIS plans for Peter’s ministry and Peter had to change his lifestyle to effectively minister to the Gentiles. This was a major change in the life of Peter.)

Peter’s Vision

The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the roof about noon.[b] 10 He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth. 12 In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. 13 A voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 “No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything impure and ritually unclean.”
15 Again, a second time, the voice said to him, “What God has made clean, do not call impure.” 16 This happened three times, and suddenly the object was taken up into heaven.
Some things GOD releases a Christian to do but there are other lifestyle changes Christians need to make in order for GOD to use him or her in the ministry GOD has for them. GOD had a plan for Peter to minister to the Gentiles but he needed an adjustment in how he looked upon food. What adjustment is GOD leading you to make in your life?
All Christians are called to ministry because GOD has plans for every Christian. Ask HIM to reveal what you need to bring under HIS authority and control for you to be used according to HIS plan and purpose.
Alcohol is an issue for some Christians and in some churches. I have seen many lives wrecked by an addiction to alcohol. Once a person has been addicted, he or she MUST stay away from it. The same is for drug addiction, overeating and diabetics must guard against carbs, especially sugar. Ouch!
I thought I needed to step on my own toes.
The Apostle Paul instructed Christians not to focus on the does and don’ts in a person’s life but to welcome the person into your fellowship with the goal of teaching truth and letting GOD make the needed changes in that person.
Now, here is where it can get dicey. We can deal with addicts – alcohol, food, drugs, etc. but how about pedophiles? A friend of mine and I discussed this matter. I thought he had a good answer. He said, “I can pray with a pedophile but I will keep one eye open.” GOD wants us to be observant and diligent to keep a watch over the flock. The goal is to teach all to have a personal growing relationship with JESUS and help those who profess a relationship with JESUS to grow Spiritually. There is accountability as a Christian. The Spiritually stronger teach and mentor the weaker.
·      The Apostle Paul was addressing matters which in the long run were matters that could be worked out. Do not allow “disputed matters” to grow bigger than they need to grow. Those to whom Paul was writing came from varied backgrounds – Strict Jewish, Gentile, Pagan, No religious background. The congregations in Rome were melting pots of all sorts of beliefs and Paul was telling the congregation to welcome those seeking and teach them the truth of living the Christian life in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit because “And he will stand, because the Lord is able[a] to make him stand.” The strength in the life of Christians is through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Teaching, strength, understanding, enlightenment and application come through the indwelling Holy Spirit in the life of every born-again Christian.  
Let’s read Romans 14:13-15:
The Law of Love
13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and am persuaded in 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 or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died. 
Paul stressed that when Christians point to differences in others, it is a form of judgment. There is only one judge and that is GOD. Christians are to obey HIS instructions. Christians are not to judge fellow Christians. It is CHRIST in a person that makes him or her a Christian. All Christians have rough edges that need to be crafted into the person GOD desires for him or her to become.
Paul states that Christians are not to judge one another. Judge carries the idea of ‘to condemn,” “to punish,” “to decide judicially.” When a person criticizes, he or she is acting as judge and jury. Instead of criticizing, “Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister.” What is a stumbling block? It is something that causes a person to stumble from a Spiritual perspective. What could a Christian do to create a stumbling block e.g. serve the person who does not eat meat offered to idols, meat that had been offered to idols without telling him or her? Then tell them. Paul is very clear, nothing is unclean for him but if you do something that hurts a brother or sister in CHRIST, then for his or her sake don’t do it.
In our day, if we have a fellow Christian who is an alcoholic; then do not drink alcohol or serve alcohol in his or her presence.
Paul used the word “hurt.” Hurt carries the idea of “causing grief or distress,” “to bring to sorrow” to another person. The Jews in particular followed strict rules about food. A Jewish friend had two dishwashers, one for dishes that been used for meat and the second dishwasher for dishes used for milk. We would say, give me a break. But to him, he was obeying the law not to boil meat in its mothers’ milk.
We, as Christians, are a “work in progress” as captured in Ephesians 4:22-32:
22 to take off[g] your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed[h] in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on[i] the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,[j] because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin.[k] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the devil an opportunity. 28 Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,[l] so that it gives grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him[m] for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you[n] in Christ.
Who is the subject? It is the Christian who has accepted JESUS as his or her Savior in whom the Holy Spirit is working. The new Christian is to take the initiative to take off his or her old clothes and to put on his or her new clothes in JESUS, which is righteousness. Maturing in CHRIST is a process that can only be achieved as each of us allows the Holy Spirit the freedom to work in our lives and reveal truth.
How can you be angry and sin not? Get angry about the things that make GOD angry. In Good News Club our definition of sin is anything we think, say or do that makes GOD unhappy is sin.
Criticism not only leads to bad feelings but could lead to the downfall of a fellow Christian who is still maturing Spiritually. Just like a new born baby. We don’t bring the baby home and say, “ok the milk is in the frig and the diapers are in the closet so help yourself. No! We need to care for and nurture that baby for many years. Once a person is Spiritually born into the family of GOD, he or she needs to be nurtured Spiritually. That is the true calling of the church. The church is not a showcase for the saints but a hospital for those in Spiritual need. All Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace, Praise to our LORD!
Christians must be sensitive to the needs of others as we exercise our freedom in CHRIST.
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 receives human approval.
19 So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. 20 Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make someone fall by what he eats. 21 It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble.[e] 22 Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves23 But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith,[f] and everything that is not from faith is sin.
The Apostle Paul shifts gears, so-to-speak. Paul wrote the statement “Therefore, do not let your good be slandered.”
Good may refer to salvation since a born-again Christian’s goodness comes from GOD as manifested by the indwelling Holy Spirit as written in Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.
Slandered carries the meaning of “be evil spoken of” can also be translated “blasphemed,” meaning to “vilify,” or “to speak impiously.”
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:23: 23 “Everything is permissible,”[a] but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,”[b] but not everything builds up.
The domain of GOD in HIS Kingdom is the heart of every Christian. Christians are GOD’S representatives upon earth, ambassadors as written in 2 Corinthians 5:20: 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 
What is important to GOD? What does HE equip every Christian with? Look back to the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.
Notice, it is not fruits, but fruit. What does fruit have inside? It has seeds and seeds are for multiplication. But seeds need to be planted and nurtured to yield more fruit that lasts.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21: 21 He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin to be sin (JESUS)[e] for us, so that in him we (born-again Christians) might become the righteousness of God.
Christians are righteous through faith in JESUS. JESUS opened the door to GOD through HIS passion. GOD ‘S desire is for all to accept JESUS as their Savior and we, who know the truth, need to welcome all who desire to know the truth. Christians are to be sensitive to others and not judge them because we all come from different walks in life. 
So, what does this mean? Paul captures it in these final verses:
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 receives human approval.
Does becoming a Christian mean working for our salvation? NO! You and I are imperfect and GOD demands perfection. Whereas you and I do not measure up to HIS requirements, JESUS did and that is why the only way to Heaven is through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth through faith in JESUS and what HE did for us. JESUS paid for all of our sin when HE gave HIS sinless life upon the cross. When HE died all who place their faith in HIM died. When GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead, all who place their faith in HIM were raised from the physically dead. In essence, all Christians are already in Heaven, we are waiting until we have completed the work GOD has for us to do upon earth. Awesome!!!
As Christians, who is leading and guiding our lives? Are we allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead and guide us?
What issues do we face today? Is it the color of choir robes, choir robes or no choir robes, screens, the old hymns or current gospel music and the list goes on? What is important to GOD? Unity and fellowship are of greater importance until we grow Spiritually. Are we growing as the Holy Spirit leads us?
Blessings!!!


Friday, May 22, 2020

Bible Study - Relationships (5) - Yield - Philippians 2:1-5, 13-15 - May 24, 2020



Bible Study – Relationships (5) – Yield – May 24, 2020

This is lesson five (5) in our series of study entitled, “Dealing with Messy Relationships.”

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

Humbly place the needs of others before your own.

Let’s read Philippians 2:1-4:

2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.
Those of us who have children, grandchildren or great grands know that we desire the best for them. We who know the truth of salvation, through faith in JESUS, desire for all of our children, family members, friends and those with whom we come into contact to receive JESUS as their Savior and to live obediently serving HIM. We desire the very best for them.
That is why JESUS came to earth. GOD desires the best for each of us. HE knows about eternity – Heaven and Hell. We exist in this this life upon earth. We came from the union of two humans or the union of a sperm and an egg in a petri dish. We have two places to spend eternity – Heaven or Hell. We have a choice. There is one way to Heaven and that is placing your faith in JESUS and HIS passion.
The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Philippi. He was writing this letter from prison in Rome.
He used the word “if,” which can be interpreted as “since,” or “assuming that.”  The bottom line is that all Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace through faith in CHRIST and have the same Heavenly Father. Therefore, we are Spiritual Brothers and Sisters through faith in JESUS.
The Apostle Paul’s desire was for the Christians in Philippi to relate their unity in JESUS with their unity with each other and unity in purpose.
In these verses 1-4, we read:
-         Encouragement – translated from the word “paraklesis,” which is related to the Holy Spirit. It carries the meaning of One Who comes along your side in times of trouble or need to offer genuine solace and encouragement that you experience individually and corporately as the body of believers.
-         Consolation – carries the idea of “comfort,” which comes from GOD’S love.
-         Fellowship – comes from the Greek word “koinonia,” which springs from a person’s intimate, personal relationship with GOD as manifested by the indwelling Holy Spirit. When Christians fellowship with GOD, they in turn fellowship with each other as a natural outflow. It reflects the intimate partnership Christians have with GOD through their faith in JESUS.
-         Affection and mercy can be translated as “affection and sympathy” or “tenderness and compassion.” These are terms that reflect as coming from the core of a Christian toward others as the result of experiencing forgiveness from GOD of their sins and receiving GOD’S Grace through JESUS’ redemptive act. When fellow Christians responded to others naturally from their inmost being - coming from their core or intimate knowledge of CHRIST in them - that made Paul’s day. It was an outward confirmation of and inward change.
-         make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Paul’s desire was for the Christians in Philippi to apply the truths of salvation to others as they journey through life in unity with GOD and their fellow man/woman. How can this be accomplished? 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. A person needs to have a change of attitude toward others by recognizing and putting into practice being an example for others, both Christian and non-Christian.
-         Practice what you teach and preach. Selfish ambition carries the idea of contention, strife, faction and conceit carries the idea of “vainglory” or “self-conceit.”
-         Christians need to ask GOD to examine their hearts to keep a check on their hearts. Are we doing what we do for selfish reasons or for the Glory of GOD?
Let’s read Philippians 2:5-11:
Christ’s Humility and Exaltation
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.[
a]
Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
11 and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
JESUS/GOD is our example. HE chose to come to earth to be born a human, live human, die human to pay the penalty for all sin. At the end of time, every human will honor JESUS as GOD and confess HIM as LORD.
Notice, JESUS emptied Himself of HIS Glory to come to earth and live a human life. HE was the example of how we as humans are to live. We are to empty ourselves and embrace the fulness of JESUS within us as born-again believers.
JESUS/GOD had to put HIS Glory aside to come to earth to be born human, be subject to sin, yet without sin, to give his physical life through physical death and trust GOD to raise him from the physically dead to eternal life. The resurrection confirmed that JESUS was GOD’S Son, sinless, yet GOD in the flesh. 
JESUS gives us a clue when HE was praying to GOD, HIS Father as recorded in John 17:1-5:
17 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you gave him authority over all people,[a] so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ. I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed.
Why did JESUS do what HE did? Out of HIS LOVE FOR YOU PERSONALLY!
GOD’S desire is for no person to perish in Hell but to be born-again in his or her spirit to become HIS Child through the miracle of rebirth. It is your born-again spirit/Spirit that goes to Heaven. How do you become Spiritually born-again? Believe that JESUS gave HIS sinless life to pay for all your sins by shedding HIS blood on the cross and ask HIM to come into your heart believing that HE paid, in full, for your sins. Simple, but life changing. When you are Spiritually born-again, GOD gives you HIS Holy Spirit to indwell you as a down payment/guarantee that you are now HIS Child and you have eternal life. GOD equips you with gifts to serve HIM upon earth. You ARE A CITIZEN OF GOD’S KINGDOM.
The more you serve HIM, the more you will love HIM and learn of HIM as HE reveals more truth to you. Life upon earth is a workplace for learning and building an intimate, personal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. All Christians are being molded into the image of JESUS and becoming more like HIM – “building the same attitude as that of CHRIST JESUS!”
Once a person accepts JESUS as his or her Savior, why leave us upon earth? Let’s read on------
Let’s read Philippians 2:12-18:
Lights in the World
12 Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to 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 by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.
At the moment of salvation, the Spiritual rebuilding process just begins and lasts a lifetime. HE is still working on me.
As humans/Christians, we have all sorts of issues that prevent us from serving GOD as HE desires. It is a building process. Mainly building trust in GOD as we serve HIM.
The absolute wonder of wonders is that as Christians, we are perfect in the eyes of GOD. How can that be? The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 5:21 - 21 He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin to be sin (JESUS)[e] for us (those who place their faith in JESUS), so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Being blameless and pure comes from being Spiritually reborn through faith in JESUS. Being blameless comes from a pure heart because of the presence of GOD/Holy Spirit within you. Being “faultless” carries the idea of Christians being blameless before GOD because of the work of JESUS. This is captured in Jude verse 24 - 24 Now to him (JESUS) who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy,
In my life, I found that I got ahead of GOD. HE just was not moving quick enough. HIS desire was for me to keep instep with HIM and build trust in HIM. Waiting is often tough to do but necessary. Why? It is because, I might be ready but the person or task GOD has for me to minister is not ready. Be still and know that I AM, GOD. Timing is often critical.
We are unique in the plans GOD has for us to carry out for HIS Kingdom. Some of us may be round pegs needing to be fit into round holes or vice versa. Paul tells us not to get discouraged because “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” We can pray and ask GOD to reveal areas in our lives where we need to confess that do not align with HIS Word or purpose. We may have unconfessed sin. We may be hanging onto issues that are barriers to serving HIM. Ask HIM to search your heart and reveal any barriers. Then listen and watch what GOD reveals.
Paul used the word “working.” It carries the idea of “to be active,” “to be efficient,” “to work effectively.” It meant that GOD was working fervently, effectively, efficiently to reveal Himself in the lives of HIS Children. I spoke to a young man this week who reflected the presence of CHRIST as he helped me with an issue. As GOD works in the lives of Christians, HE is perfecting them to serve, which may be through work or through reflecting HIS love and care. When we reflect GOD in our lives that is a gold reward. (1 Corinthians 3:11) Often, we never know that we have reflected JESUS/GOD as we go about our daily routine. 
We may grumble and argue about the issues that come our way as we journey through life. Rather than grumbling and arguing, we should ask our LORD JESUS, “What are YOU trying to reveal or teach me?” Paul acknowledged that life upon earth was difficult but we do have JESUS to Whom we can turn to for help, strength, wisdom and leadership.
Paul reminded the Christians in Philippi that they are lights. They are like the stars in heaven that guide those who seek direction. No different today. Christians are still light to those who seek hope in JESUS. Prepare for the opportunities that GOD has for us by studying HIS Word, sitting under Bible teachers who teach truth and put into action what GOD is teaching and revealing to us. It is an exciting journey to our final destination which is Heaven. Rejoice, because GOD loves you. You are special to HIM. Make HIM special to you!
Often, we get in our own way when we respond to the opportunities GOD reveals to us. Stubbornness, fear, lack of trust, lack of confidence, procrastination and many other human issues can get in our way – yield to the Holy Spirit and trust HIM as HE leads, guides and strengthens you.
Blessings!!!