Bible Study - Build (3) - Study GOD'S Word - 2 Timothy 2:14-26 - October 30, 2022

 

Bible Study - Build (3) – Study GOD’S Word – October 30, 2022

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled, “How to Build Your Life on GOD’S Word.”

Our focus scripture is 2 Timothy 2:14-26.

Regular study of GOD'S Word keeps us firmly grounded.

This scripture is Paul’s letter to young Timothy who was ministering to the church in Ephesus. Paul was in prison in Rome, but he wanted his prodigy, Timothy to have written material that would benefit him in his ministry.

It is vital that all Christians study GOD’S Word and know the truth in GOD’S Word. This is truer today than ever because there are those who can put a small twist on GOD’S Word to align it with their message but it is not GOD’S truth. Beware because we are in the last days and false doctrine will get worse as we get closer to the second coming of JESUS, which I quickly add, may be thousands of years away or before I finish typing this sentence.

I recall in my college years I attended a Bible study led by one of the older students. A fellow student asked many good questions which the Bible study leader could not answer. Long story short, the student who asked the questions got Spiritually straight and I got Spiritually tangled up. The good news is that I eventually got Spiritual matters straight and on solid Spiritual ground, but it took the study of God’s Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Even now we all need to be careful as we seek to rightly divide GOD’S Word.

Paul was seeing evidence of false teachers and false doctrine in the churches in his day, and he was warning young Timothy to preach truth and not to try to defend every false doctrine being touted. This is true today.

This leads us into our focus scripture ----

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2:14-15:

¹⁴ Remind them of these things and charge them before God^[b] not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 

¹⁴ Remind them of these things and charge them before God^[b] not to fight about words. 

What things was Timothy to remind “them” and charge “them”:

We go back to 2 Timothy 2:1-13:

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men^[a] who will be able to teach others also.

All Spirit-born people receive salvation through faith in JESUS and GOD’S Grace. All Spirit-born Christians are in Spiritual warfare every day. We have to suit up for battle each day. (Ephesians 6)

³ Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. ⁵ Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. ⁷ Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

In essence, Paul was telling Timothy to stay focused on the true message of JESUS, which is -----

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, ⁹ for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal (Paul was in prison). But the word of God is not bound. ¹⁰ This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. ¹¹ This saying is trustworthy:

For if we died with him,
we will also live with him;
¹² if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
¹³ if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.

Some in that culture were saying that JESUS had already returned to earth and, in essence, all people who were still alive, at that time, had been left behind.

People, in general, love to debate. Especially religion. Religion is man-made and religion takes on many different forms, but Christianity is a personal relationship with GOD through the miracle of Spiritual birth through faith in JESUS. Spiritual birth results in a person being eternally Spiritually born into the family of GOD, never to be Spiritually unborn.

People love to debate Christians on many issues. Most of us do not know the scripture well enough to debate it and can result in confusion. Our Pastor is an exception. He could, in my opinion, debate well trained theologians because he knows the scripture better than many theologically trained people. 

The Apostle Paul was telling Timothy to stick to the truth you know which has been verified in your heart and do not chase every argument that people raise. Truth never changes and truth stands against time and challenges. We, who know the truth, are to keep this in our minds as we go through life.

I know my wife and I were at the beach and tuned in a pastor on TV and we thought this person is really good until he kept preaching and we began to see that his message did not align with GOD’S Word. We turned him off.

Folks, we must read and study GOD’S Word because the days are evil and there are those who will attempt to confuse, distort and mislead.

The Bible states this clearly in Matthew 24:24:

²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

The Apostle Paul continued his advice to Timothy, which is good for us.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2:16-19:

¹⁶ Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness, ¹⁷ and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. ¹⁸ They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and let everyone who calls on the name of^[d] the Lord turn away from wickedness.

Avoid irreverent and empty speech, why? Because such useless babble spreads like gangrene and produces more godlessness and confusion. Why? Because people generally seek information from those who appear to know the truth rather than seeking truth from sources of truth, e.g., GOD’S Word. In the case of Christians, GOD’S Word and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal truth as they study it is vital.

Granted in Timothy’s Day, true resources were hard to find whereas in our day, resources are plentiful. But we must discern truth from error.

Paul cited two people who were not teaching truth. They were teaching false doctrine, “saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some.” “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his,^[c] and let everyone who calls on the name of^[d] the Lord turn away from wickedness.”

Satan delights in misleading Christians and getting them to believe a lie. When doubt comes into our lives, seek truth from GOD’S Word, prayer and reliable Spirit-born people and confirm by the Holy Spirit.

Paul moves on to explain that in the Kingdom of GOD there are all sorts of people who minister. True today.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2:20-21:

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable^[e] use and some for dishonorable.^[f] 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^[g] he will be a special^[h] instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Paul used an example of a large house. In such a house you find various vessels needed for specific purposes. Some are considered valuable because of the material used to make them and their purpose. However, there are others just as functional but made from materials not considered as valuable. But never-the-less, these vessels serve a valuable purpose in the household.

We are all sinners saved by GOD’S grace when we accept JESUS as our Savior. As Spirit-born people, we may look back at our former life and realize that we were living a life that did not honor JESUS. Now that we are Spirit-born, we need to no longer live that lifestyle or operate that business. GOD honors such a decision for that person to change careers or lifestyles. GOD purifies their present use and function.

Let’s 2 Timothy 2:22-26:

²² Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ²³ But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[I] and patient, ²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Paul cautioned Timothy not to get caught up in youthful passions. We now know that the human brain does not fully develop until around 25 years old. It takes some longer and then there are others who develop sooner.

Paul cautioned Timothy to pause and not to do things out of impulse but to stop and think matters through before acting. GOD can change people. Good advice for all of us, even those of us who have lived for many years.

Paul advised Timothy to, “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

What should Timothy reject? “But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.” Why? ²⁴ The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[I] and patient, ²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness.” Why? Don’t burn a bridge of opportunity because, “Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

Satan is ready to take advantage of every opportunity to discredit a Child of GOD. If a person is seeking a right relationship with GOD and has questions or is not ready, we can act in our zeal and push the person hard to make a decision to accept JESUS as his or her Savior. Here is where the Holy Spirit must lead us. Be gentle so the door of opportunity will remain open. Why? The Holy Spirit works within those who are to receive salvation. It takes some longer than others.

“They may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

As Spirit-born people we are in battle against Satan. GOD has chosen for those of us who know the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS to share this truth with those to whom GOD via the indwelling Holy Spirit leads us to those seeking salvation from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death.

What does faith in JESUS offer to every person? Eternal life! How?

JESUS said it best in John 3:3, “³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Every person must be born-again in order to be GOD’S Child and live eternally in Heaven.

The beauty of Spiritual birth is that GOD’S Divine Spirit unites with the human spirit by the act of the human will and Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye. This Spiritual birth takes place the instant a person asks JESUS to forgive him or her for his or her sins and for JESUS to come into his or her heart, believing that JESUS paid, in full, the penalty for his or her sins by the shedding of HIS sinless blood.

What kind of body will the Spirit-born person have in Heaven while he or she waits for the return of JESUS to earth to rapture the Spirit-born people at HIS second-coming?  They will have a special body fashioned by GOD for use in Heaven until they return with JESUS to receive their new, eternal Glorified body like JESUS’ body at the rapture.

Consider 2 Corinthians 5:1-5:

For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. ² Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ since, when we are clothed,^[a] we will not be found naked. ⁴ Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

So, what is Paul’s message to us today? We are ever closer to the return of JESUS than ever. It still may be many years away, but it could happen in the twinkle of the eye. So, what do we who know the truth do? We are to remain steadfast in the knowledge that JESUS is LORD and reach out to others who are seeking truth with the truth. Faith in JESUS is everyone’s assurance of eternal life.

This earth is not our home because it will pass away and be burned up.

Read and study GOD’S Word and as you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. Know GOD’S Word and apply it as you live upon earth.

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Build (2) - Hear GOD'S Word - Nehemiah 8:1-3, 7-12 - October 23, 2022

 

Bible Study – Build (2) - Hear GOD’S Word – October 23, 2022

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled, “How to Build Your Life on GOD’S Word.”

Our focus scripture is Nehemiah 8:1-3, 7-12

Seize opportunities to hear GOD’S Word proclaimed.

It is amazing how GOD leads HIS chosen to truth. The Jews had settled into worshipping GOD in Jerusalem. In 586 BC, GOD allowed the Babylonians to capture Jerusalem and take the Jews captive to Babylon.

The Jews discovered that GOD was in Babylon, which was an eye opener. This relocation of the Jews established a new worship dynamic for the Jews and led the Jewish religious leaders to establish Synagogues in other places. In 539 BC Babylon fell to the Persians. Persia’s King Cyrus issued a decree in 538 BC that captives should return to their homelands.

The rebuilding of the temple began immediately but it was a daunting task and work ceased after the foundation was completed. Haggai and Zerubbabel urged the Jews to complete the temple and it was completed in 516 BC.

In Nehemiah 1:2-11: (Background – The Temple in Jerusalem was incomplete. This information came to Nehemiah who was the cup barrier for King Cyrus.)

² Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah, and I questioned them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile. ³ They said to me, “The remnant in the province, who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned.”

Nehemiah’s Prayer

⁴ When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of the heavens. ⁵ I said,

Lord, the God of the heavens, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands, ⁶ let your eyes be open and your ears be attentive to hear your servant’s prayer that I now pray to you day and night for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins^[a] we have committed against you. Both I and my father’s family have sinned. ⁷ We have acted corruptly toward you and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances you gave your servant Moses. ⁸ Please remember what you commanded your servant Moses: “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples. ⁹ But if you return to me and carefully observe my commands, even though your exiles were banished to the farthest horizon,^[b] I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have my name dwell.” ¹⁰ They are your servants and your people. You redeemed them by your great power and strong hand. ¹¹ Please, Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to that of your servants who delight to revere your name. Give your servant success today, and grant him compassion in the presence of this man.^[c]

At the time, I was the king’s cupbearer.

Notice that Nehemiah confessed his sins and the sins of his family in verse 6.

Is your heart broken by the things that break the heart of GOD? When Nehemiah heard the plight of those in Jerusalem and the condition of Jerusalem and the temple, Nehemiah’s heart was broken. He immediately took his request to GOD and asked GOD to help him.

This is so precious. Do we have the heart to help others? If so, what are we going to do about what has come to our attention that is bigger than we are? Nehemiah went to GOD!!!

JESUS told HIS disciples that it only takes a small amount of faith to accomplish GOD sized things.

In Nehemiah Chapter 2, we learn that Nehemiah returned to his duty as the king’s wine steward. When he returned to serve the king, he was sad. The king asked him, why he was so sad. Nehemiah told the king and the king wanted to know how he could help him.

We read in Nehemiah 2:4-6:

⁴ Then the king asked me, “What is your request?”

So, I prayed to the God of the heavens ⁵ and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried,^[b] so that I may rebuild it.”

⁶ The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So, I gave him a definite time, and it pleased the king to send me.

WOW!!! Isn’t GOD amazing!

Once Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he surveyed Jerusalem at night to determine what needed to be done. Was Nehemiah prayer walking? Step one, determine what needs to be done. Nehemiah walked the perimeter at night several times with trusted fellow Jews.

We read in Nehemiah 2 - ¹⁷ So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” ¹⁸ I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me.

They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and their hands were strengthened^[f] to do this good work.

Teamwork gets the job done, especially, when GOD heads your team. Notice, once they made the decision to rebuild “their hands were strengthened to do this good work.” Procrastination defeats and is a tool of Satan.

When the temple had been completed something seemed to be missing. Worship in the new temple lacked fervor until Ezra, a priest and a scribe arrived in Jerusalem, 458 BC. Ezra was qualified to read the scripture to the people. This would be the first five books of the Bible. Ezra was a descendant of Aaron and qualified to read and expound upon the scripture. Nehemiah was governor.

Reading scripture is like drinking from a fresh spring of cool clear water on a very hot day. The Holy Spirit is the internal spring of life-giving water that quenches the Spiritual thirst of all Spirit-born people.

The people had worked hard and saw the benefit of their labor. They recognized that GOD was with them as they restored Jerusalem. So, “all the people gathered at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses that the Lord had given Israel.”

The people recognized that GOD had been with them in the reconstruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The wall around Jerusalem took Nehemiah and the Israelites 52 days to complete the wall. Once completed, what else was there for them to do? Let’s explore more!

Let’s read Nehemiah 8:1-3:

8 all the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses that the Lord had given Israel. ² On the first day of the seventh month, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding. ³ While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively^[a] to the book of the law. 

They selected an area that would accommodate the people in the area called the Water Gate which was located on the east wall. GOD chose that location. Why? JESUS will return to earth from the east at HIS second coming. We read in Matthew 24:27:
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Notice the unity of the people, “all the people gathered and asked Ezra –”

This was “on the first day of the seventh month” The time period coincides with our September and a time period that includes major events for the Jews e.g., beginning of the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), Feast of the Booths (Sukkot).

In Deuteronomy 31:10-11, we read, “¹⁰ Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of debt cancellation, during the Festival of Shelters, ¹¹ when all Israel assembles in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he chooses, you are to read this law aloud before all Israel.”

The LORD chose where they assembled. Does the LORD choose where we assemble to hear GOD’S Word proclaimed? Are we hearing the truth in the power of the Holy Spirit? Is what we hear being explained to us?

Let’s read Nehemiah 8:7-8:

⁷ Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites,^[b] explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. ⁸ They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 

As we read on, we learn in verse 7 that Levites were strategically placed among the assembly to read and explain the law to the people. Wow! Organization is vital. “They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read.” The Levites could minister to the people.

They took this time together seriously and wanted those assembled to understand, comprehend and apply what was being read to them.

There are times when we need to pause and digest what we read or hear. Should, we as deacons, be strategically placed among the congregation to respond to what is being preached? Or if we have Bible study following worship, should we take a few minutes to review and discuss the pastor’s message to make sure we comprehend and put the message into practice?

Let’s read Nehemiah 8:9-12:

⁹ Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. ¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”^[c] 11 And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Don’t grieve.” ¹² Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them.

WOW! “The joy of the LORD is our strength.” Where does joy come from? It comes from knowing JESUS as our Savior, making HIM the LORD of our lives, obediently serving HIM, witnessing HIS work through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we serve, we see HIS handiwork evidenced in both our lives and in the lives of others.

The Israelites had encountered the presence of GOD and they realized what they had been missing and wept tears of joy and mourned. Then those who had ministered to them told them, “Be still, since today is holy. Don’t grieve.”  Share your joy with each other and with others, especially those who are less fortunate than you.

Isn’t it wonderful when our leaders know JESUS and practice what is written in GOD’S Word. Isn’t it wonderful when we have a pastor that preaches GOD’S Word in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit!

Pray for all who are entrusted with GOD’S Word to preach, teach and live according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. People who know the truth are desperate to hear the truth and to apply it as they live each day. There are many who are seeking truth and we who know truth are to share it as given the opportunity. The world is GOD’S vineyard and GOD has equipped us to work in HIS vineyard. We must not hide the light of salvation, through faith in JESUS, from those seeking truth. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Build (1) - Why We Need GOD'S Word - 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13-17 - October 16, 2022

 

Bible Study – Build (1) – Why We Need GOD’S Word – October 16, 2022

This is lesson one in our series entitled, “How to Build Your Life on GOD’S Word.”

Our focus scripture is 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13-17.

The Bible reveals everything we need to know to live victoriously.

Enjoy and be blessed. We are living in the last days!!!

Let’s read 2 Timothy 3:1-5:

3 But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, ⁴ traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.

Know this – hard times will come in the last days. The Apostle Paul was telling his readers then and us today to pay special attention to what he was writing.

The word “hard” appears in Matthew 8:28, “²⁸ When he (JESUS) had come to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes,^[h] two demon-possessed men met him as they came out of the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.” The word “violent” in the Greek language describes a wild animal or something “out of control.” This helps to define “hard times.” We see that manifested today.

When are the last days? The “last days” reflects first century Jewish and Christian views of human history. The first time period was from creation to the coming of the promised Messiah, JESUS. The coming of JESUS marked “the day of the LORD” and would mark the final period or last days. So, the last days have already begun and will last until the second coming of JESUS.

JESUS gave a very graphic picture of the hard times people will face in the end times in Matthew 24. The Apostle Paul gave us an idea of what many will witness, as we read on. People will be ---

Lovers of self means trouble as defined by e.g., egotistical, narcissistic, self-centered, big-headed, arrogant – this helps us put some flesh on these bones.

What does lovers of self, trigger? The Apostle Paul gave a list of attributes of those who are lovers of self.

-         lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, ⁴ traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. 

Then Paul gave advice to those who observe these natures in others. Simply – Avoid these people. Why? The old saying goes, “birds of a feather, flock together.” How do you want to be identified in your community or as a Spirit-born Christian.  

Those who reflect these traits are phonies. They want to appear that they know truth and are godly people but in truth they are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

This idea continues in our next scripture. These people are deceivers and desire to be something they are not. They are hypocrites.

What will this trigger? Let’s read on ------

Let’s read 2 Timothy 3:13-15:

¹³ Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  ¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, ¹⁵ and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 

Paul makes it clear in the last days, “Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” These people are not only deceiving but they are being deceived.

What are the dynamics taking place? When people deceive, they either wittingly or unwittingly open themselves up to Satan. Satan is a deceiver and a liar. In fact, we read in John 8:44:

“You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 8:3 documents to whom JESUS was speaking above in John 8, verse 44 - ³ Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center.

John 8 is replete with JESUS documenting HIS relationship with GOD and why HE came to earth.

We read in John 8:12: ¹² Jesus spoke to them (scribes and Pharisees) again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

Truth came to earth as a human, yet GOD, and those who had studied the scriptures did not recognize truth when they saw HIM.

Let’s read John 8:1-59:
¹ But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

An Adulteress Forgiven

² At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them.

³ Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. ⁴ “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. ⁵ In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” ⁶ They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.

Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. ⁹ When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. ¹⁰ When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

¹¹ “No one, Lord,”^[a] she answered.

“Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”]

The Light of the World

¹² Jesus spoke to them again (scribes and Pharisees): “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

¹³ So the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.”

¹⁴ “Even if I testify about myself,” Jesus replied, “My testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’m going. But you don’t know where I come from or where I’m going. ¹⁵ You judge by human standards.^[b] I judge no one. ¹⁶ And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. ¹⁷ Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. ¹⁸ I am the one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.”

¹⁹ Then they asked him, “Where is your Father?”

“You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” ²⁰ He spoke these words by the treasury, while teaching in the temple. But no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

Jesus Predicts His Departure

²¹ Then he said to them again, “I’m going away; you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I’m going, you cannot come.”

²² So the Jews said again, “He won’t kill himself, will he, since he says, ‘Where I’m going, you cannot come’?”

²³ “You are from below,” he told them, “I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. ²⁴ Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

²⁵ “Who are you?” they questioned.

“Exactly what I’ve been telling you from the very beginning,” Jesus told them. ²⁶ “I have many things to say and to judge about you, but the one who sent me is true, and what I have heard from him—these things I tell the world.”

²⁷ They did not know he was speaking to them about the Father. ²⁸ So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own. But just as the Father taught me, I say these things. ²⁹ The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.”

Truth and Freedom

³⁰ As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

³¹ Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word,^[c] you really are my disciples. ³² You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

³³ “We are descendants^[d] of Abraham,” they answered him, “and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”

³⁴ Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free. ³⁷ I know you are descendants of Abraham, but you are trying to kill me because my word has no place among you. ³⁸ I speak what I have seen in the presence of the Father; ^[e] so then, you do what you have heard from your father.”

³⁹ “Our father is Abraham,” they replied.

“If you were Abraham’s children,” Jesus told them, “you would do what Abraham did. ⁴⁰ But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. ⁴¹ You’re doing what your father does.”

“We weren’t born of sexual immorality,” they said. “We have one Father—God.”

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and I am here. For I didn’t come on my own, but he sent me. ⁴³ Why don’t you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to^[f] my word. ⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature,^[g] because he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. ⁴⁶ Who among you can convict me of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.”

Jesus and Abraham

⁴⁸ The Jews responded to him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you’re a Samaritan and have a demon?”

⁴⁹ “I do not have a demon,” Jesus answered. “On the contrary, I honor my Father and you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and judges. ⁵¹ Truly I tell you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

⁵² Then the Jews said, “Now we know you have a demon. Abraham died and so did the prophets. You say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham who died? And the prophets died. Who do you claim to be?”

⁵⁴ “If I glorify myself,” Jesus answered, “my glory is nothing. My Father—about whom you say, ‘He is our God’—he is the one who glorifies me. ⁵⁵ You do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say I don’t know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I keep his word. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ The Jews replied, “You aren’t fifty years old yet, and you’ve seen Abraham?” ^[h]

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” ( I AM is the name of GOD. JESUS is GOD in human form. JESUS is the second Adam.)

⁵⁹ So they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden^[i] and went out of the temple.^[j]

These were the very religious leaders who should have been looking for the promised Messiah. These religious leaders were in HIS presence but did not recognize HIM because HE did not match up with their idea of the promised Messiah. JESUS became hidden because HIS time had not yet come.

There are many religious institutions throughout the world. Some know the truth, others do not and are blind to truth. When those who claim to know the truth do not preach and teach truth, it gives Satan and his minions opportunity to deceive, even the elect. We who know the truth must rightly divide and discern GOD’S Word and live truth, especially in these last days.

When we study GOD’S Word, we should ask GOD to clear our minds of preconceived notions and reveal truth to us as we study.

This leads us to Paul revealing why all people should trust the scripture as truth from GOD. Keep in mind scripture is our anchor during the storms of life. Does your anchor hold when the storms of life and hard times come into your life. Do you trust the scripture and the truth revealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit? Truth is truth and GOD’S Word is a Spirit-born person’s anchor. Paul tells us why we can trust Scripture as we read on --

Let’s read 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God^[a] and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

All scripture is inspired by GOD from Genesis to Revelation. Why should we trust GOD’S Word? It has been tested over time and proven true and trust worthy.

All scripture is

-         profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

-         As we study and apply GOD’S Word, it is worthy for teaching. Why?

-         Because as we teach and others hear GOD’S Word it reveals where we have missed the mark, which is sin. It shows us where we missed the mark but just as important, it shows us –

-         What we need to do to get back on track and serve our LORD.

-         And how to stay on track to be righteous and complete and fully equipped for every good work.

-         Trust GOD’S Word because it comes from GOD.

GOD desires an intimate loving relationship with all HIS Children. Keep in mind that GOD cares for you and has plans for you and your life. Trust HIM to build within you the right relationship that HE desires for you as you serve. Believe in JESUS by asking HIM to forgive you for your sins and for JESUS to come into your heart and save your soul.

When you do in faith, in the twinkling of the eye, you will be born Spiritually and become GOD’S Son or Daughter and receive eternal life. If you did, welcome home my brother or sister. Study GOD’S Word and talk to HIM as you study. Ask HIM to lead you to the place where you can be fed Spiritually to serve HIM.

Pastors, teachers and all who have been entrusted with GOD’S Word, teach truth because GOD has entrusted truth to you to pass on to others. We who know the truth MUST NOT hide the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS from those to whom GOD has entrusted to us because we are in the end times and things are hard.

We who know the truth, know that “greater is HE that is in us (JESUS) is greater than he that is in the world (Satan). 1 John 4:4.

Blessings!!!