How to Practice Church Discipline | Matthew 18:15-20

How to Practice Church Discipline | Matthew 18:15-20

Darien Gabriel

Series: All!

• Jesus has all authority,

• So that all nations

• Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “How to Practice Church Discipline” (Darien Gabriel)

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 NIV

Heavily relied on O’Donnell for this one. (See below)

Bottom line: We all practice church discipline by lovingly confronting those who sin against us (per Matthew 18) with the aim of restoring the relationship.

1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What does it mean to become like children in verse 3? What is the difference between having childlike faith and being immature in your faith?

2. How does the requirement of humility in verses 1-4 compare with our culture's view of greatness?

3. Explain how a biblical view of the church goes against a culture that prizes independence?

4. How should the parable of the Lost Sheep in verses 10-14 inform our view of church discipline?

5. Respond to the following objection to church discipline: If our church disciplines members, then unbelievers will be turned off and discouraged from coming.

6. What is the ultimate goal of church discipline?

7. What does Matthew 18 have to add to our view of church membership?

8. List things that should and should not be matters of church discipline.

9. What is the main point of the parable of the Unforgiving Servant (wv. 23-35)?

10. If you aren't showing mercy to others, how might that be an indica tion that you are not being shaped by the gospel?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Weekly questions I answer in preparation for the sermon:

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. How to practice church discipline

Q. Why?

A. Because it leads to a holier and healthier church family

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Practice church discipline/confrontation per Matthew 18

Q. Why?

A. Because these steps lead to a holier, healthier church family.

OUTLINE & NOTES

Our oldest grandson is almost 2-1/2 years old. He trusts his parents and grandparents right now. He has an implicit faith in us. When we tell him something, he just believes us. You might call him innocent. He is not! You might call him naive. But for now he trusts us implicitly and humbly. He just knows he doesn’t know near as much as we do.

This is what I think Jesus was trying to communicate to his 12 earlier here. To know that you’re a son off the king, you must humble yourself and turn and become like a 2-3 yr old trusting your Heavenly Father in all he says.

Context

Matt. 18:1–20:34 The Community of the Messiah Revealed.

• This is the fourth of Jesus’ five major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel

• As his earthly ministry draws to a close, Jesus has spent considerable time clarifying his identity and mission (chs. 14–17).

• He instructs his disciples on the nature of his covenant community, explaining the kingdom community’s characteristics (18:1–35),

• its implications for the sanctity of marriage (19:1–12), and

• its value (19:13–20:34). ESV Study Bible note

What’s important to remember about this context is that Jesus is dealing with how local believers interact with each other. They pursue wandering brothers and sisters in Christ. They lovingly confront sinful behavior. This is different than confronting someone in the world outside of the church.

Introduction

Bottom line: We all practice church discipline by lovingly confronting those who sin against us (per Matthew 18) with the aim of restoring the relationship.

Church discipline is the act of lovingly confronting one who sins against us so that they humbly respond with repentance restoring their relationship with us and the Lord.

How do we do this?

First, Why confront?

My notes after reading O’Donnell

Have you ever been legitimately confronted over something you did wrong? Or sin?

It’s a humbling experience. Makes you feel small.

“But small, as we learned (earlier in Matthew 18), is the appropriate size to get into the kingdom as well as move up in it. Thus, if confrontation can lead to that kind of smallness, it is something we all, from time to time, very well need.” P. 509

Why confront?

This passage is about how the church (the people) confronts the one who sins against them. But before we tackle how, let’s understand why we even do it.

Most churches want to do this as much as a parent wants to spank a child in the Super Walmart. It’s hard form some to hear that a church can excommunicate someone. It sounds harsh, judgmental, unloving and so against the spirit of the age. This is why we start with why?

4 reasons one Christian confronts another:

1 from our passage and

3 from the surrounding context

1. The first reason for Christian confrontation is the value of one straying sheep.

1. Notice how Jesus moves from his parable of the lost sheep directly to this. Matthew inserts nothing in between. Presumably, Jesus does not stop talking in between.

1. From: Sheep—how God values each individual Christian, even and especially strayed sheep

2. To: This

3. Why? Because they are thematically linked.

4. The Father’s concern for sinners and the Shepherd’s rescue of those who’ve wandered from the fold are now the church’s concern.

2. The Church confronts because we value each and every sheep, even and especially straying sheep.

2. The second reason for Christian confrontation is the hope of forgiveness and family reconciliation.

1. Immediate context: Theme is the forgiveness of a brother’s sin.

1. Note “Brother” is generic for Christian but is also familial language. He could have used “disciple”

2. Family reconciliations are the best. Think of the prodigal son. (Luke 15)

3. The third reason for Christian confrontation is, a little laxity leads to a lot of lapsing.

1. Paul said, “a little leaven leaven’s the whole lump.” 1 Cor 5:6

2. A little leaven (neglected sin in the church) leaven’s the whole lump (affects whole church)

3. A little laxity (let this or that sin go unchecked) leads to a lot of lapsing (I guess if he does that, I can do this)

4. Cutting off sin (18:8-9) “That by guarding our own personal holiness we guard others, especially those weaker in the faith” p. 511

5. Ex. “Newly baptized Christian sees an elder in the church sinning, and that elder is not confronted and corrected by the church, then the younger Christian will likely be tempted to similarly sin.” p. 511

6. “Christian confrontation helps protect and purify the church (like salt), and it helps prevent the spread of sin throughout the Body of Christ.”

4. The fourth reason for Christian confrontation is that it is a command of Christ…because Jesus is Lord.”

1. Reproof and love go together.

2. “Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Lev 19:17-18

3. Tolerating sin is not loving.

4. Because God loves, God disciplines.

5. It’s the loving shepherd who goes after the lost sheep.

6. The unloving shepherd stays at home

1. He’s either indifferent (what’s 1 out of 100), or

2. He’s lenient (oh, sheep will be sheep)

7. So, Christians are to confront sinning Christians because

1. We value one straying sheep

2. We hope for forgiveness and family reconciliation

3. We know that a little laxity leads to a lot of lapsing, and

4. Christian confrontation is a loving command from the most loving man who ever lived.

Then, How confront?

3 Strikes and You’re Out (Quick and dirty)

1. Confront one on one.

1. If they listen, you’ve won them over. It’s over.

2. If they don’t, proceed to step two.

2. Confront with 2-3 witnesses.

1. If they listen, you’ve won them over. It’s over.

2. If they don’t, proceed to step three.

3. Confront with the church.

1. If they listen, you’ve won them over. It’s over.

2. If they don’t, you expel them from the church and treat them as a non-Christian.

More detailed outline…

How to Lovingly Confront—3 Steps (O’Donnell)

1. Go and win (gain)

1. First, 3 important details

1. Notice who is confronting whom—it’s brother to brother…

1. Not brother to person in the world.

2. There’s a time for that—this isn’t about that.

2. Notice when this occurs—only “if your brother sins against you.” (In ESV text; footnoted in NIV)

1. Just between you and him alone (if have “against you” personally as in ESV)

2. And it is “sin”, behavior that is clearly and consistently contrary to Christ’s commands

3. This is not bad personality traits or poor hygiene

3. Notice (speaking on sin) that Jesus assumes Christians will sin

2. Step 1: Go and win (Gain) PRIVATE CORRECTION / LOVING CONFRONTATION

1. First step is not…

1. To wait

2. To sit and sulk

3. To give a cold shoulder or silent treatment

4. Indifference

5. Tit for tat

6. To gossip

7. To slander

2. Rather, step 1 is a private conversation—underline “just between the two of you” (15)

1. Gently and/or

2. With holy harshness

3. Nathan modeled this in a balanced way with King David (2 Sam 12:1-7)

4. Paul throughout his ministry; Gal 2:11 I opposed Peter to his face

5. Jesus showed holy harshness in 18:8-9

6. Regardless, the spirit is that of humility and love, a solemn concern for your brother’s soul

7. So we go hoping to win i.e. restore, gain to God and to fellowship with the church

8. Hoping to bring light to their darkness. If he sees this darkness, confesses it, asks for forgiveness, you’re won or gained your brother

3. Step 2: Establish Testimony (evidence) SMALL GROUP CLARIFICATION

1. Jesus is practical

2. Jesus is also realistic. Most of us get defensive when confronted.

3. Why? Because we’re proud. Instead of melting like butter, we harden like clay.

4. “Jesus’ lesson on becoming like little children applies well here as well. Humility is needed! and such humility is helped along by bringing others to hear the case.” P. 516

5. 2 or 3 others/witnesses comes from Deut 19:15. Why?

1. To protect against a false accusation—brother B is exaggerating or lying about brother A’s offense.

2. To help brother A, if he’s been rightly accused, to see his sin as sin, or in other words, to add their voice of reproof so he might repent, and

3. To be public witnesses, if needed, if the matter comes to the whole church (2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19)

4. Step 3: Church Censure CHURCH ADMONITION & POSSIBLY EXCOMMUNICATION

1. A censure is an official reprimand and judgment. Here it is the church saying, “3 strikes and your out—you’ve been excommunicated from the fellowship.”p. 516

2. First, let’s be clear on who is to blame here—it’s the unrepentant brother—he has refused to “listen”

3. This text isn’t just how to confront—it’s how to respond to confrontation

4. 3 Strikes and you’re out

1. “If a sinner won’t cut off his sin, the church cuts him off.” V. 17

2. That is, treat him like someone who has betrayed the covenant (like a traitor tax collector) and someone who does not currently believe in the covenant (gentile or pagan); their actions move leaders to declare that they are not a follower of Christ

3. In NT, excommunication meant not allowing this unrepentant “brother” to participate in the public gatherings—

1. A worship service

2. Lord’s Supper

3. Prayer meeting

4. A judicial meeting

5. For some, this is the limited version

6. For others, it was unlimited restriction:

1. “If any false teacher ‘comes to you…do not receive him into your home or give him any greeting’” (2 John 10)

2. “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice (i.e. Matthew 18:15-17), have nothing to do with him.” (Titus 3:10)

3. “[Do] not …associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is justly or sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviled, drunkard, or swindler”—[Do] not even eat with such a one.” (1 Cor 5:11)

4. “Yet for both—with limited and unlimited restriction—the hope was held out that this ‘severe measure’ would make the sinner come to his senses, that this ‘brother’ would act like a brother should —repent and return.” P. 517

5. 1 Cor 5-6

6. 2 Thess 3:14-15

5. Coming out of 15-17, Jesus masterfully assumes there will be pushback. “Says who?” AUTHORITY

1. “You see, when a brother or sister is excommunicated, before they leave (and/or sue) the disciplining church and go to another, they will nearly always reply to the disciplining church, ‘You’re not God. Who gives you the right?’ And to that objection our Lord leaves his church 18-20, his gentle way of saying ‘shut it’” pp. 517-18

2. “These verses are not about the value of prayer meetings.”

3. “Rather, these verses are about Jesus giving his divine authority to forgive sins (or loose) or not forgive (to bind) into the hands of the church.” P. 518

4. “If the local church gathers together in the name of Christ—even two or three—to judge another brother (that’s the context, v. 17 esp.), then what these brothers decide on earth is decided (already) in heaven. Why? Jesus’ answer is, ‘Because I say so’…It’s a matter of transference of authority.” P. 518

5. “The church has been given the authority to forgive (receive back into fellowship) or excommunicate (remove from fellowship). This is how we use the keys to the kingdom.

Conclusion

Our bottom line today is that we all practice church discipline by lovingly confronting those who’ve sinned against us with the aim of restoring the relationship.

1. Are you ever confronting sin?

2. When you do, do you do so with humility and love and the aim to restore the relationship?

3. Is someone confronting you?

4. Are you responding with humility and repentance?

5. Is the Lord challenging you to join your local church?

What is God saying to you right now?

Let’s pray.

Church discipline -various levels by warren wiersbe

“Various levels of church discipline

Personal differences between Christians (Matt. 18:15–18; Phil. 4:1–3). 

If a brother or sister sins against me (either deliberately or unknowingly), I should go to that person privately and seek to get the matter settled. Only if the person refuses to settle the matter should I bring anyone else in; and the problem must not go to the church family until every other means has been exhausted.

Doctrinal error. 

Determine first of all why the person is teaching wrong doctrine. Perhaps it is because of ignorance and lack of Bible knowledge. In that case, patiently teach him the truth (2 Tim. 2:23–26). If he persists, rebuke him (Titus 1:10–14). Paul had to do this to Peter (Gal. 2:11ff). If the error continues, avoid him (Rom. 16:17–18), and then separate yourself from him (2 Tim. 2:18ff; 2 John 9ff).

A believer overtaken by sin (Gal. 6:1–3).

Even the great Apostle Peter denied the Lord. And David yielded to lust and committed adultery. When a Christian is caught in known sin, the spiritual members of the church must seek to restore him with gentleness and love. The word restore here means “to set a broken bone”—and that takes tenderness and patience. Too often the church quickly passes judgment on a believer who has sinned, and the damage done causes problems for years to come.

A repeating troublemaker (Titus 3:10). 

The word heretic does not refer to doctrinal error, but to a proud attitude of one who gets people to “take sides” in the church. The Greek word means “to make a choice.” This leads to divisions and cliques in the local church (see Gal. 5:20 where heresies ought to be translated “sects, parties”). There is hardly a church that does not have its parties for or against anything—the pastor, the building program, even the color of the kitchen walls. Usually these “heretics” are people who like to be important; they want a following. Often they have deep emotional problems that Satan can use to create spiritual problems in the church. Perhaps they are frustrated at home or on the job; or perhaps they have, in the past, been hurt by some pastor or church.

These “factious people” should be given two official warnings. If they repeat their sin of dividing the church, they should be given a third warning and rejected. “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned” (Titus 3:10–11, niv).

It is my conviction that such people should not hold office in the church. It is also my conviction that, if they leave the church “in a conviction that, if they leave the church “in a huff,” they should be restored to fellowship only twice. The third time—they are out!

Open immorality (1 Cor. 5).

The church must mourn over the sinner (the same word is used for mourning over the dead) and seek to bring him to repentance. If he refuses, the church collectively should dismiss him (1 Cor. 5:13, where the Greek word means “expel”). If he repents, he must be forgiven and restored to fellowship in the church (2 Cor. 2:6–11).

In the case of the “lazy saints,” Paul told the believers to exhort them, warn them, and if they did not repent, withdraw intimate fellowship from them. This probably meant that these believers were not permitted to share in the Lord’s Supper, and that the church members would not invite them to their homes. Second Thessalonians 3:14 does not apply to every case of discipline. It applies only to the matter of saints not working for a living.

“Have no company” literally means “do not get mixed up with”; the same word is used in 1 Corinthians 5:9. There is a difference between acquaintanceship, friendship, and fellowship; for fellowship means “to have in common.” For obedient saints to treat disobedient Christians with the same friendship they show to other dedicated saints is to give approval to their sins.

However, Paul (knowing the tendency of human nature to go to extremes) cautioned them not to treat the offenders like enemies. “They are still your brothers in Christ,” he added. Lot was out of fellowship with God and Abraham because he lived in Sodom; yet Abraham rescued Lot from the enemy because Lot was his brother (Gen. 14, and note especially v. 14). It requires much patience, love, and grace to help an erring brother; and this is why Paul added a final motive for earning a living.”

Church Discipline by Warren Wiersbe

The Question of Chapter 18

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Matthew 18:1

The rest of the chapter is a response to that question.

--God's Search and Rescue Plan: Church Discipline by David V. Edling, p. 6

From John Stott wrote in "Christian Counter-culture":

"The addition of the words as we also have forgiven our debtors is further emphasized in verses 14 and 15 which follow the prayer and state that our Father will forgive us if we forgive others but will not forgive us if we refuse to forgive others. This certainly does not mean that our forgiveness of others earns us the right to be forgiven. It is rather that God forgives only the penitent and that one of the chief evidences of true penitence is a forgiving spirit. Once our eyes have been opened to see the enormity of our offence against God, the injuries which others have done to us appear by comparison extremely triffling. If, on the other hand, we have an exaggerated view of the offences of others, it proves that we have minimized our own. It is the disparity between the size of debts which is the main point of the parable of the unmerciful servant. It's conclusion is: 'I forgave you all that debt (which was huge)...; should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'" pp. 149-150

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

God's Search and Rescue Plan: Church Discipline by David V. Edling

How Relationship Trumps Religion | Matthew 12:38-50

How Relationship Trumps Religion | Matthew 12:38-50

Darien Gabriel

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 12:38-50 (Main)

Title: “How relationship trumps religion” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: We are born spiritually bankrupt. But we cannot save ourselves. So instead of trying to reform ourselves, we should humbly repent of our sins and trust Jesus to deliver us like he did Jonah.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. Matthew compares Jesus to Jonah and Solomon. 

How do these comparisons speak to the seriousness of rejecting Christ?

2. How did Jonah serve as a “sign” of Jesus’s authority and mission?

3. How has Jesus brought healing to your life? What difference has Jesus’s power made in your struggle against evil?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Intro

How many of you remember cameras before digital photography? How many of you remember Kodak film?

Kodak went bankrupt as a company because they didn’t adapt their company to take advantage of digital technology.

But did you know that they actually developed digital photography?

They didn’t see that the way to the future of photography was through digital technology.

If you’ve been a part of the church for very long, you are vulnerable to making the same mistake. You can be so committed to the religion that you miss the relationship.

Even though we didn’t start in the old covenant, we can behave as if our religious ways are a covenant that is more like the old law than the new—more about religion than relationship. We must evaluate our relationship with God by looking at our willingness to do the will of God in practice instead of relying on our religion to save us.

Bottom line: We are born spiritually bankrupt. But we cannot save ourselves. So instead of trying to reform ourselves, we should humbly repent of our sins and trust Jesus to deliver us like he did Jonah.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. We are spiritually bankrupt and unable to deliver ourselves from sin and death.

Q. Why?

A. Because we’re prideful and we think we can save ourselves.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Repent instead of reject or reform.

Q. Why?

A. Because it doesn’t work. In fact, it makes us more wicked than we already are.

Bottom line: We are born spiritually bankrupt. But we cannot save ourselves. So instead of trying to reform ourselves, we should humbly repent of our sins and trust Jesus to deliver us like he did Jonah.

Context: Jesus is talking to the crowd and the religious leaders intent on discrediting him. He continues to show them portraits of himself through his direct teachings. He’ll move to parables in the next chapter making his truths less obvious to some and even incomprehensible to others.

Outline (David Platt’s outline)

We saw earlier that He (Jesus) is the Greater Priest. Today we see 3 more portraits of Jesus:

I. He is the Greater Prophet

A. Jonah was alive after 3 days in a fish; Jesus would be alive after 3 days in a grave.

B. The Ninevites responded with repentance; the Israelites were responding with rejection.

II. He is the Wiser King

III. He is Our Elder Brother

A. What we don’t need: an empty religion consumed with outer reformation.

B. What we do need: an intimate relationship compelled by inner transformation.

Conclusion

So what?

• We need to see Jesus for who he really is so that we can see in contrast who we really are. Then we see our genuine need for rescue from sin and death.

• We see our need to become part of the family of God.

• We see that we cannot become part of the family of God unless he delivers us from the belly of the fish—from the tomb. For the wages of sin is death.

• We need to see that our deliverance doesn’t come from us being more religious or working harder to earn something. Our salvation comes when we surrender and let him save us. We quit fighting him and let him rescue us.

A lost person is like a drowning person who is so desperate to not drown that they overwhelm their rescuer and drown them in the process. This is why it’s better to let that person nearly drown and then rescue them. Because they can no longer try to save themselves.

Bottom line: We are born spiritually bankrupt. But we cannot save ourselves. So instead of trying to reform ourselves, we should humbly repent of our sins and trust Jesus to deliver us like he did Jonah.

Like these Pharisees steeped in religion, we too display our spiritual bankruptcy until we repent and believe that Jesus is the way from dead, empty religion and moralism to abundant life that lasts forever. We must turn from trying to dig out of our own insurmountable debt to surrendering to the one who can forgive our debts and restore us to life and wipe out our sins.

Notes:

D Willmington’s outline”

I. Their Judges: A prophet, a city, and a queen

“Although they’d already seen Jesus perform many miracles, the Pharisees sought one more sign from him to prove his messianic claims. Chastising them for their persistent unbelief, Jesus reminded them of Jonah’s miraculous escape from the great fish, and in a veiled prophecy compared that to his own approaching death and resurrection. In judgment, these self-righteous Pharisees will be found wanting in the presence of Gentiles who exhibit true faith. (Luke 11:29-32)

II. Reformation - regeneration = condemnation

“Perhaps recalling the many he had cleansed of demons, Jesus noted that such cleansing is useless unless it leads to a filling with the Holy Spirit.”

III. The real family of God

“When Jesus heard that members of his biological family were looking for him, he used the occasion to teach that those who accept him as Messiah can enjoy a relationship with him that transcends earthly ties.”

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“Jesus Manifesto” sermon series, by Darien Gabriel: https://youtu.be/x65i2tqFrXk

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

Why Jesus Came | Matthew 9:1-17

Why Jesus Came | Matthew 9:1-17

Darien Gabriel

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-17 (Main)

Title: Why Jesus Came #Forgiveness (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: Jesus has all authority in the world and therefore deserves all allegiance from the world.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. What would you say if someone asked you, "What is your greatest need?" Explain your answer.

2. Explain the difference between suffering that is directly related to your own sin and suffering that comes as a result of living in a fallen world.

3. If someone said that Jesus never claimed to be divine, how could you respond by using the account of the paralytic?

4. How might Jesus' calling of Matthew give us hope for unbelievers we know who seem unreachable with the gospel?

5. Why do disciples of Jesus fast now? What does this say about our ultimate hope?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Intro

Illustration: imagine you have a house do you live in that you owe most of the money on. Maybe you’ve lived there two years and you still owe 28 years on your 30 year mortgage. Now imagine that your AC unit goes out. That’s about $5000 to fix and you just don’t have that kind of money sitting in the bank to buy a replacement. But it’s in the dead of summer or the dead of winter and you really need it now. so you ask the Lord for help. I imagine the Lord send somebody to help and you expect that they’re coming over to give you money to fix the AC unit. But instead what they give you is enough money to pay off of your house all of your house.  you expected them to pay for the AC unit, but not the whole house he would be elated. This is in a sense what Jesus did when he came to the man who was paralyzed. The man came, hoping and expecting, and believing that Jesus could, and would heal him of his paralysis.  And he would’ve been extremely happy if that happened. But instead, Jesus said your sins are forgiven. How do you think he would’ve reacted? I think two feelings would’ve run through him at that moment. First I think he would have been disappointed and surprised. After all, he came to be healed of his paralysis what could be better than that. Second, I think he would have been overwhelmed with gratitude. I think, in the presence of Jesus, looking into his eyes, he would’ve recognized holiness, and recognized his need for forgiveness In Flash. As a result, I think he would’ve been cognizant of the immensity of the gifts he just received, and how much better it was, then to be healed of paralysis.

“Many of you no doubt know of Joni Eareckson Tada, who has been a quadriplegic for several decades. She is confined to a motorized wheelchair.

However, she paints by holding the brush in her mouth, she composes music, she writes books and speaks at conferences, and she has a glorious testimony and an international ministry. She says that she knows that when she gets to heaven she will be whole, and she cannot wait for that moment. In the meantime, she is trusting in the love of God to sustain her during this earthly time of travail. She has said that she would rather be in her wheelchair knowing that she is forgiven in Christ than to be whole without His forgiveness.” RC Sproul, Matthew,

Bottom line: Jesus has all authority in the world and therefore deserves all allegiance from the world.

The world = all authority over disease, demons, the Devil, danger, disciples, death and damnation. That’s pretty comprehensive, wouldn’t you say? Would you say that anyone with that kind of authority in our world would be worthy of all allegiance? Do you live like this?

• 3-2-3-2-3 pattern

• “Sermon on the Move” where Jesus is demonstrating his authority and the kingdom of God coming being good news.

9:1-8 Miracle of the Paralytic

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That Jesus has the divine authority to forgive sins.

Q. Why?

A. Because we all need his forgiveness to be reconciled to God. Perhaps we didn’t believe he had that kind of authority. He demonstrates that he does here.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Respond in faith asking for God to forgive you of your sins today. Be as specific as you can knowing that he’ll reveal your sins to you as you need him to.

Q. Why?

A. This leads to you pledging your full allegiance to Christ as you gladly submit to and worship him.

9:9-13 Discipleship

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Jesus has come not to call those who think they don’t need his forgiveness (the “righteous”) but sinners (who know they need his forgiveness).

Q. Why?

A. Because while God is sovereignly calling people to follow him to repent and believe, we often think we’re ok and don’t need his forgiveness and ignore him. We have a response to make. But we also have a choice. We can choose to trust and follow. And we can choose to reject his gracious offer.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Recognize your need for his forgiveness. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We’re all diseased by sin. Jesus is our only cure.

Q. Why?

A. So that you’ll receive this new life that Jesus offers and walk away from dead religion.

9:14-17 Discipleship

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Jesus brings a newness (covenant, power, kingdom) that cannot be confined to the old forms.

A. Or, “Jesus came not to reform or patch-up a legalistic Judaism but to bring about something new: salvation (forgiveness of sins) by grace through faith.”

Q. Why?

A. So you can experience true life and not a fake religion.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Enter this new life by embracing and following Jesus Christ.

Q. Why?

A. He’s the way to true life.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Fasting is denying ourselves the things of this world.

Q. Why?

A. So that we keep seek first his kingdom and his righteousness ahead of things of this world.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Fast and pray for Jesus’ return.

Q. Why?

A. To help us keep his return at the forefront of our thinking each day.

Conclusion

David Platt gives us:

A Pause after reading Matthew 8

A. Let’s trust wholeheartedly in Jesus’ authority.

B. Let’s rest peacefully in Jesus’ authority.

C. Let’s submit completely to Jesus’ authority.

D. Let’s rejoice gladly in Jesus’ authority

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“Jesus Manifesto” sermon series, by Darien Gabriel: https://youtu.be/x65i2tqFrXk

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

How NOT to Follow Jesus | Matthew 8:18-34

How NOT to Follow Jesus | Matthew 8:18-34

Darien Gabriel

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 8:18-34 (Main);

Title: How NOT to follow Jesus (Darien Gabriel)

The Bottom line of Matthew 8-9: “Jesus possesses absolute authority in the world and warrants absolute allegiance from the world.”

Bottom line: We truly follow Jesus when we humble ourselves, deny ourselves, courageously take up our cross, overcoming our fear of death and what others think, and follow him with integrity.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. How NOT to follow Jesus.

Q. Why?

A. Because sometimes it’s easier to understand how to follow Jesus by seeing how NOT to.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Follow Jesus and not just walk behind him.

Q. Why?

A. Because there’s a difference. We truly follow Jesus when we humble ourselves, deny ourselves, courageously take up our cross, overcoming our fear of death and what other think, and follow him with integrity.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. How would you counsel someone who wanted to follow Jesus as long as they could maintain their current lifestyle?

2. Explain how Matthew 8 speaks against the prosperity gospel.

3. How can Jesus' calming of the storm give you comfort in your own trials and suffering?

4. How do verses 28-34 speak to Jesus' authority in regard to Satan?

5. List five ways Matthew 8 demonstrates that Jesus was more (though not less) than a mere man?

6. What would you say if someone asked you, "What is your greatest need?" Explain your answer.

7. Explain the difference between suffering that is directly related to your own sin and suffering that comes as a result of living in a fallen world.

8. If someone said that Jesus never claimed to be divine, how could you respond by using the account of the paralytic?

9. How might Jesus' calling of Matthew give us hope for unbelievers we know who seem unreachable with the gospel?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Intro

Truth over tribe: pledging allegiance to the lamb not the donkey or the elephant.

1- Matthew is showing us through negative examples how NOT to follow Jesus.

2- At the same time, Matthew is showing Jesus has authority over the whole world:

• Disciples

• Danger/Disaster

• Demons

• Disease

• Death

• Damnation

I. Follow Jesus without pride.

“I will follow you wherever you go.” (19)

• Impressive words if they are genuine.

• But Jesus suspects that they are not. So he picks the area of life that will best reveal this to him. No home. No prestige. No comforts.

• It’s not courage if you don’t realize how dangerous it is. He doesn’t seem to know.

“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (20)

• Foxes and birds have homes. Jesus and his followers do not. They walk by faith in simplicity and obscurity seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness trusting that everything they need will be provided.

• Count the cost, scribe. Humble yourself and realize that Jesus doesn’t need your scholarship or pedigree to accomplish his mission.

II. Follow Jesus without compromise.

“Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” (21)

• Seems that he wants to follow Jesus on his own terms—in his own time. Waiting on his father to die so he can get the inheritance.

• Seems to be looking for security in money instead of Jesus.

• “Seek first…”

III. Follow Jesus without fear for your life.

• The storm scares them to death.

• They wake Jesus and ask him to save them.

• Jesus saves them in response to their “little faith” (Mark says “no” faith).

• Jesus chastises them and calls them to greater faith: Courageous, confident faith.

IV. Follow Jesus without boundaries.

• They went outside of Israel. Cf. Acts 1:8

• We see Jesus’ authority over demons again here.

V. Follow Jesus without fear for what others think.

• They bring the paralytic to Jesus.

• Jesus forgives sins first—then heals.

• Jesus doesn’t care what others think, even though it will cost him his life.

• Jesus shows he has authority over disease and damnation.

Conclusion

David Platt gives us:

A Pause after reading Matthew 8

A. Let’s trust wholeheartedly in Jesus’ authority.

B. Let’s rest peacefully in Jesus’ authority.

C. Let’s submit completely to Jesus’ authority.

D. Let’s rejoice gladly in Jesus’ authority

Pray

Other

Platt’s outline

I. The Basic Outline of Matthew 8-9

A. 3 miracle stories (8:1-17) (LAST WEEK)

B. 2 descriptions of discipleship (8:18-22) (THIS WEEK)

C. 3 miracle stories (8:23-9:8) (THIS WEEK TOO?)

D. 2 descriptions of discipleship (9:9-17) (NEXT WEEK)

E. 3 miracle stories (9:18-34) (NEXT WEEK)

II. The Bottom line of Matthew 8-9: “Jesus possesses absolute authority in the world and warrants absolute allegiance from the world.”

III. The Portrait of Jesus in Matthew 8

A. Jesus has authority of disease. (LAST WEEK)

1. He cleanses the physically unclean.

2. He heals the ethnically outcast.

3. He restores the culturally marginalized.

B. Jesus has authority over disciples. (THIS WEEK)

1. Jesus is worthy of unconditional trust.

2. Jesus is worthy of undivided affection.

C. Jesus has authority over disaster.

1. The point of the story: Jesus is God.

2. The promise of the story: You will never be alone.

D. Jesus has authority over demons.

1. The demons have fear because of their belief. (Cf. James 2:19)

2. We often have fear because of our unbelief.

IV. A Pause after reading Matthew 8

A. Let’s trust wholeheartedly in Jesus’ authority.

B. Let’s rest peacefully in Jesus’ authority.

C. Let’s submit completely to Jesus’ authority.

D. Let’s rejoice gladly in Jesus’ authority.

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“Jesus Manifesto” sermon series, by Darien Gabriel: https://youtu.be/x65i2tqFrXk

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

Why God Seals His People | Revelation 7

Why God Seals His People | Revelation 7

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title: Why God Seals His People

Scripture: Revelation 7

Main commentary help: 

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

• Breaking the Code by Bruce Metzger

• Seven Seals by Matt Chandler, 2021 sermon

Last week: “How to prepare for the end”

This week: “Why God Seals His People”

Intro

I was a civil engineer for about 10 years before I went into full-time ministry. To become a professional engineer, you must graduate from an accredited university, pass the EIT test, apprentice the appropriate number of years, and then pass the PE exam. After doing all of that, you become a registered PE in that state. You can then get a seal that has the state seal, your name, and your PE #. Then when you must sign and seal documents you are identifying them as yours and that you have authority to submit these under the laws of the state. Your seal establishes identity, ownership, and authority.

We talked about 6 seals of judgment last week. But this is a different kind of seal. This is the seal found in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22:

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV https://www.bible.com/111/2co.1.21-22.niv

God seals those who trust and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Seal them from what? From the judgments he will pour out on the rest of the world because of their rebellion against their good and great Creator.

This parenthetical chapter between the 6th and 7th seals takes the time to share this truth that God seals his people. Therefore, they do not need to fear God’s judgment for he will protect them from them.

I. The sealing of the servants of God on the earth. (7:1-8)

II. The singing of the servants of God in heaven. (7:9-17)

Bottom line: We sing because we’ve been sealed.

The pathway to life is through a grave.

• True for Jesus.

• True for us.

Are you resting under God’s seal? Or do you need to trust and follow Jesus Christ?

God’s judgments are coming. Are you ready for that?

Pray to God and ask for his mercy and grace in Jesus’ name today.

How to prepare for the end | Revelation 6:1-8

How to Prepare for the End | Revelation 6:1-8

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title: How to prepare for the end

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-8

Main commentary help:

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

• Breaking the Code by Bruce Metzger

• Seven Seals by Matt Chandler, 2021 sermon

Last week: “How to Live in this world of suffering”
This week: “How to prepare for the end”

I. Intro

My dad died in 2014. He was in his 80s and died because of dementia. He forgot how to swallow. Watching him die like that was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But because he knew the disease would eventually take him, he prepared himself financially, mentally, physically, relationally and spiritually. And when his brain forgot how to swallow, he started to die. But he knew that the best was yet to come. I realize that talking about God like this can get me canceled. When people don’t like what you’re saying, they want to just cancel instead of discuss and debate the issues. As a result, it’s getting riskier and riskier to speak truth—especially from the Bible. Yet Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney does so in the middle of the pandemic on a world-wide simulcast where he said the following:

“The best is not behind us. The best is yet to come, especially for those who know Jesus. I would not be able to do a positive summit and try to speak some hope and positivity if I did not say that because that is what I know. I know true peace and happiness comes from knowing Jesus. Jesus is the hope of the world. Always has been, always will be. The hope of the world is not a vaccine. It is not a politician. It is not some stimulus package. It is not any of those things. The hope of the world comes from knowing Jesus. That is what I believe and that is why I know that the best is yet to come.” -Dabo Swinney

https://www.powerofpositivesummit.com/

Where does the courage to say that and risk all he’s accomplished come from? Sheep among wolves, Luke 10:3Power of the resurrection, Phil 3:10How to prepare for what end? The end of my life or the end of the world? Yes, both. Because the answer is the same for both.

But he was ready. We talked about it often. He wasn’t wanting to leave this place but he was at peace about it whenever it happened. He’d trusted Christ at an early age.He’d led his family to follow Christ.He’d walked with Christ the best way he knew how.He’d had the important conversations while he was still thinking well. Hospice was called in when it was time.He was prepared for the end. Are you prepared for the end yet?

Bottom line: We must prepare for the end of life and the end of the world the same way: as if living and dying for Christ was worth it. And ordering our lives accordingly.

Let’s dive into the 5th and 6th seals. The 7th seal is the 7 Trumpets (judgments) we’ll learn about in the weeks to come.

II. The 5th Seal—Martyrs (6:9-11)

A. What’s a martyr? Martyr = witness. So a Christian martyr is someone willing to be a witness even if it kills them in the process.

B. Why were these people martyred? Because they were faithful to the word of God (Proclaim Jesus), and Because they were faithful to the testimony (Embody Jesus).Does your life do these 2 things?

C. They want vengeance, justice and vindication. After all, they died for loving God and loving people like Jesus did/does.

D. Vengeance is God’s job—not ours.

E. God’s character—holy and true.F. God’s method—sovereign and always on time.lG. Future martyrs? Church of Smyrna and us.

III. 6th Seal—The End. (6:12-17)

A. Common throughout scripture to be cosmic, cataclysmic destruction. Could be literal.Could be symbolic. No less real either way. Goal is to lead people to repent and believe. People would rather die than...

B. ...Face God and the wrath of the Lamb.

C. The great leveling begins. God’s justice and mercy are for all no matter your station or status in life.

D. What about you? What are you putting your hope in for your deliverance in the end? Politicians? World leaders? Scientists? Wealthy people? The Military?

Application
How do we prepare for the end?

Bottom line: We must prepare for the end of life and the end of the world the same way: as if living and dying for Christ was worth it. And ordering our lives accordingly.

Share story of Nigerian funeral

Decide if my faith is worth living for. If it’s worth living for, then it’s worth dying for. Saturate your mind and heart with scripture daily. Memorize it as if you might have to live without a printed copy one day. Pray like you might be martyred one day. Proclaim Jesus daily. Embody Jesus daily.

Bottom line: We must prepare for the end of life and the end of the world the same way: as if living and dying for Christ was worth it.We do this daily as we Proclaim & Embody Jesus.

Let’s pray.

Other notes:

How to Love

Four bullets hit Pope John Paul II – two of them lodging in his lower intestine, the others hitting his left hand and right arm. This assassination attempt on the Pope in May 1981 left him severely wounded and with considerable blood loss – his health was never the same again. In July 1981, the perpetrator, Ali Ağca, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Pope John Paul II asked people to pray ‘for my brother Ağca, whom I have sincerely forgiven’.

Two years later, he was to take the hand of Ali Ağca, then in prison, and quietly tell him that he had forgiven him for what he had done (even though his would-be killer had not asked for forgiveness). He developed a friendship over the years, meeting Ağca’s mother in 1987 and his brother a decade later. In June 2000 Ağca was pardoned by the Italian President at the Pope’s request. In February 2005 Ağca sent a letter to the Pope wishing him well. When the Pope died on 2 April 2005, Ağca’s brother, Adrian, gave an interview saying that Ağca and his entire family were grieving and that the Pope had been a great friend to them.

Pope John Paul II’s response of love and mercy is exemplary. God’s love and mercy is even more extraordinary because ‘At the cross of Jesus, pardon is complete. Love and justice mingle, truth and mercymeet.’

How to Make the Most of Your Life

‘People often ask me what Mother Teresa was like,’ writes Shane Claiborne in his book The Irresistible Revolution. ‘Sometimes it’s like they wonder if she glowed in the dark or had a halo. She was short, wrinkled, and precious, maybe even a little ornery, like a beautiful, wise old granny. But there is one thing I will never forget – her feet. Her feet were deformed.

Each morning I would stare at them. I wondered if she had contracted leprosy. One day a Sister explained, “Her feet are deformed because we get just enough donated shoes for everyone, and Mother does not want anyone to get stuck with the worst pair, so she digs through and finds them. And years of doing that have deformed her feet.” Years of loving her neighbour as herself deformed her feet.’

When people are asked about the person whose life they most admire, so often the answer is ‘Mother Teresa’. She made the most of her life. It is a paradox, because her life was a life of self-denial, taking up her cross and following Jesus.

Bible in One Year 2021 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 56 • Devotional

Why Do We Worship God? | Revelation 4:1-11

Why Do We Worship God? | Revelation 4:1-11

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title:  “Why do we worship God?”

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11

Main commentary help: 

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

• The Seven Churches by Mike Breen

• Breaking the Code by Bruce Metzger

Be Confident About Your Future

What does the future hold in store for you?

Bible in One Year 2021 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 71 • Devotional

Futurologists predict what will happen in the future. For example, it has been predicted that some babies born today will live to the age of 150. Some of their predictions may come true. Others may not.

• In 1962 Decca Recording Company rejected the Beatles. They said, ‘We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.’

• In 1977 Ken Olson, Chairman of Digital Equipment Co., said, ‘There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.’

There are certain things about the future that we don’t know and that we are not supposed to know. However, there are other things that you can know about the future and that makes a real difference to your life now. Today we see why the echo the world needs to hear is from God through his people. That is worship.

Bottom line: Be the echo the world needs to hear from God through his people.

Illustration: This is not unlike the moon reflecting the light of the sun so that we can see the sunlight at night.

There are 2 parts to this:

1. Seeing and hearing God so that I am changed.

2. Echoing/reflecting what I see and hear into a world that needs to see/hear God and be changed as well.

Need:

We need to see God as he is so that we’ll be able to overcome (be victorious) over the challenges and temptations in life that we experience and that are described in Rev. 2-3.

“Our need for this text is much the same as the need for the seven churches to which John sent this letter. We know from what Jesus said to them in the seven letters that 

1. they had lost their first love in Ephesus;

2. they were about to be killed for the faith in Smyrna—husbands, wives, so`ns, daughters facing death;

3. they were tempted by false teaching in Pergamum;

4. they were tolerating a false prophetess in Thyatira, and she had led some into sexual and morality and idolatry;

5. the church was dead in Sardis,

6. persecuted in Philadelphia, and

7. Lukewarm in Laodicea.” -J Hamilton

“The whole point of this text is to show us that right now God is on his throne being worshiped and praised as he rightly deserves.” -JH

Context:

3 purposes:

I. To give believers a renewed vision of the risen, ascended and ruling Lord Jesus (1); 

II. To call for repentance and renewal (2-3), and 

III. To reveal God’s future plans for his church (4-22)

We are entering the third purpose and section. 

Outline:

I. The One seated on the throne. (4:1-6a)

1. Jesus invites John in through his open door (contrast with Laodicea not opening their door to Jesus) (Trinity: Son of God)

2. Description of the throne room and the one seated in it.

3. “In the Spirit” is how John describes whatever it is he experienced in receiving this revelation.

4. A throne with God sitting in it. (Trinity: God the Father)

5. He had the appearance of jasper and ruby gems. (Reddish-brown colors) These gems represent the radiance or echo of the glory of God in these places (High priests breastplate (Exod 19), Rebuilding of New Jerusalem (Isaiah 54), Description of bride of Christ as New Jerusalem (Rev 21))

6. Rainbow reminds us of the covenant that God made with Noah to never judge the earth by flood again. Adds green to the mix. This covenant of patient mercy. So when we see this bow added we see justice and mercy perfectly balance reflect God’s glory.

7. 24 elders - 12 tribes + 12 apostles; either humans or angelic beings

8. Dressed in white representing our justification, sanctification and glorification (righteousness)

9. Gold crowns—when they worship, they are giving all that they have (voices, presence, time, energy and crowns). While these are tokens of worship to God, they are valuable to us expressing our value of him.

10. Thunder and lightning remind us of God descending on Mount Sinai and giving of the law by which they’d be judged. Justice from the throne surrounded by patient mercy of a bow.

11. 7 lamps = 7 spirits of God or Holy Spirit in full. (Trinity = Holy Spirit or Spirit of God)

12. Sea of glass—clear as crystal; hard as diamonds (floor); add to this

II. The Worship of the One seated on the throne. (4:6b-11)

1. Four angelic creatures around the throne reflecting or echoing God’s glory through their attributes.

2. Their words give us reason to worship him:

   1. Holy, holy, holy (number for God)

   2. Eternal/timeless one

   3. Creator

3. Elders fall down in worship because that is the only appropriate posture of worship in front of someone as great as the Lord God Almighty.

Applications:

Echo God’s glory where we live, work, learn and play:

1. With our lips (Heb 13:15)

2. With our lives (Heb 13:16)

But notice that the emphasis here is on the former and that our tendency is to see this as non-productive, wasteful. (See John 12:-18 narrative about how Mary “wastes” her nard)

How to Fully Rely on God Instead of Yourself | Revelation 3:17-22

How to Fully Rely on God Instead of Yourself | Revelation 3:17-22

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title: “How to fully rely on God instead of yourself”

Scripture: Revelation 3:17-22

Main commentary help:

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

• The Seven Churches by Mike Breen

• Breaking the Code by Bruce Metzger

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to fully rely on him instead of ourselves. Our self-reliance makes him want to puke.

Our series is “The best is yet to come” as we walk through the prophetic apocalypse that is the Revelation of the Risen Christ, a circular letter to the early church—and to us today. My prayer is that you’ll be strengthened, comforted and encouraged through this word today.

Need: Due to it’s enormous affluence, the Laodicean church was vulnerable to self-reliance. We, the American church, need to hear Jesus’s words to this church and evaluate ourselves in light of them.

Last week we saw how the Laodicean church thought, “We’ve got this!”

Illustration: Pic of inflatable tanks used in WW II. They look real at a glance but they are not authentic. Many Christians look real on the outside at a glance. But they are not.

5 Steps Towards Fully Relying on Jesus Again

1. Hear the loving rebuke of the Lord. (19a)

   1. Jesus loves you.

   2. That’s why he rebukes and disciplines you.

   3. Cf. Hebrews 12:4-11

2. Earnestly repent and believe the Lord. (19b)

   1. While the “Importance of Being Earnest” is a great movie, it’s not about this.

   2. But it is important to be earnest in your repentance.

   3. Repentance is more than being sorry for your sin. It’s choosing to change your thinking from believing a lie to believing that living by the truth is better for all.

3. Invite the Lord in. (20)

   1. Jesus is outside the church knocking to get back in. They were doing church without Jesus.

   2. Contrast 2 ways the church was approached:

      1. Roman soldiers were told to go to Laodicea and that they were to provide them room and board for free.

      2. Jesus comes and asks to be let in to join them for a sweet time of fellowship and food that he provides.

4. Join the Lord on His throne. (21)

   1. We overcome (are victorious) because we trust in Jesus’ victory over sin, death, shame, guilt and hell itself.

   2. He overcame all of that and his Father gave him the right to rule. He does the same for us.

5. To Hear is to Obey (22)

   1. The Spirit of the Lord (Trinitarian throughout this passage) speaks; are we listening.

   2. To hear is to obey.

How to Fully Rely on God Instead of Yourself | Revelation 3:17-22

Darien Gabriel

What You Don’t Realize Can Kill You | Revelation 3:14-22

What You Don’t Realize Can Kill You | Revelation 3:14-22

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title: “What You Don’t Realize Can Kill You” (Part 9)

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Main commentary help:

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin
  Revelation by Jim Hamilton
  The Seven Churches by Mike Breen
  Breaking the Code by Bruce Metzger
  

Our series is “The best is yet to come” as we walk through the prophetic apocalypse that is the Revelation of the Risen Christ, a circular letter to the early church—and to us today. My prayer is that you’ll be strengthened, comforted and encouraged through this word today.

Need: Due to it’s enormous affluence, the Laodicean church was vulnerable to self-reliance. We, the American church, need to hear Jesus’s words to this church and evaluate ourselves in light of them. Main Point (Akin): Churches that lose sight of their dependence on Christ for all things are deceived and useless, but Jesus graciously promises healing to all who will rely on him for their every need. Main point (Hamilton): Jesus calls on the church at Laodicea to rely on him and his resources rather than their own. Outline (Hamilton): 3:14 Jesus is the true witness 3:15-17 Laodicea’s self-reliance 3:18-20 The counsel of the true witness: Rely on Jesus 3:21-22 Hear the promises that the Spirit speaks.

Being a Great Commission Church | Revelation 3:7-13

Being a Great Commission Church | Revelation 3:7-13

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title:  “Being a Great Commission Church”

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Main commentary help: 

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

• The Seven Churches by Mike Breen

• Breaking the Code by Bruce Metzger

This week’s title: “Being a Great Commission Church”

Our series is “The best is yet to come” as we walk through the prophetic apocalypse that is the Revelation of the Risen Christ, a circular letter to the early church—and to us today. My prayer is that you’ll be strengthened, comforted and encouraged through this word today.

Tension: We must evaluate our church and ourselves to see if we’re being faithful to the Savior, the gospel, and the great commission for God rewards those who are.

Though we may be modestly influential culturally, the church that is faithful to the Savior, the gospel, and the great commission will be rewarded by God.

1. A great commission church sees Jesus as awesome. (3:7)

   1. He is the holy one.

   2. He is the true one.

   3. He is the sovereign one. (Unstoppable)

2. A Great Commission church is faithful to the gospel. (3:8-9)

3. A great commission church lives by the promises of God. (3:10-13)

Repent from the Tolerance of Sin | Revelation 2:18-39

Repent from the Tolerance of Sin | Revelation 2:18-39

Christopher M. Karpus

Repent from the Tolerance of Sin (Apathy towards Sin)

By Chris Karpus

Revelation 2:18-39

To the Church in Thyatira (the idolatrous church)

a. Each church was literal in existence (Asia Minor in modern day Turkey)

Ephesus had abandoned their first love

Smyrna was not admonished, but they were facing tribulation

Pergamum had people holding to the teaching of the Nicolaitans

Thyatira, today’s letter, is tolerating Jezebel

- Many commercial guilds in Thyatira…like trade unions…more than any other Roman province – Industrialized city known for their commercial trade…purple dye…Lydia, from the book of Acts

Acts 16 – refers to Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, from Thyatira.

b. Each church represents spiritual issues relevant to Christians today

1. Verses 18-19

-Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of God”

-whose eyes are fire - Jesus’ searching gaze from which nothing escapes

Whose feet are like burnished bronze – seems to point to Jesus’ absolute purity

- They had the deeds that Ephesus had, but had the love that Ephesus lacked

- Jesus recognized their love and faith, service and perseverance…

- He even noted that they were doing even more than when they started

2. Verses 20-21

-Jesus faults the church of Thyatira for tolerating this “Jezebel” whom He gave time to repent

(Jezebel – daughter of Ethbael, king of the Sidonians

She worshiped the baals and ashiras, and led King Ahab (the King of Israel) to do the same

2 Kings 9:34 “that cursed woman”

As a punishment for her wickedness, she was eventually pushed out a window, trampled by horses and eaten by dogs)

We are told 2 things about this Jezebel in Thyatira: (other than not repenting)

1. She calls herself a profit

2. She is teaching Jesus’ servants to practice sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols

Eating food sacrificed to idols…dinner with the guild…sacrificed to Zeus

Jesus told Thyatira that they were allowing someone like that to influence their people – why do you tolerate her?

-Could be a reference to the process of church discipline back in Matthew 18:15-18

- She did not repent even though she was given time to do so

- Jesus is now faulting the church for continuing to tolerate her….so if they had gone through the process, it seems that He is saying that she should have been excluded by now

- Jesus said that they had love, BUT it seems their love was undiscerning and blindly affirming

- They tolerated false teaching and immoral behavior – two things God is fiercely intolerant of

- Jesus didn’t pat them on the back for being open minded, welcoming and affirming, he chastised them basically for being blind and undiscerning

- Tolerance – a buzz word in our culture

- There is a good kind of tolerance, but Christians cannot be tolerant of ALL things because God is not tolerant of all things.

- -Our culture says that love = unconditional affirmation. That is not the way God loves.

- We cannot give unqualified, unconditional affirmation to every belief and behavior.

- Parents should understand this. – you see your kid playing in the middle of a busy street, you don’t respond with “who am I to judge”?

- -We are called to love what God loves and hate what God hates

- -(Love what God loves) That’s where Ephesus failed

- (Hate what God hates – where Pergamum and Thyatira failed

3. “Jezebel”, in this case is most likely a specific person, but metaphorically, what “Jezebel’s” does the modern western church tolerate?

a. Racism

Jemar Tisby, in his book “How to Fight Racism” makes a tough statement for the white evangelicals in our country: “…everyone is either fighting racism or supporting it”.

In other words…we are either fighting racism or tolerating it

b. Abortion – I may favor pro life political candidates, but if I haven’t promoted a culture of life and compassion, I’m really not doing much by just pulling a red lever.

c. Pornography and sex trafficking

d. Worship songs with bad theology?... Bad doctrine leads to bad lives

e. People who call themselves prophets, and aren’t…

- Some just make political predictions, and never talk about the actual Word of God

3. from Verse 20

…(this Jezebel) who calls herself a prophet

- Jesus addresses the problem of imposters at several points in these letters:

- In Ephesus, he speaks to those who call themselves apostles who are not

- In Smyrna, he speaks to those who say they are Jews who are not

- In Thyatire, He is speaking of a woman who calls herself a prophet…and she is not

+ Fakes cannot fool the One whose eyes are like blazing fire

+ Always hold what so-called prophets say up against the Word of God

Matthew 24:11

11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

+ they will deceive non-believers and Christians…don’t fall for them, even if they say what our itchy ears want to hear.

4. Verse 20:

- She has infiltrated the people of God (probably part of why Jesus calls her a “Jezebel”) and teaches them idolatry and immorality (the rest of the reason she is called Jezebel)

- She is called to repentance and refused.

- Those who belong to Jesus repent of sin. What’s missing is repentance…repent and believe…believe and repent for the remission of sin

- At this point, the church had a responsibility to tell her the truth

- to protect the flock

- Instead, they were tolerating her, and as a result of the church’s failure to act, she was leading the servants of Jesus into sin.

-Tolerance in this case, is not love, it is unfaithfulness to God

- In not directly doing something about the false teaching, the church bears some of the responsibility for the sins provoked by the Jezebels…by tolerating it. Is that the same as approval?

-Is it possible that… Not DOING SOMETHING about RACISM, is implicit approval of racism

…Not DOING SOMETHING about abortion, is implicit approval of abortion

…and so on…

Obviously, we don’t want to hear our Lord and Savior say: “To the church in the United States, I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first…but I hold this against you: you tolerate things I hate.”

5. Verses 21-23:

- Jesus is effectively calling His servants, who are sinning with Jezebel, to repentance

- He is announcing judgement…Jezebel and everyone who sins with her will be judged

- Those who belong to Jesus will repent. Those who do not belong to Jesus will not.

- Those who refuse to repent, identify themselves as Jezebel’s children, and Jesus’ promises them that they will be judged and die

The result of this is…in verse 23

6. Verse 23:

- Basically, it looks like Jesus is addressing everyone who did not follow Jezebel. He is not imposing another burden on them, other than tolerating Jezebel.

- he says to HOLD FAST TO WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL I COME. What they have is the Gospel, and “holding fast” means living it out

- He has also called evil what it is…by saying “satan’s so called deep secrets”

8. Verses 26-29

Jesus is referencing Psalm 2:8-9

Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron[a]; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

If we want to rule with Jesus in the future, we need to be faithful to Him in the present. Remember, in the case of Thyatira, -Tolerance is not love, it is unfaithfulness

Though we are cultural outcasts now, or ridiculed now…we will rule. If we’re not outcasts now because of our faith, or ridiculed now because of our faith, then maybe we look too much like the culture.

David Wells…professor of Theology said – “worldliness is whatever makes sin look normal and righteousness look strange”

Does this mean we are to be intolerant? Of course not. It means we need to treat people the way Jesus treated people. He humbled, showed law to the proud, and He showed grace to the humble

Look at the story of the woman caught in adultery:

John 8:3-11

9. Verse 28

We will receive the Morning Star (Numbers 24…a star will come out of Jacob) – If you overcome, the ultimate gift is Christ Himself.

If you hold fast, you may not get:

The job, or the raise, or the girl or boy, or even your parents and family. You may not get the big house, fair treatment or the promotion. You may not get the political candidate you want in office, great health or appreciation from your family and friends or even the freedom you think you deserve…but if you hold fast…you WILL get the morning Star…you will get Jesus Himself. If He is all we have, understand that He is truly all we need.

Thanks!

First Love | Revelation 2:1-7; 2 Tim 1:7

First Love | Revelation 2:1-7; 2 Tim 1:7

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title: “First Love”

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7; 2 Tim 1:7 NIV

Main commentary help:

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

• Bible Knowledge Commentary

• Be The Church by Seth McBee

• Break the Code by Bruce Metzger

Last week’s title: “Motivated by the Risen Jesus...”

This week’s title: “First Love”

Our series is “The best is yet to come” as we walk through the prophetic apocalypse that is the Revelation of the Risen Christ, a circular letter to the early church—and us today. My prayer is that you’ll be strengthened, comforted and encouraged through this word today.

Now some of you may be thinking right now...things can’t get much worse. Better is good, best, well, I’m listening.

Tension:

What is it that happens to people between...

• Their wedding day and the day they sign divorce papers?

• The day their child is born and the day they see their child as a disappointment and brat?

• The day a loved one is diagnosed with awful condition and the day that loved one, whom we cherish, becomes a burden?

What happens is a loss of first love.

Need:

Maybe this is how some of us feel right now about our faith in the risen Christ. We’re just going through the motions and doing our duty. This is not victorious living!

This week’s main idea: “Rev 2:1-7 teaches us that the great commandment matters to God. Jesus identified our greatest obligation was wholehearted love for God, which declares to us that God is not pleased by dutiful obedience that does not flow from genuine love. Here, Jesus mercifully reveals his glory to the church in Ephesus to summon forth from them the first love that he requires.” (Hamilton, p. 63)

My Bottom line: Remember how far you have fallen! Repent and return doing the things you did at first. (Remember, Repent, and Return)

Story: “First love”

First time I saw my wife. (Share story)

Overview/Preview:

• Revelation probably written to be read aloud in one sitting in the context of a church gathering. We will do this by the end of the series somewhere, somehow. (See promise of 1:3)

• From the risen Jesus Christ to the 7 churches in Asia Minor.

The church at Ephesus:

• Paul wrote letter to them 43 years earlier (AD 53)

• While there (several years) oversaw discipleship of entire region (Acts 19)

• Was most prominent church in the region at the time

• Temple to Artemis (Diana) goddess of love and other stuff; 7th wonder of the ancient world

• Silversmiths rioted when Paul came

• Nothing there since 14th century

Context: (by chapter)

1: Vision of Risen Christ

2-3: Letters to 7 churches from risen Christ

4-5: Vision of throne room of the risen Christ

6-16: Judgment of Risen Christ

17-22: Fall of Babylon and arrival of New Jerusalem

Structure: It’s a chiasm (# corresponds to 7 churches in order)

1 Ephesus - forsaken first love, Jesus

2 Smyrna - no rebukes

3 Pergamum - Several rebukes

4 Thyatira - Several severe rebukes

5 Sardis - Several more severe rebukes

6 Philadelphia - no rebukes

7 Laodicea - Lukewarm love, Jesus

• Bad news is that only 2 of 7 churches are not rebuked even though they are still in the apostolic age.

• Yet, there’s good news in that there is hope for every church because the risen Jesus tells them how to recover. Remember, repent and return.

  • Jesus is still among his church!

  • Jesus loves to reprove and discipline his church.

Outline:

2:1 The Authority of the Risen Christ

2:2-6 The Address to the church at Ephesus

2:7 The Call to hear and heed the promises

2:1

• John writes to the angel of that specific church

• Angel = messenger

• Writing down the words of the risen Christ

• We should read these letters to the churches in light of the glory of the risen Christ

• How would the demeanor of your worship service change if the governor came in and joined you for worship?

• Jesus describes himself using words from 1:12-16. He does this for each church he addresses.

  • Him who holds the 7 stars (angels) - Jesus is in control of his messengers

  • Him who walks among the 7 lamp stands (churches) - Jesus is present and at work

• The early church met in houses; so even though Jesus writes to “the Church” he’s writing to the network of churches that make up the church of Ephesus. (Kind of like if Jesus wrote a letter to the group at Grace, he’d be writing to all the different groups of people who gather under the banner of Grace Christian Fellowship)

2:2-6

• Risen Jesus had a lot to commend them for:

  • pure doctrine

  • Hard working

  • Persevering

  • Condemnation of wicked people

  • Not grown weary of doing good and working hard

  • Opposed practices of the Nicolaitans (probably encouraged idolatry and sexual immorality)

  • We can summarize these into 2 categories: Deeds (hands) and Theology (head):

    • Hands - hard working, persevering, not growing weary of doing good

    • Head - pure doctrine, opposing false teaching, church discipline of wicked people

    • What they are missing is Heart - Love for the risen Christ

• Risen Jesus had one rebuke:

  • You have forsaken/abandoned (not just lost) the love you had at first.

  • At first = when your eyes and ears were opened to the truth that sets you free.

• Remember (consider) how far you have fallen from that love you had at first

  • Not necessarily at the beginning of your walk with Christ; maybe at a significant spiritual marker

  • I remember having lots of tears at the altar during a service at summer camp—when I was the youth pastor! Then later wondering where that passion to surrender all went

  • Our faith ebbs and flows—where are you today?

  • Perhaps you’ve never experienced a moving, life-changing encounter with the living God. Try this:

    • Think about your sin before a holy, holy, holy God.

    • How do you propose to cleanse yourself from your sins? Good works are like mensural rags in God’s eyes when performed to be cleansed.

    • How to propose to satisfy God’s righteous wrath for your sins?

    • There is only one mediator—Jesus

    • He died to pay the penalty for sin.

    • If you trust him, God will forgive your sin and adopt you.

  • This line of thought—

    • from God’s holiness

    • To our sin

    • To God’s justice against sin

    • To the provision of God made for our salvation in Christ and the mercy he shows to those who trust him

    • —this thinking on the gospel is what will fire anew our first love.

  • Just as thinking on your need for Jesus will fan the flames of your love for him, so also thinking on God’s mercy in giving you a spouse you don’t deserve will refresh your zeal for your spouse...

• Repent turning from duty to delight; from self to others first; to living to please Jesus over pleasing yourself

  • The great commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength

  • And others as yourself

• Return and do the things you did at first

  • When your mind is consumed with devotion for the one you love, you do what pleases them

  • Evidently, this devotion waned in the church of Ephesus

• Warning and Reward

  • If you don’t repent, I’ll unchurch you

  • If you do, see v. 7

2:7

• Whoever has ears quickened by the power of the Holy Spirit listen up and follow

• Reward for those who overcome -

  • Right to eat from the tree of life

  • Be with risen Christ in paradise

Applications:

Remember how far you have fallen! Repent and return doing the things you did at first. How?

1. Remember (consider) how far you’ve fallen, (Admit that you’ve dropped the ball here)

2. Repent of sin, and (Confess and turn from your sin...)

3. Return to Christ by doing the things you did at first. (Turn...to (or back to) the risen Jesus Christ and savior and Lord). How?

   1. Be zealous for the gospel—fall in love with Jesus and his good news again!

   2. Be diligent about sound doctrine—be in the word!

   3. Be faithful in living out the gospel—be like the risen Christ!

Conclusion:

When we remember how far we’ve fallen, and humble ourselves, we repent of our sin and return to the risen Christ and the things we did at first. This is the way;-)...and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through the Son...the risen Christ Jesus.

“Believer or unbeliever, one sure way to grow in your love for God is to think on the gospel—

1. God’s holiness and justice against sin,

2. the peril of your condition,

3. the provision made in Christ, and

4. your need to trust in Jesus.” (Hamilton, p. 70)

Will you remember, repent and return to him today?

Let’s pray.

Other:

Hamilton’s notes on all 7 churches:

Verse: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but of...

“Power, love and self-control/sound mind” 2 Tim 1:7

Analogy: Head, heart, hands

Consider combining the two...

Head - Sound mind/self-control

Hands - Power

Heart - Love

If Jesus wrote a letter to GCF, what would it say?

Probably a summary of what he charged all 7 churches to do:

For the sake of Christ,

1. Be zealous for the gospel,

2. Reject false teachings, and

3. Live in a manner consistent with the gospel.

Greatest need of the early church (and today’s church) according to Hamilton:

“to be faithful to Jesus, to hold fast to the gospel, and to live lives that are pleasing to him.”

Good News: “God has given us everything that we need to know to be right with God through Jesus and live in a way that pleases him.” -Hamilton

Main Point (Hamilton): “For the glory of God, Jesus charges the churches to be zealous for the gospel, reject false teaching, and live in a manner that corresponds to the gospel.” (LGLP, xDM)

Generally, for all the churches...for the glory of God, Jesus charges the churches to...

1. Be zealous for the gospel, (pursue steadfast faithfulness to gospel—which 2 & 6 were commended for)

2. Reject false teaching, and (be diligent about sound doctrine)

3. Live in a manner that corresponds to the gospel. (Live in pure devotion to Jesus, avoiding idolatry and immorality that grows from false teaching (and unbelief))

4. Practice church discipline, when necessary.

5. Be faithful unto death (cf. 2:10)

Story: Pastor Greg Wills (Hamilton, p. 61)

Notes from Bible Knowledge Commentary (BKC) on Rev 2:1-7:

Verse 1: DESTINATION

• Paul had visited Ephesus about 43 years earlier in AD 53.

• Paul was there for several years and preached/disciples so effectively “that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in th province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10).

• Silversmiths started a riot because their business of making shrines of Artemis was threatened.

• Ephesus—long history; most prominent church in region.

• Uninhabited since 14th century. (Immediate area)

• Mostly 2nd+ generation Christians

• Note how Paul draws from the description of the risen Christ in ch. 1 to re-describe himself to the 7 churches:

  • ““To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.”

  • ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Verse 2-3: COMMENDATION

• Commended for their faithful service for 40 years! Specifically,

  • hard work

  • perseverance

  • condemnation of wicked people

  • identification of false apostles (false teachers in each of first 4 churches)

  • enduring hardships

  • not growing weary in serving God

Verse 4: REBUKE

• Despite many commendations, soundly rebuked for forsaking the love they had at first.

• Word order is emphatic: Literally, “Your first love (agape) you have left.”

• Agape - deep love God has for people (cf. Eph 1:15-16 (35 years earlier))

Therefore,

• Pure doctrine (HEAD)

• High level of service (HANDS)

• Devotion to Christ (HEART) ——LACKING!! HENCE REBUKE

• Risen Christ wants all three!!

Verse 5-6: EXHORTATIONS

1. “Remember the height from which you have fallen!”

2. “Repent”—Our love for risen Jesus should be greater than...

   • Spouse

   • Kids

   • Parents

   • Best friends

   • Boy/girl friend

   • Self

   • Idol

   • Hero

   • Cause, manifesto, dream

   • god

3. (Return) and “Do the things you did at first.”

Verse 7: WARNING & PROMISE

WARNING: “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” (Lampstand = light or presence of Christ in the church = church will die)

PROMISE: “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is the paradise of God.”

• When you eat this fruit, you live abundant life forever.

• Tree that was in the garden of Eden is now in the New Jerusalem.

Illustration: (Cf. With Isaiah’s reaction in Isaiah 6:1-8) Isaiah went from “Woe is me” to “Here I am” in a very short time. How long would it take for you to surrender all to Jesus and let him send you wherever to do whatever? How long would it take for you to give Jesus a blank check? Not long if you see him as he is today.

Motivated by the Risen Jesus | Revelation 1:9-20

Motivated by the Risen Jesus | Revelation 1:9-20

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title: Motivated by the Risen Jesus...

Scripture: Revelation 1:9-20 NIV

Main commentary help:

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

Last week’s title: “The Best is Yet to Come”

This week’s title: Motivated by the Risen Jesus...

Last week’s Main idea: “Those who hear and obey God‘s word will be blessed by the Lord.”

Summarizing some of my thoughts lately...

1. We see the risen Jesus in all his glory and are motivated to trust and obey. (Rev 1:9-20)

2. When we trust and obey, we’re blessed beyond imagination. (Rev 1:1-8)

3. And finally, we’re blessed to be a blessing to others around the corner and around the world. (The Bible)

We’ll focus on 1 today.

This week’s main idea: “The risen Christ in glory summons forth obedience from his churches. The incomparable glory of the risen Christ motivates John’s audience to heed what John has been commissioned to write. The matchless splendor of Heaven’s King attracts the attention and compels the obedience of the churches John addresses.” -Hamilton

My Bottom line: When we (the Church) see the risen Jesus today, we’ll be super motivated to trust and obey.

Illustration: (Cf. With Isaiah’s reaction in Isaiah 6:1-8) Isaiah went from “Woe is me” to “Here I am” in a very short time. How long would it take for you to surrender all to Jesus and let him send you wherever to do whatever? How long would it take for you to give Jesus a blank check? Not long if you see him as he is today.

I hope your motivation for trusting and following Jesus will recalibrated today. Checked against the standard. The standard is truth and God’s word.

Why are you following Jesus?

Why are you following Jesus the way you are following Jesus? (Half-heartedly vs wholeheartedly)

I. Introduction: Story + Summary (Doignetus)

II. John’s situation and Commission to write (1:9-11)

III. John’s description of the risen Jesus (1:12-16)

IV. Jesus asserts his authority and commissions John to write (1:17-20)

V. Conclusion: Summary + Story + Application + Vision

Opening story/illustration

Diognetus about Christians to Mathetes (Hamilton, pp. 32-33, 37)

1:9-20 “John’s vision of the risen Christ”

I. “John’s situation and commission to write”

“Unlike the Roman Empire, which is promised peace but delivered brutality and fear, the Kingdom of God promises tribulation and delivers peace and confidence and eternal salvation to those who patiently endure.” Hamilton, Pp. 43-44

“Make no mistakes about it: Your best life is not now. Your best life will begin when the skies are split by the shout of the archangel.” Hamilton, p. 44

Churches listed in order an itinerant preacher would visit them beginning at Island of Patmos (where John was exiled) and moving around Asia Minor.

These cities seemed to be natural centers of communication for itinerant ministry and 7 focal cities with respect to the church’s organization and distribution.

• all but Thyatira had temples dedicated to emperors

• all but Philadelphia and Laodicea lead imperial priests and altars

Note, though an apostle, John shared in the suffering of the church.

John shares why he writes Revelation: Because Jesus told him to!

Read 3rd paragraph in Hamilton, p. 45–it’s powerful!

This is meant to motivate the Church to gladly submit to the word of the risen Christ! This will become clear in chapters 2-3.

1:12-26 “John’s description of the risen Jesus”

• Jesus described in priestly terms

  • References to Zechariah 4

  • 7 lamp stands point to the presence of God in the tabernacle and temple; hence priestly terms

  • Like a priest, Jesus calls the churches to repentance (Chs 2-3)

  • Jesus’ clothing points to a heavenly high priest

• Jesus described in kingly terms

  • References to Daniel 7

  • “Like a son of man” is kingly/messianic term

  • Jesus receives an eternal kingdom (Dan 7 & 10); cf. Rev 1:6 & 9

2 major influences on John’s first vision:

1. The letters to the churches—When you compare Revelation 1 with Revelation 2-3 you see Jesus described the same way

2. The vision of Daniel in ch. 10.

   1. Revelation is fulfilling Daniel’s vision in Daniel 10

   2. When you compare Revelation 1 with Daniel 10 you see Jesus described the same way

   3. Jesus is unveiled as deity in Rev 1:14 in describing like Ancient of Days (reference to God the Father)

“Eyes like a flame of fire” 1:14

3 implications of his blazing eyes:

1. No sin that we commit will escape his notice,

2. He will see every faithful thing his people do, and

3. He will note every injustice done to his people by their enemies.

“Feet like burnished bronze, refined” points to the absolute purity of Jesus.

“Powerful voice” = communicating authority this is to be obeyed. His voice is to drown out other voices that would call you away from true faith and holiness that marks those who truly know God.

Sometimes he does speak in a still, small voice. But there are times when he wants to drown out everything else.

Are you listening? To whom?

3 more...

7 Stars - messengers of 7 churches (Angels, not pastors). Jesus holds in right hand = he is in control

sword in mouth - symbolically Jesus will speak decisive words of judgment.

“Face like the sun” - painful brightness of the sun shining full strength, on which we can’t look

“The risen Christ in glory summons forth obedience from his churches.”

1:17-20 “Jesus asserts his authority and commissions John to write”

John literally blown away by God’s glory in Jesus. No power on earth does this.

Jesus doesn’t leave John. He tells him not to be afraid. Why?

Because he lives forever and holds the keys of death and hell. That is, he defeated death and the cross as seen in the resurrection.

Jesus is terrifying in his holiness. We should tremble, humble ourselves and repent of our sin before him. But no need to fear for our own lives if we repent and we trust him for he empowers us to live with him forever.

Jesus among 7 lamp stands = Jesus is present in and with his church.

Conclusion:

John’s situation and commission is to write down this vision (Revelation), which includes this powerful description of Christ himself in all his glory so that we will rightly be motivated to 1) Worship Jesus, and 2) Obey him.

“Jesus reveals himself to John the way he does to compel John’s audience to

1. Heed the 7 letters he is about to dictate to John about the present, and to

2. Convince them of the truth of...the end of history in Chs 4-22.” -Hamilton

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

These are not rhetorical questions. Take some time to stop and pray right now.

Let’s pray. Amen.

Trust God to Put Things Right

Pippa and I enjoy doing crosswords together. When we are stuck on one clue we don’t give up, we move on to the next clue. Every time we find an answer it helps us in resolving some of the other clues. In the end, we are sometimes able to solve most of the puzzle.

In a way, reading some of the difficult parts of the Bible is like trying to solve a crossword puzzle. Rather than getting bogged down in a tricky section, you can use the passages you do understand to help you resolve some of the more difficult ones.

Often I find it hard not only to understand some of the difficult passages in the Bible, but also to understand why certain things are happening in our world. There seems to be so much injustice. There are no easy answers.

I love the second great rhetorical question from yesterday’s passage, ‘Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?’ (Genesis 18:25). One thing that you can be sure about is that on the last day, when all is revealed, you will see God’s perfect judgment – and everyone will say, ‘That is absolutely right.’ Each of today’s passages tells us something about the fact that, in the end, God will put things right.

The Best is Yet to Come | Revelation 1:1-8

The Best is Yet to Come | Revelation 1:1-8

Darien Gabriel

Series: Revelation: The Best is Yet to Come

Title: The Best is Yet to Come

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-8 NIV

Main commentary help:

• Exalting Jesus in Revelation by Daniel Akin

• Revelation by Jim Hamilton

• Breaking the Code by Bruce Metzger

Last week’s title: As We Wait in Uncertain Times, Put Your Hope in Him for All Time (Psalm 146)

This week’s title: “The Best is Yet to Come”

Main idea: “Those who hear and obey God‘s word concerning who Jesus is and what he does will be blessed by the Lord.”

Bottom line: No matter how bad things get, the best is yet to come. And his name is Jesus.

Opening story/illustration

The Matrix

In the sci-fi movie The Matrix, Neo is told that the truth of their world is that they are shielded from reality by an illusion created by machines that control everything. Then Neo is given a choice. He can take the blue pill and forget what he just heard and live on in ignorance asleep to the truth. Or, he can take the red pill and become empowered to live in that true world that true reality.

We have a choice too. Revelation and God’s word tell us that we’re asleep and unable to see the reality of our spiritual condition unless someone opens our eyes with truth. God opens our eyes to see the truth through his word. But we have a choice to believe or not believe. We can remain skeptical and ignore the truth putting our heads back into the sand or we can “swallow the pill” of truth and live in reality fully aware of the dangers that surround us.

Other illustrations:

Persecuted Pastors

Dr. Danny Akin (professor at SEBTS.edu) asked a pastor in a persecuted country what his favorite books of the Bible were. He said Daniel and Revelation. (See story at bottom)

9/11 vs 9/10

What would you do if you knew with complete and total certainty what would happen on Sep. 11, 2001 on Sep. 10, 2001? What would you do? Something? Nothing? We would start telling people, of course.

There’s something coming that makes 9/11 and COVD-19 and WW II look like birthday parties. It’s described in Revelation.

And you and I know that it’s God’s word and therefore will come to pass.

It’s like 9/10/01. We know what’s coming. What will we do about it? Will we dare to share?

Prologue with doxology to introduce this circular letter to the churches.

“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.1.niv

• Revelation = unveiling, revealing

• Apocalypse = unveiling how it all ends

• From God—>to Jesus—>to the angel—>to John—>to the 7 churches—>to the rest of the churches in that day—>to the universal church—>to us and our churches—>His servants = us

• “Soon take place” means this could happen at any time.

  • We’re lulled to sleep because it hasn’t come in 2,000+ years so we think what’s one more day.

  • But whenever it does happen, we’ll feel that way. Is that the mindset you want? Really?

“who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.2.niv

• Word of God= truth; do you believe?

• Testifies to what he saw (and heard) in his visions on the island of Patmos around AD 90 (60 years after the resurrection)

• It’s all about Jesus Christ

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.3.niv

To obey this because you want to. Glad obedience from the inside.

Not like when you’re asked to take out the trash. You do it, but your heart isn’t into it. That’s not what “take it to heart” means.

What will Revelation call us to do?

• Act justly

• Love mercy

• Walk humbly with our God

• Glorify and worship God for his justice and his mercy

• Walk in hope believing that the best is yet to come no matter what we’re going through now

When?

The “time is near” reminds us of the urgency and posture in which we are to live. Like in the time of the Passover, we live with our shoes on, our bags packed, ready to roll. It’s living in this world holding everything loosely except his word.

“John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.4.niv

• Grace and peace - the order matters; Know Grace, know peace. No grace, no peace.

• Peace = complete wholeness and holiness

• Number 7 is used a lot by John; complete or all; comprehensive

• Describes Jesus here as timeless One and king/Lord

“and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.5.niv

Who is God...who is Jesus and what has he done/is he doing?

• Jesus called “the faithful witness”

• “The firstborn from the dead” - who is second, third...us!

• “Ruler of the kings of the earth” - sovereign

• Love - “loves us”

• “Freed us from our sins by his blood” - the lamb of God who was our substitutionary atonement on the cross

• Many reasons to worship/revere/fear him already

“and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.6.niv

Who are we and what do we get to do?

• He anoints us as kingdom priests. What do priests do?

  • Represent God before people

  • Represent people before God

• The makes him worthy of all praise forever!

““Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.7.niv

• Greg Stier likes to say, “Keep your eyes on the clouds ️ and on the crowds.”

  • Clouds - watching and ready for Jesus’ imminent return

  • Crowds - to be a witness in the meantime; a sacrificial lamb among wolves

• Everyone will see him - even those who know and reject

• Everyone will mourn him

  • For their sin

  • For their loss

• “So shall it be! Amen.” It is certain.

““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.””

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/rev.1.8.niv

• Beginning and the end (outside of time)

• Timeless One

• End of prologue

Conclusion

Think about some of our several sermon series titles from last year. And I am not this good:

• Joy No Matter (what)

• As We Wait (for his return)

• The Best is Yet to Come (His name is Jesus)

• Undeserved Grace

• Better Together

• Jesus Manifesto

As we wait for his return, we walk better together in joy and undeserved grace no matter what our circumstances because the best is yet to come and his name is Jesus.

Am I ready?

Do I believe this yet?

Am I prepared to take to heart what is written here today?

Will I worship God for his justice and mercy in our world?

Will I love God and love people by mercifully and gently giving people the reason for the hope that I have? (1 Peter 3:15)?

9/11 vs 9/10: What would you do if you knew with complete and total certainty what would happen on Sep. 11, 2001 on Sep. 10, 2001? What would you do? Something? Nothing?

There’s something coming that makes 9/11 and COVD-19 and WW II look like birthday parties. It’s described in Revelation.

And you and I know that it’s God’s word and therefore will come to pass.

It’s like 9/10/01. We know what’s coming. What will we do about it? Will we dare to share?

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

These are not rhetorical questions. Take some time to stop and pray right now.

Let’s pray. Amen.

Basic outline of the book

The Christ of...

1. Communication - he is the God who reveals his will to his people.

2. The Churches (vision)

3. The Cosmos (vision)

4. Conquest (vision)

5. Consummation (vision)

6. Challenge

Theme:

“The majesty and glory of the warrior lamb, King Jesus, who is coming again to rule and reign forever!”

Notes:

Intro/Prologue (1:1-3)

Doxology (1:4-6)

”The revelation” or unveiling of the mystery of who God is and what he’s up to. (Hint: Kingdom of God in our world)

We’re called “servants” which is someone who gladly serves his master no matter what the task or cost.

Seems like v. 1 is the purpose: (1-2)

• To reveal, unveil the word/testimony of God

• From God the Father

• To and through Jesus Christ

• Through an angel

• To John

• To the Churches in that day

• To us, the universal Church

• What must soon take place/happen in our world

• To servants of Jesus Christ i.e. the Church

v. 3 The beatitudes

• the person...

• who reads/listens to this prophecy aloud (to hear, believe and take to heart)

• w/ urgency (time is near)

”Unveiled/revealed will of God to bless

“revelation: God’s will is to bless his people”

Revelation: Encouraged by victory

“He is the God who communicates his will to his people.”

Title as truth: God reveals his will to his people.

vv. 4-6 Writing to (audience) the 7 churches (representing all the churches forever) of Asia Minor.

Grace + Peace

Who is God?

1. God, the Father, Timeless One

2. Jesus Christ, Messiah/King, Faithful son, firstborn from the dead, resurrected one

3. Holy Spirit, 7 spirits

Jesus also...

• freed us from our sins, by his blood

• loves us

• made us a kingdom of priests to serve

• worthy of all our praise

• eternal one

Who is coming again

from the heavens...in the clouds...every eye...

conviction and repentance

beginning and end

Almighty God

Who he is and what he does...who we are and what we get to do (make list)

Transformed to Transform | Luke 1:57-80

Transformed to Transform | Luke 1:57-80

Darien Gabriel

Last week: whether you believe it or not, Jesus is coming back and that’s the point. Are you ready?

Bottom line: God’s great mercy leads to radiant joy and praise that transforms lives.

Transformation is visible.

Transformation is dramatic.

Transformation is life-changing.

I was transformed the first time I saw the Atlantic Ocean as a kid...

Transformers movie

I can still remember the first time I saw the first Transformers movie in the theater with my friends. I can honestly say it transformed the way I saw CGI in movies. It was basically like an animator drew a cartoon movie so realistic and believable that I couldn’t believe my eyes that it wasn’t real.

When we talk about transforming lives, that’s exactly what we are going for. We want a life that is so transformed that maybe the most dramatic comparison is the difference between a corpse and a person fully alive and healthy. (Eph 2:1-9)

That is dramatic enough on its own but now make it spiritual. Think of someone dead in their sins Hellbound for all eternity being transformed into life abundant and eternal. It’s like a shadow going reverse negative and becoming a light. That would be dramatic a shadow becoming a reflection of light.

My Fair Lady...another movie of transformation

From caterpillar to butterfly

As we wait…

as we wait we live knowing that not only did Jesus come (advent, Christmas) but that he’s coming again. And the tension is living as if he was coming back today...or in another 1,000 years.

As we wait for Jesus—his second coming; his return from heaven—to finish what he started, my prayer is that he will find me full of joy and praise that is so alive and so transformative that it leads others in transformation as well. That my faith would publicly inspire others to be open enough to receive and believe the truth and hope that the good news of the kingdom of God is near and athat the King is on his way back!

Building on what we talked about last week, we once again look at the lives of Zack and Lizzie and how God‘s great mercy transformed them through joy and praise so dramatically that it couldn’t help but shape and influence and impact the entire region around them. They truly were the best neighbors ever throughout Judea and their day.

Let’s look at their lives and learn from them how we can be transformed to transform.

Article (TGC)

Like a prison cell

The most reassuring message of the season is that the existence of hope does not depend on us. It does not rely on our virtue or wisdom. It is a delivery from elsewhere.

The German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer compared Advent to a prison cell “in which one waits and hopes and does various unessential things . . . but is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside.”

The Advent narratives are filled with waiting people: Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna. They lived in patient expectation and were receptive to the Good News when it arrived. Their hope did not come as the result of a battle. It came like a seed planted in the ground. Like the sun rising in defiance of night. Like a child growing within his mother.

We are not the heroes of the story. Our contribution is to be watchful and open. But hope arrives in awesome humility. God is with us. Jesus is with us. This is everything.

I. God’s great mercy leads to joy and praise that transforms lives through... (1:57-67, 80)

1. It transformed E

   1. Through pregnancy and birth - like only motherhood could do; no more shame

   2. Through Holy Spirit

   3. Through joy

2. It transformed Z

   1. Through disciplined - silence, solitude, prayer, confession, repentance, and faith

   2. Through praise

   3. Through Holy Spirit

3. It transformed J

   1. He was prepared through birth, browsing up, and relationship with parents

   2. He was prepared through Holy Spirit

   3. He was prepared through his wilderness

4. It transformed their neighbors

5. It transformed their world

II. Z’s prophecy of praise explains how God’s great mercy is God’s great salvation (1:67-79)

4 parts - notice he’s filled with HS; God’s all over this. It’s prophetic and it’s been in part fulfilled already.

1. The Plan of salvation (1:68-73)

   1. Plan prophesied in OT - “The entire bible—from nAbraham to the prophets down to King David—is about this one thing: salvation. The Bible has one story: God visiting or coming to get his people. That was and is his plan.” -Thabiti Anyabwile

   2. Plan was through the line of David

   3. Plan was for Israel and those they would bless

   4. Plan is one of strength

   5. Plan was to save Israel from her enemies

   6. Plan seen in the covenant promises to Abraham 3500 years ago

2. The Purpose of salvation (1:72-75)

   1. Physical freedom

   2. Main goal: freedom to worship the Lord. “God saves so that we might worship him. Freedom is a good goal, but it’s not the ultimate goal...Just as Zechariah worshipped God when God mercifully opened his mouth and ears, so all Israel is to praise and glorify God for the salvation he brings.”

   3. NT version of what God told Moses to tell Pharaoh: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” (Exodus 7:16)

   4. Religious liberty or freedom in our country is the freedom to do this. Just like Pharaoh severely limited Israel in this when they were enslaved in Egypt, we’re headed that way too. The difference is that they didn’t have a temple where God dwelt. As Christians, we are that temple so no body can keep us from worshiping the Lord. Nobody.

3. The Prophet of salvation (1:76-77)

   1. Zach prophesies about John now.

      1. John will be great

      2. And a prophet of God.

      3. He will be unique in that he will be a forerunner. He will soften the ground and till the soil of Israel’s heart (think Parable of the soils, Luke 8).

      4. He will not be the Savior but will make things ready for the Savior by teaching the people how they are to be saved.

      5. He will be a “giant index finger” (Thabiti Anyabwile) pointing the way to God’s great mercy.

   2. Zach’s prophecy “defines John’s life in relationship to Jesus’ life and mission.” Imagine if we all did this? He must increase and I must decrease. (John 3:30)

4. Th of salvation (1:77-79) - 3 Effects of this transforming salvation on people

   1. This salvation is ultimately spiritual and personal. We need his forgiveness of sins. (77)

      1. Why do we need this?

      2. Because it is an offense against our creator God, who is holy, holy, holy.

         1. God will punish sin. He must to remain holy and just.

         2. But he is also merciful. This is why his mercy is so great. He can mercifully forgive us because he took our punishment out on someone else. (On Jesus at the cross)

         3. What or who do we need to be saved from? The answer may surprise you.

         4. We need to be saved from God.l

   2. This salvation is by God’s mercy. (78) says, “because of our God’s merciful compassion.”

      1. We can’t earn it.

      2. We can’t demand it.

      3. We can’t deserve it.

      4. We can’t deal for it.

      5. It only comes by grace through faith. Free and undeserved.

      6. Ask for it. Beg for mercy. Confess your sin and he is faithful...(1 John 1:9)

   3. This salvation brings light. (78-79) Transformational is usually dramatically visible to others.

      1. Through the mercy of God we receive light.

      2. Jesus is our sunrise (sonrise).

      3. In our sin, we sit in a dark, locked prison dungeon.

      4. Hanukkah is festival of life and it’s Hanukkah right now. Connection?

      5. Christ comes bringing light and blows them door off.

      6. By definition, darkness cannot standup to light. It has to flee by law.

      7. Lock-ins - up all night; can’t wait for daylight when they go home.

      8. All-nighters.7

      9. Death is defeated and brings peace.

         1. Peace with God

         2. Peace with humanity

         3. Peace with ourselves

         4. Do you have this peace? Let the light of Christ blow the doors off your dungeon prison and free you from death ☠️ to peace ☮️.

Conclusion

Transformation like the beast in Beauty and the Beast.

Notes

Zechariah’s first words were praising God.

• Yes, a new son

• Yes, on the heels of 9 months of silence (mute and deaf). Talk about a crash course on silence and solitude. Even Jesus was only alone in the wilderness 40 days.

• A righteous and blameless man like Z would also have been teachable and the perfect father to raise a son able and prepared to make ready and prepare God’s people for their Messiah.

• Result was “all the neighbors were filled with awe.” We say we want to be the “best neighbor ever...”. This would qualify Z, wouldn’t it?

What did he do?

• He nurtured a Christ-like character.

• He served faithfully as a priest.

• He didn’t believe God’s word and was disciplined for it.

• He grew during this time in the wilderness of discipline. Ever think about your wilderness time as a time of disciplining that would strengthen you?

• He responded with praise and obedience as a result of God’s mercy and discipline.

• He did so publicly.

• His neighbors were awed by God and began spreading the good news. (Changed his neighbors and neighborhood).

Better Question: Have you let your disobedience and discipline cause you to flourish or flounder?

As he waited...for this first coming of Jesus,

he encountered God’s messenger,

disbelieved his message,

Lived in the wilderness of his discipline for a season,

let God nurture and teach him through that season,

received an amazing blessing/mercy,

received an incredible responsibility (the one to prepare the one to prepare the way...),

impacted his own neighborhood nad nation for the glory of God...and the nations (67-80).

“For the Lord’s hand was with him.” (V. 66)

This reminds me of Joseph over his 13 years in prison. His unjust imprisonments and deliverance foreshadowed both Israel’s enslavement and deliverance, as well as, our enslavement and deliverance from sin to freedom in Christ.

Z’s song

He was filled with the Holy Spirit (like Elizabeth and son were) as he composed this song. This means God was fully involved.

• “Praise be...” (he starts here (appropriately). Who God is...

• “Because” - the reason he’s moved to praise God—rescue/redemption of Israel (future faith spoken in past as if done deal)

• Looks ahead to coming salvation with confidence

• To show mercy

• Remembers his covenant with Abraham

• Rescue/salvation is the reason for praise (mercy)

• To enable/empower the nation to serve him without fear

• New section begins in v. 76 (note change in tense)

• J the B a prophet of God

• Prepare the way for the Lord (God incarnate)

• To give knowledge (experiencing salvation) that leads to the change (repentance) required to be prepared. No repentance, no forgiveness—knowledge of precious truth salvation escape

• Again, mercy (not getting what they deserve)

• Light shines because thats’ what light does. It can’t help it. To reveal to those in darkness their current reality and their way of escape. Jesus is that light directly and later indirectly through his people.

• This path of hope leads from sin and death, shame and guilt, and hell itself to...peace. Jesus is the prince of peace. His kingdom is a kingdom of peace.

• J the B was raised by this man—this father—alongside an equally glorious mother Elizabeth. He grew in spirit (the Holy Spirit?).

• Lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel to begin his ministry.

• Apparently, Z’s discipline shaped him profoundly. He now valued silence and solitude enough to pass it on. J the B took it to another level foreshadowing Jesus’ time of temptation in the wilderness where Jesus was prepared and shaped for his public ministry. Remember, the HS drove Jesus to the wilderness right after his baptism.

• I wonder if Jesus and J the B ever interacted in the wilderness...

Notes from New American Commentary, Luke by Stein starting on p. 96.

• Lots of parallels to Jesus’ birth narrative.

• 3 parts

  • Birth

  • Circumcision

  • Hymn of praise

    • Praise to God

    • Prophecy of J the B

• “The function of the Benedictus is clear. Luke wanted his readers to understand this as Z’s divinely inspired hymn praising God for fulfilling his promises to his people and describing the roles of J the B and especially the Messiah.”

• Cycle -

  • Sin/disobedience of child of God

  • Discipline and mercy

  • Repentance and growth on new path

  • Deliverance from discipline

  • Praise and worship and joy

• Apparently is was unusual to name a son after his father because he would then be called Zechariah son of Zechariah or Zechariah Bar Zechariah. But they still named after family members.

• Z was both deaf and mute.

• Writing tablet was plank of wood covered in wax

• Z being able to speak immediately after naming him John amplifies the miraculous nature of this event. As a result, the neighbors (who were not aware of Elizabeth’s pregnancy) realized this work of God.

• Z was a model believer.

  • Starting with his character (1:6)

  • His first words after being disciplined were praise

  • He is filled with the Holy Spirit after trusting and obeying Gabriel’s command to name him John

  • He starts his song with praise

• Awe or literally fear. The proper reverent attitude which those who witness a heavenly intervention or manifestation of divine power should express. It may begin as a terrifying fear of judgment or wrath, but it progresses to a holy awe of God and a recognition of his otherness, which leads to “glorifying and praising God”.

• “What then is this child going to be?” What instead of Who emphasizes J the B’s role as the one who will go before his superiors to prepare the way.

• Salvation is described as a past event in vv. 68-75 even though it’s describing a future event. This is because there is so much confidence in this happening it’s sung as as good as done. This is true for us as well as we think about the hope we have in Christ and our glorification.

• In going from, v. 75 to 76, there is a change in tense and focus.

• The focus is now on J the B until it returns to Christ at the end.

• J the B is seen as great because of God and Christ—not because of anything he’s going to do or because of Z. Same for us.

• “Sun” most likely refers to Jesus.

Truths

• We can trust God’s word because God’s word is true.

• God’s mercy leads to joy (for E) and praise (for Z).

• God’s mercy leads to awe, fear and transforming neighbors.

• God shows us mercy when he gives us less wrath/judgment than we deserve.

• Circumcision was a sign of God’s faithful covenant relationship with Israel.

Applications

• Trust God’s word.

• Receive children as a mercy and blessing from God. Receive them with the joy E received J. No matter what the circumstances. (Even rape; even if poor)

• Embrace God’s sanctifying discipline and affliction as a spiritual promotion. (JC Ryle)

  • “The sorrow that humbles us, and drives us nearer to God, is a blessing, and a downright gain.”

  • The wave that dashes us against the rock of God’s glory is a mercy indeed.

• Are you handling your suffering by allowing God to grow you better or bitter? Is your heart towards God growing warmer or colder?

• Everyone knew that God was at work among them with this child. (66)

• What does that look like? Spiritual strength

• Enter the Wilderness to prepare - When God’s hand is on our children, they grow and become strong—not just in body but more importantly, in spirit. (Ex. Silence, solitude, Fasting)

• There’s a connection between John’s spiritual strength and his growth in the wilderness. (Silence, solitude, fasting) Wilderness is where prophets are prepared for the hardship of public ministry.

• Doesn’t the first part of v. 80 make you want the last part of v. 66?

• JC Ryle quote below.

• Joseph in Genesis.

• God waits to be asked. Are you asking? Praying? Seeking?

• God’s mercy means joy and praise for E and Z. It means the same for us if we receive it.

Benedictus Doninus = blessed be the Lord God

Ben·e·dic·tus

/ˌbenəˈdiktəs/

noun

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

1. 1.

   an invocation beginning Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini (Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord) forming a set part of the Mass.

2. 2.

   a canticle beginning Benedictus Dominus Deus (Blessed be the Lord God) from Luke 1:68–79.

Believe It Or Not, Jesus Is Coming | Luke 1:5-38

Believe It Or Not, Jesus Is Coming | Luke 1:5-38

Darien Gabriel

Believe it or not, Jesus is coming

Series: As We Wait (for His Second Coming) #Advent

Scripture: Luke 1:5-38

Bottom line: whether you believe God’s word or not, Jesus is coming...again.

A dog and the point

“If you try to point out something to a dog, the dog will often look at your finger instead of at the object you’re trying to point out. This is frustrating, but it illustrates a natural mistake we all make from time to time. It’s the mistake many people make when reading the Christmas story in Luke’s Gospel: focusing on the manger—the Christmas crib. The most famous animal feeding-trough in all history. To concentrate on the manger and to forget why it was mentioned in the first place is like the dog looking at the finger rather than the object.

The point Luke is making is clear. The birth of this little boy is the beginning of a confrontation between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world. (Caesar) Augustus never heard of Jesus of Nazareth. But within a century or so his successors in Rome had not only heard of him; they were taking steps to obliterate his followers. Just over three centuries later, a Roman emperor became a Christian.

Luke’s narrative reminds us not to stop at the manger but to see the explosive truth it’s pointing to.”

-NT Wright, Luke: 26 studies for individuals and groups, p. 23

Advent wreaths

I grew up with advent wreaths...

Advent = Coming

1st advent = 1st coming of Jesus (as a baby/Christmas/incarnation)

2nd advent = 2nd coming of Jesus (as a warrior-king/consummation of his earthly reign)

Luke 1:5-38

Compare and contrast 2 faith responses to God’s word (truth).

Applications

Whether you believe God’s word or not, it will come to pass.

Even when you fail to believe, God’s mercy is there for you. He disciplines his children when they fail to trust him. But he brings them back into fellowship as well. Just ask Zechariah.

You can please God when you take him at his word. Just ask Mary. (Cf. Heb 11:3)

Make sure you don’t miss the point for the pointer. The point is that God wants to walk in fellowship with you. He sent Jesus to restore our fellowship with him. That’s why he came the first time. The second time he’s coming to finish what he started. Are you ready?

Cross-reference

I want to be “confident and unashamed” at Jesus’ return. 1 John 2:28

Illustration

We're all waiting for something, but the Christian hope is the difference between waiting impatiently and waiting expectantly. Waiting for time to heal wounds is an exercise in futility. We sit impatient while growing both more agitated and more numb. But waiting expectantly means we hope in the healing that God promises, while expecting the world we live in to continue in its brokenness. In the hope of Advent, we’re not surprised by the darkness, but we’re not consumed by it either.

This is not a fine and theological distinction that has no bearing on life today. In fact, I would suggest this is the only way to make sense of your life today. Hoping in Jesus’ return is the only way to look at the brokenness of reality and maintain hope despite it all. And this takes practice. Just like our waiting impatiently is a learned practice reinforced through daily habits of expecting news and notifications and clicks to make us feel better, so waiting expectantly is a learned practice reinforced through communal spiritual disciplines of reading, praying and carefully directed longing.

-Justin Early, email

Be Prepared To Answer | 1 Peter 3:15-16

Be Prepared To Answer | 1 Peter 3:15-16

Darien Gabriel

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-16
Title: Be Prepared to Answer

Bottom line: Doing good means always being prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you why you have hope and to do so w/ gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience. That includes your enemies and your persecutors.

Be prepared & ready to share with anyone why you have hope.

Open with motto of the Boy Scouts: Be prepared. I tried and gave up after 2 months.

Prepared for tests?

I walked into physics class one year after spring break fresh and rested from no studying. But I wasn’t ready or prepared for the test they handed out unexpectedly (to me) that day. I promptly left to withdraw from the class.

I was ready but not necessarily prepared for my first SAT test. We didn’t study for them back in my day. So taking the test was really a way to answer the question, “Am I ready for college?”

Where is God?

Elie Wiesel was born into a Jewish family in Romania. He was only a teenager when he and his family were rounded up by the Nazis and taken first to Auschwitz, and then to Buchenwald. In his book, Night, he gives a terrifying and intimate account of the increasing horrors he endured – the death of his parents and eight-year-old sister, and the loss of his innocence by barbaric hands.

In the foreword to the book, François Mauriac writes of his encounter with Elie Wiesel: ‘On that most horrible day, even among all those other bad days, when the child witnessed the hanging (yes!) of another child who, he tells us, had the face of a sad angel, he heard someone behind him groan: “For God’s sake, where is God?” And from within me, I heard a voice answer: “Where He is? This is where – hanging here from this gallows.”’

...His words point to the most profound answer to the question, ‘Where is God?’ God is in Christ. He was on the cross bearing our sins in his body. Now the crucified is among his people. Not only has he suffered for you, but he now suffers with you. (Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 327 • Devotional)

Peter exhorts the early church to be prepared to give an answer for the hope they carried in Christ. He knew, however, that he was writing to a suffering people. The time was one of persecution and opposition. From family, friends, religious institutions, philosophical discussions, employers and, of course, the government.

He wants them to do good (like Titus) but he accounts for their suffering.

We just finished Paul’s letter to Titus where we emphasized the principle that good deeds/works flow from good doctrine taught and lived in a community united in Christ.

Here we see Peter also talking about “doing good.” More specifically, he talks about suffering for doing good.

Thanksgiving is a time when family, food, politics and religion collide for a few hours resulting in a wide range of reactions. Maybe you experienced that this year. 2020 is the year of disruption and as a result we’re all not at our best. Things have been amplified and accelerated—good and bad things. As a result, our cultural norms have changed quickly.

Ex. We now have a cancel culture where people are much quicker to write someone off for something they said even long ago with no second chance.

Ex. We are much more polarized than in the past.

Ex. So much has been politicized too. Your views on race, immigration, borders, guns, marijuana, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and police move people to make assumptions about you and put you into stereo-typed groups so that they can label you for or against them. Tribes are becoming our new identities.

As a result, people are quicker to condemn, criticize and cancel you. We are often guilty by perceived association whether it’s true or not.

But the biggest one we’re going to be dealing with in the months ahead is where you are religiously.

Like it or not, if you are a Christian who is committed to the Bible in that you believe it and live it and share it, you will be stereo-typed and labeled horrible things. Things that aren’t even true about you. And gradually, as it becomes more socially acceptable, you will be persecuted.

What can you do this about this? I have a few suggestions:

1. Decide who you really are? Where do you really stand? What’s your story? How does it fit in God’s epic story?

2. Prepare yourself and your family for the coming storm; for persecution. We’ve been saying for years it’s coming. COVID accelerated everything. It’s here. Prepare for suffering.

3. Decide how you are going to respond to this personally?

   1. Will you push back? Demand to be understood? For you will be misunderstood. Jesus was and he never once defended himself.

   2. Or will you lean in? Bless instead of curse. Return good to your tormentors? Will you reinforce their stereotypes or will you show them a better story?

4. Do you have hope? What or who is it in? Why? Know the answers to these questions.

The Apostle Peter spoke to early Christians about this very thing in 1 Peter 3:8-22. It is there I believe God led me to this week to share before we head into the Christmas season of sermons. It seems extremely fitting and timely.

Many of us are experiencing a crisis of faith. Do we really believe this Bible is really a word from God? If so, then let’s prepare together. If not, then it will be extremely hard for you to move forward with other believers. This is why people are leaving churches in droves. This is why churches are closing all over America.

Caution for new persecution

“In the first two chapters Peter referred to “all kinds of trials” (1:6), accusations of “doing wrong” (2:12), “the ignorant talk of foolish men” (2:15), and “the pain of unjust suffering” (2:19). All these persecutions seem to have resulted from the natural reactions of a pagan society against Christians who faithfully obeyed Jesus Christ.

Peter then warned that a time of more severe persecution and suffering was close at hand. He cautioned Christians to keep clear consciences when facing injustice, to endure the inevitable suffering with Christlike courage.” (BKC)

I. Overcoming Injustice in the coming days

1 Peter 3:8–12 (BKC): “Peter used both Christ and Noah to illustrate the principle that in times of rising persecution the right response to injustice results in blessing.“

“Finally” introduces a new section.

“Peter now addressed all his readers (all of you) and gave practical principles for living peacefully in a hostile pagan culture. First Peter 3:8–9 is Peter’s exposition of Psalm 34:12–16, which he then quoted (1 Peter 3:10–12). Peter constructed his thoughts around the three exhortations in the psalm.”

A. A Compassionate Conduct - 1 Peter 3:8-12 - 3 practical exhortations from Peter from David:

1. Keep from speaking evil. This includes what you say to someone AND what you type/write to someone via text, email or social media. (10)

2. Turn from evil and do good. (11a) “Turn the other cheek” -Jesus (Matt 5:39)

3. Seek and pursue peace with God and man. (11b) Respond to insult with blessing. Start with what you say then with what you (or refrain from).

B. A Clear Conscience - 1 Peter 3:13-22

“Persecution occurred, however, in spite of believers’ desires to live peacefully and their eagerness to do good. Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that the right response to undeserved suffering results in blessing. He presented the principle in verses 13–17 and provided examples in verses 18–22.”

1. Who is going to hurt you? (13-14) Blessed here means “highly favored”, not feel delighted.

   1. Fear God over men. Isaiah 8:12 (ESV): “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread” (14)

2. Overcoming fear requires us exalting Christ as Lord (15)

   1. Reason = apologia or defense for why you believe what you believe about Christ Jesus.

   2. 1 Peter 3:15 (BKC): As a result Christians should always be prepared (hetoimoi, “ready”; cf. 1:5) to give … the reason (apologian, the “defense” which a defendant makes before a judge; cf. Acts 22:1; 25:16) for their hope in Christ. Such an oral defense should be consistent with one’s “set-apart” conduct.

   3. There’s the posture of prepared.

   4. There’s the work of prepared.

   5. There’s the willingness of prepared.

3. Give your reason in a way that honors Christ. How you do this matters. (16)

   1. Perhaps Peter is recalling how he did not do this when confronted 3 times after Jesus’ arrest. (Mark 14:66-72)

   2. Yet it may be God’s will for you to suffer for doing good. (17)

4. Illustrations on the above principles (18-22)

   1. Jesus is our supreme example. He suffered greatly for doing nothing but good. (Healing, miracles, preaching, serving, and the cross) Great summary: “1 Peter 3:18 (BKC): In verses 18–22 Peter illustrated the principles given in verses 13–17. Once again Christ provided the perfect example. He suffered for doing what was right (2:14). His sinless life provoked the unjust hostilities of evil men. However, He did not fear men but trusted Himself to God. Christ clearly stated His purpose and committed Himself to a course of action. He died in mankind’s place, keeping His conscience clear (cf. 2:23). As a result He received tremendous blessing and reward in His own resurrection and exultation.” (18) Maybe the greatest summary of the gospel in one verse in the Bible.

      1. Christ (anointed one) suffered once for sins (fully sufficient sacrifice for all sin)

      2. the righteous for the unrighteous (our substitute)

      3. to bring you to God (to reconcile us to God)

      4. Put to death in the body (cross)

      5. Made alive in the Spirit

   2. Through whom he preached to the spirits in prison (19-20)

      1. Noah kept hammering and preaching to encourage others to repent and believe despite incredible oppositions and hostility. So must we.

      2. Noah feared God over men.

      3. Noah’s reward was salvation for he and his family.

   3. Water (21)

      1. Baptism represents a complete break from the past.

      2. 1 Peter 3:21 (BKC): He exhorted them to have the courage to commit themselves to a course of action by taking a public stand for Christ through baptism. The act of public baptism would “save” them from the temptation to sacrifice their good consciences in order to avoid persecution. For a first-century Christian, baptism meant he was following through on his commitment to Christ, regardless of the consequences.

      3. Baptism doesn’t save you from sin but from a bad conscience.

Notes

WW notes

Preparing for the Best (3:8-17)

Peter is preparing believers for the fiery trials of persecution that were coming. But preparing for the best, not the worst. Hope-filled words!

III. God’s grace in suffering

A. Cultivate Christian Love (8-12)

B. Practice the Lordship of Christ (13-15)

C. Maintain a good conscience (16-17)

Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 327 • Devotional

Where is God?

Elie Wiesel was born into a Jewish family in Romania. He was only a teenager when he and his family were rounded up by the Nazis and taken first to Auschwitz, and then to Buchenwald. In his book, Night, he gives a terrifying and intimate account of the increasing horrors he endured – the death of his parents and eight-year-old sister, and the loss of his innocence by barbaric hands.

In the foreword to the book, François Mauriac writes of his encounter with Elie Wiesel: ‘On that most horrible day, even among all those other bad days, when the child witnessed the hanging (yes!) of another child who, he tells us, had the face of a sad angel, he heard someone behind him groan: “For God’s sake, where is God?” And from within me, I heard a voice answer: “Where He is? This is where – hanging here from this gallows.”’

François Mauriac goes on, ‘And I, who believe that God is love, what answer was there to give my young interlocutor... What did I say to him? Did I speak to him of that other Jew, this crucified brother who perhaps resembled him and whose cross conquered the world?

‘Did I explain to him that what had been a stumbling block for his faith had become a cornerstone for mine? And that the connection between the cross and human suffering remains, in my view, the key to the unfathomable mystery in which the faith of his childhood was lost... That is what I should have said to the Jewish child. But all I could do was embrace him and weep.’

His words point to the most profound answer to the question, ‘Where is God?’ God is in Christ. He was on the cross bearing our sins in his body. Now the crucified is among his people. Not only has he suffered for you, but he now suffers with you.

In the Old Testament, the tabernacle (and later the temple) was the place where people went to meet with God. This was God’s home as we see in our Old Testament passage for today (Ezekiel 43:5).

The message of our New Testament passage though is that the glory and presence of God is to be found supremely in Jesus. It is at the very moment that Jesus is rejected and crucified that God’s presence among people is finally and fully realised. From that point on there is no need for a physical temple. The only church building the New Testament speaks about is a building made of people (Ephesians 2:20–22), founded and built upon Jesus, the chief cornerstone. The holy temple in the New Testament is one made of ‘living stones’ (1 Peter 2:5) – in other words, people like you and me. This is God’s new home.

The War on Error | Titus 1:10-16 | Undeserved Grace

The War on Error | Titus 1:10-16 | Undeserved Grace

Darien Gabriel

Series: Underserved Grace

Scripture: Titus 1:10-16 (Main passage)

Title: The War on Error

Bottom line: 

For the Church to be sound in the faith (doctrine & deed; belief & behavior; creed & conduct), we must confront false teachings and the Errorists who spread them.

Remember what an elder does:

1. Lead - Follow me as I follow Jesus

2. Feed - Teach/Train

3. Protect - Confront/Rebuke/Correct

Opening comments

When we were talking on our Virtual Church Project on Zoom last Sun night.

Extremes of blogging about false teachers.

Some false teachings that we may be more acquainted with ( and many not even realize is false) include:

”Coffee cup theology”

• Co-habitation is a good idea before you get married. (Not biblical or wise—see Proverbs)

• If someone hits you on the playground, son, you’d better hit them back. (So much for turn the other cheek)

• You deserve God’s blessing (when all we deserve is eternal wrath of God)

• If you’re suffering or sick, it’s because you sinned and God is punishing you. (It sometimes is a consequence but)

• You don’t have enough faith if God didn’t heal you. (This can be the reason but to say it’s always the reason...)

• You aren’t a true Christian if you can’t or haven’t spoken in tongues. (Not true)

• If you commit suicide, you are going to hell no matter what. (Not true)

• Falling out of love with your spouse is grounds for divorce. (Nope)

• It’s not a sin to worry about things. That’s just natural. God understands and overlooks that.

• God and country:

  • God loves America and would never allow anything bad to happen to her.

  • Not distinguishing between America and the kingdom of God. They are not the same thing.

• All religions basically teach the same thing. No. Christianity is fundamentally different than the rest.

• Hell isn’t real.

• All things are possible with God. (Context is being content in all things at all times)

• God is a God of love, therefore, he would never send people to hell. (He’s also a God of justice)

• I’m free in Christ. Therefore, no one has the right to tell me what to do. (Freedom in Christ doesn’t = freedom from responsibility)

• God helps those who help themselves. (God helps those who can’t help themselves)

• If you obey God, he’ll have to bless you financially or materially. (I guess Jesus wasn’t blessed)

• God doesn’t ask anything of you but to trust Jesus. (Actually, he asks a lot of you. Come and see. Come and obey. Come and die)

In the Bible...

• 1 Corinthians - bodily resurrection of Christ

• Galatians - Salvation is grace alone—no works required

• Colossians - Adding of Jewish myths and Greek philosophies

• 1 John - That Jesus was truly God in the flesh

What makes this so difficult is that these carry some truth in them. And they are often from the Bible.

Errorists almost always appeal to the Bible because people respect it.

What does Paul say to Titus (and us) about this war on error?

We must confront them.

Why?

Because that’s what pastors/elders train their people to do.

How?

Lead, feed and protect and leading others to do the same.

When we think of false teachers, we tend to think of crazy, religious cult leaders wearing purple Nike’s and drinking cyanide-laced Kool-aide. But false teaching permeates our culture. It’s in churches and our homes. It’s on talk radio and NPR. It’s on YouTube, Facebook and Snapchat. We cannot escape it. We can only prepare ourselves for it’s onslaught.

Are you preparing yourself?

Are you preparing your children? You can’t prepare them if you aren’t preparing yourself.

Studying the Bible regularly will prepare you to recognize the false teaching like studying authentic currency helps you identify counterfeit money.

Much of the NT was written to deal with false teaching. Examples include:

1 Corinthians - bodily resurrection of Christ

Galatians - Salvation is grace alone—no works required

Colossians - Adding of Jewish myths and Greek philosophies

1 John - That Jesus was truly God in the flesh

Paul equips us to win the war on error by:

Matthew 7:15 (Jesus)

Acts 20:29-30 (Paul)

2 Peter 2:1-3 (Peter)

1 John 4:1-3 (John)

Jude 3-4 (Jude)

2 Tim 3:16

While God has called us to a ministry of reconciliation he has also called us to a ministry of rebuke. That’s Paul’s focus here.

Whether at church or where you live, work, learn, and play, there’s a time to rebuke or confront false teachings.

We know this is effective for we do it with our kids. We rebuke, then correct them, then train them. (2 Tim 3:16) This is how we prepare our children to walk fully and faithfully with Christ.

Episodes:

Notes from Warren Wiersbe in BE Commentary

3 Responsibilities of Titus:

1. Preach God’s word. (1:1-4)

2. Ordain Qualified leaders. (1:5-9)

3. Silence False teachers. (1:10-16)

The enemy is the father of lies; the chief errorist.

Silence False Teachers/ Errorists. (1:10-16)

1. 3 Facts about False teachers:

   1. What they were personally. They were...

      1. “Rebellious” people—actively resisting obedience and authority.

      2. ”Full of meaningless talk”—hot air and claiming but not doing (16)

      3. ”Deceptive” people—“Errorists”

      4. “Liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” (12)

         1. Appetites (idols over spirit-filled life)

         2. Notice adjectives

         3. Celebrities—not servants

         4. Lived it up at other’s expense

      5. Paul summed them up in v. 16:

         1. detestable—disgusting character.

         2. Disobedient—will not be persuaded.

         3. Unfit for anything good—Not able to pass the test.

   2. What they did. They...

      1. Told lies from “home to home” (whole families led astray)

      2. Lie upset faith because faith rises and falls on truth.

      3. Jewish legalism (circumcision)

      4. Jewish myths—“When the plain sense of scripture makes good sense, seek on other sense.” -Dr. David Cooper

   3. Why they did it.

      1. They did it for “dishonest gain” or greed/money.

      2. Testimony—I went into engineering in college for 1 reason: I could make a good living financially. My motives were mixed. They likely included greed. Well, God has a sense of humor! Every time I’ve taken a new job, I’ve taken a pay cut. It was not a surprise to get a pay cut going from Civil engineering to a youth pastor in ‘97. But it was going from a youth pastor to a pastor. Yet, God continuously provides for our family. Even without financial help from family or other financial windfalls (other than 1 family), we are 18 months away from putting 4 daughters through college debt-free. And Anita was not working outside the home until our last daughter’s senior year in high school. God’s grace + Faithful giving to God + Minimizing debt + Living within our means + our girls working from 16/17 on = No student loans or major debts. We only owe for our house.

      3. I share all of that to show that to encourage you in how and why you do what you do to make money. These false teachers were all about dishonest gain. Greed.

      4. BTW, you can be a pastor and be greedy. It’s ultimately a matter of the heart. Which is why Paul makes such a big deal about it with Titus and Timothy.

      5. Reason behind their covetousness:

         1. ”Corrupted” conscience.

         2. They lived a double-life. Outwardly teaching, inwardly corrupt.

         3. You cannot serve 2 masters, said Jesus.

      6. Teachers have corrupted minds and consciences so when they look at innocent foods they are sin because sin has defiled their vision; it’s blocking the light of truth.

   4. One further matter...what Titus must do:

      1. ”Encourage others by sound doctrine and rebuke those who oppose it.” (9) “Sword of the Spirit”

      2. ”They must be silenced” (11)

      3. ”Rebuke them sharply” (13)

      4. 2 Tim 3:16

      5. False teaching is like yeast:

         1. It enters subtly

         2. Grows quickly

         3. Permeates completely

         4. Therefore, the time to rebuke/confront is asap.

      6. The worlds attitude: It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe and do so sincerely. Contrary to the conductor’s words on Polar Express, it matters completely what you believe, no matter how sincerely you believe. (Ex. Terrorists)

      7. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Other intro thoughts...

One of the most frustrating things about our culture today is how difficult it is to discern what is true.

Whether you’re hearing about:

• COVID-19

• Historic racism

• Debate points

• Campaign ads

Truth in religion is no different.

Even truth in Christianity is a challenge these days.

Whether it’s

• Healing ministries

• Prosperity gospel ministries

There’s no shortage of distortion and deception.

And some are even worse because they do it for dishonest financial gain. I call these folks Errorists.

Choosing Your Elders | Titus 1:5-9

Choosing Your Elders | Titus 1:5-9

Darien Gabriel

Series: Underserved Grace

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9 (Main passage); 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Tim 3:1-7

Title: Choosing Your Elders

Bottom line: Choose elders who are blameless under-shepherds where they live, work, learn, and play. 

From Danny Akin: “God believes leadership of the local church is so important that He addresses the issue in detail four times in the NT: Acts 20:28-38, 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. 

Emphasis in each list falls on a leader’s personal character and theological competency. God is primarily interested in who you are and then what you do. He well understands that the latter will flow from the former.

Ultimately, pastors are to be examples to the church of how the gospel produces godliness.” P. 234

Episodes:

1. Context (5)

2. Blameless (6a, 7a)

3. The Elder as Husband (6b)

4. The Elder as a Father (6c)

5. The Elder as a Christian Man (Personal qualities) (7-8)

   1. Not...

   2. But...

6. The Elder as a Theologian (Pastor/under-shepherd) (9)

7. Our process at Grace CF.

   1. Pray.

   2. Pursue someone you feel led to ask. 

   3. Ask. If they decline, you’re done.

   4. If they agree, share their name with the elders. 

   5. The elders meet with.

   6. Candidates put on ballot if no serious issues.

   7. Church votes; super majority of members who vote required.

8. Next steps: Pray, Prepare, Partner, and/or Pursue

   1. Pray for our current and future elders.

      1. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23)

      2. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Heb 13:17)

   2. Prepare yourself or help him prepare.

      1. ”To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

   3. Partner with current elder/pastor (apprentice).

   4. Pursue becoming an elder. Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 

      1. “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” 1 Tim 3:1 NIV

Notes from Bible Knowledge Commentary

Titus 1:5–16 (BKC): 

II. Qualifications of the Elders (1:5–9).

1:5. As with Timothy in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3), Paul had left Titus behind to provide leadership to the fledgling church in Crete. Now the apostle reiterated his previous instructions, both for Titus’ sake and for the congregation’s. The organization of the Cretan church was unfinished due to the brevity of Paul’s visit. Thus Titus was to straighten out (lit., “set in order”) the situation by appointing elders in every town. Titus was now acting as an apostolic agent (cf. Acts 14:23) in Paul’s absence. His authority in the Cretan church was an extension of Paul’s own. Such authority ended with the close of the Apostolic Age.

1:6. As in 1 Timothy 3:2–7 Paul listed the qualifications for elders (cf. comments on 1 Tim. 3:1). There the list numbered 15; here 17. Yet both lists cover essentially the same qualities: (1) the elder must be blameless (anenklētos, “unreprovable”). In 1 Timothy 3:10 Paul used this same word of deacons, while in 1 Timothy 3:2 he used anepilēmpton to express the same thought of the elders. (2) Husband of but one wife probably means that the elder should have been married only once (see comments on 1 Tim. 3:2). (3) The elder must have his own household under control. This involves not only the matter of discipline (1 Tim. 3:4–5), but also positive spiritual influence as well. His children must be believers who are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. The apostle had explained why this requirement is important (1 Tim. 3:5).

1:7. Here Paul switched from the term “elder” (presbyteros) to overseer (episkopos). The two words are plainly interchangeable in the apostle’s thinking, referring to the same church office. The term “overseer” is singular here, but this certainly does not mean that there must be only one episkopos per congregation. Rather the word is used here in a generic sense. Paul was simply affirming that these qualifications are required of all overseers. 

The need for blamelessness is repeated from verse 6. The reason this quality is so important is that an overseer serves as a steward of God. Damage to a church leader’s reputation is damage to God’s reputation. 

Then Paul resumed his list with five vices which must not characterize an overseer: (4) not overbearing, not arrogant and self-willed; (5) not quick-tempered (cf. James 1:19–20); (6) not given to much wine; (7) not violent (cf. 1 Tim. 3:3 for this and the previous vice); (8) not pursuing dishonest gain (cf. comments on 1 Tim. 6:5).

1:8. Whereas verse 7 lists negative characteristics to avoid, verse 8 lists positive qualities to be sought. The elder must be (9) hospitable (cf. 1 Tim. 3:2); (10) one who loves what is good (cf. Ps. 15); (11) self-controlled, or temperate and sensible (sōphrona; cf. Gal. 5:23; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 2:2, 4); (12) upright (dikaion, “just”); (13) holy (these last two are, with blamelessness, two of the characteristics Paul himself had modeled [cf. 1 Thes. 2:10], but neither is mentioned in 1 Tim. 3); and (14) disciplined (in contrast to the vices of Titus 1:7; cf. 1 Tim. 4:7–8).

1:9. Not only must an overseer meet moral and spiritual standards in his personal life, but he must also be a reliable man of the Word. (15) He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught. This last clause, “as it has been taught,” actually comes first in the Greek, for emphasis. According to Paul, an elder is a conservator of the truth, one who must understand it, hold it fast; (16) encourage others by teaching it; and (17) refute those who oppose it. To be qualified as an elder a man must be a capable handler of the truth (cf. comments on 1 Tim. 3:2).

Notes from Warren Wiersbe’s BEC

Titus 1:5–9 (BEC): Ordain Qualified Leaders (Titus 1:5–9)

One reason Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete was that he might organize the local assemblies and “set in order” the things that were lacking. Titus 1:5–9 (BEC): That phrase is a medical term; it was applied to the setting of a crooked limb. Titus was not the spiritual dictator of the island, but he was Paul’s official apostolic representative with authority to work. It had been Paul’s policy to ordain elders in the churches he had established (Acts 14:23), but he had not been able to stay in Crete long enough to accomplish this task...

...Titus 1:5–9 (BEC): The fact that these standards applied to Christians on the island of Crete as well as to those in the city of Ephesus proves that God’s measure for leaders does not fluctuate. A big-city church and a small-town church both need godly people in places of leadership.

“Titus 1:7a (BEC): The steward of God” (v. 7a). A steward does not own but manages all that his master puts into his hands. Perhaps the most famous steward in the Bible is Joseph, who had complete control over all of Potiphar’s business (Gen. 39:1–9). The most important characteristic of a steward is faithfulness (Matt. 25:21; 1 Cor. 4:1–2). He must use what his master gives him for the good and glory of his master, and not for himself personally (see Luke 16:1–13).

Titus 1:7a (BEC): The elder must never say, “This is mine!” All that he has comes from God (John 3:27) and must be used for God. His time, possessions, ambitions, and talents are all loaned to him by the Lord; and he must be faithful to use them to honor God and build the church. Of course, all Christians ought to be faithful stewards, and not the pastors only!

Notes from “Opening Up Titus” commentary

"The third title, steward, is hidden by the NIV translation of verse 7. A more literal rendering would be, ‘an overseer must be blameless as a steward of God’. The steward was the man whom a wealthy master would put in charge of his household or business. It was a position of considerable trust. It required someone who was wise and faithful and trustworthy. And here Paul says that an elder is a steward. He is to manage the affairs of God’s house, ensuring that the work of his divine Master gets properly done and caring for his Master’s servants."

"Elder, overseer, steward—these are the words Paul uses for the leaders who are to be appointed in our churches. Singly and together they mark the position out as one of considerable responsibility. Evidently a Christian of high calibre is required"

"Clearly, Paul’s description is of considerable use to those who already are elders. It calls us to self-examination and to seek by the grace of God to be far more the Christian leaders that God intends us to be. The primary concern of these verses, however, is not with being the right kind of elders, but with appointing them. What kind of men should your church be setting apart for eldership? What kind of men does God want in that office? Here in Titus 1 we have a very clear answer!“

"Summing it all up at the start

The apostle begins with a summary word and later on, in verse 7, repeats it. It is the word blameless, and it gathers into one the various elements of the apostle’s description.

We do have to be careful here not to impose on this word a meaning that it is not intended to bear. ‘This does not of course mean,’ writes John Stott, ‘that candidates must be flawless or faultless, or we would all be disqualified.’ The idea is rather that of being ‘above reproach’. Morally and spiritually, the elder is to be exemplary. No one should be able to accuse him of either serious misconduct or a general pattern of inappropriate behaviour. He should have a good reputation among outsiders and within the church as well. And as far as doctrine is concerned, he should be sound."

The commentator breaks these qualifications down into these categories:

The Elder as Husband

The Elder as a Father

The Elder as a Christian Man (Personal qualities)

The Elder as a Theologian 

The Elder as a Father

"Paul has more to say about the elder’s home life. Not only must he be a faithful husband; he must be a good father, one ‘whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient’. Something needs to be said here before we come to the details. It has to do with the previous point as well. Paul is not saying that a single man, or a widower, or a man who has been divorced on biblical grounds, or a man who has no children, or a man who has only one child cannot be an elder; that in order to be an elder a man must be married with children. What Paul is doing here is focussing on the norm. For the most part, the men in the church who would be eligible for eldership would be married men with children. It is this general situation that he has in mind.

As far as the elder’s children are concerned, Paul insists that they ‘believe’ (NIV). In other translations these children are described, not as believing, but as faithful—faithful in the sense of submissive or obedient to their father’s will. This is a preferable understanding. What is in Paul’s mind is not belief but behaviour. He is not saying that an elder’s children have to be Christians. But he is insisting that they be under their father’s control and ‘not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient’. In his first letter to Timothy the apostle makes the same point: ‘The overseer … must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect’ (3:4). Then follows the reason: ‘If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?’ (3:5). If a man cannot look after his own household it cannot be expected that he will be able to take care of God’s church. Failure in the one area will lead to failure in the other."

The Elder as a Christian Man

..."Moving now to the positive, an elder ‘must be hospitable’. The word ‘hospitable’ comes from one which means ‘love of strangers’. It is primarily about caring for and welcoming into our homes those who need hospitality or would greatly benefit from it. Examples in our day would be visitors to our congregation, believers who have recently joined us, the lonely, the needy, the singles who are away from their families, etc. Hospitality is a duty that devolves upon us all. Paul makes that clear in Romans 12. And in Titus 1 he tells us that it is one of the qualifications for eldership"

Sons & Daughters, Saved, Selected, & Sent to Serve | Titus 1:1-4 | Undeserved Grace

Sons & Daughters, Saved, Selected, & Sent to Serve | Titus 1:1-4 | Undeserved Grace

Darien Gabriel

Series: Undeserved Grace

Scripture: Titus 1:1-4

Title: “Sons & Daughters, Saved, Selected, & Sent to Serve”

Episode 1 - Introduction

Today’s message is entitled: “Sons & Daughters, Saved, Selected, & Sent to Serve”

Our bottom line (and prayer) today is that we would recognize that (in Christ) we are sons and daughters of God who have been saved, selected, and sent to serve God and people. This is undeserved grace.

This is true of those who are “in Christ”. Share illustration.

Episode 2 - Who are we?

Illustration: 

Understand Your Value

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/13685/day/265?segment=0

Have you ever felt like a failure, or of no use to God, or thought that God wouldn’t want to answer your prayers?

Until I first read Colin Urquhart’s book, In Christ Jesus, I had never realized how significant that little word ‘in’ is in the New Testament. Understanding that, as a Christian, you are ‘in’ Christ Jesus revolutionizes how you see yourself, your self-image, your identity and how you understand your value to God.

Write your name on a piece of paper. Take hold of your Bible to represent Christ. Place the paper in the book and close it. You are in Christ. Where the book goes you go. Where the paper goes he goes. You are not part of the book, but you are now identified totally with the book.

Paul uses this expression, ‘in Christ Jesus’, over and over again. God has taken hold of you and placed you inChrist. In Christ, you have received ‘every spiritual blessing’ (Ephesians 1:3). All of the blessings, including those that the Old Testament speaks about, are yours in Christ.

Who are we? Why are we (still) here?

Root to Fruit

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done?

3. Who am I? (In light of who God is)

4. What do I get to do as a result?

Who are we? What do we get to do?

We are sons and daughters of God who have been saved, selected, and sent to serve God and serve people. Let me show you where I see this.

Episode 3 - We are Servants of God

Servants or bond slaves meaning we willfully surrender our rights, preferences and dreams to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We do this because he freed us from being enslaved to sin and death, shame and guilt, and hell itself.

Episode 4 - We are Sent-ones (Apostles) of Jesus Christ.

Like an email, we carry a message (hopefully one written in grace and truth) that is for the world to see and read in us as we show and tell the good news that the kingdom of God is near.

Episode 5 - We are selected-ones of God.

None of us deserve to be chosen or elected into his family. Some are. 

• It still is incumbent on me to freely respond by grace through faith. 

• But remember that God provides the faith. We are called to exercise it.

• As selected ones, what do we do?

• We live sent with great confidence that this was no accident.

Episode 6 - We are sons and daughters of God the Father.

As family, we’re living in the community of God reaching out to the community around us. And we must do this together!

As family, we are reminded that we are beloved no matter what we do nor how we live. But the family business is to rescue others as we have been rescued.

Dave Dravecky story on identity and how it affects how we live.

Episode 7 - What now?

Grace = getting what you don’t deserve. 

G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

Do you recognize your undeserved grace? 

(Bottom line) Do you recognize that (in Christ) you are a son or daughter of God, saved, selected, and sent into the world to serve God and to serve people undeserved grace?

This is why we are still here. 

Will you exchange your worldly identity for the one God selected you to flesh out? Will you live as his selected sent servant and son/daughter?

Other

“Root to Fruit” comes from Jeff Vanderstelt of Soma. @jeffvanderstelt on Twitter.com.

Root to Fruit

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done?

3. Who am I? (In light of who God is)

4. What do I get to do as a result?