JAMES: A FAITH THAT WORKS
#72b JAMES: A FAITH THAT WORKS
Source: Joel C. Gregory
“Religion that is pure and undefiled . . . is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” (James 1:27)
I. Authorship
a. What we know! James
b. There are five in the New Testament.
i. Son of Zebedee (Mark 1:19; 3:17*; Acts 2:1-2).
ii. Son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18*).
iii. The younger (Mark 15:40*; 16:1*).
iv. Father of Apostle Judas (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13).
v. The brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3*)—the Just.
c. Reasons for the choice of this latter.
i. A witness of the resurrection (I Corinthians 15:7).
ii. A known church leader (Acts 12:17; 15:13,20f).
iii. He matches this conservative Jewish outlook (Galatians 1:19; 2:2,12; Acts 21:18).
iv. Similarity with letter (Acts 15:23f).
v. Identified as Jesus’ brother (Galatians 1:19).
vi. Linked with second name of brother (Jude 1).
d. Problems identified by some.
i. Late agreement (Third Century).
ii. Use of stylized Hellenistic Greek.
e. Biographical review of this James.
i. Half-brother not step-brother.
ii. Became believer in Jesus as the Messiah after the resurrection (I Corinthians 15:7; Acts 1:14).
iii. Became a respected leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12; 15:14f; 21:18).
II. Date
a. Some say end of First Century (von Soden, Bruckner, Spitta).
b. Most scholars opt for an early date (48-54a.d.).
i. Terminology basically Hebrew as the early church was (twelve tribes, dispersion).
ii. Terminology similar to Sermon on the Mount.
iii. Does not mention controversies.
iv. James the Just stoned A.D. 62—prompted by Ananus (High Priest). Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews.
v. Reference to poverty best reflects that early period. (Compare Romans 15:25f.)
III. To Whom Was the Letter Written?
a. Again, what we know: “To the tribes of the dispersion.”
b. What this may mean.
i. Jews
ii. Jewish Christians
iii. Both
iv. All Christians—twelve tribes a metaphor.
v. The early date would favor Jewish Christians who were finding it necessary to leave Jerusalem
vi. Its message clearly Christian. (James 1:1, 2:1, 5:7-8).
IV. Relationship of Author to Readers
a. James became the leader of Jerusalem church after departure of Peter (Acts 12:17).
b. In that role, he was chief spokesman for conservative Jewish Christians. Had some influence in Syria (Galatians 2:12).
c. Called upon to negotiate early disagreement among the believers (Galatians 2:1-10; Acts 15:13, 20-21).
V. What Prompted the Letter?
a. Reflects the economic and social conditions of Palestine and Syria in the years prior to Jewish revolt of AD 66-70.
i. Wealthy merchants (James 4:13f)/farmers (James 5:1-6).
ii. Considerable poverty (James 1:9-11, 2:6-7 and 14-17).
iii. Additional oppression of the poor (James 2:6-7, 5:1-6).
b. Reflects moral and spiritual problems as well.
i. Disunity and behavioral problems.
ii. Misunderstanding of Paul’s teaching of salvation by faith alone.
VI. What Can Be Established As the Author’s Intent?
a. The church must not discriminate against the poor.
i. Injunction to wealthy as to dangers in materialism as well as oppression of poor.
ii. Injunction to the poor not to let distress produce bitterness and disruption.
b. The wisdom of God produces character, consistency, community (relationships).
c. Tests of faith will come: God’s wisdom and strength produces the ability to endure and overcome.
d. Saving faith and its confession.
i. More than belief in Jesus.
ii. Gives expression in obedience.
iii. Magnifies compassion for the poor.
VII. Various Outlines
a. C.E. Colton
i. Concerning trials James 1:2-18
ii. Concerning true religious service James 1:19-27
iii. Concerning partiality James 2:1-26
iv. Concerning the tongue James 3:1-18
v. Concerning avarice and pride James 4:1-5:6
vi. Concerning the sick James 5:13-18
vii. Concerning compassion James 5:19-20
b. H.E. Dana
i. The problem of trials James 1:2-18
ii. The nature of true religion James 1:19-2:36
iii. The responsibility of the teaching office James 3:1-12
iv. A protest against prevalent evils James 3:13-5:6
1. Strife James 3:13-4:2
2. Avarice James 4:13-5:6
c. A.T. Robertson
i. Joy in Trial James 1:1-11
ii. The Way of Temptation James 1:12-18
iii. The Practice of the Word of God James 1:19-27
iv. Class Prejudice James 2:1-13
v. The Appeal to Life James 2:14-26
vi. The Tongues of Teachers James 3:1-12
vii. The True Wise Man James 3:13-18
viii. The Outer and Inner Life James 4:1-12
ix. God and Business James 4:13-5-6
x. Perseverance and Prayer James 5:7-20
d. Howard P. Colson
i. Some marks of genuine religion James 1:2-27
ii. The practical meaning of Faith James 2:1-26
iii. Tongue control and true wisdom James 3:1-18
iv. Sins of worldliness and Pride James 4:1-17
v. Social Justice and Christian living James 5:1-20
e. Virtus E. Gideon
i. Trials and the Christian Life James 1:2-27
ii. Works and the Christian Life James 2:1-26
iii. The Tongue and the Christian Life James 3:1-18
iv. Worldliness and the Christian Life James 4:1-17
v. Patience and the Christian Life James 5:1-20
Links/Citations
Gregory, J. (1986). James: Faith Works! Convention Press.
JAMES: AN OUTLINE
#72a JAMES: AN OUTLINE
Lamar Skinner
First Baptist Church
February 8/15, 1987
Greeting, James 1:1
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.”
I. When Temptations Abound, James 1:2-18
1. Joy in the face of it, James 1:2-4
2. Strength from God, James 1:5-8
3. Consistency of spirit is the key, James 1:9-11
4. Trials and temptations distinguished, James 1:12-15
5. The source of all good, James 1:16-18
II. Beyond Hearing to Doing, James 1:19-27
1. Communicating our faith, James 1:19-25
2. Communicating through our actions, James 1:26-27
III. Respect for Others, James 2:1-13
1. Without favoritism, James 2:1-7
2. The royal law, James 2:8-10
3. Reviewing the commandments, James 2:11-13
4. Faith and its counterpart action, James 2:14-20
5. Old Testament examples, James 2:21-26
IV. The Measure of Our Words, James 3:1-18
1. Advice to teachers, James 3:1
2. Control of the tongue, James 3:2-12
3. True wisdom is from God, James 3:13-18
V. The Spirit Within, James 4:1-5:6
1. Evidence of worldliness, James 4:1-2
2. The weakened prayer-life, James 4:3-4
3. Submitting and resisting, James 4:5-10
4. Evil speaking, James 4:11-12
5. Assertiveness and the Will of God, James 4:13-17
6. Wanton wealth breeds pleasure not godliness, James 5:1-6
VI. Patience As a Christian Virtue, James 5:7-12
1. Patience expected, James 5:7-9
2. Patience examined, James 5:10-11
3. Patience cultivated, James 5:12
VII. The Power of Prayer, James 5:13-18
1. Prayer for the sick, James 5:13-15
2. Prayer wrought in confession, James 5:16
3. Prayer in Old Testament example, James 5:17-18
VIII. Help for the Backslider, James 5:19-20
OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
#759a OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
First Baptist Church
Fellowship Hall ---- 7pm
Hymn “What a Wonderful Saviour!” Congregation
Christ has for sin atonement made, What a wonderful Saviour! I am redeemed, the price is paid; What a wonderful Saviour!
Refrain: What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus, my Jesus! What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus, my Lord!
He cleansed my heart from all its sin, What a wonderful Saviour! And now he reigns and rules therein, What a wonderful Saviour!
Refrain: What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus, my Jesus! What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus, my Lord!
Hymn “Amazing Grace” Congregation
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.
Scripture: I John 4:7-11 Watson Goss
7. Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. 9. In this was manifested the love of God toward of us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Sharing Time Harry Stall
(Others are invited to share testimonies)
Solo Eric Carter
“No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus”
Scripture: I Corinthians 10:16, 17, 21; 11:27-29 Delwyn Odom
10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils. 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall drink the cup of the Lord, unworthy, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let us examine ourselves, and let us eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to oneself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Congregation
When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Scripture: I Corinthians 11:23-24
23 For I have received of the Lord that which I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread. 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you. This do in remembrance of me.’
Prayer of Blessing Pastor
Sharing of Bread (Symbol of his broken body)
Hymn: “Break Thou the Bread of Life” Congregation
Break Thou the bread of life, Dear Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word.
Thou art the bread of life, O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live With Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy truth, for Thou art love.
Scripture: Mark 14:22 Pastor
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’
Partaking of the Bread Congregation
Scripture: I Corinthians 11:25, 26
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.’ 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death ‘til he come.
Hymn “Let Us Break Bread Together” Congregation
Let us break bread together on our knees, Let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain: When I fall on my knees, With my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us drink the cup together on our knees, Let us drink the cup together on our knees.
Refrain: When I fall on my knees, With my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees, Let us drink the cup together on our knees.
Refrain: When I fall on my knees, With my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Scripture: Matthew 26:27-28 Hugh McGee
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, ‘Drink ye all of it.’ 28 ‘For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’
Prayer of Blessing Pastor
Sharing of the Cup (Symbol of blood Christ shed) Deacons
Scripture: Hebrews 3:14 Pastor
We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast until the end.
Partaking of the Cup Congregation
Scripture: John 13:34. 35 Windy Denham
34 A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Hymn “The Master Hath Come” Congregation
The Master hath come, and he calls us to follow
The track of the footprints he leaves on our way;
Far over the mountains and through the deep hollow,
The path leads us on to the mansions of day;
The Master hath called us, the children who fear him,
Who march ‘neath Christ’s banner, his own little band;
We love him and seek him, we long to be near him,
And rest in the light of his beautiful land.
Meditation: Five Grains of Corn Pastor
Providence, Privation, Prayer, Present Crisis, Promise
Scripture: Matthew 26:30 Congregation
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Hymn “God Be With You” Congregation
God be with you till we meet again; loving counsels guide, uphold you; may the Shepherd’s care enfold you. God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain: Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus’ feet. Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again!
THE PARABLE OF THE TABERNACLE
#605 THE PARABLE OF THE TABERNACLE
Scripture Exodus 25:1-9; Hebrews 9:6-14 Orig. 2/17/1973
Rewr. 8/27/1990
Passage:
Exodus 25:1-9
25 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather[a]; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.
Hebrews 9:6-14
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
The Blood of Christ
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here,[a] he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining[b] eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!
Purpose: Continuing a PM series on Old Testament parables, here describing the tabernacle and its latent type teaching fulfilled in Christ.
Keywords: Symbolism of Christ Hebrews History Tabernacle
Old Testament Parables
Timeline/Series: Old Testament Parables
Introduction
Recall of the function of the Hebrew High Priest is surely appropriate here. Yearly, on the 10th day of the 7th month (October), the Day of Atonement was celebrated as the most sacred day of the year.
On this one day, the High Priest took the fresh blood of sacrifice into the Holy of Holies, where he alone was permitted to enter. He renewed Israel’s covenant with God by sprinkling the blood upon the ‘throne of Jehovah,’ the Mercy Seat covering the Ark of the Covenant. Contained herein were their most treasured relics: the urn of manna, the rod of Aaron, and the two tablets of the covenant. (See Hebrews 9:4, Numbers 17:10.)
Returning from this mediatorial act, the High Priest then chose a living animal (goat), placed both of his own hands on the head of the goat and confessed the sins of the people. The animal was then driven away to suffer death at the hand of providence, thus becoming the blood offering wrought at God’s hand for all the sins of Israel.
The blood offering in the Holy of Holies covered unwittingly committed sin in the Holy Place. Consciously committed sin of the people was transferred to the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:10), for the transference of their guilt to the goat.
The parable (Hebrews 9:9—parabolē) calls to mind all the rich imagery of the Hebrew religion, but it will also graphically depict three underlying differences that we will consider momentarily.
I. A Brief Exposition of Exodus 25-31. Exodus 25:8, “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
1. Basically, there are three themes covered in this second book of scripture.
a. Chapters 1-18 cover the Exodus, itself. The people are set free.
b. Chapters 19-24 present the law in its basic form. (Chapter 20—Ten Commandments.)
c. Remaining chapters describe every aspect of the tabernacle. (Chapters 25-40.)
i. Sanctuary, above, meant holy place.
ii. The word came to have meaning relative to material of the sanctuary.
S. Baxter (E15p76): “. . . the problem with which the various philosophies of life seek to deal is that of human freedom, responsibility, and privilege. Liberty without law is license. Responsibility without freedom is bondage. Liberty and responsibility together, without privilege—without rewards and punishments—lack motive and meaning. Here, in the Exodus, the Law, and the Tabernacle, we see these three things—in the Exodus, liberty; in the Law, responsibility; in the Tabernacle, privilege.”
2. The construction and refinement of the tabernacle was forced into two parts.
a. Moses was given the design (Exodus 25-31);
b. Idolatry invaded the camp and the plan is suspended. (Exodus 33:7)
i. Temporary replacement (Exodus 33:7)
ii. God descends in covenant.
c. The tabernacle is completed. Exodus chapters 35-40. Baxter, p95, “The Tabernacle was not designed with a view to any merely architectural impressiveness. It was designed to be a symbolical and typical expression of wonderful spiritual truth.”
II. A Description of the Tabernacle. Exodus 25:9, "According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, . . . even so shall ye make it.”
1. There was to be an outer court on a west to east axis 100 by 50 cubits (150 by 75 feet).
a. Total of 60 pillars—5 cubits apart.
b. Each would stand 5 cubits high.
2. Within this outer court was to be a sanctuary (divided).
a. Oblong (10 x 30 cubits on same axis).
b. A veil would separate the two parts.
i. Holy Place—priestly function
ii. Holy of Holies—High Priest on Day of Atonement
III. The Furnishings of the Tabernacle are Seven. Exodus 25:9, “According to . . . the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”
1. Interestingly, there are seven times in scripture when this is reiterated. Exodus 25:9,40; 26:30; 27:8; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44; Hebrews 8:5.
a. New Testament words fashion or pattern: both Greek tupos
b. 5179 in HGSB—prototype
2. There are two articles in the Outer Court.
a. Brazen Altar—the first approach to Holy God is through atoning sacrifice.
b. Next is the Laver—sacred water for priestly cleansing.
3. Only thusly is the Holy Place entered by the priests.
a. On the right (north) is shewbread—here is both bread and drink decreeing sustenance in the spiritual life.
b. On the left (south) is the seven branched candelabrum—declaring spiritual illumination.
c. Deeper in the room is the Golden Altar of Incense—incense has always represented supplication (prayer).
4. Before us now is the veil separating the Holy of Holies.
a. Remember, only the High Priest enters here, and he only once a year on Day of Atonement.
b. The Throne inside consists of two parts.
i. The Ark: a gold-covered acacia chest—declaring the covenant.
ii. Above the Ark, the Mercy seat with cherubim—representing God’s presence.
IV. That Leaves Us to Determine What is Represented for the Future, Hebrews 9:8, “. . . The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, . . . which was a figure for the time then present.”
1. The seven articles represent seven symbolic teachings.
a. The altar—atonement
b. The laver—forgiveness
c. Shewbread—sustenance
d. Candlestick—illumination
e. Incense—supplication
f. Ark—covenant relationship
g. Mercy Seat—access to God
Job 13:3, “Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.”
Job 40:2, “Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?”
Thus, there stands the critical issue of approach to God.
Job 42:5, “My ears have heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.
2. Look for a moment at a parallel to these seven teachings in John’s gospel
a. The Brazen Altar—John 1:29,36, John beholds “the Lamb of God!”
b. The Laver—John 3:5, “Except a man be born of water, and of the spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
c. Shewbread—John 4:10, “living water,” and John 6:51, “living bread.”
d. Candlestick—John 8:12, “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.” See John 9:5.
e. Altar of Incense—
i. Just outside the veil—John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”
ii. Intercession—John 14:13, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified . . . Son.”
f. Jesus approaches as High Priest—John 17:1, “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy son also may glorify thee.”
g. Covenant—John 20:17, “I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” John 20:19, “Peace be unto you.” John 20:22, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:29, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou has believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet . . . believed.”
3. Time has permitted us only to look at the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
a. They have revealed a likeness in even small detail to Christ.
b. They illustrate the person and work of the Redeemer.
c. There is type-teaching as well in the offerings, in the priesthood, etc.
Conclusion
The Post-Exilic Temple contained a Holy Place, and a Holy of Holies, but it was empty. No Ark, no tablets, no rod, no manna, no Mercy Seat, but the High Priest kept up his seduction. Hebrews 9:14, “. . . how much more shall the blood of Christ . . . purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” “Jesus Christ has revealed the living God whose Spirit inhabits not dead places and things, but the hearts of His believers.” (B74p141)
Links
Baxter: https://www.preceptaustin.org/exodus-25-commentary
PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS AND THE BIBLE
#847 PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS AND THE BIBLE
Scripture I Peter 2:5, 9; Isaiah 61:5-6 Orig. 5/1/1988
Passage:
I Peter 2:5,9
5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Isaiah 61:5-6
5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the Lord,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
Purpose: Teaching a doctrinal study for Church Training relating the doctrine to scripture.
Keywords: Series, Priesthood Doctrine
Introduction
Pass out cards reflecting chapter one and ask class to comment on them. Volunteers may be asked to read, and other class members will be given opportunity to comment..
Display the overhead cel with the following agree/disagree information. Ask the class to mark their paper “a” or “d.”
D 1) The Old Testament priesthood symbolized the worthiness of the nation Israel.
D 2) Old Testament priests were mediators, not interpreters. (both)
D 3) The priesthood of believers is hierarchical, not hereditary.
A 4) Our priesthood is rooted in Christ.
D 5) Jesus is priest by virtue of Levite origins.
A 6) The phrase “the priesthood of believers” is not found in the Bible.
A 7) Equality of access to God’s grace for salvation is not rooted in human capability.
D 8) To emphasize individualism is to deny community.
A 9) There is no such thing as forced love.
A 10)A person cannot accept salvation without accepting priesthood.
Call attention to the teaching posters. These are for the new chapter. Ask the class if there is a certain one that stands out, and if they will comment upon it.
Have the cel on chapter two on the screen. We want to cover three things.
1. Biblical teachings as priesthood.
2. The priesthood as it relates to Christ.
3. Prepare for next chapter on priesthood of the believer and salvation.
I. The Jewish Priesthood. Exodus 19:4-6, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now, . . . if you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my possession among all peoples; for all the earth is mine, and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests.”
a. The above text is not typical. See also Isaiah 61:5-6.
b. Under Moses a representative priesthood emerged.
i. Most of some 700 references.
ii. This priesthood symbolized their covenant.
iii. God gave Moses instructions relative to the priesthood. Exodus 25:1 - 31:18
iv. It was clear that they had some growing to accomplish if they were to reach communal priesthood.
1. Tabernacle was to be a factor.
2. The tent of meeting where they would worship God.
c. The concept of a select priesthood.
i. Theological roots of priesthood.
1. Manifested God’s saving acts on behalf of Israel. (Law was unrequested grace.)
2. God would be with Israel through the priesthood and tabernacle—no philosophical; the certain creator; “Tabernacle” means dwelling place. Exodus 25:8, “Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell in their midst.”
3. Priests were living witnesses of that presence.
4. The priesthood symbolized holiness. Exodus 19:6, “. . . A holy nation.” Leviticus 11:44f, “. . . consecrate yourselves, . . . and be holy, for I am holy.”
a. Their dress reflected God’s character.
b. Initial step in ordination had to do with cleansing. Exodus 29:20, “tip of right ear . . . right thumb . . . great toe of right foot.”
ii. Functions of the priesthood.
1. First, they were interpreters.
a. Brought God to the people. Malachi 2:7, “He is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts.”
b. Taught them moral, ceremonial law, hygiene, nutrition, medical diagnosis.
2. Secondly, they were mediators.
a. They brought the people to God. Exodus 28:5-4, stones on shoulder piece named tribes.
b. Purpose was atonement for sin.
iii. The structure of the priesthood.
1. The gradations within society were: people, Levites, priests, High Priest.
2. Last three are the spiritual elite. Recall Jesus’ parable. Luke 10:27f.
3. Levites were of tribe of Levi, but not of line of Aaron. Secondary temple duties.
4. Hierarchy was complete with High Priest. Leviticus 22:10, 11, 14 pictures distinctions between priests and people.
5. In addition to this hierarchy, also is a hereditary factor.
a. Ancestry and sex determine.
b. Birth, not worth, blood not gift.
c. Ineptness often occurred.
6. Priesthood ceased with destruction of temple in 70 A.D.
II. The High Priesthood of Jesus.
a. A superior priest.
i. There is a new covenant. I Corinthians 11:25 “this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye.” See Jeremiah 31:31f.
ii. Hebrews directs our attention.
Hebrews 4:14 “great high priest”
Hebrews 2:17 “merciful and faithful high priest”
Hebrews 4:15 “sympathizes with our weaknesses”
Hebrews 7:11f outside the Levitical line (Melchizedek)
Hebrews 6:19 entering the new shrine
iii. Old symbolic of God’s presence, Jesus “bears the stamp of His nature” (Hebrews 1:3)
iv. He is ever alive to intercede (Hebrews 7:24f)
b. A superior sacrifice.
i. Superior because it is irreplaceable.
Hebrews 9:12 “once for all into the high priest.”
ii. Superior because it deals effectively with sin.
1. Thus is His priesthood.
2. Thus, He calls us to be priests.
iii. Class learning activity.
1. Ask class to take pencil/paper and find prophet, priest, king phrases in Hebrews 1:1-4.
III. His Priesthood and Ours.
Hebrews 10:19-25 “Having . . . brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, . . . having a high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full . . . our hearts sprinkled . . . our bodies washed. . . . Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith . . . And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
a. We are to draw near.
The priest must be near to God and the alienated one to be of help.
b. We are to hold fast.
Clearly, we can do little for others if we are not faithful and upright ourselves.
c. We are to stir up.
Those outside the fold should never be “turned off” but “stirred up” by our ministrations.
IV. The Priesthood of Believers.
a. Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi, and lineage of Aaron. Not a professional priest.
b. Phrase, “Priesthood of Believers,” not found in the Bible.
c. Considering the five New Testament passages.
I Peter 2:5 “Like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
I Peter 2:9 “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
d. The character of the priesthood
i. Holiness
ii. Royalty
e. The vocation of the priesthood.
i. Priests worship.
ii. Priests witness.
THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER (INTRODUCTION)
#846 THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER (INTRODUCTION)
Scripture I Peter 2:9; Exodus 19:4-6 Orig. 4/1/1988
Passage:
I Peter 2:9
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Exodus 19:4-6
4 “‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Purpose: To introduce the study of the doctrine of the priesthood of the believer to the Church Training class.
Keywords: Doctrine Priesthood
Introduction
Item: Which of the following would be the more correct?
· “The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is a fundamental belief among all Baptists.” Findley Edge—1985 Doctrine of Laity1
· “The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers is a fundamentalist belief among Baptists.”--incorrect
Item: Pass out the true/false pretest. Take time to work through this entire sheet of twenty questions allowing class to write in their answer.
Item: Display Cel #2, pass out worksheets. The class is to decide whether they agree with the statements, disagree, or are undecided. Overlay Cel with answers and discuss with the class.
Item: Display Cel #3
· Discuss: The priesthood of believers is the centerpiece of the Baptist faith.
· Discuss: A priest is someone who relates to, and acts for, God.
· Discuss: All believers are priests.
· Discuss: Spectator religion is out.
· Discuss: Each Christian has a duty to hand on the gospel.
· Discuss: The veil of the temple was rent in the midst. (Luke 23:45)
After discussion try to mount each of these statements around the room.
I. Refer to Outline Poster.
a. Display Cel #4 (Outline).
b. If the Agree/Disagree worksheet has not been used, do so at this time.
c. Definition of terms.
i. Priest—a person who relates to and acts for God (14:3).
ii. Believers—those who hold the proposition that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the final and ultimate revelation of the eternal God (9:4).
iii. Priesthood—to be priestly, to relate to and act for God (10:3).
iv. Priesthood of believers—a demand for priestly sacrifice to God on the part of all believers (13:1).
d. Have class search for answers to the “Who am I?” question in the text
i. I am Biblical
ii. I am Christian
iii. I am Baptist
iv. I am believer’s rights
v. I am one’s right to access God
vi. I am your right to choose Christ yourself
vii. I am the opposite of proxy religion
viii. I am the democratization of faith
ix. I am a movement of the people of God
x. I am your obligation of ministry
II. Looking at the Origin of Priesthood of Believers
a. Origin in biblical teaching
i. From Hebrew noun “kohen”—accepted meaning from the verb “to stand.” Used over 700 times in Old Testament
ii. Key Old Testament passage—Exodus 19:4-6 “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. . . . You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
1. Moses was leading them to God’s will.
2. They were on the verge of entrance.
3. But first, they had to deal with a thing called “relationship” covenant.
4. It was an invitation to the entire nation to become priests.
b. Continuation in New Testament—
i. Greek word for priest is “hiereus.” Used in Gospels and Acts to describe the religious leadership of Israel; One reference to “priest of Zeus,” Acts 14:13.
ii. Various New Testament passages referring to the priesthood of believers.
1. I Peter 2:5, “You . . . are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.”
2. I Peter 2:9, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood.
3. Revelation 1:5-6. “To him who loves us . . . and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve . . . God.”
4. Revelation 5:9-10, “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God.”
5. Revelation 20:6, “. . . but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”
c. Expression in the early church
i. Believers applied Exodus 19:6 to themselves.
ii. Drew strength from texts relating priesthood to Christ.
1. “Hiereus” refers to Christ
2. Hebrews 4:14, “great high priest.”
3. Hebrews 7:14, “offered up himself.”
iii. They understood that New Testament priest never referred to specialized clergy.
d. A development in history changed the meaning of priesthood.
i. Priesthood was clericalized! Example, Mennonites in Transylvania began looking from their own fellowship for the next pastor.
1. Clergy/laity came to be.
2. Equality gave way to hierarchy.
3. Then came celibacy to intensify.
ii. Grace was sacramentalized!
1. With the separation and exaltation of the professional clergy.
2. Only they could dispense favors—baptism, Lord’s Supper.
3. Sacramental faith replaced personal faith.
iii. Church was institutionalized.
1. Church became a place to go.
2. Called to serve, many became spectators.
e. From the Reformation on:
i. Revolt came under such men as Zwingli, Luther, Calvin.
ii. It was based upon a belief in justification by faith.
iii. Luther’s emphasis.
1. Before God all Christians have the same standing . . . through faith.
2. Each Christian is a priest and needs no mediator save Christ.
3. Each Christian is a priest and has an office of sacrifice, not the Mass but the dedication of himself.
4. Each Christian has a duty to hand on the gospel which he himself has received.
iv. The contemporary Baptist position.
1. The necessity for each person to make his or her own commitment to Christ.
2. The understanding of the church as a community of believers.
3. The affirmation of the priesthood of all believers.
a. Freeman Baptist World Alliance 1905 (essential) “the sovereignty of Christ, accompanied by . . . the complete and consistent recognition of His personal, direct and undelegated authority over . . . souls . . . men.”
b. E.Y. Mullins “Axions of Religion”2—historic significance of Baptists?? “The competency of the soul in religion.”
c. Truett—“Keystone truth of the Baptists.”
d. Norman W. Cox, “We Southern Baptists”—distinctive—“redeemed personality ministering under the Lordship of Christ.”
Conclusion
Call attention to teaching posters. Ask class to single out one special one and comment on it.
Distribute printed copy of pretest and ask class to complete it for the next session.
Call attention to the outline (Cel #4). Session Two will cover chapters 2/3 “The Priesthood of the Believers and the Bible/Salvation.”
1Edge, F. (1985). The Doctrine of the Laity. Convention Press.
2Mullins, E.Y. (1908). The Axioms of Religion. American Baptist Publication Society.
Mulllins: https://archive.org/details/axiomsofreligion01mull_0/page/8/mode/2up
PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS AND SALVATION
#848 PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS AND SALVATION
Scripture Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6, NIV Orig. May 14, 1988
Passage:
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Titus 3:5-6
5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior….
Purpose: Continuing a Church Training study on the Priesthood of the Believer, here relating our understanding to salvation.
Keywords: Doctrine Priesthood
Timeline/Series: Baptist Beliefs
Introduction
Display Cel #6 “We are a holy and royal priesthood with the calling to worship and to witness. Our priesthood had origins in the Old Testament and is rooted in Christ, the Great High Priest.”
The above is a link to previous study unit. Briefly refer to the three-part outline: The Jewish Priesthood; The High Priesthood of Jesus; and The Priesthood of Believers. See if there are any comments or questions related to this prior study.
Display Cel #2. Underline Chapter 3. We will major this evening on the ways that the Priesthood of the Believer relates to salvation. Display the three-part outline of this chapter (Cel #7).
The Equality of Access to Salvation
The Personal Nature of Grace
The Voluntary Nature of Faith
Use Cel #7a as a kind of overview of this triumvirate. “Every person has the privilege of uncoerced personal access to God’s grace through Jesus Christ.”
Pass out the seven question cards. Responses!
1. How do the four gospels reveal Jesus as being available to all persons?
2. Who helped you come to trust Christ as your Saviour?
3. Do all persons have equality of access to God’s grace for salvation? What about those who’ve never heard?
4. Explain: “Salvation is not church by church, community by community, or nation by nation. It is lonely soul by lonely soul.”
5. Explain (Martin Luther): “Before God all Christians have the same standing.”
6. Dr. Shurden1 points out that Jesus’ love was a barrierless love. Do you have a problem loving certain people?
7. What are some ways people try to substitute for the gospel?
I. The Equality of Access to Salvation. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
A. The gospel thus portrays Jesus. Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Heavy laden—referred to animal loads. John 12:32, “I, when I am lifted up, will draw all men unto me.”
All men without exception?
All without distinction?
B. Mullins “religious axiom.”
1-Equal access
2-The inalienable right of every soul to deal with God for itself.
3-Article in Friday paper (NSW 5-13-1988). Interview with Marilyn Vos Savant—identified herself as agnostic. Would be more open to a God defined in terms of one world religion.
4-Equality of access to God’s grace for salvation is not rooted in human capability. God is sovereign; His sovereignty can accept a wide corridor of human understanding or a narrow one.
C. A definition of salvation.
1-Greek—soteria—health, wholeness: Health as to fragmented bodies; wholeness as to fragmented relations; salvation as to fragmented spirits.
2-Salvation is God’s act on behalf of our helplessness.
D. A longer look at Ephesians 2:11-22
1-A man-made distinction: circumcised v. uncircumcised.
2-These distinctions are broken down in Christ. Actually, Hebrews were divided from each other. Courts of: Gentiles, Women, Israel, Priests; but even they were restricted from inner portion. But Christ brought deliverance alike to all. Ephesians 2:17, “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access. . . .” Access: to bring to.
E. Examining Jesus breaking down barriers.
Luke 6:15 Zealot—political distinction
Luke 19:5 Zacchaeus—religious distinction
John 4:27 Woman at the Well—sexual distinction
Mark 7:26 Syrophoenician—racial distinction
Matthew 8:10 Centurion—national distinction
Matthew 11:19 Sinners—social distinction
II. The Personal Nature of Grace. I John 1:2, “For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.”
A. Thus, grace is God acting to make Himself known where otherwise He would not be known.
1. “Eternal life” is another reference to salvation.
2. He is making this truth known to those whose it is.
Apocalypsis—is an unveiling
Phaneroo—is personal revelation
B. God’s intervention in history was: personal, relational, individualistic. John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Matthew 1:23, “Emmanuel”—God with us.
C. Dealing with a persistent heresy—gnosticism.
1. Its teachings—Matter is evil/spirit is good. Salvation was through secret knowledge.
2. Dealing with it—Jesus was a real person with a real body. He sought to touch lives relationally. Salvation is through faith in a personal Saviour. It can only be accomplished one person at a time.
3. Proxies have no entrées to grace.
III. The Voluntary Nature of Faith. Exodus 19:8, “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.” Luke 15:11-24 story of the prodigal: without reading all recall that shepherd went for sheep/woman searches for lost coin/the father can only wait until the son chooses to return.
A. What is at stake?
1. Freedom
2. Soul competency
3. Love cannot be forced.
4. Conversion can only be by conviction, not by compulsion.
B. What we can therefore conclude:
1. Mass evangelism is not a true concept. Billy Graham early went to train counselors, on site, to pair off with people making decision, even in films.
2. There can be no proxy salvation. Parents can not baptize an infant and assume that opens the door to faith.
3. A state church has always fallen into the pattern of coercive action. Even in early American life it emerged. Roger Williams, a Puritan himself, was banished from his Massachusetts church for soul competency. Read p.290 (S3).
4. The primacy of the individual is never to be so magnified as to produce anarchy.
5. And the opposite is true as well. The individual must never be treated as without private worth.
6. Freedom to express one’s own views must be seen to be inviolate. “No person . . . shall be in any wise molested, . . . for any differences of opinion (that) . . . do not actually disturb the civil peace . . . colony.”
7. Changes worldwide can only happen one person at a time.
Conclusion
Avoid truth by substitution: proxy—infant baptism.
Avoid truth by addition: Judaizers—become Jews to become Christians.
Avoid truth by subtraction: humanists—would dispense with sin.
Avoid truth by multiplication: works—C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters.
Shurden,Walter https://www.amazon.com/Baptist-Identity-Four-Fragile-Freedoms/dp/188083720X
Lewis, C.S. Books - Official Site | CSLewis.com
1Shurden, W.B. (1993). The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms. (14th Edition). Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc.
THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
#849 THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Scripture John 17:18; I Peter 4:11,12, NIV Orig. 6/26/1988
Passage:
John 17:18
18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
I Peter 4:11,12
11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Purpose: Continuing to lead my people in a doctrinal study during Church Training.
Keywords: Christian Life Doctrine
Timeline/Series: Priesthood
Introduction
I. Open with the reading of John 17:18. As this will be referred to later, go on to I Peter 4:11,12. Ask class for their explanation.
II. Go to display of Cel 5 (The Priesthood of the Believer and the Christian Life)
1. The Priesthood as Sacrificial Servant
2. The Priesthood as Glad Herald
3. The Priesthood as Sympathetic Confessor
4. The Priesthood as Courageous Prophet
III. Display Cel 5 i
1. Ask class for definitions of each of above.
2. In turn, show class what has been written of each.
IV. Display Cel 5 ii
1. Under above headings [are] specific scriptures that bind us to these concepts.
2. Discuss these separate texts
a. Sacrificial Servant—Philippians 2:5-8
b. Glad Herald—I Peter 2:9, II Corinthians 5:20
c. Sympathetic Confessor—Hebrews 5:1-3
d. Courageous Prophet—Philemon 8-10
V. Refer to PLA #9
1. Re-read John 17:18 “As thou didst send me into the world, so have I sent them into the world.”
2. Ask: What do you think it means to be sent into the world as Jesus was sent into the world?
3. Divide class into groups of 4-5. Ask for 1-2 sentence synopsis.
VI. Go to the display of Cel 5 iii
1. Pass out worksheet 5 (Agree/Disagree)
2. Have class work on this.
3. Check one’s own answers.
VII. A look at local Church Strategy
1. Other churches: Episcopal/Presbyterian
a. Decisions made by spokesperson
b. Sundays sequential: all produce alike
2. Congregational
a. Choice of Mission/Ministry await need.
i. Church in New Orleans turned over to African Americans.
ii. Seguin, Texas, church hired Mexican staff member to serve need. In time the main pastor became Mexican.
iii. Church in New Orleans ceased to be. Seamans’ Ministry took over building.
3. Author tells story of New York pastor in the diner frequented by cabbies. Owner kept change available to serve customers.
VIII. The Measure of Priesthood
1. Display Cel 5:ii
2. Four characteristics
a. Sacrificial Servant
i. Read first two paragraphs p. 81
ii. Commitment should raise the question, Not “What does it cost?”, but “What have I to give?”
b. Glad Herald
i. Think of others who witness to us.
1. Barber about weight program
2. Friend about radio program—Keillor
3. Preacher about helpful tape
4. Member about AA
ii. Purpose of such sharing
1. Each knew of interest in message
2. Each occurred naturally
3. Each spoke without demeaning lack
4. Each had some enthusiasm about product
5. Each offered additional support
6. None were experts
c. Sympathetic Confessors
i. Read James 5:16 on confession
ii. Learned from Sunday School class participation
1. Priesting comes unexpectedly
2. What hurts the most, helps the most
3. Priesting goes beyond “eatin’ meetin’”
4. Sharing pain, celebrating joy are rooted in the gospel
d. Courageous Prophet
i. Refer to examples of Jesus
ii. If time use PLA #10
THE WORD IN THE WORLD
#616 THE WORD IN THE WORLD
Scripture Psalm 68:11; II Peter 1:19,20f Orig. 1/12/1975
Rewr. 7/15/1987
Passage:
Psalm 68:11
11 The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng
II Peter 1:19,20f
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.
Purpose: Beginning a Wednesday evening study emphasis on themes of Christian growth.
Keywords: Word of God New Member Bible
Timeline/Series: Wednesday evening Bible Study
Introduction
Because of the terrible accident last January, we are not hearing much about space flights. Soon, however, problems will be rectified and men and machines will be flying again.
We remember, though, some significant consistencies of all prior flights. Each had on board computers, and land-based ones to control direction and destination. Mission Control would periodically check references to determine course. If the space vehicle was any minute degree off target, then correcting information was fed to the on-board computer.
What we must remember, however, is that there had to be an initially agreed upon source of correct information, They could not pull numbers out of a hat. They had to be dependable and readily available.
In the same way, when we get off target, whether by carelessness, or by social inertia, we need a source of information, dependable, and readily available to correct our flight. And God has given us His Word.
I. General Background.
The Bible developed gradually. Old Testament writing covers the period from Moses (c. 2000 BC) to Artaxerxes I (425 BC)—a Persian ruler. Septuagint (Seventy) written for large Jewish community in Alexandria, Egypt (in Hellenist Greek) about 280 BC. Old Testament form: Torah—Genesis/Deuteronomy; Prophets—Joshua/Kings (early), Minor/Major (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel—late); Writings—Poetry (Psalms, Proverbs, Job), Five Rolls (Song of Solomon, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Lamentations), History (Daniel, Ezekiel, Nehemiah, Chronicles). Periods of New Testament activity—70-170 AD Circulation of separate writings/oral teachings; 170-303 AD—canon established/continuing debate; 303-500 AD—accumulation of manuscripts useful today for research; to the present—proliferation of translations.
Old Testament/New Testament alerts to the word. Psalm 68:11 “The Lord gave the word, great was the company of those that published it.” II Peter 1:20/21 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Looking briefly at early manuscripts. Codex Sinaiticus—German Tischendorf at Greek Orthodox Monastery found 129 pages in waste basket; 27 New Testament books plus Shepherd of Hermas—in British Museum. Codex Vaticanus 350 AD—came to light during Napoleonic Wars; Tragelles1 allowed to study without notes/memorized/1859 Pius IX photograph. Codex Alexandrinus (450 AD), Matthew missing—gift of Greek Orthodox Patriarch to Charles I in 1627. Ephraemi Rescriptus2—in 1834 a theology student wrote on Father Ephraem (16th Century Syrian), the paper was an erased Biblical manuscript.
II. Other Interesting Features
A verse of form—Luke 11:51 “From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zechariah which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, it shall be required of this generation.” First book in Hebrew Bible is Genesis. Last is II Chronicles. Genesis 4:10 – II Chronicles 24:20-21.
A verse of continuity—See II Chronicles 36:22. Read Ezra 1;1-3.
III. Place of scripture for Christians.
II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Doctrine—divine viewpoint, I Corinthians 2:16 “We have the mind of Christ.” Reproof—the consternation of imperfection; utilization of faith resources; Hebrews 10:38f “Now the just shall live by faith: . . . but we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe unto the saving of the soul.” Correction—see under reproof. Instruction in righteousness—Experience achieved through preaching, teaching, personal study; II Timothy 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Links:
SODOM REVISITED
#746 SODOM REVISITED
Scripture Jude 5-12, NIV Orig. 5/23/1979
Rewr. 9/7/1988
Passage: 5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord[a] at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”[b] 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.
11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. 12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead.
Purpose: Continuing a series from Jude, here calling attention to the perversions that had disrupted the church, and its 20th century application.
Keywords: Bible Study Immorality New Testament Characters, Jude Grace
Timeline/Series: Jude
Introduction
We may not know where they lived, or, for that matter, not very much at all about their origins. But, there are still many things by which these people are identified.
We know that the common denominator of this struggling congregation is Christ, Himself. We know that they have been called to participation in the family of God. We know that they bear the signs of God’s love on their character. And, we know that they had been assured of the “keeping” power of Christ in their lives. Their past, present, and future is inviolate.
We know that they share a common belief that Christ, the Son of God, is Lord. He is Himself the sin bearer, whose death at Calvary set them free. They, then, share a common humanity. Without Christ, they would stand condemned. With Him, they are the Kingdom of God on earth.
Ah, but here’s the rub. One cannot get into the Kingdom of God without God’s forgiving grace. There is no such extremity preventing them from participation in the koinonia fellowship: church.
Jude’s message to them is redemptive. Something must be done about the interlopers who have come among them. It is not a request for them to compensate for this disputed teaching. It is the strong advice of a friend for them to root out an unacceptable evil.
Remember, these men addressed so adamantly, did not perceive of themselves as enemies of the church. They were a vanguard of free thinkers, the elite of the new age. They thought they were setting a new tone for Christianity that would change the world forever.
I. Jude Presents Three Exhibits that are Examples of Moral Default. V7, “Sodom and Gomorrah . . . serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.”
Exhibit A was the Hebrew nation itself. They magnified the enemy. “They are stronger than we,” Numbers 13:31. They memorialize themselves. Past is greater than present. They minimize God.
Exhibit B was the example of the fallen angels. Little was said about this. Fundamentally, it was a denial of God’s right to sovereignty in their lives. It was a matter of demand for self-will. Do you really want to know what has gone wrong in government? It has to do with special interest groups. If they have enough money they can sway legislation/legislators. What that money does is to too often buy Babel towers of self-interest.
The third is seen here in the moral anarchy of Sodom and Gomorrah. This wasn’t mentioned last week. We call it to mind as a place of prestige and potential. Genesis 13:10, “And Lot . . . beheld all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere . . . Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord.” Ezekiel 16:49, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness.”
This third exhibit becomes an example of divine judgment. Blessed with every conceivable opportunity, they defaulted. Our language carries a moral perversion called sodomy. It is homosexuality, and “Yes! The Bible does rebuke it as a sin.” Dutch/Reformed clergyman, living with his gay lover, adopted a son (NY). “The Bible doesn’t say much about homosexuality.” It is said, and I have no reason to challenge it, that more is said in scripture about judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah than any other. For believers, there is a spiritual sodomy, that is likewise a defilement of the body, and must be avoided. I Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are whom ye obey.”
II. Jude Then Likens these False Teachers to These Examples of Perversion. V8, “In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority, and slander celestial beings.”
They were using the marvelous creation of the human body to witness to lust and depravity. God has given us our strength for good. It is a sad debacle when one shuts out the spirit of faith. It is defilement to profess faith but to live life out of gospel focus.
The story is given over Michael’s dispute with Satan over Moses’ body. Moses death recorded in Deuteronomy 34. We can only guess [what] the origin of the story included, but known to readers. Scholars suggest an Assumption of Moses. Michael refused to deny on his own authority, one who been a spokesman. “The Lord rebuke you.” We best be very careful in divesting ourselves of the spoken word because we have some case against the speaker.
The parallel stated is of these mockers who rail at, and ridicule things not understood. What of those who scoff at conversion for no other reason than they have not themselves experienced? Of one who doubts prayer simply because it is beyond his knowledge? Those who spurn forgiveness who have never practiced repentance.
Huxley: Eyeless in Gaza—“Men don’t tell themselves that the wrong they are doing is wrong. Either they do it without thinking or else they invent reasons for believing . . . right.”1
III. Finally, Jude Reaches Back for Three Human Exposés of Such Incrimination. V11, “. . . They have gone in the way of Cain, and gone greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
Cain is an example of the unregenerate church member. Note Cain’s lack of faith. Not that his sacrifice [was] wrong. Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” What we do, do we it of faith, or of some ulterior motive. Then heed the void of righteousness. Righteousness does not engender faith, faith engenders righteousness. Righteousness has to do with relationship. Titus 3:5, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Too many people are content today to persevere in their own righteousness. Romans 10:3, “For they, being ignorant of God’s righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” This explains the lack of love directed, of all places, against brethren.
Balaam adds additional grist to the mill of unbelief. Balaam (Numbers 22:5f) as a seer was self-possessed. His blindness to judgment is self-induced. The donkey sensed this avenging presence. Our world runs according to plan. Nature co-operates completely. Man, himself, is the nail in the wheel of progress. True believers know that judgment comes, individually/collectively. The rapture wasn’t at 12:05 on September 13th, but it is coming.
Korah (Core) is found in Numbers 16. Korah’s problem was undisciplined desire, another form of moral anarchy. Why should we belly-up to the entertainment all-stars for their version of life? Karl Malone—Ruston Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
***The remainder of this sermon has been lost***
1 Huxley, A. (1974). Eyeless in Gaza. Harper & Row.