A COVENANTED PEOPLE
#635 A COVENANTED PEOPLE
Scripture Acts 6:1-8; Ephesians 5:13-16, NIV Orig. September 5, 1976
Passage:
Acts 6
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Stephen Seized
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Ephesians 5
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Introduction
Have you ever considered the diversity of backgrounds from which the apostles came. Several of them came from a background of having been commercial fishermen. That is somewhat to be expected when Jesus began his ministry in Galilee. Others, however, represented other trades. There probably were farmers, such as farmers were in Galilee. There were tradesmen. One could not find an abundance of formal education, but what they lacked there, they made up for in determination and common sense.
As different as they were in social grace, they were even more different in personality. Phillip was this kind of fellow you remember, who tried to calculate the cost of feeding the thousands on what mental computer he did have.
Matthew was the most typically human. It didn’t matter to him where his livelihood came from, so long as it came. The scripture is strangely silent on whether his wife had anything to do with it.
Simon Peter? I think he did not readily understand himself. Available immediately to any cause he considered worthwhile. He had the knack of wanting to wade in and bash a few heads if it took that to accomplish his purpose. If his motivation flagged, however, then he was going to be the first one out the back door.
Time doesn’t permit further discussions of these man-like creatures with whom Jesus labored. A brief look at the one area of their lives in which they were in total agreement, may be helpful. Someone has put together a survey on how they died.
· John—extreme old age in Ephesus
· Peter—crucified by Nero
· Andrew—on a cross in Achaia
· James—thrown from a pinnacle of the temple
· Bartholomew—flayed alive in Armenia
· James the Elder—beheaded at Jerusalem
· Thomas—with a lance at Coromandel
· Phillip—hanged in Hierapolis
· Matthew—by sword in Ethiopia
· Thaddeus—shot with arrows
· Simon—on a cross in Persia
· Judas—hanged himself
The only thing that brought unity to the diversity of their lives was Jesus. To have walked with Jesus made them fearless patriots of His cause. When we have a source, there is a danger that the further we get from that source, the less able we will be to comprehend it. It becomes of fundamental importance, that we let this SOURCE continually manifest HIMSELF through our
lives as different as they are.
I. The Day of Vision Brings Insight into the Things that Separate Us.
Acts 6:1, “There arose a murmuring because of these neglected widows.” Ephesians 5:13, “All things that are reproved are made manifest by the light.”
We have spoken before of the two kinds of murmurings: There is the murmuring of the malcontent; there is also the murmuring of concern. The Greek seems to call to mind a more private rather than a public outcry.
Vision has its beginning, does it not, when we acknowledge our problems and begin to deal with them in light of faith and reason. The first practical solution to that ancient problem in the church at Jerusalem was a [recognizing] of responsibility. And please don’t make the mistake of assuming that it called for a separation of laity and clergy: The greater the depth of spiritual energy to be exhausted, the more necessary for that person to commit himself to prayer; it became a vital spiritual responsibility for every believer to support the active ministries of others in prayer.
It is more than a question “Do you pray for your pastor?” that I raise this morning. Do we pray for those around us? Do we pray for our deacons, or do we just throw barbs or murmurings at them? Do we pray that Sunday School teachers will be able to communicate the love of Jesus through what he or she does?
With what power the Word of God separates the eternal and the variable. The eternal, you remember, is what we are by virtue of the Word; the variable is what we do with what we are. It is the eternal which must address itself to the variable, and not the other way around. Ephesians 5:13, “Whatsoever doth make manifest is light”—that which brings openness and honesty. In the church, neither our organizational structures nor our moral [prohibitions] are to be considered eternal unless they are given credence by the Word of God.
In the world, the believer is to put his confidence in that only that comes under the scrutiny of the Word.
II. A Day of Visitation.
The leadership of God—the seven were called out not by the apostle but by the multitude of believers:
· Concern about church program—support it or change it
· Concern about the inactive
· Concern about the lost
· Concern about our own lives.
Every person in his place (Nehemiah 4; Acts 2:1). Henry Drummond told the story of shipwrecked men adrift on the great ocean in a small boat. After several days they were growing weaker. In the night, [they saw] the masthead of a ship. [They] had a lantern but only one match, slightly damp.
I have on the corner of my desk a stack of cards (200)—Soul-Winning Commitment Cards. If one of ten had kept that pledge we would have baptized 50 or more. We say mean things about draft card burners but we have burned our commitment cards. God’s promises are not written and signed. Our promise need not be written to be kept.
An endeavor of cooperative faith reaches across membership lines—man in town unreached because he overheard a fellow church member make an unchristian remark about him; it reaches across church lines; across denomination lines.
III. A Day of Victory
· And the Word of God increased
· And the numbers of disciples multiplied
· And priests were obedient to the faith
· And Stephen did great wonders, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost
Closing
We are familiar with the unfortunate expression “a cross I must bear.” Yet these words are spoken with dismay, perhaps even discontent. The vision, visitation, and victory I have spoken of this morning have to do with our [bearing] a cross. But this cross is a burden as wings are a burden to a bird, or as sails are a hindrance to a ship.
Drummond
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT—What Baptists Believe
#792 GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
What Baptists Believe
Scripture Luke 3:16; Acts 2:33, NIV Orig. 3/6/1983
Rewr. 3/23/1988
Passage:
Luke 3
16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[a] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit and fire.
Acts 2
33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
Purpose: In a message accentuating Baptist Beliefs, here calling attention to the person and work of God the Holy Spirit.
Keywords: God, Sustainer Series, Baptist Beliefs Holy Spirit Trinity
Introduction
Grady Welch, our Director of Stewardship for the Louisiana Baptist Convention, used to tell about a church down in one of our CenLa parishes that discovered oil on its property. I went through that parish last week and saw some of those wells pumping still. The church was just a small one as numbers go. And even thirty years ago, the return would be considerable. A hasty business meeting was called, and the membership closed except to the families of members who might come on profession of faith. They were going to divide the income among themselves, and didn’t want people to join expecting to get in on the spoils.
William Temple long before had written well relative to the church and its relation to community. “The church exists primarily for those who never go near it,” he declared. How sad it becomes when a church exists to pay tribute to itself. It exists to exist.
As God the Son came into the human picture to intercede with God the Father for our salvation, even so, God the Holy Spirit came, following the human Jesus in a renewed display of Spirit presence. His purpose was and is to magnify the work of Jesus in the world. His work inside the church must be mutually directed toward those who are outside the church, and never can be exclusive of them.
Dr. James Stewart wrote, “When a church is not worried about those who never go near it, . . . that church may be flourishing, but it is certainly not Christian.” This message deals with the place allowed the Holy Spirit in our lives.
I. We Must First Acknowledge the Scriptural Declaration of God the Holy Spirit.
I remind you that the Holy Spirit is spoken of as God in the Scriptures. Consider the case of Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5:3,4, “Ananias, . . . you have lied to the Holy Spirit . . . . You have not lied to man but to God.” Wrong done to men. Wrong done to the faith. But chiefly, sin against God.
It is positively asserted also. I Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Hieron is the temple precincts. Naos is the place where God and man come face to face. Before Christ only the designated priest could enter. The believer is where lost people encounter God.
I remind you as well, that the Holy Spirit is given the attributes of God. We know that God is life. Romans 8:2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free.” We know that God is truth. John 16:13, “When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you to all truth.” We know that God is love. Romans 15:30, “I urge you brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit . . . (pray) for me.”
And I remind you that the Holy Spirit is assigned the works of God. The work of God in creation: Genesis 1:2, “The Spirit of God was brooding upon the face of the waters.” The work of God in undergirding Christ: Matthew 12:28, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God then the Kingdom of God has come.” The work of God in redemption: John 3:5, “Except a man is born of . . . the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” Titus 3:5, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. The work of God in renewed faith: Romans 8:11, “He who raised Christ from the dead . . . will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
II. We Must then Understand that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person of the Godhead.
He is more than just a positive influence. It is true that the word for spirit is the same as for “wind, breath,” and as such is a [gender-neutral] word. But references to the Holy Spirit find this [gender-neutral] word accompanied by a masculine pronoun. John 16:13, “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” As with other references where the Holy Spirit is intended: John 14:26, “The comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, . . . he will teach you all.”
The Holy Spirit is never referred to in Scripture as an “it,” nor must we. He is a person. He has personality. We perceive of mind, will, even emotions. Intelligence—I Corinthians 2:10f, “The Spirit searcheth . . . the deep things of God. The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit.” Will—I Corinthians 12:11, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit, dividing . . . as he will.” Emotions—Romans 15:30, speaks of the “love of the Spirit”; Ephesians 4:30, calls attention to the fact that he can be “grieved.”
III. Finally, We Must Grasp a Personal Relation with the Holy Spirit.
He is a seeking, searching agent for God even in man’s lost estate. Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the . . . renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
Thus, the Holy Spirit is the major influence both before and after conversion.
The Holy Spirit comes into our lives at the time that we receive Christ as Lord. Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” There must be genuine repentance—not guilt for getting caught; not a tear-jerking confession at impressing someone; [but] repentance before God. There should be a covenant of trust that eventuates in baptism. [In] this interwoven tapestry of faith, repentance, remission, trust, baptism, there is the assuring gift of the Holy Spirit.
There are yet other applications of the Holy Spirit’s influence. The above is the “gift” of the Holy Spirit. There are also “gifts” of Holy Spirit: Romans 12:5, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ . . . having then, gifts according to the grace given”; Hebrews 2:4, “distributing the gifts of Holy Spirit." And there is the “fruit” of the Holy Spirit; this is the mellowing of our lives, growing in Bible knowledge and Christ-likeness.
During a time of rowdiness in our convention, an evangelist (James Robinson) wrote to [the] Baptist Message (3/1983) a letter of apology for verbal attacks he had engaged in on those who disagreed with him. “My eyes were distracted to focus more on the cancer in Baptist life than the cure.” “I’ve become more concerned about my own sin than the sin of others.”
The “filling” of the Holy Spirit is an imperative of faith. Ephesians 5;18, “Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, but be ye filled with the Spirit”: Submission to His authority; few are full—it is complete submission; the Holy Spirit’s work is to magnify Christ—to be full of the Holy Spirit is to be full of desire to praise and honor our Lord.
Conclusion
Dr. F.B. Meyer gives a classic example of the work of the Holy Spirit. The young daughter of a prominent individual had started to take piano lessons. The parents of the little girl fussed over her even though her playing was more painful to non-family members than pleasurable. They would allow her to invade the gathering of their friends to “play" for these guests. Some started looking for excuses to get away early before the little girl started.
On one occasion, an eminent pianist was present. Instead of leaving, as some did, he took a place on the bench by the little girl. He began filling the void of the child’s discordant notes. In fact, it turned into very beautiful music. People who tried to leave were returning.
After a few minutes at the piano, the musician led the little girl around the room to receive the thanks and the praise of the other guests. So said Dr. Meyer, “The Holy Spirit helpeth our infirmities.” (Romans 8:26)
Alternate Conclusion
I read someone account of Will Campbell’s story in Brother to a Dragonfly1, of the Easter chicken. An acquaintance bought a purple chicken for his little girl at Easter. She loved it, for a little while. Then the chick began to feather out. Underneath that purple down, began to appear little pin feathers, and they were not purple, they were red. It was an awful picture, and the little girl no longer found it appealing. So, the chick went out in the chicken yard.
But there it was out of place. Some of the purple still showed. The other chickens knew it was different. It became this man’s parable of the church.
For a while, the other chickens resisted this one. They pecked it, chased it over the yard, generally, made its life miserable. At first the chick didn’t fight back. It was the new kid on the block. But even before all the purple was gone, the chick was bigger and stronger and knew that feed went to those who struggled for it. It just became like all the other chickens.
His point was, “Who needs an Easter chicken?” Or, “Who needs the church?”
But Preacher Campbell tried to point out that it was good because it still laid eggs. “Yeah, Preacher Will. It lays eggs. But they all lay eggs. Who needs an Easter chicken for that? And the Rotary Club serves coffee. And the 4-H Club says prayers. The Red Cross takes up offerings for hurricane victims. Mental Health does counseling, and the Boy Scouts have youth programs.”
The underlying question came clearly through. The parable was contemporary. “What unique thing does the church do?”
Don M. Aycock, Symbols of Salvation2
______________________
Temple: https://williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/about-the-foundation/archbishop-william-temple/
Campbell: https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/B/Brother-to-a-Dragonfly
Aycock: https://www.amazon.com/Symbols-salvation-Don-M-Aycock/dp/0805451900
1Campbell, W. (2018). Brother to a Dragonfly. University Press of Mississippi.
2Aycock, D.M. (1982). Symbols of Salvation. Broadman Press.
THE TRUE MEANING OF PRAYER
#781 & 781a THE TRUE MEANING OF PRAYER
Scripture Luke 18:1; Acts 4:31, NIV Orig. 4/16/1980
Rewr. 9/23/1987
Passage:
Luke 18
18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Acts 4
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Purpose: Beginning a series on the subject of prayer using John Bunyan’s seven-fold description of prayer.
Keywords: Prayer
Timeline/Series: Prayer
Introduction
Christians the world over are familiar with the name of John Bunyan. Almost without exception, however, we associate him only with Pilgrim’s Progress, and are totally unfamiliar with his equally heartening book on prayer, Prayer,1 where he gives us one of the significant definitions of prayer, and his seven-fold prayer concern.
“Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised, or according to His word, for the good of the church, with submission in faith to the will of God.”
1. Prayer is sincere.
2. Prayer is sensible.
3. Prayer is the affectionate pouring out of the soul to God.
4. Prayer is through Christ, and in the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
5. Prayer is for such as God has promised.
6. Prayer is for the good of the church.
7. Prayer is submission to the will of God.
I. Prayer is Sincerely Pouring Out One’s Soul to God. Acts 2:46, “They . . . did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.”
Few things in our lives make a difference like deeds done either with or without sincerity. It is New Testament simplicity. Romans 12:9, “Let love be without dissimulation.” I Corinthians 10:21, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils.” It was vital to the sense of the supper: I Corinthians 5:8, “Let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity.” Leaven achieved taste, but it represented artificiality. Relation to God was to disdain such misrepresentation.
On the day before Passover, the Jews were to light a candle and ceremoniously begin a search for anything that might spoil the dough.
Even so, sincerity is an integral part of prayer. Psalm 66:17-18, “. . . If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Jeremiah 29:12-13, “Ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” When Nathaniel came to Jesus, John 1:47, “Behold an Israelite, in whom is no guile.”
Sincerity is simply being the same in a darkened corner alone where none can see, that we are before the face of all the world.
II. Prayer is Sensibly Pouring Out One’s Soul to God. Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication . . . , let your requests be made known unto God.”
Sensibility understands life’s pressing needs. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” There is a time for want of mercy. There is a time for stating confession. There is a time for a bold word of intercession. Few have not prayed for Christianity.
There is a time for a joyous declaration of thanksgiving. Daniel 9:4, “And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession.” Genesis 32:11 (Jacob), “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother.” Psalm 95:2, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving.”
781a
Romans 8:26-27, 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
III. Prayer is Affectionately Pouring Out the Soul to God. Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Colossians 3:2, “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Things done out of love bring satisfaction: God, family, occupation, avocation. Psalm 42: 1, “As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
To thus view God, in prayer, with devotion is to pray to one who loves, and who will perform to our good. Daniel 9:18b, “. . . We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” Romans 10:11, “Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:13, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.” Jonah 4:9, “Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd?” V11, “Should not I spare Nineveh, that great city [without] discernment?”
IV. Prayer is Pouring Out the Soul to God through Christ and with Assistance of Holy Spirit.
We have established the following: Sincerity, Sensibility, and Affection.
Now the believer addresses God where He has made Himself the most vulnerable. It our sin that constitutes the communication gap. But the sinless Son has the Father’s ear. Matthew 18:20, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I.” John 14:13, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, [to the end that] the Father may be glorified in the son.”
Daniel grasped this special efficacy. Daniel 9:17, “O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, . . . for the Lord’s sake. . . .” v19, “O Lord, hear, . . . for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”
To claim Christ’s name before God is to claim His blood, is to claim His righteousness, is to claim His victory over sin, is to claim His intercession in our behalf. Ephesians 1:6, “To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
A newspaper article datelined Birmingham told of a little four-year-old boy taken in a stolen car. Asleep on back seat, parked in front of Women’s Hospital, the car was taken. A few hours later, the car was recovered but not the boy. Police speculated the thief abandoned. A disabled vet was searching near the site. On the porch of a deserted house he saw bundle of rags. Stopped, on crutches in semi-darkness, the bundle moved, showed fear. But the man called the lad’s father’s name, and told him he was taking him to his daddy.
V. Prayer is the Pouring Out of the Soul to God for Such Things as He has Promised. Psalm 37:4, “He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
The Character of the Promiser: Hebrews 10:23, “For He is faithful that promised.” For the sake of His own word. For our sake of redeemable humanity.
The Content of the Promise: II Peter 3:13, “We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” It states His integrity. It qualifies the human search.
The Certitude of the Promised: I John 2:25, “This is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.”
VI. Prayer is the Pouring Out of the Soul to God for the Good of the Church.
Jesus prayed for the church. John 17:9f, “I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me.
Paul uses prayer in this sense. Philippians 1:4f, “. . . Prayer . . . for your friendship in the gospel . . . being confident . . . that . . . he will perform it.”
We must pray similarly. Romans 15:30, “. . . Strive with me in your prayers to God for me.”
We must not presume some divine accountability. God’s will is for our own good. Satan is working to disallow His will.
VII. Prayer is Pouring Out One’s Soul to God, Submitting to the Will of God.
Matthew 6:10, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.”
I John 5:14f, “This is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
Links:
1Bunyan, J. (2022). Prayer. Banner of Truth, Puritan Paperback Series.
IN COVENANT TO GROW
#472 IN COVENANT TO GROW
Scripture Ecclesiastes 12:10-14; Acts 10:35 NIV Orig. 3/3/1968
Rewr. 10/1969, 9/20/1976
Passage:
Ecclesiastes 12:
10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.[a] 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Acts 10
35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Introduction
I read an article last week that began, “The old taboos are dead or dying. A new, more permissive society is taking shape.” One man was quoted as saying, “The emphasis is on the senses and the release of the sensual. All the old codes have been broken down.”
Let me tell you about two men whom I knew. About 15 years ago one was working on the then-new Red River Bridge in Alexandria. He lost his balance and fell 86 feet to the river bank, not into the water, or soft mud, but onto a pile of plywood sheeting that had been used on pier forms. I saw him a few months back, and one who didn’t know would say “the law of gravity has broken down.”
Another, not yet old enough to vote, jumped from a plane as a paratrooper only to look up and face the horror of an unopened chute. To see him today one who didn’t know would say “the law of gravity has broken down.”
I, for one, am glad that prudery and hypocrisy in morality are dead or dying. But to think that we can exist without morality and codes of conduct is as foolish as saying that we can exist without gravity and natural law.
Let us not think that out of the ashes . . . (illegible).
I. Growing in Community Consciousness. Psalms 15:1-33, “Lord, who will abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.”
Walking circumspectly. The word “circumspectly” means looking about cautiously in all directions. It is like the soldier on patrol—the needing to keep in contact with his unit, his primary duty is to search for hidden danger. Not an injunction to search for inconsistencies in others. A warning to stay away from threats, temptations.
Just in our dealings. A word with many meanings. For our use here it is to be consistent, impartial. We are to treat all men fairly. We are to take advantage of none. Romans 12:17, Provide things honest in the sight of all men. I still get amused at these movies that continue to beset us. The Indian chief speaks to the army major and says, “White man speaks with forked tongue.” It is too often true.
Faithful in our engagements. We could begin by saying it is an injunction for the deacon to take the office seriously. Active, energetic, faithful. We could call attention to laity on part of church workers—absenteeism about 25%. Sometimes I think preachers have created some of the problem. We left impression that the record is tithing—the very Sunday you lay out may be the Sunday God needed you for something great.
Exemplary in our deportment. God does not call us to go on crusades against the sins of the world until we have learned to deal with our own sin. But God is not ashamed to have any forgiven sinner, no matter how heinous his sin, to speak a word for Him.
Christlikeness is the order of the day. Living so as to reveal God’s love to those around us and those we chance to meet.
II. Growing in Family Faithfulness. Genesis 18:19, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do what is right and just.”
Maintain family devotions. This does not refer to grace at meals. Let us observe grace at home and abroad in the land. It is a time of planned Bible devotion. A parent or parents and children, reading together the word of God. Praying together for greater grace. (More strength to use prevailing grace.) It is one of the most difficult acts of Christian consciousness. I don’t know how often we have started on a few days, and some interruption or other [gets in the way]. Teaching our families to love and respect, but not worship, the Bible.
Religiously educate our children. It is first of all a job to be done at home. Most tragic verse in Bible is Jeremiah 7:18, “The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.” We stop helping them in school work when they get beyond our school experience. Could this be the reason you do not help them in their spiritual exercises?
Then there is Sunday School. Sunday School is a Bible teaching organization—the sincere application of Bible truth is the teacher’s first responsibility. Gossip handled tactfully and discreetly. Training Union is Training for Christians. You say “I don’t get anything.” Of course not, you don’t give anything. You don’t enjoy it. You enjoy Ed Sullivan more.
Missionary organizations—115 million lost Americans above age of accountability.
Avoid all tattling, backbiting, excessive anger. This does not refer to temporary occasions of misunderstanding: husbands and wives, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, teachers and parents, neighbors, relatives, any two people who spend time in association or chancing a misunderstanding.
This speaks directly to the person who delights in someone else’s troubles. It also directs us to seek accord when occasions of misunderstanding arise, and room is left for anger, but not excessive anger.
III. Growing in Personal Perceptivity. Haggai 1:7, “Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, consider your ways.” I Corinthians 11:31, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”
Maintain secret devotions. A time of reverent study. I Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” A time of quiet meditation.
Seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances. This you must settle at home in quietness of your own life.
Abstain from the sale of and the use of intoxicating beverages. Anything that limits our performance as a person, anything that weakens our witness. New Orleans pot party—2-year-old killed on Friday—mother reported him missing 7 hours later. Charged with negligence.
Closing
Morality is the way a man reacts in regard to his fellow human beings. For the Christian, morality is the effort to advance the Kingdom of our Saviour.
Article 134, Uniform Code of Military Justice—A man is chargeable and punishable for bringing discredit upon the military establishment.
Paul’s admonition to Timothy—Endure as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
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