As we see from last week we looked through the theology of marriage and how before the fall God put Adam in the garden and Eve as his “Comparable Helper” simply meaning that they were equals in dignity, value, worth and Salvation but have differing roles, neither is greater or lesser but different.
Sin enters in and the problems start, husbands drop the ball, they fail to lead, serve and love their wives and families which negatively affects the women and their capability to respect and trust their husbands.
Then we come to these passages in New Testament about husbands and wives.
Col 3:18-19
Eph 5:22-33
1st Peter 3:1-7
Really these passages are not just talking about the family structure but they are in essence telling men and women what the makeup of their spouse is and how to deal with them.
When we look at the Biblical commands we have to see there are at least three reasons why God gives us these
1. Glorify God
2. Glorify my spouse
3. Have a Christ centered marriage that can be an example to others
To sum it we have Eph 5:33 Unconditional love Men are commanded to love because it is not their tendency and women are commanded to unconditionally respect because it is not their tendency.
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs wrote a book with this being the main topic, called Love and Respect
Men’s deepest need is to be respected, and women’s deepest need is to be loved.
Without Love the wife reacts in disrespect without respect the husband reacts unloving. Calls this the Crazy Cycle (Eggerichs)
Respect- Esteem for or a sense of worth or excellence of a person.
Wives are called to respect their husband due to the position they hold
Love-affection for another person
Husbands are called to respect their wives due to the position they hold.
Unconditional love Unconditional respect
This is misunderstood, because we feel that respect is something earned and love is something owed.
We do not accuse women as being prim donnas for wanting to loved but men are accuse of being arrogant if they want respect.
What if the man is not respectable?
Two Choices. 1. Find things to respect or 2. Continue the cycle and nothing will change.
Same if your wife is not lovable?
Be a student of your spouse. What makes your spouse tick?
Painting the living room ill Love and respect
Its all in communication “Can you live with this color”
How to disrespect your husband…
1. Compare him to other guys (guys hate the Chick Flick movie guy) Eph 5:33
2. Remind him of his faults and correct him 1 Peter 3:1
Wives see the correction of their husbands as an act of love to help them be more loving, husbands see it as an belittling and treating him like a child. The two responses of a man can either be he puts up walls (whatever attitude, nothing is good enough) or he starts to act like one of the kids. Both of these options leave the wife feeling like she is doing everything alone. (unloved)
3. Nag him to change.
Wives will complain and criticize and husbands will “stonewall” in an attempt to keep from losing it and dishonoring himself. Women feel this “stonewalling” is an unloving act.
Contentious women Proverbs 21:9, 21:19, 25:24 Dripping 19:13, 27:15
4. Ridicule him to other people (if he is a dope what does that make you for marrying him?) Pro 12:4
This is why men seek to be respected outside the home.
Ill pg 68 (photo copy) extreme situation
How to be unloving toward your wife…
1. Don’t listen to her when she is sharing her feelings. 1Peter 3:7 “understanding” “weaker vessel” emotional
2. Stonewall her when you have a disagreement or yell. 1 Sam 25:3 Nabal the Lord condemns a harsh man Malachi 2:14-15
3. Make her in charge of everything from raising the kids to your schedule (women will do this and first think it is great, because they feel in charge, but eventually they feel alone)
Illustration A husband who makes his wife work. What is your problem.
4. Don’t do anything special for her Proverbs 5:18 Rejoice in wife
Who should go first? To the men I say men, to the women I say women
Phil 2 The mature one
Story of love and a husband going first on page 98 (photocopy)
Some may say that is humiliating (what about what Jesus did for you) GOSPEL
What if you don’t get the love? What if you don’t get the respect
Matt. 5:38-46 sentiment of Christ is go the extra mile.
An important aspect of this change in the relationship is see things from your spouses perspective.
The sentiment of Christ’s teaching is concentrate on yourself and your responses and your short comings, don’t play the blame game.
It is not your job to change your spouse it is just your job to be obedient to Jesus.
Forgiveness Matt 18:22, Eph 4:32
John 8:7 remember that you have sinned against your spouse as well
Next week being a respectable man, and being a lovable women
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
"How We Live" Marriage Part 1
Intro, What the Bible says about men’s and women’s roles in marriage are. Why the God teaches us this, the deepest needs of women and man. How… being a respectable husband and being a lovable wife (interview with John and Joan)
Single people, either plan life or react to life. If you plan life you will give an attentive ear.
Tonight we are going to examine the Biblical foundation for marriage.
Read Col. 3:18-19
Lets do a crash course overview of Biblical marriage
Gen 1:27-29
Men and womens purpose is to rule, and procreate
Gen 2:18 “Helper Comparable” someone to rule with, collaborate with, enjoy with and celebrate with
Gen 2:22-23 Creation of women was out of man “one flesh” issue. First marriage.
Gen 2:24-25 This could be one of the most important verses for a married couple. You have a new life, you are the new family, you have new commitments and new responsibility .
The Fall Gen 3:16-19
If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; and, if the woman had not sinned, she would always respected her husband with humility and meekness; and then the dominion would have been no grievance: but our own sin and folly make our yoke heavy.
Then Old Testament issues due to the Fall
Biblical history of Israel records.
Polygamy, Adultery, Divorce, Homosexuality, Dilution of gender distinctions,
Which leads to a denigration and abuse of women, men thinking they are in charge of women and treating them like property and second class citizens. This was not God’s intention but a direct result of sin.
And Satan will continue to attack the marriage relationship.
Now we Fast forward to the New Testament
Eph 5:22-24
The parallel with man and Jesus is not putting men on an equal plain as Jesus but it is saying a husband should treat his wife like Jesus treats the church.
So rightly when a husband is emulating Jesus a wife will follow that lead.
Headship means to go first and pursuer you wife. Like Christ pursued the church
The Husband should be the first to lay down his life, the first to say they are sorry and forgive, the first to take spiritual leadership, the first show unconditional love. First to take responsibility.
Cultural argument
Some have said this was to go along with a patriarch society and Christianity would not look good if wives were not treated as property like the rest of the culture did. But that is false.
Culturally speaking men at this time period would have a harem of women and then when they got older would take a young wife so his name would go forth.
Paul is teaching here is no no no, this should not be, husbands should have one wife and treat her like Jesus treats the church.
Vrs 25-31 Husband love as Christ loved GOSPEL
Vrs 32 The mystery of Marriage is that foreshadows What Jesus did for the church. We are the bride of Christ and look forward to the day of the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Vrs 33 Respect and love is how you glorify spouse
Over the next two weeks we are going to talk about how to do this.
Single people, either plan life or react to life. If you plan life you will give an attentive ear.
Tonight we are going to examine the Biblical foundation for marriage.
Read Col. 3:18-19
Lets do a crash course overview of Biblical marriage
Gen 1:27-29
Men and womens purpose is to rule, and procreate
Gen 2:18 “Helper Comparable” someone to rule with, collaborate with, enjoy with and celebrate with
Gen 2:22-23 Creation of women was out of man “one flesh” issue. First marriage.
Gen 2:24-25 This could be one of the most important verses for a married couple. You have a new life, you are the new family, you have new commitments and new responsibility .
The Fall Gen 3:16-19
If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; and, if the woman had not sinned, she would always respected her husband with humility and meekness; and then the dominion would have been no grievance: but our own sin and folly make our yoke heavy.
Then Old Testament issues due to the Fall
Biblical history of Israel records.
Polygamy, Adultery, Divorce, Homosexuality, Dilution of gender distinctions,
Which leads to a denigration and abuse of women, men thinking they are in charge of women and treating them like property and second class citizens. This was not God’s intention but a direct result of sin.
And Satan will continue to attack the marriage relationship.
Now we Fast forward to the New Testament
Eph 5:22-24
The parallel with man and Jesus is not putting men on an equal plain as Jesus but it is saying a husband should treat his wife like Jesus treats the church.
So rightly when a husband is emulating Jesus a wife will follow that lead.
Headship means to go first and pursuer you wife. Like Christ pursued the church
The Husband should be the first to lay down his life, the first to say they are sorry and forgive, the first to take spiritual leadership, the first show unconditional love. First to take responsibility.
Cultural argument
Some have said this was to go along with a patriarch society and Christianity would not look good if wives were not treated as property like the rest of the culture did. But that is false.
Culturally speaking men at this time period would have a harem of women and then when they got older would take a young wife so his name would go forth.
Paul is teaching here is no no no, this should not be, husbands should have one wife and treat her like Jesus treats the church.
Vrs 25-31 Husband love as Christ loved GOSPEL
Vrs 32 The mystery of Marriage is that foreshadows What Jesus did for the church. We are the bride of Christ and look forward to the day of the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Vrs 33 Respect and love is how you glorify spouse
Over the next two weeks we are going to talk about how to do this.
"How We Live" :Be Good to One Another
Vrs 12-Elect You are chosen, God called you, you did not call Him
Paul is saying here now that you understand that Jesus is over, mans philosophy, religion and our old self you need to live to the new self and the next passage is what we need to do to live to that new self.
Put on…these things don’t come naturally so we have to put them on. Action
Compassion- A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another that is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. A way to alleviate that is through…kindness
Kindness-
***Show operation cc video, because of the compassion & kindness of a person another person met Jesus.
Humility- test,
1. How often do you talk about yourself and your accomplishments?
2. How often do you think or know you are right?
3. Do you ask other people for their opinion or advice?
Gentleness- The way we handle issues and problems in the church and in our relationships, compliant
Patience- Waiting on God in situations and also dealing with people that may not get it yet.
When people do not put these things on it has a negative and many times sinful effect on other people.
When you choose to not put these things on it can and will cause others to sin as well.
But in the church and as followers of Jesus we need Be Good to One another and not help the cycle of sinful responses in our fellow believers life.
Vrs 13
Bear with each other. This is where it counts and where it is hard as a Pastor and that is why the body of Christ needs to step up certain things. When people are in a time of need they need others to be there for them.
Outworking of the church “Pastor Dad model in a negative sense”
Paint the picture of this model…
Problems, Not Biblical, Not enough of him to go around, people become closed to new comers, when the Pastor dies or morally fails the people are lost.
Forgiving one another, even if someone has a complaint. Why? Christ forgave you.
Jesus’ response to sin against Him, “I will die for you” “You have sinned against Me and I will pay for it” GOSPEL
Vrs 14 Love binds it all together
Galatians 5:14-15 (bite and devour)
Luke 10:25-37 Vertical & Horizontal
Before dealing with people ask yourself…
1. Is this deed showing love to the people around me? You may be doing something that you think is right and good but it may be unloving toward others.
2. Is what I am saying loving toward others? Know when to say what needs to be said, sometimes Christians are so dumb on this point.
3. Did I ask Jesus to help me love?
A Benefit asking these questions is that it leads to love that is perfected
1 John 4:18 Perfect love casts out fear (children feel love of their parents, they feel security) if you know someone who has not experienced that it is our job as followers of Jesus to try our best to give them that type of love.
Back to Luke 10:28 “You will Live”
You may be the agent of change in that persons life that helps them bring more functionality to their family.
Impact their future biological family. (find illustration about someone who took someone else in)
Vrs 15 One of the best expressions of love that we can live by as a body of believers is peace with one another. Keeping the peace is actually applying all of the things that Paul tells us to “Put On”
So now Paul’s counsel on how we should be encouraged to “Put On” these things. Vrs 16
The Word teaching and admonishing (caution advise or counsel against)
Songs and Hymns
So we come together…This is how learn and worship together, the Word, hymns and spiritual songs.
Vrs 17 Whatever you do…so in all your dealing with people in and out of the church do it view of the Lord and give thanks to the Lord that he allows and calls you to do it.
Paul is saying here now that you understand that Jesus is over, mans philosophy, religion and our old self you need to live to the new self and the next passage is what we need to do to live to that new self.
Put on…these things don’t come naturally so we have to put them on. Action
Compassion- A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another that is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. A way to alleviate that is through…kindness
Kindness-
***Show operation cc video, because of the compassion & kindness of a person another person met Jesus.
Humility- test,
1. How often do you talk about yourself and your accomplishments?
2. How often do you think or know you are right?
3. Do you ask other people for their opinion or advice?
Gentleness- The way we handle issues and problems in the church and in our relationships, compliant
Patience- Waiting on God in situations and also dealing with people that may not get it yet.
When people do not put these things on it has a negative and many times sinful effect on other people.
When you choose to not put these things on it can and will cause others to sin as well.
But in the church and as followers of Jesus we need Be Good to One another and not help the cycle of sinful responses in our fellow believers life.
Vrs 13
Bear with each other. This is where it counts and where it is hard as a Pastor and that is why the body of Christ needs to step up certain things. When people are in a time of need they need others to be there for them.
Outworking of the church “Pastor Dad model in a negative sense”
Paint the picture of this model…
Problems, Not Biblical, Not enough of him to go around, people become closed to new comers, when the Pastor dies or morally fails the people are lost.
Forgiving one another, even if someone has a complaint. Why? Christ forgave you.
Jesus’ response to sin against Him, “I will die for you” “You have sinned against Me and I will pay for it” GOSPEL
Vrs 14 Love binds it all together
Galatians 5:14-15 (bite and devour)
Luke 10:25-37 Vertical & Horizontal
Before dealing with people ask yourself…
1. Is this deed showing love to the people around me? You may be doing something that you think is right and good but it may be unloving toward others.
2. Is what I am saying loving toward others? Know when to say what needs to be said, sometimes Christians are so dumb on this point.
3. Did I ask Jesus to help me love?
A Benefit asking these questions is that it leads to love that is perfected
1 John 4:18 Perfect love casts out fear (children feel love of their parents, they feel security) if you know someone who has not experienced that it is our job as followers of Jesus to try our best to give them that type of love.
Back to Luke 10:28 “You will Live”
You may be the agent of change in that persons life that helps them bring more functionality to their family.
Impact their future biological family. (find illustration about someone who took someone else in)
Vrs 15 One of the best expressions of love that we can live by as a body of believers is peace with one another. Keeping the peace is actually applying all of the things that Paul tells us to “Put On”
So now Paul’s counsel on how we should be encouraged to “Put On” these things. Vrs 16
The Word teaching and admonishing (caution advise or counsel against)
Songs and Hymns
So we come together…This is how learn and worship together, the Word, hymns and spiritual songs.
Vrs 17 Whatever you do…so in all your dealing with people in and out of the church do it view of the Lord and give thanks to the Lord that he allows and calls you to do it.
"How We Live" :Jesus Over Old Self
Paul here exhorts the Colossians to meditation upon the heavenly life.
Vrs 1 If you are a Christian your focus should be on the things that Jesus loves, will they always be? No, and that is why Paul needs to remind them and us. “Ascension of our mind”
Vrs 2 Man’s Philosophy and Religion will always distract from a Jesus centered life.
“Why do we have a problem with setting our mind on things above?”
Many times in life when our needs are met we do not seek out what we truly need.
The more we get our needs met by this world the less we feel the need for God
These ar not only sinful things…Good things can distract us from focusing in on Jesus and His purpose for us. “Hug Quota”???
“I don’t know what I would do, with no Christian friends?”
Vrs 3 Your Old self died, you are no longer the same person now that you trust in Christ.
“Hidden” two issues
Issue 1. If you think this is really life you are sadly mistaken (connects to verse 4)
Vrs 4 But when Christ, our life, shall appear. This will be the manifestation of our life. John Calvin
Issue 2 The inner change is invisible to others, no one can see what happens on the inside. So living a life that is obedient to Jesus shows others the inward change.
Therefore because this inner change is invisible…
Vrs 5 Mortify (Kill off) Puritian John Owen wrote an entire book called “The Mortification of Sin”
Why? “which is idolatry” much of our sin is wrapped up in what we worship. We are putting these things before Jesus (talk about each)
Vrs 6 “You love the things that are bringing about God’s Wrath” We a Christians escape the wrath but Paul is saying that it should be a constant reminder in our lives that sin is serious business to God and we should also take sin in our lives seriously and be concerned about it. Remember who took that wrath GOSPEL
Vrs 7 that was who you were so don’t act like that anymore, you are new.
Some things that bring out the old self…
1. Stress
2. Suffering
3. Pride
4. Feeding the sin (the more you sin the more you desire sin)
5. Identity crisis, We are damaged goods so we act like damaged goods,
Three reasons
1. Wallow in past sins … alcoholic, drug user, temper issues, honesty,
2. Think they can’t have victory over it. Its too hard, its who I am…
3. Others will not let them out of it… You are…abused
Remember Jesus is our Expiation means to cleanse, that means when He paid the price He washed all that stuff away. Whether it was a sin committed by you are something that happed to you.
A result of pursuing a sinful things is that our speech and attitudes are affected.
Vrs 8-9 Speech and attitudes that Christians should not have, because it is not pleasing to the Lord.
Anger-
Wrath-
Malice-
Blasphemy-
Filthy Language-
Lying-
These are attitudes that the world has or things the world says.
Vrs 10 We are new so act like new, we treat new things different don’t we? New Car ill ill
The New-When you have Jesus in your life, what happens is that this New Life starts to break out of the old one. Things that were appealing become disgusting and things you though you would never want to do you desire to do.
I want to…help people, read God’s Word, go to church or a bible study, volunteer for a ministry
We should be taking on the character of Jesus, He is our role model, hero and master
Vrs 11 therefore treat one another like something new, Jesus saves marriages, relationships, financial situations. Because as He has made us new we should treat one another in new way. When you get a new car.
Barbarian- person who did not speak Greek
Scythian-uncultured person from region around the Black Sea
Jesus has to be over Mans Philosophy, Religion and our Old Self in order to be Master of our lives.
Vrs 1 If you are a Christian your focus should be on the things that Jesus loves, will they always be? No, and that is why Paul needs to remind them and us. “Ascension of our mind”
Vrs 2 Man’s Philosophy and Religion will always distract from a Jesus centered life.
“Why do we have a problem with setting our mind on things above?”
Many times in life when our needs are met we do not seek out what we truly need.
The more we get our needs met by this world the less we feel the need for God
These ar not only sinful things…Good things can distract us from focusing in on Jesus and His purpose for us. “Hug Quota”???
“I don’t know what I would do, with no Christian friends?”
Vrs 3 Your Old self died, you are no longer the same person now that you trust in Christ.
“Hidden” two issues
Issue 1. If you think this is really life you are sadly mistaken (connects to verse 4)
Vrs 4 But when Christ, our life, shall appear. This will be the manifestation of our life. John Calvin
Issue 2 The inner change is invisible to others, no one can see what happens on the inside. So living a life that is obedient to Jesus shows others the inward change.
Therefore because this inner change is invisible…
Vrs 5 Mortify (Kill off) Puritian John Owen wrote an entire book called “The Mortification of Sin”
Why? “which is idolatry” much of our sin is wrapped up in what we worship. We are putting these things before Jesus (talk about each)
Vrs 6 “You love the things that are bringing about God’s Wrath” We a Christians escape the wrath but Paul is saying that it should be a constant reminder in our lives that sin is serious business to God and we should also take sin in our lives seriously and be concerned about it. Remember who took that wrath GOSPEL
Vrs 7 that was who you were so don’t act like that anymore, you are new.
Some things that bring out the old self…
1. Stress
2. Suffering
3. Pride
4. Feeding the sin (the more you sin the more you desire sin)
5. Identity crisis, We are damaged goods so we act like damaged goods,
Three reasons
1. Wallow in past sins … alcoholic, drug user, temper issues, honesty,
2. Think they can’t have victory over it. Its too hard, its who I am…
3. Others will not let them out of it… You are…abused
Remember Jesus is our Expiation means to cleanse, that means when He paid the price He washed all that stuff away. Whether it was a sin committed by you are something that happed to you.
A result of pursuing a sinful things is that our speech and attitudes are affected.
Vrs 8-9 Speech and attitudes that Christians should not have, because it is not pleasing to the Lord.
Anger-
Wrath-
Malice-
Blasphemy-
Filthy Language-
Lying-
These are attitudes that the world has or things the world says.
Vrs 10 We are new so act like new, we treat new things different don’t we? New Car ill ill
The New-When you have Jesus in your life, what happens is that this New Life starts to break out of the old one. Things that were appealing become disgusting and things you though you would never want to do you desire to do.
I want to…help people, read God’s Word, go to church or a bible study, volunteer for a ministry
We should be taking on the character of Jesus, He is our role model, hero and master
Vrs 11 therefore treat one another like something new, Jesus saves marriages, relationships, financial situations. Because as He has made us new we should treat one another in new way. When you get a new car.
Barbarian- person who did not speak Greek
Scythian-uncultured person from region around the Black Sea
Jesus has to be over Mans Philosophy, Religion and our Old Self in order to be Master of our lives.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"How We Live" :Jesus Over Religion
1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “religion”?
2. Why do you think there are so many “religions”?
3. Have you been led astray by “religion” in your past?
4. What are the difference between Jesus and “religion”?
Religion- involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Being a Christian is not necessarily a religion, because religion is mans attempt at getting to God and Christianity is God coming to save sinners and bring them to himself. Unfortunately the church in Colossea was dealing with people trying to change faith in Jesus to a religion.
The religious are actually harder to reach and they are the people that Jesus rebuked the most.
Paul reminds them…in 11-14 what Jesus did.
Vrs 11 1. our standing in Christ - Gen 17 Circumcision was covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. Spiritual circumcision is the removal of sin by Christ.
Vrs 12 Old self dies and a 2. new creation is risen (Baptism issue) Gospel always includes the resurrection
Vrs 13 3. Alive
Vrs14 Jesus died on the cross took our sins with Him (we don’t have to pay, because He did) religion teaches that we pay.
Certificate of debt and Jesus nailed it to the cross 4. Jesus Paid our debt
Vrs 15 this is what was spiritually going on, 5. Victory in Jesus
Religion is man made rules to get to God and it is actually demonic and against Jesus.
Because of this the next three verses Paul tells us what to look out for.
Religion
1. is Judgmental with false grounds for judging V 16a (adds rules) who are we to make up rules and judge others by them. (playing tag with my kids)
2. is About ritual that ignores the reason v 16b-17 observing feasts Lev 23 records 7 different feasts that the Jews observed and all of them the purpose was Jesus. Passover Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (experience over Jesus. churches do this all the time, traditions)
3. Cheats people out of truth, liberty & reward v18a Heb 11:6
4. is Self righteous (false humility) pious self denial V18a
5. is Wrong worship v18 we do not pray to anyone except the one true God, to the Father, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus.
6. Has false teachers v18 (has not seen) (they divide, Jesus unites) (they oppresses, Jesus has healing compassion)
7. puffs up Proud v18 pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick expect those who have it. “I am better”.
(Jesus is humble)
8. Is Ignorant of Jesus.
Vrs 20-23 So what does religion accomplish? Nothing, but corruption
Vrs 20 Living by the ways of the world, many times that statement tells us that we are living very liberal but this means we are living very religious.
Vrs 21-22 Works based salvation, “if I do this God will accept me”
Vrs 23 religion/self denial is not the answer to our spiritual well being, Jesus is
Religion warps but Jesus teaches us “How We Live”
2. Why do you think there are so many “religions”?
3. Have you been led astray by “religion” in your past?
4. What are the difference between Jesus and “religion”?
Religion- involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Being a Christian is not necessarily a religion, because religion is mans attempt at getting to God and Christianity is God coming to save sinners and bring them to himself. Unfortunately the church in Colossea was dealing with people trying to change faith in Jesus to a religion.
The religious are actually harder to reach and they are the people that Jesus rebuked the most.
Paul reminds them…in 11-14 what Jesus did.
Vrs 11 1. our standing in Christ - Gen 17 Circumcision was covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. Spiritual circumcision is the removal of sin by Christ.
Vrs 12 Old self dies and a 2. new creation is risen (Baptism issue) Gospel always includes the resurrection
Vrs 13 3. Alive
Vrs14 Jesus died on the cross took our sins with Him (we don’t have to pay, because He did) religion teaches that we pay.
Certificate of debt and Jesus nailed it to the cross 4. Jesus Paid our debt
Vrs 15 this is what was spiritually going on, 5. Victory in Jesus
Religion is man made rules to get to God and it is actually demonic and against Jesus.
Because of this the next three verses Paul tells us what to look out for.
Religion
1. is Judgmental with false grounds for judging V 16a (adds rules) who are we to make up rules and judge others by them. (playing tag with my kids)
2. is About ritual that ignores the reason v 16b-17 observing feasts Lev 23 records 7 different feasts that the Jews observed and all of them the purpose was Jesus. Passover Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (experience over Jesus. churches do this all the time, traditions)
3. Cheats people out of truth, liberty & reward v18a Heb 11:6
4. is Self righteous (false humility) pious self denial V18a
5. is Wrong worship v18 we do not pray to anyone except the one true God, to the Father, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus.
6. Has false teachers v18 (has not seen) (they divide, Jesus unites) (they oppresses, Jesus has healing compassion)
7. puffs up Proud v18 pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick expect those who have it. “I am better”.
(Jesus is humble)
8. Is Ignorant of Jesus.
Vrs 20-23 So what does religion accomplish? Nothing, but corruption
Vrs 20 Living by the ways of the world, many times that statement tells us that we are living very liberal but this means we are living very religious.
Vrs 21-22 Works based salvation, “if I do this God will accept me”
Vrs 23 religion/self denial is not the answer to our spiritual well being, Jesus is
Religion warps but Jesus teaches us “How We Live”
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"How We Live": Jesus Over Mans Philosophy
Vrs 1 Paul’s conflict=is that they are being deceived and pulled away from the foundation.
Vrs 2-3 “Encouraged and knit together in love” one of he greatest encouragements is being in an environment in which you feel love and that should be the environment of the church.
I just want to warn you, churches can be brutal because they are made up of sinners. Paul’s charge and prayer is that it does not have to be that way, we can create a biblical church culture that attracts people and keeps people focused. Do you know where that starts…”the preached, studied and valued Word of God because it reveals the heart and mind of Jesus” If I teach you what the Word says about … then we do it to create this biblical culture.
“attainting to riches” You are rich when you know Jesus, no matter how poor you are. Why? Because we have full assurance of our salvation, our standing in Jesus and that anyone can be saved “mystery”
Paul in this passage was also dealing with the Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware.
A belief that salvation is achieved through relational and experiential knowledge “We know the mystery”
“Treasures of wisdom and knowledge” true knowledge and wisdom is found in Jesus and His Word. This is where we get our worldview of How We Live
Once Satan has a group of believers thinking that they are all alone and the Christians are not encouraging one another, not knit together in love, and don’t have all the wisdom and knowledge they need in Jesus that is the time in which he (Satan) swoops in with false teaching.
Vrs 4
Then Paul warns them, some will try to deceive you with “persuasive words”
What are some persuasive words that take people away from solid biblical teaching?
1. There must be more ways to God,
2. The Bible is just another religious book.
3. Power of positive thinking
4. You are in charge of your destiny
5. A loving God would not send people to hell
6. A loving God would not allow suffering
7. I am a good person
8. Science can explain questions of life
Nancy Pearcey in Total Truth says “ Theories like Darwinian evolution are not open to question, the students are not invited to judge for themselves whether or not it is true. It is treated as public knowledge that everyone is expected to accept, regardless of personal beliefs”
9. You are your first priority
10. Whatever makes you happy.
11. God is not there, He is impersonal.
What is Paul’s encouragement to combat those who are hearing and being taught mans philosophy?
1. Support from teachers and mature Christians Vrs 5 Paul is saying you will hear these things but remember “with you in spirit” I got your back even though I am not there. And I rejoice when you do good and stay focused.
2. Vrs 6 Your Salvation
3. Vrs 7 “rooted and built up” in the Word Luke 6:47-49 foundation
Let me tell you something about the Word
Reformers called Sola Scriptura – Highest authority not mans tradition
Different from Solo Scripture - alone is our authority, not an encyclopedia as long as it does not disagree with scripture we have freedom
4. Vrs 7 Be thankful that Jesus gave you salvations the Word and these teachers
Vrs 8 If someone lies to you and teaches you something that is against Jesus or not from Jesus (whether they mean to or not) they are cheating you. You will spend much of your life pursuing things that will not fulfill your deepest needs, due to the fact that you are believing a lie or lies.
These lies come through…
“Traditions of men” This can creep into the church. The reformation
“Principles of the world” Listening to society rather then Jesus. Society says…
What are they cheating you of? Truth, personal growth, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Living right
Vrs 9-10 It all comes down to Jesus
Vrs 2-3 “Encouraged and knit together in love” one of he greatest encouragements is being in an environment in which you feel love and that should be the environment of the church.
I just want to warn you, churches can be brutal because they are made up of sinners. Paul’s charge and prayer is that it does not have to be that way, we can create a biblical church culture that attracts people and keeps people focused. Do you know where that starts…”the preached, studied and valued Word of God because it reveals the heart and mind of Jesus” If I teach you what the Word says about … then we do it to create this biblical culture.
“attainting to riches” You are rich when you know Jesus, no matter how poor you are. Why? Because we have full assurance of our salvation, our standing in Jesus and that anyone can be saved “mystery”
Paul in this passage was also dealing with the Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware.
A belief that salvation is achieved through relational and experiential knowledge “We know the mystery”
“Treasures of wisdom and knowledge” true knowledge and wisdom is found in Jesus and His Word. This is where we get our worldview of How We Live
Once Satan has a group of believers thinking that they are all alone and the Christians are not encouraging one another, not knit together in love, and don’t have all the wisdom and knowledge they need in Jesus that is the time in which he (Satan) swoops in with false teaching.
Vrs 4
Then Paul warns them, some will try to deceive you with “persuasive words”
What are some persuasive words that take people away from solid biblical teaching?
1. There must be more ways to God,
2. The Bible is just another religious book.
3. Power of positive thinking
4. You are in charge of your destiny
5. A loving God would not send people to hell
6. A loving God would not allow suffering
7. I am a good person
8. Science can explain questions of life
Nancy Pearcey in Total Truth says “ Theories like Darwinian evolution are not open to question, the students are not invited to judge for themselves whether or not it is true. It is treated as public knowledge that everyone is expected to accept, regardless of personal beliefs”
9. You are your first priority
10. Whatever makes you happy.
11. God is not there, He is impersonal.
What is Paul’s encouragement to combat those who are hearing and being taught mans philosophy?
1. Support from teachers and mature Christians Vrs 5 Paul is saying you will hear these things but remember “with you in spirit” I got your back even though I am not there. And I rejoice when you do good and stay focused.
2. Vrs 6 Your Salvation
3. Vrs 7 “rooted and built up” in the Word Luke 6:47-49 foundation
Let me tell you something about the Word
Reformers called Sola Scriptura – Highest authority not mans tradition
Different from Solo Scripture - alone is our authority, not an encyclopedia as long as it does not disagree with scripture we have freedom
4. Vrs 7 Be thankful that Jesus gave you salvations the Word and these teachers
Vrs 8 If someone lies to you and teaches you something that is against Jesus or not from Jesus (whether they mean to or not) they are cheating you. You will spend much of your life pursuing things that will not fulfill your deepest needs, due to the fact that you are believing a lie or lies.
These lies come through…
“Traditions of men” This can creep into the church. The reformation
“Principles of the world” Listening to society rather then Jesus. Society says…
What are they cheating you of? Truth, personal growth, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Living right
Vrs 9-10 It all comes down to Jesus
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
"How We Live" :Suffer for the Gospel
Questions for further study…
Look at all the areas in your life (example: school, child, parent, husband, wife etc.) and answer these questions…
(My suggestion would be take your time and prepare these answers before you share with your Community Group or another person)
1. Have you ever been made fun of or mocked for being a Christian? Explain
2. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it went well.
3. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it did not go well?
4. What are some of the reasons you don’t share Jesus with others?
5. What are some things that inspire you to share Jesus with others?
Vrs 24 Here we see Paul a man who is living out verse 11 “strengthened by trouble” Paul went through alot for the Gospel. 2 Cor 11:22-33
But he had joy in suffering for the purpose of the Gospel.
“fill up what is lacking” Paul is saying He is a partner with Jesus and I am blessed to share in suffering because Jesus did.
The reason that Christ suffered was “the church” the elect but John Calvin says this on this point.
Christ has suffered once in his own person, so he suffers daily in his members
Not only did Jesus suffer for us He suffers with us.
Another aspect is that Paul in His suffering benefited the church
Vrs 25 It was obvious Paul had a gift from God to preach the Gospel, “Abnormally born” 1 Cor 15:8
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus appears and says “Why are you persecuting me?”
Remember when you suffer Jesus suffers.
Vrs 26- 27 The mystery revealed is that now Gentiles (non-Jews) can be saved or are chosen
There is a solution for our dilemma GOSPEL
And now we find our mission
Vrs 28 to tell everyone around us about Jesus
We are all called to be a light to the world Matt 5:15-16
We all as Christians have been given the gift of being placed where you are to preach the Gospel.
Most of us want to rush through life, rather then look at each stage and place in life is an opportunity for the Gospel. Work, school, who you spend time with, family
We do this because we want good for others.
Jesus is the great cause, we participate in other causes because we want others to love Jesus
Sometimes we look at the people around us who are lost and we make fun or write them off or call them stupid. In “The God Who Is There” by Francis Schaeffer said “These people are dying while they live, where is our compassion for them?”
So what are some common excuses for not sharing Jesus with others?
Excuses
1. They don’t want hear it.
2. I feel awkward.
3. I don’t know enough
4. I don’t feel like it,
5. They may think I am a freak.
6. They will make fun of me.
So how do we talk to people about Jesus?
1. Have confidence that Biblical Christianity (Jesus) has a basis on which to give answers to people’s questions.
2. Remember a month ago I brought up the six different types of non-Christians and their worldviews
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
Push people toward their belief system and they eventually come to conclusion that it does not work
How do we push? If we truly love the people around us will ask them questions that will help them realize their worldview cannot hold up and they need Jesus.
What are the questions?
Ask people…worldview issues. We want our friends thinking about these issues.
1. Where did we come from? Imago dei
2. What is wrong with the world? It is fallen
3. What is the remedy? Jesus
4. How is this working out for you? Great I love Jesus, I have hope, I know this world is not my home.
There is going to be an inconsistency because this world was created by Jesus. They will not be able to live that out in Jesus’ world.
This may bring some suffering to our lives but it will be for the gospel
Vrs 29 Paul then reminds them that he is working for the Gospel but it is really Jesus working through Him and that is “How We Live”
Look at all the areas in your life (example: school, child, parent, husband, wife etc.) and answer these questions…
(My suggestion would be take your time and prepare these answers before you share with your Community Group or another person)
1. Have you ever been made fun of or mocked for being a Christian? Explain
2. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it went well.
3. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it did not go well?
4. What are some of the reasons you don’t share Jesus with others?
5. What are some things that inspire you to share Jesus with others?
Vrs 24 Here we see Paul a man who is living out verse 11 “strengthened by trouble” Paul went through alot for the Gospel. 2 Cor 11:22-33
But he had joy in suffering for the purpose of the Gospel.
“fill up what is lacking” Paul is saying He is a partner with Jesus and I am blessed to share in suffering because Jesus did.
The reason that Christ suffered was “the church” the elect but John Calvin says this on this point.
Christ has suffered once in his own person, so he suffers daily in his members
Not only did Jesus suffer for us He suffers with us.
Another aspect is that Paul in His suffering benefited the church
Vrs 25 It was obvious Paul had a gift from God to preach the Gospel, “Abnormally born” 1 Cor 15:8
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus appears and says “Why are you persecuting me?”
Remember when you suffer Jesus suffers.
Vrs 26- 27 The mystery revealed is that now Gentiles (non-Jews) can be saved or are chosen
There is a solution for our dilemma GOSPEL
And now we find our mission
Vrs 28 to tell everyone around us about Jesus
We are all called to be a light to the world Matt 5:15-16
We all as Christians have been given the gift of being placed where you are to preach the Gospel.
Most of us want to rush through life, rather then look at each stage and place in life is an opportunity for the Gospel. Work, school, who you spend time with, family
We do this because we want good for others.
Jesus is the great cause, we participate in other causes because we want others to love Jesus
Sometimes we look at the people around us who are lost and we make fun or write them off or call them stupid. In “The God Who Is There” by Francis Schaeffer said “These people are dying while they live, where is our compassion for them?”
So what are some common excuses for not sharing Jesus with others?
Excuses
1. They don’t want hear it.
2. I feel awkward.
3. I don’t know enough
4. I don’t feel like it,
5. They may think I am a freak.
6. They will make fun of me.
So how do we talk to people about Jesus?
1. Have confidence that Biblical Christianity (Jesus) has a basis on which to give answers to people’s questions.
2. Remember a month ago I brought up the six different types of non-Christians and their worldviews
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
Push people toward their belief system and they eventually come to conclusion that it does not work
How do we push? If we truly love the people around us will ask them questions that will help them realize their worldview cannot hold up and they need Jesus.
What are the questions?
Ask people…worldview issues. We want our friends thinking about these issues.
1. Where did we come from? Imago dei
2. What is wrong with the world? It is fallen
3. What is the remedy? Jesus
4. How is this working out for you? Great I love Jesus, I have hope, I know this world is not my home.
There is going to be an inconsistency because this world was created by Jesus. They will not be able to live that out in Jesus’ world.
This may bring some suffering to our lives but it will be for the gospel
Vrs 29 Paul then reminds them that he is working for the Gospel but it is really Jesus working through Him and that is “How We Live”
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