Selfishness
Question for Community Groups
1. In what areas do you struggle with being selfish?
2. In what areas have you been taught to be selfless, by who and in what situation?
3. What deeper issues do you deal with?
4. What are some consequences of selfishness have you seen in your life?
5. What application points do you need to put into practice?
Greatest thought is self preservation, no one has to teach you to meet your own needs you just do.
1. Examples of Selfishness-
-Luke 10:29-32 priest and Levite, (Time) Luke 12 (Money Stuff)
-Gen 4:9 Cain (I am not concerned about him) (Lack of Concern)
-1 Tim 5:6 this passage helps us to realize that although people may seem to have a full life because they have so much…they are actually living a life of death. (Emotions)
Things we are selfish with...stuff, money, time and emotions(this one is difficult because we tend to manipulate others with our emotions to get our emotional needs met.
Dr. Robert Anthony “The one who loves the least controls the relationship”
2. The deeper issues-
Romans 2:8 maybe an unbeliever,
Greed (selfishness) is the logical result of the belief that there is no life after death. We grab what we can while we can however we can and then hold on to it hard. Sir Fred Catherwood
2 Tim 3:2 sign of the times. we will increasingly see that this will only get worse, they will love self, worship self and only care about themselves. Think about this…technology has only made us more selfish, because we want things right away and can’t wait. It makes us selfish.
(when is the last time you saw an advertisement that appealed to the fact that you can benefit others?) The slogans appeal to you
James 3:14-16 tapping into the wrong wisdom, from the world rather then God. Christians fall prey to this all the time. The big lie going today is that it is all about you. Whatever you would like to do, however you would like to live, if you are sincere in your beliefs whatever they are it is fine. It also affects Christian theology that some are teaching that your pleasure and happiness is God’s ultimate concern
This philosophy is called Hedonism is a school which argues that pleasure is the only intrinsic good.
3. Consequences of Selfishness
Matt 23:25 woe, exclamation of grief, (you are on the wrong path and it will leave you wanting) this is what Jesus says
They were Hedonists
James 5:1-6 things will eventually fall apart
In its January 25, l988 issue, TIME provided an insight on selfishness and its corollary, sharing. Speaking about the introduction of the videocassette recorder, the article said, "The company had made a crucial mistake. While at first Sony kept its Beta technology mostly to itself, JVC, the Japanese inventor of the VHS (format), shared its secret with a raft of other firms. As a result, the market was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the VHS machines being produced."
This drastically undercut Sony's market share. The first year, Sony lost 40 percent of the market, and by 1987 it controlled only 10 percent. So now Sony has jumped on the VHS bandwagon. While it still continues to make Beta-format VCRs [interestingly a higher quality technology] Sony's switch to VHS, according to TIME, will likely send Beta machines to "the consumer-electronics graveyard." Even in a cut-throat business, sharing has its rewards.
-Damages the Body The work of the “body” cannot and will not be done if people only think of themselves. 1 Cor. 12:25-26
-Wastes our Time and Focus Luke 12:16-21 Tear down and build new, life may be demanded…when we are selfish with our possessions it is pointless, due to the fact that You do not last on this earth.
When we are selfish it hinders us being able to speak the truth to others. Because we are always thinking of ourselves.
Blaise Pascal “Those who do not hate their own selfishness and regard themselves as more important then the rest of the world are blind and the truth lies elsewhere”
GOSPEL
4. The ideal-The biblical call is selflessness,
-Be #2 Phil 2:3-8 Put others first as Christ put you first.
This is a choice because no one has to teach you to think about yourself but living a selfless life is Jesus’ desire for each one of us.
- We must decrease- John the Baptist John 3:29-30
“The selfishness must be discovered and understood before it can be removed. It is powerless to remove itself, neither will it pass away of itself. Darkness ceases only when light is introduced; so ignorance can only be dispersed by Knowledge; selfishness by Love.” James Allen
When we start to love Jesus more then we love ourselves we will live a less self centered life and more of a Christ centered and others benefiting life at that point we decrease.
-Focus on Jesus- Ps 119:36 “testimonies” what the Lord has done. When we focus in on Jesus and who He is and that what He has done we begin to realize that He is the one who should get the glory and focus and those blessing should flow out and we should benefit others. We then understand we have nothing to be selfish about because it is all from Him and belongs to Him
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Difficulties Week 6
6 Worry & Anxiety “I have a problem with worrying, what do I do?”
Two Types of worry
1. Worry as a benefit…we call it concern. “I am concerned that I may fail a test” the response is study. This is beneficial when you are dealing with a problem that needs and has solutions
2. Worry as a detriment… about things that we cannot control, happened already or may never happen. This is worry about things that have no solution or the solution is long gone.
“Good theology gets you through tough times”
Overcoming Worry
What causes worry?
-Irrational/rational fears: Mark Twain I am an old man and have known great many troubles; but most of them never happened.
Pliny the Younger: Grief has limit, whereas apprehension has none. For we grieve only for what we know happened, but we fear all that possibly may happen.
Heb 13:6 “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?”
-Wanting control Matthew 10:19, when we want to control a situation we often ignore the situation we are in.
-Lack of Faith: Romans 14:23 Worry is a lack of faith and it is sin
Don’t confuse people who don’t worry with people who don’t care and don’t lie to your self and say your worry is because you care so much.
-Wrong Focus: Luke 10:41 Martha (service for the wrong reason, worried about getting credit) also note Luke 12:26
-Won’t accept forgiveness Psalm 38:18 worrying about sin causes guilt
What worry does to you…
Wastes your time Matthew 6:25-34
Weighs you down Proverbs 12:25
Physically affects Proverbs 14:30 & 17:22
Martin Luther: Heavy thoughts bring on physical maladies; when the soul is oppressed so in the body.
What to do… SPEW
-Surrender
Hands up…I give up
I can treat myself, my body, my loved ones and God like this.
Mary Crowley: Every evening I turn all my worries to God. He is going to be up all night anyway.
Swindoll “If you can’t handle it why are trying to handle it, if you can’t change it why are you worrying about it”?
1 Peter 5:7
Maybe you have not surrendered your life to Jesus. GOSPEL
-Prayer Phil 4:6
If you are consumed by worries use that time to talk to Jesus
-Educate
The more Bible you know the more you will be equipped not to worry.
Example
-2012, I don’t worry cause I know God’s plan taught in the Word
-When people are opposing me I know they hated Jesus first
-When I am trying to live a life after God I know I will have trouble
-When things are going wrong I know that Jesus works it out for His good which will ultimately be for my own good. Rom 8:28
Important verses to keep you free from worry
Jer 17:7-8, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 26:3-4
-Worship
Daniel 6
Mary she had some serious things to worry about but she worshipped God for who he is. Rather then her situation. 1:46-49 replace worry with worship
Evidences of God’s Grace: (not power of positive thinking) but actually the reality of what God has done in and around your life.
Two Types of worry
1. Worry as a benefit…we call it concern. “I am concerned that I may fail a test” the response is study. This is beneficial when you are dealing with a problem that needs and has solutions
2. Worry as a detriment… about things that we cannot control, happened already or may never happen. This is worry about things that have no solution or the solution is long gone.
“Good theology gets you through tough times”
Overcoming Worry
What causes worry?
-Irrational/rational fears: Mark Twain I am an old man and have known great many troubles; but most of them never happened.
Pliny the Younger: Grief has limit, whereas apprehension has none. For we grieve only for what we know happened, but we fear all that possibly may happen.
Heb 13:6 “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?”
-Wanting control Matthew 10:19, when we want to control a situation we often ignore the situation we are in.
-Lack of Faith: Romans 14:23 Worry is a lack of faith and it is sin
Don’t confuse people who don’t worry with people who don’t care and don’t lie to your self and say your worry is because you care so much.
-Wrong Focus: Luke 10:41 Martha (service for the wrong reason, worried about getting credit) also note Luke 12:26
-Won’t accept forgiveness Psalm 38:18 worrying about sin causes guilt
What worry does to you…
Wastes your time Matthew 6:25-34
Weighs you down Proverbs 12:25
Physically affects Proverbs 14:30 & 17:22
Martin Luther: Heavy thoughts bring on physical maladies; when the soul is oppressed so in the body.
What to do… SPEW
-Surrender
Hands up…I give up
I can treat myself, my body, my loved ones and God like this.
Mary Crowley: Every evening I turn all my worries to God. He is going to be up all night anyway.
Swindoll “If you can’t handle it why are trying to handle it, if you can’t change it why are you worrying about it”?
1 Peter 5:7
Maybe you have not surrendered your life to Jesus. GOSPEL
-Prayer Phil 4:6
If you are consumed by worries use that time to talk to Jesus
-Educate
The more Bible you know the more you will be equipped not to worry.
Example
-2012, I don’t worry cause I know God’s plan taught in the Word
-When people are opposing me I know they hated Jesus first
-When I am trying to live a life after God I know I will have trouble
-When things are going wrong I know that Jesus works it out for His good which will ultimately be for my own good. Rom 8:28
Important verses to keep you free from worry
Jer 17:7-8, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 26:3-4
-Worship
Daniel 6
Mary she had some serious things to worry about but she worshipped God for who he is. Rather then her situation. 1:46-49 replace worry with worship
Evidences of God’s Grace: (not power of positive thinking) but actually the reality of what God has done in and around your life.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Difficulties Week 5
What about psychics and the New Age movement?
1 Sam 28
Vrs 3-6 Samuel dies and Saul put out all the spiritists and mediums.
Vrs 5 Saul was afraid of the Philistines army and Vrs 6 went to the Lord
Saul at this point when he went to the Lord it was faintly and with a cold heart, he was unstable and if he did not hear from the Lord was willing to go to the devil.
Saul’s track record was pretty bad, Hated and persecuted Samuel and David, killed the Lord’s high priests, was he surprised the Lord did not answer him?
At this point if Saul was not sincere in pursuing the Lord why would he put out all the mediums? Some suggest because Saul had a (1 Samuel 16:14) Troubling spirit. Many people become zealous against things they struggle with. A person who abuses alcohol becomes a prohibitionist, they feel that alcohol hurt them so no one should have it. They don’t have a concern for the glory of God as much as a blame and hatred to sin.
Vrs 7-10 Saul goes to a medium. This is directly against Deut 18:9-14
Vrs 11 Saul asks for Samuel
Vrs 12 Women was afraid because she found out it was Saul
Vrs 13-14 Saul perceived that it was Samuel
Why I don’t believe this is Samuel
1. Spirit ascended out of the earth
2. Saul’s perception was that it was Samuel, in distress people believe what they want to believe. 2 Thess 2 let us know that those who don’t love the truth may be given to strong delusions and believe a lie
(Our perception can be skewed if we are not walking in the truth)
Vrs 15
3. There are no rewards for disobedience. If the Lord did not answer Saul in the first place why would he now answer him after he did the wrong thing. (If you are doing wrong and you think the Lord will bless, think again)
Vrs 16-19
4. What the false Samuel’s message is… (Remember Satan wants to kill and destroy)
• V16 God does not care
• V17 reminds him David is going to be king
• Speaks with an air of religion “the Lord spoke through me”
2 Cor 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Luke 4:34 Demons can speak truth
• V18 Reminds him he is disobedient “you are a loser” (maybe this is what Satan is doing in your life)
• V19 this is the verse that for many seals the deal that it is Samuel because he offers prophecy. I would say no. Satan and his demons realize what will happen when the two forces go to war and when people disobey
5. Vrs 20 The desired result of Satan…defeat, guilt and shame
6. If it were Samuel it would be deceptive for believers today or anytime period to think that this could happen. In moments of weakness and distress any person would cave in and go see a person that they believe could contact their departed loved one.
7. No turning back: David talks of his deceased son and says I can go to him but he cannot come to me, and the story of Lazarus tells us that they cannot go to and fro.
8. There is no message of healing from the false Samuel
The result for Saul 1 Chron 10:13-14 he died
Responding to this as a Christian.
1. Stay away…you are opening the door for Satan
Pastoral advice on what to steer clear of…
Evil movies, O Board, tarot cards, boardwalk psychics, horoscopes, demonic images in cards video games etc.
2. Realize Spiritual interest: People who are interested in this are spiritually searching and may be closer then you think to the truth but Satan is trying to steer them away.
In Articles from Summa Theologica by Aquinas
“The operation of the demon thrusts itself into those divinations which are based on false and vain opinions, in order that man’s mind may be entangled in vanity and falsehood”
3. Pray against: Ephesians 6 “battle against spiritual forces”
CS Lewis says that the two errors that many make about the devil are to have an unhealthy interest and to deny his reality altogether.
4. Share the GOSPEL: you don’t need false promises in your life when you have the truth of the Gospel.
1 Sam 28
Vrs 3-6 Samuel dies and Saul put out all the spiritists and mediums.
Vrs 5 Saul was afraid of the Philistines army and Vrs 6 went to the Lord
Saul at this point when he went to the Lord it was faintly and with a cold heart, he was unstable and if he did not hear from the Lord was willing to go to the devil.
Saul’s track record was pretty bad, Hated and persecuted Samuel and David, killed the Lord’s high priests, was he surprised the Lord did not answer him?
At this point if Saul was not sincere in pursuing the Lord why would he put out all the mediums? Some suggest because Saul had a (1 Samuel 16:14) Troubling spirit. Many people become zealous against things they struggle with. A person who abuses alcohol becomes a prohibitionist, they feel that alcohol hurt them so no one should have it. They don’t have a concern for the glory of God as much as a blame and hatred to sin.
Vrs 7-10 Saul goes to a medium. This is directly against Deut 18:9-14
Vrs 11 Saul asks for Samuel
Vrs 12 Women was afraid because she found out it was Saul
Vrs 13-14 Saul perceived that it was Samuel
Why I don’t believe this is Samuel
1. Spirit ascended out of the earth
2. Saul’s perception was that it was Samuel, in distress people believe what they want to believe. 2 Thess 2 let us know that those who don’t love the truth may be given to strong delusions and believe a lie
(Our perception can be skewed if we are not walking in the truth)
Vrs 15
3. There are no rewards for disobedience. If the Lord did not answer Saul in the first place why would he now answer him after he did the wrong thing. (If you are doing wrong and you think the Lord will bless, think again)
Vrs 16-19
4. What the false Samuel’s message is… (Remember Satan wants to kill and destroy)
• V16 God does not care
• V17 reminds him David is going to be king
• Speaks with an air of religion “the Lord spoke through me”
2 Cor 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Luke 4:34 Demons can speak truth
• V18 Reminds him he is disobedient “you are a loser” (maybe this is what Satan is doing in your life)
• V19 this is the verse that for many seals the deal that it is Samuel because he offers prophecy. I would say no. Satan and his demons realize what will happen when the two forces go to war and when people disobey
5. Vrs 20 The desired result of Satan…defeat, guilt and shame
6. If it were Samuel it would be deceptive for believers today or anytime period to think that this could happen. In moments of weakness and distress any person would cave in and go see a person that they believe could contact their departed loved one.
7. No turning back: David talks of his deceased son and says I can go to him but he cannot come to me, and the story of Lazarus tells us that they cannot go to and fro.
8. There is no message of healing from the false Samuel
The result for Saul 1 Chron 10:13-14 he died
Responding to this as a Christian.
1. Stay away…you are opening the door for Satan
Pastoral advice on what to steer clear of…
Evil movies, O Board, tarot cards, boardwalk psychics, horoscopes, demonic images in cards video games etc.
2. Realize Spiritual interest: People who are interested in this are spiritually searching and may be closer then you think to the truth but Satan is trying to steer them away.
In Articles from Summa Theologica by Aquinas
“The operation of the demon thrusts itself into those divinations which are based on false and vain opinions, in order that man’s mind may be entangled in vanity and falsehood”
3. Pray against: Ephesians 6 “battle against spiritual forces”
CS Lewis says that the two errors that many make about the devil are to have an unhealthy interest and to deny his reality altogether.
4. Share the GOSPEL: you don’t need false promises in your life when you have the truth of the Gospel.
Difficulties Week 4
“Love Them?”
GK Chesterton
“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.”
Luke 6:32 The question Jesus has for you…
How do we love the unlovable? Jesus says…’What credit is it for you to love the ones who love you
3 areas of unlovable people I want to focus in on today.
1. Loving your enemies Matt 5:43- Luke 6:35-
Pro 25:21-23 Talk about this passage
When Narvaez, the Spanish patriot, lay dying, his father-confessor asked him whether he had forgiven all his enemies. Narvaez looked astonished and said, "Father, I have no enemies, I have shot them all."
How:
• Apply the Gospel, we were enemies of Jesus and He died for us.
• Understand that they need the Gospel (if a Christian they need to apply the Gospel) Pray
• Don’t seek revenge, or have a vengeful spirit 1 Peter 3:8-10
2. Loving those that are hard to love. annoying, clingy, disobedient, spiteful, needy or what we perceive as a lower class then us.
Tim Keller: It is difficult to love someone who is emotionally a wreck. There is no way to completely love that person and stay emotionally intact yourself.
Remember two weeks ago we talked about how there is a cost to following Jesus. This would be one of those times that it cost a lot to pursue people who are a wreck
I would venture to say the main reason we have a hard time loving these people is because it inconveniences us
How:
• Apply the Gospel, It cost Jesus so much, don’t for a minute think that you are not unlovable…but God still loves you Romans 5:8
• Have compassion Matt9:36 Jesus “moved with compassion”
Most of the time people act in certain ways because they have certain issues that need to be dealt with. As a Christian, Christ is calling us to have compassion on these people. How that looks for each situation will be different.
• Attitude Phil 2:5
(For each one) There is always a deep rooted need. When we are only thinking of ourselves and our own personal comfort we forget that a needy annoying person had a deep rooted need and maybe God has called us to assist in meeting that need.
• Patience Col 3:12 Put on
3. Loving the oppressed
It is very easy for us to turn a blind eye to the fact that there are people hurting in this world and they need love that only Jesus can give but they don’t have anyone to display that love to them.
Zechariah 7:8-10 We need to execute justice and help the oppressed, the consequence is God is displeased.
-Some only care about justice when it affects them.
A socialist once came to see Andrew Carnegie and soon was railing against the injustice of Carnegie having so much money. In his view, wealth was meant to be divided equally. Carnegie asked his secretary for an assessment of everything he owned and at the same time looked up the figures on world population. He did a little arithmetic on a pad and then said to his secretary. "Give this gentleman l6 cents. That's his share of my wealth."
-Many times we become paralyzed because we either think problems are too large or that we cannot make a difference or we don’t know what to do.
What do we need to do? Isaiah 1:17
How do we find these things out?
• Spiritual Community- (-Community Groups When we are in groups like this we get to know what the needs of the people are in our spiritual community (Church) and the local community around us. We designed the Community Group for that reason Community. If Bible study happens great, but they are not necessarily Bible studies they are for you to be in community with one another for prayer discussion and meeting one another’s needs.) Gal 6:10
• Local Community-Being in-tune with the community around you, we don’t just care about our church and spiritual community but the community around us. Because they need the Gospel -Grace Initiatives (Kara Gerisi)
If every Christian in their community did this the Gospel would be more of a presence.
• Worldwide-Resources for Gospel centered ministries world wide. We don’t just meet physical needs we need to meet spiritual as well.
What is out there for you to get involved in? Post things on the 5 site
-Fathers Heart October 9th
-Salvation Army human trafficking
-World vision or Compassion International Sponsor a Child
We don’t do these things because the people will appreciate it. People do appreciate it but don’t be deflated when they don’t. If your motive is for thanks and praise, when you don’t get it you become bitter.
Isaiah 58 Is speaking of those who do everything right as far as worship and praise but ignore justice. God tells us when we help the poor and those who are in need of justice our light goes forth (58:9) and the result of that is beauty.
Our hearts have to be convicted to do it. And then our testimony or light for Jesus will go forth.
GK Chesterton
“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.”
Luke 6:32 The question Jesus has for you…
How do we love the unlovable? Jesus says…’What credit is it for you to love the ones who love you
3 areas of unlovable people I want to focus in on today.
1. Loving your enemies Matt 5:43- Luke 6:35-
Pro 25:21-23 Talk about this passage
When Narvaez, the Spanish patriot, lay dying, his father-confessor asked him whether he had forgiven all his enemies. Narvaez looked astonished and said, "Father, I have no enemies, I have shot them all."
How:
• Apply the Gospel, we were enemies of Jesus and He died for us.
• Understand that they need the Gospel (if a Christian they need to apply the Gospel) Pray
• Don’t seek revenge, or have a vengeful spirit 1 Peter 3:8-10
2. Loving those that are hard to love. annoying, clingy, disobedient, spiteful, needy or what we perceive as a lower class then us.
Tim Keller: It is difficult to love someone who is emotionally a wreck. There is no way to completely love that person and stay emotionally intact yourself.
Remember two weeks ago we talked about how there is a cost to following Jesus. This would be one of those times that it cost a lot to pursue people who are a wreck
I would venture to say the main reason we have a hard time loving these people is because it inconveniences us
How:
• Apply the Gospel, It cost Jesus so much, don’t for a minute think that you are not unlovable…but God still loves you Romans 5:8
• Have compassion Matt9:36 Jesus “moved with compassion”
Most of the time people act in certain ways because they have certain issues that need to be dealt with. As a Christian, Christ is calling us to have compassion on these people. How that looks for each situation will be different.
• Attitude Phil 2:5
(For each one) There is always a deep rooted need. When we are only thinking of ourselves and our own personal comfort we forget that a needy annoying person had a deep rooted need and maybe God has called us to assist in meeting that need.
• Patience Col 3:12 Put on
3. Loving the oppressed
It is very easy for us to turn a blind eye to the fact that there are people hurting in this world and they need love that only Jesus can give but they don’t have anyone to display that love to them.
Zechariah 7:8-10 We need to execute justice and help the oppressed, the consequence is God is displeased.
-Some only care about justice when it affects them.
A socialist once came to see Andrew Carnegie and soon was railing against the injustice of Carnegie having so much money. In his view, wealth was meant to be divided equally. Carnegie asked his secretary for an assessment of everything he owned and at the same time looked up the figures on world population. He did a little arithmetic on a pad and then said to his secretary. "Give this gentleman l6 cents. That's his share of my wealth."
-Many times we become paralyzed because we either think problems are too large or that we cannot make a difference or we don’t know what to do.
What do we need to do? Isaiah 1:17
How do we find these things out?
• Spiritual Community- (-Community Groups When we are in groups like this we get to know what the needs of the people are in our spiritual community (Church) and the local community around us. We designed the Community Group for that reason Community. If Bible study happens great, but they are not necessarily Bible studies they are for you to be in community with one another for prayer discussion and meeting one another’s needs.) Gal 6:10
• Local Community-Being in-tune with the community around you, we don’t just care about our church and spiritual community but the community around us. Because they need the Gospel -Grace Initiatives (Kara Gerisi)
If every Christian in their community did this the Gospel would be more of a presence.
• Worldwide-Resources for Gospel centered ministries world wide. We don’t just meet physical needs we need to meet spiritual as well.
What is out there for you to get involved in? Post things on the 5 site
-Fathers Heart October 9th
-Salvation Army human trafficking
-World vision or Compassion International Sponsor a Child
We don’t do these things because the people will appreciate it. People do appreciate it but don’t be deflated when they don’t. If your motive is for thanks and praise, when you don’t get it you become bitter.
Isaiah 58 Is speaking of those who do everything right as far as worship and praise but ignore justice. God tells us when we help the poor and those who are in need of justice our light goes forth (58:9) and the result of that is beauty.
Our hearts have to be convicted to do it. And then our testimony or light for Jesus will go forth.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Difficulties Week 3
A few weeks ago I joked because I made my own quote…”Good theology gets you through tough times”
Here is some that got me through this week
-God’s ways are higher then my ways. Isaiah 55
-When I am weak Jesus is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
-This world is not my home. Phil 3:20
-The Gospel of Jesus meets every need I have because it gives us hope.
Today I am talking about more good theology “What happens when we die?”
Hebrews 9:27 Judgment issue (Well done)
When God created the heavens and the earth, death was not a part of it, this is why it never goes well with us, and that is why it will eventually will be conquered 1 Cor. 15:26 & Rev. 20:14
Three types of death that the Scriptures teach
1. Spiritual death - what we are before we trust Jesus Eph 2:1, John 3 “Born again”
2. Physical Death - Genesis 35:18-19
3. Eternal death- final permanent separation of non-believers from God Rev 20:14
Start with
The Death of those who do not Trust Christ. Results in Hell, describe
Some may say, that is harsh why would God want that for anyone? The answer is that He does not and He has for us a way of escape. Through Jesus Christ, see God means business 2 Peter 3:9
How to avoid Hell John 5:24 GOSPEL
You have no second chance
1 Peter 3:18-20 This is an interpretation from Augustine. Christ preached through Noah at the time of Noah and they are called the “Spirits in prison” because they were preached to in the past and now in the prison of Hell.
Understand the context of 1st Peter is Peter was writing to the righteous minority surrounded by hostile unbelievers like Noah was.
Luke 16:19-36 Parable (Talk about)
Another issue that always seems to come up is “Can our loved ones see us?” Nowhere in the Bible does it say that our loved ones can see us. I would venture to say based upon the parable they are aware of us but they and we will not posses the same attributes of God…all powerful, all knowing…all seeing.
The Death of a Believer
2 Cor. 5:6-8 Phil 1:23 Intermediate state, not in the new heavens yet. We go to be with Christ Ephesians 1: Acts 7 Stephen
-No soul sleep “fallen asleep is a metaphor for death”
-No purgatory (Catholic Church does not believe this either)
-We do not need to pray for the dead
Quick overview of the grand scheme of things so we have an understanding
1. Rapture 1 Thess 4:16, Dead in Christ
1 Corinthians 15:36-49 Does not matter what happens to the body of a person (Burial vrs Cremation)
Glorified Body Issue Christ’s resurrected body is the prototype
Philippians 3:21 “Transformed in to a glorious body”
2. Tribulation, all believers of all time in heaven Rev 4-19
3. Millennial Reign of Christ Rev 20,
4 Great White Throne Judgment.
5. New Heavens and Earth
Our salvation is not fully complete but at physical death 1 Cor 13:12 We will see things like God sees things
Death will touch you, so how do you cope?
-Time to Mourn, Jesus wept
-Makes us reflect on our lives. Not How much good do I do, but how much good in Jesus’ name do I do. Even the greatest people are forgotten. But Jesus is not
-The imperative nature of Gospel work, Death is not the end for anyone
-Find comfort in the Lord, where you find comfort will determine how comforted you are.
-What do we learn and take away from losing someone.
For me Strength is in Christ
What is next for us here at our church?
35 years ago a small group of people began this Gospel work in our community. A result of the obedience of those people was the salvation of many in this community among them was the one we physically lost this past week
1 Cor 15:58 Don’t lose focus
Here is some that got me through this week
-God’s ways are higher then my ways. Isaiah 55
-When I am weak Jesus is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
-This world is not my home. Phil 3:20
-The Gospel of Jesus meets every need I have because it gives us hope.
Today I am talking about more good theology “What happens when we die?”
Hebrews 9:27 Judgment issue (Well done)
When God created the heavens and the earth, death was not a part of it, this is why it never goes well with us, and that is why it will eventually will be conquered 1 Cor. 15:26 & Rev. 20:14
Three types of death that the Scriptures teach
1. Spiritual death - what we are before we trust Jesus Eph 2:1, John 3 “Born again”
2. Physical Death - Genesis 35:18-19
3. Eternal death- final permanent separation of non-believers from God Rev 20:14
Start with
The Death of those who do not Trust Christ. Results in Hell, describe
Some may say, that is harsh why would God want that for anyone? The answer is that He does not and He has for us a way of escape. Through Jesus Christ, see God means business 2 Peter 3:9
How to avoid Hell John 5:24 GOSPEL
You have no second chance
1 Peter 3:18-20 This is an interpretation from Augustine. Christ preached through Noah at the time of Noah and they are called the “Spirits in prison” because they were preached to in the past and now in the prison of Hell.
Understand the context of 1st Peter is Peter was writing to the righteous minority surrounded by hostile unbelievers like Noah was.
Luke 16:19-36 Parable (Talk about)
Another issue that always seems to come up is “Can our loved ones see us?” Nowhere in the Bible does it say that our loved ones can see us. I would venture to say based upon the parable they are aware of us but they and we will not posses the same attributes of God…all powerful, all knowing…all seeing.
The Death of a Believer
2 Cor. 5:6-8 Phil 1:23 Intermediate state, not in the new heavens yet. We go to be with Christ Ephesians 1: Acts 7 Stephen
-No soul sleep “fallen asleep is a metaphor for death”
-No purgatory (Catholic Church does not believe this either)
-We do not need to pray for the dead
Quick overview of the grand scheme of things so we have an understanding
1. Rapture 1 Thess 4:16, Dead in Christ
1 Corinthians 15:36-49 Does not matter what happens to the body of a person (Burial vrs Cremation)
Glorified Body Issue Christ’s resurrected body is the prototype
Philippians 3:21 “Transformed in to a glorious body”
2. Tribulation, all believers of all time in heaven Rev 4-19
3. Millennial Reign of Christ Rev 20,
4 Great White Throne Judgment.
5. New Heavens and Earth
Our salvation is not fully complete but at physical death 1 Cor 13:12 We will see things like God sees things
Death will touch you, so how do you cope?
-Time to Mourn, Jesus wept
-Makes us reflect on our lives. Not How much good do I do, but how much good in Jesus’ name do I do. Even the greatest people are forgotten. But Jesus is not
-The imperative nature of Gospel work, Death is not the end for anyone
-Find comfort in the Lord, where you find comfort will determine how comforted you are.
-What do we learn and take away from losing someone.
For me Strength is in Christ
What is next for us here at our church?
35 years ago a small group of people began this Gospel work in our community. A result of the obedience of those people was the salvation of many in this community among them was the one we physically lost this past week
1 Cor 15:58 Don’t lose focus
Difficulties Week 2
Difficulty: Why did Christ have to go to the cross, what did it accomplish and what were the implications.
How God meets our need then we in turn meet the needs of others.
Need 1:-Forgiveness - we have sin that needs to be forgiven.
Rom 3:23 “all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God”
Rom 6:23 “wages of sin is death”
Forgiveness is bearing the cost of someone else’s sin against you.
When we forgive we are paying the price for the wrong against us.
(example someone defames your character)
The other options are…
Revenge & Bitterness…if we respond like this the evil actually spreads. ---With Revenge we spread evil
-With Bitterness we kill ourselves from inside out.
Karl Menninger, the famed psychiatrist, once said that if he could convince the patients in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them could walk out the next day!
Tim Keller states in his book “Reason For God” Many people have said when we forgive and absorb the debt it can be as painful as death,
This is true but after that experience the only place we have to look is up, for the Christian that means resurrection. Instead of leading a life long death of revenge and bitterness we can be resurrected
Human forgiveness works this way because it points to what our Creator.
Jesus death for our forgiveness resulted in resurrection.
How do we meet the needs of others in this area?
-Forgive as we have been forgiven Matthew 6:12
-we don’t hold grudges
-we absorb the cost
-we turn the other cheek
-we resurrect
How it was accomplished…
Need 2: Redemption: Forgiveness is costly and the price had to be paid. Jesus is our Substitutionary Atonement
That means that death is the payment of sin and Jesus was willing and able to pay the price for us. we call in “Redemption” we have to be bought back into a right relationship to God.
Sin is the slave driver and our master and if we live in un-forgiven sin we will be separated from Jesus for eternity in hell.
Jesus death buys us back Revelation 5:9
Why does there have to be payment for sin? Why can’t God just say…”its all good” God’s justice is at stake.
We inherently understand this:
In C.S. Lewis’ Essay Humanitarian Theory of Punishment he speaks about the conservative view of retribution, “people have to pay”. And then he speaks of the liberal view of “rehabilitation”, “people have to be cured”
The substitution of Jesus Christ does both,
God is the victim in every sin and justice dictates that we pay, Jesus pays for us.
We are broken and need to be cured, when we trust Jesus the Holy Spirit comes and begins the work of sanctification. And in eternity we are fully rehabilitated.
A question that comes up a lot is “Did Christ go to Hell when He paid for our sin?” Based on the Apostles Creed “He descended into Hell” the answer is NO Ephesians 4:8-10
Christ’s Cost
-Philippians 2:5-11 Emptied Himself “Christ emptied Himself of His preincarnate position, yet did not diminish His person” The self emptying permitted the addition of humanity and did not involve the subtraction of Deity or the use of the attributes of His Deity. There was a change in form and not in content” Ryrie Isaiah 53:12 “He poured Himself out to Death”
The main point we want to remember here is that this was a willful decision that Christ made (Phil 2:7) it was not debated but it was God plan before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8)
I like to think of it as Jesus decided to confine Himself in space and time but was not confined, He stepped down for us.
-Forsaken This is one of the issues that keeps coming up when people hear Jesus say this…what did He mean?
2 Cor. 5:21 Jesus became sin for us, so He felt the loneliness and abandonment that sin always produces, except in this case it was our sin and not His own.
If we have been redeemed by Jesus how do we in-turn redeem others?
Truthfully only Christ can redeem, but there are things that we can do so people see His redemptive work. It costs us everything
-Philippians 2 consider others more important then yourself, doing good to others for the sake of the GOSPEL
-We have to be around other people Niebur “Christ of Culture” This is a huge cost to us because that means we live among this sinful world that rejects the Lord. Our kids go to school, we go to work etc. when we do those things we are no longer insulated in our own bubble. What good can we do if the world around us if we just create our own little safe haven? Paul says we would have to leave this world.
What the motivation was….
Need 3:-Love- We all need Love,
-you may be bouncing around from relationship to relationship.
-maybe you are currently in a relationship and your spouse is not meeting your needs
-maybe you are not receiving the love you need from your parents
-maybe you are not getting love from friends that you need
With my kids I fish for compliments
Silah “Because you loved me first”
The type of love we need is given to us in Jesus
1 John 4:19 - He first loved us
Rom 5:8 - While we were sinners
Gal 2:20 - His love inspires life change
John 15:13 The greatest Love
Romans 8:35-39 Nothing can come in between His love for us.
How does that play out in everyday life? Jesus tells us that it is easy to love those who love you. Jesus’ Love (2 Cor 5:14) Compels us
Eph 5:2 walk in love because Christ loved
How God meets our need then we in turn meet the needs of others.
Need 1:-Forgiveness - we have sin that needs to be forgiven.
Rom 3:23 “all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God”
Rom 6:23 “wages of sin is death”
Forgiveness is bearing the cost of someone else’s sin against you.
When we forgive we are paying the price for the wrong against us.
(example someone defames your character)
The other options are…
Revenge & Bitterness…if we respond like this the evil actually spreads. ---With Revenge we spread evil
-With Bitterness we kill ourselves from inside out.
Karl Menninger, the famed psychiatrist, once said that if he could convince the patients in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them could walk out the next day!
Tim Keller states in his book “Reason For God” Many people have said when we forgive and absorb the debt it can be as painful as death,
This is true but after that experience the only place we have to look is up, for the Christian that means resurrection. Instead of leading a life long death of revenge and bitterness we can be resurrected
Human forgiveness works this way because it points to what our Creator.
Jesus death for our forgiveness resulted in resurrection.
How do we meet the needs of others in this area?
-Forgive as we have been forgiven Matthew 6:12
-we don’t hold grudges
-we absorb the cost
-we turn the other cheek
-we resurrect
How it was accomplished…
Need 2: Redemption: Forgiveness is costly and the price had to be paid. Jesus is our Substitutionary Atonement
That means that death is the payment of sin and Jesus was willing and able to pay the price for us. we call in “Redemption” we have to be bought back into a right relationship to God.
Sin is the slave driver and our master and if we live in un-forgiven sin we will be separated from Jesus for eternity in hell.
Jesus death buys us back Revelation 5:9
Why does there have to be payment for sin? Why can’t God just say…”its all good” God’s justice is at stake.
We inherently understand this:
In C.S. Lewis’ Essay Humanitarian Theory of Punishment he speaks about the conservative view of retribution, “people have to pay”. And then he speaks of the liberal view of “rehabilitation”, “people have to be cured”
The substitution of Jesus Christ does both,
God is the victim in every sin and justice dictates that we pay, Jesus pays for us.
We are broken and need to be cured, when we trust Jesus the Holy Spirit comes and begins the work of sanctification. And in eternity we are fully rehabilitated.
A question that comes up a lot is “Did Christ go to Hell when He paid for our sin?” Based on the Apostles Creed “He descended into Hell” the answer is NO Ephesians 4:8-10
Christ’s Cost
-Philippians 2:5-11 Emptied Himself “Christ emptied Himself of His preincarnate position, yet did not diminish His person” The self emptying permitted the addition of humanity and did not involve the subtraction of Deity or the use of the attributes of His Deity. There was a change in form and not in content” Ryrie Isaiah 53:12 “He poured Himself out to Death”
The main point we want to remember here is that this was a willful decision that Christ made (Phil 2:7) it was not debated but it was God plan before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8)
I like to think of it as Jesus decided to confine Himself in space and time but was not confined, He stepped down for us.
-Forsaken This is one of the issues that keeps coming up when people hear Jesus say this…what did He mean?
2 Cor. 5:21 Jesus became sin for us, so He felt the loneliness and abandonment that sin always produces, except in this case it was our sin and not His own.
If we have been redeemed by Jesus how do we in-turn redeem others?
Truthfully only Christ can redeem, but there are things that we can do so people see His redemptive work. It costs us everything
-Philippians 2 consider others more important then yourself, doing good to others for the sake of the GOSPEL
-We have to be around other people Niebur “Christ of Culture” This is a huge cost to us because that means we live among this sinful world that rejects the Lord. Our kids go to school, we go to work etc. when we do those things we are no longer insulated in our own bubble. What good can we do if the world around us if we just create our own little safe haven? Paul says we would have to leave this world.
What the motivation was….
Need 3:-Love- We all need Love,
-you may be bouncing around from relationship to relationship.
-maybe you are currently in a relationship and your spouse is not meeting your needs
-maybe you are not receiving the love you need from your parents
-maybe you are not getting love from friends that you need
With my kids I fish for compliments
Silah “Because you loved me first”
The type of love we need is given to us in Jesus
1 John 4:19 - He first loved us
Rom 5:8 - While we were sinners
Gal 2:20 - His love inspires life change
John 15:13 The greatest Love
Romans 8:35-39 Nothing can come in between His love for us.
How does that play out in everyday life? Jesus tells us that it is easy to love those who love you. Jesus’ Love (2 Cor 5:14) Compels us
Eph 5:2 walk in love because Christ loved
Monday, July 12, 2010
Difficulties Week 1
It has been very obvious by our time together that Christians sin (1 Cor 3), there is no debate there, but the difficulty that comes to our attention is: What about the “Christian” who continues in their sinful ways?
Paul says the root of the difficulty is that we live to the “flesh” and not to the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26 is a reminder to believers from Paul that they are in the Spirit and should not follow the desires of the “Flesh”
What do we do with the habitually sinning Christian?
Luke 17:1-4, Warn, confront, forgive, GRACE & GOSPEL
They are unrepentant. Extreme cases:
Matt 18:15-20 (going to need to exegete this)
How do you treat unbelievers?
1 Cor 5 (quick explanation then look at verses 9-13)
Why the harsh stance? Because sin is serious business to the Lord Jesus wants us to speak truth in a compassionate way and be involved in the wake up calls of stubborn individuals. & He knows what is good for us and sin is not.
The Local body of believers is a reminder because most people intrenched in sin are not opening their Bible
What if it is you?
When you continue in sin this is what you do to yourself.
The Consequences we will face when we continue in sin.
1. Jer 5:25 Withholds good
2. Heb 12 Discipline Tedd Tripp “Discipline is a rescue mission”
3. 1 Cor 3 hinders spiritual growth (milk)
4. 2 Tim 2:21 limits our service (sin disqualifies)
5. 1 Cor 10&11 Pollutes the fellowship
6. Eph 4:30 Grieves the Spirit
7. 1 Peter 3:10 Hinders prayers (God does not want to hear you)
8. 1 Cor 11:30 & 1 John 5:16 Brings sickness and death
What to do if you are in habitual sin?
Many times we make the mistake of modifying behavior. “I will substitute this word for that word”. “Or instead of doing this I will do that”. Things like that do work for a time but the problem is our heart and its condition.
-Realize it. what are the benefits of this habit? why is it a detriment and what does God say about it? Romans 12 says “Renew our Mind”
-Repent “Godly Sorrow” 2 Cor. 7:9-11 You need to really care about what Jesus thinks about this. (How do you know if someone has Godly sorrow? They confess w/o being caught)
-Stop John 8:10-12 Stop it.
James 4:8 tells us that solution is getting closer to Jesus
How do you do that?
Personally I do not think it is a step by step process of things to do, it is about your theology (what you believe about Jesus and then responding to that) “Good theology gets you through tough times” (my quote)
-Have a right perspective about who you are. Romans 7:14-25 Describes Christian maturity, Paul is realizing that he in his own strength and power cannot live the Christian life.
-Remember your standing in Christ Romans 6
-Romans 8:15-17 Rely on the Spirit “You are weak He is strong”
-Remember the Gospel Rom 8:11 Remember the resurrection
-Matt 13:44 Give Him everything (If Jesus doesn’t get your attention then not much will)
Paul says the root of the difficulty is that we live to the “flesh” and not to the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26 is a reminder to believers from Paul that they are in the Spirit and should not follow the desires of the “Flesh”
What do we do with the habitually sinning Christian?
Luke 17:1-4, Warn, confront, forgive, GRACE & GOSPEL
They are unrepentant. Extreme cases:
Matt 18:15-20 (going to need to exegete this)
How do you treat unbelievers?
1 Cor 5 (quick explanation then look at verses 9-13)
Why the harsh stance? Because sin is serious business to the Lord Jesus wants us to speak truth in a compassionate way and be involved in the wake up calls of stubborn individuals. & He knows what is good for us and sin is not.
The Local body of believers is a reminder because most people intrenched in sin are not opening their Bible
What if it is you?
When you continue in sin this is what you do to yourself.
The Consequences we will face when we continue in sin.
1. Jer 5:25 Withholds good
2. Heb 12 Discipline Tedd Tripp “Discipline is a rescue mission”
3. 1 Cor 3 hinders spiritual growth (milk)
4. 2 Tim 2:21 limits our service (sin disqualifies)
5. 1 Cor 10&11 Pollutes the fellowship
6. Eph 4:30 Grieves the Spirit
7. 1 Peter 3:10 Hinders prayers (God does not want to hear you)
8. 1 Cor 11:30 & 1 John 5:16 Brings sickness and death
What to do if you are in habitual sin?
Many times we make the mistake of modifying behavior. “I will substitute this word for that word”. “Or instead of doing this I will do that”. Things like that do work for a time but the problem is our heart and its condition.
-Realize it. what are the benefits of this habit? why is it a detriment and what does God say about it? Romans 12 says “Renew our Mind”
-Repent “Godly Sorrow” 2 Cor. 7:9-11 You need to really care about what Jesus thinks about this. (How do you know if someone has Godly sorrow? They confess w/o being caught)
-Stop John 8:10-12 Stop it.
James 4:8 tells us that solution is getting closer to Jesus
How do you do that?
Personally I do not think it is a step by step process of things to do, it is about your theology (what you believe about Jesus and then responding to that) “Good theology gets you through tough times” (my quote)
-Have a right perspective about who you are. Romans 7:14-25 Describes Christian maturity, Paul is realizing that he in his own strength and power cannot live the Christian life.
-Remember your standing in Christ Romans 6
-Romans 8:15-17 Rely on the Spirit “You are weak He is strong”
-Remember the Gospel Rom 8:11 Remember the resurrection
-Matt 13:44 Give Him everything (If Jesus doesn’t get your attention then not much will)
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