Monthly Archives: June 2008

Hamartia outside the gospels and Paul's epistles

Football coach Erk Russell rattle snake story.

1) Today our study begins with the scripture that was read, Heb. 1:3.
2) A lot of people have a lot of different ideas about Jesus – who He is and what He did.
a) Man is immoral; we violate the will of God and God says these violations create a debt.
b) Jesus came to wipe away the sins of men, no matter how immoral a person is.
c) Hebrews 2:17.
d) Here we find it associated with the word “reconciliation” (KJV).
e) Let’s look at Heb. 3:13 – another passage which has our word – READ
f) Sin (immorality) will harden people. It is deceitful.
g) At first an immoral act may make a person feel pretty bad about what they did.
h) There is guilt, remorse, a man may say, “I was wrong and I will not do that again.”
i) The next day or later in the week, he thinks back to what was done and he wants to do it again.
3) Immorality hardens people. People may lose their sense of right and wrong.
4) Minds can become calloused; people may lose their ability to correctly reason.
5) God has some very strong and powerful warnings about engaging in immoral acts.
6) One warning in the book of Hebrews is found in 11:25.
7) In Heb. 12:1 we are told that immorality can so “easily beset us.”
8) The image in Heb. 21 is that of an athlete.
9) In the next book (Jas. 1:15) we are told that sin (immorality) leads to death.
10) Heb. 12:4 says “strive against sin.”
11) If this is our choice there is a great promise in 1 Jn. 1:7.
a) The blood of Christ can and will cleanse from “all sin” (immorality).
b) If we think we are not immoral (1 Jn. 1:8), we lie and the truth is not in us.
c) Every single person struggle with some form of immorality.
12) God requires His people to recognize immorality and put it behind them.
13) In 1 Jn. 3:8 we have another incentive to leave behind sin.
a) John said immorality is of the devil.
b) Satan is the one who wants people to be involved with sin.
c) Many want immorality.
d) Our world excels at ways to make immorality seem better, more secretive, and more enjoyable.
e) We seek to oppose it in our own lives and in the world.

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

Hamartia in Paul's epistles

Hamartia, an important word in the New Testament

1) Rom. 3:9.
2) We have gotten to a point in society where people think that God is not all that concerned about behavior.
a) Much of our nation has lots is immoral compass.
b) Our nation does not know what is moral and immoral.
i) People in the business world are sometimes told to go to “sensitivity training.”
ii) 17 girls made a pact to get pregnant and raise their babies together.
3) In the Old Testament prophets condemned those who called evil good and good evil.
a) Rom. 3:20 READ
b) People can come to a “knowledge” of their immorality.
4) One of a Christian’s responsibilities is to let people know that they have violated God’s will.
5) This part of the great commission.
a) Rom. 5:12.
b) Only one person needed to sin one time and that eventually catches up with all accountable people.
c) Immorality is contagious.
6) When people turn to the gospel, they find a complete cure for their problem.
7) Rom. 5:20– READ
8) No person is too immoral to be saved by God.
a) Rom. 6:6 – READ
b) God wants the “body of sin” (a life of immorality) to be put away.
c) When a person become a Christian, he no longer lives as he once did.
9) The man that was used to going out and drinking with his buddies doesn’t do that any more.
10) The drug user puts away his drugs. He just doesn’t “decrease” he says “no” to that way of life.
11) Those involved with fornication realize they were immoral and terminate that activity.
12) The gambler says he is through trying to increase his wealth at the expense of others.
13) Verse 12 in this chapter says – READ
14) Notice that “sin” (immorality) is explicitly joined with “lust.”
15) Verse 14 – READ
a) Sin (immorality) was something we once “served” (verse 17).
b) If we are a Christian, we have been “freed from that” (verse 18).
c) If we go back to it, we will die (verse 23).
d) If we choose to live as a faithful Christian and flee immorality, we will be “saved” (verse 22).
16) In Col. 2:11 Paul said “putting off the body of sin.”
17) What types of activities have we put away because we became a Christian?
a) 1 Tim. 5:22 gives us an important principle: do not “partake” in the sins of others.
b) School children are often exposed to this very temptation.
18) Someone has a party with drugs or alcohol. Everyone they know is going to be there so they go.
19) The word we are looking at says “that is the way the world lives. That is how the heathens act.”
20) Two verses later in 1 Tim. 5 (24) Paul said the sins of some are “open.”

21) God wants a group of people who are moral, godly, distinct from the world, full of Christian graces.
22) Is that who we are?

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

A sermon on morality – what does the Bible say about morality?

1) This study is based on the final 12 verses read from Eph. 5.
i) In verse 25 we find the word “church.” This word means the assembly (the people).
ii) The church of the Bible has a head (verse 23) – God says the church is headed by Christ.
2) God is very serious about this point – verse 25 says Jesus gave His life for the church.
a) In this church Christ died for Jesus has some plans. Verse 26 – READ
b) God wants a “sanctified” people (church).
3) We cannot be a child of God and live like people in the world.
a) At the end of verse 26 we are told that Christ has “washed” the members of His church.
4) The cleansing process culminates in baptism – baptism washes away sin. 2 Cor. 5:17
5) Verse 27 – READ
6) God wants people who lead a life consistent with His word.
a) Thus, Paul describes this as no “spot” or “wrinkle” in Eph. 5:27.

WE WANT TO ENGAGE IN A STUDY OF IMMORALITY.

1) Titus 2:12 says we are to live “soberly, righteously, and godly” in this present world.
2) Throughout the Bible God’s people are called on to be distinct from the world and be holy.
3) 2 Cor. 6:17 says, “Come ye out from among them.”
4) Our society has evil at every turn.
a) Pornography, divorce, abortion, changing marriage, std’s, aids, unwed mothers.
5) Drive by shootings; no respect for the the police.
6) Euthanasia, Satanism , prostitution, indifference to wrong.
7) Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate.
8) It is time to remind folks there is a God and He has said some things. He has said many things.
9) God calls on people to live a sanctified life.
a) David once asked a question in Ps. 11:3 – quote.
b) If we are a child of God Rom. 12:2 says “be not conformed to the world.”
10) God put the church in the world, but says the church is not to be “of” the world (Jn. 17:15).
11) Jesus said we are to be a “light” to the world (Mt. 5:13-16).
12) Peter (1 Pet. 2:9) said we are to “show forth the excellencies “of God.
a) If we are not willing to live in this manner, the world will draw us into its midst.
b) 1 Cor. 5:6 says “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
13) There is the Personal Test: will doing this make me a better or worse Christian?
14) The Social Test: will an action influence others to be better or worse Christians?
15) The Practical Test: will the results of my actions be desirable?
16) The Universal Test: if everyone should do this, would it enhance or degrade society?
17) The Scriptural Test: does the Bible endorse it or is it forbidden?
18) The Stewardship Test: will this activity waste a talent God has given to me?
19) The Family Test: will something bring discredit & dishonor to my family, and will it embarrass them?
20) The Publicity Test: would I be willing for friends, fellow Christians, the elders, and the preacher to know about it?
21) The Common Sense Test: does it agree with plain, everyday, ordinary common sense?
22) The Fairness Test: is it honest, and it is practicing the “Golden Rule”?
23) The Problem Test: is it potentially harmful to me and / or others?

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

"My father" – a sermon for father's day

a) More than 40 times in the gospels we find these words” “My father.”
b) Today is father’s day, and we want to look at the words “my father” in the book of Matthew.
2) Our study begins in Mt. 7:21.
a) Some who planned on being saved will be rejected by God and this will be quite a shock.
b) The Lord’s warned about this and explained why this is the case in this 21st verse – READ

3) When we look at earthly father, we find that they generally have a “will.”
4) When men fulfill the role God has given them, that is fulfilling their divine role.
5) God intended for men to be respected and honored in their household.
6) God the Father has devised a plan to save us; we can obey that plan and be redeemed.
7) Jesus said the Heavenly Father’s also offers a plan and leadership; if followed, we will be saved.
8) Jesus went on to say that if we choose to obey God’s will, there will be some consequences.
9) Next on our list of references is Mt. 10:32.
a) READ.
b) Earthly fathers know they cannot be just and good if they have an “anything goes” policy.
c) God the Heavenly Father functions in this manner as well.
d) 2 Pet. 3:9 tells us that He does not anyone to perish.
10) Fathers make some choices and decisions that are sometimes very, very difficult.
11) God can “hard decisions.”
12) God will get no joy from saying that or turning people away, but this is what He will do.
13) Men get married and the will be called on to make some hard choices.
14) Eph. 6:4 says that men are to “nurture and chasten their children in the Lord.”
15) Our world makes parenting a difficult job. Mothers do not have an easy time of things.
16) Being a child is not easy.
17) Dads have many responsibilities, and some of their tasks are specific to them.
a) Mt. 20:23.
b) The Father was the one who had made the decision and already arranged things.

18) In a home God intended for the male (husband) to be a key figure in keeping things on track.
a) A father’s children may not understand or appreciate what he is doing.
b) Sometimes being a mother or father is a thankless job.
19) God is our on-going example. There are many times when He is not thanked.
20) There are many who do not care what God has done or pays no attention to Him.
21) Some try to attack what God or what He has done, but God continues to be a father.
22) Mt. 26:39 and this is a familiar passage.
23) Here is another practical point about men.
24) Earthly dads should be a source of strength in their families.
25) They should be a source for their wife to lean on and find support.
26) Jesus found comfort in the words “my father” and today many earthly fathers still offer great aid.
27) Mal. 2:14-15. Having a mom and a dad is God’s ideal arrangement.
28) It was the means God was going to use to produce a “godly seed.”
29) Mt. 26:53 says – READ
30) One of the things that we can think about on this father’s day is how dad may have helped us.
31) Good dads try to help their children as well as others.

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

What does the Bible say about Abihu?

A helpful overview is found in the Eaton’s Bible Dictionary:

Abihu

“father of Him; i.e., “worshipper of God”, the second of the sons of Aaron (Ex 6:23; Num 3:2; 26:60; 1 Chron 6:3). Along with his three brothers he was consecrated to the priest’s office (Ex 28:1). With his father and elder brother he accompanied the seventy elders part of the way up the mount with Moses (Ex 24:1,9). On one occasion he and Nadab his brother offered incense in their censers filled with “strange” (i.e., common) fire, i.e., not with fire taken from the great brazen altar (Lev 6:9, etc.), and for this offence they were struck dead, and were taken out and buried without the camp (Lev 10:1-11; comp. Num 3:4; 26:61; 1 Chron 24:2). It is probable that when they committed this offence they were intoxicated, for immediately after is given the law prohibiting the use of wine or strong drink to the priests.”

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

God is no respector of persons (Acts 10:34)

WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR WORLD WE SEE PREJUDICE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS AS WELL AS NATIONS. WE FIND EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE BEING REJECTED BECAUSE OF WHERE THEY WERE BORN, WHO THEIR PARENTS ARE, WHERE THEY ATTENDED SCHOOL, THE SKIN COLOR, ETC.

a) Our world likes to generate a lot of news about how different people are.
b) The media thrives on race related stories.
c) When people become Christians, differences such as race are of little importance.
2) An inspired man in Acts 10 claimed God does not favor one race over another.
a) God has done much more than say He regards all people equally.
b) He has actually illustrated this point in several ways.
c) God says all men are equal because He has given only one law.

3) There are preachers who try to say that some parts of the New Testament do not apply to non-Christians.
4) Marriage and divorce is sometimes dealt with in this way.
5) We have had members of the church say that prior to becoming a Christian, marriages do not count.
6) A person may divorce and remarry as often as they like, but after baptism, then marriage counts.
a) That type of teaching is difficult to reconcile with many New Testament verses.
b) In places like 1 Cor. 6 Paul said people had been guilty of “adultery.”
c) Since adultery is sexual sin for the married, what standard did these non-Christians violate?
d) What marriage law did they break? Was it man’s standard or God’s standard?

7) Study the word “whosever” in the New Testament.
8) You should find that this term occurs about 60 times.
9) Time and time again God says “whosoever” (all people). The gospel is universal in scope.
10) God has just one law for all men until the end of time—the law expressed in the New Testament.
11) This law is called the “law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25) and the “law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).
12) All are guilty of sin, and God is not going to show any type of favortim when dealing with sinners.
a) God is not going to let one person “get away with sin” and punish others.
b) This should be a very appealing fact to people.
13) Some might like to think that only “bad people” will be judged.
14) What did Jesus say in Jn. 5:28-29?
15) All will be judged by the Lord at the end of time, 2 Cor. 5:10.
16) God will not be partial about the future judgment. It will be an experience for all people.
17) Jesus also said (Jn. 12:48) that man will be judged by His word.
18) If God requires me to believe in His Son for salvation, this is true for everyone else?
19) If God requires me to believe but says others are not required to do that, He is a respector of persons.
20) God cannot require me to repent and not others.
21) He cannot require confession from me and not require that of others.
22) If God requires from me baptism for the forgiveness of sins, that is required of all others.
23) There is no respect of persons with God.
24) God CANNOT show favoritism to any person.
25) We either obey the one plan He has given or we do not.
26) Based on all that has been said, we can see why the Bible says there is only one church.
a) Jesus said He would build only one church (Mt. 16:18).
b) Eph. 1:22-23 says the church is Christ’s “body” and Eph. 4:4-5 says there is only “one body.”
c) Eph. 2:14 says the one church is for “Jew and Gentile.”
d) For us, Jew and Gentile may not sound all that important.

27) What if we changed Jew and Gentile to “black and white
28) What if we said “Caucasians and Hispanics?”
29) What if we said “males and females?” Only one divine church for all interested in salvation.
30) We will one day stand before a perfect judge who has a perfect standard. What will He say about us?

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

"As I teach everywhere in every church" (1 Cor. 14:37)

Paul said the Gospel that he preached was not received from men but by revelation from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). Furthermore, he taught the same thing in every church (1Corinthians 4:17; cf. 1Corinthians 16:1). Paul did not teach one doctrine in Ephesus, a different doctrine in Philippi, and yet a different doctrine to the Colossians. He taught the same thing everywhere he went. If Paul would come to Auburn and stand in 56 pulpits, he would preach the same doctrine in every one of them! He would preach the same doctrine concerning salvation, worship, baptism, commitment and faithfulness.

Understanding this, we learn that there is a singularity, a unity, and uniformity to the Christian faith. There are not different brands of Christianity. If Jesus had established a multiplicity of faiths, Paul would have preached it. However, Paul preached the same doctrine everywhere he went. There is only “one Lord,” “one faith,” “one baptism,” (Ephesians 4:5). Jesus did not establish many different competing religious organizations.

Jesus did not teach different and conflicting doctrines, and neither did His inspired apostles (cf. John 17:20-21). If the multitude of different doctrines being preached today did not come from Jesus or His inspired apostles, guess who they came from.

It seems the majority of religious people today view the Bible like a piece of abstract art; “it can mean whatever you want it to mean.” That teaching comes straight from the mind of Satan himself.

As a Bible-believing, Christ-centered, Cross-dominated people, we must determine to recognize and uphold the unity of the Body of Christ, and the uniformity of His doctrine. Anything more, or less, will cause one to have his name removed from the Book of Life (Revelation 22:18-19). — Toby Miller

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

Who was Abigail?

A helpful article comes from the Eaton’s Bible dictionary regarding Abigal (this article is given below).

— father (i.e., “leader”) of the dance, or “of joy.” (1.) The sister of David, and wife of Jether an Ishmaelite (1 Chron 2:16,17). She was the mother of Amasa (2 Sam 17:25).

(2.) The wife of the churlish Nabal, who dwelt in the district of Carmel (1 Sam 25:3). She showed great prudence and delicate management at a critical period of her husband’s life. She was “a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance.” After Nabal’s death she became the wife of David (1 Sam 25:14-42), and was his companion in all his future fortunes (1 Sam 27:3; 30:5; 2 Sam 2:2). By her David had a son called Chileab (2 Sam 3:3), elsewhere called Daniel (1 Chron 3:1).

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

Who will God accept?

1) Will God accept me? Can I be acceptable to God? Who will God accept?
2) Questions about who God will accept are very common and very important.
3) God specifically tells us who He will accept in Acts 10:35.
4) The end of this verse specifically says God will accept people.
5) The first part of Acts 10:35 tells us “who” He will accept.
6) Peter said God will accept people from “Every nation.”
7) Compare Acts 15:9.
1) Acts 10:35 is broad enough to even include Christians who leave the faith and want to return.
a) Acts 10:35 even includes the prodigal who wants to back.
b) If a wayward brother sister is willing to comply with God’s terms, they can be accepted.
2) The salvation process that God uses is also associated with the middle of verse 35.
a) A person must “fear God” and “work righteousness.”
b) A person does not become a Christian by chance. They must be taught.
c) They must obey the “one faith” (the “common faith” (Jude 3).

3) When a person is taught, they “fear” God (this fear is “reverence” – respect).
4) When a person respects God, they are inclined to be obedient.

5) God says if people in any nation want to be acceptable to Him, they need to respect Him.
a) They also need to “work righteousness.” Compare Rom. 2:8, 10.
6) Eccl. 12:13 says “fear God and keep His commandments.”
7) Christians build a record that is an eternal record.
8) We are God’s children if we choose righteousness.
9) Working righteousness does not mean we are working our way to heaven.
10) It simply means what James descried in Jas. 2:18 – faith is shown by its works.
11) Deut. 4:29; Jer. 29:13; 1 Chron. 16:10-11.
12) We can be acceptable in the sight of God – it does not matter who we are if we obey.

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!

Immorality in the nation of Israel (Judges 19)

1) The 19th chapter of Judges begins our text.
a) At this time Israel had no centralized authority (the government was in a shambles).
b) Anarchy and injustice was the state of the nation.
2) In the latter part of verse 1 we find there was a man from the tribe of Levi living in some hill country.
3) The end of this verse says he took a “concubine” from Bethlehem.
4) “Concubine” may be thought of as a “lesser wife.”
5) The concubine became dissatisfied and left – verse 2 – READ
6) After a little time the wife was ready to go back with her husband.
7) Verse 9 – READ
8) The husband wanted to “get on the road.” Verse 10 – READ
a) They got to the city of Jerusalem – verses 10-11.
b) A servant was with the husband and wife and he suggested everyone stay in Jerusalem.
9) Verses 12-13 – READ
a) The couple, just like many travelers today, decided to keep going for a while.
b) They came to another place and decided to spend the night there – verse 15 – READ
10) An interesting statement is in this verse: “no man took them into his house to lodge.”
a) Travelers did not have access to the types of temporary lodging we have now.
b) Staying in Jerusalem was not safe.
11) This couple was finally approached by an old man – verse 16 – READ
a) Verse 17 – READ
b) At the end of verse 18 our travelers said to this fellow they had no place to stay.
12) Verse 19 says they had all the supplies they needed.
13) They lacked was a place to stay.
14) The old man said he would give these people all they needed; he said it was too dangerous to stay on the street.
15) Verse 20 – READ
a) After a time some people from the town came to visit.
b) One paraphrase refers to this group of visitors as “perverts.”
16) An event happened that was similar to the event involving Lot and the area of Sodom.
17) They had some plans for him that were vile – verse 22 – READ
18) The old man was a lot like Lot – he wanted to protect his house guests.
19) He Verse 23 – READ
20) Notice what we are told in 25a: READ
21) The rest of verse 25 says the wife (concubine) finally ended up outside the house.
22) This woman was treated very badly and finally killed.
23) The man took her back home but there was not a burial in the traditional sense of the word.
a) Verse 29 tells us the corpse of this wife was, in a sense, put forward for public viewing.
24) A key verse in this chapter is the last one – verse 30 – READ
a) People in Israel became aware of what had happened to this man’s wife.
b) Seeing the body of this woman stirred practically the entire nation to action.
25) Judg. 20:1-2, 3 – READ
a) The man in Judg. 19 got a first hand look at immorality; it affected his own family.
b) Immoral acts still bring great sadness to people.
26) A key point from Judg. 19, however, is this: God’s people responded to immorality.
27) Think of how our society regards immorality.
28) People have started to erase sin from their vocabulary.
29) We need to go back to the Bible and see how God defines sin.
a) We need to be the people who stand up in society and talk about immorality.
b) God is the moral judge of all people; morality is not judged by a poll.
c) It is not determined by a government, or from one generation to the next.

Get a FREE on-line Romans commentary at http://www.abiblecommentary.com. You may also order this commentary in book form for just $14.95 (it is a great addition to your library, or an ideal gift for friends, a special Bible class teacher or a cherished minister. The next commentary for release will be First Corinthians and we expect that will be out soon!