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The Neronian Persecution
Spring 65 - Nero’s massacre of the Christians begins.

• Over the next three years, Nero will brutalize the Christians in such unspeakable ways that the Romans themselves have sympathy for them.
• He will have some sewn up in the skins of wild beasts to be preyed upon by dogs until they expire.
• Others he will dress up in shirts of stiff wax, fix them to the trees in his garden, and light them up as human torches.
• The church in Rome has dwindled due to the killings.
• Priscilla and Aquila move to Ephesus to help Timothy care for the church.
• The persecution of the Christians spreads throughout the entire Roman Empire and lasts until A.D. 68, when Nero is banished from Rome and commits suicide.
• Crisis in Crete Paul is still in Macedonia, and Apollos and a lawyer named Zenas visit him there.
• Paul gets word from Titus in Crete that the churches on the island are still in crisis.
• The influence of the false teachers is growing. They are spreading the same heresy that Timothy is combating in Ephesus.
• Some of them are also encouraging rebellion and an immoral lifestyle. (The Cretans as a culture are noted for lying, engaging in wild parties, and gluttony.)
• A number of families are being disrupted as a result.
• Specifically, both the old and young men in the church are being influenced by the old Cretan lifestyle and are not exercising self-control.
• Some are rebelling against the local authorities.
• Some of the older women are engaging in slander and are abusing wine.
• Paul is burdened to write to Titus and give him further instructions on handling the crisis.[1]

 
PAUL WRITES TITUS

• Year: A.D. 65
• From: Macedonia
• To: Titus who is in Crete
• Provocation: Paul encourages Titus to strengthen the things that remain in the churches at Crete.
• He gives him practical instructions on selecting elders (1:5ff).
• Paul exhorts Titus on how to silence those who are spreading heresy in Crete and how to encourage and remind the believers with the truth that is in Christ (1:10–3:11).
• He closes the letter by asking Titus to meet him in Nicopolis for the winter and promises to send either Tychicus or Artemas to replace him in Crete.
• Paul sends the letter off with Apollos and Zenas the lawyer and asks Titus to care for their needs while they are in Crete.
• Luke scribes the letter.[2]

 
GREETING
TITUS 1
1 Paul, a (bond-)servant of God

• A “bond-servant” is one who has been set free by his master, but chooses to remain with and serve him for life (Exodus 21:5–6; Deuteronomy 15:12–17).
• This was Paul’s perception of his relationship with the Lord. Jesus set Paul free![3]

and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,

• God’s grace leads to godliness.
• When we believe we are made completely righteous to the core.
• This means that grace encourages righteous living.
• This is a central theme of Titus.
• We don’t need to focus on trying to be moral people.
• Our focus is to be on God’s grace in Christ, and to allow this to encourage us to live righteously. 

2 in the hope of eternal life

• Paul is not speaking of hope as a speculation about eternal life.
• For Paul, hope is a reality.
• The hope is something that is unshakeable and unbreakable. 

that God, who cannot lie,

• The New Covenant is founded on God’s promise to humanity.
• God has sworn to Himself that He will save forever all who believe in Jesus (see Hebrews 7:25).

promised before time began. 3 In his own time he has revealed his word in the preaching with which I was entrusted by the command of God our Savior:

• Paul is reminding Christians that their Savior is none other than God Himself.
• The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are responsible for our salvation.
• Before time began it was the entire Trinity who set out the plan of salvation in Christ. 

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith.
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

• Titus was Gentile who was led to Christ by the apostle Paul.
• Titus ministered on the island of Crete.
• It’s unknown as to whether Titus taught but he evidently had the task of acting as an administrator, setting up the leadership for the church. 
• God is giving us endless grace and peace.
• This is God’s message to the world today regardless of what we may feel or experience because of life’s difficulties.
• In Christ, God has provided an all-sufficient salvation.
• When we believe we become beneficiaries of God’s grace and as a result experience His peace.

 
TITUS’S MINISTRY IN CRETE
5 The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.

• Titus seems to have been, primarily, an administrative pastor.
• There is no indication that he taught the congregation though this could have certainly been the case.

6 An elder must be blameless (above reproach), the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion.

• Paul wants Titus to find people who truly know Jesus.
• This relationship will be expressed through righteous living at home as well as in the world.
• This is seen in Paul’s admonition to find someone who is married to one woman and consequently not a polygamist.
• Those who know Jesus will have lives characterized by His fruit and not deeds of the flesh.

7 As an overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,

• Hospitable, loving: Love is the single characterizing trait of the Christian. Consequently, elders ought to be examples of how Christ’s love can shine through believers.

9 holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

• Elders must be well-versed in the New Covenant otherwise confusion will spread in the congregation.
• Those who lead the church need to have a crystal-clear understanding of God’s grace and have good theological boundaries.

10 For there are many rebellious people, full of empty talk and deception, especially those from the circumcision party.

• The number one enemy for the Christian is legalism or adopting a law-based religion.
• During the days of the early church there was a constant battle to not mix the Old and New Covenants.
• Paul was absolutely against such an act.
• Therefore, Paul encouraged the silencing of these teachers who are wreaking havoc on the family.

11 It is necessary to silence them; they are ruining entire households by teaching what they shouldn’t in order to get money dishonestly. 12 One of their very own prophets said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

• The false teachers were engaged in racism and bigotry and stereotyping the people of Crete.
• This is a constant affliction for humans.
• We always label people according to the flesh and to what is seen.
• However, Christ is the only real identity for people.
• He brings all people together.

13 This testimony is true. For this reason, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith 14 and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of people who reject the truth.

• Paul encouraged reproving of false doctrine ultimately so that the church would be strengthened in their understanding of sound doctrine, and perhaps the false teachers saved through faith in Jesus.

15 To the pure, everything is pure,

• If we have believed in Jesus, we are pure to the core.
• To those who are pure every act, no matter how mundane, is an act of purity because we are in union with Jesus and can express Him in every context.

but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They claim to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.[4]

• They profess to know God: Paul seems to be speaking of those who have mixed law and grace.
• These judaizers were ever present amongst the early church.[5]

[1] Viola, Frank. The Untold Story of the New Testament Church, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA. 2004, PP 162-163.
[2] Viola, Frank. The Untold Story of the New Testament Church, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA. 2004, PP 162-163.
[3] Warren, B. (2013). Romans: The Foundational Truths of Romans 1–8 (p. 7). The Hill Publishing.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Tt 1:1–16). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Farley, Andrew. www.BibleCommentary.com. Titus 1.

- This is the body of believers that Paul
        spent 3 years with. He can talk about deep
        things with them.
        - Grace – “unmerited favor”
        - Grace – “God’s ability in us”
        * When grace is accepted by the believer not only do they have the desire to serve God, but they also have the ability/power to do so.
-This is important for later verses.
        - As our knowledge about God/Jesus
                 increases… so does our grace (that
                 comes from them).
        - 2 Peter 1:2 - May grace and peace be
                 multiplied to you through the
                 knowledge of God and of Jesus our
                 Lord.
        - Verses 3-14 are actually one long Greek
                 sentence.
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, in Christ;
 
[4] for He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world,
        - God’s timeline & our timeline
9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ
 - [8] He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
 - Anything the believer learns comes as a result of God’s revelation.
 - His will is only understood by the redeemed.
 - 1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ is God's power and God's wisdom,
 - We are “in Christ”.
 - “Mystery” – both Jews & Gentiles
 - “His will” – for you to walk by His Spirit
 - Believers are allowed the privilege of seeing the “good things” that come out of the “bad things” in life.
 - Get it”?
 - It’s hard to be a chaplain and not try to explain things.
10 as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
 - In the end… all things in Christ will be restored into it’s original state. (before the fall of man)
 - Things “in Him” in heaven and earth… not hell and not “outside of him”.
 - Philippians 2:10 & Revelation 5:3 – “things in heaven, on earth and under earth.”
 - “under earth“ is not included in this verse.
11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will,

• Many will translate this as “we are his inheritance.”
• How can we consider ourselves worthless sinners?
• We are holy and blameless before him.
• Predestined according to the plan of the One who works (energizes) out everything in agreement with the purpose of His will,
• 2 Thessalonians 2:9 – tells us that Satan has power too. - 9 The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with every kind of miracle, both signs and wonders serving the lie.[1]
• We need to make sure we are plugged into the correct power source.
• God’s will is that none should perish, but be saved and walk in His Spirit.

12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

• Romans 8:29 – 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.[2]
• When we are conformed to His image at the resurrection.

13 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.

• Truth always exposes error.
• Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6)
• —in Him when you believed—were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
• Only “in Him” that we become God’s family.
• Sealed is similar to the significance of the signet ring in Daniel 6:17.
• Transaction was completed
• Seal was protection/security
• Seal was authentic
• Seal pointed to ownership
• Seal pointed to approval
• Seal is not to be disturbed

14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
 - irrevocable pledge
 - engagement ring
 - The Holy Spirit is a down payment of what is to come.
 - Romans 8:29 – GLORY!
 
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL INSIGHT
15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
 - Paul prayed for their wisdom & understanding (v. 8)
 - I pray for your revelation
 - Rev 2:4 – The left their first love.
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
 - Or “a spirit”…
 - these are ministries of the Holy Spirit.
 - You get wisdom & knowledge by knowing Him.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart
 - “heart” being your innermost being - emotional & mental.
may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.[3]
 - so you may know what is the hope of His calling,
 - Many will translate “calling” as one’s vocation, career or job.
 - I see it as one’s journey (including our giftedness in the things we do).
 - Many of our journeys come through trials.
 - Romans 5:3-5 - but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.[4]
 - what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints,
 - If the church can see each other as this…
 - Again… take focus off of self and what you received.
 - We are not viewed as a “Biggest Donor’s List”.
 - “May be enlightened – to the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints”
 - In many households, only one person knows the true value of the family wealth because they pay the bills.
 - The other parties never investigate what they have in the bank.
 - It is the same way when you visualize what you have spiritually.
 - Some will truly investigate and some will be satisfied with what they already have/know.
 
 - We have to see the incredible value in one another… not based upon the size of house, or accumulation of stuff, or beauty or capabilities or even how much they help you.
 - We are His inheritance (totally selfless).

[1] Christian Standard Bible (2 Th 2:9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 8:29). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 1:9–19). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 5:3–5). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:21
Genesis 2:16
John 14:6
1 Corinthians 3:16
1 Corinthians 6:17
Galatians 5:16
Matthew 15:24
Romans8:28
​Galatians 5:22-23

Romans 5:1
Acts 20:35
1 Corinthians 6:17
Romans 8:1

• We left off in Paul’s letter with home focused on the centrality of Jesus Christ.
• Jesus is the foundation of everything we believe which impacts what we do.

 
PAUL’S MINISTRY
COLOSSIANS 1
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings

• For the sake of the Gospel… not something evil.

for you,

• You = Gentiles – the very word that got him in this situation of being arrested.

and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.

• All Paul has done in his ministry years has been for the Church.
• The very body/people that he destroyed as a Pharisee.

25 I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

• What is this mystery?
• That the Jews and Gentiles are one in Jesus.
• The difference between the Old and the New Covenant.
• During the Old Testament, a Gentile had to become a Jewish proselyte in order to share in the blessings of Israel.
• But in the New Covenant, Jews and Gentiles alike are saved by faith in Jesus Christ.[1]
• Romans 10:11–13 - For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, 12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.[2]

27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

• God's glory lives above and beyond any type of description or definition.
• You cannot accurately and fully describe in words the glory that Scripture declares.
• "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand?" (Isaiah 40:12).
• Go to your sink, turn it on, and see how much water you can cup in the palm of your hand before it starts spilling out.
• Then, consider that your God can hold all of the liquid in the universe and not spill a single drop!
• Where we chase after glory can vary, but one thing is for certain: this hunger for glory will never ever be satisfied by created things.
• Even if you could experience the most glorious situations, locations, relationships, experiences, achievements or possessions in this life, your heart still would not be satisfied.
• Creation has no capacity whatsoever to bring contentment to your heart.
• Only God can satisfy our hunger and give peace and rest to our hearts.

 

• Mayor Fadness had a breakfast on Wednesday concerning mental health in our community.
• It was actually stated that we don’t have an answer for the root cause of mental health.

 

• The reality is that we can't actually solve our own glory dysfunction.
• Many have tried; none have succeeded on their own.
• Our only hope is for the God of glory to invade our lives and rescue us.
• But not rescue us from culture or media or government – no, he needs to rescue us from us.

 

• This is why Jesus came to earth, lived righteously on our behalf, died for our dysfunction, then rose again conquering sin and death.
• In amazing grace, Jesus willingly came on a glory rescue mission, and because he did, there's hope for us.
• When we admit to our glory thievery and when we cry out for help for our dysfunction, we can finally be free from the never-satisfying quest for worldly glory and live forever in the light of the satisfying glory of God.[3]

28 We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom (the right use of knowledge), so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

• Galatians 3:8 - Now the Scripture saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and proclaimed the gospel ahead of time to Abraham, saying, All the nations will be blessed through you.[4]

29 I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.

• It is hard work to walk by the Spirit.
• How do you even do that?
• Trust what you know… not what you feel?
• Feelings in your gut aren’t always true.
• Whose strength is it any way?

 
COLOSSIANS 2
1 For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling (praying) for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person.

• Prayer is not our trying to change God’s mind.
• It is learning what is the mind of God and asking accordingly.[5]
• It is a similar response for us as to the families in Texas this week.
• We are here and what are we able to do for them?
• It is Memorial Day, and what are we able to do for the families of the war dead?
• We never forget… and we pray.

2 I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ.

• The ultimate goal, for Paul, was to “know the mystery of God, namely Christ” in the fellowship of the church[6]
• “I want” – Paul is stating his purpose which comes from his heart. His passion.
• Paul speaks of intimate relationships and a unity which binds together those who walk in the truth[7]
• Think about the legalism and interpretation issues that were a part of Paul’s background.
• If you stay focused on the Truth… rather than the issues… you will have unforced unity.

3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

• Wisdom implies the ability to defend what we understand.
• Knowledge suggests the ability to grasp truth.
• All of these terms were also used by the gnostics.[8]
• The false teachers focused on wisdom; Paul focused on Christ.[9]

 
CHRIST VERSUS THE COLOSSIAN HERESY
4 I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable.

• Theologically, he was concerned that the Colossians not be deceived by “fine-sounding arguments.”
• The real threat was that they might be deceived by a fast line or by smooth talk.
• The church had to learn to see beyond the fine-sounding language of the heretics to the empty and damning arguments they were presenting.
• Thus, it was to grow in the knowledge of Christ to avoid the deceitful traps of heretical arguments.[10]
• Super Summer training for our students.

5 For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

• Paul is so taken up with his pastoral task that he is with them ‘in spirit’.
• This means much more than ‘I am thinking of you’ for he feels he is one of them.
• Paul is united with them, committed to them, and commends them.[11]
• “Order” describes the arrangement of the army in ranks, with each soldier in his proper place.
• “strength” – “steadfastness” pictures the soldiers in battle formation, presenting a solid front to the enemy.[12]

6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

• Picture of tree?
• A thankful spirit is a mark of Christian maturity. When a believer is abounding in thanksgiving, he is really making progress![13]
• I’ll hang around that person all day long!

8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.

• “captive” – pirated
• Paul’s ‘Beware’ alerts them to the seriousness of their situation and their need to be attentive to the possibility of their being misled through a false pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.
• Paul saw this influx of heresy as a planned, organized attack against Christian theology.[14]
• Paul is not speaking against philosophy in general, just the kind that contradicts the gospel message.[15]
• Here is a clue to the Colossian heresy. It included philosophy, traditions of men, science of the day, and worldly thinking.
• Paul is warning them about the kind of teaching that does nothing for the soul and negates the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is ‘not according to Christ’.
• The Colossian heresy promised much but because it was man-made it would not deliver. [16]
• True Christian philosophy “take[s] captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5)[17]

9 For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ,

• Apart from Him is emptiness.
• The very nature of God is fully present in Christ.
• The fullness refers to the completeness of the divine nature, but it does not mean that Christ is all there is of God.[18]

10 and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

• “filled by Him” – made complete
• This is not “positional”
• When Christ is in you (1:27) there is no room for another on the throne of your heart.[19]

11 You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ,

• In the Old Testament, circumcision was the outward sign of the covenant made with Abraham and the seal of membership of the covenant people of God.
• The ‘spoilers’ said that converts must be circumcised, as it was essential to salvation.
• Gnostic legalism said that the Jewish Law would help the believers become more spiritual.
• If they were circumcised, and if they watched their diets and observed the holy days, then they would become part of the “spiritual elite” in the church.
• Unfortunately, we have people with similar ideas in our churches today.[20]
• But Paul taught that believers need not be circumcised in the flesh to be complete in Christ, as he fulfilled all the Old Testament’s types and shadows, making Judaism obsolete (Eph. 2:14).[21]
• God continually expresses concern for circumcision of the heart (Deut 10:16; Jer 4:4; Rom 2:29 – “On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly,  and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter.”[22])[23]
• Their sinful nature (NIV) (“the body of the flesh”) was decisively put off by Christ’s death and resurrection.
• The word (flesh) usually identified the moral principle which characterizes humanity.
• Thus, the statement here refers to putting off the fallenness that guides people naturally,[24]
• What people were in Adam—sinful, fallen, and corrupt—was destroyed by Christ.
• Now “in Christ” a believer is a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
• And having a new Head a believer has a new authority for his life—not the Law of Moses but the life of Christ.[25]
• The NIV translation may confuse the English reader by calling the state of pre-Christian existence a “nature.”
• In fact, the term “nature” is an awkward one since it seldom communicates effectively.
• If the term “nature” means a characteristic way of acting, the translation “nature” is correct.
• At conversion, a believer begins to act a new way, giving evidence of a new nature.
• The term, however, is confusing because of the way it is often used by modern Christians.
• Many refer to an old nature and a new nature which are co-resident within the believer.
• Such an understanding confuses this passage.
• The old nature has been put off at the believer’s circumcision, and it is no longer present.[26]

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 122). Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 10:11–13). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] https://www.paultripp.com/articles/posts/the-doctrine-of-glory-article?gclid=CjwKCAjws8yUBhA1EiwAi_tpERnCUSkwXBgbjyVkocW_FbVrR5Yr5QCcBKy88wfggxQpAviqBmvUJRoCQ10QAvD_BwE
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Ga 3:8). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 123). Victor Books.
[6] Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 245). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[7] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon. Opening Up Commentary (p. 37). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 123). Victor Books.
[9] Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 245). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[10] Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. The New American Commentary (Vol. 32, p. 246). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[11] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon. Opening Up Commentary (p. 40). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[12] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Col 2:4). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[13] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Col 2:4). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[14] Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. The New American Commentary (Vol. 32, p. 252). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[15] Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Col 2:8). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[16] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon. Opening Up Commentary (p. 42). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[17] Geisler, N. L. (1985). Colossians. (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Eds.)The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 677). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[18] Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. The New American Commentary (Vol. 32, p. 255). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[19] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon. Opening Up Commentary (p. 43). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[20] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Col 2:11). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[21] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon. Opening Up Commentary (p. 45). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[22] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 2:29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[23] Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Col 2:11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[24] Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. The New American Commentary (Vol. 32, p. 258). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[25] Geisler, N. L. (1985). Colossians. (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Eds.)The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 677). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[26] Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. The New American Commentary (Vol. 32, pp. 258–259). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

• As Paul has been winding his way to the end of this letter, he is expressing a form of accountability that we are all familiar with.

 
FINAL WARNINGS AND EXHORTATIONS
2 CORINTHIANS 13
1 This is the third time I am coming to you.

• Acts 18:1-11 - This was the trip to Corinth in 50 AD when Paul founded the church.
• Remember, he stayed there for about eighteen months that time and ministered in the city.
• Paul wrote his 1st letter to the Church in Thessalonica during that stay.
• 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 - The second trip that he alludes to here was the painful visit in the spring of ad 54, growing out of Timothy’s visit, when he went over and he found that things were not going well.

Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

• Deuteronomy 19:15 - In context, this is as people are being taught about life in the promised land.

2 I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient,

• Paul is expressing the idea of accountability here.
• He is warning them that he is coming to deal with those who are still refusing to repent of their sin.
• “You wait until your Dad gets home.”
• I’m coming to kick butt.
• I have used this approach many times over my years in ministry.

3 since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me.

• “You want to see Christ working in me? OK, I’ll show you!!!”

He is not weak in dealing with you, but powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by God’s power.

• OK… so what does this “accountability” look like when Paul actually comes to town?
• It looks like everything Paul has been teaching previously in this letter.
• He comes in weakness rather than his own fleshly strength.
• He comes in God’s strength… which is Romans 2:4 - Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?[1]
• Every time I come to a brother/sister in Jesus, I come with a humble heart.
• Will they give me their ear? Not if I come in condemnation… but in grace.
• I don’t avoid the hard conversation of their sin… it is what is… but I come with the Good News of forgiveness and repentance.

5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test.

• I am absolutely positive this is how Paul approached those who were still struggling with walking by faith.
• He reminded them of their identity in Christ.
• What does that mean that “Jesus is in you”?

6 And I hope you will recognize that we ourselves do not fail the test.

• If he comes with this exact message, he will be different than all the others who bringing condemnation.
• Then you can see that Christ is in us and we are listening to Him.

7 But we pray to God that you do nothing wrong—not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear to fail.

• Paul is going to walk by his flesh some times, but don’t let that distract you from what he normally does and what he teaches.

8 For we can’t do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you become fully mature.

• This is the journey of all believers.
• It is natural for us to respond to the Truth.
• We have been given the ability to discern truth even when lies have been disguised as truth.
• As we mature in our spiritual growth, we are able to see things in light of the Spirit that resides in us.
• You see what Paul… and this ministry does here.
• At the same time that we pointing out flesh patterns, we are expressing truth to them and confirming the faith they already have.
• We just keep reminding them who they really are.

10 This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

• Paul would much rather have them see this truth in this letter rather than have to come and actually say it to their face.
• But sometimes you just have to have the face to face conversations.

11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

• This letter is the result of dealing with a dysfunctional church but also encouraging them in their faith and maturity.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings.

• This is a normal Middle Eastern greeting and goodbye.

13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.[2]

• The fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
• This is a byproduct of walking by the Spirit together as a community.

 
PAUL IN MACEDONIA
ACTS 20
1 After the uproar was over, Paul sent for the disciples, encouraged them, and after saying farewell, departed to go to Macedonia. 2 And when he had passed through those areas (MAP - Illyricum – Romans 15:19) and offered them many words of encouragement, he came to Greece (Corinth) 3 and stayed three months.

• This would be the Winter of 57 AD
• He stayed as a guest of Gaius Titius Justus.
• We know this because during his stay in Corinth, he penned his letter to the church in Rome.
• He thanked Gaius for hosting him at the end of the letter.
• The letter to Rome was requested by Aquilla & Priscilla who are ministering in Rome.
• There are many foreigners coming and going from Rome and they had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.
• They asked Paul to explain the Gospel clearly in his letter.
• They explain the tension between the Jews and the Gentiles (meat eating and holy days)
• Paul pens the letter to Church in Rome.

The Jews plotted against him when he was about to set sail for Syria (Antioch), and so he decided to go back through Macedonia. 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

• 7 men plus Luke (author)
• These 7 men had brought Paul the relief fund for Jerusalem from the respective churches.
• They wanted to accompany Paul to Jerusalem.
• All 8 men went to Phiippi and caught up with Luke.

5 These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas, 6 but we (Paul & Luke) sailed away from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread. In five days (unfavorable winds) we reached them at Troas, where we spent seven days.

• Map of Troas

 
EUTYCHUS REVIVED AT TROAS
7 On the first day of the week (Sunday), we assembled to break bread.

• They meet on the 3rd floor of the insula/apartment.
• It’s lit with many torches and kind of smoky. (hot)

Paul spoke to them, and since he was about to depart the next day, he kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were assembled, 9 and a young man (8-14 years old) named Eutychus was sitting on a window sill and sank into a deep sleep as Paul kept on talking.

• Let’s actually blame it on the room conditions rather than Paul’s preaching.

When he was overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down, bent over him, embraced him, and said, “Don’t be alarmed, because he’s alive.” 11 After going upstairs, breaking the bread, and eating,

• They fed the young boy!

Paul talked a long time until dawn. Then he left. 12 They brought the boy home alive and were greatly comforted.[3]

• What do you think Paul talked about for so long?

The same thing we talk about every Sunday!

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 2:4). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 13:1–13). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Ac 20:1–12). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

ROMANS 8.1-11                                                                                                                                        5.30
 
Romans 8:1-11 It is this amazingly freeing chapter for us as Christ followers.  I only hope I can do it justice as it is such a key piece in our Grace abounding journey.
Paul starts out this chapter with a Therefore.  As he does plenty of the time in his writing.  I think Keith said this is in summary or read backwards to get context before you proceed. With that lets quickly touch on the amazing teachers we have had up to this point in our Romans’ journey.
Romans’ teachers

1. David Olthoff taught us that Paul wrote this letter on his third mission, was the longest of all his epistles.  He had never been to Rome, so it was a full picture letter of so many pointed truths that Paul found imperative to share with the Church.  Really the core principals of what our life and faith should look like when we let God live thru us.
2. Keith Tyner taught us that Adam started us down this trajectory of having a sinful nature. In doing so his brain now had a conscience. This cannot be trusted, and Paul begins to lay out that Jews and Gentiles are not exempt from being unjust do to which they are or whether they are circumcised or not.
3. Doug Shrieve laid out for us that the wrath of God is just.  That all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God due to nature that we are born with.  However, we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28.
4. Ryan McCall expanded on the justified by faith concept using Abraham as a for instance. Abraham was made righteous long before the law was around.  How could that be? Only by faith, not works or law or circumcision.
   1. Al Costlow, Brandon Leum, Chris Pickrell, David Speckman, Brett Sutton, Danny DiSalvo, Greg Dugger gave us some beautiful summary of Romans 1-4 along with some personal reflection.
5. Kevin Willard talked about chasing the phantom of being “a good Christian”. Talked thru since we are justified by faith, we should have peace with God.
   1. Ed Henz told us thru how our reliance on the Holy Spirit is the only way we get thru trial or temptations.
   2. The Leubker’s taught us a little ditty about how Christ died for us while we were enemies and unrighteous. Laying the groundwork for our identity.
   3. Dan Luedke began to introduce us to how man is a 3 part being.  Spirit, Soul, and Body. He started to talk us thru the old man or “Adamic or sinful nature” that we start out with and what that looks like. On the flip side he showed us what our new nature begins to look like upon our being justified by faith.
   4. The amazing youth of our church gave us some great insight and analysis of Romans 5 to close out the chapter.
6. Luke Dunnick gave us a few laughs.  However, he homed in on the tree of life and the tree of knowledge and good and evil.  How we have been united with Christ and our old self was Crucified with him as well.
   1. We had the amazing Teen Challenge weekend.  Everyone say Thank you Jesus!
   2. Shannon Cox really dove into what is should look like to be dead to sin and alive to God. Diving deeper into the “old man” who is done away with and the new man who is Holy, Blameless, Redeemed etc.  She also filled us in on Ron’s driving……..maybe he should be racing today?!
   3. The amazingly encouraging and funny Matt Tully took us to his rehearsal dinner trivia, as well as drove home that we should not be chasing anything other than God.  All other things are fleeting, God is fulfilling and forever.
   4. On Mother’s Day we had some amazing mothers come up and share some raw experiences and wisdom going back over Romans 6. Therese, Amy, Jeannie, Amy, Angela, Nicole, Caroline wow thank you for sharing. We have some amazingly strong women here.  I think Nicole said it looks like we all have it together, so she is intimidated and does not feel like she fits in.  I hope after all the teaching through this series you can see we are all dealing with junk.  I am here to tell you I sure do not have it together.  I am glad you are here Nicole.
7. The brothers of Thunder. Man, I want to be like those guys when I grow up!  Can you tell that these guys are passionate about showing everyone their identity?  I think so!
   1. Wes opened in a powerfully transparent talk about how evil can be present within our flesh and run if we let it. It will take us prisoner if we let it.

• What an amazing group of teachers.  What an amazing group we are a part of here. Where else can you get honesty, vulnerability and transparency and support like this? I love how everyone has shared some of their struggles, I really feel like in doing so it brings them all to light, takes power away from them as we all share in it.  I am so thankful for this place.
• Alright let us get into the scripture
  • 8.1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
  • Mic drop

con·dem·na·tion
 
1.
the expression of very strong disapproval; censure
2.
the action of condemning someone to a punishment; sentencing.
Opposite of praise
Everyone of us deals with this.  Daily. What is the main source of this we deal with this? THOUGHTS! Where do these thoughts come from? Lies from the POS! We have learned that these evil thoughts that enter our mind can enter our brain because what is our brain- its flesh, therefore the POS can live in our flesh and generate these thoughts. If we do not have a filter to filter these out though we can be tricked into thinking these truths are our own.  We can start to believe these lies.  These lies would try to tell us that it is our nature that we are still battling that is producing these thoughts or lies.  However, our old man Adamic nature is done away with once we are justified by faith. It is the POS that resides in our flesh, and once we know and can filter that it is a lot more identifiable. If its not you generating this thought, or God generating this thought you can easily overcome the POS while we rest right!

• Scripture
• Helmet with screen synopsis
• Let’s create a filter for these thoughts
• How do most of these thoughts or lies start…. first person right. Any of these thoughts that condemn us as a person are from the POS.
  • I am a bad father
  • I am a terrible friend
  • I will never be a good follower of Christ
  • I am a bad mother
  • I do not have anything to live for
  • I know god cannot love me
• Any of these thoughts that condemn us as a person are from the POS. This should be an immediate filter for us.
• Thoughts from God
  • I hate lying
  • I do not approve of adultery
• This starting to make sense.
• If we are grounded in our identity, we can easily filter these.  I am not saying it is easy to do on the constant, rather we should be able to discern easier with these truths.
  • I am Holy
  • I am a Saint
• Picture of Cohen and screen time
  • Was probably uncertain because his brain was telling him that there would be condemnation from us
  • Listened to his mind to speak truth
  • Holli loved him
• 8.2 because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death
  • Law we are no longer under, correct? According to romans 7:6 But now we have been released from the law since we have died to what held us, so that we may serve in the newness of the spirit and not in the old letter of the law.
  • This is tricky because the word law in Greek can also mean principle, which is the case here in verse 2.  A trick I learned here is big L means Gods law, little l means principle.  So, lets read this again with plugging that in.
  • Romans 6:22-23 But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification—and the outcome is eternal life! 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• 8.3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering,
  • Big L so back to mosaic law here in terminology
  • How was the law weakened by flesh?
    • We are born with a sinful nature because Adam’s choice, therefore there is no way to overcome that to completely fulfill the law in our own strength. Therefore, we cannot gain righteousness from the law.
    • Christ was the perfect offering, not born of sinful nature so He could fulfill the prophecy and become the perfect Savior
• 8.4 in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [1]
  • This passage is referring to the mosaic law and the requirements that we cannot fulfill as we walk according to the flesh (meaning unredeemed, lost)
  • If we have been justified by faith and letting the spirit live our lives for us the requirements of the law will be fulfilled by our “new nature” and the spirit living inside us leading us
• 8.5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit.[2]
  • Once again to verify living according to the flesh is an unredeemed person, lost, still living in their sinful nature
  • I think the Brothers of thunder talked about a story where Rusty held up a red shovel and said do not look at the shovel.  What do you want to do, stare at the shovel. Great example of this.
  • Keep your eyes on the Lord!
• 8.6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.
  • Paul is hammering home that the flesh is focused on death, it is apart from Christ.
  • What does the flesh contain – POS
  • What does the POS contain?
    • Lies
    • Condemnation
    • Guilt
    • Shame
  • In John 10:10 Jesus says A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.[3][4]
  • Replace thief here with
    • Flesh
    • POS
• 8.7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so.[5]
  • Work electrical situation example
  • The flesh is born of a sinful or Adamic nature due to Adam’s decision
• 8.8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.[6]
  • What is someone who is in the flesh?
    • Unredeemed, lost
• 8.9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.[7]
  • What is the distinction that Paul is trying to make here?
  • Paul is stating that a believer who has been redeemed by faith is in the Spirit, and someone who is lost is unredeemed and does not have the Spirit living inside of them.
  • What about a Christian who has turned away from God and is living their life not according to the Spirit?
  • They are walking by the flesh but not in the flesh.  Does that make sense
    • They are still redeemed, but for a period they may be walking by the flesh. Big difference from being lost.  They can repent of their sin.  Someone who is in the flesh or lost must be redeemed by faith first.
• Grandma story
  • I believe it is very important to understand that distinction
• 8.10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.[8]
  • Shannon and Matt gave us a great illustration of what man looks like in a three part being.
    • Body
    • Soul
    • Spirit
  • Paul is saying that the body, which is born, or an Adamic or sinful nature remains that way. Aka dead
  • When we accept Christ, our Old man is done away with. 
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 says    Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.[9]
  • What is our old man?
    • Our Spirit and Soul born out of our Adamic nature is transformed.  It is made new giving us life and life eternal!
    • We are made
      • Holy
      • Redeemed
      • Saint
      • Righteous
• 8.11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you. [10]
  • We have the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead living inside of us
  • Let me say that again
  • He came to bring life and life abundantly
  • Car/IndyCar comparison
• Closing
  • Such a pivotal section of scripture
  • Life your life abundantly
  • I want to encourage you to be intentional when encountering these thoughts of condemnation.  Run them thru the filter of discernment.
  • Live without CONDEMNATION, GUILT, REGRET, SHAME
  • Live like you have the Spirit of God living inside you!

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:4). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:5). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Jn 10:10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:7). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:9). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (2 Co 5:17). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ro 8:11). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Review:

• In Chapter 5 Paul was dealing with the difficult issue of incest that had been accepted not only by society but also the Church.
• The church at Corinth was rapidly losing its testimony in the city.
• Not only did the unsaved know about the immorality in the assembly, but they were also aware of the lawsuits involving members of the church.[1]
  
  

LAWSUITS AMONG BELIEVERS
1 CORINTHIANS 6
1 If any of you has a dispute against another, how dare you take it to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Or don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the trivial cases? 3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels—how much more matters of this life?

• This in reference to a judgment to come.
• This final judgment is way more important than the trivial matters you are dealing with here.
• If they are going to be able to do the future judgment, surely they can figure out a way to deal with these trivial issues without suing.

4 So if you have such matters, do you appoint as your judges those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame! Can it be that there is not one wise person among you who is able to arbitrate between fellow believers?

• Paul is questioning about taking their matters to a secular world rather than dealing with them inside the church where there are common beliefs and standards.

6 Instead, brother goes to court against brother, and that before unbelievers!

• Most likely a territorial dispute between Christian brothers.
• These lawsuits weren’t for the purpose of receiving money as much as they were to publicly shame others.
• This was a society that pride and shame were more important than financial prosperity.
• The wealthy would often sue other wealthy people and many times the poor.
• The poor were never allowed to sue the wealthy.

7 As it is, to have legal disputes against one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves do wrong and cheat—and you do this to brothers and sisters!

• “Well, because I don’t get any justice that way.”
• Bingo! The gospel is not about entitlement.
• It’s not about demanding one’s rights; it’s about relinquishing them for the sake of others.
• Nothing is said in this passage about complaint with a non-Christian.
• Nothing is said in this passage about defending the rights of others, even other believers who have been wronged.
• Those may be very appropriate processes and priorities.
• But if the sole purpose of initiating litigation is for my own benefit and to put someone else down, the lost world recognizes that when we do it in their system, and there’s no way that the gospel ministry is advanced.[2]
• But doesn’t that make us a “doormat” to society and to one another?
• I wouldn’t exactly call Jesus, who came to serve, wash feet, heal the broken and literally lay down His life for the world as a doormat.

 

• The church at Corinth was rapidly losing its testimony in the city.
• Not only did the unsaved know about the immorality in the assembly, but they were also aware of the lawsuits involving members of the church.

9 Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom?

• “Unrighteous”, “evil doers”, “wicked”, “unjust”, “Those who do wrong” – Noun
• There are those who make a profession of faith, and yet continue to live for years, perhaps their entire life, not struggling against sin, not making spiritual progress and growing in holiness, but having lapses, and at times even serious lapses, maybe a period of backsliding.
• But there are others who seemingly make a profession of faith, but from the perspective of outsiders, it never seems to create change—lasting, substantial change.[3]
• When Paul uses a noun, not a verb that refers to one action or series of actions, but he uses a noun—those who are “evildoers” would be another way of translating “wrongdoers”—that this is the term that defines their life, that that is inconsistent with a profession of faith that would lead to inheriting God’s kingdom, living reconciled with God in this life, and with God and His people for all eternity.[4]
• Have you ever thought about your lifestyle and how it defines you? What the world judges you by.
• Bill Gates, Mel Gibson, Ellen, Amy Coney Barrett, LeBron James, Peyton Manning, King David, Job, Rusty Kennedy.
• What defines you?

Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males, 10 no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom.

• this is their characteristic lifestyle.
• Verses 9–11, in short, teach that the consistently wicked are not Christians.
• We need to love people trapped in these lifestyles, but we cannot celebrate, we cannot justify it.
• We cannot say it’s consistent with God’s words or with His desires for humanity.
• And much of this is because, for the first time in human history, our generation has turned sexual expression into a right, rather than the privilege.
• Most of these issues Paul has listed stemmed from pride.
• Wanting more than they are given.
• The theme of simply wanting what I want, when I want it, how I want it, without thought for others, without any sense of delayed gratification, in flagrant violation of God’s laws and principles[5]

11 And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

• Clarifying their identity in Christ at this point.
• Holy, sanctified – set apart from the rest of the wicked world.

 
GLORIFYING GOD IN BODY AND SPIRIT
12 “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.

• This is where the grace message gets distorted.
• Paul’s message was one that cleared them from following Mosaic Law (God’s Law).
• God’s Law was used as a tutor to show people that they needed a Savior.
• You can make a list of sins (wrong doings) and identify that all have sinned.
• As Gentiles, you were never even placed under God’s Laws even though we can read about them.
• But now, as believers, you have been transformed into a new creation.
• He removed your old stone heart and replaced it with a heart of flesh.
• Your dead spirit has been made alive with the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.
• You have the Spirit of God living in you…
• He guides you, He matures you, He gives you faith, He produces fruit in you.
• You no longer are defined by a list of sins.
• You are defined by your walk… by the Spirit or according to the flesh.
• Yah… your free. You can do whatever you want.
• But if you chose to walk by the flesh, it is probably not going to beneficial for you.
• As Christians, we must ask ourselves, “Will this enslave me? Is this activity really profitable for my spiritual life?”[6]

13 “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

• Many believed in dualism – the body is evil and the soul is good.
• Therefore, what we do with the body is one thing and what we do with the soul is another.
• They treated sex as an appetite to be satisfied and not as a gift to be cherished and used carefully.
• Sensuality is to sex what gluttony is to eating; both are sinful and both bring disastrous consequences.
• Just because we have certain normal desires, given by God at Creation, does not mean that we must give in to them and always satisfy them.
• Sex outside of marriage is destructive, while sex in marriage can be creative and beautiful.[7]
• Bank – Rob it – take what is not yours or invest and receive dividends.

14 God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? So should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not!

• Prostitution, taken for granted by most in the Greek and Roman world with very much of a double standard.
• Women couldn’t do it, but men could, even along with having a legally married wife to raise up legitimate heirs for the family.[8]
• Paul once again declares that “license to sin” is not what he is teaching.

16 Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh., 17 But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

• When a man and woman join their bodies, the entire personality is involved.
• There is a much deeper experience, a “oneness” that brings with it deep and lasting consequences.

18 Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body.

• Paul warned that sexual sin is the most serious sin a person can commit against his body, for it involves the whole person.
• Sex is not just a part of the body.
• Being “male” and “female” involves the total person.
• Therefore, sexual experience affects the total personality.[9]
• Non-Christian psychologists and sociologists have demonstrated that the more sexual partners a person has, the harder it becomes to form and sustain any kind of human intimacy, even should one later choose to.[10]

19 Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.[11]

• In a culture of consumerism and entitlement, where we’re bombarded with messages daily telling us we deserve x, we need to treat ourselves to y, we need to remind ourselves that from God’s perspective most of those statements are false.[12]

 
PRINCIPLES OF MARRIAGE
1 CORINTHIANS 7
1 Now in response to the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”

• In light of the “sexual culture” that dominated the Greek & Romans worlds during this time, there was a movement for pro-celibacy marriages.
• Marriages that were spiritually based and did away with sex because it was so distorted at the time.
• There was a concern that Paul was teaching that all men and women should not have sexual relations.
• This was the excuse used before “I have a headache.”

2 But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman should have sexual relations with her own husband.

• Sexual immorality is so common and rampant and available… there is a way to avoid it.
• Have sex with your spouse!
• If sex or even thoughts about sex, outside of your marriage, is an issue… Paul’ solution is to have sex with your spouse.

3 A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband.

• “Marital duty”. For both the husband and the wife.
• It is both of their “duties” to fulfill their sexual desires.
• What if only one of them has the need?
• Paul says, “take care of it for them.”
• Otherwise, they are going to look elsewhere to fulfill that need and there are plenty of opportunities available.
• “likewise” means it is not a way transaction.
• Seek to please each other.

4 A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does.

• Paul is not saying “rape”.
• Paul is talking about the commitment that was made at marriage.
• One flesh… in this together.
• They share the rights of each other’s bodies… together.

5 Do not deprive one another—except when you agree for a time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again; otherwise, Satan may tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

• Abstain for a period of time is OK… but it needs to be talked about and agreed to by both.
• Want a good marriage… have sex OFTEN
• One of you probably wants/needs it more often than the other.
• You are only asking for trouble if you refuse to have sex with your spouse.

6 I say this as a concession, not as a command.

• He is pleading and recommending.
• Not demanding.
• As a parent to a child.

7 I wish that all people were as I am.

• Celibacy… Paul is currently single.

But each has his own gift from God, one person has this gift, another has that.

• Our desires are different because we are created different.

 
A WORD TO THE UNMARRIED
8 I say to the unmarried and to widows: It is good for them if they remain as I am.

• An encouragement to those who remain single.

9 But if they do not have self-control, they should marry, since it is better to marry than to burn with desire. [13]

• But if sex is going to control your life, you probably ought to marry someone of the opposite sex.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 587). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[3] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[4] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[5] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 588). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 589). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[8] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 589). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[11] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (1 Co 6:1–20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] Blomberg, C. L. (2017). NT334 Book Study: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[13] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (1 Co 7:1–9). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.