FOLLOWING CHRIST
1 PETER 4
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin--

• Don’t forget where we left off last week with 1 Peter 3:18 – For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,[1]
• Christians will suffer in this world because they are inherently opposed to the world and sin.
• According to Peter, if we suffer because we are at odds with the world, then it means that we have ceased from sin.
• This does not mean that Christians do not or cannot choose to sin, but rather that they are no longer characterized by it.
• Christians are designed to live according to the will of God.

2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.

• 'the flesh' is not used here or anywhere else in 1 Peter (it is used seven times; all but one of them are in 3:18—4:6) in the Pauline sense of the sinful nature in human beings (as, e.g., in Rom. 7—8), but in the normal Jewish sense of human existence as weak, fallen, and therefore subject to pain and death.
• In the New Testament, God’s will is ultimately Jesus Christ.
• The will of God is that we believe in Him and then allow Him to live through us daily (see also 1 John 3:23).
• This will of God is ultimately the opposite of the lusts of men or, in the context, the lusts of the Gentiles.
• Christians are no longer compatible with the sins of the Gentiles.
• The time of acting like this has passed because it no longer makes sense for those who have been born again.
• Warren Wiersbe - "We may not always understand what He [God] is doing, but we know that He is doing what is best for us. We do not live on explanations; we live on promises."

3 For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.

• It would seem that Peter is writing to a predominately Gentile audience.

4 They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living—and they slander you. 5 They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

• We can take comfort in the fact that it is not our job to judge the world.
• God is the judge, and He will judge perfectly because He is perfect love and perfect goodness.

6 For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that, although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards, they might live in the spirit according to God’s standards.

• God has been proclaiming the good news of Jesus in one way or another since the beginning of time.
• The Gospel has been presented throughout the ages in different ways (Abraham being saved by faith, as an example).
• The finished work of Christ is not simply for the front end of Christianity.
• Jesus’ work is the entirety of Christianity.
• We cannot know God apart from His work, and within His work, the nature of God is revealed.
• Notice that considering this reality, Peter states that the Gospel is for believers and unbelievers.
• It is for believers because it is the revelation of the God in whom we now believe.
• But it is also for those who have not believed because God wants to save the entire world.

 
END-TIME ETHICS
7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer.

• We are to pray soundly and soberly.
• In other words, we should pray prayers that make sense and are biblical.
• We ought not to pray in a way that is contrary to the Gospel or the nature of God.
• God is not strongarming us into praying.
• Therefore, we can pray without feeling forced into a certain language.
• We are to pray according to how the Spirit leads us to pray.

8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.

• Jesus is producing love within all of His children in each moment.
• He is perfect love and loves us perfectly and empowers us to transmit this love to others in beautiful ways.
• There will be no sins committed when we are loving.
• And our love for others and their love for us covers any failings we may have.

9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

• God’s grace has many layers and aspects.
• This grace is expressed through the various gifts given to believers.
• We have these spiritual gifts as a gift of grace and, therefore, ought to use these gifts to magnify the finished work of Christ.
• This is what God is empowering us to do.
• We are to live as if Christ lives within us and empowers us to serve in whatever way He has gifted us.
• This is what glorifies God.

11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

• The church is the body of Christ on Earth.
• We represent Him to the world in both word and deed.
• As we preach the Gospel of grace, we communicate the heart of God to people.

 
CHRISTIAN SUFFERING
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.

• Peter affirms that suffering is normal for the Christian.
• Because Christians are inherently opposed to the world, there is a natural predisposition to suffering and persecution.
• This does not mean that God is trying to break or crush us to mature us.
• God is not the author of this suffering.
• He does, however, use it to mature us.
• God is not testing His children.
• External circumstances such as suffering, and persecution test our attitudes and responses to suffering.
• God uses these responses, as well as the circumstances themselves, for our good.
• He uses it to deepen understanding of Christ’s love.
• Our place is to make the decision to trust in Christ in the midst of the trials.

13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.

• We can respond to suffering in one of two ways.
• We can question God, become angry at God, and become victims.
• Or we could make a different choice despite our feelings and choose thankfulness.
• It is important to remember that if we are God’s children, He produces joy within us.
• So, we are not called to conjure up the Christian life on our own amid however the sufferings of Christ impact us.
• God’s glory is revealed within us in this way regardless of our sufferings.

14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

• Peter’s point is not that we ought to seek suffering in order that we may be blessed but rather that persecution proves that we belong to God.
• Because we belong to God, His Spirit rests upon us.
• The language of God’s Spirit resting on us speaks of what prophets and people like David longed for.
• Yet only in the New Covenant does God’s Spirit permanently rest upon us.
• Christians wear the Spirit of Christ amid this world and all reviling that occurs because of the world’s antagonism towards us.

15 Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. 16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.

• The name Christian repelled people during the days of the early church and does the same thing today.
• We have tried to make the term more palatable to people, but the name “Christ” in it is a stumbling block.
• All who suffer because of the name Christian ought to be proud that they have the best thing going on earth.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

• This is not speaking of divine judgment.
• Peter is equating judgment with the persecution being faced by Christians.
• Christians are being judged in this world; however, unbelievers will be judged in the next life by God.
• But believers will never be judged by God because they have obeyed the Gospel.

18 And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? (Proverbs 11:31)
19 So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.[2]

• While God possesses every one of His children, we still need to trust in Him consciously.
  
• This choice is often made despite the feelings we are experiencing. [3] 

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Pe 3:18.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Pe 4:1–19.
[3] Farley, Andrew. www.BibleCommentary.com. 1 Peter 4.

1 JOHN 5
1 Everyone (universal invitation) who believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah; the heart of the problem for the false teachers) has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of him.

• Jesus or other believers?
• This encapsulates John’s arguments thus far.
• John has repeatedly said that all who obey God’s commands (1 John 3:23) are born of God.
• These commands are to believe in Jesus and love fellow Christians.
• Those who believe in Jesus love the Father and consequently love His children.

2 This is how we know that we love God’s children (reality test… reality show): when we love God and obey his commands.

• Not sentimentally but action.

3 For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden,

• Love goes both ways: we obey & His commands are good for us.
• Old Covenant – The Law formed the basis of the relationship between God and man.
•  New Covenant – The law flows out of the relationship between God and man.
• Skittles Illustration
• John’s problem with the false teachers is that they either had no rules (antinomian) or too many rules (legalists).
• Christmas vs Xmas
• The Old Covenant law was burdensome because it could never be kept perfectly.
• But in the New Covenant, God has rigged the system.
• He has made the commandments centered on Christ.
• This does not mean that there is not crossover between the Old and New Covenants.
• The crossover is the nature and character of God, not every specific law.
• Therefore, in the New Covenant, we express the character of God who lives within us as opposed to following external laws.

4 because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world.

• Human society acting apart/independent from God

This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.

• Overcome=Nikos- Nike – goddess of victory
• Believers are on a specific trajectory that cannot be stopped.
• God will carry our salvation to completion.
• We can fail to experience the beauty of the New Covenant to some degree if we choose to live law-based lives.
• But this does not remove us from the path that we are on.
• Our faith has overcome the world.

 
THE CERTAINTY OF GOD’S TESTIMONY
5 Who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes (trusts) that Jesus is the Son of God?

• The Gospel is simple: We need to believe that Jesus is the Son of God to be saved.
• This means we do not need to perform for God for salvation.
• We experience transformation through faith in Jesus.

6 Jesus Christ—he is the one who came by water and blood, not by water only, but by water and by blood.

• He experienced a life-giving birth and a death-killing death. Not only birth from the womb, but baptismal birth of his ministry and sacrificial death – The Message)
• There are two views of this.
• John could be speaking of Jesus’ water baptism and his crucifixion.
• However, another view is preferable.
• John is likely speaking of Christ’s physical birth being born of flesh and water.
• This makes sense in light of John arguments against the Gnostic belief that Jesus was only spirit and lacked physicality.
• Jesus was born of both a woman and the Spirit.
• Therefore, Christ is both fully man and fully God at the same time.
• This means that God’s divinity is compatible with our humanity, and our humanity is compatible with his divinity.
• This is why the Gnostic rejection of Christ’s humanity is so problematic.

And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

• John 16:7-15 -Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: 9 About sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; 11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
• “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.[1]
    1) Reveals the Gospel/Truth
    2) Convicts the world of sin
    3) Leads to Christ
    4) Baptizes into Christ
    5) Forms Christ in us
• I… as your pastor… am not responsible for you!

7 For there are three that testify:, 8 the Spirit (the dove at Jesus’ baptism), the water (the actual immersion), and the blood (the crucifixion) —and these three are in agreement. 9 If we accept human testimony (the false teachers), God’s testimony is greater, because it is God’s testimony that he has given about his Son.

• Matthew 3:17 - And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”[2]

10 The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself (the internal Spirit or the Gospel of Truth).

• We often worry about having more faith and needing to somehow keep our faith alive.
• And yet God has poured His testimony into our hearts.
• We know God at the cores of our beings and nothing can interrupt this.

The one who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed

• Personal indictment on those who are unredeemed – How is one redeemed? Belief

in the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

• God’s testimony is that all who believe have eternal life.
• This means that we can’t lose our salvation.
• We may feel like we lost our salvation, but our salvation is not based on our emotions.
• Our salvation is based on God’s testimony.
• There is no eternal life apart from Christ.
• Salvation is not a ticket to heaven or a thing: Salvation is the Son of God.
• If we have the Person of Christ living within us, then we have salvation.

12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

• John 17:3 - This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.[3]
• One cannot be in fellowship with the Father without personal faith in the Son![4]

13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

• Assurance of salvation
• 1. Believers have eternal life.

14 This is the confidence (boldness or freedom) we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

• John is not talking about naming and claiming in prayer.
• He is not concerned with material items or health and wealth.
• To the contrary, God gives us according to His will.
• God’s will is not an ambiguous concept.
• He desires for us to believe in Jesus and express Jesus.
• Therefore, God’s will is ultimately a person who is our salvation and our eternal life.
• If we ask God for salvation, He will deliver it to us in Christ and come to live within us.

15 And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.

• 2. God hears believer’s prayers
• 3. God answers believer’s prayers
• Psalm 37:4 - Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.[5]

16 If anyone sees a fellow believer committing a sin that doesn’t lead to death, he should ask, and God will give life

• abundant life… not referring to eternal life.

to him—to those who commit sin that doesn’t lead to death. There is sin that leads to death.

• John is speaking of the unbelief in Jesus.
• God will not forgive unbelief because salvation is tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
• Consequently, John states that we are not to pray for people to believe because God will not make someone believe.
• He does not force His union but rather stands at the door and knocks.

I am not saying he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin that doesn’t lead to death.

• 2 Peter 2:1-10 - There were indeed false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved ways, and the way of truth will be maligned because of them. 3 They will exploit you in their greed with made-up stories. Their condemnation, pronounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep.
• For if God didn’t spare the angels who sinned but cast them into hell and delivered them in chains of utter darkness to be kept for judgment; 5 and if he didn’t spare the ancient world, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others, when he brought the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and if he reduced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes and condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is coming to the ungodly;, 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, distressed by the depraved behavior of the immoral 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day by day, his righteous soul was tormented by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)--9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 especially those who follow the polluting desires of the flesh and despise authority.[6]
• John could be referring to sins that deal with:
    1) Fellowship with God
    2) Fellowship with other believers
    3) Fellowship with the world

 
CONCLUSION
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God

• 4. Believers are born of God
• All who believe in Jesus are born again.
• Therefore, while believers can still make mistakes they will not be characterized by these sins.
• We are no longer compatible with sin which means we cannot perpetually celebrate and continue in sin.

does not sin, (continue in the practice of sin) but the one who is born of God keeps him, (Christ sustains us) and the evil one does not touch him (cannot condemn). 19 We know that we are of God,

• 5. Believers are of God

and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one.

• Satan controls the entire world.
• However, he does not hold control over believers.
• All who believe in Jesus have been delivered from the power of the evil one. [7]

20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true one.

• 6. Believers know the Messiah has come and given us understanding

We are in the true one—that is, in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

• 7. Believers know the True One – Either the Father or the Son

21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.[8]

• sin… false teachers.

 
Assurance has become a denominational issue
1. John Calvin based assurance on God’s election. He said that we can never be certain in this life.
2. John Wesley based assurance on religious experience. He believed that we have the ability to live above known sin.
3. Roman Catholics and the Church of Christ base assurance on an authoritative Church. The group to which one belongs is the key to assurance.
4.      Most evangelicals base assurance on the promises of the Bible, linked to the fruit of the Spirit in the life of the believer (cf. Gal. 5:22–23).[9]

[1] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Utley, R. J. D. (1999). Vol. Volume 4: The Beloved Disciple's Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John. Study Guide Commentary Series (238). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Farley, Andrew. www.BibleCommentary.com. 1 John 5.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Utley, R. J. D. (1999). Vol. Volume 4: The Beloved Disciple's Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John. Study Guide Commentary Series (239). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

Man – Woman Forms
 - Quickly write down a characteristic, trait or role that you associate with each word.
 
Timothy had no doubt heard Paul’s testimony before, but Paul apparently never tired of telling the story of the power of God’s grace in his life.

• No matter where you came from or what you did, if you trust in Jesus as your substitutionary sacrifice, you too have a testimony of grace to proclaim.[1]

PAUL’S TESTIMONY
1 Timothy 1
12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry--13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man.

• Persecutor – hunted down Christians like wild animals. Violent man – bully.
• Paul was describing his life before his conversion.
• “I am the worst of all sinners.”

But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

• Paul received grace first, then faith and love was established in Paul through Jesus’ presence in him.

15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.

• The only time Paul refers to himself as a sinner.

16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.

• Quote from Augustine: “God does not choose a person who is worthy, but by the act of choosing him he makes him worthy [translation mine].”[2]

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
ENGAGE IN BATTLE
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you,

• Most likely Paul is referring to an experience in Timothy’s early days whereby he was recognized to have received the gift of the Spirit for ministry, a recognition that was made clear through some prophecies.[3]

so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked their faith.

• There is always going to be distractions and distortions in teaching Scripture.
• Biblical worldview – so many interpretations.

20 Among them are Hymenaeus (him-men-nay-us) and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme. [4]

• They will not repent, so Paul has no other choice but to put them out of the church because they are damaging the faith of some of the believers. (2 Tim 2:17-18)
• Delivered to Satan – handed over.
• There was nothing Paul could do because they weren’t even listening to Paul.
• Sounds evil, but I’ve heard it said, “I am here to feed sheep, not coral goats.”
• Paul was encouraging Timothy to make the best of his time and energy.

 
INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER
2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,

• “Then” – In reference to the 2 men who had been turned over to Satan because of their lack or repentance.
• He was not outlining church organization, but he was confronting errors and heresies already underway[5]
• “First of all” – Pray
• “everyone” – For God so loved the world!

2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

• Godless Emperor Nero was on the throne at that time, and yet the believers were supposed to pray for him!
• We are on the verge of WWIII. We need to be praying for Putin and Zelensky.
• Even when we cannot respect men or women in authority, we must respect their offices and pray for them.[6]
• Praying for them is for our own good – to live in peace with ourselves.

3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,

• Because our lives would be based upon love and respect.
• “I can’t respect…” still focused on you.
• You miss this and you live in torment… not peace.

4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

• The term “all/everyone” in v. 4 must refer to the same group as the reference to “everyone” in v. 1.
• The petitions of v. 1 are to include all human beings, and the objects of Christ’s death must include the same group.
• It would certainly include all persons without distinctions of race or social standing, but it also refers to all persons individually[7]

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

• “Mediator” necessary
• “mankind” – identifies with us

6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

• John 3:16 – “that He gave His only Son…”

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

• If God did this for Paul, then certainly there is hope for everyone.

 
INSTRUCTIONS TO MEN AND WOMEN
8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

• Morally pure hands
• Not in dispute with others.
• Sometimes this is a posture in prayer.
• Our traditional posture of bowing the head, folding the hands, and closing the eyes is nowhere found or commanded in Scripture.
• Actually, there are many prayer postures found in the Bible: standing with outstretched hands (1 Kings 8:22); kneeling (Dan. 6:10); standing (Luke 18:11); sitting (2 Sam. 7:18); bowing the head (Gen. 24:26); lifting the eyes (John 17:1); falling on the ground (Gen. 17:3).
• The important thing is not the posture of the body but the posture of the heart.[8]

9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

• Acceptable standards of modesty will vary with place and generation.
• Most people can even see through “classy”.
• Paul’s point is that genuine faith in God should display itself in holiness.[9]
• He did not forbid the use of nice clothing or ornaments.
• He urged balance and propriety, with the emphasis on modesty and holy character.[10]
• Women will pursue other women.
• Do you want to be pursued because of your style or behavior?
• Do you want to be pursued because of your maturity and wisdom?
• We must never underestimate the important place that godly women played in the ministry of the church.
• The Gospel message had a tremendous impact on them because it affirmed their value before God and their equality in the body of Christ (Gal. 3:28).
• Women had a low place in the Roman world, but the Gospel changed that.
• There were devoted women who ministered to Jesus in the days of His earthly ministry (Luke 8:1–3).
• They were present at His crucifixion and burial, and it was a woman who first heralded the glorious news of His resurrection.
• In the Book of Acts we meet Dorcas (Acts 9:36ff), Lydia (Acts 16:14ff), Priscilla (Acts 18:1–3), and godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:4, 12).
• Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16; and Phebe, who carried the Roman epistle to its destination, was a deaconess in a local church (Rom. 16:1).
• Many believing women won their husbands to the Lord and then opened their homes for Christian ministry.[11]

11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.

• “Silence” is an unfortunate translation because it gives the impression that believing women were never to open their mouths in the assembly.
• This is the same word that is translated “peaceable”[12]
• Paul was not demanding physical silence but a teachable spirit.[13]
• “Submission” – We have made this such a negative term in relation to women. I get it.
• But we have also distorted the idea of “submission”
• It is about the rank of the “role”… not the rank of value or ability.
• You submit every day… if you don’t… you can look at the news and see what happens.
• Submit to what? Those who were in Biblical authority.
• They were being taught freedom with the Gospel but they interpreted that as “freedom with their flesh” rather than “freedom with their spirit”.

12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet.

• It’s not a rule. Paul says he does not allow.
• What is his reasoning?
• Women are permitted to teach.
• Older women should teach the younger women (Titus 2:3–4).
• Timothy was taught at home by his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).
• But in their teaching ministry, they must not “lord it over” men.
• There is nothing wrong with a godly woman instructing a man. (Acts 18:24–26 - 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was competent in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.[14])
• But the women never assumed authority in the church and try to take the place of a man.
• She should exercise “quietness” and help keep order in the church.[15]
• This would be referring to the gossip of the church.

13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.[16]

• She will receive fulfillment through her role as a parent in the household.

How I led my youth ministry for years has influenced how I lead Leavener currently.
 
How I lead my family will influence my family to come.

• Cory

1.      How would you describe how your Mom and I manage our family?
•   When things hit the fan, Dad usually steps up to the crisis.
•   Mom handles on the day to day basis that fits her skills.
•   Kids pick and choose who they go to during emotional crisis… depending on situation.
•   To Mom when health issues and stressful… Dad when he has relationship problems or need to fix something.
•   Day to day roles are divided
2. Who is the teacher?
•   Both are teachers… it was hard to learn from you when I was kid.
•   Mom helped me school stuff more… Mom taught Bible stories… Dad taught more spiritual stuff
•   Mom taught me how to do daily essentials… laundry, cooking, etc… Dad was more technical.
3. What is the one thing that defines our marriage?
•   Never gave up on each other… focused on importance on being one… always being on the same page… one flesh.
4. What is the one thing I could work on in our marriage?
•   What Mom would want… words of affirmation. You are never ooey gooey with Mom.
5. What would it look like if Mom was the leader?
•   It would shut you down which would be problematic and make it uneasy in the house. It wouldn’t be natural… awkward situations.
6. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you want to carry on to your family?
•   You guys had times when you didn’t get along but you never did that in front of us. You created a sense of stability and peace. You have to be evenly yoked.
7. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you don’t want to carry on to your family?
•   Can’t think of anything…Involved al ot at church because of job… extracurricular activities
8. Would you say your mom submits to me?

• Yah

9. Is it a bad thing? Why?
•   No… I think you submit to each other… but at the same, when you have a family or a group of people, you have to have a person who makes decisions.

[1] Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Study Bible (p. 1432). Holman Bible.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 73). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Fee, G. D. (2011). 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus (pp. 57–58). Baker Books.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 1:12–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 84–86). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 215). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 89). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 216). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Ti 2:10). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[12] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[13] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 98). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible (Ac 18:24–26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[15] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[16] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:1–2:15). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Bad Christian news swirls quickly! – MinistryWatch

• Unity is necessary for the church (people don’t vote on the facts… they vote on their friends or who they like)
• Unity is gained slowly and lost quickly
• Division: Pride, sin (sexual, money, jealousy, bitterness), heresy (false teaching), legalism (judges others, religious), primary and secondary issues & distrust.

 
PRACTICAL COUNSEL
PHILIPPIANS 4
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner (deacon or elder), to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side (they were involved in ministry, what role?), along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.

• They are believers… probably mature believers.
• Conflict can start at leadership.
• The issue doesn’t matter because it is not mentioned.
• Paul is saying these two women need a mediator… this is what Jesus did. (1 Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,[1])


• Two sides have to agree on two things:
  • 1) we will meet &
  • 2) we will do what the mediator tells us… based on trust.
• Sometimes this is needed in a marriage… sometimes in a divorce with kids.

 

• Anxiety… dealing with issues
• Right now, nearly 40 million adults (18 and older) (19.1% of the population) are living with a serious anxiety disorder.
• According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this disorder is highly treatable, but only around 37 percent of those affected actually receive treatment.
• “Anxiety disorders cost the US more than $42 billion a year, almost one third of the $148 billion total mental health bill for the US.”
• THE POINT: Life causes anxiety
• What causes anxiety? (non clinical definition) – Anticipating the future, in the worst possible scenario… and freaking out about it.
•    1) It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and you force it to happen
•    2) You wear yourself out to the point of anxiety.
• Causes of anxiety: Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems
•  Screen time (24 hour lifestyle, facebook, e-mail, cell phones),
• On average, the generational cohort born in and after 1996, dubbed "Gen Z," watches of 7.2 hours of video on their screens per day.
• With content constantly available, many Gen Zers find themselves "doomscrolling" on TikTok and Instagram.
• Smartphones and social media have become ubiquitous, and algorithms condition young people to stay glued to their phones.
• Strategically curated feeds coupled with doomscrolling can be detrimental to mental health, not to mention a major time sucker.
• Traffic (license numbers should be cell phone numbers), fractured family systems (holidays), lonely, isolated, financial pains, works 60-80 hours a week, success (have to perform even more), strained personal relationships (family, co-worker, roommate)
• How do you know you are stressed? Unusual mood swings, anger, depressed, exhausted, fragmentation, disassociation or withdrawing, body changes (tongue), paranoia & suspicion, weight gain, panic, panic attics, insomnia (mattresses with instructions), too frequent use of substances: alcohol, drugs, diet coke, caffeine (Starbucks), comfort foods, general irritability, reckless driving, change in sexual desire, health related issues, irritated bowel syndrome, ulcers, victim mentality, shopping sprees and unnecessary spending (what do I need?)
• Time magazine says you need: behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, antidepressants, minor tranquilizers, exercise, eat properly and alternative procedures such as yoga, aromatherapy & acupuncture.
• Does God have anything to say about anxiety?

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Paul knew you would question this, so he said it twice) 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

• Only 21% of men say they received emotional support from a friend within the past week, compared to 41% of women, according to a 2021 survey by the Survey Center on American Life.
• Similarly, just 25% of men say they've said "I love you" to a friend recently, as opposed to 49% of women.

6 Don’t worry about anything,

• What if I have a good reason… Paul was in prison and possibly to be put to death… he gets it)
• What is worry? The Greek word translated “anxious” (careful) in Philippians 4:6 means “to be pulled in different directions.”
• Our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us the opposite direction; and we are pulled apart!
• The Old English root from which we get our word “worry” means “to strangle.”
• If you have ever really worried, you know how it does strangle a person! [2]

but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true,

• Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern!
• The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway.[3]

whatever is honorable, whatever is just,

• Worthy of respect and right.

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.

• You come to Church this morning and you hear encouragement from the Word of God.
• Tonight, you end your day watching the Grammy’s, Tulsa King, 1923 and Mayor Kingstown and what are you going to be dwelling on when you go to bed.
• You’re going to be dreaming about Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Beyonce shooting each other in long dresses over a bag of weed and then end up getting killed in prison.
• Or you can dwell on moral excellence and have the potential to sleep peacefully.
• Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living;
• or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry.[4]

9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.[5]

• The result is that the “peace of God” guards the heart and the mind.
• We experience “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1); and the “peace of God” takes us a step farther into His blessings.
• This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside, but it does mean a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people, or things.[6]

 
What do you do?
It is a lifestyle issue… It is a mindset.

• Michelle does the iPod.
• Keith… Connie reads the Bible to him.

 
Paul’s list of encouragement to the church
        1) Anchor your joy in Jesus… not circumstances. (Reasons to complain or reasons to rejoice; rejoicing cultivates a heart of hope)
         2) Respond gently/reasonably… I DEMAND!!! FREAKING OUT… chill out
         3) Jesus is always with you… He never leaves you… when you are lonely
         4) Prayer allows you to be conversational with your Savior. Who do you call?
         5) Choose to be anxious about nothing… sometimes it is a difficult battle.
         6) Meditate… mentally… stay focused on Jesus. Think… dwell… in order to respond.
         7) Live according to the Truth you know rather than your anxiety
         8) Plug into the church… we do this as a community… walk with each other.
         9) Accept the peace of God… it is a gift from God that you already have.

Paul writes this to the church because he loves them… and I tell you these things because I love you.

• I’ve responded both ways… one way I typically regret… the other way I have learned to rest.
• I’ve learned to say “I love you” more.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:5–6). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 94). Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 96). Victor Books.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4:2–9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.

PHILIPPIANS 1
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. [1]
 

• Philippians: Theme is joy
• Paul is experience loneliness while sitting in jail and writing his friends.
• He is broke… hungry… and by himself.

 

• In a recent national survey of American adults, 36% of respondents reported serious loneliness—feeling lonely “frequently” or “almost all the time or all the time” in the four weeks prior to the survey.
• This included 61% of young people aged 18-25 and 51% of mothers with young children.

 

• 43% of young adults reported increases in loneliness since the outbreak of the pandemic.
• About half of lonely young adults in our survey reported that no one in the past few weeks had “taken more than just a few minutes” to ask how they are doing in a way that made them feel like the person “genuinely cared.”
• Young adults suffer high rates of both loneliness and anxiety and depression.
• According to a recent CDC survey, 63% of this age group are suffering significant symptoms of anxiety or depression.[2]

 

• Young adults are twice as likely to be lonely than seniors.
• 79% of adults aged 18 to 24 report feeling lonely compared to 41% of seniors aged 66 and older. This is consistent with earlier research.
• More than twice as many younger adults as older adults experience feeling left out.
• More than two in five adults (42%) aged 18 to 34 report “always” feeling “left out,” compared to just 16% of people aged 55 or older who say the same.
• Men and women have roughly the same likelihood of loneliness.
• 57% of men and 59% of women reported being lonely.
• Loneliness levels were close to equal in 2018 as well, with 53% of men and 54% of women reporting feelings of loneliness.
• In 2019, data showed a spike in loneliness among men, with 63% experiencing loneliness compared to 58% of women.[3]

 
Epidemic in our culture (Bowling Alone… Robert Putnam)

• Joining and participating in one group cuts in half your odds of dying next year.
• More Americans are bowling more than ever before but they are not bowling in leagues.
• Playing cards with friends is down 25% (in last 25 years)
• Evening with neighbors is down 33% (how many homes have you been in?)
• Family dinners are down 33% (fast food)
• Having friends over is down 45%
• Readiness to make new friends is down 33%

 

• American Social Review: Social Isolation in America Average American only has 2 close friends (down from 3 in 1985)
• 25% of Americans have no one to confide in 80% of Americans only confide in family (they drive you nuts the most)

 

• Socially isolated needy people gather together to ignore one another
• Lonely people go to the coffee shop and drink their burnt coffee with their headphones in their ears and ignore other people “in community”
• Dog Lovers – Move on from people to pets – “my baby”
• Fighting to let their “best friend” dine with them
• “Your friend licks himself!!”
• Church/Religion

 

• People are disconnected and lonely – It is epidemic

 

• “Did God create us because He was lonely?” – Trinity
• Created everything good… it is not good for man to be alone.
• Genesis 3 – “sin” separates us from God and one another
• Loneliness is one of the effects of sin.

 

• Our culture and the church tells you that the answer to loneliness is a “friend” (accountability partners)
• Facebook – we had things in common in high school but I don’t know who they are now.

 

• What is the answer: Paul said it is that we become partners for the Gospel.
• It is centered on our relationship with Jesus.

 

• Marriage counseling: Focus is on the relationship with Jesus, then choose to be partners.
• Gospel Partnership – is like friendship but is much deeper… you know what to do with
• sin which typically is what destroys the relationship.

 
Verse 2 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Grace… understanding grace –
• When you receive grace you want to give grace
• Grace is given along with repentance
• Grace leads to peace (we were objects of wrath… now there is no condemnation)
• Peace allows you to be “OK” with others sin and “gooberishness”
• Michelle and I experience sin, repentance, grace & peace

 
Verse 3 - I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, (memories)

• Leads to memories… great memories vs very bitter memories
• With God… he can help us create new memories (especially inside marriage).

 
Verse 4 - always praying with joy (14x’s) for all of you in my every prayer,

• Joy or derivative is used 14 times in Philippians (how can he?... he knew something)
• Joy is a lifestyle… happiness is an emotion
• If joy were an emotion, then it would not be present in all circumstances
• Joy celebrates the forward Gospel of Jesus Christ despite all the junk that is happening around me.

 
Verse 5 - because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  

• Gospel Partnership – spiritual perseverance
• We are moving forward in the Gospel of Jesus
• We have endured rough times… memories
• God is going to replace those memories
• God is not going to give up on you!
• He will bring it to completion.

 
Verse 7 - Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. (partakers of grace) 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

• It changes our heart for people and causes us to pray for others
• Paul is compelled to be a compassionate man
• Paul was a KILLER
• Now he is an encourager
• He realizes his life is not about himself but it is about others
• Prayer overcomes proximity and affinity
• He writes to encourage them (letters are important)

 
Verse - 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior (excellent) and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,

• I have failed the mercy portion of a Spiritual Gifts analysis.
• It is the understanding of the Gospel that allows me to love others.
• This based upon discernment and trust of other people.

 
Verse 11 - filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

• Righteousness –
• 2 Corinthians 5:21- He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.[4]
• If you don’t comprehend this… you get trapped in religion
• You give Jesus your sin and He gives you righteousness
• Your legal standing before God but also your lifestyle!
• You are a new creation… you have a new heart.

 

• It is all about Jesus… (mentioned 7 times in the first 11 verses)
• This community is only together because of our relationship with Jesus Christ and the moving forward of the Good News of what He has done for us and through us.
• Is loneliness a bad thing? No… sometimes God uses lonely times for you us to draw near to Him… Jesus is found many times to be experiencing loneliness
• He voluntarily withdrew… in the garden… on the way to the cross (denial).
• He was utterly alone on the cross.
• He can sympathize with us!

 
Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [5]

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Philippians 1:2–11). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/loneliness-in-america
[3] https://newsroom.cigna.com/loneliness-epidemic-persists-post-pandemic-look
[4] Christian Standard Bible (2 Corinthians 5:21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Hebrews 12:1–2). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• This passage is the second of two prayers recorded in Ephesians, the first one being Ephesians 1:15–23.
• In the first prayer, the emphasis is on enlightenment;
• but in this prayer, the emphasis is on enablement.[1]
• Knowing vs being
• “know what you have, but start appropriating for your daily life.”
• Paul is writing from prison and focused on the spiritual needs of man rather than the physical.
• If we can focus on the inner man as the priority, then the outer man will be supplied as a byproduct.

 
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL POWER
EPHESIANS 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father

• Abraham and Solomon stood
• David sat
• Jesus fell on his face in the garden
• No protocol in Scripture for praying posture
• Paul was attached to Roman Guard
• More of a heart issue

15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

• Creator – Father of all men/women
• Savior – Father of those who believe
• In reference to creation means all Jews & Gentiles

16 I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to (1) be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit,

• Still goes back to knowing what you have
• Then trusting for it to work
• Miss Marvel and She-Hulk discover powers and then learn how to use them.
• But it is not our strength but through His Spirit.
• How do you let the Spirit work through you?
• Someone has said, “If God took the Holy Spirit out of this world, most of what we Christians are doing would go right on—and nobody would know the difference!” Sad, but true.[2]
• “According to the riches of His glory”, not out of His riches…
• Not a portion, but a proportion
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. [3]
• It is only when we yield to the Spirit and let Him control the inner man that we succeed in living to the glory of God.[4]

17 and that (2) Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

• “Dwell” – to settle down and feel at home (permanently)
• “nesting” – get settled at camp
• Settle into a relationship… not just surface.
• That would be hard to do if it was just God alone.
• But there is a Spirit of God that dwells within you.
• You have a super power that is super-natural
• Super and natural
• “through faith” – believe and trust
• Simple as sitting in the chair

I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 (3) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love,

• Rooted is an architectural term; it refers to the foundations on which we build[5]
• Building footers as a foundation.
• The deeper your foundation in Christ, the stronger you will be able to stand in the storms of life.
• Phil Tooley – God’s timeline is a plane.
• It is more than a plane… it has height and depth.
• $240 billion spent on loan relief… that’s politics
• I got $400 from the state this week… that’s politics
• That’s just a drop of God’s riches
• I can complain all I want about my $$$ and where it goes… but it’s the principle… the bigger picture is… it’s not mine in the first place… I haven’t missed a meal yet.
• Stay focused on the inner man and outer man will be provided for out of God’s riches.
• “with all the saints”

19 and to (4) know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

• Knowledge is good but it is not greater than love
• Knowledge leads to being puffed up… about you.
• Knowledge is good but worthless without love.
• What if you had the Bible memorized yet never loved?
• What if you loved and had no knowledge?
• What if you knew that you had the love of God walking with you every day?

20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us--

• Our faith walk is just a portion of God’s riches.
• There is a lot of time, energy, money and life being poured out in our house for a one-day wedding.
• The question keeps coming up, how do we get it all done in 90 days?
• That one day is a drop in God’s limitless riches.
• Sam & Chloe’s marriage and family will be above and beyond that wedding day
• According to the power… not a portion but a proportion.

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.[6]

• Where is the glory?
• In the Church
• In Christ Jesus

 
Always Only Jesus

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 30). Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 32). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 4:16–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 32). Victor Books.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 32). Victor Books.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 3:14–21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

SPEAKING TO GOD AND OTHERS
COLOSSIANS 4
2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.
- 1) Continue praying - to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty— be persistent.[1]
- Paul just (last week) taught us how to respond to our spouses, children, parents, employers & employees… and the next thing he says is “devote yourselves to prayer.” HE KNOWS!
- Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.”[2]

• Praying for others... multiplies our defense/offense... as well as moves the focus off of self.
• 2) Stay alert – Why do we close our eyes. Is it OK to pray with our eyes open or closed?
• Students – tests?
• “When I was a child i was told to close my eyes in prayers or else angels will poke finger into my eyes.”
• 3) An attitude of thanksgiving… not an annual event.

3 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,

• 4) pray with a purpose.
• “us” is in reference to the speaker (Paul & Timothy)
• The message Paul is speaking is in contrast with what their society at the time believed in general (The Law).
• Open a door… either physically or spiritually
• Mystery – in reference to the Gentiles receiving salvation and being included with the Jews. (Ephesians 3:1-13)

4 so that I may make it known as I should.

• The Jews listened to Paul till he spoke the word Gentiles (Acts 22:21–22). It was Paul’s concern for the Gentiles and his ministry to them that put him into prison.[3]
• This extreme legalistic party wanted the Gentiles to become Jews ceremonially before they could become Christians![4]
• Paul was asking for an opportunity to do the very thing that got him in prison.
• As a pastor… I ask you to continually pray for me and the opportunities to share the Truth.
• You don’t have to tell me you are praying… just pray.

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.

• Act – Live, walk, behave…
• Wisely… where does wisdom come from?
• Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom…”
• Hang out with the Lord… He will give you wisdom.
• This is how you know who walks closely with the Lord.
• “Outsiders” – non-believers in Jesus.
• “Time” – don’t miss the opportunities.
• Create opportunities, build on relationships… don’t burn bridges.

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.

• Paul is saying, “Even when you are provoked, you ‘should’ always show grace.”
• A good burger is always seasoned properly.
• What you have been given is Good News (meat).
• You make it attractive or unattractive.
• Speak the right word at the right time.
• Discernment… walking with the Spirit.

 
FINAL GREETINGS
7 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

• Tychicus – Asian companion of Paul, carried this letter to Colossae.

8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

• Onesimus – the runaway slave of Philemon, who has received salvation and became a great servant and encourager to Paul.
• Onesimus – once viewed as a betrayer is now viewed as a brother in Jesus.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),

• Aristarchus came from Thessalonica (Acts 27:2) It is thought by some that he travelled with Paul as his slave.
• He is also a prisoner in Rome at this time (Paul calls him ‘my fellow prisoner’). He was a volunteer willing to suffer for the kingdom of Christ.[5]
• Mark is the cousin of Barnabas and the writer of the second Gospel.
• Twelve years prior to this, Mark and Barnabas had left Paul after a disagreement about whether Mark should accompany them on their second missionary journey.
• In Paul’s opinion, Mark had been disloyal and cowardly when he deserted them at the end of their first missionary tour (Acts 15:36–41).
• Mark’s relationship with Paul is now restored and he is fully engaged in the Lord’s work and in full fellowship with the Lord’s people.
• Mark is no longer a liability to Paul and is to be welcomed as a fully committed co-worker of Christ.
• Mark is forgiven both by God and by Paul.
• We should not withhold our love from those whom Christ has redeemed and restored.[6]

11 and so does Jesus who is called Justus.

• Justus, also called Jesus. His was a common name among the Jews.[7]
• Fellow Jews

These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. 13 For I testify about him that he works hard, for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

• Epaphras. It is generally accepted that Epaphras was the pastor of the church at Colosse and its founder.
• Paul identifies him as ‘one of you’ (cf. 1:7).
• He also planted the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis and was now in Rome visiting Paul in prison to take advice about the situation in the church in Colosse.
• His heart was warm towards his friends back in Colosse and his prayers were fervent and specific on their behalf. He was praying that they might ‘stand perfect and complete in all the will of God’ (v. 12).
• He was a man of prayer.[8]

14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

• Demas is mentioned only three times in Paul’s letters, and these three references tell a sad story. First he is called “Demas … my fellow laborer” and is linked with three good men—Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke (Phile. 24).
• Then he is simply called “Demas,” and there is no special word of identification or commendation (Col. 4:14).
• But the third reference tells what became of Demas: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).
• At one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul; but he was reclaimed and restored.
• Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed.
• His sin was that he loved this present world. The word world refers to the whole system of things that runs this world, or “society without God.”[9]

15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.

• We know nothing about Nympha, except that she had a church meeting in his house.[10]

16 After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

• Public reading of the Scripture.

17 And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”

• Archippus was a member of the church in Colossae.
• Some think he was the son of Philemon and Apphia[11]

18 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. [12]

• It is worth it all.
• Salvation

Everyday living

[1] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains. New York: United Bible Societies.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 147). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 147). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 91). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[6] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 91). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[7] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (pp. 91–92). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[8] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 92). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 152). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 153). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 96). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[12] Christian Standard Bible (Col 4:2–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• We left off last week with Paul encouraging the Church through persecution they were experiencing.

 
PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH
1 Thessalonians 3
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.

• At least four times Paul has told them this.
• Military reference from 2:18 – our way has been blocked (by satan/evil one)
• May the Lord clear the way/path so we can get to you.

12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13 May he make your hearts blameless (strengthen) in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.[1]

• That verbal phrase “strengthen your hearts” provides a link to what Paul has said earlier in 3:2.
• There Paul talks about how he sent Timothy to the persecuted church in Thessalonica in order [to do] exactly the same thing, “to strengthen [your hearts].”
• So this is a way in which the second prayer anticipates this discussion that Paul is going to have, not love for God and/or Jesus, although that surely was part of the parcel, but here he’s concentrating about the love that the Thessalonians ought to have for one another, and that’s found in the second prayer.
• A second theme in the prayer is this concern for holiness.
• A third topic or concern in the prayer which looks ahead is a reference to what is a temporal reference to the coming of the Lord Jesus “with all his holy ones.”
• May he make your hearts blameless (strengthen) in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
• He has already made our hearts blameless through his blood.
• He is referring to us learning how to live out of the holiness.
• May we be strengthened in the understanding of our holiness and choose to live out of that strength.

 

• Well, we’re at that middle point. We’ve finished our careful study of the first half of the body of the letter, and now Paul, with the help of his transitional prayers, has nicely echoed and concluded the concerns of the first half, but he’s also prepared us well to anticipate the discussion he’s going to have now in the second half of the letter.[2]

 

• Do you believe that we live in a sex saturated world? (TV, movies, internet, etc)
• Do you think it is the worst it ever has been right now?
• Your perspective is maybe 2-4 generations old.
• This letter was written to the Gentiles. The ones who worshipped so many different gods.
• These pagan gods were sexual in their characteristics.
• Man-made gods… why wouldn’t they be sexual?
• Understand the culture during that time:
• We can see that, first of all, in marriage in that time.
• Marriage back then was not a choice but most often an arranged marriage between a man in his twenties and a girl barely in her teens.
• And given the arrangement of the marriage and given the difference in age, it was actually expected that the husband would have a sexual partner who was different than his wife;
• and evidence that that indeed happened, and happened widely, can be seen in grave inscriptions.
• Prostitution is something that you and I wouldn’t want in any way to be associated with, but in the ancient world it really wasn’t a big deal at all.
• In fact, there were many leading and important citizens, people of the upper class, who made money off of men and women in prostitution, and there was no sense of shame or embarrassment about that at all.[3]
• Cicero gave this statement in response to the habits of men who were engaging in the services of affairs with prostitutes. He wrote:

“If anyone thinks that young men should be forbidden to have affairs even with prostitutes, he is very strict indeed … for his view is contrary not only to the law of the present age but even with the habits of our ancestors and what they used to consider allowable. For when was this not a common practice? When was it blamed? When was it forbidden? When, in fact, did that which was lawful become that which was not lawful?

• Cato is a Stoic philosopher who lived a little bit before the time of Paul, and he gave this advice to men. He said, [in effect,] “Men, in order to satisfy your sexual desire, don’t do that with another man’s wife. Make use of a prostitute instead.” That was his practical advice about how men should handle their sexual desires.
• So it’s not surprising that this predominantly Gentile church, who were still relatively new in their faith, would need further instruction from Paul about, well, what [it means] to turn from idols and to serve the living and true God [and how they can] more faithfully live lives in which they do indeed serve that living and true God.
• In English we have this expression “old habits die hard.” So, again, to newbie Christians—to believers who are young in the faith; to Christians who are experiencing pushback and opposition—the apostle Paul is concerned that these Jesus followers might revert back to their former inappropriate behavior.
• And so there is a need—and Timothy informed Paul about this need—to encourage and to equip the Thessalonian Christians to [be holy] in their sexual conduct.[4]
• So the second half of the letter is going to share with the Thessalonians how they can do just that.[5]

THE CALL TO SANCTIFICATION
1 Thessalonians
4 Additionally then, brothers and sisters, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received instruction from us on how you should live and please God—as you are doing—do this even more. 2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is God’s will, your sanctification:

• Paul says this: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.”
• We could equally translate it, “It is God’s will that you should be holy.”
• The words “sanctified” and “holy” are two different English words for the one Greek word that lies behind them both (hagiasmos), and this is a key word occurring four times in the paragraph, holding this paragraph together and revealing its primary theme.
• It’s a passage about being holy—and, especially, holy with regard to your sexual conduct.[6]​

that you keep away from sexual immorality,

• The first of the three commands is the shortest and the most general, and it goes like this. He says, in verse 3b, “You should avoid sexual immorality.” The verb that Paul uses here (“avoid”) is actually a rather strong one in the original Greek language, and it has the idea of not just avoiding something but keeping away from.
• You know, there is a strong sense of “don’t come anywhere near.”
• The word porneia is typically understood as referring to any form of sexual misconduct.
• this first command is quite countercultural. And the challenge is also for us today[7]

4 that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not with lustful passions, like the Gentiles, who don’t know God.

• Paul is talking about how each person should learn to control their own vessel; that is, they should control their own body; that is, they should control their own sexual desires.[8]
• He says here, in the second command of verses 4 and 5, “that each of you should learn to control.”
• Now, I am not naïve. I recognize how there are other things that are influenced by our genetic makeup that are not easy to control.
• For instance, some of us are prone to anger; we fly off the handle just like that. It’s not easy to fix, but yet we are still called upon to correct our behavior. Some of us struggle with food; somehow we’re wired in a way that we react to food differently than other people do.
• Yet we are still called upon—it may not be easy, but we’re still called upon—to, well, to learn to develop control.
• And in a similar way, Paul says that when it comes to our sexual desires, even though we’ve been created with these desires, we have to learn how to control them.
• And how do we control them? For the second time in the passage, he talks about the word “holy,” that we control our body in a way that is holy and honorable, “not in passionate lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”[9]
• The same thing comes up with another important Old Testament text from Lev 20:23–26. God says this to His covenant people:
• “Do not follow the practices of the nations whom I am driving out before you.… I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from all the nations.… And you will be holy to me, because I, the Lord your God, am holy, the one who separated you from all the nations to be mine.”
• Again, I hope you heard the connection between the two references to “holy” and the words “separated” and “separated” because, again, we are getting this idea that the meaning, the concept of the word holy and holiness, is the idea of being unique, being set apart, being distinctive, being separate.[10]

6 This means one must not transgress against and take advantage of a brother or sister in this manner, because the Lord is an avenger of all these offenses, as we also previously told and warned you.

• The third command says that to be holy in our sexual conduct means you act in a way in which you don’t bring harm to others.
• Paul says, “The Lord will punish people for all such sins.”
• Now, he adds, at the beginning, the little word “because,” which is omitted in most translations, but it’s important because it shows that this statement is meant to give a justification for the commands that come before it.
• Why should the Thessalonians, and why should we, be holy in our sexual conduct?
• And the first reason has to do with the Lord Jesus Christ and something that He is going to do in the future, Paul says, “because …”; and a more literal rending of the verse is “because an avenger is the Lord concerning all these things.”
• The first reason, for being holy in one’s sexual conduct has to do with the future return of Jesus.[11]

7 For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness.

• He’s saying, “You guys who live in a sex-saturated society, God’s will is that you be holy; that you be separate; that you be set apart; that you be distinct; that you be, well, peculiar when it comes to not only attitudes toward sex but also practices toward sex.”
• And if you’re keeping track, and I am, this is now the third of four occasions within the paragraph of verses 3–8 where Paul uses this keyword and key concept of “holy” because the big theme of the whole passage is the challenge and the call for the Christians not only of the ancient world but us today to live what kind of life with regard to our sexual conducts?
• To live a holy life. And Paul reminds us that God has called us—God has appointed us—to live just that way.[12]

8 Consequently, anyone who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

• Paul doesn’t really write “God gives you his Holy Spirit”; he writes, “God gives you his Spirit who is holy.”
• Is there a difference between the two? Yes, there is.
• The second reading puts an emphasis on the character of the Spirit that God gives.
• Paul is stressing that God is giving not any old spirit to us His people; He is giving us a Holy Spirit.
• So the reason we can live a holy life is because we have the Holy Spirit living within us.
• Now, Paul is not teaching this, but this verse reveals his indebtedness to the Old Testament. Paul is a thoroughly trained Jew who knows the Old Testament inside out. And here he is reflecting—again, not teaching, but he is reflecting—in his statement beliefs and convictions that the Jewish people had about the future, about how one day God would pour out His Spirit.
• So, if we imagine an Old Testament perspective for a moment, we say, “O God, how we love your law. Out of all the people in the earth, we are the only ones with whom you’ve entered into a covenant relationship.
• We are the only ones to whom you have revealed your will. But although we’re glad for the law, we are struggling with the attempt to obey it fully, so we are appreciative of the sacrifices, which don’t pay for our sins but give us an opportunity to express our true penitence for our failures and our true gratitude for your grace in our lives.”
• We nevertheless are looking to the future, a future time that Isaiah and Jeremiah and Ezekiel talked about, a time when God would, well, enter into a new kind of relationship with us His people, a new covenant; and part of that new covenant is that God will pour out His Spirit. And we want that Spirit. Why? Not just because we have the Spirit for the Spirit’s sake. No, the Spirit will empower us to do and to be what God has always called us to do and be, and that is—already, at Mount Sinai—“a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
• So God’s will for His people doesn’t change. He has always called His covenant people to be holy as He is holy.
•  The key to living such lives of holiness is the present and ongoing presence of God’s Spirit.
• So here, as elsewhere in Paul’s letters, the Holy Spirit is the power that enables believers to live holy lives.
• What Paul is promising the Thessalonians, and what God’s Word is promising us here in this third cause is that we who are members of God’s people [have] been given the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, which ultimately is a gift of power, power to overcome sin and to live the holy life that God has always called His people to live.
• So how can we be holy in our sexual conduct?

Well, we can’t do it on our strength, [and] we can’t do it by our own abilities, but we can do it with the present empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. That’s the good news of the gospel that Paul shares with the Thessalonians, and that is also good news for you and me.[13]


[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (1 Th 3:1–13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[3] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[4] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[5] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[6] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[7] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[8] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[9] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[10] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[11] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[12] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[13] Weima, J. A. D. (2020). NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

• James 1 – Patient when in trouble. (stand confidently)
• James 2 – Lives out who they are. (serve compassionately)
• James 3 – Controlling our tongue. (speak carefully)
• James 4 – Turn from selfishness, envy & Pride (seek humility)

 
WAITING FOR THE LORD
James 5:7-20
7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

• James closes up with where he started… “stay strong in your oppression… displacement.”
• This is not about theology and when Jesus is returning (rapture, tribulation, millennium), it is about their pain and suffering coming to an end.
• Those that lived immediately after the cross thought Jesus was going to return during their lifetime. Always be ready.
• We don’t live like we anticipate Jesus to come back any time soon.
• “Be patient” comes from the compound word meaning “long” and “temper”.
• Mature… get a longer fuse.
• Look ahead to the end of the race… the Lord’s coming.
• You can’t be a farmer unless you are patient.
• Parable of the sower and the seed: soil is our heart. Seed is God’s Word.
• What are we to grow? Fruit of the Spirit.
• Farmer works the fields… but is also patient.
• Be patient with others… They will grow at their own speed.

9 Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!

• In relation to the farmer, they work together… cooperative.
• If we use the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest.
• The judge… ever do something wrong in school and you realized the teacher was standing in the door watching?
• Several people have asked me about my thoughts on iTown opening up church today in the midst of this pandemic.
• I’ve only reminded them to stay focused.
• It is not my place to judge… Jesus is the ultimate judge.

10 Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience.

• Satan tells the faithful Christian that his suffering is the result of sin or unfaithfulness.
• Yet his suffering might well be because of faithfulness!
• 2 Tim. 3:12 - In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.[1]
• We must never think that obedience automatically produces ease and pleasure.
• Our Lord was obedient, and it led to a cross![2]

11 See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about—the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

• Notice that James didn’t speak about Job’s patience, but he speaks about his endurance.
• Job was impatient with God but persevered.
• God was full of compassion and mercy.
• Most people talk about Job’s loss… but they rarely know or talk about Job’s restoration.
• Job 42:10-17 - GOD RESTORES JOB
• 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and doubled his previous possessions. 11 All his brothers, sisters, and former acquaintances came to him and dined with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him concerning all the adversity the Lord had brought on him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold earring.
• 12 So the Lord blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the first. He owned fourteen thousand sheep and goats, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. 13 He also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 He named his first daughter Jemimah, his second Keziah, and his third Keren-happuch. 15 No women as beautiful as Job’s daughters could be found in all the land, and their father granted them an inheritance with their brothers.
• 16 Job lived 140 years after this and saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 Then Job died, old and full of days.[3]
• What if perseverance brought about Job’s blessing?
• Romans 5:3-5 - And not only that, but we also rejoice 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]
• If we never have to “persevere” we might not ever get to experience the hope… the blessing.
• The valleys are what make the peaks so high!

 
TRUTHFUL SPEECH
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “yes” mean “yes,” and your “no” mean “no,” so that you won’t fall under judgment.

• James jumps from “perseverance” to “taking oaths”
• How many times have you been in a difficult situation and made an oath to God?
• If words are a proof of character, then oaths would indicate that there is yet work to be done.
• When Peter poured out those oaths in the courtyard (Matt. 26:71), he was giving evidence that his character was still in need of a transformation.[5]
• A person with godly character doesn’t have to defend themselves with promises.
• Can you ever just say, “yes” or “no”?
• Or do you have to continue to talk to prove yourself?

 
EFFECTIVE PRAYER
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.

• Mature Christians knows how to sing in the midst of suffering.
• Instructing them what to do because of their insensitivity level.
• I must admit that I am low on mercy.
• I say this all the time… I usually only go to the hospital if there is a newborn… or you are about to go home… and I am not talking about earthly home.
• James “should” on me.
• It has become easier to know about everyone’s afflictions thanks to social networking.
• I think about and pray for people all day long.
• I use social networking & texting & phone calls to encourage people all day long.
• Use your technology for good or bad…
• But have you ever been through a crisis/tragedy in your life and looked at your social network feed?
• At the same time you are grieving… other people are rejoicing.
• There will always be suffering and rejoicing at the same time in the world.
• Just know… when something terrible is happening in your life… something good is happening in somebody else’s life… and it is OK.

14 Is anyone among you sick (weak)? He should call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick (weak) person, and the Lord will raise him up;

• Prayer for healing and prayer for endurance.
• Logically: James knew that not everyone would be healed or there would never be death.
• What heals the person? Elders? Oil? Anointing/massage? Faith? Or the Lord?

if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

• This last statement concludes that it is their sin that has made them sick.
• This has to be in reference to salvation of the lost.
• These are people that are walking away from their faith.
• I do know this… I have prayed for many physical healings in my lifetime… and they have not been answered according to my will.
• But I have also prayed for the salvation of many sinners. If they choose to have faith, they have received it.

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

• For one thing, disobedience to God can lead to sickness.
• This was David’s experience when he tried to hide his sins (Ps. 32).
• Second, sin affects the whole church.
• We can never sin alone, for sin has a way of growing and infecting others.
• This man had to confess his sins to the church because he had sinned against the church.
• Third, there is healing (physical and spiritual) when sin is dealt with.[6]
• “Accountability” to who?
• Who is righteous? You are…
• We are lead to believe that others are more righteous based upon levels of “doing”.
• Interesting that during this pandemic, the Pope has allowed parishioners to go directly to God for the confession of their sins instead of the local priest.

17 Elijah was a human being as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit.

• Elijah had to endure too.
• 1 Kings 17-18
• King Ahab & Jezebel were persuading Israelites to follow Baal instead of Jehovah God.
• They were being led astray.

19 My brothers and sisters, if any among you strays from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let that person know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.[7]

• Show kindness
• Show mercy
• Show endurance
• Show grace
• Show hope
• It will be this Spirit in you… love, joy, peace…
• That leads those struggling in their faith to turn from their sin (repentance) and seek the Truth of the Gospel… That Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and wants to reign as the Lord of your life.
• In this new day, of pandemic, the sharing of the Gospel is not dependent on a Church program.
• What you have learned through your life is now being implemented.

Be the Church!

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (2 Ti 3:12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 379). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Job 42:10–17). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ro 5:3–5). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 381). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 383). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jas 5:7–20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.