Archive for the ‘ Lifestyle ’ Category
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19, ESV
God promises life is hard, especially for those of us who call on His name and proclaim His truth to a world that shuns Him.
But our faithful boldness may help convince them.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, ESV
Show others the joy found in Christ in all circumstances, even being lovingly patient when attacked for our faith, praying continually.
This is one of the ways others see the Gospel.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you
1 Peter 5:6, ESV
The Church and the Bible show us we are sinners in need of a Savior.
Let us humbly admit our need and then share the need we all have with others.
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114, ESV
We are found in Christ, and we strengthen our faith in His Word, the Bible.
Let us point others to the Truth found in the Bible.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:4, ESV
Anything good we do is because of Christ working in and through us.
May we lead others to be found in Him.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:36, ESV
We deserved death and torment, yet God relents.
How often do we not forgive those who [usually unintentionally] wrong us? Our own mercy could lead to the Gospel being shared.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8, ESV
If we focus on how bad the world is, we can pulled into complaining and worry. If we focus on what good is happening, we can share our joy with a hurting world, especially the salvation offered by Christ.
You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah
Psalm 85:2, ESV
We lashed out at God.
He took those lashes to the cross, buying and giving forgiveness by His blood.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4:18, ESV
We no longer need to fear God’s wrath after we come to Christ. Instead, we should fear for those who do not know Him and share the Gospel with them.
I have started a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group.
Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.
What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.
What is the Law?
What is the purpose of the Law?
Romans 3:19-20 – points out our sin
What is antinomianism?
Anti = against, removed. Nomian (Deutero-nomy) = law. Therefore, against the Law or the Law
removed.
In other words and in a summation: antinomianism teaches that we are not under any part of the Law,
even the Moral Law (summarized as the 10 Commandments).
• Deuteronomy 6:1-2, 12:1 – Laws for the Promised Land
Matthew 5:17:
Pretty clearly says “not abolish but fulfill”:
• What does Jesus mean by fulfill?
o 1 Peter 2:22-25 – Perfectly obey and bring about what was prophesied.
Matthew 5:18:
• How do antinomians interpret this verse?
o John 19:30 – They say He meant the Law is accomplished (after all, that entire passage speaks of how
His crucifixion fulfills Scripture, i.e. the Law and Prophets.)
• What is the better interpretation?
o John 17:4 – accomplish the work the Father gave
o Luke 19:10
• Also, “until heaven and earth pass away …” The Law stands until all of God’s plan is complete, i.e.
the renewal of all things.
Matthew 5:19:
• Relaxes one of the least of these commandments?
o Matthew 23:23-24
▪ The leaders stressed things like the tithe (meant for the Temple and priests, Numbers 18) but
showed a lack of compassion and justice and faithfulness to God’s intent.
• But we don’t obey all of those laws, right?
o Acts 15:22-29 – We an understand this as “do not worry about the Law for Israel, just obey the
Ten Commandments as has been revealed.”
o But what about the Sabbath?
▪ Hebrews 4:1-13
All other Commandments are repeated in the New Testament except the Sabbath (we await the full rest
of our souls and renewed bodies in eternity)
The tithe is also not expressly demanded in the NT. The tithe was supposed to supply the priests with food and necessary means for Temple operations and upkeep.
Matthew 5:20:
Jesus rarely said the Jewish leaders were flat out wrong about their teachings. They understood God’s
Word really well!
• Matthew 23 explains the 7 woes of Jesus against the Scribes and Pharisees
o Basically, they made themselves look good on the outside, but they were hypocrites.
• We are to work out of love of God and people: Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
a simple man of God 