Eternal Security
Intro: Notice that Assurance of Salvation is not the same as Eternal Security. Every believer is eternally secure, but not all have assurance that they are eternally secure. Eternal Security means that once a person is truly saved, they will remain saved eternally.
I. First, the Biblical Teachers taught this truth.
A. The Lord Jesus taught this truth (Jn. 5:24).
B. John taught this truth (1 Jn. 2:25).
Observation: If the believer was saved for 200 years and then lost, what he had was 200-year life not eternal life. Eternal life by definition means that it cannot come to an end. We must also understand that "Eternal Life" is more than just length of time, it also speaks of abundancy and intimacy with God (Jn. 17:3). The lost person will live forever, but they are never said in the Bible to have Eternal Life.
C. Jude taught this truth (Jude 24-25).
D. Paul taught this truth (Rom. 8:1).
E. Peter taught this truth (1 Pet. 1:3-6).
II. Furthermore, some Biblical Truths to think about.
A. God's Unconditional Promises.
"27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I
know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27-28
One might object, "Ok, He will not take us out of His hand, but we can take our self out of His hand!" This does not take into account the Biblical image presented - we are not only in His hand but part of His hand!
"For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." Ephesians 5:30
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
"If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." 2 Timothy 2:13
"5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 (AMP)
"There are three negatives before the word, making the promise one of triple assurance. It is, "I will not, I will not I will not let you down."
B. God's Unlimited Power to back up those promises.
"5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Revelation 19:5-6
"The English word "omnipotent" comes from the Latin 'omnis' meaning "all." God is all powerful, meaning "That quality of deity means God is all powerful and can do anything that is consistent with His Nature." [The Moody Handbook of Theology, Paul Enns].
C. God's Unquenchable Love for His children.
"6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:6-10
If God loved you as a lost person, one who was without any strength; ungodly; still sinning; and enemy of God, how much more does He love you now that you have been forgiven of all your sins (Col. 2:13) and imputed the very righteousness of Christ (Rom. 4:6-8)?
See, Rom. 8:31-39.
D. God's Unquestionable Answer to the prayer of the Son of God.
Jn. 17:9-12, 15, 20.
Trans: Therefore we are eternally secure because of God's totally Unconditional promises which are far too many to list; also due to His Unlimited power to keep those promises; and His Unquenchable love which cannot be quenched by our faults, failures, and sins; and finally, we take courage in the Unquestionable answer to His prayer specifically for our security.
III. Finally, the Trinity is Behind our security.
A. God the Father is the Planner of our salvation.
"3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:3-6
If God's plan were to fail, then God Himself would be a failure! Such a thought is obviously unthinkable!
B. God the Son is the Provider of our salvation.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 1:7
• He is our Advocate. 1 Jn. 2:1
Observation: The term Advocate means "a defense attorney" in a court of law. Jesus Christ is our defense attorney before the Father.
Question: Why? Why do we need a defense attorney in the presence of God the Father? Most people think that it is to keep the Father from condemning us, but He has already been propitiated (1 Jn. 2:2). Propitiation means "to turn away wrath by the satisfaction of violated justice." The reason we need an advocate is not to protect us from the Father, He isn't mad anymore! It is due to the continual accusations of the Devil (Rev. 12:10/ Job 1:1,6-12; 2:1-6). Keep in mind that Jesus does not plead our innocence but His nailed scared hands.
• He is our Intercessor. Lu. 22:31-32/Heb. 7:25
• His salvation is a free gift. "being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;" (Romans 3:24). The word gift is "dorean" and is the same word used in John 15:25, "But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.' They hated Jesus without a cause - if you lived a trillion years you could not think of one legitimate reason to hate Jesus. And if you lived a trillion years you could not think of one legitimate reason why God should save you! That's why it had to be a gift!
• The sin debt has been paid in full!
"13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14
"In the days of the great dominion of Rome law was built on the assumption that every Roman citizen owed Caesar perfect allegiance and obedience to his laws...If any citizen broke one of his laws. The offender would soon find himself standing before the courts or Caesar himself. If the man were found guilty of breaking the law and sentenced to prison, an itemized list was made of each infraction and its corresponding penalty...It was technically called a "Certificate of Debt." When the man was taken to his prison cell, this Certificate of Debt was nailed to the cell door so that anyone passing by could tell that the man had been justly condemned and could also see the limitation of his punishment...When the man had served his time and was released, he would be handed the yellowed, tattered Certificate of Debt words "Paid in Full" written across it. He could never again be imprisoned for those same crimes as long as he could produce his canceled Certificate of Debt. But until the sentence was paid, that Certificate of Debt stood between him and freedom...A Certificate of Debt was prepared against every person who would ever live, listing his failure to live in thought, word, and deed in accordance with the law of God. This death sentence has become a Debt of Sin which has to be paid, either by man, or if possible, someone to take his place...Jesus cried "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" In that instant God had taken the Certificate of Debt of every human being from the beginning of mankind until the close of history, and nailed it to the cross, making Jesus responsible and guilty for each one!...The victorious cry on the cross was the Greek word, tetelestai (Jn. 19:30). Let that burn like a firebrand into your mind, because that's the exact same word that a Roman judge would write across a released criminal's Certificate of Debt to show that all his penalty had been paid and he was free at last. In the mind of God, "Paid in Full" has been written with the blood of Jesus Christ across the Certificate of Debt of every man who will ever live. We can never be condemned for all these things again."
Common sense illustration: How many of your sins were future WHEN Jesus died for you on the cross? All of them! You were not even born yet. How could God deal with your future sins that were not yet committed? Because God is omniscient - knowing everything past, present, and future, actual and possible at one time. Isa. 46:9-10/etc. What is the only way that God can forgive your sins? At the cross, by the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:22). Jesus’ glorified body has no blood (Lu. 24: 37-39/ 1 Cor. 15:50). Therefore, if He didn’t pay for sins on the cross, he cannot pay for sins, since it is only through His shed blood! But He did pay for all sins at the cross making every person SAVEABLE, but not actually saved until they personally receive Jesus Christ as their savior by faith (Jn. 1:12).
The Point - since Jesus paid for ALL of your sins, ALL of your sins are forgiven the moment you believe in Jesus Christ. Since ALL your sins, past; present; and future were an issue to a Holy God, therefore He must deal with them all or He could never save you in the first place. If you say God saved someone, and then they later commit a particular sin that causes them to be lost, the truth is that the sin was just as real to God when He saved that person in the first place. The basic problem with those who deny eternal security is that their God is too small!
A Problem - then why are we told to confess our sins (1 Jn. 1:9)? Not in order to secure our forgiveness in a judicial sense. We confess known sin to restore fellowship in a parental sense. We no longer relate to God, as believers, as a criminal before a Judge; but as a child before a Father.
C. God the Holy Spirit is the Power of our salvation.
"13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory." Ephesians 1:13-14
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30
Regeneration - spiritual birth like physical birth is irreversible (Jn. 1:12-13)
Indwelling of God's Spirit is permanent (Jn. 14:16)
Spirit Baptism is a one-way trip! (1 Cor. 12:13)
Con:
So What?
"3 If You, LORD, should mark iniquities [keep an itemized account], O Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared [reverently trusted]." Psalm 130:3-4
If you think that God can love you one minute and then cast you into hell, it is impossible to trust Him. All believers are eternally secure regardless of what they believe, but that is very different from the peace and joy of having assurance of salvation and a close intimate walk with God.
The Bible
I. THE MIRACLE OF THE BIBLE.
• Written over a period of a 1,500-year span. Moses wrote the first book of the Bible, Genesis about 1400 B.C., and the apostle John the last book, Revelation, about 96 A.D.
• Written by some 40 authors, from every walk of life:
Moses, a political leader, trained in the universities of Egypt.
Peter, a fisherman.
Amos, a herdsman.
Joshua, a military General.
Nehemiah, a cupbearer.
Daniel, a Prime Minister.
Luke, a Doctor.
Solomon, a King.
Matthew, a tax collector.
Paul a former Rabbi.
Just to name a few…
• Written in different places:
Moses in the wilderness.
Jeremiah in a dungeon.
Daniel on a hillside and Palace.
Paul in prison
John in exile on Patmos
Etc.
• Written at different times: both in times of peace and war.
• Written in three languages:
Hebrew, the major portion of the Old Testament; Aramaic, in Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26/ Dan. 2:4-7:28/ Jer. 10:11; and Greek in the New Testament.
The miracle is that even though the Bible was written over a large period of time by men who did not know each other, and had very little in common, there is a definite unity of mind from Genesis to Revelation! There are no discrepancies, contradictions, or disagreements when all the facts are known. That makes this a miracle Book.
II. THE MECHANICS OF THE BIBLE:
A. Bible – the English word Bible is derived from the Greek word biblion, which means “book” or “roll.” The name comes from Byblos, which denotes the papyrus plant that grew in marshes or river banks, primarily along the Nile River. Writing materials were made from papyrus plants. Eventually, the plural form biblia was used by Latin speaking Christians to denote all the books of the Old and New Testament (Dan. 9:2).
B. Scripture – the Greek word is graphe, which means “writing.” In the Old Testament, this writing was recognized as carrying great authority (2 Kings 14:6/ 2 Chronicles 23:18/Ezra 3:2/Nehemiah 10:34). The writings of the Old Testament were eventually collected into three groups called the Law; Prophets; and Writings and consisted of the 39 books of our Old Testament (Lu. 24:44).
In the New Testament, the Greek verb grapho is used about 90 times in reference to the Bible, while the noun form graphe is used 51 times, almost exclusively of Holy Scriptures. The term the Scriptures designates collectively all the parts of the Scripture (Matthew 21:42; 22:29; 26:54/Luke 24:27, 32, 45/John 5:39/ Romans 15:4/2 Peter 3:16) or individual parts of the Scripture (Mark 12:10; 15:28/John 13:18; 19:24, 36/Acts 1:16; 8:35/Romans 11:2/2 Timothy 3:16). The phrase The Scripture says, is a synonym for quoting God Himself (Romans 4:3; 9:17; 10:11/Galatians 4:3/I Timothy 5:18). 2 Timothy 3:16 declares that all the Scriptures are God breathed, inspired by God (2 Peter 3:16).
C. Old and New Testament – the Hebrew word for testament is berith meaning Covenant or agreement. The Greek word is diatheke and means covenant. The Old Covenant is preparation for Jesus’ coming, the Law showed man was a sinner, the animal sacrifices showed how God would forgive sin through His perfect substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:29). The New Covenant is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant.
III. THE MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE.
• The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27/John 5:39, 46/Acts 26:22-23; 28:23).
• There are also many other themes: sin; redemption; kingdom; faith; etc.
• The Kingdom of God is a very important theme in helping us understand our Bible:
In the Old Testament the Kingdom is Promised; in the Gospels it is Proclaimed and rejected; in the New Testament epistles it is Postponed; and in the book of Revelation it is Presented.
I also believe it is impossible to understand the need for a future earthly kingdom without understanding the importance of the Abrahamic Covenant as the foundation for all proceeding covenants and how this covenant has not yet been totally fulfilled.
Palestinian New Davidic
Cov. Cov. Cov.
(Dt.30) (Jer. 31) (2 Sam.7)
Land Seed Blessing
The Abrahamic Covenant is the foundation, which promised a land, seed, and a blessing.
IV. MANY WAYS TO ORGANIZE THE BIBLE:
If we organized it in bookshelf form:
History section: Law of Moses - Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy. Joshua; Judges; Ruth; 1 & 2 Samuel; 1& 2 Kings; 1 & 2 Chronicles; Ezra; Nehemiah.
Poetry: Job; Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon.
Prophecy: Major Prophets - Isaiah; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel; Minor Prophets -Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Jonah; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zechariah; Malachi.
Biography: Matthew; Mark; Luke; John.
History: Acts
Paul’s Letters: Romans; 1 & 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 & 2 Thessalonians; 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon.
Other Letters: Hebrews; James; 1 & 2 Peter; 1 & 2 & 3 John; Jude.
Prophecy: Revelation.
It is helpful to organize the whole thing in a time frame and in relationship to other books:
Job, for example was written during the time period of the book of Genesis…
Ruth, was written during the period of the book of Judges…
Psalms, was written during the period of 1 & 2 Samuel…
Esther, during the time of Ezra…
Therefore if you are studying the Psalms, it is helpful to know 1 & 2 Samuel for background material.
The book of Acts comes alive when you realize it in relationship to other books.
Early church growth, which takes place in Jerusalem and Judah are covered in Acts 1-12, during which time the book of James was written…
Paul’s First Missionary Journey is found in Acts 13-14, in which the book of Galatians was written…
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey, is depicted in Acts 16-18, both 1 & 2 Thessalonians was written then.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey found in Acts 19-21, during that time 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans was written…
We have Paul’s first Prison term, found in Acts 22-28, when Philemon; Colossians; Ephesians; and Philippians were written…
The book of Acts ends, but not Paul’s life, he is released at which time 1 Timothy and Titus is written…
He has a second prison term, in which he is beheaded and his last letter is 2 Timothy.
Knowing this background is vital for understanding the background of the epistles.
You can get an overview of the Bible to help you get a handle on it:
• Roots of the Nation of Israel, Genesis.
• Redemption of the Nation, Exodus.
• Requirements for the Nation, Leviticus.
• Refusal of the Nation, Numbers.
• Reminder to the Nation, Deuteronomy.
• Reception of the Nation, Joshua.
• Rebellion of the Nation, Judges.
• Remnant of the Nation, Ruth.
• Rulers of the Nation, 1 Sam-2 Kings.
• Retrospection in 1 & 2 Chronicles.
• Restoration in Ezra.
• Reconstruction in Nehemiah.
• Remnant that did not return to Jerusalem in Esther.
• Rhythm of the Nation – Job about Suffering; Psalms abut Singing; Proverbs about Sayings; Ecclesiastes about Searching; Song of Solomon about Sharing.
• Revealers of God’s Word – Pre-exilic Prophets : Joel; Jonah; Amos; Hosea; Micah; Isaiah; Nahum; Zephaniah; Habakkuk; Jeremiah. Exilic Prophets: Daniel; Ezekiel; Obadiah. Post-exilic Prophets: Haggai; Zechariah; and Malachi.
Anyway, we need to realize that the Bible comes from God. God Revealed His Word to the authors of the Bible and enabled them to write those words down; and then by His Sovereign power preserved them for us today.
This Bible is therefore from God and is our authority; our boss; our Control Tower. We flew to Nicaragua from Rogers, AR. To do that, the pilot needed to be under the authority of the control tower. The pilot had a limited vantage point. He could not see underneath or above the airplane. Even with all of their instruments, they cannot see all the weather conditions that they will encounter during their flight. The folks in the control tower provide pilots with help, direction, and guidance that they will need. The Word of God is the control tower for the Christian. Where we have only a limited vantage point, God's Word can communicate to us what we would not know by ourselves.
We must believe that the Bible is from God and is our authority! If the Bible teaches a doctrine then we teach that doctrine; if the Bible commands something then we are to obey those commands; we have all played Simon says! We need to learn to play the Bible says.
There is a game show called, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? People are asked questions and if they give the right answers they can become rich. If you do not know the answer you are given what they call "lifelines." That means they can call a friend and ask them what is the answer to the question; or they can ask the audience to help and go with what the majority have to say. In life we have one reliable lifeline – it is not what we think or what friends think or what the majority thinks – our lifeline is the Bible! It tells us what God has to say! What's our lifeline? Is it our personal opinion, preferences or feeling? It must be God's Word!
Illumination must also come from God (1 Cor. 2:9-12/Heb. 3:7-8).
The Holy Spirit is the Source of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The Holy Spirit also allows us to make Sense out of the Bible (John 16:13-15).
I wear glasses because without them I cannot read the Bible. The older I get, it seems that the print of my Bible is getting smaller. I have to squint in order to see. But when I put glasses on, I can read the Bible with ease. The Holy Spirit is like glasses. He allows us to see what the Bible really means.
The Holy Spirit will only help us if we are willing to Submit to what we read (John 7:17/Heb. 5:14).
Anne Sullivan, who tutored Helen Keller who was deaf, dumb, and blind, said, "I saw clearly that it was useless to try to teach her language or anything else until she learned to obey me. I have thought about it a great deal, and the more I think, the more certain I am that obedience is the gateway through which knowledge comes.”
Prayer is needed
We must pray before, during, and after we study the Bible (Psa. 119:18).
When a woman is pregnant we say, “She is expecting.” Prayer keeps us in an attitude of expecting – we are expecting God to speak to us through His Word, we are expecting Him to give birth to a sermon! Prayer keeps us in touch with God, and keeps our hearts open to God.
V. THE MINIMUM IN BIBLE STUDY.
A. Observation is our part.
• Observation by Reflecting, we need to pay attention to what the Bible is actually saying. Sir William Osler was a physician. He was always trying to impress upon his students the importance of observation. Once he held up a bottle which contained a urine sample. He told the students that sometimes it is possible by testing to determine what disease a patient suffered. He then dipped a finger into the fluid and then into his mouth. He then passed out that bottle and told them to taste of that bottle as he had done. As the bottle was passed among the students, they reluctantly sampled the contents. When they were finished he said, “Gentlemen, now you can appreciate the importance of observation. If you would have been observant you would have noticed that I put my index finger into the bottle, but my middle finger into my mouth!”
• Observation requires much Reading. Let the Bible tell us what it is saying. We must not come to the Bible with our own ideas. We must be open to what it is saying, not what we want it to say. Many are like the old man who was hard of hearing. One day while they were sitting on the porch, his wife said to him, “I love you.” He said, “What did you say?” She repeated, “I love you!” He looked with scorn and said, “Well, I’m tired of you too!”
• Read it Repeatedly.
We simply cannot read it too much. When John G. Mitchell, of Multnomah School of the Bible, was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, Washington, he heard Dr. G. Campbell Morgan preach. The man knew his text, and young Mitchell was impressed. In fact, he asked the visiting Bible teacher how he understood Scripture so well. "If I told you, you wouldn't do it," Morgan said. "Just try me," Mitchell insisted. The veteran preacher replied, "Before I study a book, I read it fifty times." Beloved, if you want to learn God's Word, then read and re-read the Bible repeatedly.
Therefore, observation requires Reflecting and Reading. We need to think, to meditate on God’s Word (Josh.1:8/Psa. 1). Like a coffee percolator – the water goes up a small tube and drains down through the coffee grounds. It goes through this cycle until the coffee and water are one.
• Read it Reflectively.
Discover the key word, the main theme - What one word would sum up the passage? Write out in one sentence what a passage is saying.
Next, we should make an outline of the entire book we are studying. And then an outline of the passage before us.
Now, we just slowly work through the passage, getting a subject and an outline.
B. Interpretation.
• Context. The Context of what goes before and what comes after the passage we are studying. The overall context or what dispensation is the passage found in? A dispensation is related to the different ways that God relates to mankind. Like different administrations among various Presidents.
Overall view of Dispensations:
Perfection (Innocence) – Gen. 1:26-3:6
Permissiveness (Conscience) – 4:1-8:14
Protection (Human Government) – Gen. 8:15-11:32
Promise – Gen. 12:1-Ex.18:27
Precepts (Law) – Ex. 19:1-Ac.1:26
Patience (Church) – Ac. 2-Rev. 4
Power (Kingdom) – Rev. 20:
Pattern for each Dispensation:
They begin with a new Revelation.
There is a Requirement.
There is a Rejection of that requirement.
There is therefore Retribution.
• Cross-references. The best commentary on the Bible – is the Bible! I recommend that you get a Strong’s Concordance:
Warning: You have to consider the Context in order to understand the meaning of a word. Studying a word without considering the context is worthless.
You can study the word ice for days and all you know is that it is “frozen water.” But is it? Somebody might be dealing in ice, a slang term for cocaine! In that context it has nothing to do with frozen water. The mob might decide to ice someone, a slang to take that person’s life. One might be about to ice a cake – frosting! An offended friend might be as cold as ice.
Take the word trunk – is it a tree trunk; a trunk in the attic; a trunk of a car; etc. The meaning of words must be determined by the context. Take the word lion in the scriptures – only when you are talking about an animal, will studying the word be helpful. It can be a reference to Babylon (Jer. 4:7); or the nation of Israel (Ezk.19:2); or an analogy for Satan (1 Pet. 5:8); and even Jesus Christ Himself (Rev. 5:5).
Take the word Run – if you just study the word you might come up with the definition of walking fast. But the word is used of not only a man running, but of one’s nose running; a washing machine running; running the pool table; leaving a faucet running, running for office; etc.
For example take the word ekklesía; a called out assembly has to be identified by its context:
It can be referring to an assembly of Jewish people (Ac. 7:38).
It can refer to a pagan assembly (Ac. 19:32, 39, 41).
It can refer to the Body of Christ, which includes all believers from Pentecost to the Rapture (Col. 1:18).
It can refer to a local church (1 Cor. 1:2).
• Cultural setting. Looking at the original situation. Question: What did the text mean to the biblical audience? Getting the Principle is vital to making the passage relevant. So when Paul commands “Be not drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18), we realize that the command is not limited to wine. The principle goes beyond wine; it would include things like any alcohol, drugs, etc.
The cultural setting involves:
Political culture:
Why did King Belshazzar offer the third position in the Babylonian kingdom to Daniel instead of the second position? History sources reveal that at that time Belshazzar was only second in command. His father Nabonidus was out of the country so the best he could offer Daniel was the third spot.
Religious culture:
Moses commanded “not to cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” (Ex. 23:19; 34:26/Deut. 14:21) He did this because according to archeological discoveries it was a pagan ritual practiced by the Canaanites.
Economic culture:
Job 22:6 Eliphaz accused Job of having “taken pledges from you brother for no reason.” The background is that if someone owed someone money they could not pay. The one owed the money could take the debtors coat as a pledge of future payments, but must return it at night so the person could use it as a blanket and keep warm. Truth is, Job was not guilty of doing this but was being falsely accused (31:19-22).
Legal culture:
In 2 Ki. 2:9 Elisha asked Elijah to give him a “double portion of his spirit.” Was he power hungry? Was he asking for twice as much power? No, he was simply requesting to be his successor. The firstborn in a family was given a double share of his father’s estate (Deut. 21:17).
Agricultural culture:
Why would Amos call the women of Bethel “cows of Bashan?” These cows, located northeast of the Sea of Galilee, were known for having an easy life of grazing their way to fatness. The woman of Bethel had become wealthy and lazy! Amos 4:1
Clothing culture:
What does the Bible mean when it tells us to “gird up the loins of our minds?” 1 Pet. 1:13 In that day when a man worked or ran or engaged in battle he tucked his robe into his sash so he could move freely.
Domestic culture:
What did the man in Lu. 9:59 mean by saying “let me go bury my father first?” It did not mean that his father had just died. The man felt obligated to take care of his father until he died, no doubt so he would get his father’s inheritance. He was willing to put Jesus on the back burner for several years.
Geographical culture:
What is significant about the message to the Laodicean church being lukewarm, not hot or cold? He is comparing them to the water supply. Water was piped into Laodicea from Heirapolis about 6 miles away. When the water left the hot springs in Heirapolis it was hot, but by the time it reached them it was lukewarm.
The bottom line is that understanding the culture is vital to understanding what the Bible is saying. For example, Mt. 17:24-27 seems extremely odd, I have been fishing for years and have never caught one with money in its mouth. The fish in the passage is a tilapia, a fish that actually carries its eggs in its mouth. If the young fish become frightened, they head for mother’s mouth for protection. Often the mamma fish will pick up an object to prevent the babies from invading her mouth. That day by God’s providential moving this fish picked up a shekel that was obviously on the bottom of the lake. There are various helps in explaining the cultural background. Many Commentaries give helpful insight; Today’s Handbook of Bible Times & Customs; Harper’s Encyclopedia of Bible Life; The New Manners and Customs of Bible times; etc.
Also, some cultural practices are temporary and others are still binding. When the Bible says greet one another with a holy kiss it is not still a normal thing. In our culture, a warm handshake is comparable…
How to have a Quiet time:
1. Make it a Priority – a firm decision to set aside a time daily to seek God.
2. Have a specific Place – a room, a chair, a place of solitude.
3. Have a Plan – same time, same place, every single day.
4. Bring some Paper – a notebook to write down thoughts, impressons, insights, promises, etc.
5. Have a Program:
Singing – get a small hymnbook and sing out loud to the Lord.
Scripture:
Any examples to follow…
Any exhortations…
Any promises to claim…
Any sin to confess and forsake…
Any new thought about God…
Any principle to apply to our life, family, job, church, community, or nation…
What specific changes do I need to make…
How exactly will I make them…
What scripture can I memorize to summarize this truth…
What illustration will help me remember it…
Speaking:
Pray for God’s manifested Presence.
Pray that the Lord Jesus will be Promoted.
Pray for supernatural Power to do the will of God.
Pray for daily Provisions.
Pray for Protection.
Pray for People.
Pray God will crush our Pride.
Pray for Purity.
Reviewing Positional truth – We are Deeply loved no matter what; Completely forgiven; Fully pleasing; Totally accepted in Christ; Entirely a new creature; Adequately empowered by God’s Spirit; etc.
• Considering words. We need to consider the Dictionary meaning of a Word. This can be discovered by looking at various translations; or by getting a Bible dictionary; and getting into original languages.
Discovering the grammatical tenses, etc. This is not always possible without the right kind of tools and training but don’t worry about it! It’s like watching a movie in black and white versus watching a movie in color. It might be more pleasing to watch it in color, but you get the same movie even if it’s in black and white.
An important thing to watch for is pronoun changes. Pronoun Change is often the key that unlocks the door to understanding a passage.
• Commentaries. If you can get some commentaries, they can be helpful, unless they become a crutch to where you cannot study without them.
So all of this is under Interpretation – Context, Cross-reference; Culture; and Considering words.
Questions
Bombard the text with questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? So What? Write down the questions and seek to answer them, but at this stage asking is more important than answering them. Who are these people in my passage? What is the basic purpose of the passage? Where did all of this take place? When did they take place? Etc. I have watched a kid’s show many times with my grandkids called Curious George; it’s about a monkey whose curiosity is always getting him into trouble. Our trouble is a lack of curiosity!
Integration
The theological framework puts the passage in light of the overall teaching of the Bible. Systematic theology is an organized study of all the passages that relate to a Biblical subject.
Imagination - write the passage out in your own words.
Injection – we need to inject the gospel into every sermon.
Incubation – sleep on it! Give the Holy Spirit time to do His work. Brood over the Scriptures, and He will birth some wonderful ideas.
Application
General:
Examples to follow?
Exhortations to obey?
Promises to claim?
Sin to confess or forsake?
Error to avoid?
Any new principles to apply?
Any new thoughts about God?
Specific:
How does this apply to my life; family; work; church; community; and Nation?
What specific changes do I need to make?
How exactly will I go about making this change?
What verse could I memorize that would best summarize this truth?
What illustration can I use to help me remember this truth?
What hymn would help me remember this truth?
I have bought many Muscle and Fitness magazines through the years, though not in recent years. I used to love to read those articles on how to lift weights, as long as I was lifting my weights! From time to time I quit lifting and guess what, during those times I lose interest in those magazines, I never even open them. But the moment I start lifting weights, I start reading them again. Why? Because I knew I was going to apply what I read. It is the same with the Bible! If you are not applying the Word of God to your life, you will lose all interest in God’s Word. It is obedience to God’s Word that compels us into God’s Word and really causes us to be educated in the things of God.
Implementation
We must have a determination to obey. Sometimes we pastors are the most guilty of not applying the Word of God. It reminds me of a doctor, a lawyer, and a preacher who went hunting together. A deer jumped out in front of them and all shot at it. The deer immediately went down. When they came to it there was no bullet hole! They begin to argue about which one shot the deer. About that time a game warden came by and asked what the problem was. They explained it to him and he examined the deer. He said, “It was the preacher who killed the deer.” The doctor asked, “How do you know?” He said, “Because the bullet went in one ear, and out the other!” We must not allow God’s Word to simply go in one ear and out the other.
Illustration - Find an illustration that will help you to remember this truth.
Invocation - Find a hymn that will help you worship this truth.
Interaction - Share your study with someone.
You may not have access to many commentaries and other books. Just remember the words of John Bunyan who wrote Pilgrim's Progress:
"Although you may have no commentaries at hand, continue to read the Word and pray; for a little from God is better than a great deal received from a man. Too many are content to listen to what comes from men's mouths, without searching and kneeling before God to know the real truth. That which we receive directly from the Lord through the study of His Word is from the 'minting house' itself. Even old truths are new if they come to us with the smell of heaven upon them."
I would recommend that you make a copy of the quick overview. Run it off on colored paper using extra thick paper. That makes it easy to find and will last much longer then just normal paper.
Quick Overview:
Inspiration – that the Bible is God breathed.
Illumination – the revealing ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Intercession – from beginning to end it must be bathed in prayer.
Investigation – (Observation) Reading and Reflecting.
Identification – of a Theme and Outline.
Interpretation – Context; Cross-references; Cultural setting; Considering words; Consultation; Commentaries.
Interrogation – bombard the text with questions.
Integration – what is the theological framework.
Imagination- write out the passage in your own words.
Injection – of the gospel.
Incubation – to brood over the scriptures until the Holy Spirit births a communication to your spirit. Involves contemplation, prayer, meditation.
Implication – (Application) how does this apply to my life?
Implementation – a determination to obey.
Illustration - to help remember this truth.
Invocation – find a hymn that relates to your passage.
Interaction – share your study with someone.
Prayer
I. A few Prerequisites for Prayer.
A. A Personal relationship with Christ (Jn. 9:31/Eph. 2:13).
B. A Continual fellowship with Him (Psa. 66:18/ Isa. 59:1/Jam. 4:3).
C. An Unshakable confidence in God’s Person and Promises (Heb. 11:6/ Jam. 1:5-6).
D. A Total dependency upon the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26/Heb. 10:19).
E. A Habitual trust in the merit of Jesus Christ. To pray “in Jesus’ name is to present all that He is on our behalf (Jn. 14:13-14; 16:23-24/Eph. 2:18/ Heb. 10:19).
F. A Radical willingness to obey God’s will and Word (1 Jn. 5:14).
II. The Reasons why we pray.
A. To Glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31).
B. It is Commanded (Lu. 18:1/1 Thess. 5:17).
C. To get eternal Results (Jer. 33:3/Jam. 5:16).
D. To Prepare us for God’s work (Ac. 1:13014; 4:29).
E. To find God’s Will (Jam. 1:5).
F. To pray for the Salvation of the lost (Rom. 10:1/1 Cor. 3:6-9).
G. To Engage in spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 10:/Eph. 6:).
III. The Requirements for effective prayer.
A. Persistence (Lu. 18:1-8/1 Thess. 5:17).
B. Resistance (Jam. 4:7).
C. Relevance (Mt. 6:11; 7:7-8). Not vague prayers but for a specific thing.
D. Insistence (Gen. 32:26).
IV. The Rudiments of prayer.
A. Praise – for who He is (Psa. 145-150).
B. Thanksgiving – for what He has done (Phil. 4:6/Col. 4:2).
• Material blessings.
• Physical blessings.
• Spiritual blessings.
• Relational blessings.
• Tribulational blessings.
C. Confession of known sin (1 Jn. 1:9).
Admit it; Quit it; and Forget it.
D. Supplication (1 Tim. 2:1).
• Intercession – for others.
• Petition – for ourselves.
V. The Road blocks to prayer.
A. Prominent prayer (Mt. 6:5).
B. Pretense in prayer (Mt. 23:14).
C. Particular unconfessed sin.
VI. A Recognition of our Lord’s Praying.
A. It Commenced with Prayer (Lu. 3:21-22).
B. It Consisted on prayer (Mk. 1:35-38/Lu. 5:15-16; 6:12-13).
C. It Consummated with prayer (Mt. 26:39/Lu. 23:34, 46).
D. It Continues in prayer even now (Heb. 7:25).
VII. A few things to Remember.
A. Our physical position is not important (Neh. 9:4-5/Ezra 9:5/1 Chron. 17:16-27/ Ex. 34:8/Jn. 17:1).
B. God always answers prayer.
• Direct answer – ask and receive.
• Delayed answer – ask and receive in a different way than we expected.
• Denial – ask and the answer is no, a no answer is NOT no answer!
C. God is not limited to miracles, he can heal by way of medicine, etc.
D. Prayer must be couple with Scripture (Ac. 6:4).
VIII. Prayer and Reflection.
• Review past blessings.
• Reflect upon God’s greatness.
• Remember God’s promises.
• Make Requests.
IX. Prayer and some concluding Rules.
A. The Target of prayer – God’s will and glory.
B. Trust factor – prayer is a mystery, we must trust God, we do not have a clue what He is up to. We must say with Job, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
C. The Train tracks – think of a powerful locomotive, it needs tracks to run on. Prayer is laying down the tracks for the power of God.
D. Third Time is a charm – our Lord prayed three times in the Garden; Paul asked that his thorn would be removed three times.
E. Need for Tenacity.
F. The adversity seeks to Thwart us.
• Makes us feel Tired during our times of prayer.
• Raises up people to Take a stand against us.
• Seeks to interfere with our appointed prayer Time.
• Brings a Thick cloud to block God’s manifested presence.
• Tries to cut off funds and support.
• Puts the Thought in our mind that prayer does not do any good.
G. Thank God that our prayers have been answered by faith.
X. Run through the Lord’s Prayer (Lu. 11:1-4).
A. For the Glory of the Father. 11:2
1. Intimacy – “Our Father” (Lu. 15:11).
2. Right Mentality – “Hallowed be your Name” (Lu. 5:1-8).
3. Prophecy – “Your kingdom come” (1 Thess. 4:16-18).
4. Conformity – “Your will be done” (Mt. 26:38).
B. For the Good of the Family. 11:3-4
1. Necessity – “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt. 6:33).
2. Expectancy – “And forgive us our sins as we…” Forgiven people are expected to forgive (Mt. 18:21/Eph. 4:32).
3. Vulnerability – “Lead us not into temptation” (1 Cor. 10:12-13).
Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
I. Definition.
A. Biblically – it means “to be under the full influence of; to be wholly occupied with; to be controlled by.”
B. Theologically – Lu. 5:26; 6:11/Jn. 16:6/Ac. 5:3; 6:5).
II. Description. Eph. 5:18
A. Imperative Mood – a commandment.
B. Present Tense – continuous action.
C. Passive voice – the believer is acted upon by the Holy Spirit.
III. Illustration – getting drunk!
A. Common usage – Lu. 1:15/Ac. 2:4, 13, 15/ Eph. 5:18.
B. Contrast – which is more sinful? Getting drunk or not being filled? Neither!
C. Comparison – just as getting drunk transforms a person so does being filled.
IV. Invitation on how to be filled.
A. Confess all known sin (1 Jn. 1:9).
• Pride – an exalted feeling in view of our success or position or gifts or talent.
• Anger – which is often excused as righteous indignation. It is a touchy, over sensitive disposition, which refuses to be contradicted or confronted.
• Self-will – a stubborn, unteachable spirit which manifests itself in arguments, sarcasm, critical spirit, harshness, and the like.
• Fear – a fear of man which causes one to be silent about Jesus, a shrinking from your spiritual duties, a compromising spirit so as not to offend anyone.
• Jealous disposition – secret spirit of envy shut up in your heart, and unpleasant sensation in view of the prosperity of another.
• A dishonest, deceitful spirit – the evading of the truth, covering up of the truth. Leaving a better impression of ourselves than what is strictly truth. Always having to exaggerate the facts to make us look good.
• Unbelief – discouraged in times of pressure, a focus on our own performance instead of the promises of God.
• Self-righteousness – always having to defend ourselves and prove that we are right.
• Up and down emotionally – living in extremes, one day deliriously happy and the next suicidally sad.
• Talkative – always having to dominate every conversation, having to be the center of attention.
• Lust – an over emphasis on sex, or always having to buy something, never being satisfied with what we have.
• Laziness – not giving our all for the Lord on your job, sleeping in on Sundays instead of going to the house of worship, just serving the Lord half-heartedly.
• Unforgiveness – holding a grudge against someone, always nursing hurt feelings. Avoiding certain people because they did something to us in the past.
• Intemperate in eating and drinking – also called gluttony.
• Filthy talk – cursing, inappropriate jokes, etc.
• Refusing to give thanks in all things – always complaining, always wishing things were different.
• Poor prayer life – always too busy to pray.
• Neglected Bibles – no devotions, no meditation on God’s Word, no personal Bible study or memorization of the Scriptures.
This is just a sample list but enough to get us thinking.
B. Count ourselves as dead to the sin nature (Rom. 6).
C. Consider ourselves alive in our new nature (Rom. 7/1 Jn. 3:9).
D. Crown Jesus Lord (Rom. 12:1-2).
E. Be ready for Satanic Conflict! (Jam. 4:6/Eph. 6:10-/2 Cor. 10/1 Pet. 5:8).
“When yielding our lives to God, instead of the great manifestation of peace and joy of the Spirit we anticipated, we are troubled at finding one totally different. We come instead into a place of struggle, and of soul agony; a consciousness of fierce resistance, of keen suffering; of turmoil, uncertainty and distress. Instead of light is darkness; instead of peace a dire unrest; instead of fullness a seeming utter spiritual void and barrenness in our souls; instead of advance, an apparent backward step. All the while continues this sense of intense, awful, inward suffering, which we can neither define, describe, nor understand, save that it is so utterly diverse from our expectation as to throw us into almost hopeless confusion. Yet this experience is absolutely normal, explainable, and to be expected in every yielded life. Let any believer who comes into this crisis be not confounded, or discouraged thereby, for it is sure evidence that God is going to bring you into a place of fullness for which your heart yearns.” (McConey)
F. Consent to the Holy Spirit’s control by confident faith (Eph. 5:18 with 1 Jn. 5:14-15).
G. Continue with instant confession (so as not to grieve the Spirit) and immediate obedience (so as not to quench the Spirit).
“An airplane can fly either by instruments or visual sight. However, if one enters a storm, he must rely on instruments. One pilot wrote, “The turbulence was so strong that I got the distinct feeling that we were banking to the left. But the artificial horizon, which shows the plane is banking or level, clearly indicated that we were climbing straight and true. For the first time since I could remember, my sense of equilibrium and feelings were deceiving me. I felt as if we were going to crash and had to keep fighting the urge to pull back on the controls. It took all of my strength of will and concentration to keep from reacting to the false signals my physical senses were giving me. I realized that believing the flight instruments in spite of my feelings meant life or death.”
As we cope with the daily challenges of life we are tempted to follow our feelings and human reasoning stead of God’s Word. This will seem to work until we hit a storm. Then the very self-confidence that we have developed through years of trusting our own human resources and abilities will actually hinder our total dependency upon God alone. Remember walking in the Spirit means that by faith not sight we believe God’s promises to be the truth.”
The Church
I. The Marked beginning of the church.
A. For starters, there is no indication that the church began in the Gospels. It only is mentioned in Mat. 16:18 and 18:17. Both of these are looking to the future. Jesus said, “I will build my church” which is a future indicative, demanding a future fulfillment.
B. Furthermore, the church is dependent upon Christ’s death (Ac. 20:28); resurrection (Eph. 1:20-21) and ascension (4:7-12).
C. Finally, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was necessary for the church to exist.
1. The church is the body of Christ (Col. 1:18/Eph. 1:22-23).
2. We enter into that body by Spirit baptism (1 Cor. 12:13).
3. Therefore, whenever, Spirit baptism first took place, is also when the church first began. Let’s keep in mind that it was Jesus Christ who sent the Holy Spirit (Jn. 7:39) and so the Spirit’s work of baptizing is the immediate agent that effects placing people, when they believe, into the body of Christ, and the ascended Christ is the ultimate agent because He sent the Spirit (Jn. 14:17. So it is correct to say both He (Jesus) will baptize you as well as the Holy Spirit will baptize you (1 Cor. 12:13). Both speak of the same experience.
4. Now the promise for this baptism, which places us into the body of Christ, is given in Mat. 3:11 and is repeated in Acts 1:5. Both promises are in a future tense but in Ac. 1:5, it adds, “not many days from now” an obvious reference to the Day of Pentecost. It is true that Acts 2 does not specifically mention baptism, however Ac. 11:15-16 looking back to Pentecost does. Peter says, “…the Hoy Spirit fell upon them (Gentiles), just as He did upon us (Jews) at the beginning (Day of Pentecost). And I remember the Word of the Lord, how he used to say, “John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (compare with Ac. 1:5).
Question: Does this baptism give the believer special power? No! Look at the Corinthian church, they were all said to be baptized, indwelt, and endowed with every spiritual gift, and yet, called carnal.
Question: Where does the power come from? The filling of the Holy Spirit.
Question: Because it says that the Apostles laid the foundation of the church, does it mean that the church began with their appointment to apostleship? No, Eph. 2:20 gives no mention of when they laid the foundation. The Apostles cannot be equated with that because they existed before the church began and are now no longer here, yet the church is.
Question: Is the view that the church was started on Pentecost held by many? It is held by such men as W. A. Criswell, Charles Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Adrian Rogers, Billy Graham, Charles Ryrie, Scofield, Hal Lindsey, and many others.
II. The Meaning of the local church.
A. Unbiblical terms.
1. Building – the church is not a physical building.
2. Denomination – the church is not Baptist, Methodist, etc.
3. State – the church was actually persecuted by the state not part of it.
4. Israel – is not the church (1 Cor. 10:31/Rom. 9-11).
5. Kingdom – the future earthly reign of the Lord Jesus in the Millennial is not the church.
B. Biblical Meaning and Usage.
1. The Meaning.
It comes from a word meaning “to call” and a prefix “out of”, it is referring to those called out of or from this world.
2. The Usage:
a. Secular Greek – in Athens the ekklesia signified the constitutional assembly which met on previously fixed dates and did not need to be specifically summoned, much like our modern day legislature.
b. Septuagint – meaning assembly or gathering of people (Gen. 49:6/Psa. 26:5/Deut. 9:10).
c. New Testament Scriptures:
• Used of an unruly mob (Ac. 19:32, 32).
• Of a lawful assembly of citizens (Ac. 19:39).
• Of the community of Israel (Ac. 7:38).
• Of the local church (1 Thess. 1:1/Col. 1:1/etc.).
III. The Make-up of the local church.
A. Definition.
The local church is an assembly of professed believers in Christ who observe the ordinances and organization of Scripture related to the church.
B. Description:
1. Open Assembly – from the word ekklesia.
2. Organization.
a. Pastor (elder, overseer or bishop, shepherd are all used interchangeably (Ac. 20:17-18/Tit. 1:5, 7).
(1) Primary Passage: Eph. 4:11-12).
(2) Particular duties:
• Oversee (1 Tim. 3:1).
• Protect (Tit. 1:9)
• Maintain Biblical qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-6/Tit. 1:5).
• Correct or reprove (1 Thess. 5:12).
• Pray for the flock (Jam. 5:14).
• Teach (1 Tim. 3:2)
• Lead (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24).
We might say he is to feed, lead, and intercede.
b. Deacons – to assist the pastor and serve the congregation (Ac. 6/1 Tim. 3:8-13).
3. Ordinances.
a. Definition – a visible expression, commanded by Christ to be performed by His church.
b. Description.
(1) Water Baptism (Mt. 28:19-20).
It is a public identification with Christ by immersion (Jn. 3:23/Ac. 8:38-39) baptize means “to dip, or immerse”) into water for those who have already placed their faith in Christ.
(2) Lord’s Super (Mt. 26:26-29/1 Cor. 11:23-34). It is a reminder of Christ’s death and return.
4. The Operation of the Local Church.
a. The Motive – to glorify Christ (1 Cor. 10:21).
b. The Ministry – how we glorify Him.
• Exalt God in worship (Jn. 4).
• Edify believers (Eph. 4).
• Evangelize the lost (Mt. 28).
c. The Means.
• Spiritual gifts (1 Cor.12/ Rom.12/Eph. 4/1 Pet. 4).
• Material gifts (1 Cor. 16:1-2/Heb. 7:1-2/1 Cor. 9:7-14/2 Cor. 9:6-7/Gal.6:6). Under the Old Covenant people gave to get a blessing (Mal. 3:10-11); under the New Covenant we give because we have received all God’s blessings (Eph. 1:3).
• Physical presence (Heb. 10:24-24).
Witnessing
I. Every believer is Responsible to be a personal soul-winner (Mt. 4:19/Ac. 1:8; 8:1, 4/Rom. 1:14-16/2 Cor. 5:17-21).
A. Soul winning is to include follow-up (Mt. 28:19-20).
B. It involves both planting (sharing the gospel) and watering (prayer). 1 Cor. 3:5-6).
C. It is not to be confused with the gift of evangelism (Eph. 4:11-12).
D. We should expect various responses (Mt. 13:18-23).
E. Only the Holy Spirit can convict and convert (Jn. 1:12-13; 16:8-11/1 Cor. 3:5-6).
II. Every believer has a two-fold Responsibility.
A. To witness by our lives (Mt. 5:16).
B. To witness by our verbal speech (Ac. 4:4/Rom. 10:17/Gal. 3:2).
III. Every believer needs a Ready plan.
See the gospel presentation for an example.
A. Find your natural approach.
1. Some are naturally confrontational, like Peter or John the Baptist (Ac. 2:36).
2. Others are more intellectual, like Paul (Ac. 17).
3. Many are testimonial, like the blind man in John chapter nine.
4. Some are relational witnesses (Mk. 5:19).
5. There are invitational types like the woman at the well (Jn. 4).
6. Other are the ministerial or serving type like Dorcas (Ac. 9).
B. Memorize the gospel passages.
IV. Reason for being a personal soul-winner.
A. Love of Christ for us (2 Cor. 5:14).
B. It is commanded (Mt. 28:19-20).
C. People are lost without Christ (Jn. 4:35).
D. It brings rewards (1 Thess. 2:19/ Prov. 11:3).
E. We are debtors and ambassadors (Rom. 1:14/2 Cor. 5:17-21).
V. Two common Reactions to overcome.
A. Fear – God’s answer for this is Spirit-filled boldness (Ac. 4:24-31/2 Tim. 1:7).
B. Lack of knowledge – remember a man with experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument. We do not have to out-argue or convince the lost, but simply share with them the gospel and how it has saved us.
VI. Expect Resistance.
Satan will always oppose the gospel (2 Cor. 4:2-3/Mt. 16:18).
VII. Handling Rejection.
A. Do not argue. You can win an argument and lose your fish in the process!
B. Be positive – there is no value in being mean and nasty.
C. Be generous and sincere with your compliments. If one rejects the gospel today but shows they are sincerely seeking answers, encourage them in their pursuit. Have prayer for them that they will have their eyes opened to the gospel.
D. Be honest – if you do not know the answer to a question, just say I do not know but will search it out and get back with you.
Gospel Presentation:
Let me ask you one of the most important questions you will ever ponder.
Have you come to a place in your life where you know for certain that if you died you would go to heaven?
The only answer to that question is, yes, no, or I don’t know. Take a moment and think about it. A follow up question would be:’
If you were standing before God right now and He were to ask, “Why should I let you into my perfect heaven?”
What do you think you would say? You might say, “I go to church. I try to live a good life. I try to keep God’s law.” Such responses are sincere, and I appreciate your honesty. Most would probably say, “I don’t know what I would say.” Well, would you like to know? Then read the following carefully.
God Really Does Love You
“For God so loved the world, (put your name here), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
It is natural to question this claim; we tend to wonder how God could love us with all of our problems and hang-ups, yes, you can say it – with all of our sins. My wife and I have had two children. When they were born they did nothing for us! And after they were born, for the first several months they kept us up all hours of the night; we had to change their diapers and feed them. I think most of you know what I’m talking about. However, we did love them. Why? I suppose it was because we had something to do with them being in this world. They are our children; they even looked a little like us – poor kids! You need to realize that God is the one who had everything to do with your coming into this world. Without God you would not even exist! He is the Creator and Sustainer of life. He, in fact, created you in His image and loves you even though you have done nothing to deserve it.
So What’s a Fella to Do?
Have you ever felt that your life lacked purpose and meaning? Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind:
• Where did I come from?
• Why am I here?
• Where am I going?
God knows the answer to these questions. He created you with a definite purpose in mind.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
An abundant life is a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. That is what God offers you. This brings up an unavoidable question—what happened! If He loves us and has this great purpose for our life, then why are both concepts so foreign to us? The answer is both profound and very simple.
Sin Separates!
We are all sinners, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:22). We are a sinner by birth. God created Adam and Eve and put them in a garden with only one commandment; they were not to eat of a certain tree. They disobeyed God by taking a bite, and thus they sinned. Now what kind of babies are two sinful people capable of having? It is the law of biogenesis—like produces like. This is why there is no need to teach children how to tell a lie, but only to teach them positive things like telling the truth. They know how to lie naturally!
The reason for that is that we are all born with a sin nature inherited from Adam.
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12).
We are also sinners by behavior. Have you not sinned? The Bible commands us to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. Have you always done that? Have you ever done that? Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever wanted to? God not only looks at our deeds but at our desires. The Bible clearly declares we have all sinned.
So What?
Here is the answer to the so-what question.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).
What we have earned from our sin is death. Death means separation.
• There is spiritual death—the separation of the spirit/soul from God. “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die’” (Gen. 2:16–17). The day they ate of it they did not physically die; that took place many years later. But God said in the day you eat of it you will die. They died spiritually that very day.
• There is also physical death—the separation of the spirit/soul from the body. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). The fact that everybody dies physically is proof positive that everyone is spiritually dead. If we were not sinners, we would not die. The statistics are rather impressive; one out of every one person dies!
• If you die physically while you are spiritually dead, you will die eternally. Eternal death is the eternal separation of the spirit/soul/body from God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and blessings. It is to be fully conscious and live in a place the Bible calls the lake of fire. “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:14–15).
Question: How can you say one moment that God loves me and then in the next that He condemns me?
Well let us imagine putting on a judge’s robe and sitting on the bench. Then the unthinkable happens. Your son, whom you love very much, is brought before you, guilty of a capital offense! The penalty for his crime is death, and the evidence is clear as to his guilt. Would you sentence him to death? If you were a just judge, you would, not because you no longer love him, but in spite of your great love for him. God is holy, righteous, and just, as well as a God of love. This looks like bad news! However, the very word gospel means good news, so where is this good news?
Jesus Christ Is God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
This is a great mystery, but the Bible teaches that God became God/man. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Jesus Christ the Substitute
The Lord Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and then died in your place. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8 NKJV).
Let us put our judge robe back on for a minute. Imagine after sentencing your boy to be executed, taking off your robe and then voluntarily offering to die in his place. That would make you just and loving at the same time. That is what Jesus Christ actually did for us. We do not understand all of this but must accept it by faith. I do not understand electricity, but I still do not live in the dark. I do not understand how the digestive system works, but I still eat. I do not understand how a brown cow eats green grass and produces white milk. You do not have to understand everything to be saved—just that you are a sinner and that Jesus Christ died for your sin.
He Is Not Here, He Has Risen
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:3–6).
By rising from the dead, He proved that He paid for all of our sins. If He had not, death would have held Him. It also proved that He had no sin of His own. If He had, He would have stayed dead like everybody else.
One Way Only
We have all seen One Way Only signs, and so it is with the way of salvation. There is only one person who can save. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).
You can line up every one of us on the West Coast with plans to swim to Hawaii, and no doubt, some would swim a lot farther than others. Nevertheless, we would all have one thing in common: nobody would make it! It is impossible for anybody to swim from the West Coast to Hawaii. And it is just as impossible for sinful man to make his way to a Holy God on his own without experiencing God’s wrath. What one needs is a boat to get them from the West Coast to Hawaii. Moreover, the only salvation boat is the Lord Jesus Christ. That Jesus is the only way to be saved is as true as 2 + 2 = 4. There is only one answer to that equation, and there is only one way to be saved.
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Facts
These are only facts. Giving mental assent to these facts is not enough to save anyone. It is not enough to give intellectual assent to these facts. We must believe and thus receive Christ.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
Faith
Facts must be wedded to faith. So, what do we mean when we say believe or place your faith in Christ?
Faith involves mind, emotion, and will.
Years ago, a tightrope walker named Charles Blondin, went across Niagara Falls, walking on a wire. He went back and forth. He even filled a wheelbarrow with bricks and took that across. A crowd gathered, and he asked one of them, “Do you believe I could do that with you?” The man agreed that he could. Then Blondin said, “Hop on in, and I’ll carry you across.” The man said, “No way!” You see, he did not really believe. He believed in his mind that Blondin could take him across; he wanted him to in his emotions, but he would not commit himself to Blondin and trust him to take him across. Saving faith involves our mind, emotion, and will.
Amazing Grace
You likely have heard the song, “Amazing Grace.” We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Now faith is not a work—faith is to believe in the work of another. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).
Dr. Gerstner: “Christ has done everything necessary for his salvation. Nothing now stands between the sinner and God but the sinner’s good works. Nothing can keep him from Christ but his delusion that he does not need Him—that he has good works of his own that can satisfy God. If men will only be convinced that all their righteousness is as filthy rags; if men will see that there is none that does good, no, not one; if men will see that all are shut up under sin—then there will be nothing to prevent their everlasting salvation. All they need is need. All they must have is nothing. All that is required is acknowledged guilt. But alas, sinners cannot part from their virtues. They are imaginary, but they are real to them. So grace becomes unreal. The real grace of God they spurn in order to hold on to the illusory virtues of their own. Their eyes fixed on a mirage; they will not drink real water. They die of thirst in the midst of an ocean of grace.”
Repentance is a synonym for faith; it is like heads and tails of one coin. Repentance is not making a vow you will stop sinning, nor is it a change of life. You cannot stop sinning or change your life until God saves you! I have fished most of my life and I have never cleaned a fish before I caught it. Repentance is a change of mind, about who you are, a sinner; and about the Lord Jesus Christ, the only one who can save you based on His death, burial, and resurrection.
Good Enough Is Not Good Enough
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day prayed three times a week, fasted twice a week, never missed going to the house of worship, and memorized the Old Testament (Luke 18:9–12). Yet, Jesus said that if you are not more righteous then they, you are not going to make it!
“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20).
Then he says something rather startling:
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48).
Did you know Jesus said it takes perfect righteousness to get to heaven? We all know that nobody is perfect! How then can we be perfectly righteous before a perfectly righteous God?
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).
The truth is, there is only one person who lived a perfect life, and that was Jesus Christ. You see, the good news is that not only did Jesus die on the cross in our place, to offer us forgiveness of all our sins, He also offers us His perfect righteousness, placed on our account! The only sin Jesus ever knew was ours; the only righteousness we will ever know is His.
Never the Same!
Salvation is not an external thing. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, He makes you a new creature within!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).
And the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence within you.
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Gal. 4:6).
Thus, you now have the desire (new nature) and the power (indwelling Holy Spirit) to live for God. You are positionally changed from being in Adam to now being in Christ, and experientially changed because the inner transformation of regeneration and salvation begins the process of progressive sanctification, which ultimately leads to glorification.
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).
While we still have an old sin nature though Satan is opposing us every step of the way, we must grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. It is also true that our entire life is different! If we are what we’ve always been, we are not saved. I know that I am saved because on the seventh of May, 1974, I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior and also because I have never gotten over it! And it is not that we are trying to be saved. If I asked you, “Are you an elephant?” You would not say, “Well, I’m trying to be!” You either are an elephant or you’re not. No one who is trying to be saved understands salvation. You are either saved or you’re not! You are saved because you have had a personal, life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ at a point in time. It is a matter of trusting not trying.
So Are You Ready to Be Saved?
If this is something you want to do, then here is a suggested prayer; the words are not what’s important but what’s in your heart. If God is dealing with you, then cry out to Him:
Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I cannot save myself. I cannot even help you save me. But the best I know how, I confess that I am a sinner and believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I open the door of my life and receive you right now as my Savior. Come in and make me the kind of person you want me to be.
If you just received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you are saved! This promise is based on the authority of God’s Word.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12)
A list of my other books: Go to Amazon.com and type in Johnny A Palmer Jr.
Genesis: Roots of the Nation Vol. 1
Genesis: Roots of the Nation Vol. 2
Genesis: Roots of the Nation Vol. 3
Exodus: Redemption of the Nation. Vol. 1
Exodus: Redemption of the Nation. Vol. 2
Book of Leviticus
Book of Judges
First Samuel
Second Samuel
Book of Job
Jonah, God of the Second Chance
Nahum, the God who is good and angry
The Gospel of Mark: the servant.
The Gospel of Luke Vol. 1
The Gospel of Luke Vol. 2
The Gospel of Luke Vol. 3
The Gospel of Luke Vol. 4
The Book of Acts
Ephesians: A Manual for Survival
Jude: Hey Jude
Revelation: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
A Manual for Revival
Practical Principles for Studying the Bible
Read Limit 30 mph
Proclamations from a Politically Incorrect Prophet
Elvis Wellness
Awake for the Dawn is About to Break
Rewards of Rejecting Christ
Which Messiah will you Meet?
GPS-23
Spiritual Survivor Man
A Father's Day Message
A Mother's Day Message
I'm For Life
Double Solitaire with the Trinity
Fuel – The Lord’s Prayer
Practical Principles for Bible Study
The God of the Second Chance
1 Peter, Grace that gets us through the Grind of life
Back to the Basics
Johnny A Palmer Jr.
