1 Timothy 6:6-10

 

B3 Material wealth

C1 Even though many have the idea that being rich equals a person pleasing to God, God has a different thought—godliness with contentment is great gain. Godliness is a greater good than money, for we leave riches behind when we die, but godliness and its fruits are recognized in heaven.

D1 The Greek word for godliness is εὐσέβεια eusébeia. It means a person’s actions, words, etc. are pleasing to God.

D2 A few things that are pleasing to God:

E1 Having our bodies do what God wants instead of doing what the body wants. Sleep is good, but if I sleep more than I need, I probably am neglecting things that must be done. See Romans 12:1

E2 Since God has given us light into our soul to understand truth and God’s ways, we are to study and learn what pleases God, not part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness (NLT on Ephesians 5:11), not to live like fools, etc. See Ephesians 5: 8-11 (all of Ephesians 5 is instructive).

E3 Righteousness and peace and joy are pleasing to God. See Romans 14:17-18.

C2 Money is not held in high regard with God.

C3 We were born naked and penniless, and whatever we have here, we will not take it with us when we die.

C4 We should be content if we have a place to sleep and clothes to wear (the clothing part of verse 8) and if we have food.

C5 Contentment:

D1 Hebrews 13:5 WEB Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.

D2 Philippians 4:11-12 NRSV Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.

D3 A good attitude for us to have: Proverbs 30:7-8 GNB I ask you, God, to let me have two things before I die:  8  keep me from lying, and let me be neither rich nor poor. So give me only as much food as I need.

C6 Being materially rich in this life might be spiritually dangerous. Be careful. Those who have riches face:

D1 Temptations that others do not

D2 Traps

D3 Harmful cravings/desires

D4 All of which results in destruction and eternal ruin.

C7 A very serious warning from God—do not love money. Loving money will result in:

D1 Straying from the faith

E1 Because of loyalty to a new “god.” Luke 16:13 WEL “No household servant can serve two lords, for he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon.” (Mammon is money, riches, possessions, wealth, stocks & bonds, etc.)

E2 Become religiously like the Pharisees: Luke 16:14 NASB Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him.

D2 Piercing pains with many heartaches

E1 Worry, fear, etc. Hebrews 13:5 NRSV Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you.

E2 Never satisfied: Ecclesiastes 5:10 NRSV The lover of money will not be satisfied with money; nor the lover of wealth, with gain. This also is vanity.

E3 The temptation to think we have made ourselves rich and that God favors us above others: Proverbs 10:22 NRSV The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

E4 A warning: 1 John 2:15-17 NRSV Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16 for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

D3 10 Signs You Love Money

C8 Questions:

D1 What is God’s opinion of money?

D2 Where is our loyalty?

D3 Why might money be dangerous?

A Few Thoughts About Marriage, Money, and Budgets

Some quotes:

B1 Arguments about money hamper many marriages. If you consider that about a third of adults with partners report that money is a big source of conflict in their relationships, it's no wonder that financial problems are the leading cause of divorce. What you may not know is that the challenges can actually start even before you say "I do." (Source)

B2 One of the most common sources of conflict in marriage is money, how to spend it, and how to save for things that really matter. It doesn’t make sense when you think about it logically. Money is simple. Keeping a budget is something an 8-year-old can do. (Source)

B3 Finances are the leading cause of stress in a relationship, according to a survey of people in a relationship or partnership released Wednesday by SunTrust Bank. Some 35 percent of all respondents experiencing relationship stress said money was the primary cause of friction. (Annoying habits came in second, at 25 percent.) Among respondents with relationship stress aged 44 to 54, 44 percent said money was the primary cause. (Source)

B4 The number one issue couples fight about is also a topic many couples avoid discussing — money. According to a new survey by Ramsey Solutions, money fights are the second leading cause of divorce, behind infidelity. Results show that both high levels of debt and a lack of communication are major causes for the stress and anxiety surrounding household finances. (Source)

There is an answer

B1 Some basics

C1 All money, belongings, real estate, etc. is God’s: Psalms 24:1 GW A psalm by David. The earth and everything it contains are the LORD'S. The world and all who live in it are his.

C2 He supplies our needs: Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

C3 We need to be content with what we have: 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV But godliness with contentment is great gain.

C4 Covetousness is condemned: Luke 12:15 NLT Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.

B2 Priorities

C1 God’s kingdom, His worldview, His way of life occupy the highest and first priority: Luke 12:29-31 NLT And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

C2 We are not to conform to the world’s covetous ways: Romans 12:2 GNB Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

C3 Life and body are more important than food and clothing: Luke 12:23 Williams Your life is worth more than food, and your body more than clothes.

D1 The Greek word for life is ψυχή psychḗ and is usually translated as soul or mind.

D2 Believer's Bible Commentary by WILLIAM MACDONALD notes:

The emphasis of the NT is that the cause of Christ should have first place in our lives. Food and clothing should be subordinate. We should work hard for the supply of our current necessities, then trust God for the future as we plunge ourselves into His service. This is the life of faith.

When the Lord Jesus said that we should not worry about food and clothing, He did not mean that we were to sit idly and wait for these things to be provided. Christianity does not encourage laziness! But He certainly did mean that in the process of earning money for the necessities of life, we were not to let them assume undue importance. After all, there is something more important in life than what we eat and what we wear. We are here as ambassadors of the King, and all considerations of personal comfort and appearance must be subordinated to the one glorious task of making Him known.

D3 Philippians 3:8 GNB Not only those things; I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ

Some ideas

B1 Have a budget. It’s not hard. You might want to consider Pear Budget.

B2 Plan priorities together. Agree with each other. This is no time to be the bully.

B3 God gets something first. Give to your local church first.

B4 Then give to the regular bills of housing, food, utilities, etc.

B5 Entertainment should be last. We can always find something relaxing for free.

B6 We don’t have to eat the greatest and best. We don’t have to eat out as often. Eat as a family.

C1 The Benefits of Eating Together For Children and Families

C2 9 Scientifically Proven Reasons to Eat Dinner as a Family

C3 Why the Family Meal Is Important

B7 Ways of saving money

C1 101 Ways To Save Money

C2 23 Easy Ways to Save More Money in 2020

B8 Live minimalistically

C1 Minimalist Living

C2 How To Start Living A Minimalist Lifestyle

Love each other:

B1 The acts of love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never ends,

B2 All our doings are to be done in love: 1 Corinthians 16:14 GNB Do all your work in love.

B3 Serving each other, yes husbands are to do this too: Galatians 5:13 GW You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love.

God cares: Luke 12:6-7 NLT What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Give thanks to God: Ephesians 5:20 NLT And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Few Thoughts on the Epistles of James—James 5:1-6

B5 Chapter 5

C1 The Christian life—Dangers of Riches James 5:1-6

D1 Believers Should Show Low Priority to Riches James 5:1

D2 Believers Should Know That Riches Can Ruin Us James 5:2-6

James 5:1-6 WEL Now come you rich people, wail and howl for the miseries that will happen to you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your clothes have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have become corroded. Its poison will be a witness against you and will eat up your flesh like fire. You have amassed riches for these final days. 4 Look, the pay of the workers who harvested your fields, from which you took a cut for yourself, calls out, and the workers’ pleas for help has entered the ears of the Lord of Heavenly Armies. 5 You have lived a soft life on this earth and [a life given to] pleasure. You have fattened your hearts as for the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned [and] killed the righteous. He does not resist you.

 

Priorities=

• Defined: a thing that is regarded as more important than another.
• How do we decide what is more important?
• I couldn’t find much on that topic. There were plenty of websites how to prioritize, but none on why people choose something as the highest priority.
• So, this is my guess: self. Some may state that it is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, but I have seen many that worship of God is more important than sleep or food, etc. Pain would definitely be something to think about, but again the few times I was in such pain that health personal couldn’t get my attention, I was still praying.
• The Lord Jesus stated
• John 4:34 CSB My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work,” Jesus told them.
• John 6:38 CSB For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
• Matthew 26:39 BSB Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.
• For some money is too high a priority. Perhaps this why the Scriptures label it a root of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 CSB For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
• In our passage, it appears that some people that James knew had money as a higher priority that God’s will. Luke 16:13 CSB No servant can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
• Note the opinion of the Lord Jesus towards Laodicean church. They seemed to believe that since they were rich materially, they were also spiritually rich: Revelation 3:17 CSB For you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,' and you don't realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
• Let us heed St. Paul’s inspired admonishment: 1 Timothy 6:8-9 CSB If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Ruin= From wrong priorities which led to chaos in their lives which had an effect on their treatment of others.

• The love of money finally leads to murder for too many, who must have more.
• Note, that the righteous did not resist.
• It has been said that murder is for one or combination of three things—money, sex, or power.

Effects of money=

• Money gives power, so people can crave it to have more influence: Proverbs 22:7 BSB The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
• Arrogance: Hosea 12:8 NLT Israel boasts, "I am rich! I've made a fortune all by myself! No one has caught me cheating! My record is spotless!
• Danger of abandoning the faith: Proverbs 30:8 BSB Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion.
• Attitude of “I can do anything myself. I don’t need God.” Nehemiah 9:25-26 NLT Our ancestors captured fortified cities and fertile land. They took over houses full of good things, with cisterns already dug and vineyards and olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate until they were full and grew fat and enjoyed themselves in all your blessings. "But despite all this, they were disobedient and rebelled against you. They turned their backs on your Law, they killed your prophets who warned them to return to you, and they committed terrible blasphemies.
• Injustice: Proverbs 18:23 BSB The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
• Violence against others: Micah 6:12 BSB For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.
• Become corrupted by evil desires: 1 Timothy 6:9 NLT But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
• Can lead to family difficulties: Proverbs 15:27 BSB He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
• May help deliver from some difficulties and buy justice for themselves, but wealth has no influence on God who judges their soul: Proverbs 11:4 NIV Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Correct attitude about finances=

• Recognizing it is from God’s blessing: 1 Chronicles 29:12 BSB Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to exalt and to give strength to all.
• Put our trust in God instead of money: 1 Timothy 6:17 BSB Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
• Not to hoard it but share it for God’s glory: Matthew 6:19 BSB Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
• To assist widows and other brothers and sisters in their need: 1 Timothy 6:18 BSB Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

Questions=

• Name some of the most important things in life.
• How do we make those the highest priority?
• How do we continue steadfast in the faith?
• How does money corrupt a person?
  How can we use money for God’s glory?

1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6:1-2

B1 Paul continues the pastoral responses to various congregational issues.

B2 Employers and employees

C1 Servants (I’ve already answered the question about slavery and the Bible).

C2 The application for most of us today is employee and employer relations.

C3 We are to give respect to our employer. The reason for this is that God will be honored and His teachings respected.

C4 If our employer is a believers, then we must not despise them. Even though they are our brother or sister we are to obey what they expect of us in our work.

1 Timothy 6:3-5

B2 Insist on these things

C1 What is the pastor or church to do when another member disagrees with these rules?

C2 They are described here as proud, ignorant, challenging words, and nitpicking.

C3 Their attitude and actions result in envy, discord, abusive verbal attacks, and evil suspicions. If a church member acts like this list, then it could be they are the person described in the first part of verse 4.

C4 Not only are they in a sick spiritual state, but they are also described as having corrupt minds, a total lack of truth, and have the wrong attitude that if he/she is rich, they are held in high regard by God.

C5 God advice Withdraw from this type of person. Put them out of the congregation, because they only cause trouble for the others.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

B3 Material wealth

C1 Even though many have the idea that being rich equals a person pleasing to God, God has a different thought—godliness with contentment is great gain.

C2 Money is not held in high regard with God.

C3 We were born naked and penniless, and whatever we have here, we will not take it with us when we die.

C4 We should be content if we have a place to sleep and clothes to wear (the clothing part of verse 8) and if we have food.

C5 Contentment:

D1 Hebrews 13:5 WEB Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.

D2 Philippians 4:11-12 NRSV Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.

C6 Being materially rich in this life might be spiritually dangerous. Be careful. They face:

D1 Temptations that others do not

D2 Traps

D3 Harmful cravings/desires

D4 All of which results in destruction and eternal ruin.

C7 A very serious warning from God—do not love money. Loving money will result in:

D1 Straying from the faith

D2 Piercing pains with many heartaches

1 Timothy 6:11-16

B4 Live the Christian life consistently

C1 We are to run away from those hurtful things.

C2 We are to seek and cultivate righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and meekness.

C3 We need God’s grace to continue in the faith. Let us be mindful of that and be careful about temptations. Sin is addictive.

C4 We must always have a good confession, not being ashamed of the Lord Jesus, His teachings, and His way of life.

C5 The time WILL when all will know for sure—they will see it with their own eyes—Jesus reigning in power. He is King of kings and lord of lords. God alone has:

D1 Immortality

D2 Living in light (a clear mind, a clear conscious, and no evil)

D3 The light that is so bright, no one can stand in His presence

D4 Perfect and everlasting honor

D5 Omnipotence

1 Timothy 6:17-19

B5 Instructions to the rich

C1 It is not sinful to be rich, but the rich have certain temptations

D1 Arrogance, haughty, because of their money

D2 Trusting in money, instead of God

D3 Tendency to not depend on God

C2 Some helpful suggestions are given to help them keep perspective

D1 Do good

D2 Be rich in good works rather than money

D3 A readiness to donate

D4 A cheerful willingness to share

C3 Doing these will result in

D1 A good foundation (solid and sure of faith to stand the spiritual blows and temptations of this life)

D2 Eternal life The eternal life will not come from what they do, for it is only through grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. What it means is they will not lose their salvation.

1 Timothy 6:20-21

B6 Warning about false logic

C1 A warning to be careful, to be steadfast, and to be faithful to Jesus Christ.

C2 A warning to avoid ungodly and fruitless discussions

C3 A warning to avoid leaning and depending on philosophy for life. Philosophy is useful, and God bless those brothers and sisters who study and use it for apologetics. The idea here is that faith might be lost if one depends and puts their trust in human knowledge ALONE.

B7 Applications

C1 We are to treat our employees God’s way.

C2 We are to respect our employers God’s way.

C3 We are not to trust in money or philosophy.

C4 We are to trust in God.

C5 We are to be content.

James 5

James Chapter 5

B1 The sins of the rich James 5:1-6

C1 Often trusting in money instead of God

D1 We are offered a choice, who are we going to serve, who are we going to love? Luke 16:13 WEL 13 "No household servant can serve two masters, for he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon."

D2 Money and things have their place and what we have we are to be disciplined with. Luke 16:9-12 WEL 9 "And also I say to you, ‘Make friends for yourselves by the unrighteous Mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.' 10 "He who faithful in what is least is also faithful in much, and he who is unjust in the least is also unjust in much. 11 "Therefore, if you didn't prove to be faithful with unrighteous Mammon, who will trust you with the true [riches]? 12 "If you didn't prove to be faithful in what is another's, who will give you what is your own?

E1 We are to use riches to help others in need. Our priorities.

F1 First, our spouse

F2 Second, our children

F3 The brothers and sisters of our local congregation

F4 Brothers and sisters elsewhere

F5 The unsave

E2 It is not wrong to give riches to those who are proclaiming the Gospel or other missionary work, but we are not to neglect those closer to us.

E3 If we can’t handle money, how can we handle God’s riches.

E4 We need to be faithful to what God has given/allowed us to have.

C2 Often money gotten with ungodly methods (unrighteous Mammon)

C3 Don't pay your employees

C4 Lived in pleasure instead of the fear of God and helping others

C5 Their evil treatment of the just

D1 Condemned

D2 Killed

D3 Note: "He does not resist you." Nonresistance, trusting God instead of war and revenge.

B2 Patience James 5:7-11

C1 The Christian life leads to persecution. This persecution may be spiritual (temptation), emotional, or physical. 2 Timothy 3:12 WEB  Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

C2 Goal: wait for the Lord Jesus to return

C2 Example: Farmer waiting for rain and harvest

C3 While waiting,

D1 Establish your hearts James  5:8

E1 Establish means to be set fast, as in setting a posting in concrete.

E2 A dedication to God and His ways as outlined in His book—the Bible (the New Testament specifically).

D2 Don't spend time complaining about the brethren James 5:9

D3 Endure whatever comes your way

E1 As the prophets of God James 5:10

E2 Job 5:11

B3 False oaths James 5:12

C1 We must learn to tell the truth.

C2 Our "yes" must mean "yes" and our "no" mean "no".

B4 What to do in troubles/afflictions James 5:13-16

C1 Afflicted: Pray

C2 Happy: Sing psalms

C3 Sick: Call for the elders

D1 Pray

D2 Anointing

D3 Prayer

D4 Mutual confession of sins

B5 Praying James 5:17-18

C1 Effectual prayer

D1 Opposite of a dead, formal prayer

D2 Does NOT mean something is guaranteed (a prayer that God HAS to answer. There is no such thing.)

D3 Meets conditions

E1 Confessed sin (including asking forgiveness from those who we sinned against)

E2 Treating wife right (according to what the Bible says is the right way)

E3 Praying in faith (God can answer this prayer)

E4 Leaving the results to God

E5 Content to wait

E6 Not trying to manipulating God (which cannot be done)

C2 Waiting for God's answer

B6 What to do with those who err from the truth James 5:19-20

C1 Point it out

D1 In gentleness

D2 In truth

D3 Remembering that we too are sinners

C2 It's blessing

D1 Save a soul from death. Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?

D2 Hide a multitude of sins

E1 Comment: they will be forgiven, hidden under the blood of the Lord Jesus

E2 We must preach and live the Gospel for everyone faces 2 deaths—physical and spiritual. The final death is conscious suffering in the Lake of Fire. Revelation 21:8 WEB  But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

E3 Messiah Jesus is the ONLY savior.

F1 2 Peter 2:9 NRSV  then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.

F2 Acts 4:12 WEB  There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”

Our strength, our life, our hope is In Christ Alone

Money

Some people have too much money, some not enough, and some none.

As Christians, we want to know God's teaching on this.

I found this site that may be helpful.

I don't invest at all, not here or anywhere except the Kingdom of God. But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 [WEB]

If you open up a concordance and just start reading everything the Bible says about money, you might walk away with the wrong impression. Scripture makes a lot of strong and pointed statements about wealth, and it would be easy to assume that money is a terrible necessity.
The truth is that money plays a valuable role in society. It allows the farmer or the carpenter to trade for goods and services without having to carry cows, produce, and lumber everywhere they go. The problem that Scripture recognizes and addresses is how money can usurp the place of God in our lives and be used to rule over and control others.

The more you look at how the Bible addresses money, the more you discover very practical advice about stewardship, devotion, and discipline.

You can read the rest here: https://www.cdfcapital.org/20-bible-verses-on-money-and-stewardship/

Ready to share money or faith

 

A short post about the Christian and money and also providing answers about the Christian faith.

Ready to share money or faith

Money--with wisdom

 

Attitude--So having food and clothing we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:8, WPNT)
Acknowledgment--Further, God is able to make all ‘grace’ abound toward you, that always having all sufficiency in everything you may abound to every good work; as it is written: “He has distributed around, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:8-9, WPNT)
Educate--I am not saying this because of lack, since I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11, WPNT)
Freedom--Your way of life should be free from the love of money, being content with what you have, because He Himself has said: “I absolutely will not desert you; I most certainly will not abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, WPNT)

Faith--with answers and calm patience

Ready (so we have to study)--Rather, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready with an answer for everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with meekness and respect; (1 Peter 3:15, WPNT)
Remembering--For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18, EMTV)
Responsibility--holding fast to the faithful word as he was taught, that he may be able to exhort by sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9, EMTV)
Resource (first and foremost)--All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be proficient, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, EMTV)

Sunday School Lesson—no easy road

No Easy Road




Theme: The Church Perseveres


Scripture: Acts 4:1-31


A1 Outline

B1 Peter and John arrested Acts 4:1-4

B2 Peter and John questioned Acts 4:5-7

B3 Peter preaches to the Sanhedrin Acts 4:8-12

B4 The Sanhedrin's discussion and decision Acts 4:13-18

B5 Peter and John rebuke the evil Sanhedrin Acts 4:19-20

B6 The Sanhedrin threaten Peter and John Acts 4:21-22

B7 Peter and John give their report to the church and pray Acts 4:23-30

B8 God answers their prayer Acts 4:31

B9 The changed life of the believers Acts 4:32-37

A2 Notes and Questions

B1 Setting: Peter had finished his message to the crowd at the Temple, where the Lord Jesus had healed, through the ministry of Peter and John, the lame beggar (Acts 3:1-26).

B2 The beggar sat at the Beautiful Gate.

B3 After being healed by the Lord Jesus, Peter and John moved to Solomon's Portico, which was on the east side of the Temple. The modern named "Western Wall" is on the other side.

B4 Peter had finished preaching the Gospel.

B5 Acts 4:1 finds the Apostles in trouble with the religious authorities.

B6 Acts 4:1-4

C1 Who came upon the Peter and John? (Officer of the Temple guard, some priests, and some Sadducees).

C2 What were these annoyed at? (The preaching that Jesus had risen from the dead. The Sadducees did not believe in angels, spirits, or in any form of resurrection from the dead. See Matthew 22:23 and Acts 23:8).

C3 When preaching, is doctrine important? (Yes, the Apostles preached the resurrection of Jesus).

C4 These are religious police, for Peter and John were arrested for preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Was it against the law to preach Jesus and His resurrection, or an inconvenience to the Sadducees?

C5 Some people say that if we would see miracles like this, then people would believe the Gospel. Is this true or false? (False, consider…

D1 All the miracles that Jesus had done, but they still did not believe. John 4:48, John 12:37, Luke 16:29-31

D2 Preaching is mentioned on the method of getting the Gospel out to people, not miracles. Romans 10:14, Luke 24:47

B7 Note all the details of this incident. It is as if someone or more was there and telling Luke what had happened.

B8 Acts 4:5-7

C1 The powerhouses of the Sanhedrin were present. This was no small affair. All these were of the High Priest's relatives and were Sadducees.

C2 How would you answer the two questions put forth by the questioners in Acts 4:7?

C3

B9 Acts 4:8-12

C1 Peter was "filled with the Spirit." Does this mean he spoke in tongues, had jerking motions, hissed, smacked his lips, maybe even fell to the floor jerking?

C2 What does "filled with the Spirit" mean?

D1 Scripture

E1 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.(Luke 1:15 NRSV)

E2 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41 NRSV). Elizabeth said something in her native language. There was no other activity or action. Luke 1:41-45

E3 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: (Luke 1:67 NRSV). What did Zechariah do, running around the room speaking in tongues that no one could understand? No, he said something in his native language. Luke 1:67-79

E4 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. (Luke 4:14 NRSV). What did Jesus show and do jerking and hissing and speaking in unknown languages? No, He started teaching. Luke 4:14-15

E5 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4 NRSV) What happened when all the Christians were filled? Did they start jerking, falling to the ground, speaking in unknown languages? No, they started speaking the wonderful acts of God. Acts 2:4-11

E6 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, (Acts 4:8 NRSV) Peter started preaching in their native language. Acts 4:8-13

E7 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 NRSV). They spoke with boldness.

E8 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55 NRSV). He starting preaching. He had a vision of Jesus at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56

E9 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17 NRSV). After Ananias prayed for Paul, what did Paul do? And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, (Acts 9:18-19 NRSV)

E10 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him (Acts 13:9 NRSV). What did Paul do? He pronounced judgment on this evil man who was trying to not have the proconsul trust in Jesus. Acts 13:9-12

E11 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52 NRSV) What did they have? Joy that the Holy Spirit gave.

E12 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:18 NRSV) What we the people to do? Pray, praise and thank God, and sing. Ephesians 5:18-20

D2 Did any of these believers ask for this? No

D3 The Holy Spirit lives in each believer.

E1 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. (Romans 8:9 NRSV)

E2 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6 NRSV)

E3 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 NRSV)

E4 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may abide with you forever, (John 14:16 EMTV)

D4 What is filled with the Spirit as in Ephesians 5:18?

E1 The word "spirit" is nearly if not always interpreted to be the Holy Spirit.

E2 There is a contrast between wine and Spirit.

E3 What is the effect of each?

F1 Wine--the effects of drunkenness. For other effects of living according to the flesh see Galatians 5:19-21

F2 Spirit--the effects of the Holy Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The context refers to singing and giving thanks to God (Ephesians 5:19-20).

E4 Note we are the vessel and the Holy Spirit is the one who fills.

E5 We have a choice--flesh or spirit, ourselves or the Holy Spirit.

C3 Note that Peter and John did not hesitate to reveal the one who healed this man. They did not take the credit. We must never be ashamed of Jesus. May God help us.

C4 Acts 4:10--was Peter being too harsh in saying, "...whom you crucified"?

C5 Acts 4:12--what do you think the Sanhedrin was thinking after Peter told them this?

C6 Acts 4:12--is their salvation in any other?

B10 Acts 4:13-18

C1 Where did this boldness come from? Was this something new in their lives or was it always there? Compare Mark 14:50

C2 What does Acts 4:14 tell us about the Sanhedrin?

C3 How does John 11:47 relate to Acts 4:16?

C4 Did the Sanhedrin really think that their threat in Acts 4:17 would make any difference?

C5 Who is the highest authority? What can we learn from that? Compare Daniel 3:28 and Revelation 20:4.

C6 Have you ever faced opposition from someone in authority?

C7 How are we to respond to those who oppose the Gospel? (with respect and calmness)

C8 Do we need a theological degree before we can preach the Gospel of Jesus?

C9 How are we going to handle serious government or religious authorities opposing us?

B11 Acts 4:19-20--how do the Apostles respond to the threats?

B12 Acts 4:21-22--the crowd and the Sanhedrin had two different reactions to this healing. Name them.

B13 Acts 4:23-30

C1 After hearing what had happened, how did the believers respond? (They prayed for boldness).

C2 ...to do all that Your hand and Your counsel foreordained to come to pass. (Acts 4:28, EMTV). This does not mean Calvinism is correct. God foreordained the plan for Jesus to die being the propitiation for our sins, and this came about just as foreordained. God did not foreordain the sinful actions of Jews and Gentiles. Isaiah 53 and Acts 3:18 for example. Clarke adds in his commentary on Acts 4:27-28--It is evident that what God's hand and counsel determined before to be done was not that which Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, (Romans,) and the people of Israel had done and were doing; for, then, their rage and vain counsel would be such as God himself had determined should take place, which is both impious and absurd; but these gathered together to hinder what God had before determined that his Christ or Anointed should perform; and thus the passage is undoubtedly to be understood.

C3 Acts 4:29--signs, wonders, and miracles. Does this happen today? (God heals is not in doubt, but a miraculous healing would be someone who lays hands on a sick person, prays for them, and they instantly rise fully healed and well. This doesn't happen today despite many claims. There is no proof, only claims. This shows that the so called faith healer of today is a false prophet/prophetess and can be safely ignored).

B14 Acts 4:31 God answers their prayer. Being filled with the Spirit equals boldness to speak the Gospel. Why pray? Why have prayer together?

B15 Acts 4:32-37

C1 All things in common

C2 Is this action necessary for Christians today? Many politicians preach income equality. Should we practice this? (No, it is not commanded anywhere in the New Testament. If some do (as Hutterites), it is not sin, but it is not required. It is OK see Matthew 20:12 and Proverbs 10:22. There are problems with money and love of money as in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Matthew 6:19 and elsewhere.

B15 Ready to share money or faith

C1 Money--with wisdom

D1 Attitude--So having food and clothing we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:8, WPNT)

D2 Acknowledgment--Further, God is able to make all 'grace' abound toward you, that always having all sufficiency in everything you may abound to every good work; as it is written: "He has distributed around, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." (2 Corinthians 9:8-9, WPNT)

D3 Educate--I am not saying this because of lack, since I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11, WPNT)

D4 Freedom--Your way of life should be free from the love of money, being content with what you have, because He Himself has said: "I absolutely will not desert you; I most certainly will not abandon you." (Hebrews 13:5, WPNT)

C2 Faith--with answers and calm patience

D1 Ready (so we have to study)--Rather, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready with an answer for everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with meekness and respect; (1 Peter 3:15, WPNT)

D2 Remembering--For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18, EMTV)

D3 Responsibility--holding fast to the faithful word as he was taught, that he may be able to exhort by sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9, EMTV)

D4 Resource (first and foremost)--All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be proficient, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, EMTV)