Bible Study

A1 Scripture

B1 Now God and our Father himself and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord have you increase and be abundant in love towards one another and towards all just as we do toward you. For the purpose that He may strengthen your hearts to be unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, WEL)Now

B2 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, lead us directly to you. And may the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, as indeed we also do toward you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 EMTV)

A2 Outline--Paul's Prayer

B1 May we see you again

C1 The answerer to prayer

D1 God our Father

D2 Lord Jesus Christ

C2 The director (how we can see you again)

B2 May He bless you

C1 Love (may it

D1 Increase

D2 Abound

C2 Love (to

D1 Each other

D2 All

C3 Purpose (for

D1 Strengthen hearts

D2 Being unblameable in holiness

C4 Holiness

D1 In God's presence

D2 At the coming

E1 Of the Lord Jesus Christ

E2 With His holy ones

 

A3 Notes

B1 Desire

C1 To see these believers who want to grow, have been growing, and are growing in the faith.

C2 To see their growing faith

B2 Acknowledgment

C1 The desire to see them is one thing but to be able to get there is another.

C2 Their weakness, God's strength

C3 It is interesting that it is not recorded that they did get to see one another.

C4 Unanswered prayer

D1 Sometimes God's will is "no.

E1 It is better for the Kingdom of God to say "no."

E2 The need of another person may be different by answering you "no," the needs of another person please Him to answer "yes." Example, you may pray for rain but another prays that it does not rain. God, who knows best, sends rain. The answer to your prayer is "no" but to the other "yes."

E3 Even the Lord Jesus had the answer to His prayer as "no." Matthew 26:39

D2 Sometimes we have the opportunity.

E1 God opens the way, but we refuse because of fear, etc.

E2 God opens the way, but we are hindered by the devil in some way (1 Thessalonians 2:18)

D3 Sometimes God's will to wait. (John 11:3, John 11:6, John 11:43-44)

D4 Sometimes we have sin. (Psalm 66:18,

E1 We have neglected God's rules and counsel (Proverbs 1:28)

E2 We do not have mercy on others. (Proverbs 21:13)

E3 We despise God's Word, the Bible. (Proverbs 28:9)

E4 We have unconfessed sin (Isaiah 1:15)

E5 We are stubborn and do not humble ourselves that God is right and we are wrong. (Zechariah 7:13)

E6 We are selfish or greedy and want more for the sake of having more/hording. (James 4:3)

D5 Sometimes we do not have faith. (James 1:6-7)

D6 Sometimes we do not treat our wife that way God wants us. (1 Peter 3:7)

D7 Sometimes we give up. (Luke 18:1)

D8 Sometimes we are not sincere (Hebrews 10:22)

D9 Sometimes an answered prayer will may us proud. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

B3 May He bless you. Paul ends this part of his letter with this thought.

C1 Love

D1 The importance of love

E1 We have a need for someone to love us (even narcissists)

E2 God's love for humans is genuine. It is not as the Calvinist teach that humans are only decreed this and that.

E3 God wants true, freely given love. It is not as the Calvinists who teach that humans are only decreed to love.

E4 God wants Christians to love each other. This kind of love is caring and kind. See 1 Corinthians 13.

E5 God wants us to love non-Christians and our enemies. Matthew 5:43-48

E6 God wants our love to increase. This is something that God works into our lives from the things we experience.

D2 Our verse deals with Paul's continued desire to have the faith and maturity of the Thessalonian Christians to grow.

C2 Unblameable

D1 We are not sinless in this life. 1 John 1:8, Proverbs 20:9, Isaiah 53:6, etc.

D2 Unblameable means

E1 Faultless

E2 The idea is we have an attitude to do God's will. When we do sin, we repent, confess, and have faith that He has forgiven us.

C3 Holiness

D1 This is the holiness that we receive from the sacrificial Lamb of God.

D2 We need to have this holiness, or we cannot enter and live in heaven.

C4 Coming of the Lord Jesus with all His holy ones.

D1 His return is promised. Acts 1:11, Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 24:30

D2 First coming--as suffering Messiah to procure salvation.

D3 Second coming

E1 Rapture

F1 For saints

F2 For rescue

E2 Judgment

F1 With saints

F2 For judgment and sentence

D4 More detail can be found here.

D5 For the differences between the Rapture and the Second Coming read here.

Can we judge?

"Judge not, lest you be judged." (Matthew 7:1 EMTV)

"But test all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21 EMTV)



There is a difference between making a decision and making judgment.

1. A decision is to choose between two preferences. Do I eat ham and eggs or biscuits and gravy?


2. A judgment deals with a standard; is it met or not? The speed limit is 25. I am driving at 45. Am I right or wrong? The standard is 25, so the decision would be that I did not meet the standard. This is judgment.

If we are to decide or judge something, it depends if there is a standard?

The word for "judge" is krinō. This means to make a formal decision according to an established standard. It is usually used in the official sense of law.

The word for "test" is dokimazo. This means to test something against a standard. An example would be "And another said, 'I bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you, have me excused." (Luke 14:19 EMTV). This person who has bought five yoke of oxen has a criteria of what he wishes for oxen. He is going to test drive them to see if they meet that criteria. When we test all things, we have a criteria, too. It is the Bible—the things that Jesus and the Apostles taught us.

The judging idea of Matthew 7:1 refers to a standard. What standard do we use? If we use the standard of the Bible and understand what a person is doing or not doing, then we can and must (according to 1 Thessalonians 5:21) come to a decision if it is right or wrong.

The example that Jesus gives in Matthew 7 is a person is judging another person according to a standard and condemn them, but the judge does NOT judge themselves by that same standard. Two different standards are being used. One standard to condemn another person, and one standard to excuse another. This is why Jesus condemns this type of judgment. There is to be only one standard—the Bible in its plain, normal sense.

Some things that we can judge.

1. 
   
   Worshipping false gods
   
   
   
   
   1. There is only one God—Yahweh
   
   
   2. 
      
      All other gods are either manmade or demonic
      
      
      
      
      1. Sports
      
      
      2. Money
      
      
      3. Fame
      
      
      4. Ourselves
      
      
      5. Science
      
      
      6. Philosophy
      
      
      
      
   
   
   3. The most usual is ourselves. We decide which is best or most comfortable and worship that
   
   
   
   


2. 
   
   Blasphemy
   
   
   
   
   1. One can say Jesus Christ reverently, which is OK, or say it as a curse word, which is wrong.
   
   
   2. Be sarcastic, etc.
   
   
   
   


3. 
   
   Cursing mother or father
   
   
   
   
   1. 
      
      This could be considered any type of abuse.
      
      
      
      
      1. Physical
      
      
      2. Verbal
      
      
      3. Emotional
      
      
      4. Financial
      
      
      
      
   
   
   2. It could be taking advantage, manipulating, our parents.
   
   
   
   


4. 
   
   Murder
   
   
   
   
   1. 
      
      This could be taking the life of another human willfully as in
      
      
      
      
      1. Abortion
      
      
      2. Starvation
      
      
      3. Weapon
      
      
      
      
   
   
   2. Hate. Jesus considered hate to be wrong as in "But I say to you that whoever gets angry with his brother without cause will be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Empty-head!' will be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ' fool!' will be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:22 EMTV)
   
   
   
   


5. 
   
   Adultery
   
   
   
   
   1. This could be physical.
   
   
   2. This could be mental. Matthew 5:28
   
   
   
   


6. 
   
   Stealing
   
   
   
   
   1. This could be taking what is not ours.
   
   
   2. Some examples could be objects, time, affection, waste, etc.
   
   
   
   


7. 
   
   Lying
   
   
   
   
   1. Not telling truth when asked as in a criminal case.
   
   
   2. A "white" lie.
   
   
   
   


8. 
   
   Coveting
   
   
   
   
   1. This is envy.
   
   
   2. 
      
      Some examples would be
      
      
      
      
      1. I want Joe's farm. 1 Kings 21:1-4, 1 Kings 21:15-16
      
      
      2. I want Joe's wife. 2 Samuel 11:1-4
      
      
      3. I want Joe's money.
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   

9 reasons for unanswered prayer

 

Some Bible teachers/preachers teach that God has to/must answer our prayers. This is false, because even the Lord Jesus himself had unanswered prayers. "He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26 39 EMTV).


 

1. 
   
   Sometimes God's will is "no.
   
   
   
   
   
   1. It is better for the Kingdom of God to say "no."
      
   
   
   2. It is better for some other person as in he/she/they may need you where you are.
      
   
   
   3. Even the Lord Jesus had the answer as "no." Matthew 26:39
      
   
   
   
   


2. 
   
   Sometimes we have the opportunity.
   
   
   
   
   
   1. God opens the way, but we refuse for fear, etc.
      
   
   
   2. God opens the way, but we are hindered by the devil in some way (1 Thessalonians 2:18)
      
   
   
   
   


3. Sometimes God's will to wait. (John 11:3, John 11:6, John 11:43-44)
   


4. 
   
   Sometimes we have sin. (Psalm 66:18,
   
   
   
   
   
   1. We have neglected God's rules and counsel (Proverbs 1:28)
      
   
   
   2. We do not have mercy on others. (Proverbs 21:13)
      
   
   
   3. We despise God's Word, the Bible. (Proverbs 28:9)
      
   
   
   4. We have unconfessed sin (Isaiah 1:15)
      
   
   
   5. We are stubborn and do not humble ourselves that God is right and we are wrong. (Zechariah 7:13)
      
   
   
   6. We are selfish or greedy and want more for the sake of having more/hording. (James 4:3)
      
   
   
   
   


5. Sometimes we do not have faith. (James 1:6-7)
   


6. Sometimes we do not treat our wife that way God wants us. (1 Peter 3:7)
   


7. Sometimes we give up. (Luke 18:1)
   


8. Sometimes we are not sincere (Hebrews 10:22)
   


9. Sometimes an answered prayer will may us proud. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

How do we handle persecution?

 

A1 Theme--God uses people to accomplish His plans.


 

A2 Objectives

B1 Describe why the apostles were persecuted.

B2 Describe how the apostles responded to persecution.

 

A3 Scripture

B1 Acts 4:1-31--Peter and John before the Sanhedrin

B2 Acts 6:8-15--Stephan accused of blasphemy

B3 Acts 7:51-60--Stephan finishes his speech and then is stoned to death

 

A4 Notes

B1 As the Jewish leaders opposed the Lord Jesus, so they opposed His followers. Jesus's followers

C1 Taught the teachings of Jesus, whom the leaders hated and His teachings which they hated.

C2 Lived as Jesus taught them.

C3 Praised Jesus.

C4 Accepted Jesus as the promised Messiah.

C5 Taught that people are sinners that needed to repent.

B2 The Sanhedrin (See here and here

C1 Also known as the Council or leaders of the priests

C2 The highest court of Israel

C3 Consisted of 71 individuals

D1 Qualifications

D2

C4 The Jews use Numbers 11:16-24 as to the origin of the Sanhedrin

C5 Members included

D1 High priest

D2 Members of privileged families of the High Priests and others

D3 Elders

D4 Scribes

D5 Included Pharisees and Sadducees

C6 The Acting High Priest was the head of the Council

C7 Council (Sanhedrin) Meeting

D1 Sat in semicircle (everyone could see everyone else)

D2 Two men stood at the front to record the votes

D3 Accused stood near them

B3 Peter and John before the Sanhedrin

C1 Setting

D1 At the time of prayer (9th hour= 1500), a crippled man, his faith, and his healing.

D2 On Solomon's porch

D3 After healing, Peter preaches a sermon.

D4 The priests, etc. do not Peter's preaching about Jesus and His resurrection.

D5 They arrest Peter and John.

D6 The questioning of Peter and John

E1 "By what name or power did you do this?"

E2 The Holy Spirit then helped Peter give a message to these people.

E3 Peter did not become a coward like he did in his denials. He clearly states the fact boldly (this is God's help), "...let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name this man stands here before you whole." (Acts 4 10 EMTV) In this Peter gives glory to Jesus.

E4 That is not the answer these rejecters wanted. Peter drives home the point that they are guilty of killing their Messiah. "This is the 'stone which was rejected by you, the builders, which became the chief cornerstone.' (Acts 4 11 EMTV)

E5 He also points out that there is no salvation except through Jesus. "Nor is there salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven which has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4 12 EMTV)

D7 The healed man was standing there. They knew him. They knew that he had been healed.

D8 The Sanhedrin holds a meeting. They agree to forbid the disciples to preach Jesus.

D9 Peter and John tell them that they must and will tell the truth about Jesus. It makes no difference what the leaders say. "But Peter and John answered them and said, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you be the judge. (Acts 4 19 EMTV)

D10 Peter and John are let go.

D11 They return to the group and tell them everything that had happened.

D12 They pray for boldness.

D13 God answers. "And when they had prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4 31 EMTV). Filling with the Holy Spirit is preaching Jesus and living for Jesus without compromise.

B3 Stephan

C1 He was falsely accused.

C2 He was falsely tired, convicted, and murdered.

C3 His sermon convicted the Jewish listeners, but they would not repent. They resisted God's Spirit just like their forefathers had done.

 

A5 Questions

B1 What are some reasons that persecution (soft or hard) is not good?

B2 What are some reasons that it is good?

C1 Increased commitment

C2 Sifts the true from the false

B3 Why did Peter and John go to the Temple? (To pray).

B4 Who did they meet just before entering? (An older than 40 crippled man).

B5 What did this man ask? (Money)

B6 What did the Apostles give? (Healing in Jesus's name).

B7 Does God still heal in this manner? (Sometimes).

B8 Who is glorified by this healing? (Jesus)

B9 What made the priests so angry? (Jesus)

B10 Why? (They did not believe)

B11 In this context what makes people angry at Jesus today? (They do want to believe).

B12 Is it ok to not obey our leaders? (Yes, when they forbid preaching Jesus or living for Jesus).

B13 How does God give boldness today? (The same way)

B14 What kind of persecution do we face today?

C1 What is persecution and some other general facts.

C2 World watch list rankings and explanation.

C3 Information

D1

Underlying impulses	Persecution engine
Tribal impulse	Islamic extremism
	Other religious militancy
	Tribal antagonism
	Ecclesiastical arrogance
Secular impulse	Communist oppression
	Aggressive secularism
Exploitative impulse	Totalitarian paranoia
	Organized corruption

D2

Drivers of persecution
Government	Government officials at any level from local to national
Society	Ethnic group leaders
	Non-Christian religious leaders at any level from local to national
	Religious leaders of other churches at any level from local to national
	Fanatical movements
	Normal citizens (people from the broader society), including mobs
	Extended family
	Political parties at any level from local to national
	Revolutionaries or paramilitary groups
	Organized crime cartels or networks
	Multilateral organizations

D3

"Pressure (squeeze) and violence (smash)

Pressure of persecution World Watch Research distinguishes two main expressions of persecution: squeeze (the pressure Christians experience in all areas of life) and smash (plain violence). Nevertheless, while it would seem that smash is the most prevalent and invasive expression of persecution, it is often the squeeze that is most prevalent and invasive. The WWL methodology, therefore, negates the idea that the more violence there is against Christians, the more persecution there must be. The WWL methodology also seeks to negate another assumption, which is that the most violent persecutors of the church are its main persecutors.

While smash can be measured and tracked through incidents of violence, squeeze needs to be tracked otherwise. It needs to be tracked by discerning how the act of Christian life and witness itself is being squeezed in all the different areas of life.

The WWL methodology has defined the 'five spheres concept' to track the expressions of persecution in different areas of life. These five spheres express the squeeze (pressure) in each sphere of life. A sixth building block expresses the smash (plain violence). The sixth block potentially cuts across all five spheres of life."

C4 Christian Persecution
(this link is from 2008 but still valid)

B15 What kind of persecution are you facing?

B16 How do we respond?

C1 Anger? (No)

C2 War, fighting, etc. (No)

C3 Patience and witness for Jesus? (Yes)

C4 We need God's help to face this. We cannot face it on our own. (These points are adapted by an article by Robin Sam.

D1 We were forewarned. John 15:20

D2 God will not leave us. John 16:33

D3 Those before us faced persecution. Hebrews 10:32-34

D4 Rejoice, patience, and prayer Romans 12:12

D5 We are blessed in enduring persecution James 5:11

D6 Prayer Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 2 Thessalonians 1:4

D7 Testing by persecution reveals if we have a real root into Jesus and His teaching Mark 4:17

D8 The Scriptures have been given in part to encourage us during those times of persecution 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3

D9 We will experience the grace of God Romans 8:35, 2 Corinthians 4:9, 2 Corinthians 12:10

D10 Is a testimony of the living Messiah--Jesus 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

B17 Will we be faithful? (O God, please help us).

B18 How do we encourage one another?

What do you know about 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10?

A1 Scripture

B1 But now Timothy came from you to us and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good memories of us, greatly desiring to see us, just as we do you. Therefore, brothers, by your faith we were comforted about you in all our affliction and distress. For now we live, if you remain steadfast in the Lord. For what thanks can we again give to God for you, for all the joy that we enjoy in the presence of our God because of you. Day and night praying over and over that we might see your face and might perfect what is lacking in your faith. (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10, WEL).

B2 But now when Timothy came to us from you, and brought good news to us of your faith and your love, and that you have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, as we also long to see you— because of this we were encouraged, brothers, in regard to you in all our affliction and distress by your faith. For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. For whatever thanksgiving can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we are rejoicing because of you in the presence of our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and to perfect what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10, EMTV)

A2 Outline

B1 Timothy's report

C1 Came

C2 Good news

D1 Their faith

D2 Their love

D3 Paul and the preachers were not forgotten

D3 Wanting to see Paul and the preachers

B2 Paul and the preachers' response--comforted

B3 A condition--remain steadfast in the Lord

B4 Thanks to God

B5 Our joy

B6 Our prayers

C1 To see them

C2 To increase their faith

A3 Notes

B1 1 Thessalonians 3:6

C1 The word "good news" is euaggelizō.

D1 It means good news

D2 It is the same word as is translated "gospel."

E1 And it happened that on one of the days [while] he was teaching the people in the temple [courts] and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes approached together with the elders (Luke 20:1, LEB).

E2 And I saw another angel flying directly overhead1, having an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who reside on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and language and people, (Revelation 14:6 LEB)

D3 The good news here refers to the good news that Timothy brought to Paul and the preachers in Athens.

E1 You can tell that Paul is excited.

E2 One of Paul's main concerns is that the new believers continue in the Gospel, doctrine, and living the Christian life.

E3 Our text references their faith and love.

F1 Faith in this sense is the Christian faith which includes

G1 Doctrine

G2 The Christian life

F2 Love here is the love for

G1 God

G2 Brethren

G3 Paul and the preachers

D4 Cross references

E1 [Like] cold water14 upon a weary soul,15 [so too is] good news from a distant place. (Proverbs 25:25 LEB)

E2 But now, [because]3 Timothy has come to us from you and has brought good news to us of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us4, desiring to see us just as also we [desire to see] you, (1 Thessalonians 3:6 LEB)

D5 Regarding fellowship

E1 Our first fellowship is with God--Matthew 18:20

E2 Then each other

F1 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. (Malachi 3:16, NKJV)

F2 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3, NKJV)

F3 BEHOLD, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalms 133:1, NKJV)

B2 1 Thessalonians 3:7

C1 It is a wonderful thing when news of someone's faithfulness to Christ brings encouragement to other believers.

C2 Things about encouragement

D1 "From people--"And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus." (Acts 4:36, EMTV)

D2 From the Holy Spirit--"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified, and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied." (Acts 9:31, EMTV).

D3 Christian leaders--"Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words." (Acts 15:32, EMTV).

D4 All of us to each other--"...but encourage yourselves every day, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13, EMTV).

C3 Affliction and distress

D1 Real Christians experience because they live and preach Christ

D2 Affliction

E1 Examples (See E3 below)

E2 Christ taught--These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but take courage, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, EMTV).

E3 Paul and the preachers at Thessalonica. (Acts 17:5-9)

E4 The word affliction is thlipsis

F1 Literally means "pressure," that is, pushing down or squeezing something

F2 Used more for physical abuse than emotional abuse

D3 Distress

E1 The Greek word is anagkē

E2 It means constraint, that is, something that hold us back or preventing us from doing something

E3 It can be applied to emotional abuse, anguish, emotional pain whether from physical illness, disability, or even torture.

E4 Christians can expect these things because the natural person hates God, hates God's ways (lifestyle), and hates His rule and rules, so they fight against His representatives.

D4 How God helps us in affliction and distress

E1 His love. These hard things Christians face do not separate us from God. (Romans 8:35)

E2 His strength. We would falter and shrink under most afflictions but God strengthens us. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)

E3 His deliverance. This doesn't always happen but does happen often. Even if we die, we go to heaven. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)

E4 His example. The Lord Jesus suffered as well as us to the point of death. (John 15:18-20)

E5 His promises. He does promise to help. (Matthew 5:10)

E6 His training. God uses these things to strengthen our faith, weed out bad habits, and build character. (James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7, Romans 5:3, 2 Corinthians 12:9)

B3 1 Thessalonians 3:8

C1 If

D1 Here stands as a condition.

D2 A condition for what? Life!

D3 The Bible clearly teaches that we can fall from faith even into apostasy.

D4 The blessings of God will come from our being steadfast.

D5 This can only happen with God's strength and Holy Spirit.

D6 We cannot do this on our own.

D7 This is not a work to "keep" our salvation, for we already have it.

D8 It does refer to, in its plain, normal sense, that if we want God's blessings our attitude must be to want to do God's will, ask in prayer, and believe in His help.

C2 Stand fast

D1 The Greek word is steko

D2 It means to persevere, to hand in there, to stand firm, to remain true regardless of what happens. We don't have a fair weather faith but a living faith.

D3 Some verses

E1 "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he shall be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14 4 EMTV). [The word in bold is this word; the non-bold word is different.]

E2 "Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, be courageous, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16 13 EMTV)

E3 "Therefore, my beloved and longed for brothers, my joy and crown, in this way stand fast in the Lord, beloved." (Philippians 4 1 EMTV)

D4 To stand fast is to continue in the same Gospel, same doctrine, and same lifestyle as taught by the Lord Jesus and the Apostles.

E1 These things do not change in time.

E2 They do not evolve.

E3 It is the same in every country and culture.

E4 Murder, for example, is wrong according to the Bible.

E5 It makes no difference where or when.

E6 The style of clothes is different in various cultures and time, which is OK.

B4 1 Thessalonians 3:9

C1 Thanksgiving

D1 The Greek word is eucharistia

D2 The word means giving thanks, thanksgiving. If I thank someone for something, I "eucharistia" them

D3 * things about thankfulness

E1 Jesus practiced it (John 11:41).

E2 Is a form/way of worship (Psalm 50:14, Hebrews 12:28).

E3 A grievous sin (Romans 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:2).

E4 Should be a common trait (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

E5 When we worry, we should pray for help and be thankful (Philippians 4:6).

C2 Joy

D1 The Greek word is chara

D2 It means joy, delight.

D3 Paul is stating that because of the faithful steadfastness of the Thessalonians, he is so very happy, ecstatic even, and offers thanksgiving to God.

D4 Are we like Paul?

B5 1 Thessalonians 3:10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and to perfect what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3 10 EMTV)

C1 Praying to see them. It was important to Paul to see this for himself, to teach them more, and to enjoy their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. It is also important for the Thessalonians to have fellowship, to share the great things that God has helped them with, and to share what they have learned by studying God's doctrine.

C2 Perfect, that is, to find out if there were any deviations from what Paul had taught them and correct it.

C4 Lacking This refers to questions that have arisen regarding the things they have been taught.

What is important to you?

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, EMTV)



What is the most important thing in your life?

Serious, when no one is around, you are by yourself, what is the most important thing in your life?

Is it your family? That is a very good thing, but are you sure?

Is it your spouse? Again this is very good to cherish and love your spouse, but are you sure?

Is it your country? Probably there are some that might say that but not many.

Is it your job? There are people who probably hold to that. Certainly some bosses would like that, but most do not believe that.

Take a look in the mirror. That person is who is most important if we are truly honest. What we are comfortable with—our beliefs, our thoughts, and our standards. We are comfortable with this to the point that if only everyone else would live this way, they too would have a comfortable life.

This is called relativism. Studies, polls, class room exercises, etc. have asked this question. Then the follow up is asked, will there be any conflict in a society having this standard? They answer, "Yes." What will this result in? "Chaos," they answer. Whose standard will win then? Some answer that the smartest will win, but most answer that the strongest will win. See this article for example.

Is this the best? No, because as we have seen it leads to chaos with everyone having their own standard.

When I use the word relativism, I am not necessarily referring to philosophy but as used in our daily life and lifestyle. Relativism is defined "The doctrine that no ideas or beliefs are universally true but that all are, instead, "relative" — that is, their validity depends on the circumstances in which they are applied." (Cite: Cite: relativism. (n.d.). The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved May 11, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relativism


This just is not livable. So what standard is best? Christianity, that is, true Biblical Christianity has changed societies for the better. See here, here, here, or here.

Now it is true that many call themselves Christians and are quite adamant about it, but what they say has little importance. But it is in what they do, in how they live, and in how they treat others. What standard is used to know who is and who isn't? It has to be the Bible in its plain, normal sense. Consider some of these laws:

1. 
   
   Lay aside
   
   
   
   
   1. Wickedness (James 1:21)
   
   
   2. All malice (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   3. All guile (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   4. All hypocrisies ((1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   5. All envies (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   6. All evil speaking (1 Peter 2:1)
   
   
   
   

Any honest person will know that society will be better if the above 6 things were NOT done.

Seeking the Kingdom of God is seeking the ordered society where God is ruler and His laws followed.

 

Sunday School Lesson--Holy Spirit

 




 

Key Theme: God is faithful to His promises.


 

A1 Objectives

B1 Describe how Jesus's promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled.

B2 Explain the work of the Holy Spirit in believers.

A2 Scriptures

B1 John 16:5-15

B2 Acts 2:1-24

B3 Ephesians 1:13-14

B4 Galatians 5:22-23

A3 Notes

B1 Holy Spirit

C1 Who is He?

D1 God Acts 5:3-4

E1 Omnipresent Psalms 139:7-8

E2 Omniscient 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

E3 All other characteristics of God

D2 Person, not force or power

E1 Personality and Emotions

F1 Thinking and knowing 1 Corinthians 2:10

F2 Grieved Ephesians 4:30

E2 Has a will 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

E3 Prays for us Romans 8:26-27

D3 Seven spirits of God, that is, the sevenfold Spirit of God

E1 God the Holy Spirit is identified as the sevenfold Spirit of God in Revelation

E2 Most likely it refers to Holy Spirit being perfect and complete (the perfect, highest possible)

C2 What does He do?

D1 Indweller of Christians Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:13

D2 Teacher 1 John 2:27, Luke 12:12

D3 Convictor (the idea of convicting of sin, so the one who convicts/convinces) John 16:8, Acts 2:37

C3 Books on

D1 The Free Will Baptist Treatise Chapter 7 is the doctrinal statement on the Holy Spirit

E1 Text

CHAPTER VII

The Holy Spirit

1. The Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit the acts

and attributes of an intelligent being. He guides,86

knows,87 moves,88 gives information,89 commands,90

forbids91 sends forth,92 reproves,93 and can be sinned

against.94

2. The attributes of God are ascribed to the Holy

Spirit.

3. The works of God are ascribed to the Holy

Spirit: creation,95 inspiration,96 giving of life,97 and

sanctification.98

4. The apostles assert that the Holy Spirit is Lord

and God.99

From the foregoing, the conclusion is that the Holy

Spirit is in reality God and one with the Father in all

divine perfections. It has also been shown that Jesus

Christ is God—one with the Father. Then these three—

the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are one God.

The truth of this doctrine is also proved from the

fact that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are

united in the authority by which believers are baptized;

and in the benedictions pronounced by the apostles,100

which are acts of the highest religious worship.101

E2 Supporting verses

86 John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he

will guide you into all truth.

87 1 Corinthians 2:11: Even so the things of God knoweth no

man, but the Spirit of God.

88 Genesis 1:2: And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of

the waters. Acts 8:39.

89 Acts 10:19: While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said

unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 1 Cor. 2:13; Acts 21:11;

John 14:26.

90 Acts 13:2: The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and

Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

91 Acts 16:6: And were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach

the word in Asia.

92 Acts 13:4: So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,

departed unto Seleucia.

93 John 16:8: And when he is come, he will reprove the world of

sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Gen. 6:3.

94 Mark 3:29: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy

Ghost hath never forgiveness. Isa. 63:10, Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30.

95 Job 33:4: The Spirit of God hath made me. Job 26:13; Psa.

104:30.

96 2 Peter 1:21: Prophecy came not in old time by the will of

man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy

Ghost.

97 1 Peter 3:18: Quickened by the Spirit. Rom. 8:11.

98 1 Corinthians 6:11: But ye are sanctified, but ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

99 Isaiah 6:8, 9: I heard the voice of the Lord,...And he said, Go,

and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not. Acts 28:25,

26: Well spake the Holy Ghost...Go unto this people, and say,

Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand. Compare John 3:16

with Matt. 1:18.

100 Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. 13:14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and

the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with

you all. 1 Pet. 1:2.

E3 Addendum

APPENDIX TO CHAPTER VII

Adopted July, 1979

Free Will Baptists understand the Bible teaches the following

facts: On the Day of Pentecost believers spoke in distinct foreign

languages which were readily understood by the nationalities present.164

18 TREATISE OF THE FAITH

Tongues were given as a special gift to the early church as only

one sign which confirms the witness of the Gospel to unbelievers.165

While tongues were bestowed by the sovereign will of God on

some believers, all did not speak with tongues.166 When this gift

was abused, it became a source of disturbance in the congregational

meetings. To eliminate confusion and correct the error, Paul set

particular guidelines for the Christian church to follow.167 The gift

of tongues was neither an evidence of the baptism of the Holy

Spirit, nor does it bring about sanctification.168

We believe that speaking in tongues as a visible sign of the baptism

of the Holy Spirit is an erroneous doctrine to be rejected. Any

implication of a "second work of grace" has never been tolerated in

our fellowship of churches, and will not be permitted.

We teach and preach the fullness of the Holy Spirit and heed the

scriptural admonition, "Be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves

in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making

melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all

things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ."169

--

165 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; Heb. 2:4.

166 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30.

167 1 Corinthians 14:18, 19, 23, 33.

168 1 Corinthians 12:13.

169 Ephesians 5:18b-20

E4 Also found in Chapter 10 on faith

D2 http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/the-divinity-of-the-holy-spirit (Roman Catholic but has some good points)

D3 http://www.spokanebiblechurch.com/study/Bible%20Doctrines/Doctrine%20of%20the%20Holy%20Spirit.htm#HolySpiritIsAPerson

B2 John 16:5-15

C1 Jesus's message about leaving and returning to heaven.

C2 Disciples

D1 Sad

D2 Hopeful

E1 Jesus tells them that it is OK.

E2 You will be OK, because the Helper will come to you.

E3 Jesus is the sender.

E4 The church--the disciples at that point--will have the Helper with them.

C3 Holy Spirit

D1 Comes

D2 Works in the world.

E1 Convicts the world, that is, all humans.

F1 Sin

G1 This sin is of unbelief.

G2 They do not believe Jesus.

F2 Righteousness

G1 Go to Father

G2 See Him no more.

H1 That is in this life.

H2 His return will be after they die.

F3 Judgment

G1 Ruler of this world

G2 Is the devil. (John 12:31, John 14:30

D3 Works with the disciples who have many things to learn yet. The Holy Spirit will

E1 Come

E2 Guide you into all truth

E3 He will convey the message of God to these disciples

D4 Glorifies Jesus

D5 Takes Jesus's message and declares it

D6 The Godhead shares all things. The Holy Spirit is the worker of it and the messenger of it.

B3 Acts 2:1-24

C1 Day of Pentecost

C2 A gathering of the early church

C3 A sudden event

C4 A sound of wind

C5 A symbol of fire on each head

C6 A real earthly language spoken by each person

C7 A crowd gathers

C8 A message given--a message of glorifying God

C9 A ridicule

C10 A preacher--Peter

D1 An announcement

D2 A clarification (we are not drunk with wine)

D3 A fulfillment of prophecy

D4 A quote (from the prophet)

D5 A statement of doctrine--whosoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

D6 An application--Jesus's life of miracles and other things that proved beyond any doubt that He is Messiah.

D7 A death--Jesus was killed. God know this and the plan of salvation was decreed beforehand.

D8 A resurrection

A4 Questions

B1