31 May 2018

With Eternity in Mind




Theme: The believer’s quest

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: We can persevere in living for and serving God, knowing glory awaits us in Heaven.
Think: I let an eternal perspective guide my attitudes, choices, and actions.
Do: Live for and serve God with integrity, proclaiming Christ as Savior and Lord.

B1 Integrity
C1 Hebrew words
D1 תֹּם, tome which means integrity, innocence, and completeness
E1 Genesis 20:5 NKJV - "Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she, even she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this."
E2 Proverbs 10:29 NLT - The way of the LORD is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.
D2 תֻּמָּה, toom-maw' which means integrity, innocence.
E1 Job 2:9 NLT - His wife said to him, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die."
E2 Proverbs 11:3 CSB - The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.
C2 Greek word is ἀφθαρσία aphtharsía which means incorruption, purity, sincerity, honesty, etc. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 CSB - For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.
C3 Another Greek word translated integrity is ἀδιαφθορία adiaphthoria meaning incorruptness: Titus 2:7 (WPNT) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good works: showing integrity, dignity and incorruptibility in your teaching.
B2 2 Corinthians Chapter 4:1-6,
C1 What kind of man was Paul before he was born again?
D1 Acts 22:3-5 NKJV - "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. "I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, "as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.
D2 Philippians 3:4-6 NKJV - though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
C2 What did he do in the name of Judaism to the Christians?
D1 Acts 8:3 NKJV - As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
D2 1 Corinthians 15:9 NKJV - For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
D3 Galatians 1:13 NKJV - For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
D4 Philippians 3:6 NKJV - concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
D5 1 Timothy 1:13 NKJV - although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
C3 How did God’s grace affect him at the time he wrote to the Corinthians?
C4 Why doesn’t Paul become discouraged?
C5 What are some things Christians hide?
C6 What is the main problem with deception in a Christian?
D1 It is listed as arising from the heart, the inner person of all humans: Mark 7:21-22 NKJV - For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, "thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
D2 It is incurably wicked: Jeremiah 17:9-10 CSB - The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it? I, the LORD, examine the mind, I test the heart to give to each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve.
D3 God hates it: Jeremiah 17:9-10 CSB - The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it? I, the LORD, examine the mind, I test the heart to give to each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve.
D4 False prophets and false teachers have:
E1 Jeremiah 23:26 NKJV - How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart.
E2 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 CSB - For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works.
D5 The Lord Jesus never did: 1 Peter 2:22 NKJV - Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth.
D6 How can we discern one is a false teacher?
C7 Name some examples of “handling the Word of God deceitfully?”
D1 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV - For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
E1 Does God desire all humans to be saved, or does He desire most to go to hell to be roasted, barbecued, and tormented forever?
E2 Calvinist: I have often times heard people quote 1 Timothy 2:4 to dismiss, out of hand, the biblical teaching on Sovereign grace or Divine election. In quoting the verse they have told me that God has no interest in electing certain people to salvation but that His desire is for every person to be saved. Yet, we must remember that the word "all" always has a context. It can sometimes mean all people everywhere - many times it does - but it sometimes means "all" in the sense of "all kinds" or "all classes, types" of people or at other times it refers to all within a certain type or class.. For instance, we do the same thing in our English language when a school teacher in a classroom may ask the question, "are we ALL here?" or "is EVERYONE here?" She is not asking if everyone on planet earth is in the classroom, but because of the context in which the question is framed (the school teacher's classroom) we understand she is referring to all within a certain class or type - in this case, all the students signed up for the class. (Source).
E4 Non-Calvinist: Jamieson-Fausset-Brown: Since He wishes that all should be saved, do you also wish it; and if you wish it, pray for it. For prayer is the instrument of effecting such things [Chrysostom]. Paul does not say, "He wishes to save all"; for then he would have saved all in matter of fact; but "will have all men to be saved," implies the possibility of man's accepting it (through God's prevenient grace) or rejecting it (through man's own perversity). Our prayers ought to include all, as God's grace included all. (Source).
E5 Even their interpretation works against them for all kinds would refer to everyone. God who inspired the Bible writers (overseeing them) knows how to communicate perfectly. Why shouldn’t we believe God and take the plain, normal sense. See here for further and more detailed information.
C8 How would satan blind someone to the Gospel?
C9 How do people preach themselves instead of Jesus Christ?
C10 Who sends the light?
B3 2 Corinthians 4:7-18,
C1 2 Corinthians 4:7-10—were the Christians having a good time? Why can the Christian life be rough? Should we warn new Christians?
D1 Jesus foretold that His followers would face this, just because they follow: Luke 21:16-17 NKJV - You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.
D2 It is a condition of service: 2 Timothy 1:11-12 NKJV - to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
D3 What other reasons can you think of?
C2 Why are Christians always delivered into death? Who hates Christians? Why are Christians hated? The NLT has 2Co 4:11 NLT Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies.
C3 Why are Christians still motivated to live and preach Jesus even when under constant danger?
C4 What power in 2 Corinthians 4:7 is Paul speaking of? Consider: Ephesians 3:20 NKJV - Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
C5 How does Paul not get distressed when the situation is very hard? Consider this encouragement from HandFuls on Purpose, Smith/Lee Psalm 27:13-14: A Threefold Encouragement.
1. TO BELIEVE. "I had fainted unless I had believed." Troubled on every side, yet not distressed (2Co 4:8-10), because our faith is in God. Peter fainted while on the water because he doubted.
2. TO WAIT. "Wait on the Lord." Wait on Him because the expectation of faith is from Him (Psa 62:1-5). All who truly wait on Him will yet be able to say, "Lo, this is our God" (Isaiah 25:9).
3. TO WORK. "He shall strengthen thine heart, be of good courage." "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it" (Ecc 9:10), for His strength is made perfect in weakness.
C6 Have you ever been perplexed by things happening in your life? How does Paul handle this?
C7 How can we survive persecution without feeling forsaken?
C8 How do Christians carry the death of the Lord Jesus in their lives?
C9 What hope does Paul have the 2 Corinthians 4:14? How does that give Paul strength and rest?
C10 How does the resurrection strengthen our spiritual life:
C11 How does God’s grace increasing more and more result in more and more thanksgiving to God?
C12 Why do some people give up the Christian faith?
C13 How do we keep our eyes on the eternal things of God? Consider: Matthew 6:19-21 CSB - Don't store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
B4 Next week:
C1 Great Expectations
C2 Theme: The Believer’s Identity
C3 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

23 May 2018

Always the Same




Theme: God is Unchanging

Scriptures:
  1. Numbers 23:18-20
  2. Numbers 23 25-27
  3. Jeremiah 18:5-11
  4. 2 Timothy 2:8-13
  5. James 1:16-18
  6. Hebrews 6:13-20
  7. Genesis 12:1-3
  8. Exodus 3:13-15
  9. Lamentations 3:21-26

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: God never changes and His consistency extends to His whole person.
Think: View God’s unchanging character as encouragement for present and future growth.
Do: Respect God’s unchanging nature and exercise faith through obedience.

A1 Beginning questions
B1 If God never changes and His ways never change, what about technological changes? Are they good or bad?
B2 What about God’s plan for the church (the people)?
B3 What about God’s plan for salvation?
B4 What about God’s plan for anything?
B5 When is change good?
B6 When is change not good?
B7 What do you think about the changes happening in Christianity today?
A2 Numbers 23
B1 Summary: Balak, king of Moab, sees Israel. He knows they have won some important battles. He knows what God did to the Egyptians. He now faces them and thinking, “We will be destroyed, too.” He hires Balaam to curse Israel, but the message given to Balaam was blessing Israel. So Balaam gets another message to give to Balak: Numbers 23:19-20 (NKJV) God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
C1 Name some characteristics of God from Numbers 23:19-20.
C2 Is God going to change His mind concerning Israel?
C3 How can we apply this to our lives?
B2 Numbers 23:27-30 (NKJV) Then Balak said to Balaam, “Please come, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.” So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that overlooks the wasteland. Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.” And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on every altar. Why does Balak keep trying to get God to change His mind?
B3 What is God’s plan for Christians?
C1 Some verses:
D1 Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
D2 Matthew 6:25-27 (NKJV) Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
C2 Why does God care about us?
C3 Does God’s standard of Christian living change through the centuries?
C4 What about using new technology?
A3 James 1:16-18 (NKJV) Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
B1 What characteristic of God is taught here?
B2 Does God’s character change or stay the same?
A4 Truth
B1 Theories (overly simplified)
C1 Correspondence theory: something is true if it corresponds to reality
C2 Coherence: something is true because it agrees with what I believe is true
C3 Constructivist: truth is what society has struggled with and come to a conclusion
C4 Consensus: truth is what a group says is truth
C5 Pragmatic
D1 Positive: a belief works, so true
D2 Negative: a belief does not work, so false
C6 Nihilism: truth cannot be known
B2 The correspondence theory agrees with Scripture:
C1 By example: Samson: Judges 16:17-18 CSB - he told her the whole truth and said to her, "My hair has never been cut, because I am a Nazirite to God from birth. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become weak and be like any other man." When Delilah realized that he had told her the whole truth, she sent this message to the Philistine leaders: "Come one more time, for he has told me the whole truth." The Philistine leaders came to her and brought the silver with them.
C2 By testimony: Proverbs 12:17 NLT - An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.
C3 By departing from what is true: 2 Timothy 2:18 CSB - They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some. There were over 500 people who saw Jesus alive after He had been crucified, buried, and resurrected. The group mentioned in this passage knew that but chose to ignore reality and believe something else.
B3 Are these verses of Scripture true?
C1 Luke 4:18 (WPNT) The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He has anointed me to evangelize poor people. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to captives and recovery of sight to blind people, to send those who are oppressed out in freedom. (If you notice most translations leave out the words He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted. Pickering writes: Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “to heal the brokenhearted” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). So 98.5% of Greek manuscripts include these words).
C2 John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
C3 James 1:5 CSB - Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God —who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.
B4 Does God lie?
A5 Promises
B1 The main Greek word for promise is ἐπαγγελία epangelía which has the idea of what is said will be done.
B2 What good are God’s promises, if God changes?
B3 Why are promises serious?
B4 2 Peter 3:13 (NKJV) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
C1 Can we (the church) bring righteousness to the earth?
C2 When will there be righteousness on the earth?
B5 Romans 8:37-39 (WEB) No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
C1 What if we feel that God has abandoned us?
C2 How can we use these verses to help someone who feels abandoned by God?
C3 How important is God’s love?
C4 How should we love?
B6 1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT - This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
C1 Does God ever fail?
C2 How can God have a foolish plan?
C3 Why is God’s plan always the best?
C4 How does God’s strength encourage you?
A6 Next week
B1 According to the Scope of Sequence, we will be studying in 2 Corinthians
B2 The believer’s role as a steward of the gospel.
B3 Theme: The believer’s quest
B4 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18