Bobby's Notes

2009-05-04T05:03:00.000-05:00

“Second Experience”

Texts used to justify the doctrine that Christians today should ask Jesus for a “baptism in the Holy Spirit” and thus follow the pattern of the first century disciples:

Acts 2; Acts 8:14-17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts19:4-6 and (a passage critical to Pentecostal theology) 1Corinthians 12:13.

Starting with the last – the verse 1Cor.12:13 is traditionally read as “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” by those who support the Pentecostal view (Spirit as baptizer). See the note in the margin of NIV which would translate the verse as, “For we were all baptized in one Spirit into one body...and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” The NIV reading would have this baptism event referring to the same event as Matthew 3:11; Mark1:8; Luke3:16; John1:33 (with Jesus as the baptizer).

So, what happened at Pentecost, especially in light of John20:22? Evidently those gathered in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost were already believers (if not before Jn.20:22, certainly after). The disciples had not received the new covenant empowering for ministry until Pentecost - 10 days after they last saw Jesus (at His ascension / 40 days after His crucifixion). On the Day of Pentecost, the promise of Jesus, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8) was fulfilled. It also fulfilled the prophesy of Joel (as Peter told Act2:16). And this was done as Jesus returned to heaven and exercised His authority (Acts2:33)

This new power for ministry and witness (Eph.4:8,11-13), for victory over sin (Rom.6:11-14)and over Satan (2Cor.10:3-4) for all believers, was part of the new covenant in Christ, was for the building up of the body of Christ, the church ,and was not to be used for individual gratification. It was a mark that salvation was no longer limited to the Jews.

As the gospel began to go out beyond Jerusalem, to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the world, the evidence of the new covenant - another Counselor, not only with you but in you - followed the proclamation and acceptance of the gospel.

Samaria Acts 8 – When the Samaritans heard the preaching of Philip, they “believed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.”(Acts8:12) Verses 14-17 would seem to indicate that perhaps God waited to give the new covenant empowering of the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans directly through the hands of the apostles so that it would be evident to all that the Samaritans were not second-class citizens in the kingdom but full members of the church. (thus kind of a Samaritan Pentecost especially significant in including the mixed race)

Cornelius' household Acts 10 – As Peter preached, the people believed and as they believed they received the Holy Spirit. These were Gentiles.

The disciples of John Ephesus Acts 19 – There is no evidence that they had believed in Jesus as savior and risen Lord since they had not even heard that there was a Holy Spirit. It is unlikely that they had heard of Christ's death and resurrection.

Thus there seems to be no New Testament texts which encourage us to seek a second experience after conversion.

Being Filled With the Spirit Ephesians 5:18 (present tense, imperative = be continually being filled...)

This fullness will result in renewed worship, thanksgiving, and obedience. Some contend that if at conversion one is filled with the Spirit then as a full glass of water cannot get any “fuller,” this would be a frustrating and impossible-to-obey command. But real people of God can grow and be able to contain more and more of the Holy Spirit's fullness and power. A balloon would make a better analogy that a glass of water. A balloon which is considered full of air though little air is in it, can expand when more air is blown in and in a sense become “more full.” (Systematic Theology , W. Grudem)

2009-05-04T04:58:00.001-05:00

Not Orphans John 14:16-18 (part 2)

The Holy Spirit reveals the Lamb of God (John 1:29-34). The Holy Spirit helps us worship (John4:23-24, Romans8:5). The Holy Spirit came to indwell those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior after Jesus was glorified (John7:38-39) – a permanent indwelling of those who have been born again.

John's account of Jesus' upper room discourse teaches us a great deal about God, the Holy Spirit.

TWO NAMES

Comforter / Advocate / Counselor / Fortifier (Parekletos) John14:16, 26; 15;26; 16:7; 1John2:1
- Called alongside to work in us and through us – NOT – instead of us.
Spirit of Truth John14:16; 17:17
- The Spirit inspired the Word of God.
- The Spirit illumines the Word of God.
- Never works contrary to the Word of God.
  - To be Spirit filled is to be Word filled – compare Ephesians5:18-6:9 (spirit filled) with Colossians3:16-4:1 (word filled) = same result.

ANOTHER (OF THE SAME KIND) v.14:16

To guide and guard and teach like Jesus did when He was with the disciples in the flesh
The world cannot receive the Spirit v.17
- Because they walk by sight and therefore cannot understand things that are spiritual.
- Because they do not know Jesus – There is no knowing the Spirit apart from knowing Jesus.
To call back into line and to encourage to keep moving forward as Jesus did.

SOURCE OF PEACE (SHALOM) vv.14:25-27

God's peace is based on relationship.
- Not worldly (visible) resources
- Not personal ability / power
- Not necessarily an absence of trouble / trials
Not all internal – The Spirit uses the Word of God (external) v.26b teaches us not drags us to Word
- Holy Spirit wrote the Word of God through men 2Peter1:21
- Holy Spirit made sure Jesus' instruction to the church was preserved - Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “
- Holy Spirit brings God's Word to our minds
  - That new understanding
  - That scripture that encouraged or restrained

ENCOURAGES HIS CHURCH

Do not let the world surprise you. vv.15:18-19
Holy Spirit will confirm who Jesus is to you v.15:26
Holy Spirit will confirm who Jesus is through you v.15:27
Holy Spirit comes to the church NOT to the world v.16:7 working through the people of God (His body) as on Pentecost, He spoke through Peter and believers.
- To bring the lost world to conviction v.8 of sin = unbelief v.9 ; John3:18-21. (He uses believers to expose the unbelief of the world.)
- To bring conviction of righteousness v.10 = Jesus is Savior. v.13-14 glorify Jesus
- To bring conviction of judgment v.11 = Satan is judged and anyone who is “of the world” is condemned along with the devil.

COMMISSIONING THE FEARFUL John20:11-22

Ordained (informally) men and women who were hiding to go represent Him by His Spirit
Enabled (breathed – made them alive Genesis2:7) by His Spirit to proclaim / declare / announce forgiveness of sin. (not in contradiction to Mark2:7)

PENTECOST Acts2 The fullness of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon the church, the body of Christ.

See the next article in reference to “second experiences – baptism in and filling with the Holy Spirit” subsequent to salvation.

2009-04-26T14:23:00.002-05:00

Not Orphans God the Holy Spirit (part 1) John 14:16-18

For a couple of Sundays we will look at what is revealed about God the Holy Spirit in the gospel of John. To some Christians, the Holy Spirit is the coach who determines who is “first team” and who is “scrubs.” Some believe that someone can be a child of God without being made so by the Holy Spirit, thus the question of whether a believer is spirit-filled or spirit-baptized. And then there is the question of spiritual gifts. All these topics are not dealt with in the Gospel of John, but the function of the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, is described and displayed in John's Gospel.

Thus we will see that God-the Holy Spirit:

ANSWERS THE QUESTION ASKED IN GENESIS 22:7

“Where is the lamb?” John 1:29-34

The Holy Spirit gave permanent proof that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
- John recognized Him before the Spirit descended in a visible form - Matthew 3:14
  - John was filled with the Holy Spirit from before his birth Luke1:15, 41
- The Spirit descended (Mark1:8; Matthew3:11; Luke3:16) and remained on Jesus –
  
  John 1:32
The witness of the Spirit gave John the baptizer the confidence and the inspiration to proclaim that Jesus is the Lamb of God – Not just once – John 1:29, 36
The witness of the Holy Spirit gave John assurance of validity of his ministry. “This is he of whom I said...”v.30
- Old Testament Holy Spirit experience:
  - Given to those whom God would use to lead or defend His chosen people. Not necessarily people who were in a sold-out relationship with God. Numbers 11:16-30(elders of the exodus); 1Samuel19:19-24(Saul's flunkies and Saul)
    - These guys preached the glory of God – the Holy Spirit always testifies of God as redeemer and deliverer.
  - The Spirit of God was placed upon and removed from individuals
    
    Judges15:14, 16:20(Samson); Psalm51:11(David)

ANSWERS THE QUESTION OF WORSHIP John4:23-24

Only those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit and who obey the truth can worship God acceptably. v.24 (“for God is Spirit...” therefore we can see that the Holy Spirit is God- not just an impersonal “force”)

Also Romans 8:5 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
True worship, led by the Spirit, founded in the Truth, is in contrast to legalistic worship that has requirements of specific places (Mecca, Jerusalem) and maintains barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Spiritual worship sets us free to love the unlovely as God has done with us.

ANSWERS THE QUESTION OF TIMING John7:39

after Jesus was glorified;

Jesus was glorified in His death John 12:23-24
- as perfect obedience to will of Father
- as perfect substitutionary sacrifice for those whose trust in Jesus as only Lord and Savior
  - The Lamb sacrificed restores us to the relationship God had with man in Eden.
Poured out on believers on Day of Pentecost (50 days after the cross) Acts2

ANSWERS THE QUESTION OF WHO IS INDWELT John7:38-39

whoever believes in Jesus

Not Varsity and Junior Varsity Christians some with the Spirit and some who might yet achieve it. 1Corinthian12:3-7, 13; Ephesians4:7-12
Not only for the benefit of believers. Only believers receive the Holy Spirit indwelling. But because it is “rivers,” it benefits more than just the recipient. John7:38; John4:14

Jesus is glorified. So now you can receive refreshing (recovery of breath) from the Lord. NOTE: “recovery of breath” as when something precious to you has been lost or taken away and it causes that hit-in-the-stomach feeling that takes your breath away... God-the Holy Spirit restores your breath when you repent and turn again to God. Acts 3:19-20 (re. Acts 3:20 note that the Holy Spirit's name is Jesus)

If the Holy Spirit has shown you that Jesus is the sacrifice (Lamb) for your sin. Repent, turn to God from running your life, and you will receive new life, new breath. The Holy Spirit will come to live in you and through you. He will convince you that Jesus is the Savior. He will allow you, help you worship God. He will help you relate to holy God. And, He, the Holy Spirit, will gift you to bless the church and be a blessing through the church to people around you in Jesus' name.

Next week we will look at Holy Spirit fortifying, indwelling, teaching, reminding, testifying, convicting, guiding, glorifying, and being received in John chapters 14-16 and 20.

2009-04-18T15:01:00.001-05:00

Jesus Ascended Hebrews1:1-4; Acts1:9-11; 1Timothy3:16; Acts5:30-32; Acts2:22-33;

Last week, as we considered the resurrection of Jesus, an effort was made to emphasize that Jesus was raised with a physical body. He likewise ascended in a physical body. I want to make this point because, sometimes we adopt the Greek philosophy that creation is divided into material and spiritual with the material being bad and the spiritual or immaterial being bad. And some would use that to indict God of making a mistake in creation and excuse the acts of their own physical body as beyond control since they are part of the faulty and wicked material realm.

However, the bodily resurrection and the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ, as well as the Biblical descriptions of Heaven as a material place (redeemed creation) remind us that God makes no mistakes, that the redemption in Jesus is a total redemption, that those who have departed this life having trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior are now physically with Him, and Jesus will physically (“in the same way” Acts1:11) return.

Jesus is now ascended:

EXALTED TO THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER Hebrews1:3; Acts5:31; Acts7:55-60; Philippians2:9

hupsoō = to be lifted up literally or figuratively John 3:14, 12:32
Right Hand = Place of righteousness and strength Psalm48:10, 80:17
- Jesus said He would be there Matthew26:64
- Steven saw Jesus there Acts7:55-60
Ruling Ephesians 1:20-22; 1Corinthian15:27
- His rule is our hope Ephesians1:17-20 That is what Steven saw that enable him to -
  - testify ... and to forgive

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIS NAME Hebrews 4:13-16, 7:25, 13:6

Not now limited to a locality as He was when on earth. Hebrews 9:24
Able to save and to keep those who call on His name. Hebrews 7:25 [Name = authority, character John17:6(Jesus showed the character -name-of God the Father.]
Able to help and He is sympathetic Heb.4:13-16
It honors Jesus to call on Him – it gives recognition to His holding all things and knowing all things and being able to do all things and meet all needs. Hebrews1:3
Jesus is with us as we carry the gospel to the world. Matthew 28:20

HE IS WITH BELIEVERS WHO HAVE DIED IN THIS WORLD

He took some with Him (Old Testament believers) Ephesians 4:8

He has prepared a place for all believers since He ascended John 14:1-3

All PART OF THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS 1Tim.3:16

Mystery – not something hidden or unrevealed, rather something sacred and therefore appreciated only by those “on the inside,” in this case, those interested in godliness – pleasing God. In verse 9, the reference is to the gospel.

Jesus was manifested in the flesh – indicating that He was in existence before He was incarnate
Vindicated by the Spirit - Romans1:4 – “by His resurrection from the dead”
Seen by angels – Acts 1:10-11 at His ascension – giving them insight into the plan of God for man's redemption. 1Peter1:12
Proclaimed among the nations (“ethnos”) Repentance is available even to the Gentiles
Taken up in glory

THE WAY WE ACT AND LIVE SHOULD TESTIFY TO TRUTH OR JESUS BEING RISEN AND ASCENDED TO GLORY 1Timothy3:15

The church of the living Savior needs to have credibility as the “pillar and buttress of truth.”(ESV)

2009-04-11T12:18:00.000-05:00

The Tomb Emptied Luke 24:1-12; 1Corinthian15:12-19

+It was prophesied in advance. Isaiah 53:8-12

+Jesus predicted His resurrection. Matthew12:38-40; Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:33; John 2:18-22

+Jesus died on the cross. A night of trials, beatings, exhaustion; scourged; crucified by professionals; spear into side and heart; wrapped in one hundred pounds of linens and spices; three days in a tomb without water, food, or medical attention. John 19:34, 1Corinthians 15:3

+Jesus was buried in a tomb that was easy to find. Isaiah53:9, Matthew 27:57-60

+Jesus appeared physically alive three days after His death. Matthew28:9; John20:17,20-28; Luke 24:36-43

+It was recorded in scripture soon after it happened.(as early as 37AD, no later than 65AD) Mark 14:53,ff

+It convinced His family to worship Him as God. John 7:5, Matthew13:55; Acts1:14; 1Corinthians 15:7; James1:1; Jude 1:1 (from various sources including Evidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell and Vintage Jesus – Mark Driscoll)

It is essential to Christianity that Jesus is risen from the dead. It is the proof of the truthfulness of Jesus. It is the proof of the power of Jesus (His deity). It is the proof of purpose of Jesus.

THE EVIDENCE BELIEVERS HAVE SEEN

New Testament Accounts -
- Gospels and Acts 3:15; 4:10; 10:40; 13:30
New Covenant Activity
- Jesus intercedes Hebrews 7:25
- Jesus reigns 1Corithians 15:25
- Jesus is exalted Acts 5:30-31
- Jesus is head of the church Ephesians5:23
- Jesus is returning 1Thessalonians 4:16

HE WAS RAISED

A New Kind of Man 1Corinthians 15:20, 23
- NOT Resuscitated (like Lazarus), but with a perfect body with no weakness, no effects of aging, no death – able to live eternally 1Corinthian15:42-44
- Physical, Material Body – “Spiritual” does not preclude “material.” Rather = “Suited to and responsive to the guidance of the Spirit” (Systematic Theology -Wayne Grudem ) Jesus had put on immortality .
- Body returned to the perfection that God originally created Genesis 1:31
Recognized / Not Recognized John20:19-20 vs John20:14-15
- Dark John20:1; Kept from recognition Luke24:16; Eyes were opened Luke24;31
- Effects of Amazement, Fear, the differences of the effects of suffering, hardship, grief, etc.
- Hand, Feet, Food – Luke24:39-43
Appearing and Disappearing? Luke24:31, 36; John20:19,26 (consider Acts8:39; 12:5-10)

WHY PHYSICAL RESURRECTION IS IMPORTANT

God Created Good Genesis 1:31
- The problem is not “material creation.” Going to be new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells 2Peter3:13 free from bondage to decay Romans8:21
Mankind is the pinnacle of God's creation (with physical bodies)
Jesus, in a perfected physical body, ascended, reigns, and will return for those who remain.

WHY THE RESURRECTION IS IMPORTANT

Proves Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. John11:25; Hebrews7:16
Ensures our Regeneration 1Peter1:3, Ephesians2:5-6; Philippians3:10
- The spiritual power that works in us to enable us to walk in newness of life Romans6:4-11
Ensures our Justification Romans4:25/Eph. 2:6
Ensures our Perfected Resurrected Bodies 1Corinthian6:14; 15:20; 2Corinthians4:14

SINCE JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

Come to Him as Lord and Savior Acts4:10-12
Be Encouraged/ Stop Sinning Colossians3:1-4; Romans6:12-13
Judgment Comes John5:16-30

2009-04-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

THE CROSS EMPTIED John19:13-22, 33-42

The triumphal entry began a week that would include Jesus teaching about His second coming (Matthew 24 and 25), His high priestly prayer (John 17), and the institution of the Lord's Supper as well as the agony of Gethsemane and the passion of the cross. Palm Sunday marks the first of that week, but today we will focus on the end of that week of passion (passion: a Latin term coined to describe sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death ).

Our Christianity has become so neat and sanitized that we lose sight of the lengths to which our Holy God has gone to reconcile mankind to Himself. We overlook the gore of the physical sacrifice Jesus made for us. We overlook the blood sacrifices that were paid by early believers and continue to be paid by believers today. In our effort to keep everything neat and clean, we fail to allow strugglers to share burdens which we can help bear (Galatians 6:2). God wants us to see the mess that Jesus came into; the mess that we are in; the mess that we are; the valley of the shadow of death through which Jesus, our Shepherd walks with those who are in relationship to Him.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CROSS

Excruciating Pain (Latin: from the cross)
- The Garden Luke 22:44 "hemohidrosis" or "hematidrosis"
- Scourged Matthew27:26 skin stripped away from back and probably front of body. No limit to number of lashes Romans could give. Isaiah52:14 beaten beyond recognition
- Crown of Thorns Matthew27:29, 30 Driven in to scalp by blows to the thorn covered head.
- Stripped and nailed to the timbers of the cross.
Humiliation
- Carrying the cross member (patibulum) Luke23:26 Jesus apparently too weakened.
- Outside the city of Jerusalem for reasons of sanitation
- Public as deterrent to criminals
For a detailed description of Jesus' crucifixion go to: http://www.blueletterbible.org click on commentaries and then Terasaka M.D., David and you will see the link to Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

DILEMMA OF MAN

Sinful and self centered Isaiah53:6; Roman3:10-18
Just Penalty for sin Romans2:6-9, 6:23
Iniquity
Worldly Sorrow 2Corinthians7:10 reaction of proud heart – worldly remedies: 1) learn from mistakes and grow. 2) turn up the music. 3) deny guilt and dive into the cause of sorrow. 4) blame others. 5) hate self/ sabotage self = death.

DEMAND OF GOD

Repentance (does not equal guilt)
- Starts with reality – Sin brings sorrow / shame – even if you are agnostic. (not socially imposed)
- Godly Sorrow – brings repentance to salvation.
- Understands that God is offended Psalm51 (re. 2Samuel chapters 11&12) When David looked at Bathsheba, he had contempt in his heart toward God. (“God, you and what you have given me is not enough.”)
- Internal change of mind that leads to external change of living. Amos5:21,ff-”Stop playing religious games.” Matthew23:25-28-”Clean the inside first.”
Regeneration Exodus20:1-6
- Jealous God = because of relationship / betrothal - not insecurity.
- Heart is empty outside of that relationship. No other lover/god will do.
- New creature 2Corinthians5:17;
- No condemnation Romans8:1-14

DELIGHT OF THE SAVED Romans3:23-26 Because Jesus paid my debt (the cross is empty), I can have a relationship with God. He has caused me to have hope.

The Image: Becoming the same flesh -eat his body and drink his blood.

Messy: recurring offenses; family help; need for constant “gardening”/digging and dunging.

Because we are imperfects in a growing relationship w/ God.

You can have a car and never drive it. You can have money and never spend it. You can have knowledge and never display it.

However...

You cannot have a life without living it. If the activity of your life does not show the influence of Jesus (fruit) then you do not have the life of Jesus.

2009-03-29T15:12:00.000-05:00

Jesus Emptied Philippians2:7, Matthew20:18-19

We begin a three week series on the important empty things we celebrate as followers of Lord Jesus Christ. We will consider: Jesus Emptied; the Empty Cross; and the Empty Tomb.

Jesus is our Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Lord, and example. He is eternal God, the Only Begotten Son, and the Lamb that was slain before the world was made. He has always been. He has always been God Even when He was on earth bodily among men, He was “God with us.”...fully God while fully man.

We call Him – Lord Jesus Christ. We will talk about what those names mean and what/who Jesus was and what He emptied Himself of as referred to in Philippians2:7.

THEOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY – Did Jesus give up some of His divine attributes while on earth?

Late 19^th - early 20^th century Germany and England
- View not advocated up to that point in history of the the Christian church...based on one word in one verse. Philippians2:7 kenosis (kenotic theology=Jesus, God, for a time gave up some of his Godlike qualities, those that were most difficult for people to accept in the modern world.)
- Source of new interpretation – NOT a better understanding of original language or culture of Philippians2:7... RATHER discomfort with reconciling modern (then) rational and “scientific” thinking with a Jesus who was fully human and fully, absolutely God at the same time.

QUICK COURSE IN MODERNISM & POST-MODERNISM

Modernism = Rational thinking replaces acceptance of tradition, religion, faith. Truth must be demonstrable / scientific
Post-Modernism = There is not rational reasoning. There is no absolute truth. All truth is relative. Something can be true and untrue at the same time.

OF WHAT DID JESUS EMPTY HIMSELF?

NOT His Omnipotence – Matthew8:26-27; 14:19; John2:1-11; Colossians1:17
NOT His Omniscience – Mark2:8; John6:64; 2:25
NOT His Omnipresence – Matthew18:20
NOT His Sovereignty – Mark2:5-7; Matthew5:22, 28,32,34,39,44; 11:26-27
NOT His Immortality – John2:19 (Jesus really died. i.e. he was raised from the dead – Jesus said He would have an active role in his own resurrection); John10:17-18; 18:37
NOT His Worthiness of Worship – Matthew2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; John9:35-39

JESUS GAVE UP HIS RIGHT TO BE RECOGNIZED AS KING OF ALL

And took on the form of a servant.
- To show us the attitude we should have Phil.2:5
- To show us the way we should live Phil.2:12-17

JESUS WAS FULLY MAN

With a Will to bring into subjection – tempted Matthew4; John5:30; 6:38; Mark14:36
With Physical and Emotional limitations – wept, tired, hungered, thirsted, struggled against death and shame, bled and died
THE NECESSITY
- To represent obedience Romans5:18-19
- To be substitute sacrifice
- To be the one mediator between God and man
- To fulfill God's original purpose for man to rule over creation (by obeying God, He has the right to rule over creation as man.)
- To be our example and pattern of life

JESUS WAS FULLY GOD – THE NECESSITY

Only God could bear the full penalty for all sin
Salvation is from the Lord-only He can save Jonah2:9 ;Psalm3:8; Jeremiah3:23; Acts2:21; 4:12
Mediator between God and man need be fully God

Jesus (man) Lord (God) Christ (substitute and mediator)

Paradoxes 1) Jesus fully God and fully man

2) God calls and chooses those who will be saved and Each person is responsible for his/her decision to trust or reject Jesus as Lord and Savior. Ephesians1:4; 1Peter1;20; Revelation22:17; John3:15-18; Romans10:11,13

2009-03-22T13:59:00.001-05:00

Peace, Purity, ..., and Praise 2Peter3: 14-18

Peter wraps up this letter to followers of Jesus Christ with an assumption; “since you are looking for these things:”

the world will grow increasingly immoral (2:14),
even some calling themselves Christian will deny the unique Lordship of Jesus Christ (2:1)
authority will be despised (2:10)
Jesus is coming again;

and with a call to diligence. We are to be diligent in

peace, purity, proclamation, proper prospective, spiritual progress, and praise of/to the Glory of God.

PEACE v.14

Because we are found in Jesus 1Peter1:3-4
- God found you --- “His mercy;” He is the “cause”
- Nothing can be hidden 1Corinthian4:5
Because our confidence is Jesus That confidence grows as: 2Peter1:5-11
Looks like: A desire to be more Christ-like, but an assurance that our security is in Him and therefore the ability to keep starting over in His grace and power.

PURITY v. 14

Spotless = how believers really are in Jesus
Blameless = others' perception of believers 1Peter2:13-24
Looks like: the “freedom” to suffer justly or unjustly – because of the sin of mankind or sinful decisions OR because of unfairness or pain directed against us or someone we love.

PROCLAMATION v.15a

It is late. Romans13:10-12
There is still time. 2Peter3:9; Colossians4;3-5
We are the stewards 1Peter4:7-11
Looks like: Allowing God to give us ideas of ways to show-off Jesus... Doing what we do well and in God's power... Sticking to scriptural authority

DOCTRINAL PERSPECTIVE v.15b-17

As Paul wrote:
- Inspired by Holy Spirit
- With God's authority (as with all scripture)
Requiring and worthy of study- some more than the rest; i.e. last days; heaven; new bodies; Christ coming in judgment...
Scripture trumps experiences 2Peter1:16-21
Looks like: Bible in hand, using commentaries, checking source and popularity of doctrines and terms.

SPIRITUAL PROGRESS v.18a

Instead of falling prey to false teachers
- Avoid enticement- be steady 2Peter2:14
Grow / advance / increase in grace and knowledge of Lord and Savior
- Grace Romans 3:24-26
- Built up and together Ephesians2:19,ff; 1Peter2:1-9
Looks like: Being involved in study and practice - individually, as family, as member of church

CONTINUAL PRAISE v.18b

Glory is for God only Isaiah42:8
In Jesus we behold God's glory John1:14 Jesus is God, therefore He receives glory now and for ever 2Peter1;1
Looks like: Constant repentance and obedience and proclaiming Jesus personal Lord and Savior.

Metanarrative of 1 and 2 Peter

The living holy God calls us to salvation, to hope, and to holiness under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

We will go through trials.

We will be challenged by poor and downright false doctrine.

But we must always be obedient to the call on our lives to glorify Jesus as God and Savior.

Jesus is always enough.

We tend to violate the first commandment which says I am the Lord your God who brought you out of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.

Not ahead of me, but before me – where I can see them; and I see everything.

So that means no other gods alongside the one True God.

When times get rough, we want to say, “Jesus is Lord but, I also need comfort and ease.”

When our faith gets tested, we want to say, “Jesus is Lord, but I also need to sight or experience or some feeling to prove that I am on the right track and to know that Jesus loves me.”

When our wife is not responding like we want, we want to say, “Jesus is Lord, but I also need some space from the one I vowed to love like Jesus loves me.”

When our husband is not responding properly, we want to say, “Jesus is my Lord, but I need freedom to run my own life because I cannot trust this man that Jesus told me to trust.”

When our parents seem too ignorant to understand what is really going on, we want to say, Jesus is Lord, but I will create a new commandment that says “honor your father and mother if they see things your way.”

When our job and our boss are becoming more and more difficult, we want to say, “Jesus is my Lord, but I also need to slough off or to complain or to take a few extra benefits.

IF JESUS IS LORD BUT HE IS NOT ENOUGH, HE IS NOT LORD.

2009-03-08T10:21:00.001-05:00

Spiritual Recovery Plan – Jesus' Soon Return 2Peter3:1-13

There are philosophical and theological differences among believers. Some of these differences are caused by poor doctrinal teaching. Some are caused by a desire to be comfortable in this world. Even in Peter's day, there was the uniformitarianism (“all continues just as it was from the creation”) versus catastrophism (“earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed being flooded with water...”) controversy over origin and design of the universe. And even then, there was an attending contemptuous mocking and sarcastic ridicule of those who believed in intelligent design.

Now, we do not believe that the false teachers were believers, but some who followed them were.

In this section of holy scripture, Peter seeks to reanimate the purified and uncontaminated mind that the Holy Spirit gives to each believer at salvation. He does this by reminding us of the infinity (Psalm90:2 “from everlasting to everlasting”) of God and the immutability (Malachi 3:6 “I am the Lord, I change not) of God. And in reminding us of who and how God is, we are called to evaluate our life ...”what sort of people ought you to be...”

The Word of God has promised that Jesus is coming again.! God keeps His promises.

CHRISTIAN EXPECTATION OF JESUS' RETURN

Our Blessed Hope Titus 2:11-14 Tit 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Our Longing and the Climax of Salvation Romans8:23; groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Matthew25:31-46 Mat 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Our Redemption as Believers Ephesians4:30 Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

….and the judgment of Christ rejectors 2Thessalonians2:1-12 2Th 2:12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. :14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Inauguration of Jesus' Earthly Kingdom Revelation20:6 Believes will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
Our Bodies will be Resurrected and Renewed 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 bring with Him those who have died in Christ and remaining will meet Him in the air; 1Corinthians15:42-50 mystery, not all will die but all will be changed
Our Works will be Rewarded Matthew25:21,23 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' Revelation11:18 18 The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth." ; 1Corinthian3:12-15 builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- 1Co 3:13 each one's work will become manifest,
World System will be made Righteous Isaiah9:6 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

HOW SHOULD WE LIVE? Revelation 22:6-12

In Obedience to Christ Rev.22:6-7
- Immediate obedience Romans13:11 as if running out of time.
- In hope that purifies 1John3:3
In Worship Rev.22:8-9 God is the object
- Psalm 26
  - Worshiper:
    - Trusts v.1 stated and demonstrated
    - Praises God's Loving Kindness v.3
    - Walks in truth v.3
    - Avoids evildoers v.4-5
  - Worship
    
    1. Thanksgiving v.7
    
    2. Praise v.7b
    
    3. Love of God's presence and people v.8
    
    4.Trust v.11b
    
    5. Commitment v.12
In Telling the World About Jesus and Judgment Rev.22:10-11
In Working Rev.22:12
- Do not overlook the significance of one day 2Peter3:8 This is a very important day... in regard to a casual attitude toward sin “only once,” … but neither in regard to the sacrifice of Jesus for sins of those who trust Him.

JESUS' RETURN IS SO IMPORTANT TO BELIEVERS

That the deceiver wants to make it a non-issue 2Peter3:4
That there is special blessing for those who focus on Jesus' return Revelation1:3
That there is special punishment for those who take away from the prophesies of His return Revelation22:18-19
That the final words of the Holy Bible include: “Surely I am coming quickly.”

God is faithful to His Word. Jesus is coming quickly.

Revelation 22:17 Thirsty? Come!

2009-02-09T22:25:00.002-06:00

Reservations and Deliverance 2Peter2:1-9

You may have heard of “deliverance ministries” these days. Of course, we know that there is no deliverer other than Jesus, but Jesus involves us in what He is doing. Next week we will look at confronting evil spirits in our day. Today's scripture tells us that “the Lord knows how to deliver the godly...” v.9 There is much interest in God's delivering. But, the scripture also tells us that “the Lord knows how to … reserve the unjust (ungodly) under punishment for the day of judgment.” There is much less interest in this ministry of God. However, the same God who “delivers” also “reserves.”

It is not difficult to find books, radio, TV programs, and internet sites peddling deliverance with amazing testimonies. Peter here records some amazing testimonies of judgment. These are compared to the ends of those who teach unbiblical doctrines which give the position of preeminence to anything other than Jesus.

PROOF OF JUDGMENT denouncing apostates

Fallen Angels v.2:4 Most details are still a mystery

What we know: Isaiah 14:12-21;Isa 14:12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!

Isa 14:13 You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north;

Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'

Isa 14:15 But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.

Isa 14:16 Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: 'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms,

Isa 14:17 who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?'

Ezekiel 28:12-19; Eze 28:12 "Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord GOD: "You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

Eze 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared.

Eze 28:14 You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked.

Eze 28:15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you.

Eze 28:16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

Eze 28:17 Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.

Eze 28:18 By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade you profaned your sanctuaries; so I brought fire out from your midst; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who saw you.

Eze 28:19 All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever."

Revelation 12:3-9 great dragon will be thrown down into Hell

Those in special confines of hell – Jude6-7;Jud 1:6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day--
re. Genesis 6 (the perversion of marriage by demonic influence) though other demons may be released for a season – Revelation 9:1-2, 20:3

Men of the Days of Noah v.2:5 After 120 years of “gospel” preaching Genesis6:3; 1Peter3:20 1Pe 3:20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Like in the days of Paul and Peter and us - Romans 1:18ff.
Against the preaching of Noah - Hebrews 11:17 Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Carrying on “business as usual” - Luke17:26-27 Luk 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Luk 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Sodom and Gomorrah v.2:6 Wicked by God's standards - Genesis 13:1 (when Lot was moving that direction); 18:20 Gen 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

Just trying to keep the economy on track by the world's standards –Luke17:28Luk 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

Luk 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

The focus of the people was so devoid of God that their lifestyle and desires were quite comfortable though contrary to nature. Romans 1:24-27
Abraham interceded – Genesis18:22ff
Lot warned Genesis19:7, 14

These men continued in rebellion in spite of God's gracious pleas. (We do not know about the angels' opportunities to repent)

PROOF OF DELIVERANCE encouraging true believers

Noah v.2:5

Delivered from the pollution of his world
- Not by isolation - Noah was among the unbelievers preaching as he worked.
- By enabling of God Jesus' prayer for you – John17:15Joh 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word

Raising kids in a world so wicked they could have no friends who were believers However, God found believing wives for Noah's three sons and God guarded their homes against the pollution of that world.

Delivered from judgment of the world. The flood that condemned the world lifted Noah and his family above the judgment

Lot v.2:6-8

Grace (and grace alone) of God is evident in the life of Lot.
- Lot chose his dwelling based on its resemblance to Egypt Genesis13:10
- Lot moved closer and closer to Sodom until he was in the middle of it being vexed by the immorality Genesis13:12; 14:12
- God tried to have Lot rescued from Sodom by a local war, but he went right back. Genesis 14
- Abraham had more influence over Sodom (and everything else) from outside Sodom than Lot did inside.
Peter did not point to Lot as an example of separated living, but as a saved man whom God delivered from pollution and condemnation.
- Evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in Lot -
  - Reverence for the holy messengers of God
  - Though he hesitated at first, he obeyed God's command to leave city
  - He warned his sons-in-law
  - He refused to look back
  - His spirit was oppressed by the filthy, sensual conduct of the wicked
Rescued (along with two of his daughters) from judgment.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE FAITHFUL

God can save from judgment.
- Jesus is our ark. By His sacrifice on the cross, we are lifted out of destruction. We will never face judgment (John5:24) because He suffered our judgment on the cross and was raised to prove that it took
God can save from the pollution of the world.
- We are to work to prove our election by walking separated from the world
- We are to pray for deliverance from evil
- Jesus is at the right hand of the Father ever making intercession for us.

For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus

Christ, who died for us... 1Thessalonians5:9-10

WARNING FOR THE UNJUST (those not counted righteous by the imputed

righteousness of Jesus)

In spite of God's demonstrations of grace in this life, He will reserve those unrighteous for punishment.

Therefore we persuade men - 2Corinthians 5:11 - knowing the terror of the Lord.

2009-02-09T22:25:00.001-06:00

Reservations and Deliverance 2Peter2:1-9

PROOF OF JUDGMENT denouncing apostates

Fallen Angels v.2:4 Most details are still a mystery

What we know: Isaiah 14:12-21;Isa 14:12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!