Calvary Baptist Church

Sunday 3 - 14 - 21 by Calvary Baptist Church

February – God loved us first. If you have experienced Christ’s love for you in salvation, you cannot help but grow in love for others. Real love comes from God. We love because he first loved us. - 1 Jn 4:7-19 Love can be found if you lost it. Remember, Repent, Return – Rev 2:14-15 Roles – How can we show love well? Gen 2:15-25 Gen 2:15-17 – Men’s Role – Work, Keep, and Lead v. 15. Steward what God has given • “Work” – cultivate o Make it productive – arts, science, business – make productive • “Keep” – guard or watch over or care for o Take care of what God has given you – property, money, skills We have responsibility to take what God has given and provide for our families. We have responsibility to take care of what God has given us Vv. 16-17. Steward what God has said God spoke the command to Adam, before Eve was created. Adam was to steward what God had created, and what He commanded. • Lead in keeping God’s commands Adam was to lead his family to keep God’s commandments. Gen 3:9 – when Adam and Eve sinned, God went to the garden and called for Adam. Men, we must read the Scriptures, let the Scripture read you. Apply the Scripture in your life & lead your family in reading & applying the Scripture Gospel connection: Adam was put to sleep and his side opened that he might have a wife. Jesus died on a cross, his side opened by a spear that he might have a bride, the church. Jesus loves the church. He worked for it. He cares for it. Gen 2:18-19 – Creation was incomplete. “Not good” Every day God created and “it was good.” Man was alone – it was “not good.” Adam needed Eve. Gen 2:20-22 The creation of woman “helper fit” Woman was taken from Man’s side. “She was not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.” – Matthew Henry Women’s Role – Help, Complete • Help or aid – surround – from Hebrew ’ezer – ay’-zer It does not mean that women have a lesser role. This same word is used of God: “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help (‘ezer) and our shield” Ps 33:20 “My help (‘ezer) comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” Ps 121:2 • Compliment or complete There is also the idea of a fitting or “suitable” help. Adam needs someone like himself – a mate or a match. Like him, but different enough from him Ladies, your husband is good at some things and not good at others. My observations – women are typically better at these things: 1. Connecting (relationships w/children and others) 2. Communicating (speaking clearly, listening) 3. Creating (ideas for financial goals, making home welcoming, raising kids) Genesis 2:23-25 The First Marriage Adam’s response was praise for the gift God gave. She is from “my bones… my flesh” – she is like Adam, a match or mate. She was made from him. He needed her. They will always belong to each other. They are a match, a set of two. Called Together • To be one in body and unified in purpose (2:24) • To rule together over what God has given (1:28) Too many couples feel like they are in a competition – you’re a team. God created men to Work, Keep, and Lead; women to Help, Complete (connect, communicate, create) God has given you a realm to steward, skills to work together to rule together.

February – God loved us first. If you have experienced Christ’s love for you in salvation, you cannot help but grow in love for others. Revelation is a prophetic vision given to the Apostle John of the last times. Chapters 2-3 are Jesus’ letters to 7 churches in Asia Minor. Most of churches have areas of obedience and disobedience. Just like we as individuals and a church have areas of obedience & disobedience. There is a command to address the areas of disobedience. Revelation 2:1-7 – To the Church in Ephesus v. 1. “seven stars” are representatives of the churches, called “angels” later. “Golden lampstands” are the seven churches – and represent their witness/light bearing Jesus holds and walks “him who holds the seven stars” – Jesus holds the angels in his hand. “hold” is “hold fast” or “hold powerfully”, from same root as “almighty” in 1:8 Jesus is powerful among his people. “walks among the seven golden lampstands” – Jesus is present among his people. Jesus is powerful and present with his people. vv. 2-3. Commendation: 7 areas of obedience. Works, toil, patient endurance, do not bear with evil, tested false apostles, patient endurance, bearing up for Christ’s name. Doing a lot of good things. v. 4. Verdict: The Ephesian church did good things but abandoned their first love. What love is this? Could be… • Love for each other – they may have stopped caring for each other • Love for Jesus Christ – they may have been going through the motions. Which is it? Probably both. “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:21b If we love God, we will love our brother. In loving God, we learn that we should love our brother. know how to love our brother, because Jesus shows us (patiently, forgivingly) In loving God, we have the ability to love our brother, because Jesus lives in us. The church in Ephesus was doing right things but with wrong motivation. If we’re not careful, we can do a lot of things that express no love for God or others. Their bodies were busy, but their hearts were cold. Their actions were admirable, but they were devoid of devotion. APPLICATION: This applies to love in marriage too. You’re going through the motions, raising kids, living in the same house, paying bills. But lose your devotion to each other. Why? You stopped doing things that sparked love for each other. v. 5. The good news, there is hope for this condition. There is a remedy for this malady. Remember. Repent. Return. “Remember from where you have fallen” God gave us minds to enable us to think. Jesus says “remember” – remember how you loved God before, your devotion to Christ Remember – not to regret, not for nostalgia. Remember for renewal. “Repent” turn away from sinful cold heart toward Christ and others. Stop from cold, rote activity. And do what? Return. “do the works you did at first” Go back and do the things you did at first. When you 1st came to Christ, you could not stop reading about him, talking about him. You could not stop thinking how you could bless others. How you would spend time doing something meaningful for other people. This applies to your love for Christ and your love for others – including your spouse. Have you “fallen out of love”? Are you “going through the motions”? Remember. What did you do together that you enjoyed – that you stopped doing? Are you spending quality time together? Going out on dates? That you both enjoy? Do NOT forsake your marriage for your children. Your marriage must be a priority The best thing you can do for your kids is love your husband/wife well. Repent. Say to your spouse, we have not made our marriage a priority. Return. I want to do the things we both enjoy. Make a date night. At least monthly. Is it possible to return? Jesus is powerful and present in the midst of his people.

February – How the greatest demonstration of love is changing you. God’s love for you is such a powerful force that, once you have received it, it changes the way you see people, how you treat people. If you have experienced Christ’s love for you in salvation, you cannot help but grow in love for others. 1 John 4:7-19 – God is Love Where does real love come from? 1. Love originated with God (7-8) a. Loving others is evidence we have been born of God (7) v. 7. When we love others, we show that we have been born of God. When put our faith in Jesus, we are born again, regenerated. Our spiritually dead and selfish hearts are united with God, So that His life becomes our life, and His love becomes our love. b. Loving others is evidence we know God (8) v. 8. People who have born again love others – and that love shows that they know God. They don’t just know about God, they know God intimately and personally. 2. Love is seen in the atoning death of Jesus Christ (9-10) v. 9. It is God’s nature to love – to give and to sacrifice a. God sent his Son that we might live, and he might die (9-10) It is one thing to talk about love. It is something else to show love. “God’s love was manifest” – revealed, made clear, put on display. God took the initiative. He loved first. He stepped out and pursued us. “live through him” – that we might have fellowship with God, forgiveness, walk in light. v. 10. “propitiation” – An offering that turns away the wrath of God. Sin is serious. God hates sin. It is a serious offense against a holy God. Yet in his love, God provided the offering to turn his wrath away. “The gospel is that Jesus lived the life you should have lived and died the death you should have died, in your place, so God can receive you not for your record and sake but for his record and sake.” – Tim Keller, Preaching to a Post-Modern City. 3. Love is perfected in us when we love others (11-12) If you are born of God, if you know God, if you have experienced God’s love in the sacrifice of his Son, love people. v. 12. Shocking: No one can see God in his unveiled, glorious essence. But we can see God through the lives of those who demonstrate His love to others. “The unseen God, who was once reveled in His Son, is now revealed in his people… when they love one another.” – John Stott, The Letters of John 4. Love is evidence that we have the Spirit (13-16) If the Holy Spirit lives in you, then you will grow in love for others. The Holy Spirit indwells believers. His presence in you is God’s presence in you. God’s presence in will produce love for others. 5. Love gives us confidence even in the judgment (17-18) Because God loved us first, we have no fear that he will reject us on that day. “There is no fear in love” 6. Love reflects God’s character (19-21) Why do we love? Because God took the initiative, not us. He loves us and the love that abides in us is God’s love that overflows in words and actions to others. 1. Love originated with God (7-8) 2. Love is seen in the atoning death of Jesus Christ (9-10) 3. Love is perfected in us when we love others (11-12) 4. Love is evidence that we have the Spirit (13-16) 5. Love gives us confidence even in the judgment (17-18) 6. Love reflects God’s character (19-21)

Exodus 33:18-19 – Show me your glory. v. 18. Moses asked to see God’s glory. He wants to know God and know he is with them. (v. 13, “show me your ways that I may know you”) v. 19. “I will make all my goodness pass before you.” I will show you my glory in my goodness toward my people. God’s glory is revealed in his goodness – in his grace and mercy toward his people. “Proclaim… my name” God’s character is tied up in his name. God’s character is gracious and merciful. God will invoke his own name, “the Lord”, as a sign that The Lord, is gracious. Exodus 34:5-7 God’s Glory Revealed God placed Moses in the crevice of a rock, covers Moses with his hand. Moses sees something like the afterglow of God’s glory after he passes by. v. 6. God proclaims his name “The Lord” with his character, “merciful & gracious, Slow to anger” “abounding (great) in love and faithfulness” God’s glory is revealed in his abounding love and faithfulness. Couplet used - 30x Love – hesed (‘steadfast or gracious love’, ‘mercy’) Faithfulness – ’emeth (‘truth’ or ‘faithfulness’) v. 7. “Keeping love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and sin.” Forgiveness flows from the very nature of God. It is God’s nature, his character to forgive. v. 7b. “but who will not clear the guilty.” God is both forgiving AND just. God does not just let guilt go by as if it is no big deal. Sin IS a big deal, the most destructive force on the planet. “visiting iniquity on… generations” Does not mean God punishes children for their fathers’ sin, God punishes sin that continues through generations. Jesus is the greatest revelation of God’s character. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature (Heb 1:3a) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (Col 1:15) For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. (Col 1:19) If you want to know God , look at Jesus Christ. All the glory of God’s grace and mercy are seen in Jesus Christ. John 1:14 The Word Became Flesh And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:14) Ex 33: “Show me your glory” / Jn 1: “We have seen his glory.” Ex 34: “abounding in love and faithfulness” / Jn 1: “full of grace and truth” John’s uses “grace and truth” intentionally for “Love and faithfulness.” He uses ‘grace’ for that specific aspect of love that is given freely. ‘Truth’ is a synonym for faithfulness. If a man if faithful, he is true. “The glory revealed to Moses when the Lord passed in front of him and sounded his name, displaying that divine goodness characterized by ineffable grace and truth, was the very same glory John and his friends saw in the Word-made-flesh.” D.A. Carson PNTC, The Gospel According to John Jesus’ death is the greatest demonstration of God’s love. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom5:8) What Moses saw was in part, we see revealed. Jesus is full of grace – He welcomes sinners. He has compassion on poor. He healed lepers, lame and blind. Through his death, the Father forgives our sin. Jesus is full of truth – He condemned religious hypocrites. He talked about hell more than heaven. He obeyed the law, setting people straight on God’s commands. We need grace. We need truth. Only in union with Jesus can we grow in both.

Creation: God created the world & a garden in which he placed the first man & woman. The garden was a place of God’s provision and his presence. Fall: But an enemy came to the garden and caused Adam and Eve to rebel against God. Their rebellion ushered in death and transformed earth into a place of alienation. What started as paradise became enemy-occupied territory. Redemption: But God has been working in history to bring a total reversal of the consequence of evil, to liberate earth and heaven from bondage to sin and corruption. Consummation/Restoration: Revelation 21:1-4 The New Heaven and the New Earth v.1. “New heaven and a new earth” – fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isa 65:17) A longing that God would deliver his people from sin and oppression. God caused “The first heaven and earth passed away” – they were corrupted. “The sea was no more” – the sea represents a chaotic deep, in rebellion against God. It is the source of the Satanic beast (13:1); and the place of the dead (20:13). No trace of evil or resistance to God remains, all will be eliminated by God’s victory. The New Jerusalem v. 2. “Holy city, the new Jerusalem” – Jerusalem “city of peace” Jerusalem was to be the central community of God’s people. It was to be the center of worship of God. The old city was corrupted by idolatry, rebellion, violence against prophets and Jesus. A creation and gift of God. – “Coming down out of heaven” 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (Jn 14:3) “Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” The dwelling place of God’s people, the bride of the Lamb. “Adorned” The city is made of gold and precious jewels. The bride is adorned by her righteous acts (19:7-8) v. 3. The dwelling place of God. The separation between the earthly and heavenly has ended. All that is unholy is eliminated by the victory, judgment, and destruction of evil. A place of intimacy with God and community with each other. The bride-city imagery: • Intimacy between God and his people as husband and wife. • Community between the people and the people with God. A place of loyalty and devotion. They will be his and he will be theirs. God promised to gather Israel from captivity in Babylon, “They shall be my people, and I will be their God.” (Jer 32:38) God promised an everlasting covenant and restoration of his people to Ezekiel. “My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Eze 37:27) v. 4. “He will wipe away every tear” A place untouched by death, mourning, crying, or pain. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. (Isa 25:8) “The former things have passed away.” Death, mourning, crying, pain – all former things have passed away. v. 5. God, “I am making all things new.” The Creator will create new heavens/earth. “these words are trustworthy & true.” God’s power will be revealed, purposes fulfilled. v. 6. “It is done! Alpha and Omega/Beginning and the end” – God is sovereign. A place of invitation and grace “I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.” Salvation by grace. v. 7. A place for the faithful. “The one who conquers” – used in Revelation. Those who hold on to faith. “I will be his God and he will be my son.” Intimacy expressed as father/son. v. 8. The faithless who remain in sin will suffer a second death in torment. Sin distorted God’s purposes for man. An enemy corrupted the old order. God will defeat the enemy and liberate his people and his creation.

We can know the individual stories of the Bible yet miss the Great Story of God. The story that makes sense of all the other stories and give them meaning. One of the greatest themes of the Bible is God dwelling with his people – God with us. Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob’s Dream v. 10. “Jacob left Beersheba” because he was running for his life from his brother Esau. Jacob cheated Esau out of his birthright. His name, “Jacob”, means “he cheats.” v. 12. He had a dream, a vision of heaven opened and of angels and of God. “A ladder” or a staircase – likely a stepped mound like a ziggurat, on earth to heaven. “Angels ascended and descended” on the staircase. v. 13. “The Lord stood above it” or “The Lord stood beside him.” Could be either. In his book, Who Is God? Richard Bauckhaum points out… Jacob does not ascend the ladder. God does not send angels with a message for Jacob. God bypasses the angels and stands beside Jacob and speaks to him directly. “I am the God of your fathers.” (He is not yet the God of Jacob.) God extends his promises to Abraham and Isaac of promised land & offspring to Jacob. v. 14. Jacob’s offspring shall bless all the families of the earth. A promise that Jesus Christ will come and will be a blessing to all peoples. v. 15. “I am with you… I will not leave you.” God promises his presence to Jacob. In the Garden of Eden God walked in the cool of the day. But after the fall, man was expelled from the garden and God’s presence. in Exodus God was present with his people as mysterious & fearful smoke & fire In the Exodus as a pillar of smoke and fire and On Mt Sinai like smoke & fire The tabernacle & temple were the most tangible presence of God w/ his people. God dwelt in their midst – in tents or in Jerusalem but separated by walls and veils. v. 16. “God is in the place” – God is in every place, but his promise is to be with Jacob. v. 20-21. “Jacob made a vow saying, ‘If God… then the Lord shall be my God.’” Jacob journeyed from Bethel to Paddan-aram. He married Leah and Rachel. God blessed him with children and flocks of animals. God called Jacob to return west back to Canaan. God answered Jacob’s prayer when he and his brother Esau made peace. Jacob returned to Bethel after more than 14 years. 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (Genesis 35:3) At the end of his life, Jacob said… 15 And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day.(Gen 48:15) Reminds us of Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd. At the heart of the 23rd psalm, in v. 4 is “for you are with me.” APP: The presence of God has changed the theme of Jacob’s life. He was a cheat, a swindler. But God’s presence is the new theme of his life. God’s presence changed him, blessed him, guided him, and redeemed his brokenness. Have you turned over your brokenness to God? He will redeem it. The Incarnation – The surpassing form of God’s presence is Jesus’ incarnation. John 1:51 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Jesus is the greater staircase bringing heaven to earth, God to man. John 1:14 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Jesus is the greater temple “dwelt” is the same word in Greek used for tabernacle. In the incarnation of Jesus, God comes to BE WITH US AS ONE OF US. APP: Are you making room for God’s presence to be the theme of your life? Allow God’s presence to be the theme of your life. He will redeem, and guide and bless.

I. The seed of the woman who will crush the serpent a. He came to destroy the works of the devil (sin) 1 Jn 3:8 Genesis 3:1-15 Vv. 1-5. The serpent accused God of not being good. • He accused God of being overly restrictive (1) • He accused God of lying (4) • He lied, saying sin would make them more like God (5). V. 6. Eve usurped God in His role to determine what is good. She saw it was “good” for food. In Gen 1&2, God created and declared it is “good” Adam and Eve were tempted by the fruit • It was good for food • It was a delight to the eyes • It was desired to make one wise (they became wise to their own shame) “Desire” is the same word for “coveting”. God gave them the opportunity to obey or disobey. Would they trust God and his word or try to obtain wisdom apart from him? The sin is human arrogance. • I will decide what is good. • I will decide whether or not I will obey God’s commands • I will decide whether or not God is good. Vv. 7-13. God walked through the garden – God was present with them. God called Adam, not Eve. Adam bears greater responsibility for this sin. Sin caused • Shame and embarrassment – Eve traded her innocence for shame • Hiding from God in Fear • Isolation from each other • Blaming others for sin –Eve was a gift, now Adam claims God’s gift was malicious. Vv. 14-15. God’s judgment and promise • God cursed the serpent – humiliation and defeat by the woman’s offspring • God promised the wounded seed of the woman’s will destroy him He shall “bruise” your head. And you shall “bruise” his heel. Same word in Hebrew, the severity of the blows are where they’re landed. There would be enmity between the descendants of the woman and the serpent. But one day, the offspring of Eve will deal a crushing blow to the serpent. This is a promise: God offers hope for the human family. 1 John 3:7-9 Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil • We will live out who and whose we are. • The devil is a deceiver The devil will deceive you that divorce, lying, stealing, abortion, being quiet about unethical stuff at work will make you happier, lead to a better life. But it’s a lie. • The Son of God came to destroy sin Doing what is right does not make us righteous, it is evidence that we are righteous. Christ is our righteousness. Christ suffered and died to go through the curse our sin deserved. When we believe in him, he makes us righteous. “God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be the righteousness of God.” (2Cor 5:21) • Positionally, we are declared righteous by God. • Experientially, he helps us live right lives. Christ is our pattern and power for right living (1 Jn 2:6, 4:4) Pattern – “whoever abides in him ought to walk the same way he walked.” (2:6) Power – “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (4:4)

We can know the individual stories of the Bible but miss the Great Story of God. The story that makes sense of all the smaller stories and give them meaning. Romans 5:12-20 Death in Adam, Life in Christ Overview: The power of Christ’s obedience overcomes Adam’s disobedience. v. 12. “Just as…” a comparison, picked up in v. 18. “so also…” Who sinned? Adam sinned. We inherited his sin nature. We all sin. Paul may have in mind the sin of all people since all were IN Adam, forefather of all. Adam is the head of humanity, the God-appointed representative of man. Regardless, all people are sinners and under a sentence of death – condemnation. Does Paul mean physical or spiritual death? Probably both. vv.13-14 People before the law of Moses didn’t have the law, So how can they be held responsible if they didn’t have the law? The law makes the details of God’s standards known. There is enough revealed in creation for people to know there is a God and to give thanks to him and honor him. Yet they do not acknowledge God’s glory nor authority. vv. 15-17 Adam’s sin brought condemnation (16) and death (17). Christ’s obedience brought justification (16) and righteousness (17). Adam’s act brought sin, death, and misery – powerfully – to mankind. Christ’s act is far more powerful because the grace of God is at work in Christ. The first Adam’s curse is undone by the Greater Adam’s work. vv. 18-19 The whole human race can be divided in two: All people belong to Adam and and are under condemnation. Those who trust in Christ are under grace. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18) Christ’s obedience establishes a reign of life instead of death, a reign of grace instead of condemnation. (15-17, 21) In Christ we have been transferred to a new realm in which grace and life reign (21). Just as Adam sinned and brought sin and death to all who belong to him (12a, 18a, 19a), So also, Christ obeyed and brought righteousness and life to all who belong to him (18b, 19b) Closing: The greatest story is that God created humankind for himself. He created Adam and Eve and put them in a garden paradise, But they rebelled and rejected God. Their sin devastated the world, bringing death and destruction. God could not look on their sin and corruption and he drove them from his presence. But God had a mission for our redemption. He sent into the world another man. This man would be a new Adam, a Greater Adam. God led him to a garden where he chose obedience to God, even when it meant his death. By God’s grace, anyone who believes in Christ are rescued from sin and condemnation. They are transferred into a new realm of grace and life. “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor 15:22) God’s calling: Maybe you’ve been going through all the motions, but realize, you have never put your faith in Christ. “Lord, I have rebelled against you, I need your forgiveness. I believe you sent Jesus to live a life of obedience that I could not live. He died to take away my sin. And he was raised to give me new life. Thank you for forgiving my sin and accepting me into your grace as your son/daughter.” This is the mission of God, to rescue the sons and daughters of Adam. It is the mission of the church to tell of Great story of the Greater Adam. To bring them into faith in Jesus Christ that they may receive his grace.

Jesus Christ is coming again to gather his people to be w/him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 The Coming of the Lord v. 13. “Ignorant” – it appears the church in Thessalonica sent questions to Paul. They had some concern about people who had died and what that meant for Christ’s return. “Asleep” was a euphemism for the dead used by Jews, and Greeks, and Christians. It was used by NT writers b/c death for believers is only temporary. What happens to those who are dead in Christ until He returns? From John Piper, “Five Reasons Death Is Gain” • Their spirits are made perfect. (Heb 12:22-23) 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect. • They are relieved of the pain of this world. (Luke 16:24-25) 24 And he [the rich man] called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. • They are given profound rest. (Rev 6:9-11) • They experience a deep “at-homeness”. (2 Cor 5:8) Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. • They are with Christ. (Phil 1:21-23) 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. v. 13b. “That you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” The believer has hope of life even in death because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Death will give way to life. Separation to reunion. Mortality for immortality. v. 14. “We believe that Jesus died and rose again” Key Christian doctrine. “Jesus died” – he died for us, as a perfect sacrifice and substitution for us. “And rose again” – Jesus promised, “Because I life, you also will live.” Jn 14:19b “Through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” Death will not be our end, death will be like sleep and a day of awakening will come. v.15. “We declare to you by a word from the Lord” Jesus taught this. “We who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede the dead” Thessalonians needed to know the dead in Christ will be the first to meet him. “The coming” or “the arrival” was used of a visit from royalty or triumphant ruler. The first to greet a visiting ruler would be the most honored. Those who fought the good fight and finished the race will be the first to meet Jesus. v. 16. “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven” Three sounds to 1) announce Jesus coming and 2) to gather his people: 1. The cry of a command – God commands the dead to life. 2. Voice of an archangel – announcing his second coming as they did the first 3. The trumpet of God – in the prophets: the Lord’s coming, gathering his people “And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Mt 24:31) v. 16b. 1. Jesus is coming again. 2. He is coming for his church. 3. The dead in Christ will rise first. 4. His coming will be a glorious reunion between him and believers. 5. The expectation of this event should bring encouragement to our faith. v. 17. The living and the dead will meet Christ in the air. “The rapture” “We will always be with the Lord.” God’s intention to fully reconcile his people to himself, to be with them will be done. v. 18. “Encourage each other with these words” How goes the world? The world goes not well but the kingdom comes.

Isaiah 61:1-11 The Year of the Lord’s Favor Jesus used vv. 1-2 at the start of his ministry to explain who he was & what he was doing Jesus had begun his early ministry in Capernaum: preaching, healing, delivering. Lk 4:16-30 – Jesus returned to his hometown Nazareth. On the Sabbath, he went to synagogue, and opened the scroll of Isaiah, read vv. 1-2. He sat down and said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Isaiah was written 7 centuries before Jesus. How fulfilled in the boy they knew? 1. The Messiah and His Mission (1-3) 2. The Messiah’s Purpose to Transform His People (3-9) 3. The Messiah’s Ministry Results in Righteousness and Praise (10-11) v. 1 The Messiah and His Mission The Messiah is speaking about himself through Isaiah. He is anointed, given special power by the Holy Spirit for a special mission. God gave to Jesus His mission to save and to judge. Peter proclaimed to Cornelius: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit… he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil” (Acts 10:38) vv. 1-2 The Messiah’s mission to poor prisoners • To preach good news to the poor • To heal the brokenhearted • To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners • To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of God’s vengeance • To comfort those who mourn, • To give them a crown, oil, and splendid clothes in place of ashes and captivity The people’s condition is desperate: poor, brokenhearted, captives, prisoners who mourn, clothed with ashes and despair, disgraced in ruined cities. How could a message transform their condition to freedom & blessing? This message was originally given to the Jews in Babylonian exile. It is in part about the restoration of the remnant to rebuild the promised land. But Jesus took these promises to an infinitely higher level. The true captivity that Jesus came to destroy was captivity to sin and to Satan. The proclamation of the gospel sets captives free. The healing work of Jesus Christ liberates people from the power of Satan. The proclaiming of Jesus’ gospel and his healing was a direct fulfillment of this passage Jesus came “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Jesus ushered in new worldwide era of grace in which God cancels debts of sin and sets prisoners free to worship God. In Lk 4, Jesus stopped abruptly in v. 2, before “the day of our God’s vengeance.” Jesus’ 1st coming is for God’s salvation, God’s grace and favor. Jesus’ 2nd coming will bring God’s wrath. Today is the day of salvation. We must all flee to Christ. He is our only hope. 2. The Messiah’s Purpose to Transforms His People (3-9) In salvation, Christ has removed our disgrace, ashes, and chains; and replaced them with a crown of beauty, oil of joy, and rich garments. (3a) 2.b.He has transformed us from weak captives to oaks of righteousness (3b) We have new names, new nature, new potential for righteousness. 4. “They shall build up ancient ruins… raise up former devastations of many generations” The exiles rebuilt walls, houses and the temple. Christ’s people are called to rebuild lives out of the rubble of human history. People’s lives are laid waste by sin, as are whole societies. Jesus has come to build a new people out of the ruin of sin. vv. 4-9 pictures the mission of the church to rescue from the stronghold of Satan. And rebuild broken lives and ruined homes v. 6. We are the priests of the Lord and ministers of God. We have been rescued and now rescue others, restored and now restore others. 3. The Messiah’s Ministry Results in Righteousness and Praise v. 10. The Messiah (Jesus) is robed and equipped to be Savior of the world. v. 11. Christ will cause a worldwide harvest of righteousness and praise for God.

A good portion of Isaiah is about where people place their hope. Judah put its hope in its own abilities, in powerful nations of Egypt, Assyria, & Babylon. Isaiah warns them that trusting in the strength of men – or nations – is useless. But Isaiah speaks of a man that he calls “the Servant of the Lord,” who will bring true hope to God’s people. Isa 49:1-6 Christ Revealed as God’s Salvation to the Ends of the Earth Notice how the verses are written in the first person. Isaiah was given words from God to speak of the “Servant of the Lord”. The words that God gave Isaiah are the Servant’s autobiography. These are the words of the Messiah, the anointed one, God’s commissioned one. v. 1a. The Servant of the Lord calls to the nations (1) 1.a. The Servant calls to people from far-off coastlands, “Listen to me.” He announces his plans for the whole world to hear. 1.b. The Servant is Prepared and Concealed (2) The Father called the Servant from his mother’s womb. This speaks of the Servant having mission from the Lord even before his birth. 2.a,c. “He made my mouth like a sharp sword” “He made me a polished arrow” What does this mean? The Servant will speak and act with piercing truth. His words and actions will pierce hardened hearts to put their trust in him. 2.b&d “He hid me.” God will conceal his Servant until God is ready v. 3. The Servant is called “Israel” (3) “Israel” – Why would the Messiah be named “Israel”? Israel was God’s chosen people. They were called to be faithful to God, to love him and honor him. God had a purpose for them, to be for his glory to the whole world. But Israel was not faithful to God. They sinned against God and sinned against each other. So God promised to raise up a Servant, a true Israel. This will be true Israel, “in whom I will be glorified.” Jesus will bring ultimate glory to the Father. v. 4.a. Change in tone from glory to despondency. The Servant will trust the Lord in discouragement (4) “I labored in vain”, “I spent my strength for nothing.” Jesus for years tirelessly taught disciples, preached to crowds, healed masses. • His own people despised and rejected him. • They condemned him to death. • His own apostles deserted him. • One of his closest friends denied knowing him. • As he hung on the cross, all that remained was a single apostle, his mother and a few women. It would look to anyone like he had labored in vain and spent strength for nothing Jesus was tested like we are. Would he look at his circumstances, say, ‘God, what are you doing?’ and give up? v.4.b. But the Servant will trust the Lord. He will labor and spend his strength and trust God for the fruit. v. 5.b. The Servant will be prepared to restore Israel (5) The Messiah will “bring back” and “gather Israel to God.” He will be Redeemer and Restorer of God’s people. v. 6. The Servant’s mission extends to the ends of the earth (6-7) “It is too light a thing… to raise up… Israel.” The honor and glory of the Servant is too great than simply restoring a nation 6. c. God will make the Servant a light to the nations Through the Servant, God will show the nations His redemption and restoration. 6. d. The Servant will bring salvation to the ends of the earth. What to do with discouragement. Discouragement comes when we assess ourselves and our circumstances. v. 5. The antidote for your despondency is to listen to God. 5a. Recall God’s purposes for you. God has created you for a purpose. He made you for his great glory. 5c. Remember that God has honored you He created you in honor. He redeemed you at great cost. 5d. Recognize God’s presence brings strength. It is not just that God gives us strength, but that God’s presence is strength

Isaiah 9:1-7 For to Us a Child Is Born - God announces the birth of His Son. v. 1. Why was the land of Zebulun and Naphtali in gloom, anguish, contempt? These are the lands of northern-most Israel west and southwest of Sea of Galilee. These lands were the first that the Assyrians captured & deported its people in 733 B.C. People were torn from their homes and families. The northern 10 tribes of Israel rejected the descendants of David as king. Israel refused to worship God at the temple in Judah and worshipped idols. They rejected God, so God allowed Assyria to defeat them. v. 2. The people of the land “walked in darkness,” “deep darkness.” The image is of a people who lived in the shadow of death. God had hidden his face from these people for their sin. That was Zebulun and Naphtali’s past and present. But God will transform their future of these lands. God will turn gloom to glory. God will shine a Great Light on them. Matthew (4) used these verses to introduce the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali Jesus spent approximately 85% of his ministry in Galilee. • Jesus grew up in Nazareth in Galilee • Jesus called his apostles from Galilee • 25 of Jesus’ 33 miracles were done in Galilee, included the 1st at Cana • He preached the Sermon on the Mount in Galilee • Jesus was transfigured in Galilee This land was under oppression for more than 700 years. It was despised by the rest of the Jews. It is where the Messiah came to preach, heal, and deliver. APP: God transforms our gloom and darkness. You are not beyond God’s transformation. There is no darkness too deep for Him. If you’ll ask him, he’ll bring his glory to your gloom and light for your darkness. v. 3. God’s transformation will bring not only Great Light, but Great Joy. “You have increased its joy and they rejoice before you.” God brought joy through Jesus Christ. They rejoice like in times of “harvest” and victory “spoil”. vv. 4-5. God will end the oppression of His people. v. 4. Yoke, staff, rod – images of slavery in Egypt. “broken as on the day of Midian” – Judges 6&7 - God raised Gideon to defeat Midian. v. 5. The warrior boot and garment will be burned – the end of war. This a metaphor for the peace that the Messiah will bring (see v. 7). The promised child will deliver God’s people from the oppression of sin and death. He will overthrow the enemy’s rule over you. This is a Great Deliverance. This child’s birth comes with Great Light, Great Joy, Great Deliverance. v. 6 “To us… to us is given” – This child is given as a gift from God to His people. The “Government upon his shoulder” – He released the burden from his people (v. 4) He shoulders the burden of his rule himself. It is God’s nature to save his people and overthrow his foes. The Four-Fold name of the child: • Wonderful Counselor – can mean “supernatural,” speaks of his divine wisdom • Mighty God – can mean “warrior”, speaks of his divine strength • Everlasting Father – “eternal”, speaks of his divine immortality and fatherly care • Prince of Peace – whole, complete – the whole man, as Prince, rules brings peace. Divine wisdom. Divine strength. Immortal life. Fatherly care. Perfect peace. God has come to birth, bringing his divine attributes to liberate and preserve his people. v. 7. A description of his reign: His “government and peace” without end. “with justice and with righteousness” – forevermore. “The Zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” – Zeal speaks of the Lord’s love for his own. God takes up the cause of His people – give them light, joy, deliver them from enemies. He promised: Great Light, Great Joy, Great Deliverance, by the advent of His Great Son. God has a passionate commitment for his people. Will you trust him?

Sunday 11 - 22 - 20 by Calvary Baptist Church

Sunday 11 - 15 - 20 by Calvary Baptist Church

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-5 Shepherd the Flock of God Four exhortations for church elders and leaders: I. There Is a Fiery Battle to Be Fought v. 1. “So I exhort the elders…” – 1 Pe 4:17-18 Judgment begins with God’s household. If there are fiery trials (4:12) for the church, the church leaders will lead into the fire. Peter refers to himself with three ways: 1. A fellow elder – he could have called on his authority as an apostle, But chose his role as a fellow elder – perhaps in his willingness to suffer w/them. 2. A witness of Christ’s sufferings – Peter saw Christ suffer as an eyewitness. He saw Jesus suffer and raised from the dead. 3. A partaker in the glory to be revealed – referring to Christ’s 2nd coming. Peter knows suffering is the path to glory. The testing of your faith will “result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1:7) “Rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (4:13) v. 2. II. There Is a Great Work to Do 1. Shepherd the Flock of God–“feed, tend” God’s flock a. Jesus commanded Peter “shepherd (feed) my sheep” – Jn 21:16 b. Feed or tend with what? Elders are called to teach/preach God’s Word. c. Exercising oversight – “oversee” – look after, take care of vv. 2-3. III. There Are Temptations to Avoid 1. A warning against half-hearted leading (2) but willingly and in God’s will. 2. A warning against greed (2) not for financial gain, but lead/serve eagerly 3. A warning against pride (3) not lording over, but examples of Christ’s character. v. 4. IV. There is Great Reward to Come Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. When he comes, he will bestow crown of glory as reward. The days can be hard. The task can seem endless. But the reward is certain. Exhortation to younger ones Peter calls for the whole church, especially those who are younger to be humble. Our world has no sense of humility. Where there is no concept of God, there is no concept of humility. If God has disappeared from society, his runner up takes his place, that is man. And when man is seen as god, there is no humility, there is pride. We Christians should be humble people. Peter gives two ways to grow in humility: v. 5a. You who are younger, be subject to the elders – Follow the example, teaching, and leadership of church leaders v. 5b. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. – Think of Jesus washing his disciple’s feet. – “If I then your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” –Jn 13:14 – Don’t seek to be served, serve each other. Two incentives for being humble. v. 5b. “God opposes the proud” nothing could be sores that to have All-Mighty God is against you. v. 5b. “God gives grace to the humble” Nothing could be better than to have All-Mighty God be gracious to you.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-19 Living in Light of the End Context: Believers can stand firm like exiles in a godless & hostile culture Ch 3b-4. Be ready to suffer for righteousness Exposition v. 7. “The end of all things is at hand” The NT understands that Jesus’ ministry, life, and death have inaugurated the last days. We are living in the last days now. Jesus could return at any moment of any day. The end is near, how should we should live? What should we do? 1. Pray seriously (7) – “be self-controlled and sober-minded” a. Do not panic about these times. b. Depend on God in these times. 2. Love sacrificially (8) “Above all, keep loving…” a. With a love that forgives. “Love covers a multitude of sins.” b. With hospitality (9) - open your home, share your food, your space, your time c. With serving through spiritual gifts (10) v. 11. Peter gives them in two categories: • Speaking: Apostleship, Prophecy, Teaching, Tongues, Exhortation  Speak to each other with God’s Word – not our own “wisdom” • Serving: Giving, Leading, Mercy, Helps, Healing, Miracles i. Serve each other with God’s strength 3. Glorify God in everything (11) – our goal and motivation “To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Cor 10:31 4. Persevere in suffering 6 Reasons to keep on rejoicing in suffering a. Suffering is not a surprise but God’s plan (12) i. God uses suffering to test or “prove” his people. b. You are united with Christ (13) You suffer with him; you will rejoice in his glory at his coming. c. You are blessed with His Spirit (14a) – God has not left you. Suffering is NOT a sign of God’s absence, but his presence. Do not suffer for sin (15) d. Rejoicing in suffering glorifies God (16) e. God uses suffering for our good (17-19) Suffering is God’s judgment of his house Suffering provokes us to make a clean break with sin (cf 4:1) God uses suffering to purify us, but the world will suffer God’s punishment. If God purifies the church by his judgment, Then his judgment of unbelievers will have terrible consequences. When we suffer, we trust God, while continuing to do good. (19) God’s Calling to His People What kind of radical life does God call us to in these last days? How can you make your life count now? • Pray seriously – we have to prioritize prayer o Make prayer a first response, not a last resort. • Love sacrificially o Forgive. Share your life. Serve each other. • Glorify God in everything o We must think differently than the world, my life is “glory to God” • Persevere in suffering o God uses suffering in our lives for our good, purifying us. o He has not left us in suffering; His Spirit rests on us.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-6 Prepare for Suffering Context: Encouragement for believers: stand firm as exiles in a godless & hostile culture Ch 1. We have real & living hope in Christ, so we • Rejoice in suffering & Live holy lives Ch 2. God formed us into His new people who • Love one another & Live as God’s dwelling Ch 3. God calls us to live righteous lives • Honoring authority & Loving each other Ch 3b-4. Be ready to suffer for righteousness Exposition v. 1. God calls us through Peter to arm ourselves, prepare for suffering. What kind of suffering? Asceticism? Suffering to gain righteousness? No, the suffering that can come from righteousness. But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed (3:14) Peter gives us 5 Ways to Arm Ourselves for Suffering. The picture is of a soldier preparing for battle. “Arm yourselves with Christ’s thinking” Arming ourselves prepares us and protects for the fight. 1. Remember Christ’s suffering – v. 1a “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh…” Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. (3:18) Our Lord and Savior suffered for OUR sins, not his own, to reconcile us to God. Peter says to think about suffering like Jesus thought about suffering. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2) Jesus saw suffering as the path to joy and triumph. 2. Make a clean break from sin – v. 1b “whoever has suffered… has ceased from sin” For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (Rom 6:14) Jesus has broken sin’s dominion over you through his suffering. God calls you out of sin and into a life of goodness and purity. 3. Recognize sin is a waste of life–v.3.“time that is past suffices doing what Gentiles do” You spent too much time already in sin – and it was a wasted life. A wasted life: “sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, idolatry.” “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23a) Don’t waste your life continuing in sin. v. 4. Their response when you do not join them in sin: “surprised” & “malign you.” Their response requires our patience, not our judgment nor 4. God will Judge the living and the dead – v.5 “but they will give an account to him” On that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. (Rom 2:16) God made a way for forgiveness & salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. 5. We will triumph over death – v. 6. Difficult verse to understand. “The gospel was preached even to those who are now dead.” Who are the dead? Most likely: the dead are those who heard the gospel and believed, but then died. Some argued: if I live in sin or live as a Christian, we both die, so what does it matter? It matters because Christians will be raised to life. As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Cor 15:22) Arm yourself for suffering. Think about suffering like Jesus did. 1) Remember Christ’s suffering – suffering for righteousness: path to joy & triumph 2) Make a clean break from sin – sin is no longer your master 3) Recognize sin is a waste of life – don’t waste another minute on sin 4) God will judge – the living and the dead will give an account 5) We will triumph over death – death and suffering will not be our end, but triumph God’s Calling: The world NEEDS believers who CHOOSE to suffer for righteousness. Not some self-righteous attitude; but a REAL, authentic, distinct, Christ-exalting life.

Sunday 10 - 18 - 20 by Calvary Baptist Church

Sunday 10 - 11 - 20 by Calvary Baptist Church

Sunday 10 - 4-20 by Calvary Baptist Church

God’s grace for us in salvation is so significant, so life-changing that… 1) we can rejoice in suffering and 2) live holy lives. God has formed us into His New People (1:22-2:8). A people who… 1) Love one another, 2) Long for God’s word, 3) Live as God’s dwelling 1 Peter 2:9-12 Living as God’s People: Privileged and Purposed We are a Privileged People • Chosen, holy, claimed by God We are a Purposed People • To declare God’s praise in life and worship to an unbelieving world. 1. We are a Privileged People (2:9-10) v. 9. “But you” Unlike those who do not believe, who stumble over Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. You (all) are: 1) A chosen race a) Isaiah prophecy: God promised a 2nd exodus of his people out of Babylon. Isaiah 43:19-21 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20 The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, 21 the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. b) Isaiah prophesied God would call his chosen people out of exile in Babylon. c) In a greater sense, He has chosen and called his church out of the world. 2) A royal priesthood, a holy nation a) Peter quotes God’s words to Moses on Mt Sinai, as God covenants with Israel Exodus 19:6 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” 3) A royal priesthood a) As priests, reflect God’s glory and make known his gospel to the world. 4) A holy nation a) We are to live righteously, rebuffing the wickedness of the world. 5) A people for his own possession a) God claims us as his own – twice over: i) God formed us for himself (Isa 43:20) and ii) ransomed us by Christ’s blood (1Pe 1:18). 6) We Are a People of Purpose a) To declare God’s praise in life and worship and evangelism. i) God has called us on out the darkness of sin and death. ii) and into his wonderful light – beauty & glory of our new life in Christ v. 10. Peter quotes from the OT prophet Hosea. 7) We are formed into God’s people by God’s mercy. 1. Israel had wandered away from God, chasing after idols. 2. But God pledged to have mercy on them and form them again as his people. Peter’s focus shifts from the relationships believers have with each other to the relationships they have with a hostile, unbelieving world. Peter calls us to live such exemplary lives that unbelievers take notice. v. 11 II. Life as at War Peter warns them their sinful passions wage war against their souls. And if they don’t fight against sin, they will lose their witness to unbelievers. As a chosen, holy people, we must fight against our own sin. v. 12. III. Life as Witnesses The good works of believers are intended for mission, that those who do not believe, will see our lives and turn to God so that he may call them out of darkness and into his marvelous light. We are God’s Privileged People – chosen and holy, priests, belonging to God. We are God’s Purposed People - to declare God’s praise in life & wors

In God’s great salvation we have a promised inheritance of eternal life w/God. So we can rejoice in suffering and live holy lives. Even as exiles in a hostile land. Peter’s letter now changes form the individual to the community of faith. I. Live as the People of God 1) Love one another (1:22-25) 2) Long for God’s word (2:1-3) 3) Live as God’s dwelling (2:4-8) 1 Peter 1:22-2:8 1. Love One Another (1:22-25) a. The gospel has enabled you to love one another purely (22-25) i. You were purified by obedience to the truth (22) 1. You were converted when you believed the gospel 2. It purified you from cold-hearted indifference toward others ii. You were born again into eternal life by the word of God (23-25) 1. You were born into sinful flesh (perishable seed) 2. You were born again into the imperishable – the spirit a. Enabled by the living & abiding word of God 2. Long for God’s Word (2:1-3) a. Like a newborn longs for milk (2a) b. The word of God leads to growth into salvation (2b) c. Put aside attitudes and actions that poison community (1) i. Malice, Deceit, Hypocrisy, Envy, Slander d. The taste of God’s goodness at salvation makes you long for more (3) i. Kindness, loving self-sacrifice, beauty, majesty, forgiving, 3. Live as God’s dwelling (2:4-8) a. God is building you into a spiritual house and holy priesthood (5) i. You are like living stones (5) 1. Because of your faith in Jesus, his life is your new life 2. The church is God’s new temple. 3. The physical temple pointed a greater one ii. Jesus is a living stone (4), 1. Jesus is ever-living – eternal, resurrected 2. Rejected by men (4b) a. Religious leaders despised him and crucified him 3. Chosen and precious to God (4c) a. God made him the cornerstone by raising him to life iii. Jesus is the cornerstone (6) 1. Laid by God as the cornerstone to shape and uphold his church iv. We who hope in him will receive honor with Jesus Christ (6,7) v. Those who do not believe will stumble over Jesus as salvation (8) The recipients of the letter are facing similar rejection as Jesus: Rejected by men, but chosen and precious to God. b. Offer spiritual, acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ (5b) i. Praise God’s name 1. That people around the world will join in worshipping him ii. Do good, be generous toward others 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. - Hebrews 13:15-16 I. Live as the People of God 1) Love one another (1:22-25) • The gospel enables you to love purely 2) Long for God’s word (2:1-3) • You’ve had a taste of his goodness, long for more 3) Live as God’s dwelling (2:4-8) • Praise his name, do good

In God’s great salvation we have a promised inheritance of • Eternal (imperishable, undefiled, unfading) • Life (born again to a living hope, secured by Christ’s resurrection) • With God (kept in heaven, God’s realm) Our Promised Inheritance: Because of the hope of eternal life, we rejoice, even in suffering. “The glory will be greater than our suffering.” Because of the hope of eternal life, we live holy lives. “Our lives are transformed from futility to holiness.” 1 Peter 1:13-20 – Called to Be Holy v. 13. “Therefore” – The grace of God has come to us; our lives are transformed. God’s commands are always rooted in his grace. 1. Set your hope completely on Jesus Christ (13), We have received grace upon grace from Jesus – forgiveness, reconciliation with God, removal of our sin, new life, rescued from the dominion darkness…. When he comes again, it will be with more grace to complete our sanctification. a. By changing your thinking (13) We have to think differently about what is important, what we value. We can waste our lives living like the world. Or we can live fruitful lives of holiness like our heavenly Father. 2. Devote yourself to holiness (14-16). Do not give in to former passions v. 14. “Children”- We have become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are a new people, with a new relationship with our Father. With renewed minds, set on holiness instead of sin. v. 15. God is holy, so we shall be holy. The Christian life is not passive. Sinful desires still beckon and tempt us to depart from God. Relying on God’s strength, we must choose what is pleasing to God over sin. Contrast: vv. 14-15. We are children of God, called to be holy like our Father. Vs. 18 You inherited from (pagan) forefathers futile (useless) way of life. We are to change from old passions to new thinking and living in holiness. We are exiles, a people of God, called to separate ourselves from the evil desires of the world and live in a way that pleases God. 3. Live in reverent fear of God (17) v. 17. Peter mingles God’s role as our Father, but also as the Judge of all mankind. He is both, our perfectly loving Father and a just Judge. We live holy lives to please God as our Father. We live holy lives because we respect God as Judge. God will judge everyone’s works; for believers, it will be for reward. “Throughout the time of your exile” - We don’t belong here, won’t be here long. v. 18. a. Because we were redeemed by Christ’s precious blood (18-19) Jesus paid the price for our new life with the price of his own. “like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” Jesus’ death was like… • The Passover Lamb (Ex 12) whose blood spares others from the wrath of God, • The Suffering Servant (Isa 53) who was led to the slaughter and bore the sins of many, and • The spotless lambs whose death takes away sin. These were a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. His death is greater and completes them all. a. His atoning work was destined by God for us before history began (20) “foreknown” God planned to redeem us before the creation of the world. Jesus lived with the Father and Spirit for all eternity past. Jesus was revealed for your sake in this time.

Author: Peter, one of the 12 apostles wrote the letter. Purpose: to encourage believers to stand firm amid suffering. Recipients: churches in Asia Minor facing persecution. How can Christians have joy while they are grieving in trials? 1 Peter 1:1-12 – Born Again to a Living Hope V. 1. Peter writes to “elect”, people chosen by God. “Exiles” can also be “strangers” or “sojourners” – “dispersed” in Asia Minor. I. God has chosen us as his people. (1) God chose us and calls us his very own. II. This world is not our home. Heaven is our true home. (1) We are exiles, strangers, sojourners here. V. 2. Salvation by our Triune God. • The foreknowledge of the Father. God’s sovereign and initiating act. • The sanctification of the Spirit. The Spirit makes us holy. • The sprinkling of Jesus’ blood. His sacrifice brought cleansing & forgiveness. III. We will receive a promised inheritance. (3-5) v. 3. He caused us to be born again into a living hope. • A living hope, through Christ’s resurrection. (3) • An imperishable inheritance – eternity in heaven (4) • Full salvation, guarded by God (5) Our tears will not last long, a great reward is laid up for those who are faithful. IV. So we rejoice in suffering (6-9) • Though now our trials bring grief (6) • They serve to test and prove our faith (7) • And result in praise, glory, and honor (7) “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Cor 4:17) Life as sojourners here is not easy, but by God’s grace, our lives are filled with joy. V. And are filled with joy and love for Jesus Christ (8) v. 9. Because the outcome of our faith, our salvation is coming. VI. We rejoice because we live in the age of the fulfillment of the promises of Christ. (10-12) v. 10. The prophets searched and inquired about the salvation we know. v. 11. They inquired what person or time the Spirit predicted of Christ’s sufferings and glories. They realized their prophesies were for a future people. v. 12. Even angels long to look into these things. 1. God has chosen us as his people (1) 2. This world is not our home (1) 3. We will receive a promised inheritance (3-5) 4. So we rejoice in suffering (6-9) 5. And are filled with joy and love for Christ (8) 6. We rejoice in the age of fulfillment of God’s promises (10-12)

Jonah acts like the priest and the Levite who pass by the the wounded man in the parable of the Good Samaritan: self-absorbed and indifferent Luke 10:25-29 v. 25. Question – a test from a lawyer: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” What is eternal life? People think: forever. But it’s more than that, eternal life is life WITH God, full and abundant. v. 26. Where does Jesus turn for the most important answer to the most important question? To the most important book ever written, the Bible. V. 27. Lawyer answers from the OT: “Love God w/all heart, soul, strength, mind.” This is the shema’ from Deut 6:5. “and your neighbor as yourself” Lev 19:18 v. 28. Correct. “Do this and you will live.” The lawyer knows the answer, but did he live the right answer? We know there is a massive difference between knowing right and living right. How many times do we know we should reach out, give, say something, but don’t? v. 29. “To justify himself….” He felt good about his answer, but not his life. The lawyer was looking to limit the range of people he must love. He may be thinking, who deserves my love? Luke 10:29-35 vv. 29-35 Themes in the parable: - The brokenness and sinfulness of the world (30) - The emptiness of religion without love (31-32) - Racism and prejudice in society (33) - Real love in sacrifice and risk (34-35) v. 30. The brokenness and sinfulness of the world The man was robbed, stripped, beaten, and left half-dead. vv. 31-32. The emptiness of religion without love A priest and Levite came down the same road, they serve at the temple. We would expect that these pious men would help. But they pass by the man on the other side. They AVOID the wounded man. How cold, to avoid a man so desperate for help. v. 33. Racism and prejudice in society A Samaritan – considered enemies of Jews, of mixed race, mixed religion. Jesus’ use of the Samaritan as the good guy in the story is shocking. The Samaritan reflects the lengths to which love for neighbor will go. He treats the injured Jewish man not as an enemy, but as a neighbor, as his own. Real love in sacrifice and risk. The Good Samaritan - Saw the brokenness of the injured man (33) - Came to him in compassion (33) - Demonstrated love by binding his wounds (34) - Carried him to safety (34) - Paid the price for his care (35) Jesus defines neighbor as anyone of any race or religion who is in need. Jesus is the One Who is fully “other” from us. • In him the fullness of God dwells. (Col 2:9) • He is the image of the invisible God. (Col 1:15) Jesus Christ is the greater neighbor who - Sees our brokenness in sin - Comes to us in compassion - Demonstrates God’s love for us by giving his life - Pays the price for our salvation - Reconciles us to God & each other, bringing an end to racism - Is coming again to receive us into eternal life Luke 10:36-37 v. 36. Which of these proved to be a neighbor? The one who showed mercy. “You go, and do likewise.”

Chapters 1 & 2 – Jonah acts like the prodigal son who ran from his Father in disobedience (Lk 15:11-24). • An act of rebellion – Jonah disobeyed God’s call o God said go to Nineveh, Jonah went 180 degrees the other way • An act of mistrust – Jonah did not trust God’s goodness o Jonah did not believe it was good to warn Nineveh Chapters 3 & 4 – Jonah acts like the older brother who was angry at his father for his mercy toward sinners (Lk 15:25-32). • An attitude of self-righteousness o He believed only his people were “worthy” of God’s grace. Jonah acts like the priest and the Levite who pass by the the wounded man in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-37). • An attitude of comfortable self-absorption • An attitude of indifference toward others One God Who Abounds in Compassion • God pursues the rebel o “The Lord hurled a great wind… appointed a great fish” (Jonah 1:4, 17) o “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced” (Lk 15:20) • God invites the self-righteous into his acts of grace o “Arise, go to Nineveh…” (Jonah 3:2) o “His father came out and entreated him.” (Lk 15:28b) • God shows the self-absorbed and indifferent their need for change. o “Should I not pity the 120,000 [lost] persons” (Jonah 4:11) o “He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’” (Lk 10:37) Can God save the rebel who runs from God? Can He cure the self-righteous attitude that looks down on “others”? Can he heal a comfortable, self-absorbed heart, that is indifferent to “others”? Philippians 2:3-11 Christ’s Example of Humility Jesus is wholly other from us. He is eternal and glorious. Jesus himself is the One Who is wholly “other” from us. • In him the fullness of God dwells. (Col 2:9) • He is the image of the invisible God.(Col 1:15) • He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature (Heb 1:3) Yet, he emptied (and humbled) himself to be like us: fragile, mortal. He humbled himself further to be a servant. He humbled himself further to die in our place. He humbled himself further to die in shame on a cross. Can God save the rebel who runs from God? • Christ came to to give his life as a ransom for yours, • that you might be reconciled to your Father. No one is beyond his reach. Can He cure the self-righteous attitude that looks down on “others”? • He came as wholly “other”, different from you to show you that you can not save yourself. Can he heal a comfortable, self-absorbed heart, that is indifferent to “others”? • Christ came precisely because God will NOT be comfortable and indifferent while his children are lost. • God took drastic and costly action to demonstrate his love for you. • He gave us a perfect example to follow. Jesus finished the parable of the Good Samaritan this way… Luke 10:36-37 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?"37 He said, "The one who showed him mercy." And Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise."

Previously: God abounds in mercy and grace to sinners. • God was merciful to the mariners, saving them from the storm. • God was merciful to Jonah, saving him from the sea. • God was merciful to Nineveh, warning them of disaster so he could save them from it. Jonah 4:1-4 V.1. Nineveh’s repentance led God to respond in mercy God’s mercy led Jonah to respond in displeasure and anger. Jonah was angry precisely because God was merciful, literally hated what God had done. If Jonah ended with chapter 3, Jonah would be one of the greatest prophets. A whole nation repented at his preaching, instead he’s angry, lit., “burning”. What an odd response, over the top, shocking. Why was Jonah angry at God’s mercy toward Nineveh? Maybe this threatened Jonah’s: 1. Prosperity. Maybe because Assyria was a threat to Israel? How could God prosper Israel and be merciful to her enemy? 2. Pride. Maybe because Jonah’s prophecy of Nineveh’s fall would be wrong. How could God relent of his word of judgment? 3. Popularity. Maybe he would return to Israel far less popular. Jonah previously prophesied prosperity for Israel. What would they think of him if God used him to show mercy to their enemy. 4. Identity. Maybe he saw only Israel as “worthy” of God’s mercy. Nationalism/racism. You must give up your small, self-centered mission. Jonah’s anger reveals his heart: • He is cold toward others. (Did not care if a whole city of gentiles was destroyed) • He is short-sided in vision. (Pouted instead of rejoicing at sinners turning from sin) • He is self-centered in nationalism or racism. (Wanted God to bless Israel, not “others”) • He is selfish in desiring God to serve him. (I or me used 9 times in Heb in 3 verse prayer) Jonah and his God had vastly different motives. God used Jonah to bring an entire city to repentance, but Jonah found no joy in it. How many times does our selfishness rob us of the joy of being part of God’s great mission?  We do not give to mission because we want to spend all we have on ourselves.  We miss the blessing of serving another because we’re too busy.  We miss the blessing of deeper relationship because people don’t fit in our schedule. You must give yourself to God’s greater mission. V. 2a. God’s great character. Jonah quoted from Ex 34 when God showed Moses his glory. Jonah’s heart: cold, short-sided, self-centered, selfish. God’s heart: • Gracious – his attitude toward us, to do good for us when we do not deserve it. • Merciful - compassionate • Slow to anger – patient with us • Abounding in love – pledged love, loyal love These are startling and unsettling verses. Jonah’s theology is right. He knows God‘s word. He knows God’s character. But it never changed his heart. Good theology, bad heart. It is not enough to know God; we must be changed by him. It is possible to know the Word and the character God in your head, yet not experience a change of heart. You must let God change your heart. Jonah uses the Scriptures to justify his sin and selfishness. If we feel more righteous as we read the Bible, we are misreading it. Reading the Bible rightly humbles us, corrects wrong attitudes It encourages us with God’s grace, mercy and patience despite our flaws. V. 3. “Take my life. It is better for me to die” He had no desire to go on. If he had to choose b/n loyalty to God and loyalty to Israel, Jonah was ready to push God away. Jonah’s problem is that there is something he values more than God. When we care more about our interests than the good and salvation of others, we are sinning. You must tear down what is more valuable to you than God. V. 4. “Do you do well to be angry?” Is it good for you to be angry? What is your anger accomplishing? – you must give it up. God could have rejected Jonah, instead, in grace, he asks Jonah to think about his attitude.

Previously: We can either be amazed by grace or forfeit God’s grace by clinging to idols Jonah 3:1-5 Jonah Goes to Nineveh vv.. 1-2. “Second time” – God gives Jonah a second chance at his commission. God gives us countless second chances – b/c his compassion is boundless. But there will be an end to this time of God’s favor for the lost. v. 2. Jonah’s mission was to give the message to the Ninevites that God gave him. The Word of God is the essential part of our message. It is not one we made up. We receive the Word of God and we pass it on to others. v. 3. Jonah went – he did not run. This is a somewhat different person than chapter 1. Jonah repented – to repent means to turn or return – from disobedience to obedience. Jonah has learned many lessons – but we will see his discipleship is not complete. 3-days journey in breadth – perhaps meaning Jonah’s visit was a 3-day event, a large city. v. 4. “40 days and Nineveh shall be overthrown” – a simple message of God’s wrath. Does not say why, who, or what to do. God’s message was probably more than recorded. v. 5. “The people believed God… fasted” – Jonah was not laughed at or beaten. The people believed and began fasting – greatest to least. Against all expectations, the powerful, violent city of Nineveh put on sackcloth in repentance. “The greatest miracle in the book is the turning of a nation to God.” – Frank Page Jonah 3:6-10 The People of Nineveh Repent v. 6. The king heard and took a posture of grief and repentance – sackcloth and ashes. vv. 7-8. He called for – a national fast / sackcloth / prayer to God / turning from evil Each individual was called upon to turn from his own evil. “From the violence in his hands” – Nineveh was known for its violence against other nations. Their evil turned inward, toward each other. “Social breakdown, the economic and political “devouring” of one another is actually the outworking of God’s wrath.” It may be that the repentance “from the greatest of them to the least” (v5) shows the beginning of a reconciliation of the different hierarchies of society. v. 10. “God saw… how they turned from evil He relented of the disaster.” God responded to mercy. God was merciful to the mariners, saving them from the storm. God was merciful to Jonah, saving him from the sea. God was merciful to Nineveh, warning them of disaster so he could save them from it. Were the Ninevites saved? Not likely. There is “believing God” for his wrath. There is a turning from sin, but there is not a trusting God for salvation. Salvation requires faith and atoning sacrifice. God abounds in mercy and grace to sinners. He warns us of his anger and wrath against sin. He gives opportunity to repent and turn to him to receive grace.

Previously: God loves people of all races and religions, but Jonah’s heart is cold toward others Jonah 1:17 A Great Fish Swallows Jonah Some people view the account of the fish as something not meant to be believed. But Jesus accepted the account of Jonah as historic. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. – Matt 12:40-41 “The Lord appointed a great fish” – God stirred up the ocean, the wind, now a fish. God is acting sovereignly over his creation to accomplish his will. If you believe in the virgin birth & resurrection, believe that God appointed a fish. God will use this fish for his purposes: To rescue Jonah from drowning To return Jonah to the place to renew his commission To teach Jonah that he too needs the grace of God “The belly of a fish is not a happy place to live, but it is a good place to learn.” -RT Kendall Jonah 2:1-10 Jonah’s Prayer v. 1. His prayer is mostly giving thanks to God for rescuing him from drowning. v. 2. “I called to the Lord… he answered me.” See v. 7 – Jonah called out when he was in trouble, when his life was fainting. And God heard him – even this rebellious prophet. v. 3 Jonah learns he is guilty and deserving of God’s judgment. (3) “You cast me into the deep…” “Your waves and billows passed over me.” v. 4. “I am driven from your sight” – Jonah ran from God’s presence. God let Jonah feel far away from him, though God never let him go. Jonah learns he can turn back to the God of grace. (2,4) “yet I shall again look on your temple”. Now return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious & compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in love – Joel 2:13 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts – Zech 1:3 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. – Job 22:23 “Grace is God drawing us sinners closer and closer to himself.” -JI Packer, Knowing God vv. 5-6 Jonah learns he is hopeless to save himself. (5,6) “Waters closed in over me…Deep surrounded me…Bars closed upon me forever” Jonah was sinking into the deep and he could not save himself. Jonah’s descension –Jonah drove himself deeper into a pit. Jonah went: “down to Joppa” (1:3a), “down to a ship” (1:3b) “down to the bottom of the ship” (1:5) “down to the bottom of the sea” (2:6) v. 7. “My life was fainting away…I remembered the Lord…my prayer came to you” There, at the bottom, you lose misconceptions of self-sufficiency. We hope for some people that they will “hit bottom” and change. It is not hitting bottom that changes us. But finding God there that changes us. In the dark, alone with God, he comes to himself – like the prodigal son. “You never realize that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.” v. 8. “Those who cling to worthless idols forsake their hope of love.” Jonah learns that clinging to idols forfeits the grace of God. (8) v. 9. Jonah remembers that God saves by extreme and costly measures. (9) See v. 7 – “your holy temple” where costly sacrifices were made, and God showed mercy. “Salvation belongs to the Lord!” It is a proclamation, a declaration, an exclamation. God saves him, lifts him out of the pit. People talk about God’s love, but few are actually changed by it. 1. I am a sinner worthy of God’s judgment 2. I am helpless to save myself. 3. God saves by extreme and costly measures.

Last week: Jonah’s rebellion – he ran from God’s presence But God sent a storm – Goth in judgment of Jonah’s sin - And in mercy – God won’t let Jonah go Jonah reacts to God’s calling with utter rebellion: called east, went west. His rebellion is shocking – showed no regard for God, nor for people. God created all people in his image. He cares deeply for people of all races & religions. He cares how believers treat other people. Jonah 1:4-6 The Storm of Judgment and Mercy v. 4. Notice how Jonah’s sin affected the people around him. Sin has real consequences. Not only for you, but for your family, work, church. v. 5. The mariners prayed and worked for the good of all the people on board. They tried to save the ship and lives. And they prayed – all while Jonah slept! v. 6. “Arise, call out to your God.” The captain asks Jonah to pray also. “Arise, …call” are the same words God spoke to Jonah in v. 2. God sent Jonah to point pagans to God. But this pagan is pointing Jonah to God. The pagans act more righteously than God’s prophet. App: Are you cold or committed to the good of others? Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan in Lk 10:25-37 The moral of the story: 1. My neighbor is anyone of any race or religion who is in need. 2. Christ-like is costly & practical action to meet my neighbor’s needs. Jonah is opposite of the good Samaritan, shows no concern or mercy for others. Jonah 1:7-16 Jonah Is Thrown into the Sea v. 7. Mariners believe the storm is supernatural: ‘some god is angry at somebody.’ They cast lots to see whose fault this is – Jonah. v. 8. They question Jonah to determine what to do. On whose account this evil? 1. What is your occupation? – purpose 2. Where are you from/country? – people 3. Who are your people? – race Questions of identity: what is your purpose, place and race? v. 9 Jonah answers the last question first, “I am a Hebrew.” Jonah is wrapped up in his race and the race of others. Then answers about his purpose: “I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” This trouble is from Yahweh, the God Who reigns in heaven, created land & sea. Does Jonah fear God? He ran when God called him. Jonah had to choose b/n his people and the Word of God; he chose his people. He showed greater loyalty to his race than toward his God. App: Whose are you? Your identity is wrapped up in what you worship. People can find their identity in money, material things, business success, their talents or attractiveness, their acceptance by others. Many Christians’… relationship with God has not gone deep enough into their heart. [That is] why professing Christians can be racists and greedy materialists, addicted to beauty and pleasure, or filled with anxiety and prone to overwork. All this comes because it is not Christ’s love but the world’s power, approval, comfort, and control that are the real root of our identity. – Timothy Keller, Prodigal Prophet We were created to find our identity & significance in the One Whose image we bear. App: The God You Can Trust. v. 12. “Hurl me into the sea… for you” The greatest love is a substitutionary, sacrificing love. Jonah offers to be thrown overboard to take responsibility for God’s wrath. He is beginning to think about other people. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” -Jn 15:13 Jonah was a shadow, a type of Christ. Except he was punished for his own sin. Jesus was innocent yet took on the full punishment of God as our substitute. The God who substitutes himself to suffer in your place, you can trust him.

Jonah – a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel Time: During the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.) Material prosperity in Israel: regained lost territory, as Jonah prophesied. But spiritual and moral decay as the nation moved away from God to idolatry. Hosea & Amos - contemporary prophets called Israel to repent. God’s judgment will come in a generation: the Assyrians will destroy Israel 30 years after Jeroboam II’s reign. Jonah 1:1-6 Jonah Flees the Presence of the Lord v. 1. “The word of the Lord came to Jonah…” typical for a book of prophecy. v. 2. “Arise, go to Nineveh” – NOT typical – God sent prophets to Israel and Judah. Unlikely Mission: Assyrians were brutal: torture, dismembering, decapitations. Israel had paid heavy tribute to the Assyrians under King Jehu. Why would God warn the Assyrians and give them an opportunity to repent? v. 3 Unlikely Emissary: Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord. The Lord called Jonah east over land to Nineveh Jonah headed west by sea to Tarshish, (in modern Spain). Jonah had prophesied about Israel’s prosperity in 2 Ki He wanted no part in prophesying to Israel’s enemy. Why Jonah fled. 1. He doubted the goodness of God. How could God send Jonah to an enemy of God’s people? If we hold to the idea that everything that we go through must make sense to us, we may flee from God too. A bad report from the doctor. A relationship ends. A financial black hole. When life doesn’t make sense, God calls us to trust him. He demonstrated his love once & for all when he sent his son to die in your place. You can trust God; he intends good for you. He is for you. 2. He ignored the mercy of God for himself. In Chs. 1&2 Jonah acts like the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable. He runs from his father but returns repentant. In Chs. 3&4 Jonah acts like the older brother in the parable. He is angry at his father’s mercy toward a repentant sinner. Both doubted the goodness of their father. “The problem facing Jonah [is] the mystery of God’s mercy. It is a theological problem, but it is at the same time a heart problem. Unless Jonah can see his own sin and see himself as living wholly by the mercy of God, he will never understand how God can be merciful to evil people and still be just and faithful.” – Timothy Keller, The Prodigal Prophet We can be like the older brother, believing we have earned God’s favor. That is pride and the deceitfulness of sin. Instead of “Jesus paid it all” it says, “I have done it all.” How to know you’re missing the mercy of God for yourself – not forgiving others. Heart is cold toward those who are not like you. v. 4. “The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea…” Jonah does not get very far with his rebellion. “God never allows his children to sin successfully”. – Charles Spurgeon Sin brings trouble. That’s not to say that all trouble is the result of sin. But every sin will bring trouble – perhaps not right away, but over time. “All sin has a storm attached to it.” – Timothy Keller God created us to live for him more than anything else, for his glory. When we build our lives on something else, we go against the grain of our design. Christians have the promise that God uses storms for our good. What Jonah could not know, was that within the terror of the storm was the God who would not let him go. God was drawing him back from his rebellion. We know what Jonah could not God’s salvation came through weakness, suffering, and apparent defeat. There is mercy deep inside our storms.

Our impact on the next generation will live beyond us. Whether your own kids or those that you teach, coach, influence. We are all leaving a legacy. Leaving a lasting legacy recap: Trust the Lord to build your home. Saturate it with a love for God & with his word. Unless the Lord build the house, those who build it labor in vain. (Ps 127:1) Trust the Lord to re-make your heart. Your kids will inherit your heart. The Lord looks on the heart. (1 Sam 16:7) Use your strength to serve others. We need to ask, “Who can I help? What can I do?” Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph 5:21) Unmet desires cause quarrels and fights. We need to take our discontent to God. What causes quarrels and fights among you? Is it not your passions within you? (Jas 4:1) Accept and provide loving discipline. God disciplines us in love; we should discipline in love. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves. (Heb 12:6a) Model Good Works Paul wrote this letter to Titus. Titus was a Greek convert to Christianity. He went with Paul on his 3rd missionary journey. Paul commissioned Titus to lead the church on Crete. Titus 2:7-8 7 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned.” – Titus 2:7-8a 1. Model good works It is not enough to teach what is good. We must do what is good. You say people shouldn’t act out in anger. Are your actions angry or forgiving? You say people shouldn’t be greedy. Are your actions greedy or generous? You say people shouldn’t be jealous. Are your actions jealous or content? What would your husband/wife/children/friends say? Paul says to Timothy, be an example of good works, model good works. What good works? “Good works” are different from the world – distinctly Christian – gracious, generous, selfless. • Not like false teachers “profess to know God, but they deny him by their works.” 1:16 • “Let our people devote themselves to good works, to help cases of urgent need. (3:14) You teach more with your life than your words. Modeling always wins out over instruction. Your actions will echo into the next generation. They may forget what you say, but they will not forget what you do. 1. Model of good works. 2. Model integrity and dignity. a. Integrity – uncorrupted, sound, pure b. Dignity – serious, exhibiting a gravity Our clearest messages are sent during times of crisis. How do you respond when under pressure? When someone cuts you off on the road? When someone else receive recognition? When someone wrongs you? Don’t give in to anger, slander, unforgiveness, fears. Follow the lead of our Savior who did not open his mouth when he was accused. Show integrity and dignity under pressure and you will shape a generation. 1. Model good works. (Modeling wins out over instruction) 2. Model integrity and dignity. (Especially under pressure) 3. Model sound speech. (Speak what brings health) “Sound” means healthy, wholesome. Watch how you speak, not with cutting sarcasm, or slander or filthy language. Speak what builds up, speak what gives grace. Model good works, integrity and dignity, sound speech and you will shape a generation. Response to God’s word: How well does your walk match your talk? What can you do differently this week? How do you usually respond under pressure? If you are angry, unforgiving, jealous; take those things to the Lord. He gave himself to redeem you and purify you for good works.

Sunday June28th ■ A Lasting Legacy • Trust the Lord to build your home. “Unless the Lord builds…” (Ps 127:1) • Trust the Lord to re-make your heart. “The Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7) • Use your strength to serve others. “Submit to one another.” (Eph 5:21) • Unmet desires cause quarrels and fights. “What causes quarrels and causes fights among you? Is it not your passions within you?” (James 4:1) I Samuel 2:12-17 Eli’s Worthless Sons I Samuel 2:22-25 Eli Rebukes His Sons ■ God’s Discipline Against Eli’s Sons as Our Example ■ Set expectations ■ Gave warning ■ Stated consequences ■ Carried out discipline Hebrews 12:5-11 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. ■ DISCIPLINE IS AN ACT OF LOVE When we lovingly discipline our own children, or those we teach, coach, or influence, we need to understand that discipline does 2 things: 1. It shows kids that you care about them 2. It develops their ability to relate to other people and to God ■ THREE KINDS OF PARENTING • Permissive Parenting: Kids rule • Authoritarian Parenting: Tyrant rules • Authoritative Parenting: Parents in charge, but allow kids space for choices and mistakes (goal) ■ FOUR STAGES OF PARENTING (AND AGES) • Discipline Years (1-5) • Training Years (5-12) • Coaching Years (12-18) • Friendship Years (18+)

Our impact on the next generation will live beyond us. Whether your own kids or those that you teach, coach, influence. We are all leaving a legacy. Leaving a lasting legacy: Trust the Lord to build your home. Saturate it with a love for God & with his word. Unless the Lord build the house, those who build it labor in vain. (Ps 127:1) Trust the Lord to re-make your heart. Your kids will inherit your heart. The Lord looks on the heart. (1 Sam 16:7) Use your strength to serve others. Who can I help? What can I do? Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph 5:21) Every group of people struggle with conflict, whether family, work, church, or community. Conflicts arise over differences about what to do or how something should be done. Why? The Scriptures help us understand conflicts and where they come from. James 4:1-3 Quarrels and Fights Why? “Your passions are at war within you.” “Passions” in Gk is hedone – hād-don-ā’. Where our word ‘hedonism’ comes from. Here it means a selfish sinful desire or lust. Your lusts are at war within you. The quarrels and fights we have with other people outside are the result of wars within us. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. - 1 Peter 2:11 v. 2. James goes on to describe how the war within result in quarrels without. “You desire for what you do not have.” “You covet and cannot obtain.” James warns: envy for what we don’t have leads us to quarrels and fighting. Arguments, violence, conflict in families, churches, communities are from a war within us. “You do not have because you do not ask.” God answers prayer. He gives abundantly. v. 3. Either you do not have because you do not ask. Or you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives – to spend our passions - lusts. God gives us what is good for us, what will give us real joy. How does this play out? Lust for what you don’t have can ruin friendships. These can be lusts for a better job, a better marriage, a better house. These lust tear families and communities apart. These lusts ruin legacy. They poison relationships. They are a cancer in communities. Two examples: Lust for recognition. James may be writing about a power struggle in a church. (Wanted to be teachers 3:1) Some people wanted prominence and leadership but lacked the right kind of wisdom (3:13) The lust for recognition within causes strife, disunity and arguments in the church. Lust for control. In marriage, a husband and wife argue over control of money or how to handle the kids. They argue or sulk or scream. Instead of loving submission and sacrifice, they become competitors, fighting for control. They cause each other to suffer because they aren’t getting their way. They begin blaming each other for their unhappiness. But their problem is not external, it’s internal. They have a greater desire to be in control than to be one. They cause each other to suffer because they aren’t getting their way. Who is suffering because you aren’t getting your way? What do you want from them? Acknowledge it: Are you envious of someone else’s gifts or position in life? Celebrate their success. Tell them that you are glad for their gifts, happy for their marriage. Are you fighting for control in your marriage or work? Stop battling each other. Start battling for each other. Tell your spouse, “I don’t want to fight against you. I want to win with you.” Get to work on how you and your spouse can be one. The goal of marriage is not winning; it’s oneness.

Our impact on the next generation will live beyond us. Whether your own kids or those that you teach, coach, influence. We are all leaving a legacy. Last week: 1 Samuel 16:1-7 “God Looks on the Heart” What’s in your heart has a great influence over you and spills out at home, work, church. God wants men and women who will allow him to shape and re-make their hearts. Ephesians 5:21-33 These verses are a mixture of Jesus’ ministry to the church and husband /wife relationship. The commands are to husbands and wives, but Jesus is mentioned 10 times in 12 verses. v. 25b-26. Jesus Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy by cleansing her. By cleansing her, he removed her sin. By making her holy, he set her apart to God. v. 27. The goal of Christ’s sacrificial love and sanctifying work is to present the church to himself in splendor with no spot, wrinkle or blemish, but holy The church presently has shortcomings and failures. You and I struggle with sin. But Jesus Christ has done everything necessary to make us holy. One day, when Jesus presents us, his church, to himself; these spots, wrinkles, blemishes of sin and failures will give way to splendor and glory. What does Jesus’ loving and cleansing the church have to do with husbands and wives? Jesus used his authority to serve and provide for others’ needs ahead of his own. The gospel is powerful; it impacts every aspect of your life. It is whole life changing. The gospel is reflected in the relationships in the home between husbands/wives, parents/children, and in the church, it is reflected in relationships between believers. What affect does the gospel have in relationships? It changes our focus, our goals, our purpose from being self-centered to others centered. “As Jesus loved me and gave himself up for me, how can I love you and use my strength, influence, and resources for you?” Jesus used his power and authority to love and save others. Jesus did not use his power and authority to serve himself. Jesus has all authority – rightful power – over heaven and earth. Yet he submitted to his Father’s will and served us, his people, instead of himself. v. 21. “Submit to one another” – This is Jesus’ command for the church. Why submit to each other? Because Jesus put your salvation ahead of his own life. Jesus gave us an example to follow in mutual submission. These are God’s standards for the church and the family: Mutual submission, pouring our strength, influence, and resources into each other. Mutual submission says, “you are of no less value than me.” v. 22. “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” Why submit” Because Jesus Christ put your need for cleansing ahead of his own life. v. 25. “Husbands love your wives (sacrificially)” Why love sacrificially? Because Jesus loved you and sacrificed himself for you. v. 6:1 “Children obey your parents.” Why obey? Because Jesus obeyed his Father’s will to give his life for you. Response: If we would follow Jesus, we would ask our spouse, children, parents, younger generation, “How can I help?” PK speaker – 2 questions: “What do you need from me?” & “How am I doing?” Who do you need to ask “How can I help?” Spouse? Child? Parent? Brother or sister in Christ?

Our impact on the next generation will live beyond us. Whether your own kids or those that you teach or disciple – or will one day. We are all leaving a legacy. Last week: Psalm 127:1-5 Unless the Lord Builds the House those who labor build in vain. Unless God and his word are the primary influence over our homes, our parenting is in vain. God is the decisive builder & watcher. If we trust the Lord and saturate our lives and homes with his word, he will build our homes and watch over our communities. 1 Samuel 16:1-7 God Looks on the Heart V. 1. Samuel was judge, prophet, priest, and king-maker. He had anointed Israel’s first king, Saul. Saul disobeyed, so God is going to anoint a new king. Vv. 3-5. God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint on of Jesse’s sons. V. 6. Samuel saw Eliab. He was tall and first born, looked like king material on the outside. V. 7. But when God was ready to anoint a new king for Israel, he looked on the heart. When He sought a man to lead and influence his people, he didn’t look at height or looks. The heart is more than center of emotion in Scripture – but also the will and thinking. God can see a man’s thoughts, his will, and his motivation. Man looks at the outside appearance, but God looks on the heart. When God sought a leader – the man who would influence and guide Israel, He looked for someone with a heart that he could shape. [God] raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ – Acts 13:22 The heart is the center of our will – what we want, what we value. God wants men and women who will allow him to re-make our hearts – our wants and values. God knows what we fail to: what’s inside us is more influential than our outside appearance. What’s in our hearts comes out in every environment- home, work, church, relationships. Whether you realize it or not, your kids are will inherit what’s in your heart. Goodness, faithfulness, joy, patience. And… fear, racism, jealousy, anger. What’s in your heart comes out in your attitudes and actions. The environment of your home reflects the environment of the hearts who lead it. God looks on the heart (1 Sam 16:7) God searches the heart (Jer 17:10) God tests the heart (Deut 8:2) Two implications: 1. I am undone, laid bare, exposed – God knows your thoughts, fears, motivations. This is the God to whom we will all give an account. Nothing is hidden from him – even the things we keep hidden from everyone else. 2. I need a change of heart – I need God to replace my sin-sick heart. If you don’t feel that way, it is because your sinful heart deceives you. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jer 17:9 Response to God’s word: Are you angry? Having conversations with other people in your head? Struggling to forgive? Are you guilty? Have unconfessed sin in your heart? Need to reconcile with someone? Are you jealous? Have a hard time being content? Esp. when good things happen for others? We need new hearts – and God has promised to give us new hearts. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezek 36.26

Mark 9:2-4. Look at the Glory of the Son of God. He is worthy of worship & devotion. v. 2. “Peter, James, and John” were with him as an inner circle as before. “Mountains” were often a place where God revealed himself Moses on Mt Sinai, Elijah on Mt Horeb, Jesus on the mountain prayed, preached, was tempted, performed miracles, called his disciples, sent them on mission (Mt 28:16); prayed at Gethsemane on the Mt of Olives (14:32); was crucified on a hill called Calvary (15:22). “Transfigured” means “changed” – his nature did not change. v. 3. He was outwardly changed. His appearance reflected his nature, unveiled. “His clothes became radiant”. Jesus’ deity was hidden, but for a moment was revealed. The Bible refers to the glory of God as shining out, “shekinah” in OT Hebrew. Jesus’ glory shines through the veil of his humanity. v. 4 Why Moses and Elijah? • Both were great deliverers of Israel. o Moses delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt o Elijah delivered Israel from the worship of the false gods of Baal • Both stood on a mountain and received the word of God o Moses received the OT law there o Elijah received the word of God in encouragement. • Both ministries of the law and prophets pointed to Jesus o Their word and work are fulfilled in Jesus • Both are mentioned the Day of the Lord” prophecy in Malachi 4:4-6 o God tells the Jews to remember the law of Moses o He will send Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord Jesus is the greater Moses who has delivered his people eternal bondage “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness” (Col 1:13) “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law” (Gal 3:13) Mark 9:5-6. Listen to the Words of the Son of God. His gospel alone brings salvation. vv. 5-6. “Three tents” – Peter (terrified) doesn’t know what to say, so he offers 3 memorials But Peter misunderstands. Moses, Elijah and Jesus are equals as Bible heroes. v. 7. As on Mt Sinai when a cloud covered the mountain and God spoke from the cloud, A cloud overshadowed them, and God the Father spoke to them. Jesus is not like Moses or Elijah. He is unique in all the universe. There is no one like him. “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Jesus is the Son of God. God the Father does not say listen to my words in him, he says listen to him. Because when Jesus speaks, God speaks. v. 8. Only Jesus was left with them. Three points: 1. Moses and Elijah represent the old covenant based on the law. Jesus brings a new covenant. 2 Cor 3 says that old covenant was surpassed by a new, far more glorious covenant. 2. Moses and Elijah leave, but Jesus stays with his disciples. 3. Moses and Elijah return to the glory of heaven. Jesus remains to go through the humiliation of the cross. Mark 9:9-13 Learn from the Suffering of God’s Servants. Suffering comes before glory. v. 9. “Tell no one” – last command to silence, but this with a qualifier; until after I’m raised v. 10. They did not understand what Jesus meant, was this metaphorical raising? v. 11. “Elijah must come?” They have no understanding of a suffering and dying Messiah. They believe this must be the time of Israel’s restoration, why is Jesus talking about death? v. 12. “Elijah does come first.” Before the final restoration on day of the Lord. But something must happen before that day: the Son of Man must suffer. Jesus will be crucified in suffering, but he will be raised in glory. v. 13. Elijah has come in the John the Baptist. Elijah was mistreated, but completed his mission o Look at the Glory of the Son of God. He is worthy of worship and devotion. o Listen to the Words of the Son of God. His gospel alone brings salvation. o Learn from the Suffering of God’s Servants. Suffering comes before glory. Mark 9:14-29. A Frail Faith in a Strong Savior We never advance beyond our need for Jesus (14-18) We never advance beyond our need for faith (19-27) We never advance beyond our need for prayer (28-29)

What is the normal Christian life? Is it balance? Is it being comfortable? You cannot answer that without answering this first, “who is Jesus?” That is the question Jesus will pose to his followers. Their answer will help them understand Jesus and his mission and Jesus’ calling on their lives. Mark 8:27-30 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ v. 27. Caesarea Philippi was north of Galilee 25 miles. As they walked Jesus asked, “who do people say that I am?” v. 28. 1) John the Baptist – Who Herod believed Jesus was, reincarnated. 2) Elijah – the OT prophet who didn’t die but was carried to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah was prophesied in Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6 to return before the Day of the Lord. 3) one of the prophets – like the OT prophets God Each of these would seem like an honor to call Jesus. But to say Jesus was the greatest prophet or teacher, would put him in old categories. It is “to pour new wine into old wineskins.” (2:22) The authority that Jesus has demonstrated in Mark does not allow him to be defined by old terms. Jesus has demonstrated power and authority like no one else but God Himself. v. 29. “Who do you say that I am?” to know what others think about Jesus does not matter The question is for everyone is, “who do you say that Jesus is?” This is the central question of Mark’s Gospel – the meaning of faith is in your answer. They saw Jesus exercise power and authority over disease, the storm, the demonic. Now he calls them to make a decision on what they’ve seen. You must know and personally confess who Jesus is. Peter declares. “You are the Christ.” God declared about Jesus, “you are my beloved Son.” Demons recognized Jesus as “Son of God”, and “Son of the Most High God.” This is the first public statement by a human of who Jesus is. “Christ” is the Greek for the Hebrew “Messiah”, means “anointed”. In the OT 3 classes were anointed: prophets, priests, and kings. One who was anointed was selected for a special task. Specifically, the Messiah was understood by the Jews to be the King who was appointed by God to deliver Israel from its enemies and cause Israel to live in peace. Mark 8:31-38 Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection Jesus now tells the disciples what his Messiah-ship means. They are not prepared. v. 31. Jesus must Suffer – Jews saw the Messiah as a victorious king. They did not understand Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant applying to Messiah. Jesus said he would not rule in human victory but would suffer. Be rejected –Jesus’ suffering will not come at the hands of god-less, wicked people. Jesus suffers at the hands of “elders, chief priests, teachers of law” – the religious, educated. Not humanity at its worst, but humanity supposedly at its best. They will reject him, even after careful deliberation and will say their actions are just. Be killed – absolutely incomprehensible by the disciples. v. 32. Peter rebuked him. The suffering death of Messiah Peter could not understand. Be Raised – Jesus foretells his resurrection: “I will suffer, be killed, and after 3 days rise again!” (Mk 3:27) You cannot follow Jesus without the self-denial of the cross. You must understand and accept that Jesus calls you to die. The self-centered life must be put to death (34) to take up cross was total denial of self The safe life must be put to death (35) If you try to save your life, give it meaning in what you want or obtain, you will waste it But if you give your life in pursuing Jesus Christ, you will find life, meaning, purpose The self-serving life must be put to death. (36-37) If you try to live life by what you obtain, you will waste it But if you give your life in pursuing Jesus Christ, you will obtain true life The shame of Christ must be put to death. (38) We cannot save ourselves. We are dependent on him. We must be humble before him. You must know and personally confess who Jesus is. You must understand and accept that Jesus calls you to die.

We will see in the passage today two points: 1. The difference between Jesus and the Pharisees 2. What is pleasing to God? What is true morality? Mark 7:1-13 Traditions and Commandments v. 1 “scribes from Jerusalem” an official delegation to test Jesus, and hope to trip him up vv. 2, 5. “defiled” or “unwashed” hands The OT required priests to wash their hands before they entered the tabernacle. And others to wash their hands if they’d touched a bodily discharge. Pharisees view: they were holy and needed to be protected from defilement from the outside. They washed their hands ceremonially before meals, not hygienic. vv. 3-4. Washed after going to market, washed specific dishes–w/cupped or porous surfaces. “Tradition of the elders” The Jews recognized the written law, the Torah, but also oral tradition, tradition of the elders. The Mishnah was supposed to be “a fence around the Torah”, to keep people from breaking the written law. The oral tradition was supposed to help people know how to keep the law. It includes all these additional man-made rules on washing and keeping the Sabbath. vv. 6-7. “Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites” Their words honor God, but their hearts are distant from him. Their worship is vain – meaningless. Lip service. All talk, no walk. Be on guard against trying to look pious on the outside while lacking true devotion for God in our hearts. (6) Be on guard against rules that we think make us right before God but take us far from him. (7) v. 8. They exchanged God’s commands for men’s traditions. It led them to cold hearts. v. 9. They reject God’s commands for men’s traditions. Be on guard against counterfeit and lies as replacements for God’s truth. (8-9) vv. 10-13. Jesus gave a current day example. People to declare property or estate “Corban” – devoted to God but live off of its income. If they’re parents needed help, they were not permitted to help them. They voided God’s word that says “honor your father and mother” – care for them. Be on guard against legalism that shows no compassion toward others. (12) Legalism leads to hypocrisy and distance from God Arrogance toward others (2) Distance from God (6) Self-righteousness from man-made rules (7) Rejection of God’s commands (8-9) Coldness toward others (11-12) There is no place for these hypocrisies in the lives of Christians The cross draws us to God and leads us to grace Grace toward others Draws us to God Righteousness from Christ, apart from the Law Embraces God’s commands Compassion toward others Mark 7:14-23 What Defiles a Person? vv. 14-15. Nothing from outside defiles you, what comes out of you defiles you. vv. 17-19. Because what comes from the outside doesn’t go into your heart. “He declared all foods clean” – Peter had a vision about Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, that he was free from the OT dietary restrictions. More significantly, God was bringing Gentiles into his kingdom and giving them His Spirit. v. 21 – out of men’s hearts come evil thoughts Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matt 12:34 Look at the list. How many apply to you? This is a broad net. Who has not had evil thoughts? Who has not deceived? Who has not envied? Sexual impurity? Slandered? Been prideful? The problem is not that our environment might defile us. The problem is that our sins have defiled us already. “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Ro 7:24 Jesus and the disciples had been around lepers (1:40), tax collectors (2:13), Gentiles (5:1), a woman with bleeding (5:25), a corpse (5:35). When Jesus came into contact with them, he made took away their uncleanness. Jesus makes sinners clean, heals their disease, takes away their sin, raises them out of death.

Mark 6:31-44 – The Feeding of the Five Thousand Jesus sees them “like a sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus sees a whole people without direction, without purpose, without a leader. The OT has imagery of shepherds as teachers (Moses), prophets (Elijah), and kings (David). Eze 34:11, 14-15 – God will be the Shepherd of Israel Jesus is the greater Shepherd of all the leaders of the OT. v. 37. “You give them something to eat.” The disciples see Jesus’ request as unreasonable, impossible. But they will do exactly what he says, they just cannot imagine it yet. Just like the disciples, Moses was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem – Num 11:13 APP: What God demands, He supplies. In overwhelming need, give what you can & trust God. vv. 38-40. The disciples complain about what they lack. Jesus sees possibilities where his disciples see only impossibilities. God can multiply even the smallest gifts if they are made available to him. Everything now depends on Jesus. Deuteronomy, the Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel all said God would shepherd his people. Jesus is a Shepherd like Moses leading and feeding the Israelites Jesus feeding the five thousand is a fulfillment of Moses’ leading and feeding the Israelites - Both fed masses of people in the wilderness - The multiplication of the loaves recalls the gift of manna (Ex 16:14-15) - Both led the people like a shepherd (Ps 77:20) - Both divide the crowd into smaller groups (Ex 18:21,25) vv. 42-44. Jesus satisfied them all. Jesus provided abundantly with a basket of leftovers for each disciple. Jesus shepherds through his disciples - The disciples see their lack, but Jesus makes their supply abundant - The disciples give the initial “offering” of bread and fish - They are the hands of Jesus in feeding the five thousand God’s will is to fill his creatures with himself, to meet their needs with his surplus, to expand their smallness by his greatness, and to transform mundane life into abundant life. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10b Mark 6:45-52 – The “I Am” in the Midst of a Storm v 45 John’s gospel, after the miraculous feeding, the people want to make Jesus king by force. v. 47. In Mark whenever the disciples are separated from Jesus, the fall into distress. The wind was against them, ‘painfully’ – ‘tormented’. v. 48a Like God in the OT, Jesus comes to deliver his people in need – for their good and his glory. Jesus walks where only God can walk. [God] alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. – Job 9:8 [‘tread’ in Heb is same ‘walk’ in Gk] v. 48b Why did Jesus “mean to pass them by?” When God, ‘passed by’ his people in the OT, it was to reveal himself to them. - The Writings: Job 9 is about the awesome separation between God and humanity. (v.11) o “When he passes me, I cannot see him; when he goes by, I cannot perceive him” - The Law: Ex 34:6 - At Mt Sinai, God ‘passed by’ Moses to reveal his name and compassion o The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious…” - The Prophets: 1 Kings 19:11 Elijah fled from Jezebel and hid in a cave. God spoke to him. At Mt Horeb, God ‘passed by’ Elijah in a great wind but spoke to Elijah in a whisper. o The Lord passed by and a great and strong wind tore the mountain Jesus “passes by” the disciples and makes the mysterious God of the OT known. v. 50. Jesus says in Greek “It is I” (ego eimi), identical to God’s declaring his name to Moses in Hebrew, “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex 3:14) vv. 51-52. They were astounded; they did not understand; their hearts were hardened. Jesus is the Good Shepherd - He alone satisfies and provides abundantly more than our need - He works through His disciples – their offerings of material things and service Jesus is the “I Am” in the Storm - He comes to his people in the midst of the storm - He reveals that he is God for his glory and for our good

Mark 6:6b-13 Mark sandwiches another story within a story. The martyr of John the Baptist is placed between the sending and return of the twelve. Why? What does John’s death mean for discipleship and mission with Jesus? Advance the Kingdom v. 6. Jesus taught. Teaching was the dominant purpose of his ministry. He healed and cast out demons, but primarily, he taught… “He was preaching the word to them.” Mark 2:2b v. 7. Go in Jesus’ name and authority • He called them to be fishers of men (1:17) • He appointed them to be with him (3:14) • He taught them (4:10) • He sent them (6:7) They were sent in his name and his authority; preaching his message, representing his person and carrying his authority. App: “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” 2 Cor 5:20a vv. 8-9. Go dependent upon God They were to take: a staff, sandals, a tunic (cloak), and a belt. These are the same items the Israelites ate the Passover: 11 In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord's Passover. (Ex 12:11) Why the same? – Haste and expectation of the Passover is like that of carrying Jesus’ message They were NOT to take bread, bag or money – App: True service of Jesus depends on Jesus. vv. 10-11 Go where you are welcomed, move on when rejected Stay where you’re welcomed. Live amongst people. Be accountable. Be dependent on them. Dust off your feet where you’re not – as a witness – if a village rejected Jesus – they were essentially declaring the people there as heathen. vv. 12-13 Go proclaiming the Word and doing the work of the kingdom They 1) proclaimed repentance (turning from sin, to God); 2) cast out demons, 3) healed sick. App: We mirror what we see from Jesus: speak gospel, pray for the sick and oppressed. Mark 6:14-30 – The Cost of Discipleship v. 14. This was Herod Antipas, one of 4 Herod’s. vv. 15-16. Talk of Jesus’ power was all around. People knew there was something supernatural about Jesus. Some said: - He’s Elijah – from prophesy that Elijah would come before the Messiah - He’s a prophet of old - He’s John the Baptist raised from the dead – what Herod believed vv. 17-19. Herod had John imprisoned – for Herodias, his wife. Herodias was first Herod’s brother Phillip’s wife. Herod divorced his wife and convinced Herodias to leave her husband. John had told Herod this was not lawful – Leviticus 18 & 20 v. 20 Yet Herod feared John because he knew he was a righteous and holy man. We see this contrast between John and the “leading men” - John lived righteously while they lived in sinful decadence. - John lived among the people while they lived exclusively. - John was preaching about repentance while they lived in sin. Responses to a righteous man: Herod – guilt. Herodias – hatred. Leading men – indifference. John’s death is a foreshadow of the death of Jesus. - Both were executed by political tyrants who fear them - The tyrants vacillate but give in to social pressure. - John and Jesus both die silently as victims of political intrigue and corruption - They both die as righteous and innocent victims But John’s death is sandwiched between the sending and returning of the disciples. Why? Because in John’s death we see a link between mission and martyrdom. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mk 8:34) Advance the Kingdom of God - Go in the name and authority of Jesus - Go dependent upon God - Go speaking the gospel and praying for the sick and lost - Recognize the cost of discipleship may be everything in this life He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose – Jim Eliot

Jesus reveals that he is God through his power and compassion True disciples hear, believe and come to Jesus (27-28) Above healing her physically, Jesus declared her his daughter, whole, and at peace. (34) Mark 5:35-43 – Jesus cancels a funeral Vv. 35-36. The daughter died – why trouble the teacher. Jesus says “do not fear, only believe.” Jairus just had an example of faith in the woman. Nothing could keep her from Jesus, not embarrassment nor the crowd. She believed Jesus could heal her. She exemplifies and defines faith for Jairus – trust Jesus despite everything to the contrary. That faith knows no limits – not even the raising of a dead child. No matter the circumstances, trust in Jesus – in hopelessness, in long-suffering, even in death – trust in Jesus. He is the Deliverer. v. 37 Jesus allowed smaller groups at times – Peter, James, John v. 38. In ancient times families hired professional mourners. Perhaps they were already there v. 39. “she is only sleeping”. In Christ, death is more like sleep, temporary. We may die in this life, but we will rise to eternal life. v. 40. “They laughed at him.” This was nonsense if Jesus were only a man, a teacher. v. 41. Jesus takes the little girl’s hand and says, tells her to arise. Jesus takes on the uncleanness of the demoniac, of the woman with a bleeding issue, now he takes on the uncleanness of death in this little girl. v. 42. Immediately she got up – they were overcome w/amazement. Jesus’ power brought healing to a bleeding woman. His word “arise” raised a dead girl out of death back to life. Jesus said to Martha at her brother Lazarus’ death in John 11: 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Jairus and the woman had little in common: one a ruler, the other an outcast. They were both desperate, without hope apart from Jesus. Trust Jesus despite everything to the contrary. Believe, do not despair. Mark 6:1-6A – A Prophet without Honor vv. 2-3. They see only a man, only a son, only a carpenter. They wanted something different from what God has given. Despite Jesus’ demonstration of compassion and supernatural power, he will encounter people from his nation, his own home town, his own family, and even a disciple who will not believe that he is the Son of God, that he is the Messiah. v. 6. In Nazareth it is not the crowds or disciples who are amazed, but Jesus. He is amazed at their disbelief. There are so many that are hard-hearted and refuse to believe no matter what they see or hear. “Humanity wants something other than what God gives. The greatest obstacle to faith is not the failure of God to act, but the unwillingness of the human heart to accept the God who condescends to us as only a carpenter, the son of Mary.” - James R. Edwards

Mark shows us who Jesus is by what Jesus does. Jesus demonstrates his power to make himself known – no doubt, He is God. - He has power over sickness, natural (wind and sea), supernatural (demons) Jesus could have demonstrated his power in numerous ways. - He chooses to demonstrate his power in pity and compassion. - Jesus had compassion on crowds b/c they had no shepherd, no food (Mk 6,15) - Jesus had compassion on a widow whose son died (Lk 7) - Jesus reveals that he is God through his power and compassion Recap: Jesus delivered a man possessed by a legion of demons. - Jesus demonstrated his power and authority, and his pity for this captive - Jesus calmed the storm by his power and to calm his disciples’ fear Today: - Jesus will demonstrate his power and pity for a ruler & outcast - This is another Markan sandwich – a miracle within a miracle Mark 5:21-24 (also in Luke 8 and Matt 9) v. 21. Jesus back to the e. of sea of Galilee after the Garesenes asked him to leave. Throngs were all around him wanting to be healed and see Jesus’ power. v. 22. Jairus – synagogue ruler – a well-respected man in charge of the synagogue 12 year-old Daughter “the point of death”, “she was dying” (Lk), “had died” (Mt) He “fell at his feet” “come… lay your hands… that she may live” Religious establishment rejected, sought to kill Jesus b/c they saw him as heretic. This man apparently believed – perhaps he heard Jesus preaching, saw his power. Jesus had preached, healed and delivered a man from a demon in Capernaum v. 24. “Jesus went with him” – Lessons on ministry – Jesus was accessible Mark 5:25-28 v. 25. This is the middle of the sandwich – the miracle w/in the miracle “Bleeding” she had a female problem for 12 years – same age as Jairus’ daughter Her Suffering: • Separated (OT Law – unclean 7 days after cycle – a reminder of our sin o She could not worship at temple o She was constantly unclean o Anyone she touched was unclean • Seeking help but found none. Sought doctors, now Jesus • Spent – spent all she had, now she had none, was no better. o Mk points out she suffered much under many physicians o Lk was a doctor, he just says, she had an incurable disease Lessons on ministry – Jesus was accessible and interruptible VV. 27-28. She heard of Jesus and believed he could heal her. To hear about Jesus and act is the sign of a disciple. Hear, believe, act. Mark 5:29-34 V. 29. She was sick for 12 years, she touched Jesus and was healed in an instant. vv. 31-32. Jesus was not content to dispatch a miracle, he wanted to see this woman face to face. He wanted to declare her whole in front of the crowd. Vv 33-34. “Your faith has made you well” – her faith in Jesus healed her “Go in peace and be healed.” Mark 5:35-43 Vv. 35-36. The daughter died – why trouble the teacher. Even in death, Jesus says, “do not fear, only believe.” vv. 37-38. Jesus allowed smaller groups at times – Peter, James, John v. 39. “she is only sleeping”. In Christ, death is more like sleep, temporary. We may die in this life, but we will rise to eternal life. v. 40. “They laughed at him.” This was nonsense if Jesus were only a teacher. v. 41. Jesus takes the little girl’s hand and says, tells her to arise. Jesus takes on the uncleanness of the demoniac, of the woman with a bleeding issue, now he takes on the uncleanness of death in this little girl. v. 42. Immediately she got up – they were overcome w/amazement. This is the first resurrection in the gospels, the last Jesus will raise himself. Jairus and the woman had little in common: one a ruler, the other an outcast. They were both desperate, without hope apart from Jesus. The woman exemplifies faith, coming to Jesus with confidence he can help. Trust Jesus despite everything to the contrary. Believe, do not despair.

Mark 5:1-20 As in the calming of the storm, Jesus exhibits power over chaos and destruction. I. The Region of Gerasenes. There was a large city miles from the sea. This scene was apparently near a small, long lost village. A. Darkness – There was a spiritual uncleanness here. Demon-possessed man, who dwelt among the dead, there were herds of pigs. C.S. Lewis said, “Humanity falls into two equal and opposite errors concerning the Devil. Either they take him altogether too seriously or they do not take him seriously enough.” Satan and demons are real. • They are opposed to God’s rule (Lk 11:14-23) • They seek to manipulate humans with deceit to do their will (2 Tim 2:26) • They can gain influence over a person, essentially “possession” (Lk 8:26-39) • There is a hierarchy of demonic power (Eph 6:12) • There is a ruling being known as the devil or Satan (Rev 12:9) o Who was manifest as a serpent in Eden (Gen 3:1-5; Rev 12:9) o Who was present in the divine council in Job (Job 1:6-12) o Who tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Lk 4:1-13) o Who is a thief who seeks to steal, kill and destroy (Jn 10:10) Our best protection against demons is less preoccupation with them and more preoccupation with God. James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” B. Opposition to Jesus • Mark implies demonic powers try to prevent Jesus from coming to the region. • Mark hints the storm had a demonic force. Jesus rebuked & verbally muzzled it • Jesus & disciples are greeted by a strong and violent demon-possessed man. This is a place where no one would want to go. But Jesus goes there. Jesus has come and will liberate this man from darkness. He penetrates the darkness, undeterred by the ferocious storm and demoniac. II. The Demon-Possessed Man Demons torment the man. • He was alone, living among the dead (2-3) – lived among the tombs • He was violent and strong (3-4) Bindings, chains, shackles – like an animal • He was always crying out (5a) – inarticulate cries or screams • He was self-destructive (5b) – cutting/gashing with rocks [Perverse pagan ritual? Tries to drive out demons? Demons try to kill him?] • He was controlled by a host of demons (9) – legion was 5,600 soldiers Jesus liberates the man. • He was transformed, clothed and in his right mind (15) • He wanted to be with Jesus (18) • He proclaimed the Lord, Jesus’ mercy to the region (20) Vv. 19-20. Consider how much the Lord has done for you & had mercy on you (19) Jesus is the Lord who has healed the demoniac (20). III. Jesus the Liberator–He rescues us from the dominion of darkness (Col 1:13) • Jesus has authority over demons (6,13) The man falls at Jesus’ feet. Demons begs for Jesus not to torment them • Jesus is the Son of the Most High God (7) Son – Jesus’ unique relationship to God; image of invisible God (Col 1:15) Most High God – transcendent and exalted above false gods & his enemies • Jesus defeated Satan in his wilderness temptation (1:12-13) • Jesus is the one who binds the strong man and plunders his house (3:27) IV. The People’s Response • They were afraid (15) and begged Jesus to leave (17) “And this is the judgement: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” – Jn 3:19 • There are real spiritual beings opposed to God and have evil intent. • Jesus is the Liberator who frees those enslaved in a fallen world. 1) Draw near to God by accepting Jesus and 2) Pray for God to free people under Satan’s influence.

Mark 4:1-34 – Four Parables About the Kingdom of God 1. The Sower – Right response to the gospel is to hear, receive, bear fruit 2. The Lamp Under a Basket – Jesus brings God’s light into the world 3. The Growing Seed – God’s kingdom has God’s power to grow 4. The Mustard Seed–The kingdom starts small, but grows to be great Mark 4:35-5:43 Four Narratives, Four Miracles, Four Choices 1. Jesus Calms a Storm – Choose between faith & fear 2. Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon – Choose to accept or reject Jesus 3. Jesus Heals a Woman & Jairus’s Daughter – Choose between faith & despair 4. Jesus Hometown – Choose to believe or disbelieve in Jesus Mark 4:35-41 Jesus Calms a Storm Two questions are key to understanding the significance of this narrative: Jesus asks, “Why are you so afraid?” The disciples ask, “Who then is this?” vv.35-36. Jesus told them, “let us go across to the other side.” vv.37-38. A “great windstorm” hit the boat while Jesus was sleeping. A terrible squall hit the boat Jonah was in while he slept (Jon 1:4-5) The only place in the gospels that we hear of Jesus sleeping is during a storm. Q1. “Don’t you care?” –their frustration shows their desperation In the midst of the storm, the disciples panic and accuse Jesus of forsaking them. When we go through suffering, when we are afraid, when anxious thoughts roll over in our minds, do we say of God, “Do you not care?” Does God care? “God demonstrated his love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Rom 5:8 v.39. The disciples are not abandoned. Jesus “got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still’” The word for “be still” literally means to muzzle, to be quiet metaphorically. Nature submits and obeys its Master. The wind ceased, there was great calm. Again, Mark is showing us, Jesus is doing what only God can do. The narrative parallels Psalm 107:28-30 28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. The same power and authority of God in Psalm 107 belong to Jesus. Jesus does what only God can do. Mark invites us to believe that Jesus is God. Who can muzzle the storm? Who can command demons? Who can heal disease? God alone, and Jesus did all of those things. v. 40. Q2. “Why are you so afraid?” Jesus said, we’re going to the other side. Jesus was with them with great power and authority, yet they were afraid a storm could drown them. “Have you still no faith?” Jesus speaks to our fears – ‘you have me, have no fear.’ They would not understand who Jesus is until after the resurrection. v.41. “They were filled with great fear.” Jesus showed supernatural authority and power and it scared his disciples. The storm had been stilled now they were more afraid of the act of God they saw. They ask themselves, “who then is this?” This is the Master Who calms the storm. This is the most important question of our lives, “who then is this, Jesus?” Your answer to this question will set the course of your life and your eternity. Jesus commands demons, he muzzles storms with his word, he heals disease by a touch. Who then is this? Jesus is the God Who is present with his people is the God Who is Present with you. He promised, “I will be with you until the end of the age” He will not abandon you in suffering. You must choose, fear of things of this world or faith in the God Who is with you?

Time for reflection on life, resolution for change. The Scripture speaks mysteries revealed to those who listen & promises growth. From Concealed to Revealed Mark 4:21-25 Parable of the Lamp v.21. The purpose of a lamp is to bring light. It must be put high on a stand. Lit., “does the lamp come…” The lamp has come. Jesus is the lamp of God who has come to bring light and revelation. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” –Jn 8:12 If Jesus had come in the full glory of God, it would have been overwhelming. “God dwells in unapproachable light, no one has seen or can see him”- Tim 6:16 If God had come without being concealed in the humanity of Christ, his coming would have been like the of the sun coming to earth – blinding, overwhelming. {We can only see God hidden in the humanity of Christ.} v.22. The kingdom and Jesus’ role were hidden at that time. But Jesus’ present concealment contains seeds of what will be revealed. vv.23-24a. Jesus is hidden in order to be manifested. The parable of the sower warned against letting life distract you from the seeds of life. “Pay attention to what you hear.” True believers contemplate Jesus’ words. {You are like a prisoner whose one chance of escape depends on hearing and solving a riddle.} The entryway into the kingdom of God is through hearing Jesus’ words. vv. 24b-25. The degree to which you hear Jesus’ words and apply his teachings will determine the measure of your understanding. Those who are hurried, distracted, or half-hearted will miss the kingdom. Jesus’ disciples hear & the mysteries of God’s kingdom will be disclosed to them. From Insignificant to Incomprehensible Mark 4:26-35 Parable of the Growing Seed v.26. The kingdom of God is like a man scatters seed on the ground. WHAT!?!? It should be compared to something grand and glorious. Majestic mountain peaks, thunder and lightning, a rich ruler, a powerful gladiator. Seed scattered on the ground is not a motivating analogy. This is the paradox of the gospel. This is the scandal of the incarnation: the gospel is disguised in commonness. Jesus was seen as an ordinary, unschooled man from a small town in the sticks. But listen to his words, listen to what he says. Jesus’ words reveal he is much more than a man or teacher or prophet. Jesus is God, very near and very present. vv.27-28. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to small, but relentless growth. The farmer waits. He sleeps & gets up. Life goes on for him. But hidden in the soil, the seed sprouts and grows. It has life in itself. v.29. The harvest symbolizes the arrival of God’s kingdom, especially judgment. You and I can try to force God’s kingdom, but it has greater power than you & me. What God requires of his disciples is to have humble confidence that God has invaded this troubled world with a seed, and he will ensure its fruitful harvest. If you are a believer, the kingdom of God is growing in you. It is slow, almost imperceptible but it has the power of God to bring life and grow. We progress in growth as believers when we have hope that God is working in us. In struggling against sin, in seasons of doubt, in periods of stagnation… You don’t know how, but the kingdom of God grows in you. Let the fact that God is working in you give you hope to continue to grow in faith. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6 vv. 30-34. Parable of the Mustard Seed Vv.30-32. What appears to be the smallest is the greatest. In what’s hidden is the foundation of a work that will encompass the whole world. vv. 33-34. For the 10th time in Chapter 4, Mark refers to “hearing” Jesus’ words.

Don’t forget the wonder of Christmas. From the prophecy in the garden of the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head, to God calling Moses to lead his people out of slavery, to the establishment of the Tabernacle and the priesthood, God had planned to send a Savior to redeem his people. We must remember at Christmas; Jesus Christ is the promise of the ages. He is Prophet, Priest, and King. He is God’s Protection, Provision, and Presence. He is Son, Servant, and Sacrifice. He is our Savior. Luke 2:25-28 v.25. Simeon was an old man. He was devoted to following God. He waited for God to fulfill his ancient promises to send a Comforter to Israel. v. 26. The Holy Spirit revealed that he would see the Christ before he died. The Spirit led him to the temple for a divine encounter with the infant Jesus. v. 28. Simeon saw Jesus and blessed God for being faithful to his promises. Simeon waited for God to send the Christ. Simeon holds him in his hands and praises God. Luke 2:29-32 v. 29. There are 4 hymns written in Latin from Luke 1&2, this is the last. The 1st words Simeon says when he holds Jesus are “now dismiss”, Nunc Dimittis. God fulfilled his promises to Israel and personally to Simeon. Simeon says, “now I can die a happy man.” v. 30. “My eyes have seen your salvation” To see Jesus is to see God’s salvation. God allowed many people to witness Jesus’ first coming. One was this old man who hoped, waited, and prayed. v. 31. “Salvation you have prepared in the presence of all peoples” God has not kept it a secret that he has sent a Savior to us. Angels appeared at his birth saying, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11 v. 32. He is the light of salvation and the glory of God’s promises He is the light in two ways: 1. For Gentiles Jesus is revelation - showing the way of salvation to all peoples. 2. For Israel Jesus is glory – the realization of the promises of God. Luke 2:33-35 - His coming causes a fall and rising vv. 33-34 Because Jesus’ light reveals and exposes, Jesus will be opposed. His coming will cause the fall and rising of many in Israel. There will be people who come to faith in Jesus. They will be saved when they believe that Jesus is from God. And that Jesus died to pay the penalty for their sin. They will rise out of their sin. But others will not believe. They will not escape their sin. And they will fall. v. 35 The opposition to Jesus will ultimately lead to a violent piercing – A piercing that will penetrate his mother’s soul as well. Jesus Christ is the promise of the ages To see Jesus is to see God’s salvation He is the light of salvation and the glory of God’s promises His coming causes a fall and rising

John 1:1-5 vv. 1-3 Jesus is the Word through which all creation was made. vv. 4-5 In him is life and the light of men. v.1. John used the metaphor of Jesus as the word. The Word of God in the OT is God’s powerful expression of himself. The Word of God expressed God’s person and power in creation, in revelation, and in salvation. Jesus, the Word was God. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. v.2. He was with God the Father in eternity past. v. 3. Jesus was the agent of creation – all things were created through him. v.4. In him was life and the light of men. Jesus as light – Jesus will say later in John, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus is the revelation. In him we may know God’s plan to save us. Jesus as life – Jesus will say, “I am the resurrection and the life.” In Jesus Christ we find eternal life – new spiritual life in this life. Jesus also gives life eternal for the next life. vv. 1-3 Jesus is the Word through which all creation was made. vv. 4-5 In him is life and the light of men. John 1:6-13 vv. 9-10 Jesus brought light into the world, but the world did not know him. v. 12 He gives the right to be children of God to all who receive him by faith. v.9. Jesus is the ‘true light’, he is the ‘true bread’ and the ‘true vine’. v.10 the world did not know him. Majority of people rejected him – and still do. V.11 He came to his own people, the Jews, but they did not receive him. v.12 All who receive him and believe in him are adopted into God’s family. Jesus gives light and life – and now adoption. vv. 9-10 Jesus brought light into the world, but the world did not know him. v. 12 He gives the right to be children of God to all who receive him by faith. John 1:14-18 v. 14 Jesus became flesh and revealed the glory of God. v. 17 From him we receive grace upon grace and truth. v. 18 He has made God known. The Word – that was apart from creation – has become part of his creation. Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us. John, the apostle who was with Jesus for 3 ½ years say, “we have seen his glory.” Moses did not get to see but the passing vapors of God’s glory. John says, “we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” And he was FULL of grace and truth. v. 16 ‘From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.’ v. 17 Moses gave the Law. Jesus has given grace and truth. v. 18 “No one has ever seen God” Moses wanted to see God, but he could not, not yet. But now Jesus, “the only God who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” vv. 1-3 Jesus is the Word through which all creation was made. vv. 4-5 In him is life and the light of men. v. 12 He gives the right to be children of God to all who believe. v. 14 Jesus became flesh and revealed the glory of God. v. 17 Jesus is full of grace and truth. v. 18 He has made the Father known. Two important things we learn from Jesus about God. 1. God is approachable 2. God’s grace is attainable

My prayer for us in December is that we may be filled with the hope of Jesus Christ this Christmas season. As we continue through Mark, I pray that we hear the words and remember the actions of Jesus and think, what a miracle; God himself has come in the flesh. He dwelt among men, teaching the truth, healing them, and, finally, dying in their place. Mark 4:1-20 Mark writes this section like a sandwich. The parable is told and then it’s explanation, but between them is a private explanation by Jesus of the mystery of his kingdom. The center of the sandwich is key for understanding the whole. 1-2. The setting. Jesus teaching truth in a boat with the crowds around. 3-9. The telling of the parable. Parables use ordinary things of daily life to explain spiritual truths. He starts and ends the parable with an imperative: “hear” or “listen”. When God speaks, his words are important. They carry authority and power. His creation must hear, heed, engage, respond. There are two parts of the story that stand out: 1. The sowing in unlikely places 2. The astounding harvest Unlikely Places The farmer scatters seed all over his field, even in paths, rocks, and thorns. Justin Martyr Wrote, he sows in every corner of the field “in hopes that good soil might somewhere be found.” God searches for men and women. He seeks out those who will follow him. John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. The Astounding Harvest The parable represents the historical in-breaking of God’s kingdom in Jesus, the sower of the gospel. The astounding harvest (v. 8) is an important clue that the growth is not owing to human activity but to God’s providential power. God is at work—hidden and unobserved—in Jesus and the gospel to produce an astounding harvest. Let not hearers suppose the opposition of scribes, Pharisees, crowds, and even his own associates, as adversarial as the hardpan, rocks, and thorns will be the last word. Despite discouraging odds, the harvest in Jesus’ ministry will be beyond compare. Insiders and Outsiders 10-12. Jesus speaks to two different audiences, “to you” and “to those”. He spoke to those who would not listen to him with hidden meaning. He spoke to those who did listen clearly and with more truth. Insiders hear, believe, receive and bear fruit. The Secret of the Kingdom The secret of the kingdom of God is in the person and words and works of Jesus. To see the majesty of God, go to the baby in a lowly stable. To see the praise-worthy Creator, watch Jesus wash dirt of his disciples’ feet. To see the glory of God, go to the merciful Savior who died like a criminal. Jesus is the ultimate parable – he is the common thing to describe the spiritual truths about God’s character and his will. In Jesus we see God is merciful, loving, powerful, providing, and self-sacrificing. Unlikely Places – We do not know where good soil may be found. We must tell people in all walks of life about the light we have found in Jesus. An Astounding Harvest – Fruit comes by hearing and receiving Jesus’ word. We must be daily in the word; we cannot produce fruit by our own effort. The Secret of the Kingdom – Has been revealed to you: God has come in the person of Jesus Christ.

Mark 3:20-35 Jesus cannot be bound by his family or by the arguments of the scribes. In fact, Jesus shows his inestimable strength through his parable of binding Satan and robbing him. And we believers are the ones that Jesus has pillaged from the devil’s domain, which gives us the incredible privilege of joining Jesus’ family and abiding with him and our new-found church family.