Bible Study

Wednesday - 10:00 a.m.

Check here for Part 2 of the Sunday studies.

The Legacy Standard Bible

Beginning on Sunday, December 8, 2024, our Pastor began using the LSB version of the Bible in all of his teaching and preaching. This is the newly updated version of the NASB, which he has been using for a number of years. Here is some information on the LSB for those who would like to learn more. It also explains why Pastor Alan is now using this version of the English Bible.

The Legacy Standard Bible has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek are the eternal Word of God. The Holy Scriptures speak with authority to each generation, giving wisdom that leads to salvation, that people may serve Christ to the glory of God. Because it is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16), every word of it is inspired, every word is true, and every word must be conveyed to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue (Rev. 7:9), so that every word can be taught and obeyed (Josh. 23:14; Mt. 28:20; Jn. 17:17).

THE FOURFOLD AIM OF THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION

1. These publications shall be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

2. They shall be grammatically correct.

3. They shall be understandable.

4. They shall give the Lord Jesus Christ His proper place, the place which the Word gives Him; therefore, no work will ever be personalized.

PREFACE TO THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE
In the history of the English Bible translations, the King James Version is the most well-known. This time-honored version of 1611, itself a revision of the Bishops’ Bible of 1568, became the basis for the English Revised Version, which appeared in 1881 (New Testament) and 1885 (Old Testament). Its American counterpart, a product of both British and American scholarship, was published in 1901. Recognizing the values of the American Standard Version, The Lockman Foundation felt an urgency to preserve the ASV while incorporating recent discoveries of Hebrew and Greek textual sources and rendering it into more current English. This resulted in the New American Standard Bible, a translation based upon the time-honored principles of translation of the ASV and KJV, along with other linguistic tools and biblical scholarship.

The Legacy Standard Bible reflects another iteration of such preservation and refinement. Worked on by a core translation team in conjunction with pastors and educators from different countries, it is designed to honor, maintain, and advance the tradition represented by the NASB.

PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION
Key Principles: The Legacy Standard Bible has worked to uphold the style and translational choices of the NASB as much as possible. Even more, it has endeavored to follow through on the NASB’s stated intent to be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. While the interpreter, teacher, and pastor have the goal of understanding what the text means, the translator is to provide them with what the text says. Consistently, the goal of this translation is to be a window into the original text. Within that goal, this revision has focused upon accuracy and consistency. It has checked that words and grammar have been carried over properly. It also established rules for the consistent translation of terms within their various nuances. This allows the reader to more easily reconstruct what the original texts said. It also helps the reader more easily trace the flow of argument within a text, identify when the same word is used in another passage, and make connections between texts.

There are limits to the application of this philosophy. In this edition, a word might not be translated consistently in order to maintain a highly familiar rendering of a text or to preserve a wordplay in the text that advances the inspired author’s message. Moreover, because Scripture is a literary masterpiece, some linguistic features could not be transferred to this translation, not even by a note. Nevertheless, ensuring that the original languages are precisely rendered paves the way for careful readers to discover these insights for themselves.

In this way, the LSB upholds the philosophy that a translation does not replace pastors or teachers but rather depends upon faithful believers and the church to study and live out what has been written (Acts 8:30-31). Translation is a tool for the church and must be done in that context so that each word of Scripture may be taught and lived.

Modern English Usage: The attempt has been made to render the grammar and terminology in contemporary English. When word-for-word literalness was determined unacceptable to the modern reader; a change was made in the direction of a more current English idiom. In the instances where this has been done, the more literal rendering has been indicated in the notes. There are a few exceptions to this procedure. Of note, while an effort has been made to incorporate conjunctions as much as possible, the conjunction “and” is occasionally not translated at the beginning of sentences because of differences in style between ancient and modern writing. Punctuation is a relatively modern invention, and ancient writers often linked most of their sentences with “and” or other connectives.

Alternate Readings: In addition to the more literal renderings, notations have been made to include readings of variant manuscripts, explanatory equivalents of the text, and alternate translations that may bring out a play on words difficult to maintain in the text. These notations have been used specifically to assist the reader in comprehending the terms used by the original author.

THE COMMITMENTS OF THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy preserved – to uphold the work and tradition that is found in translations from the KJV, ASV, to NASB.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy performed – to advance the commitments of past translations by bringing forth features of the original text relative to accuracy and consistency.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy passed on – to equip generations to study Scripture and continue the philosophy of being a window.
~ The Lockman Foundation

For additional information we recommend you contact The Lockman Foundation -- https://www.lockman.org/legacy-standard-bible-l

GALLOPING THROUGH GALATIANS (Part 2 ~ The Fruit of the Spirit)

GALLOPING THROUGH GALATIANS
(Part 2 ~ The Fruit of the Spirit)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: We were pressed for time on Sunday and didn’t get to learn very much about the fruit of the Spirit. I want to take the time this morning to discuss this because it is essential for a successful spiritual life.

[READ Gal. 5:22-23]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a Christian. The Bible makes it clear that everyone receives the Holy Spirit the moment he or she believes in Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13-14). One of the primary purposes of the Holy Spirit coming into a Christian’s life is to change that life. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to conform us to the image of Christ, making us more like Him.

I. GENERAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS FRUIT
In the verses we read above, Paul lists 9 character-traits that the Holy Spirit produces in a believer’s life. Jesus Christ is the supreme example of every spiritual quality, having embodied the fruit of the Spirit perfectly because each one is inextricably linked to who He is.
The list of spiritual fruit falls into three categories: the upward qualities (love, joy, peace); the outward qualities (longsuffering, kindness, goodness); and the inward qualities (faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

Calling these Spirit-produced characteristics fruit indicates beauty, spontaneity, quietness, and growth instead of effort, labor, strain, and toil. The use of the singular word fruit indicates that there is a unity and coherence in the outworking of these virtues.

II. INSPECTING THE FRUIT
Unfortunately, the fruit of the Spirit has been misinterpreted by some as characteristics that believers should somehow manufacture in their lives. But the key to understanding these qualities is in the name. Fruit is the natural result of growth. And of the Spirit explains exactly Who causes this growth -- it’s not our striving or straining, but the power of the Holy Spirit. No amount of human toil or gritty determination can produce spiritual fruit, but the Holy Spirit’s influence in a yielded heart can work miracles.

• LOVE
The fruit of love may be the best example of this on the list. We cannot produce the type of love God desires without the leading and strength of the Holy Spirit.

The English word love has very broad meaning, but the Greek language was very precise. The love which the Holy Spirit manifests in believers is agape. This love is not a feeling, but a choice. It is the choice to be kind, to sacrifice, to consider another’s needs greater than one’s own.

Agape is used in all of the “hard” love verses in the New Testament:

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13).

“For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 Jn. 3:11).

“Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back” (Lk. 6:35).

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jn. 5:3).

It is because of love that God carried out His plan to save the world: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). It is only by love that we can keep the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God” and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk. 12:30-31).

Love is the greatest gift God can give. First Corinthians 13 says that agape is patient. Agape is kind. Agape never fails. God desires to show His perfect, selfless love to a world that is routinely confused about what true love is. As God’s children, we are the conduits of His love, when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

• JOY
Literally, the fruit of the Spirit is what happens when the Holy Spirit indwells a believer. Fruit is the product of the Holy Spirit’s cultivation of character in a person’s heart. The second fruit listed is joy.

The Greek word for joy is chara. Joy is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. According to Romans 14:17, joy expresses God’s kingdom, and His influence on earth.

[READ Rom. 14:17]
17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit’s production of joy can be manifest in several different ways:

The joy of deliverance: When God sets someone free, rejoicing is in order. Some examples include: (1) Hannah’s joy at her deliverance from her enemies (1 Sam. 2:1); and (2) the servant girl who was so overjoyed that God had rescued Peter from prison, that she forgot to let Peter into the house (Acts 12:14).

The joy of salvation: Our greatest reason to be joyful is that God wants to save us and spend eternity with us. Nothing is better than this! In fact, all of heaven is joyful whenever a person accepts God’s provision of salvation (Lk. 15:7).

The joy of spiritual maturity: As the Holy Spirit works in us to bear more fruit, we become confident in God’s promises and rejoice in our walk with Him and other believers.
For example, Paul knew joy as the churches he ministered to gave evidence of the Holy Spirit working among them (2 Cor. 1:24; 2:3; 7:4; 1 Thes. 2:19-20; 3:9).

Or, groups of believers who unite in demonstrating the mind, love, and purpose of Christ bring joy to others (Phil. 2:2).

Believers, following the example of Jesus, endure persecution because of the promise of future joy (Heb. 10:34; 12:2; Jas. 1:2-4).

The joy of God’s presence: The Holy Spirit draws us to God, in whose presence we can know true joy. Without the Holy Spirit, no one would seek God.
[READ Ps. 16:11]

“You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

Mary and the shepherds were joyful because Immanuel had been born (Mt. 2:10; Lk. 1:14).

The women who went to Jesus’ tomb and the disciples were overjoyed that He rose from the dead (Mt. 28:8; Lk. 24:41).

The Greek chara is closely related to charis, which means grace or a gift. Chara is the normal response to charis -- we have joy because of God’s grace. The next step in the progression is to allow our joy to become an action as we express it, although sometimes joy can be so great it is inexpressible (1 Pet. 1:8).

Possessing joy is a choice. We choose whether to value God’s presence, promises, and work in our lives. When we yield to the Spirit, He opens our eyes to God’s grace around us and fills us with joy (Rom. 15:13). Joy is not to be found in a fallen world; it is only fellowship with God that can make our joy complete (1 Jn. 1:4).

• PEACE
In Romans 12:18, Paul exhorts, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” What a perfect example of our role in the fruit of the Spirit. We are to submit our wills to God’s leading and our actions to God’s Word, but the actual results are up to Him. Only God can create peace through the work of the Holy Spirit. Especially the peace mentioned in Galatians 5 -- the peace of a harmonious relationship with God.

We are born at war. At birth, our sinful nature has already declared war on God and His truth. Our carnal heart’s desire is to be separated from Him, and if we persist in this desire until death, He will give us what we want.

But God’s methods of warfare are not what we’d expect. Instead of a battle, He sent us the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). Jesus’ goal in coming to earth was more than simply to cease hostilities; He came to bring about a full and abiding relationship of restoration and love. The cost of this peace was His life (Isa. 53:5).

Just as we cannot force someone else to be at peace with us, even Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did not ensure that we would accept His terms of peace.

Romans 3:10b-11 explains, “There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God.” None of us can accept Jesus’ offer of peace through our own will and power. Our natural selves do not want it. Only God can lead us to want peace with Him; the Holy Spirit leads us to want Jesus and His message. Once the Spirit draws us, we believe in Jesus, and the peace comes. “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

However, the fruit of the Spirit includes a peace that goes beyond that of salvation. It is a sweet relationship. We are called to His presence (Eph. 2:11-18) and called to be confident in that presence (Heb. 4:16) because we are His friends (Jn. 15:15).

As Isaiah 26:3 says, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”

God’s peace transcends earthly matters. Believers are to be “anxious for nothing,” for God promises to “guard your hearts and minds.” It is a peace “which transcends all understanding”; that is, to the worldly mind, such peace is incomprehensible. Its source is the Holy Spirit of God, whom the world neither sees nor knows (Phil. 4:4-7; Jn. 14:17).

The Spirit-filled Christian has a peace that is abundant, available in every situation, and unlike anything that the world has to offer (Jn. 14:27). The alternative to being filled with the Spirit and His peace is to be filled with alarm, filled with doubt, filled with foreboding, or filled with dread. How much better to let the Spirit have control and perform His work of growing fruit to the glory of God!

• PATIENCE
There are two Greek words translated as patience in the New Testament. Hupomonē means “a remaining under,” as when one bears up under a burden. It refers to steadfastness in difficult circumstances.

Makrothumia, which is used in Galatians 5:22, is a compound-word formed by makros (“long”) and thumos (“passion” or “temper”). Patience, as a fruit of the Spirit, literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” The KJV translates it “longsuffering.” A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Since it is a fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess makrothumia through the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Patience comes from a position of power. A person may have the ability to take revenge or cause trouble, but patience brings self-restraint and careful thinking. Losing patience is a sign of weakness. We are patient through trying situations out of hope for a coming deliverance; we are patient with a trying person out of compassion. We choose to love that person and want what’s best for them.

As the Spirit produces patience in us, He is making us more Christlike. Did you know that even now, Christ is patiently awaiting the completion of the Father’s plan?

After Jesus “had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool” (Heb. 10:12-13). We should be patient, even as He is patient.

James urges believers to be patient and not to complain as we wait for Jesus to return, citing the prophets as models of patience (Jas. 5:7-11). The Old Testament prophets ceaselessly spoke God’s Word to unheeding and abusive audiences. Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern, Elijah was so worn out from his fight with Jezebel that he wanted to die, and Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den -- by a king who was his friend. While God delayed judgment, Noah prophesied of the coming destruction, and in 120 years did not have a single convert (2 Pet. 2:5).

The opposites of patience are agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge. God does not want His children to live in agitation but in peace (Jn. 14:27). He wants to dispel discouragement and replace it with hope and praise (Ps. 42:5). We are not to avenge ourselves; rather, we are to love others (Rom. 12:19; Lev. 19:18).

God is patient, and His Spirit produces the fruit of patience in us. When we are patient, we leave room for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships. We lay down our schedule and trust in God’s. We thank the Lord for what and whom He’s brought into our lives. We let God be God.

• KINDNESS
The Greek word for kindness is chrēstotēs. It means “benignity, tender concern, uprightness.” It is kindness of heart and kindness of act.

Kindness is the characteristic that led God to provide salvation for us (Titus 3:4-5; Rom. 2:4; 11:22). Kindness leads God to give us green pastures, quiet waters, and the restoration of our souls when we’re weary (Ps. 23:2-3). It is God’s tender care that makes Him want to gather us under His wings, to protect us and keep us close to Him (Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 61:4; Mt. 23:37). God expressed kindness when He provided for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath during a drought -- and He showed more kindness later when He raised the widow’s only son from the dead. When Sarah exiled Hagar and Ishmael, God gave the outcasts kindness in the form of water and hope. On multiple occasions, kindness induced Jesus to stop what He was doing and help others in need (Mk. 6:34; 7:29; 10:46-52). And kindness leads the Good Shepherd to rescue us when we stray (Lk. 15:3-7). In kindness He “gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isa. 40:11).
When we exhibit the kindness of God, we are tender, benevolent, and useful to others. Every action, every word will have the flavor of grace in it. To maintain this attitude toward those we love is hard enough. To express kindness toward those who are against us requires the work of God (2 Cor. 6:4-6). That is why kindness is a fruit of the Spirit.

• GOODNESS
Everything on the list of the fruits of the Spirit reflects the character of God, and goodness is one that relates directly to His morality.

Goodness is virtue and holiness in action. It results in a life characterized by deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing. It’s a moral characteristic of a Spirit-filled person. The Greek word translated goodness, agathosune, is defined as “uprightness of heart and life.” Agathosune is goodness for the benefit of others, not goodness simply for the sake of being virtuous.

Someone with agathosune will selflessly act on behalf of others. Confronting someone about a sin demonstrates goodness. So do giving to the poor, providing for one’s children, visiting the sick, volunteering to clean up after a storm, and praying for an enemy. Expressions of goodness are as varied as the Spirit is creative.

Goodness is not a quality we can manufacture on our own. James 1:17 says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” This certainly includes a life characterized by goodness. In letting the Holy Spirit control us, we are blessed with the fruit of goodness. As others see our good works, they will praise our Father in heaven.

• FAITHFULNESS
Faithfulness is steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance; it is carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with; it is the conviction that the Scriptures accurately reflect reality. Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God -- His existence, His works, and His character. While faithfulness is the result of the Spirit working in us, the Holy Spirit is also our seal of faithfulness. He is our witness to God’s promise that if we accept the truth about God, He will save us.

Hebrews 11 gives a long list of faithful men and women in the Old Testament who trusted God. Abel’s understanding of God made his sacrifice real and authentic. Noah trusted God’s word about the coming judgment as well as God’s promise to save his family. Abraham and Sarah believed against all evidence that they would have a child. Rahab trusted God to protect her family when the Israelites destroyed Jericho. Gideon’s mustard-seed faith routed an entire army of Israel’s enemies.

Also on this list is the example of Enoch, who “obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (vs. 5b-6). Faith, or a faithful commitment to who God says He is, is basic to walking with God. As Jesus traveled, He responded to people’s faith and curtailed His involvement where there was no faith (Mk. 6:1-6).

Enoch understood that God rewards those who seek Him and trust Him with all their hearts. We trust what God does because we trust Him, not the other way around. In other words, we trust God even when He is silent and we see no miracles. That is part of faithfulness. We know God is reliable, steadfast, and true.

The Old Testament saints also had faith in the invisible work of God. Abraham never saw his descendants become “as numerous as the stars in the sky.” Moses never entered the Promised Land. And none of the Old Testament saints lived to see their Messiah. But they were faithful. They believed God would do as He promised. They lived by faith and not by sight.

Faithfulness is believing that God is Who He says He is and continuing in that belief despite the vagaries of life. Functionally, this means we trust what God says in the Bible, and not necessarily what the world or our own eyes tell us. We trust He will work out everything for good. We trust He will work His will in us. And we trust that our situation on earth is nothing compared to our future reward in heaven. The only way we can have such faith is by the Holy Spirit’s influence. He testifies to the truth and impels us to seek God.

• GENTLENESS
Gentleness, also translated “meekness,” does not mean weakness. Rather, it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement.

It takes a strong person to be truly gentle. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow gives us a wonderful illustration of gentleness in “The Village Blacksmith.” In the poem, the main character is described like this:

“The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands.”

However, in church, as he hears his daughter singing a hymn, the smith is overcome with emotion, “And with his hard, rough hand he wipes / A tear out of his eyes.” This is gentleness; might restrained; humility and grace.

God wants us to give Him control of our lives. Relying on our own logic, we have no impetus to submit to God’s leadership. With the wisdom given to us by the Holy Spirit, however, we begin to see why we should completely submit to God as Lord of our lives. Human power under human control is a half-broken weapon in the hands of a child. But gentleness places our strength under God’s guidance; it is a powerful tool for God’s kingdom.

Every person is powerful in some way. We can speak words that influence others; we can act in ways that help or hurt; and we can choose what influences will inform our words and actions. Gentleness constrains and channels that power. To be gentle is to recognize that God’s ways and thoughts are high above our own. It is to humbly realize that our worldviews are shaped by exposure to sin and the misinterpretation of experience. It is to accept God’s worldview, reflecting truth about the spiritual and the material worlds.

It is to our advantage to have a gentle attitude toward God because He is omniscient and we are not. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” God challenges Job. “Tell Me, if you have understanding” (Job 38:4). God knows everything there is to know of the past, present, and future; while we can’t even get a weather forecast right! Like a petulant teenager with their parents, we may cry out, “You just don’t understand!” but God does understand, more than we could possibly know.

When we are filled with the Spirit’s fruit of gentleness, we will correct others with easiness instead of arguing in resentment and anger, knowing that their salvation is far more important than our pride. We will forgive readily, because any offense toward us is nothing compared to our offenses against God -- offenses He’s already forgiven! Competition and sectarianism will disappear, as the goal becomes less about ourselves and more about preaching the gospel. John the Baptist was a fiery preacher, yet he evinced true gentleness when he said, “[Jesus] must become greater; I must become less” (Jn. 3:30).

Gentleness also means giving up the right to judge what is best for ourselves and others. God is not as concerned with our comfort as He is concerned with our spiritual growth, and He knows how to grow us far better than we do. Gentleness means that we accept that the rain falls on the evil and the just and that God may use methods we don’t like to reach our hearts and the hearts of others.

Finally, to live in a spirit of gentleness toward God is to accept His judgment on people and issues. We tend to think it is gentle to go easy on people and try to justify actions that God has called sin. Or to let someone continue in sin without speaking the truth. But Paul says, “If anyone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1). This doesn’t mean to be so soft that the sinner doesn’t realize he’s sinned. It means to confront the brother in a manner that is in line with Scripture -- to be mild, loving, encouraging, but clear about the holiness that God calls us to.

Jesus gave us the perfect picture of gentleness: “See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey” (Mt. 21:5), and now He offers us His gentleness as a gift. If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will be filled with the fruit of gentleness.

• SELF-CONTROL
Self-control (“temperance” in the KJV) is, of course, the ability to control oneself. It involves moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to our baser desires and fleshly lusts.

One of the proofs of God’s working in our lives is the ability to control our own thoughts, words, and actions. It’s not that we are naturally weak-willed. But our fallen nature is under the influence of sin. The Bible calls it being a “slave to sin” (Rom. 6:6). One definition of sin is “filling a legitimate need through illegitimate means.” Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are incapable of knowing and choosing how best to meet our needs. Even if we knew what would be best, such as not smoking, another need, like comfort, could take precedence and enslave us again.

When we are saved by Christ’s sacrifice, we are free. This liberty includes, among other things, freedom from sin. “Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Rom. 6:6). Now, as the Spirit gives us self-control, we can refuse to sin.

Believers need self-control because the outside world and internal forces still attack. Like a vulnerable city, we must have defenses. A wall around an ancient city was designed to keep out the enemy. Judges at the gates determined who should be allowed in and who should remain outside. Soldiers and gates enforced those decisions. In our lives, these defenses might include avoiding close relationships with sinners, meeting with other believers, and meditating on the life-giving Word of God. We don’t exhibit self-control if we continually dally with that which would enslave us.

Self-control naturally leads to perseverance as we value the long-term good instead of the instant gratification of the world. Self-control is a gift that frees us. It frees us to enjoy the benefits of a healthy body. It frees us to rest in the security of good stewardship. It frees us from a guilty conscience. Self-control restricts the indulgence of our foolish desires, and we find the liberty to love and live as we were meant to.

III. APPLICATION

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is in direct contrast with the acts of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21.
[READ Gal. 5:19-21]

This passage describes all people, to varying degrees, when they do not know Christ and therefore are not under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Our sinful flesh produces certain types of fruit that reflect our nature, and the Holy Spirit produces types of fruit that reflect His nature.

2 Cor. 5:17
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
The Christian life is a battle of the sinful flesh against the new nature given by Christ.

Rom. 7:14-25
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold into bondage under sin. 15 For what I am working out, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I agree with the Law, that it is good. 17 So now, no longer am I the one working it out, but sin which dwells in me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the working out of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one working it out, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that in me evil is present -- in me who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in my members, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a captive to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
As fallen human beings, we are still trapped in a body that desires sinful things.

Phil. 4:13
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit producing His fruit in us and we have the Holy Spirit’s power available to conquer the acts of the sinful nature. A Christian will never be completely victorious in always demonstrating the fruits of the Holy Spirit. However, it is one of the main purposes of the Christian life to progressively allow the Holy Spirit to produce more and more of His fruit in our lives -- and to allow Him to conquer the opposing sinful desires. The fruit of the Spirit is what God desires our lives to exhibit, and with the Holy Spirit’s help, it is possible!

GALLOPING THROUGH GALATIANS -- Part 2 The Fruit of the Spirit

GALLOPING THROUGH GALATIANS -- Part 2
The Fruit of the Spirit

Answers (Lesson 162) - Mar. 12, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

INTRODUCTION: The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a Christian. The Bible makes it clear that everyone receives the Holy Spirit the moment he or she believes in Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13-14). One of the primary purposes of the Holy Spirit coming into a Christian’s life is to change that life. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to conform us to the image of Christ, making us more like Him.

I. GENERAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS FRUIT

In Galatians 5:22-23, we read above, Paul lists 9 character- traits that the Holy Spirit produces in a believer’s life. Jesus Christ is the supreme example of every spiritual quality, having embodied the fruit of the Spirit perfectly because each one is inextricably linked to who He is. The list of spiritual fruit falls into three categories: the upward qualities (love, joy, peace); the outward qualities (longsuffering, kindness, goodness); and the inward qualities (faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

The use of the singular word fruit indicates that there is a unity and coherence in the outworking of these virtues.

II. INSPECTING THE FRUIT

The key to understanding these qualities is in the name. Fruit is the natural result of growth. And of the Spirit explains exactly Who causes this growth -- it’s not our striving or straining, but the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT ~ Galatians 5:22-23
Fruit Description As modeled by Christ
Love The greatest of all virtues (1 Cor. 13:13), love is the power that moves us to respond to someone’s needs with no expectation of reward.
Jn. 13:12-17, 34; 15:12;
Rom. 5:8;
Eph. 5:2
Joy An inward hope and exuberance in spite of outward circumstances. Joy differs from happiness, which relies on favorable circumstances.
Jn. 15:11; 16:20-22;
Phil. 4:4
Peace Both a supernatural calm amid chaos and the ability to bring harmony to divided factions.
Jn. 14:27;
Heb. 12:14
Patience The quiet willingness to accept irritating or painful situations.
Lk. 23:34;
Col. 3:12
Kindness Generosity and consideration toward others.
Eph. 4:32
Titus 3:4
Goodness Moral excellence.
Acts 10:38
Faithfulness Enduring loyalty and trustworthiness.
(1 Thes. 5:24; Rev. 2:10)
Rom. 3:3-4;
1 Cor. 1:9;
2 Cor. 1:18

Fruit Description As modeled by Christ
Gentleness The power to control your reactions to difficult people and situations (Titus 3:2). It should not be confused with weakness.
Mt. 11:29
Self-Control The ability to restrain inappropriate passions and appetites.
Mt. 26:53;
1 Cor. 9:25

III. APPLICATION

One of the main purposes of the Christian life, to progressively allow the Holy Spirit to produce more and more of His fruit in our lives -- and to allow Him to conquer the opposing sinful desires. The fruit of the Spirit is what God desires our lives to exhibit, and with the Holy Spirit’s help, it is possible!

THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY (Part 2)

Selected Scriptures (LSB)

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THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY (Part 2)

THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY
(Part 2)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: God chose Paul to preach the gospel to the nations through three remarkable missionary journeys. He was accompanied by other apostles as he traveled. Barnabas accompanied him on the first journey. They sailed to Cyprus, where Paul preached in Salamis and Paphos, and continued by boat to Perga in Pamphylia.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

The first century was much different from our time and culture. For one thing, travel took much longer. There were no automobiles or airplanes; travel was mostly done on foot, on a donkey, or by boat. However, travel was much easier than it had been a hundred years earlier. The vast improvements made by the mighty and wealthy Roman Empire made travel far more efficient.

Historian Lionel Casson notes the conditions for travelers of the time: A traveler “could make his way from the shores of the Euphrates to the border between England and Scotland without crossing a foreign frontier …. He could sail through any waters without fear of pirates, thanks to the emperor’s patrol squadrons. A planned network of good roads gave him access to all major centers, and the through routes were policed well enough for him to ride them with relatively little fear of bandits.” Due to the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) instituted under Emperor Augustus (27 BC to AD 14), these conditions prevailed when Paul traveled the Roman world.

A total of 63,000 miles of paved roads extended across the Roman Empire, connecting centers of government, culture, and power. This helped to advance the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to the known world at that time. It’s clear that God had certainly ordained this time in history for His Son to come as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

Even with the nice roads, travel was still often tiresome. Travelers would wear heavy shoes or sandals; had capes and broad-brimmed hats, and often carried bedding, tents, and provisions. The average traveler walked three miles per hour for about seven hours a day – about 20 miles per day. So, for example, the 90-mile walk from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:14) would have taken about 4 to 5 days.

Travel during the winter was difficult due to the snow that sometimes blocked high mountain passes, and the heavy rains in the fall and spring caused the rivers to swell, making them difficult to cross. When in remote areas, travelers might face dangers from robbers, as well as from wild animals such as bears, wolves, and boars. It’s likely that Paul had some of these difficulties in mind when he told the Corinthians he had been “in danger from rivers, danger from robbers … danger in the wilderness” (2 Cor. 11:25-26).

Now let’s look at how the journey continued …

II. ACCEPTED THEN ATTACKED IN ANTIOCH (Acts 13:14-52)

[READ Acts 13:14-52]

14 But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch. And on the Sabbath day, they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said,

“Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and lifted up the people during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it. 18 And for a period of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And when He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land as an inheritance -- all of which took about 450 years. 20 After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And after He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, about whom He also said, bearing witness, ‘I HAVE FOUND DAVID, the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.’ 23 From the seed of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24 after John had preached before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was fulfilling his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, one is coming after me of whom I am not worthy to untie the sandals of His feet.’

26 “Brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the word of this salvation was sent.
27 For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning Him. 28 And though they found no ground for death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. 29 And when they had finished all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead; 31 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32 And we proclaim to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘YOU ARE MY SON; TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU.’ 34 But that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to corruption, He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY AND FAITHFUL LOVINGKINDESSES OF DAVID.’ 35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘YOU WILL NOT GIVE YOUR HOLY ONE OVER TO SEE CORRUPTION.’ 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid among his fathers and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised did not see corruption. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and that in Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things which you could not be justified from through the Law of Moses. 40 Therefore watch out, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you:

41 ‘LOOK, YOU SCOFFERS, AND MARVEL, AND PERISH;
FOR I AM ACCOMPLISHING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS,
A WORK WHICH YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE, THOUGH SOMEONE SHOULD RECOUNT IT TO YOU.’”

42 And as Paul and Barnabas were leaving, the people kept pleading that these words might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.

44 And the next Sabbath, nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, blaspheming. 46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us,

‘I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES,
THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.’”

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, they went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:14

This Antioch is not to be confused with Antioch of Syria. Antioch of Syria was the location of the first Gentile church, that sent out Paul and Barnabas. It was located near the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Map – Syrian Antioch, Antioch of Pisidia. This Antioch is in the interior of Asia Minor. To reach the city, travelers had to traverse a rugged mountain range some 3,600 feet above sea level. The city was a strategically located outpost of Rome.
Acts 13:14-15

The reading of the Law and the Prophets occupied the third part in the liturgy of the synagogue, after the recitation of the shema (Deut. 6:4-9) and further prayers, but before the teaching, which was usually based on what had been read from the Scriptures. The synagogue officials were those who had general oversight of the synagogue, including designating who would read from the Scriptures. Acts 13:16

The men of Israel is referring to the Jews and you who fear God were the Gentile proselytes who were present. Acts 13:17-19

17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and lifted up the people during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it. 18 And for a period of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And when He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land as an inheritance -- all of which took about 450 years.

The main theme of Paul’s sermon was the sovereignty of God – that God has been, and is, and will be in charge of everything for all time. Acts 13:20-22

20 After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And after He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, about whom He also said, bearing witness, ‘I HAVE FOUND DAVID, the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.’

Paul continued his history lesson on God’s providence in the life of their nation by contrasting Israel’s wrong king, Saul (given by God because it was what the people demanded), and its right king, David (appointed by God). God chose David because of his heart, not his perfection (1 Sam. 8:5; 15:28). David sinned many times, but he always made his way to the place of confession and repentance
(Ps. 32; 38; 51). Acts 13:23-25

23 From the seed of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24 after John had preached before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was fulfilling his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, one is coming after me of whom I am not worthy to untie the sandals of His feet.’

It was through the line and loins of David that the Messiah would come, and God superintended all the events preceding His arrival (Ps. 132:11), providing a Savior for the nation of Israel as well as for the Gentiles of the world. Acts 13:26

26 “Brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the word of this salvation was sent.

The word of this salvation probably refers to both Christ as the living Word of God (Jn. 1:14) bringing salvation to humankind and to the spoken word, or the message that Paul preached. Acts 13:27-29

27 For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning Him. 28 And though they found no ground for death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. 29 And when they had finished all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

Despite all the evidence Jesus provided regarding His identity, He was still rejected by those who had dedicated their lives to reading and understanding the OT. These rulers included the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and priests. Also note that the OT predicted the crucifixion of Christ on a cross (Ps. 22; Deut. 21), at a time when this particular form of execution was not even used. Acts 13:29-31

29 And when they had finished all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead; 31 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people.

Jesus’ burial in a tomb was also prophesied (Is. 53:9), yet victims of crucifixion were commonly tossed into mass graves. Acts 13:29-31. The climax of Paul’s message was the resurrection of Christ, the ultimate proof that Jesus is the Messiah, because it was God’s seal of approval on what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Acts 13:32-37

32 And we proclaim to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘YOU ARE MY SON; TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU.’ 34 But that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to corruption, He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY AND FAITHFUL LOVINGKINDESSES OF DAVID.’ 35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘YOU WILL NOT GIVE YOUR HOLY ONE OVER TO SEE CORRUPTION.’ 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid among his fathers and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised did not see corruption.
Acts 13:32-37

In these verses, Paul cites three OT passages foretelling how God would raise Christ from the grave. The order in which these prophecies are referenced is: Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; and Psalm 16:10. Acts 13:38

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

The resurrection confirmed what had been done on the cross to accomplish the forgiveness of sins and also provides hope for what is yet to come (Rom. 3:23-24). Acts 13:39

39 and that in Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things which you could not be justified from through the Law of Moses.

You cannot be justified through the Law of Moses. Only a person who kept the law perfectly could be saved by it, and no one has done that (Rom. 3:20-23) – except Jesus Christ. That is why Paul wrote that the law was the teacher that brings people to Christ.

[READ Gal. 3:11, 16, 24]

11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ.

24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor unto Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Acts 13:38-39

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and that in Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things which you could not be justified from through the Law of Moses.

The law demonstrates humanity’s failure to meet God’s standards. But the atoning death of Jesus completely satisfied the demands of God’s law, making forgiveness of all sins available to all who believe in Him. Only the forgiveness Christ offers can free people from their sins.
Acts 13:40-41

40 Therefore watch out, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you:

41 ‘LOOK, YOU SCOFFERS, AND MARVEL, AND PERISH;
FOR I AM ACCOMPLISHING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS,
A WORK WHICH YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE, THOUGH SOMEONE SHOULD RECOUNT IT TO YOU.’”

Paul concluded his sermon with a solemn warning about the cost of refusing to believe in the Son of God, with a quote from Habakkuk 5:1. Acts 13:42-43

In verse 43, the God-fearing proselytes were full converts to Judaism who had even been circumcised. Acts 13:42-43

One of the great temptations facing Jewish converts was to return to legalism. So, Paul encouraged them to continue in the grace of God. Those who are truly saved persevere and validate the reality of their salvation by their continuance in the grace of God. With such encouragement, Paul and Barnabas hoped to prevent those who were intellectually convinced of the truths of the gospel from stopping short of saving faith by reverting to legalism rather than embracing Christ completely. This is a recurring theme in Paul’s epistles, particularly to the Colossians and Galatians. Acts 13:44-45

As in Jesus’ trial, envy was the primary motivation behind the Jews’ attack on Paul; and contradicting and blaspheming was their method to make the crowd disbelieve him.
Acts 13:46-47

46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us,

‘I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES,
THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.’”

In verse 46, to you first means the Jews. God offered the plan of salvation to the Jews first. Although the thrust of Paul’s ministry was to the Gentiles, he had a desire to see the Jews saved as well (Rom. 9:1-5). This is why he went to the synagogues first in many of the new cities he visited. Acts 13:46-47. We are turning to the Gentiles, because the Jews rejected the gospel. But God never planned for salvation to be an exclusive possession of the Jews, thus the quote from Isaiah 49:6 in verse 47. Acts 13:48-49

First, look at the positive response to the gospel by the Gentiles. They received the word gladly, many of them believed, and the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. Acts 13:48-49

Then, in verse 48 notice the words appointed to eternal life. This is one of Scripture’s clearest statements on the sovereignty of God in salvation. God chooses man for salvation, not the opposite (see Jn. 6:65; Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 2 Thes. 2:13). As we saw in our recent study of James 2 and Ephesians 2, faith itself is a gift from God. Acts 13:50-51

50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, they went to Iconium.

In verse 50 we see that the Jews of Antioch persecuted Paul and Barnabas and kicked them out of town. Barnabas and Paul’s response to this, in verse 51, was they shook the dust off their feet. The Jews’ antagonism toward the Gentiles extended to their unwillingness to even bring Gentile dust into Israel. The symbolism of Paul and Barnabas’ act is clear; they considered the Jews at Antioch no better than the heathen. There could have been no stronger human condemnation than this. Acts 13:52

52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

One characteristic of these early church plants, especially in the aftermath of Paul’s preaching, was great joy among the believers. Those who were filled with the Holy Spirit were also filled with joy – a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) – even amid trials and persecution.

III. APPLICATION

The experiences of Paul and Barnabas as they preached and shared the gospel are a good model for us as we do the same. As we share the gospel with others,

(1) we should seek to be faithful to the truths of the Bible,

(2) be bold in our proclamation of the gospel, and

(3) expect that some will receive the message while others ignore or seek to suppress the message.

We must proclaim the gospel despite the response of others, even expecting to face persecution for the sake of the gospel.

THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY -- Part 2 - Study Guide

THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY -- Part 2

Answers (Lesson 160-B) - Feb. 5, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

INTRODUCTION: God chose Paul to preach the gospel to the nations through three remarkable missionary journeys. He was accompanied by other apostles as he traveled. Barnabas accompanied him on the first journey. They sailed to Cyprus, where Paul preached in Salamis and Paphos, and continued by boat to Perga in Pamphylia.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

The first century was much different from our time and culture.

* Travel took much longer, since it was all done on foot, on a donkey, or by boat.

* A total of 63,000 miles of paved roads extended across the Roman Empire, connecting centers of government, culture, and power.

* Travel was still tiresome. Everything had to be carried. The average person would walk 3 mi./hr., 7 hrs. a day, 20 mi. per day.

* Travel was most difficult during winter and spring due to the weather.
When in remote areas, travelers faced many dangers:

(1) From robbers.

(2) From wild animals (see 2 Cor. 11:25-26).

Now back to Acts 13, and let’s look at how the journey continued …

II. ACCEPTED, THEN ATTACKED IN ANTIOCH (Acts 13:14-52)

Acts 13:14-52

This Antioch is not to be confused with Antioch of Syria. Antioch of Syria was the location of the first Gentile church, that sent out Paul and Barnabas. It was located near the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Pisidian Antioch is in the interior of Asia Minor. To reach the city, travelers had to traverse a rugged mountain range some 3,600 feet above sea level. The city was a strategically located outpost of Rome.

In verses 14-15, we get some insight into the liturgy of the synagogue. After the recitation of the shema (Deut. 6:4-9) and further prayers, but before the teaching, which was usually based on what had been read from the Scriptures. The synagogue officials were those who had general oversight of the synagogue, including designating who would read from the Scriptures.

In verse 16, the men of Israel is referring to the Jews and you who fear God were the Gentile proselytes who were present.

As we see in Acts 13:17-19, the main theme of Paul’s sermon was the sovereignty of God – that God has been, and is, and will be in charge of everything for all time.

Paul continued his history lesson on God’s providence in verses 20-22, by contrasting Israel’s wrong king, Saul (given by God because it was what the people demanded), and its right king, David (appointed by God). God chose David because of his heart, not his perfection (1 Sam. 8:5; 15:28). David sinned many times, but he always made his way to the place of confession and repentance (Ps. 32; 38; 51).

According to verses 23-25, It was through the line and loins of David that the Messiah would come, and God super-intended all the events preceding His arrival (Ps. 132:11), providing a Savior for the nation of Israel as well as for the Gentiles of the world.

In verse 26, the word of this salvation probably refers to both Christ as the living Word of God (Jn. 1:14) bringing salvation to humankind and to the spoken word, or the message that Paul preached.

The sermon continues in verses 27-29, proving that despite all the evidence Jesus provided regarding His identity, He was still rejected by those who had dedicated their lives to reading and understanding the OT. These rulers included the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and priests. Also note that the OT predicted the crucifixion of Christ on a cross (Ps. 22; Deut. 21), at a time when this particular form of execution was not even used.

As he continues discussing the crucifixion of Christ, in verses 29-31 Paul mentions Jesus’ burial in a tomb. This was also prophesied (Isa. 53:9), yet victims of crucifixion were commonly tossed into mass graves.

The climax of Paul’s message was the resurrection of Christ, the ultimate proof that Jesus is the Messiah, because it was God’s seal of approval on what Jesus accomplished on the cross. As we move into verses 32-37, Paul cites three OT passages foretelling how God would raise Christ from the grave. The order in which these prophecies are referenced is: Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; and Psalm 16:10.

Verse 38 shows us that the resurrection confirmed what had been done on the cross to accomplish the forgiveness of sins and also provides hope for what is yet to come (Rom. 3:23-24).

Verse 39 makes it clear that you cannot be justified through the Law of Moses. Only a person who kept the law perfectly could be saved by it, and no one has done that (Rom. 3:20-23) – except Jesus Christ. That is why Paul wrote that the law was the teacher that brings people to Christ.

Galatians 3:11, 16, 24

In Acts 13:38-39, Paul explains that the law demonstrates humanity’s failure to meet God’s standards. But the atoning death of Jesus completely satisfied the demands of God’s law, making forgiveness of all sins available to all who believe in Him. Only the forgiveness Christ offers can free people from their sins.

Paul concludes his sermon in verses 40-41 with a solemn warning about the cost of refusing to believe in the Son of God, with a quote from Habakkuk 5:1.

Through the week until the next Sabbath, we learn from verses 42-43, that Paul and Barnabas encouraged the believers to continue in the grace of God. Those who are truly saved persevere and validate the reality of their salvation by their continuance in the grace of God. With such encouragement, Paul and Barnabas hoped to prevent those who were intellectually convinced of the truths of the gospel from stopping short of saving faith by reverting to legalism rather than embracing Christ completely. This is a recurring theme in Paul’s epistles, particularly to the Colossians and Galatians.

In verses 44-45, we find there was a huge turnout the next Sabbath. Here we also see a negative response from the Jews. As in Jesus’ trial, envy was the primary motivation behind the Jews’ attack on Paul; and contradicting and

blaspheming was their method to make the crowd disbelieve him.

There are a couple of things I wish to point out in verses 46-47. In verse 46, to you first means to the Jews. God offered the plan of salvation to the Jews first. Although the thrust of Paul’s ministry was to the Gentiles, he had a desire to see the Jews saved as well (Rom. 9:1-5). This is why he went to the synagogues first in many of the new cities he visited. Paul announced, we are turning to the Gentiles, because the Jews rejected the gospel. But God never planned for salvation to be an exclusive possession of the Jews, thus the quote from Isaiah 49:6 in verse 47.

In verses 48-49, I first want you to notice the positive response to the gospel by the Gentiles. They received the word gladly, many of them believed, and the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. Then, in verse 48 notice the words appointed to eternal life. This is one of Scripture’s clearest statements on the sovereignty of God in salvation. God chooses man for salvation, not the opposite (see Jn. 6:65; Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 2 Thes. 2:13). As we saw in our recent study of James 2 and Ephesians 2, faith itself is a gift from God.

We end this segment of the journey with verse 52. Here we find that one characteristic of these early church plants, especially in the aftermath of Paul’s preaching, was great joy among the believers. Those who were filled with the Holy Spirit were also filled with joy – a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) – even amid trials and persecution.

III. APPLICATION

As we share the gospel with others …

1) We should seek to be faithful to the truths of the Bible.

2) We should be bold in our proclamation of the gospel.

3) We should expect that some will receive the message while others ignore or seek to suppress the message.

We must proclaim the gospel despite the response of others, even expecting to face persecution for the sake of the gospel.

JAMES TEACHES ON FAITH - Pt. 2

JAMES TEACHES ON FAITH

Text: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

Introduction: One of the beautiful truths of Scripture is the truth that we are justified by faith alone, not by works (Eph. 2:1-10). However, James states, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (Jas. 2:24).

On Sunday, we spent our study time reconciling this apparent discrepancy. Let me take a couple of minutes to refresh your minds about what we have learned.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

First, keep in mind that the Bible is the inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). We have received the Bible – as the very Word of God (1 Thes. 2:13), free from error and contradiction. We must also realize that we are finite creatures; we are sinful; we are culturally biased. And language itself can confuse us because different words can often carry the same meaning, while sometimes the same word can carry different meanings. Plus, we are removed from the historical setting of Scripture, as well as from its cultural context and language.

Therefore, when we come to apparently contradictory texts, we must (1) be humble enough to realize that we may not understand God’s Word completely, given these deficiencies I’ve just mentioned; and (2) we must do our best to interpret God’s Word within the context of the whole of Scripture. Since God’s Word cannot contradict itself, there must be a resolution between Paul and James.

The resolution is not difficult once we understand the context. Paul was speaking against the Judaizers, a group of Jewish Christians in the early church who held that circumcision and the observance of the Mosaic Law were necessary for salvation. Paul wanted to make it clear that there are no works that we can do to commend ourselves to God. We are not saved by rituals or any works of our own but by faith alone in Christ and His work on our behalf. James on the other hand, was responding to those who were abusing the doctrine of justification by faith alone by saying that it doesn’t matter how a believer lives.

Paul teaches that works are unnecessary; James teaches that works are essential. But, when understood in context, Paul and James are saying the same thing. The apparent contradiction is solved when we realize that Paul was speaking of those good works that an unsaved person tries to do in order to win God’s favor or work his way into heaven. James was referring to those good works that a saved person performs, which give evidence of a real, living, saving faith.

James does not teach that good works are necessary in order to gain salvation, and Paul never teaches that good works are unnecessary after a person is saved. On the contrary, Paul agreed with James that for the person justified by faith, good works are essential. Let’s look a few of the Scriptural incidents where this occurs.

[READ Phil. 2:12-13]

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

[READ Titus 3:5-8]

5 He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be intent to lead in good works. These things are good and profitable for men.

[READ Eph. 2:8-10]

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Likewise, James agreed with Paul that the only condition for inheriting the kingdom is faith and faith alone.

[READ Jas. 2:5]

5 Listen, my beloved brothers: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Also, at the Jerusalem Council we’re told about in Acts 15, James never expressed disagreement over Paul’s teaching that salvation was by faith and not by the works of the law.
We can thank God that we are saved by grace through faith and not by our own works or righteous deeds. But it is also true that saving faith will manifest itself in works. As is sometimes said, “We are saved by faith alone, but true faith is never alone.”

II. FRUIT INSPECTORS

So how can we know if someone who claims to have faith is indeed righteous in the eyes of God? The Bible uses the metaphor of fruit to teach about the works a person demonstrates and the condition of his heart. We’re going to look at several passages that use the analogy of bearing fruit and demonstrating good works. As we read each passage, let’s try to come up with a short description about the connection between fruit and works.

[READ Mt. 3:7-10]

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; 9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 10 And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

* What connection is explained here in Matthew 3:7-10? John the Baptist was telling the Jewish leaders that if they had truly repented, their actions would demonstrate that repentance – their good fruit would be a sign that they were healthy trees.

[READ Mt. 7:15-20]

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.

* What contrast is used by Jesus in these verses? Just as thorn bushes can’t bear grapes, neither can false teachers speak truth and act in righteousness. A bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

[READ Jn. 15:5-8]

5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

* What does Jesus say is the key to bearing fruit? Those who abide in Christ bear much fruit. Those who do not abide cannot bear fruit and are cut off and burned.

[READ Gal. 5:19-26]

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become those with vain glory, challenging one another, envying one another.

* What are the works of the flesh contrasted with in this passage? The works of the flesh (listed in 19-21) are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit (listed in 22-23). Those who are alive in the Spirit should walk in the Spirit, bearing those fruits in their lives.

In light of these passages, we might think of ourselves as fruit inspectors. We can recognize false teachers by the false words they speak and the false words they perform. We can examine our own fruit to recognize when we are not abiding in Christ and obeying His commands. And we can encourage one another to bear fruit as we walk in the Spirit.

There is a common theme of judgment in these passages, as well, a stark reminder to us of the justice of God who must punish those who are disobedient and refuse to abide in Christ. While that ultimate act of judgment is God’s prerogative, we are called to judge the fruit of others with a righteous judgment, recognizing that we often fall short of God’s standard of perfection ourselves (Jn. 7:24; Mt. 7:1-5). As we inspect these fruits, let’s do it with grace and truth as our Savior modeled for us.

III. APPLICATION

* As you relate to unbelievers, you will find that many have the idea that they have to clean themselves up before they can approach God for forgiveness. Others might think that they can do good to make up for the bad, and that will make them acceptable to God. How can you use the passages we’ve looked at this week to help them understand the truth? Open your Bible with these people and show them that Scripture teaches that we cannot earn our salvation and that we come to God in our sin, repenting and trusting that He will forgive us because of what Jesus did for us, not what we can do for ourselves. This is a very common attitude and one that we should be prepared to counter with biblical truth, trusting the Spirit to use those truths to bring regeneration.

* Do you ever find yourself trying to get on God’s good side by doing good things after you’ve done bad things? What does this attitude demonstrate about your understanding of salvation by grace alone? Since our salvation and position in Christ is secure and based on His work on our behalf, we need only to seek forgiveness when we sin, trusting that we are forgiven in Christ (1 Jn. 1:8-9). Doing good works does not make up for bad works. When we sin and think we have to make up for it, we are forgetting that all of our sins (past present, and future) are forgiven in Christ, no by our own penitent acts. This is a common thought in religions like Roman Catholicism, Islam, Mormonism, Buddhism, etc., but it is not a biblical idea and cheapens the work of Christ on our behalf.

JAMES TEACHES ON FAITH -- Part 2 - Study Guide

JAMES TEACHES ON FAITH -- Part 2

Answers (Lesson 159) - Jan. 29, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: On Sunday, we spent our study time reconciling this apparent discrepancy. Let me take a couple of minutes to refresh your minds about what we have learned.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

* The Bible is the inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). We have received the Bible as the very Word of God (1 Thes. 2:13), free from error and contradiction.

* We must realize that we are finite creatures; we are sinful and culturally biased.

* Language itself can confuse us because different words can often carry the same meaning, while sometimes the same word can carry different meanings.

* We are removed from the historical setting of Scripture, as well as from its cultural context and language.

When we come to apparently contradictory texts, we must:

1) Be humble enough to realize that we may not understand God’s Word completely, given these deficiencies I’ve just mentioned.

2) We must do our best to interpret God’s Word within the context of the whole of Scripture.

Philippians 2:12-13

Titus 3:5-8

Ephesians 2:8-10

James agreed with Paul that the only condition for inheriting the kingdom is faith and faith alone.

James 2:5

At the Jerusalem Council (in Acts 15), James never expressed disagreement over Paul’s teaching that salvation was by faith and not by the works of the law.

We can thank God that we are saved by grace through faith and not by our own works or righteous deeds. But it is also true that saving faith will manifest itself in works.

II. FRUIT INSPECTORS

The Bible uses the metaphor of fruit to teach about the works a person demonstrates and the condition of his heart. We’re going to look at several passages that use the analogy of bearing fruit and demonstrating good works.

Matthew 3:7-10

John the Baptist was telling the Jewish leaders that if they had truly repented, their actions would demonstrate that repentance

Matthew 7:15-20

Just as thorn bushes can’t bear grapes, neither can false teachers speak truth and act in righteousness. A bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

John 15:5-8

Jesus says those who abide in Him will bear much fruit. Those who do not abide cannot bear fruit and are cut off and burned.

Galatians 5:19-26

The works of the flesh (listed in 19-21) are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit (listed in 22-23). Those who are alive in the Spirit should walk in the Spirit, bearing those fruits in their lives.

III. APPLICATION

As you relate to unbelievers, you will find that many have the idea that they have to clean themselves up before they can approach God for forgiveness. Others might think that they can do good to make up for the bad, and that will make them acceptable to God. How can you help them understand the truth? Open your Bible and show them that Scripture teaches that we cannot earn our salvation, and that we come to God in our sin, repenting and trusting that He will forgive us because of what Jesus did for us, not what we can do for ourselves.

Do you ever find yourself trying to get on God’s good side by doing good things after you’ve done bad things? What does this attitude demonstrate about your understanding of salvation by grace alone? Since our salvation and position in Christ is secure and based on His work on our behalf, we need only to seek forgiveness when we sin, trusting that we are forgiven in Christ (1 Jn. 1:8-9). Doing good works does not make up for bad works. When we sin and think we have to make up for it, we are forgetting that all of our sins (past present, and future) are forgiven in Christ, not by our own penitent acts.

This is a common thought in religions like Roman Catholicism, Islam, Mormonism, Buddhism, etc., but it is not a biblical idea and cheapens the work of Christ on our behalf.
Considering all of the circumstances and people involved in

CHRISTIANS SCATTERED – GOSPEL SPREADS (Part 2)

CHRISTIANS SCATTERED – GOSPEL SPREADS
(Part 2)

Text: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

Introduction: The early Christians were suffering severe persecution – even to death. They ran for their lives from their persecutors. But God was working. What the believers were experiencing would actually further the spread of the gospel and grow the church, not only into Judea and Samaria, as mentioned in Acts 8:1, but also beyond to the Gentiles as we see in Acts 11:19-21.

[READ Acts 11:19-21]

19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.

Persecution is real. In God’s goodness and sovereignty, He ordains persecution and uses it to grow His church and fulfill the great commission. It started in the first century, when the Christians were scattered and went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:1). And it continues today.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

God used the persecution of these early believers to get them to leave the comfort of their homes and the blessing of a thriving fellowship as they sought to avoid imprisonment, torture, and often death. As they fled, their faith was strengthened, and the truth of Jesus Christ went with them as they journeyed to distant lands. In this, God’s plan to preach the gospel to all nations was being carried out. The truth spread first into Judea and Samaria and, by the third century, had extended into what we know today as Western Europe, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Southwest Asia, Central Asia, and India.

Church history tells us of the journeys of the apostles and other church leaders as they endeavored to fulfill Jesus’ great commission. James, the brother of John, may have traveled to Spain and established churches there before returning to Jerusalem. Thomas is said to have traveled to India with the gospel. In fact, the churches of western India trace their origins to Thomas and refer to themselves as the Thomas Church. Thaddaeus is said to have ministered in Armenia. And others traveled far and wide with the life-giving gospel – all prompted by the persecution experienced in the first century.

Whenever persecution has come and God’s people have been scattered, the gospel has gone with them. In fact, it has been said that ease and comfort are enemies of the gospel more than need and persecution. We are witnessing this in our culture today as churches focus more on how large they can become and what innovative technology they can use to attract the culture, seeming to care less bout take the saving message of the true gospel to those who need so desperately to hear it.

Often comfort, ease, affluence, and prosperity cause terrible apathy in the church. Material blessings that should produce more personnel, more energy, and more funds for the cause of Christ and His kingdom often produce the exact opposite – weakness, indifference, laziness, self-centeredness, and preoccupation with security. The Bible has much to say about loving the world (1 Jn. 2:15) and building up for ourselves treasures on earth (Mt. 6:19). We are warned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils.”

Some might say we are too comfortable and too wealthy to understand the urgency of the gospel. Let’s examine our own hearts and ask ourselves some penetrating questions: Is the prosperity of our culture and our churches furthering the cause of Christ, or is it a hindrance to self-sacrifice in taking the gospel to other lands? How does our personal giving to missions and to the church compare with the rest of our spending? Does it reflect Christ’s command to preach the gospel to all nations? Are we prepared to suffer for Christ in order to grow His church?

II. PROVIDENTIAL OUTCOMES

As we see in the book of Acts, God providentially directs the events of man in a way that brings about His purposes on the earth. Sometimes those events are desirable, but God also uses what the Puritans called “bitter providences” to work His plans in the world. While we often think of Romans 8:28-30 as a passage that talks of overcoming personal trials, there is a much broader application to consider.

[READ Rom. 8:28-30]

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29 Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

* When we consider the persecution of the early church in Jerusalem, how do these principles in Romans 8:28-30 apply to what was happening?
There are two basic applications. First, God uses those things that seem bad to us to bring about good things in the end. The goal is the sanctification of those God is calling to Himself. God intends to make them more like Jesus, and He may use persecution to do so. Second, there must be a hearing of the gospel message (the call) so that those who are predestined can respond to the call. The persecution of the church in Jerusalem caused them to spread so that they could go “about preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). Those in the surrounding areas were able to hear the gospel as a result of the persecution.

Next, let’s consider these principles in light of Joseph’s words.

[READ Gen. 50:20]

20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to do what has happened on this day, to keep many people alive.

* How do Joseph’s words relate to our discussion? Joseph’s brothers had intended to harm Jospeh by selling him, but God orchestrated the events to bring about good by saving the lives of many from the famine, including the children of Israel who would later inherit the promised land. If this had not happened, the Messiah could not have been born of the tribe of Judah. In the same manner, the persecution from the evil Jews in Jerusalem was used by God to spread the message of the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Ethiopia) just as Jesus had directed them.

Now, let’s think about how the spread of the gospel through persecution connects to the Words of Jesus.

[READ Jn. 10:16]

16 And I have other sheep, which are not from this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

* What did Jesus mean? He knew that there would be many who would respond to the gospel outside of the Jews (“this fold”), who would be unified under the one Shepherd who died for all of them. These sheep from other folds would respond to His voice when they heard the call of the gospel.

[READ Jn. 10:25-30]

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish -- ever; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One.”

* As you consider all of the circumstances and all of the people involved in the different aspects of the spreading of the gospel in the early part of Acts, how does this help you to understand the sovereignty and wisdom of God? It may be helpful to consider how little control we have over the situations we try to direct in our own lives. Think about trying to direct a family of four with all of its variables, for example. We can’t actually consider ourselves as having control to direct things to ends we would like to see. Yet God can direct the interactions of billions of people and their circumstances to bring about the ends He intends – all according to the counsel of His will. God is awesome in His wisdom and sovereignty! Amen?

It is important for us to remember that God works all things according to the counsel of His will. Even through trials and persecutions, He is working out His plans, bringing about the ends He intends. For those of us who are in Christ and called according to His purpose, we can have absolute confidence that our all-knowing, all-powerful, all-wise God can bring about our ultimate glorification even though it may mean we personally face some bitterness in His providence.

III. APPLICATION

* Many people today believe that the gospel cannot be preached unless you first build friendships with people. How do the accounts of Philip we’ve been studying this week show this to be a false idea? While there is certainly nothing wrong with building relationships with the hope of sharing the gospel, it sometimes leads people to procrastinate in doing so. These accounts show that the proclamation, both publicly and personally, of the gospel is an appropriate method. Philip was able to interact with the Ethiopian with just a simple question, opening the door for sharing the truth. There are many people who believe in God, as they eunuch did, but have not had the gospel explained to them. We have the privilege and responsibility of carrying out that task.

CHRISTIANS SCATTERED – THE GOSPEL SPREADS -- Part 2 - Study Guide

CHRISTIANS SCATTERED – THE GOSPEL SPREADS -- Part 2

Answers (Lesson 156) - Dec. 11, 2024 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: The early Christians were suffering severe persecution – even to death. They ran for their lives from their persecutors. But God was working. What the believers were experiencing would actually further the spread of the gospel and grow the church, not only into Judea and Samaria, as mentioned in Acts 8:1, but also beyond to the Gentiles as we see in Acts 11:19-21.

Acts 11:19-21

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Some might say that in America today, we are too comfortable and too wealthy to understand the urgency of the gospel. Let’s examine our own hearts and ask ourselves some penetrating questions: Is the prosperity of our culture and our churches furthering the cause of Christ, or is it a hindrance to self-sacrifice in taking the gospel to other lands? How does our personal giving to missions and to the church compare with the rest of our spending? Does it reflect Christ’s command to preach the gospel to all nations? Are we prepared to suffer for Christ in order to grow His church?

II. PROVIDENTIAL OUTCOMES

Romans 8:28-30

Considering the persecution of the early church in Jerusalem, there are two basic applications of the principles found in Romans 8:28-30. apply to what was First, God uses the things that seem bad to us to bring about good things in the end. The goal is the sanctification of those God is calling to Himself. God intends to make them more like Jesus, and He may use persecution to do so. Second, there must be a hearing of the gospel message (the call) so that those who are predestined can respond to the call. The persecution of the church in Jerusalem caused them to spread so that they could go “about preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). Those in the surrounding areas were able to hear the gospel as a result of the persecution.

Genesis 50:20

Joseph’s words relate to our discussion in that Joseph’s brothers had intended to harm Jospeh by selling him, but God orchestrated the events to bring about good by saving the lives of many from the famine, including the children of Israel who would later inherit the promised land. If this had not happened, the Messiah could not have been born of the tribe of Judah. In the same manner, the persecution from the evil Jews in Jerusalem was used by God to spread the message of the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Ethiopia) just as Jesus had directed them.

Now, let’s think about how the spread of the gospel through persecution connects to the Words of Jesus.

John 10:16

Jesus knew there would be many who would respond to the gospel outside of the Jews (“this fold”), who would be unified under the one Shepherd who died for all of them. These sheep from other folds would respond to His voice when they heard the call of the gospel.

John 10:25-30

Considering all of the circumstances and people involved in the different aspects of the spreading of the gospel in the early part of Acts, should help us better understand the sovereignty and wisdom of God. Consider how little control we have over the situations we try to direct in our own lives. Think about trying to direct a family of four with all of its variables, for example. We can’t actually consider ourselves as having control to direct things to ends we would like to see. Yet God can direct the interactions of billions of people and their circumstances to bring about the ends He intends – all according to the counsel of His will. God is awesome in His wisdom and sovereignty!

For those of us who are in Christ and called according to His purpose, we can have absolute confidence that our all-knowing, all-powerful, all-wise God can bring about our ultimate glorification even though it may mean we personally face some bitterness in His providence.

III. APPLICATION

Many people today believe that the gospel cannot be preached unless you first build friendships with people. How do the accounts of Philip we’ve been studying this week show this to be a false idea? While there is certainly nothing wrong with building relationships with the hope of sharing the gospel, it sometimes leads people to procrastinate in doing so. These accounts show that the proclamation, both publicly and personally, of the gospel is an appropriate method. Philip was able to interact with the Ethiopian with just a simple question, opening the door for sharing the truth. There are many people who believe in God, as they eunuch did, but have not had the gospel explained to them. We have the privilege and responsibility of carrying out that task.

PERSECUTED FOR THE GOSPEL’S SAKE (Part 2)

PERSECUTED FOR THE GOSPEL’S SAKE
(Part 2)

Text: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

Introduction: On Sunday, we were learning about some of the persecution faced by the early church. This persecution would only continue to grow worse. But despite beatings and imprisonment, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40-41).

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

The history of the church is one of persecution and martyrdom. It has been customary for church historians to count 11 Roman emperors responsible for periods of severe persecution in the early church, beginning with the persecution under Emperor Nero in AD 54 and ending with Emperor Diocletian in AD 305. Christians were thrown to the lions, forced into gladiatorial battles, burned alive, and crucified. In fact, all of the original apostles, except John died unnatural deaths because of their faith. And John died while exiled to the island of Patmos. In the second century, one Christian apologist wrote the following:

“Though beheaded, and crucified, and thrown to wild beasts, and chains, and fire, and all other kinds of torture, we do not give up our confession; but the more such things happen, the more do others in larger numbers become faithful.” (Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho).

While we may be tempted to think that severe persecution is a thing of the past, the reality is that more Christians died for their faith in the twentieth century than in all of the previous centuries combined. By some counts, around 100,000 Christians are martyred for their faith each year, and there are currently over 100 million Christians being persecuted worldwide.

Indeed, the history of the church demonstrates triumph in the face of persecution and martyrdom. In many places around the world, as the persecution increased, the church grew. For example, under Chairman Mao and Chinese professing Christians in China grew from 1.5 million in 1970 to 65 million in just 20 years, even though foreign missionaries were severely restricted.

When we survey the Bible, we quickly see that persecution is a stark reality of the Christian life. The apostle Paul warned Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). Jesus told His disciples to expect persecution from the world. If they persecuted Him, they would persecute His followers (Jn. 15:18-20). Since the world is driven by the love of sin and self, it is no wonder they hate Christians who are called to be different and separate from the world. It is this very separation from the world and the world system that provokes hatred toward us.

As Christians, we must learn to recognize the spiritual value persecution offers and even to rejoice in it. Peter wrote that the church should not be surprised to come upon trials but should rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings. And, when the time comes for His glory to be revealed, those who suffered for His sake may also rejoice (1 Pet. 4:12-13). James instructed us to count it all joy when we meet trials, knowing that the texting of our faith produces steadfastness and maturity (Jas. 1:2-4). Jesus said that His followers would be blessed when people insult and persecute them and that we should rejoice at persecution, for our reward will be great in heaven (Mt. 5:11-12).

II. FACING PERSECUTION

I’ve already referenced it, but let’s look more carefully at 2 Timothy 3:10-13 in context.

[READ 2 Tim. 3:10-13]

10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

So, what about you? Do you pray for boldness? Are you ready to face a judge for the charge of preaching in the name of Jesus? Would that ever happen to you? Could someone in our country ever be called before a judge for preaching the gospel in public? These are some of the questions I want us to consider today.

[READ 1 Pet. 3:14-17, 4:12-16; Jn. 15:18-25]

1 Pet. 3:14-17 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
1 Pet. 4:12-16 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
Jn. 15:18-25 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 The one who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But this has happened so that the word that is written in their Law will be fulfilled: ‘THEY HATED ME FOR NO REASON.’

* How are you facing persecution based on what you found in these passages? Discuss various answers.

* If you are not currently facing persecution, does that necessarily mean that you are not living a life of godliness? Based on our particular cultural contexts, we may not face a lot of personal persecution. The amount of persecution we face will be shaped by many factors, only one of which is our faith in Christ and its expression. However, it is important to analyze our own hearts on this matter to be sure that we are not shrinking back from living out our faith and speaking of the hope of salvation found in Christ alone, asking God for boldness to speak in the name of Jesus. While the persecution that we face in our country may seem minor compared to what Christians in other times and places faced or dace, God has placed us in this place at this time according to His good pleasure (Acts 17:26), and we should not feel like we are sub-par Christians because no one is shooting at us.

* What is the difference between being persecuted for our beliefs and expressions of our faith before others and being persecuted for our attitude before others? It is a blessing to be persecuted for the name of Christ and righteousness’ sake, not for being obnoxious. We should be speaking the truth in love and sharing the hope that we have in Christ with gentleness and respect, but doing so boldly, knowing that the gospel is the power of God to salvation.

* How do your own attitudes about persecution compare to what is expressed in these passages? Discuss various answers. Let me offer encouragement to those who are fearful, but caution to those who are too sure of themselves.

* If persecution comes, do you believe you will be prepared to respond to it in a way that honors Christ? As we read about terrible forms of persecution faced by Christians around the world, it should encourage us to be praying for them and remind us that God’s grace is available to us when we need it, not before we need it. We can be preparing our own hearts for persecution by praying for others and acknowledging that God may send those trials our way at any time.

It is important for us to remember that we are called to take up our crosses daily to follow Jesus. If the world hated Jesus, and we are to be walking through this life in a way that people would look at us and see Him, then we should expect the world to hate us as well.

Let me close with Jesus’ own words from Matthew 5:10:

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

PERSECUTED FOR THE GOSPEL’S SAKE -- Part 2 - Study Supplement

PERSECUTED FOR THE GOSPEL’S SAKE -- Part 2
Answers (Lesson 155) - Dec. 4, 2024 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: On Sunday, we were learning about some of the persecution faced by the early church. This persecution would only continue to grow worse. But despite beatings and imprisonment, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40-41).

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

It has been customary for church historians to count 10 major periods of severe persecution in the early church, beginning with the persecution under Emperor Nero in AD 64 and ending with Emperor Diocletian in AD 305.

The history of the church demonstrates triumph in the face of persecution and martyrdom. In many places around the world, as the persecution increased, the church grew.

II. FACING PERSECUTION

2 Timothy 3:10-13

Do you pray for boldness? Are you ready to face a judge for the charge of preaching in the name of Jesus? Would that ever happen to you? Could someone in our country ever be called before a judge for preaching the gospel in public?

1 Peter 3:14-17, 4:12-16; John 15:18-25

Based on our particular cultural contexts, we may not face a lot of personal persecution. The amount of persecution we face will be shaped by many factors, only one of which is our faith in Christ and its expression. However, it is important to analyze our own hearts on this matter to be sure that we are not shrinking back from living out our faith and speaking of the hope of salvation found in Christ alone, asking God for boldness to speak in the name of Jesus. While the persecution that we face in our country may seem minor compared to what Christians in other times and places faced or dace, God has placed us in this place at this time according to His good pleasure (Acts 17:26), and we should not feel like we are sub-par Christians because no one is shooting at us.

It is a blessing to be persecuted for the name of Christ and righteousness’ sake, not for being obnoxious. We should be speaking the truth in love and sharing the hope that we have in Christ with gentleness and respect, but doing so boldly, knowing that the gospel is the power of God to salvation.

As we read about terrible forms of persecution faced by Christians around the world, it should encourage us to be praying for them and remind us that God’s grace is available to us when we need it, not before we need it. We can be preparing our own hearts for persecution by praying for others and acknowledging that God may send those trials our way at any time.

Matthew 5:10

THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 2)

THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
(Part 2)

Text: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

Introduction: It had been prophesied by the prophet Joel that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

[READ Joel 2:28-32]

28 “It will come about after this
That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will have dreams,
Your young men will see visions.
29 And even on the male and female servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
30 I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth,
Blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
31 The sun will be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.
32 And it will come about that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
Will be saved;
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
There will be those who escape,
Just as the Lord has said,
Even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.

The future ministry of the disciples depended on them receiving the Holy Spirit and relying on His power (Acts 1:8-9). Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit of truth, the Helper, would abide with them forever. This Spirit, who had dwelt with them, would now be in them (Jn. 14:16-17).

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Jesus promised that His disciples, those who trusted in Him as Savior and Lord, would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

[READ Acts 1:4-5]

4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

In the same way, all believers at the moment of salvation are baptized in the Spirit. When we believe, we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

[READ Eph. 1:13-14]

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation -- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

This baptism of the Spirit is a one-time event.

[READ 1 Cor. 12:13]

13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

The New Testament does not command believers to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is not an experience we are to seek, but rather it is God’s action performed on the believer at the moment of regeneration. Believers are, however, commanded to be filled with the Spirit, which means to be controlled by the Spirit.

[READ Eph. 5:18]

18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit ….

To be filled with the Spirit involves confessing all known sin and dying to self. As we walk in the Spirit, we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

[READ Gal. 5:16-23]

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The fruit of the Spirit will show itself clearly as we live a life pleasing to God.

[READ Col. 1:10]

10 So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

We will also be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), and in a right relationship with those around us (Col. 3:16 - 4:1).

It is staggering to see God’s providence at work throughout the Bible, and Pentecost is no exception. God had providentially ordained that it would be during Pentecost, when men from many countries were present, that the Holy Spirit would descend from heaven. Acts 2 mentions Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, and Rome. This list of nations recorded in Acts reminds us of the list of nations in Genesis 10 at the tower of Babel. At Babel, God confused the language and dispersed the people around the world as judgment for their foolish pride. Now, at Pentecost, God reversed the confusion experienced at Babel with the miracle of speaking in tongues. Now people of all languages could understand! And God’s purpose that the gospel be spread to all nations was launched way beyond the borders of Jerusalem to many nations as the men in Jerusalem that day returned to their homes.

II. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT
If you are in Christ, you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers us to do many things, but we might not recognize all the things that Scripture teaches about the Spirit’s work in our lives.

[READ Eph. 1:13-14]

The Holy Spirit seals us as the guarantee that God will raise us to new life in heaven to His glory.

[READ Gal. 5:22-26]

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. 26 Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of righteousness in us, allowing us to walk in His power so that we do not fulfill the passions of our flesh.

[READ Jn. 14:15-18]

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; 17 the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

The Holy Spirit abides in us to help us obey Christ and be in fellowship with God.

[READ 1 Cor. 2:10-16]

10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
14 But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds to the spiritual truths that we were formerly dead to, helping us discern truth from error.

[READ 1 Cor. 12:4-11]

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer that he or she uses in serving the body.

[READ Rom. 8:12-17]

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh -- 13 for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

The Holy Spirit empowers and leads us to avoid the sins of the flesh and assures us of our adoption as children of God.

This is just a sample of all the Holy Spirit does! God the Holy Spirit is dwelling in us, empowering us to do all that God has called us to do. I would encourage you to spend some more time this week looking through these additional passages to develop a deeper understanding of the Spirit’s work (see 1 Cor. 12; Acts 7:51, 13:2-4, 15:28, 20:28; 2 Tim. 1:14; Jn. 3:5-8, 14:26; Eph. 3:16, 4:3-4, 4:30, 5:18; Rom. 8:9-11, 8:26-27, 15:16).

III. APPLICATION

* As you consider the work of the Holy Spirit, how has your thinking changed from the time that you were first saved (or even before your salvation)? Discuss.

* On Pentecost, Peter preached in power before the crowd, boldly proclaiming the truth rather than denying Christ. What changed between the night of Jesus’ arrest, when Peter denied knowing Christ, and his preaching at Pentecost? First, Peter had seen the risen Savior and had been restored by Him. Second, Peter had also been empowered by the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Spirit is the major reason that Peter could boldly proclaim those truths and continue to spread the truth of the gospel in the face of much persecution.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT -- Part 2 - Study Guide

THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT -- Part 2

Answers (Lesson 154) - Nov. 20, 2024 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: Joel 2:28-32

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Jesus promised that His disciples, those who trusted in Him as Savior and Lord, would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:4-5

In the same way, all believers at the moment of salvation are baptized in the Spirit. When we believe, we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13-14

This baptism of the Spirit is a one-time event.

1 Corinthians 12:13

Ephesians 5:18

To be filled with the Spirit involves confessing all known sin and dying to self. As we walk in the Spirit, we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-23

The fruit of the Spirit will show itself clearly as we live a life pleasing to God.

Colossians 1:10

We will also be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), and in a right relationship with those around us (Col. 3:16 - 4:1).

Today, people from most every language can understand the gospel! God’s purpose that the gospel be spread to all nations was launched way beyond the borders of Jerusalem to many nations as the men in Jerusalem that day returned to their homes.

II. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT

If you are in Christ, you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers us to do many things, but we might not recognize all the things that Scripture teaches about the Spirit’s work in our lives.

Ephesians 1:13-14

The Holy Spirit seals us as the guarantee that God will raise us to new life in heaven to His glory.

Galatians 5:22-26

The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of righteousness in us, allowing us to walk in His power so that we do not fulfill the passions of our flesh.

John 14:15-18
The Holy Spirit abides in us to help us obey Christ and be in fellowship with God.

1 Corinthians 2:10-16

The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds to the spiritual truths that we were formerly dead to, helping us discern truth from error.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer that he or she uses in serving the body.

Romans 8:12-17

The Holy Spirit gives empowers and leads us to avoid the sins of the flesh and assures us of our adoption as children of God.

This is just a sample of all the Holy Spirit does! God the Holy Spirit is dwelling in us, empowering us to do all that God has called us to do.

Let me encourage you to spend some more time this week looking through these additional passages to develop a deeper understanding of the Spirit’s work (see 1 Cor. 12; Acts 7:51, 13:2-4, 15:28, 20:28; 2 Tim. 1:14; Jn. 3:5-8, 14:26; Eph. 3:16, 4:3-4, 4:30, 5:18; Rom. 8:9-11, 8:26-27, 15:16).

III. APPLICATION

As you consider the work of the Holy Spirit, how has your thinking changed from the time that you were first saved (or even before your salvation)?

On Pentecost, Peter preached in power before the crowd, boldly proclaiming the truth rather than denying Christ. What changed between the night of Jesus’ arrest, when Peter denied knowing Christ, and his preaching at Pentecost? First, Peter had seen the risen Savior and had been restored by Him. Second, Peter had also been empowered by the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Spirit is the major reason that Peter could boldly proclaim those truths and continue to spread the truth of the gospel in the face of much persecution.