10 With Him – Easy Applicable Bible Lessons in 10

Why Did Jesus Die For You? Galatians 2:17-21 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 2:17-21 Last time Paul told Peter and the others that they were hypocrites for saying they were saved by grace but separating from the gentiles because they weren’t keeping the law.  Paul confronted Peter to his face concerning justification by faith alone.  Today Paul continues his argument. Questions: Why did Jesus die for you? 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.   Paul starts off responding to a certain objection many people have to being saved by grace alone.  The Jews that thought you must trust Jesus as savior but also keep the law could ask the following question.  If Jesus justifies us but we still sin, isn’t Jesus a minister of sin.  In other words how could we be right before God and still sin?  Many people still struggle with this question.  Paul’s answer is powerful.  God forbid.  In other words Jesus isn’t the minister of sin, and he certainly doesn’t want anyone to sin. We do seek to be justified by God and after we are saved we do sin.  Paul is saying in verse 18 that if I try to build a right relationship with God by keeping the law I sin even more.  But if I trust what Christ has done for me at the cross as being sufficient to justify me before God, then I am free to live for God.  What is worse, not keeping the law or saying that what Jesus did for us on the cross wasn’t enough to make us right before God? Some would say that this gives us a license to sin.  I would say a true Christian doesn’t want to sin.  A true Christian realizes that Christ paid for our sins past, present and future and that he suffered for our sins.  A Christian also realizes that Christ set us free from the bondage of sin.  Paul said he was dead to the law. Meaning you and I don’t have to sin or make the wrong choices.  We are free to serve God and righteousness now that he lives within us and we are free from Satan’s bondage. When did this happen?  Paul said when he was crucified with Christ.  Paul is saying that Jesus died in his place and fulfilled the law.  There is no need now for Paul to try to do this on his own.  At the cross there was a great exchange.  Paul died to the law and Jesus gave him new life. Paul knows that his new life in Christ must be lived by faith.  Paul is now in a sense one with Christ.  Paul can walk around knowing that he is justified and forgiven.  Paul’s faith is not in himself, but instead the object of his faith is Christ. Paul also explains that his faith is in the one who loved him and gave himself for him.  Paul could ask the question, when did the law ever love me?  When did the law ever give itself for me?  The law showed Paul who he really was before God.  Jesus loved and gave himself to prove his love for Paul and for you. Paul finishes by saying that if we could be justified by the law then Christ died in vain.  I have said this to many people who think they can work their way to heaven or think they must do something in addition to what Christ has already done for us. When I ask people why they believe they are going to heaven.  Many times people will say because Jesus is my savior and because I am a good person.  If being a good person influences your chances of making it into heaven then what Jesus did on the cross wasn’t sufficient.  If you believe that you can do something to increase your chances of making it into heaven, then when Jesus said it is finished you believe it really wasn’t.  When people think they can make it to heaven based on what they do, I always ask the question.. Then why did Jesus have to die? Jesus died for you and me on his terms.  He wasn’t killed.  He wasn’t taken by surprise that day he was crucified.  Jesus came to earth to die.  This was the will of the Father and the only plan. If you could do something to earn your way to heaven, then why did Jesus die for you?     The post Galatians 2:17-21 Why Did Jesus Die For You? appeared first on Max Suther.

Do we live what we believe? Galatians 2:14-16 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 2:14-16 Last time we looked at how Paul was disappointed with Peter because he acted like a hypocrite.  Peter had been eating with gentiles and then when some important Jews came to visit, Peter ditched the gentiles.  Paul is going to explain the problem with this issue today. Questions: Do we live what we believe? 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.   Paul starts off by saying that Peter and the other saved Jews were not acting according to the truth of the Gospel.  In other words by not eating with the gentiles and excluding them from fellowship they were saying that they weren’t saved.  Peter and the others were ignorning the truth of the Gospel, and adding to the gospel or taking away from it.  This wasn’t a matter of bad table manners but instead a matter of truth and what is right.  If the gentiles needed to follow the Jews in circumcision or diet in order to be saved, then this isn’t the Gospel of Christ. So what does Paul do about it?  He confronts Peter to his face and asks a simple question.  Peter if you are a Jew and live like gentiles, and not like a Jew (when no one is looking), then why are you compelling the gentiles to live like Jews? This must have been hard for Paul to do.  After all Peter was a pillar of the faith.  These Jews were of some stature.  But Paul had to do it.  What Peter was doing was public and it was ultimately going to hurt the true message of Jesus Christ.  Sometimes telling people the truth isn’t easy.  Sometimes telling people they are hurting the church and the message of Christ isn’t easy, but it must be done. Paul said to Peter, Peter we are Jews and we know the truth.  The truth is that we aren’t justified by the law, but instead we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul goes on to say that no person is justified by the law.  No man is justified before God based on what that man did.  Paul is not telling Peter anything that he doesn’t already know.  The problem is that Peter is not living what he knows in front of others.  Peter knows that what Jesus did for us on the cross is the only way we could be justified.  Hopefully you know this as well. What Peter and Barnabas were doing is not living the truth but instead caving in to what others wanted them to do or they were ashamed to live their beliefs.  I would say that we have that same problem from time to time.  Sometimes we don’t act the way we should before others and when we don’t we deny the truth.  For example if you say you that you believe God created everything on earth in 6 literal days, yet you deny this with your friends or are afraid to let others know what you believe, then in reality you are denying the truth. Sometimes we even deny in many ways that we know Jesus.  Peter did this when Jesus was on trial the day he was crucified.  He denied knowing Jesus.  We deny Jesus if we say to our friends there is more than one way to get to heaven.  We deny Jesus if we say that there isn’t a literal hell.  We deny Jesus when we say that a sinful lifestyle is okay.  We deny Jesus when we are afraid to give God thanks for our food in front of others. It is easy to say you believe something.  It is much harder to live it. I think Peter struggled like we do, and maybe we need a Paul in our life to say STOP.  We need to be reminded that too much is on the line.  Truth is important in a world that is lost. The post Galatians 2:14-16 Do we live what we believe? appeared first on Max Suther.

Are You Leading by Your Actions? Galatians 2:11-13 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 2:11-13 So last time we found Paul, Barnabas and Titus in Jerusalem.  It was determined that Paul would primarily go to the gentiles with the gospel, and Peter would go to the Jews.  Both would preach that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not the law. Questions: Are your actions leading others in the right direction?   11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.   So Peter makes a trip to Antioch and apparently was fellowshipping with the Jewish converts.  As we see in the passage Paul was very upset with Peter.  Paul even confronted Peter to his face concerning the issue. So the big question is why?  What did Peter do that was so bad?  Well it seems that in the past Peter had no problem fellowshipping with the gentile believers.  He would sit down and eat a meal with them as brothers and sisters.  He didn’t hold to some dietary restrictions but had liberty to eat what he wanted to eat with the gentiles. The problem occurred when James and other Jews came from Jerusalem to the church in Antioch.  When James showed up, Peter changed his ways.  He didn’t want to be scene eating with the gentiles.  In other words Peter was a hypocrite.  Peter knew that in Christ he had liberty to eat what he wanted to eat, but his beliefs didn’t line up with his actions.  Verse 12 said that Peter feared the Jews.  Why would Peter fear the Jews?  If Peter knows that what he was doing was not wrong, why would he care what the Jews thought? I think we could ask ourselves the same question.  If we know what is right and true, then why do we fear others or ignore our beliefs before them.  Why do we care what man thinks?  Shouldn’t we be more concerned with what God thinks? Peter was told directly by God what to think.  Let’s read Acts 10:10-16 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.   Peter knew that it was okay to eat what the Jews believed was wrong to eat.    The church in Jerusalem knew that salvation was by grace and not the law.  The church in Jerusalem said you didn’t need to be circumcised. Acts 15:23-28 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;   So why was Peter afraid?  He cared more about what men think vs what God thinks.  We fall into this trap all the time.  If we know what God said is true, we must live it without shame and fear. Notice the result of not living out what you know to be true.  Verse 13 tells us that the other Jews played the hypocrite as Peter did.  The verse tells us that Barnabas did the same.  The lesson is clear.  Others see our actions and sometimes follow.  We are always teaching people what we believe.  People don’t care what you have to say.  They care about your actions and mine.  Peter’s actions led others in the wrong direction. Are your actions leading others in the right direction?     The post Galatians 2:11-13 Are You Leading by Your Actions? appeared first on Max Suther.

What are you willing to tell others? Galatians 2:6-10 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 2:6-10 Last time Paul explained that he, Barnabas and Titus went to Jerusalem because God instructed him to.  The Judaizers had questioned Paul’s authority, and tried to infiltrate the churches with their false doctrine.  Paul went to Jerusalem, not to confirm his message, but to get agreement with the other apostles in Jerusalem so that the Judaizers will be discredited. Questions: What are you willing to tell others? 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.   So Paul continues his story concerning his visit to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus.  Remember that the Judaizers had visited various churches and tried to convince people that they needed to be circumcised and observe the law in order to be a Christian.  Apparently they acted like they had authority to do so from Jerusalem.  So Paul goes to Jerusalem to solve this issue once and for all.  Paul wants to make sure that everyone understands that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus and not by keeping the law. Paul apparently met with some of the people who seemed to be a big deal and he said they added nothing to him.  In other words, they didn’t give Paul the Gospel or the apostolic authority.  God gave him both. They had nothing to add to what Paul had been doing or saying. Paul then confirmed that they understood how the mission to go to the gentiles was given to him by God.  The mission to go to the Jews was given to Peter.  This isn’t saying that they can’t cross lines, but this is simply saying this is their main mission. Paul then mentions James, Peter and John met with him and they all agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the gentiles and the others go to the Jews.  Remember Paul’s intent.  He wasn’t looking for confirmation from these guys that he had been preaching and teaching the right message.  He knew that he had been preaching the Gospel of Christ properly.  He went to Jerusalem to make sure everyone was on the same page so that the Judaizers couldn’t say that they had authority to preach their false doctrine from those in Jerusalem. So what can we learn from this passage.  Well I think one major lesson is don’t compromise the Gospel.  Paul knew that God gave him the Gospel, not man.  Paul knew what had changed his life and what was changing other’s lives.  He didn’t need an important person to confirm what he was doing.  He wasn’t going to let anyone change his mind about what his mission was when he went to Jerusalem.  His quest was to get everyone on the same page.  We also have the truth.  The truth of the Gospel of Christ is contained in God’s word.   We shouldn’t ever compromise the message.  We shouldn’t try to get man to approve the message or any church to approve the message.  God approved the message and told us to proclaim it without compromise.  When you water down the Gospel you are doing your friends, coworkers and family any good.  When churches water down the Gospel and say that there are many ways to God and many ways to heaven they aren’t doing anyone any good.  I wish there were more Paul’s preaching in the pulpits of America today. Are you willing to tell others that they can’t do anything to work their way to heaven?  Are you willing to tell others that the only way to heaven is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ?  Are you willing to make sure others know that our sin keeps us from being in the presence of a Holy God?  Are you willing to tell others that only one man, Jesus, gave himself that we could be saved.  Are you willing to tell others that Jesus and only Jesus could pay for our sins?  What are you willing to tell others? The post Galatians 2:6-10 What are you willing to tell others? appeared first on Max Suther.

Can you save yourself? Galatians 2:1-5 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 2:1-5 Last time we looked at how Paul after being called by Jesus, spent three years in Arabia being trained by God.  After this period he went to Jerusalem for 15 days.  Today we jump forward 14 years and we see Paul going back to Jerusalem. Questions: Can you save yourself?   Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.   In verse one Paul tells us that it has been fourteen years and he and Barnabas decide to go to Jerusalem.   Paul and Barnabas had been working and traveling spreading the Gospel.   They had been teaching that you can be saved by grace through faith in Christ and no other way.  Some people think that Paul went to Jerusalem to confirm what he had been preaching was okay with the other apostles and the church in Jerusalem.  The truth is that, Paul had not concerned himself with verifying what he was preaching was the truth or not, because he had received it straight from Jesus.  He had been preaching the same thing for many years and seeing people get saved.  He saw the evidence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those that were saved.  He saw great works and the advancement of the church. The book of Acts records Paul going to Jerusalem a few times.  For years people have debated if this account is the one written about in Acts 9 or Acts 15.  The truth is there is another option.  There might not be a parallel account of this visit in Acts.  The bottom line is I don’t think it matters.  What is important is what Paul is trying to get across to the Galatians.  Apparently some of the Judaizers convinced the people in Galatia that they had some special authority from Jerusalem or maybe said those in authority in Jerusalem approved of their message.  Paul by revelation goes to Jerusalem and tells those that seemingly were big wigs that he had preached the Gospel to the Gentiles.  Paul said in verse 2 that he did this so that what he was doing was not in vain.  What he is saying is I want to get things straight so that we don’t run into this problem again. One of the interesting things Paul did is take Titus with him.  Titus was a Greek and apparently the Judaizers wanted to circumcise him.  Paul takes Titus for a reason.  If Titus goes with Paul and does not come back circumcised, then he is living proof that Jerusalem was on Paul’s side.  I’m glad to say that Titus came back without being circumcised. What Paul is very angry about is ultimately what the Judaizers are trying to do.  Paul said in verse 4 that these false brethren would come in and spy on the church.  They would see the liberty the people had in Christ, and instead of being happy that Christ had freed these people from bondage, the Judaizers preferred that the church be in bondage.  Paul makes it clear that he didn’t stand for this one hour.  Why?  Because he wanted to make sure the truth of the gospel would continue. Paul’s whole life and ministry depends on the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately we have churches today that want to put people in bondage.  We have churches today that believe what Christ did for us on the cross wasn’t sufficient to save us and to keep us saved.  We have churches and cults who want to add to the gospel so that people must do something to be saved, or remain saved.  The truth of the matter is that Jesus did it all and only he can save.  No man can save himself.  No man can keep himself saved. The post Galatians 2:1-5 Can you save yourself? appeared first on Max Suther.

What could God do with your life? Galatians 1:17-24 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 1:17-24 So last time we looked at how God called Paul and revealed himself to Paul.  Paul had a bad reputation among the Christians, yet God used him anyway.  Today we look at the first few years of Paul’s life after he got saved. Questions: What could God do with your life? 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.   Paul in verse 16 said that after he got saved he didn’t consult with man, but instead God began to train him.  Although God had called him to be an apostle he didn’t go to Jerusalem to tell the other apostles of what happened.  Instead God took him to Arabia.  The Arabia written about here is not Saudi Arabia, but instead a dessert region outside of Damascus.  Verse 18 tells us that he spent three years there.  So what happened in those three years?  Well apparently God trained him and taught him.    There are several applications we can make at this point.  One is that if you are going to be something and used by God, you need some training and understanding.  Some people get saved and immediately want to start teaching a class.  Some think they know enough, but even Paul was taught and waited three years before doing anything.  Now I am not suggesting that a new Christian wait three years before doing something.  A new Christian should get involved in what is appropriate from day one.  Any new Christian can tell others what God just did for them.  Any new Christian can tell others about how they got saved.  I am suggesting that every new Christian also needs to be trained or disciple.  Paul was disciple by the Lord.  In some degree we are as well.  When we begin to read and study God’s word, you learn more about God and what his will is for your life.  As a new Christian you should have someone helping you understand the basics of Christianity in preparation of more responsibility. A second application is that the church shouldn’t expect too much from a new Christian.  I know some people who got saved in the morning and people in the church thought they should be like Paul by night.  We need to remember that God accepted them into the family the way they were.  If they are truly saved God will change them.   God taught Paul three years before he started preaching and teaching others.  Let’s don’t rush new Christians. Paul then continues and said after the three years of training he went to Jerusalem to see Peter.  Paul went to Jerusalem to see the top people but he wasn’t looking for their approval.  He had God’s approval and was commissioned directly by God.  He stayed with Peter for 15 days. Paul also met James the half brother of Jesus, who also was the head of the church in Jerusalem. Now imagine Peter and James face when they see Paul.  Paul after all had a reputation of persecuting Christians.  Paul even admits that he persecuted the church but now the people accepted him.  But if you read the book of Acts it appears that not everyone was so quick to embrace Paul.  Of course this is expected. I think one of the lessons is that you never know who God will save and what he will do with that person.  God’s ways are not our ways.  One of the other lessons is that God has a purpose and plan for all those that are saved.  The question is do you want to fulfil that purpose and submit to that plan he has for your life.  Paul was all in and thus did a tremendous work for the Lord.  Have you ever thought what God could do with you, or where he might take you, if you only laid down your life for him?   The post Galatians 1:17-24 What could God do with your life? appeared first on Max Suther.

Has God revealed himself in you? Galatians 1:14-16 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 1:14-16 Last time Paul explained that he didn’t receive the Gospel of Christ from men, but instead from God.  Apparently the Judaizers had questioned Paul’s authority or put doubt in the minds of the new believers as to Paul’s authority and his ability to deliver God’s word to them.  We briefly discussed how Paul had persecuted the church before God saved him.  Today we continue to look at how God revealed himself to Paul and changed him forever. Questions: Has God revealed himself in you?   14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:   So Paul in verse 13 explained how he persecuted the church before God saved him and changed his direction.  Now Paul explains to the new believers and the Judaizers in Galatia that he was high up in the Jewish ranks.  In other words he not only knew the law but was above and beyond the most knowledgeable people.  He was also very zealous concerning the rituals, feasts and traditions of the Jews.  In other words he is telling the Judaizers that he knows probably more than they do about being Jewish, Jewish law and history. But then in verse 15 Paul said “But when it pleased God, God called Paul by His grace”.    Paul thought he knew God, but he didn’t.  Paul thought he was on the right side, but he wasn’t.  Paul thought he was doing all the right things, but he wasn’t.  Paul wasn’t looking for Jesus, but when it pleased Jesus he showed up and saved Paul by his grace.  Jesus didn’t save Paul because of anything he was doing.  On the contrary.  Paul was against Jesus, and against the church, yet God saved him anyway. God had a purpose for Paul.  Paul was part of a religious sect called the Pharisees.  The word Pharisee means separate.  Now after being saved by Jesus, Paul belonged to Jesus and was set apart for him.  We call this positional sanctification.  It simply means when you got saved you were set apart for God’s purpose and you belong to him. In verse 16 Paul said that God saved him to reveal his Son in Paul.  In other words God saved Paul so that he could know Jesus but just as important that others would know Jesus through Paul.  I think many Christians miss this point.  Jesus saved us not only to keep us from hell, but he saved us so that others could know him through us.  God wants to live through us.  The fruit of the Spirit should show in our life.  Let’s read Galatians 5:22-23 Galatians 5:22-23   22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Notice what Paul was saved for in particular, to preach Jesus amongst the heather, or to the gentiles.  In some respects we have been called to do the same thing.  We might not be preachers, but we should be telling others about Jesus.  But we aren’t just to tell them, but we are to live a life before them that shows that Jesus is living in us. I think one of the big lessons is that you really don’t know who God will save, so don’t try to figure it out.  Just tell everyone about Jesus.  Paul was the least likely person to talk to about Jesus.  As a matter of fact, he might have had you killed if you went up to him and told Paul the gospel.  Paul knew his reputation before he got saved.  So did others. The fact is though God still saved him.  God changed his reputation. God saved you by grace and not because of whom or what you are.  God hopefully changed your reputation.  God will do the same for others. So the questions we should ask ourselves today are: Has God revealed himself to you? Have you been saved? If so, has anyone noticed? In other words, has God revealed himself in and through you? The post Galatians 1:14-16 Has God revealed himself in you? appeared first on Max Suther.

Is God’s Word Enough for You? Galatians 1:11-13 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 1:11-13 Bible Study and Commentary So last time we looked at Galatians 1:10 where Paul said he wasn’t trying to please man, but God.  Paul wasn’t preaching a message to gain popularity, or make everyone feel good, or for his own gain.  Paul preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his sole purpose was to please God. Questions: Is God’s word enough for you?     11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:   So in the first verse of Galatians, Paul said he was an apostle of Jesus Christ.  Paul was explaining to the people in the churches in Galatia that he was personally commissioned by Jesus himself to bring the Gospel to the gentiles.  This was very important for the new believers to understand as well as the Judaizers who were trying to preach a different Gospel.  Paul wanted the people in Galatia to question the authority of the Judaizers and for them to understand his authority as an apostle. Today we see that Paul continues this thought.  Paul wants people to understand that the Gospel message he was given was not from man, but from God.  Unlike the message that the Judaizers brought the people of Galatia, Paul’s message was revealed to him by God himself.  Most people today and then heard the Gospel because another person told them the Gospel.  That is the way it is supposed to work, but Paul heard the Gospel directly from Jesus.  Let’s look in the book of Acts to hear how Paul received the Gospel from Jesus. Acts 26:13-18 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Paul recalls his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.  What is interesting is that Paul was against the Christians, and was a high ranking Jewish man who persecuted the Christians. Paul’s reputation of being against Christians was well known.  Paul also would know more about Judaism than most men and certainly more than the Judaizers who were spreading their false doctrine in the churches of Galatia.  Paul, from a worldly view had a lot to lose by preaching the Gospel of Christ.  There really wasn’t any incentive to him to start preaching the Gospel of Christ from a here and now perspective. So the bottom line is that Paul had authority to teach and preach the Gospel, and he had nothing to gain from a worldly perspective.  His sole purpose was to teach and preach what God gave him.  In Paul’s day the word of God was not complete, that is why it was necessary for God to use certain men like Paul and give these people certain authority to establish God’s word.  Today we don’t have that problem, but there are still people who question the authority of God’s word.  There are still people who try to twist the meaning or undermine it.  There are still people who only preach or teach parts of it because they only like parts of it.  Men and women will always try to change what God has spoken and ordained, and would rather men hear their words than God’s word.   There is a simple application here.  Men and women don’t need more messages from men.  Men and women don’t need more wisdom from other men and women.  What people need today is God’s message to them and God’s wisdom.  Many people today preach and teach everything but God’s word to those that will listen.  It was no different in Paul’s day.  Paul had preached what God had given him, and then someone came behind him and preached something false and yet the people listened to it.  The same happens today.  Christians today need to stop looking for some new thing and stick with what God has already given us…His word. Don’t try to make something new from something that is already settled. Is God’s word enough for you? The post Galatians 1:11-13 Is God’s Word Enough for You? appeared first on Max Suther.

Who are you trying to please? Galatians 1:10 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 1:10 Last time Paul said that if he, an angel, or any other man preaches another Gospel than the true Gospel of Christ let him be cursed.   Questions: Who are you trying to please? Who do you work for?   10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.   What do you think about the question Paul asked?  Is he trying to persuade man or God?  The word persuade means gain the approval or win favor.  So it seems obvious based on the previous verses that Paul isn’t trying to win the favor of men or tell them what they want to hear.  In the previous verses he said if any man, or himself, or an angel preach a different Gospel that they should be cursed.  Those are pretty strong words going out to many churches in Galatia.   Paul is not interested in telling men what they want to hear.  Paul is more concerned with pleasing God in the sense of preaching the truth and to deliver the message he was commissioned to deliver.  I have found that in the ministry it is very easy to get caught up in pleasing men first or trying to tailor a message to an audience in order to keep that audience.   Many pastors and preachers have changed their message when worried about a wealthy family leaving the church.  I have known pastors who started off preaching and teaching the truth, but when their church began to grow became more concerned with pleasing man than pleasing God.  The numbers, the money, the fame is intoxicating.   First let me say that the Gospel is offensive.  The Gospel says that everyone is a sinner and is in need of being rescued.  It says that you can’t save yourself.  It says that you have to rely on what Jesus did for you in order to be saved.  That is hard for some to take.  Man wants to do something.  Man always wants to add some rule or regulation so that he has a part in his own salvation.  Those that came behind Paul added to the Gospel by imposing certain rules and regulations.  The problem is that when we add to the cross we are saying that what Christ did for us wasn’t sufficient.  We are saying that God’s grace isn’t enough.  We are saying we must be in control, versus God being in control.  When you add to grace it stops being grace.   From a practical sense Paul had a solution to the problem of trying to please men instead of God.  Paul saw himself as a servant of Christ.  This word means a bond slave.  One willing to serve another as a slave.  Paul doesn’t see his life as being his own, but instead sees his life as belonging to Christ.   Jesus said you can’t serve two masters.  Paul understood this very well.  We can’t serve men and God.  We have to pick one.  Paul knows that if he pleases God, then ultimately men will benefit.  He knows if he preaches the Gospel and doesn’t distort it, men will truly be saved and rescued.  Paul sees things from an eternal perspective.  We need to see things the same way.  When we please men it is temporary, but it can awful eternal consequences.  When we please God it is eternal, and we see wonderful eternal benefits.   There is another practical application here.  If you try to please man you will never succeed.  There will always be someone who doesn’t like what you say or do.  If you try to please that person then you will stop pleasing the other.  There is something very liberating when I try to please God.  One I can focus on him and him alone.  He is the only one I have to please.  He doesn’t change his mind.  He doesn’t change the rules.  He doesn’t say that pleased me yesterday but not today.  There are 7 billion people in the world and only one God.   Sometimes telling people the truth is hard.  Sometimes it is easier to please man.  Next time you find yourself in the middle, ask yourself…who are you serving?  Who are you trying to please?  God or man. The Bible says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.    You can’t serve two masters. The post Galatians 1:10 Who are you trying to please? appeared first on Max Suther.

Is Jesus Enough? Galatians 1:6-9 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 1:6-9 Recap – Last time we looked at Galatians 1:3-5 and Paul gave us the big picture of this letter.  Paul wanted us to understand that God extended his grace towards us, that God would get the glory and that in between these two statements was what Christ did.  He gave himself for our sins, he delivered us from this present evil world, and Jesus did the Father’s will. Questions: Have you let Christ rescue you or are you trying to rescue yourself? Has someone convinced you that what Christ did for us wasn’t enough to rescue you from perishing?   Read 6-9 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.   The first thing we notice is how Paul gets right down to business.  Unlike his other letters to the church Paul does not say they are doing well, instead he is amazed that they have turned away so soon.  So what have they turned away from?  They didn’t just turn from Christianity they turned away from the one that called them, who is Jesus.  The turned away from the grace that he offered them.  They turned away from what Christ did for them and had freely offered them. If you turn from something it also means you are turning towards something.  In this case they turned from the grace that Christ offered and turned to another gospel.  Before we talk about what they turned to instead of Christ let’s talk about what Christ offered.  Let’s talk about what they turned from. What does the word Gospel mean?  It means good news.  It is the good news of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.  It is the simple fact that He died for us, was buried for us, and was raised from the dead for us, that we could be saved or rescued from perishing.  It is the fact that he paid for our sins, and took the wrath of God upon himself so that you and I would not have to pay for our own sins and be separated from God for all eternity.  Christ did all the work for us and died for us in order to justify us before a holy and just God. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 This is what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:   That is the good news.  What is interesting is that Christ did it all.   I can’t do anything to earn my salvation, or pay for my sins since Christ already paid for them.  As verse 4 says in this same chapter, Jesus gave of himself for my sin. So this is the Good News, or Gospel that Paul preached everywhere he went.  This is the same message that the churches in Galatia are turning from and turning to a different message. Paul said that these people had turned form the Gospel of Christ to another gospel which isn’t another.  In other words what these people had started to believe really wasn’t good news, but bad news.  He said the teachings were even troubling to the people. Legalism brings anxiety, instead of having the peace God wants us to have. In addition he is saying that there isn’t any other gospel.  There can only be one.  The one we already discussed and the one that Paul preached so clearly and wrote about. So what is it that they believed?  Well Paul will deal with this in more detail but basically they were told that you either had to convert to Judaism and then believe what Paul taught or at least mix parts of Judaism in with what Christ did. So what is the problem with adding something additional to the picture.  Well if we add something that we must do then it isn’t the Grace of God that we are relying on and what Christ did for us alone, instead it is what we do plus what Christ did.  In other words these people are saying what Christ did for us wasn’t sufficient to save or rescue from perishing. Paul then goes on to say that if he or an angel or anyone preaches something other than the true Gospel let him be cursed.  Notice he includes himself in this.  Many times people who have preached the truth will stray from that truth for their own purposes.  Many times people will compromise the truth to appease man.  Paul is willing to call such people out and speak strongly about such deception. There are several practical applications from this passage.  One is that deception many times looks like the truth.  The people that brought another gospel didn’t come into the church yelling and saying we have something that will trouble you or this is really going to hurt you in the end.  No, they came in and taught something slightly different.  They added to the truth, which makes it not the truth.  People that want to pervert the Gospel are subtle. The second application is that we should be cautious about who we listen to and what we believe.  We should always test what others say against what the Bible actually says.  Take time to study each day. The third application is that we shouldn’t ever diminish what Christ did for us.  He did it all because we couldn’t.  When people want to add something to the Gospel and what Christ already did, you need to ask the question “If we need to do something to earn salvation or to achieve salvation, then why did Jesus have to die?”  If I could rescue or save myself, then why did Jesus have to die? The post Galatians 1:6-9 Is Jesus Enough? appeared first on Max Suther.

Are You Doing the Father’s Will? Galatians 1:3-5 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet   Galatians 1:3-5 Bible Study and Commentary Last time we looked at Galatians 1:1-2 and saw that Paul established his authority as an Apostle and why he is the one that the churches in Galatia should listen to and not those that had come in trying to preach and teach false doctrines.   Questions: Are you doing the Father’s will?   3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.   So why do you think Paul needed to establish this fact that he is this special type of apostle? Well, after Paul established the church in Galatia others came behind him and tried to discredit him and setup a new teaching or as Paul will refer to it as an “another gospel”.   A gospel that was different than the one Paul delivered. What does the word Gospel mean?  It means good news. 1 Cor. 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:     It is the good news of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.  It is the simple fact that He died for us, was buried for us, and was raised from the dead for us, that we could be saved or rescued from perishing.  It is the fact that he paid for our sins, and took the wrath of God upon himself so that you and I would not have to pay for our own sins and be separated from God for all eternity.  Jesus and Jesus alone is the only one who could have done this for us.  He and he alone is the only one who could justify us.   These three verses are so important to understanding the big picture.  Before we get into the details let’s look at the big picture.  The story starts with God’s grace which is verse 3.  It ends with God getting the glory in verse 5.  What is in the middle is his love for us.  What is in the middle is because of God’s grace.  And because Jesus was willing to do the Father’s will and carry out the plan which was from the beginning God gets the glory.  God gets the glory because we didn’t do anything, but instead he did it all.   Now let’s look at verse 3.  Grace comes from God.  Grace is when God gives us something we don’t deserve.  In other words, we didn’t merit any favor.  We didn’t earn His grace.  He extends his grace to us.  Also in verse 3 we see the word peace.  You can’t have God’s peace without first experiencing God’s grace.  Grace always precedes peace.  There are two types of peace.  Peace with God and the peace of God.  When we trust Jesus as our savior and are born again, we have peace with God. Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ At this point we aren’t an enemy of God or against God, instead we are part of His family and are at peace with him. The second kind of peace is the peace of God.  Because we are now in Christ we can experience a peace that only he can give.  This is expressed well in Philippians 4:6-7 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Since I have been saved by Jesus, and I have trusted what he did for me at the cross, I now have peace with God and I can have the peace of God in my life. I hope you can say the same.  If not today is a good day to trust Jesus as your savior and let him do what he came to earth to do… save you.  Call on him today and he will save you.   Now look at verse 4.  What did Jesus give himself for?  Our sins.  This is a big point.  He didn’t come to give himself for our good works, or our virtues, but instead for our sin.  It is our sin that separates us from God.  It is our sin that keeps us from being at peace with God and having the peace of God that Paul writes about in verse 3.  Nothing can remedy this problem other than Jesus paying for those sins on the cross.  You and I can’t do anything about the sin condition that we have.  We can’t do enough good things to cancel out the sin in our life.  Jesus came to save us, but in order to do that he must pay for our sins by going to the cross.  Too many people miss this point.  They believe Jesus came to be a leader, a prophet, a king, a healer, a miracle worker, a teacher and preacher.  Of course he is all of those things, but his biggest mission was to rescue us from perishing and he has done this by dying on the cross for our sins. The next part of verse 4 states that he delivered us from something.  What is it?  This present evil world. So what does this mean?  Well there are several things to look at… He delivered us from Satan’s family and into God’s family.  We belonged to this evil world and now belong to him. Galatians 3:26 – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. This verse implies that before we were saved we belonged to a different family. He delivered us from the power of Satan and darkness. Colossians 1:13 – Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:   He delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. He delivered us from the bondage of sin. Romans 6:6 –  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. In other words we don’t have to serve sin, but instead we are free to serve God and do right. We have been freed to not think like this evil age, but to have our minds renewed with the things of God. Now notice the end of verse 4.  Whose will was it that Jesus die for our sins and deliver us?  God the Father.   Jesus came to do the Father’s will.  Aren’t you glad he did?  Aren’t you glad he didn’t give up? Aren’t you glad Jesus wasn’t selfish and decided to not do the Father’s will? Now notice verse 6.  All of what Jesus did for us was for his glory.  When Jesus did the Father’s will it was for His glory. It begins with God’s grace.  It ends with God getting the glory.  It was made possible because Jesus did the Father’s will. Imagine if we did the Father’s will with the same dedication … what could be accomplished.  More people would know the grace of God and the peace of God.  More people would know Jesus and what it is like to be forgiven, rescued and delivered.  And ultimately God would get more glory.     The post Galatians 1:3-5 Are You Doing the Father’s Will? appeared first on Max Suther.

Where do you look for truth? Galatians 1:1-2 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet Galatians 1:1-2 Bible Lesson and Commentary   Today we start in the book of Galatians. So let me give you a little background. Galatia is in modern day Turkey. Some people think the church was established on Paul’s first missionary trip but most believe it was his second trip. Paul is writing to straighten this church out on a few things. What had happened is that after Paul established the church people came in behind him and starting teaching the church the wrong thing or false doctrine. The people teaching the false doctrine were called Judiazers. They taught that in order to be a Christian you needed to take part in certain Jewish teachings. Most of Galatia would be made up of gentiles or people that were not Jewish or familiar with Jewish law or customs. Questions Where do you look for truth? Galatians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Paul begins this letter differently than most. He starts off by establishing who he is, and why he is different than most. He says I am an apostle. So the question is …what is an apostle. The word apostle means what that has been sent. In the New Testament the Greek word interpreted apostle is used in two different senses. One it is used in a general since of a messenger sent by the church to do something. Like in 2 Corinthians 8:23 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. Most of the time the word is used to indicate one who is sent personally by Jesus and has personally seen Jesus. This is how Paul is using this term. He is explaining that he is different than the people who came to teach the false doctrine. He wasn’t sent by man or a church but by the Lord himself. He wasn’t made an apostle by men or by a church, he was made and apostle by Jesus. You can read more about the case Paul makes about being an apostle and the qualifications in 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Corinthians 15. Another place you can look is Acts 1:21-26. We can also look at Acts 26 to see Paul’s marching orders from the Lord and how he was commissioned by the Lord himself. In verse 2 you see that Paul says that those that are with him are in agreement with him. In other words others are sharing his message and are in agreement with him and his authority. In verse 2 we also see how wide spread the problem is. Paul is sending this to the churches in Galatia. That’s plural. There were several churches that we know of in Galatia, and probably many that we don’t know about. Apparently those spreading the wrong teachings were very busy. The bottom line is Paul is establishing his authority to speak and write what is true. Paul also wants people to question the authority of others who come to teach in the church. Keep in mind the Bible hadn’t been written at this point. You and I should rely on what is written in God’s word, but at this time the churches that started up needed to rely on Paul and the other apostles, as well as those sent personally by the apostles for their doctrine. There is a simple practical application here. The word of God is true and right for our lives. The words come from God. Do we look at our traditions in the church, our teachings in the church, our own ideas and thoughts in the light of His word? Do we look at what others tell us and just follow, or do we actually search the scriptures and confirm what is being said. I hope all of us want to know exactly what God has said about a matter and not what our opinion is. I would rather have the maker of all, the one that holds it all in his hands, the one that keeps everything together telling me what is right and true. Always look to His word for truth. The second application is on the same lines but a little more personal. When you study God’s word do you think of Him speaking directly to you? I don’t mean in an audible voice, but instead do you believe he gave you the Bible so you can know him better? Do you read and take the scriptures personally or do the words and stories seem distant? When you read God’s word, read it knowing that God is speaking to you. The third application is more direct. If we believe God’s word is true, and is personal, why don’t we live it? It is one thing to say that God’s word is true, and that it is best for my life. It is entirely different thing to actually use God’s word in our life to direct us in our daily life. I always strive to take God’s word and apply it to my life. That is one goal of this ministry. I always want to help people make life changing applications from God’s word. Today we looked at one verse. Hopefully you learned something, but now it is time to apply it.   The post Galatians 1:1-2 Where do you look for truth? appeared first on Max Suther.

Where do you find peace? 2 Thess 3:14-18 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet 2 Thessalonians 3:14-18 Bible study and commentary Last time Paul made sure that everyone that could work was working.  Apparently people were taking advantage of others by asking for support even though they could work.  Paul explained that when he was with them he worked so that he would not be dependent on the people of the church.  Paul was the example, and expected everyone to work. Questions: Where do you find peace?   14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.   Paul continues his thought about people not working and not obeying the Lord’s teaching.  Paul says if a person doesn’t obey the word or in this case the letter that Paul was writing then the church should not fellowship with this person.  The purpose is to cause shame.  That might sound very harsh, especially today, but this is God’s word.  We don’t get to pick and choose what we want to obey and not obey.  The idea is not to make this person an enemy, but instead to admonish him as a brother.  This is very important.  We don’t want to drive people out of the church who aren’t obeying, but we do want to help them understand that we can’t fellowship with them the way we used to.  We still love them, but we still want to warn them or reprimand them gently. Paul now starts the conclusion to the letter.  Remember that these people have been under heavy persecution and yet most are still working for the Lord and doing what Paul had taught them.  Paul now asks that the Lord of peace give each person peace in their lives.  Paul opened up this letter and the first letter asking that God would grant them peace.  We know the Lord is the only one who can give us true peace.  What is amazing is the way Paul wrote this.  He didn’t say may someone come and help you that you might have peace.  He didn’t say, may each of you help someone so that they may have peace.  Instead he wants the Lord himself to deliver peace.  We need to understand each day that peace comes from the Lord and he is the best source of peace.   One way God delivers peace to us is through his word.  The Bible says, if we keep our mind on Him, he will keep us in perfect peace.  So the question is, what do you keep your mind on each day?  If you are wondering why you don’t have peace in your life, maybe it is because you are thinking about the wrong things.  Keep your mind on the Lord and his word and he will give you perfect peace. Paul then asks that God’s grace be upon all of the people.  Paul started the letter and the first letter the same way.  Our Christian life starts because of God’s grace and will continue because of God’s grace.  We don’t deserve his grace, but he gives grace anyway.   First we receive God’s grace then we receive the peace of God and peace with God. I hope you have enjoyed the podcasts on 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians.  This church is a remarkable example to us all.  If the church today would just do the simple things that this church did, our world would be much different.  This church was known for their works of faith, their labor of love for each other and those outside the church, and their patience and hope they had for the return of the Lord Jesus.  I hope that you will listen to all of the podcasts and share them with your friends. The post 2 Thessalonians 3:14-18 Where do you find peace? appeared first on Max Suther.

Are you weary? 2 Thess 3:6-13 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Bible Study and Commentary Last time Paul asked that the people pray for him and that God’s word would be delivered freely and work in the lives of people.  He also wanted God’s love to continue to work through the church and that the people would be patient waiting for the Lord’s return. Questions: 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.   Paul begins with a command.  Not just any command but a command made in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Paul wants people to remove themselves from the company of those that did not walk or live according to the teachings of Paul and the traditions that he had taught them.  The idea is that these people willingly disobeyed.  Paul explains that he taught them well and showed them by example how to act and live.  In other words there wasn’t any ambiguity. Apparently there were people taking advantage of the church and instead of helping the church they were taking their resources.  The church did give out help to those in need, but apparently some had stopped working and Paul makes sure that those that have stopped working and are able to work should not receive food or help from the church.  Paul explains that even he did not take from the church when he was with them, but instead worked for his own food and keep.   He worked night and day so that he could pay his way. Paul said that when we were with you that he commanded the church that if a person didn’t work that shouldn’t eat.  Some might think this is harsh, but work is part of God’s plan.  He doesn’t want us to be idle or dependent on others.  He wants us to work and be the right example for the society around us. Paul had every right to allow the church to take care of him, yet he refused. In verse eleven we get to the heart of the matter.  There were people who had not only become unruly, stopped working, but also that they had become busybodies.  In other words they buzzed around but didn’t actually do anything.  Perhaps they even caused trouble by getting into other people’s business.  Today the church is full of people who buzz around, but don’t actually contribute anything to the work of Christ.  We are to work for our living, and work for the Lord.  It is possible that some of these people stopped working because they thought the Lord was returning.  In fact, the idea of the Lord returning should prompt us to work even more. Paul in verse 12 commands that these people work and do it quietly.  Paul then encourages those faithful brethren to not grow weary in doing good.  I would imagine that these people were working hard at earning a living and working hard to spread the Gospel.  We know that they had a great labor of love for the church and others outside the church.  The word labor means to the point of exhaustion.    Notice he said well doing, and not well talking about doing something.  Many people have good intensions and say they will start doing something for the Lord or start serving him more, but talk is cheap.  We aren’t supposed to be a burden, we are supposed to be a help. The post 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Are you weary? appeared first on Max Suther.

Does God’s faithfulness mean anything to you? 2 Thess 3:1-5 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Bible Study and Commentary Last time Paul told us who we were in Christ.  He explained that we have been sanctified, loved, and are part of God’s plan.  We should stand fast and establish our hearts to every good word and work. Questions: Do you pray for God’s word to spread and work in the lives of people? Do you ever think about how faithful God is concerning you?   Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.   Paul starts this chapter by asking the church to pray for him and the others.  The others would be Timothy, and Silas.  I think this is very important to understand, that our church leaders need prayer.  Paul, Timothy and Silas are men just like us, and they have problems, faults and trials just like we do. Paul asks that they pray that they would preach and teach God’s word freely, and that God’s word would do its work freely in the lives of men and women, just like in Thessalonica.   Paul had met great opposition on the mission field, and many tried to hinder the Gospel.  We should always pray that the word be delivered without hindrance, and that it would work in the lives of those that hear it. Paul even mentions those that hinder him and the word.  It is unreasonable men and wicked men, who hinder the word of God.  I think we need to realize that there are people who do not believe the Gospel, and not only do they not believe it, but they would rather others never hear it or believe it.  This was true in Paul’s day, and is still true today. Do you ever pray that God’s word will not be hindered?  Do you pray that it will be used like a warrior running to battle?  That it would be effective in the lives of men and women. Although men are without faith, God is always faithful.  Paul expresses who he has confidence in.  Paul prays that the Lord will establish and keep the Thessalonian church from evil.  Paul said that he had confidence that the Lord will keep these people on the right track.  Paul believed that the people would continue doing what that had in the past and would continue to do God’s will.  These people had been faithful in their work for the Lord, the love for others, and their hope that Jesus would return for them.  Paul was confident that this would continue and God would see to it. God is faithful.  Do you ever just think about the faithfulness of God?  God can’t lie.  God can’t break a promise.  God has invested greatly in your life.  He is not turning his back on you.  Does God’s faithfulness mean anything to you?  Does it change the way you live your life today? Paul’s big concerns are that the church stay away from evil, and those that try to hinder them.  That they would continue to do God’s will.  That they would have the love of God for others, and that they would be patient in waiting for the Lord to return.  I think this would be any pastor’s prayer for the people he cares for. The post 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Does God’s faithfulness mean anything to you? appeared first on Max Suther.

Are you standing fast? 2 Thess 2:13-17 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Are you standing fast?   Last time Paul explained to the Thessalonians that the rapture hasn’t taken place, and they have not missed it.  He then explained what will happen in the tribulation period.  Today, he encourages them to remember who they are and continue on in their work for the Lord.   Questions: Are you standing fast?     13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.   Paul once again said that he was bound or obligated to give thanks to God for those that made up the church at Thessalonica.   God had saved them, sanctified them by the Spirit and the truth of the Gospel and Paul’s instruction to them.  Once again sanctification means to be set apart for God’s use.  We belong to him when we get saved.  He have been bought with Christ’s blood.  We have been redeemed.  Because of who they were in Christ he goes on to say they should stand fast.  Don’t waver.  Don’t quit.  Keep going.  Be strong.  Hold to the traditions and teachings of Paul.  Keep in mind that today we are to be careful of keeping traditions.  If we place more attention on traditions than we do on what God’s word says, we need to correct this behavior.  Many churches have traditions that have no Biblical backing.   Keep in mind that the church at Thessalonica doesn’t have a complete Bible like we do.  Paul is referring to his teachings and traditions as an apostle.  Once the Bible was complete, we were not supposed to add to it or take from it.  Be careful of your traditions. In verse 16 he tells us that Jesus and God our Father have loved us.  This is why we do what we do, because God loved us first.  We wouldn’t know true love had it not been for God showing us his love first.  The Bible states that we love God because he loved us first.  What is your motivation to do things for the Lord, to stand fast and continue to work while you can for Him?  He then tells us that God has given us everlasting consolation.  How does that make you feel?  Everlasting consolation.  How many people in your life can and will comfort you forever?  How many people can you comfort?  How many people will you comfort? Paul then explains that God has given us good hope through his grace.  Grace always precedes peace and hope.   Grace stems from His love for us. Paul said because of what God has done for us, and what he continues to do for us, and because of the outcome that is set before us, that our hearts should be comforted.  That our hearts should be established to every good word and work. Are you standing fast? The post 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Are you standing fast? appeared first on Max Suther.

What are you focusing on? 2 Thess 2:6-12 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12  Bible Commentary and Lesson Last time Paul explained to the church at Thessalonica that the rapture hasn’t taken place yet, because there hasn’t been this falling away and the man of sin had not been revealed.  Apparently the church had been miss guided and were concerned that they had missed the rapture.  Today Paul continues to explain what will happen in the tribulation period.   Questions: What are you focusing on?   6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.   So Paul continues the discussion about the man of sin and when others will know that the tribulation period has started.  In verse 6 Paul mentions this one, that holds back the revealing of the man of sin.  It appears that Paul had told the church, earlier, because he says you know who this is.  He then says that this evil is already at work but is being restrained by the Holy Spirit or the work of the Holy Spirit in the church.  The spirit of the antichrist is already at work.  The revealing of the antichrist is yet to happen.  Keep in mind the antichrist could be alive and well right now.  The idea is that the Holy Spirit is the one that is keeping this man of sin from being revealed.  When the Holy Spirit steps out of the way, then the man of sin will be revealed.  God is the one that controls the time when this man will be revealed.  This man of sin will bring a false piece and will perform miracles powered by Satan.  Many people wonder how one man can bring piece and why the world will follow him and believe him.  I have watched a lot of documentaries on Hitler.  If you look at how he came to power you will see he offered piece in a very difficult economic time.  He lied to the people and they trusted him.  Years later they realized they believed a lie.  The man of sin will come with the power, signs and lying wonders.  People will be amazed and fooled at the same time.  It is interesting to see how many people see what seems to be a miracle and are fooled today in believing lies.  Signs and wonders can be performed by Satan.   Ultimately this man of sin, the antichrist will be destroyed by the Lord’s breath, and his brightness.  This is a reference to Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. The sad part is many that remain will not believe the truth of Jesus Christ and will perish because of their unbelief.  God will then send them strong delusion because they didn’t believe, and they will believe the lies of the antichrist. We do know that many will believe and get saved in this time period as well.   Although Paul is concerned with the tribulation period in this passage, keep in mind Paul is assuring the people that they haven’t missed Jesus coming to get the church.  We aren’t looking for the antichrist; we are looking for Jesus to return. I think Paul and the Lord would rather the people focus on their love for people, works of faith, and hold on to the hope they have in Christ, and not be distracted by these last day events.  What are you focusing on? The post 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12 What are you focusing on? appeared first on Max Suther.

Are you troubled? 2 Thess 2:1-5 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5  Bible Study and Commentary   Last time we studied 2 Thessalonians 1 and in that chapter Paul continued to praise the church for their faith, love and endurance even in times of persecution.  The church was wondering if they had missed the rapture, and why they were suffering such persecution.  Paul explained that those that did not believe the Gospel and know God, would be judged and would be punished forever. Questions: Have you been deceived? Are you troubled?     Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?   As we begin this passage please keep in mind that the church is under heavy persecution and they might be wondering if they missed the rapture.  Paul is writing to straighten things out.  Paul begins by begging these people that they wouldn’t be shaken in mind.  The idea is that they wouldn’t be disturbed or troubled by what they heard.  Apparently someone told them or wrote them that they are in the in times and the tribulation period that Paul talked about in the first letter was here. Think about that for a moment.  What if you were doing what God had asked you to do, waiting for his return for you, and then you thought you missed it.  What would you do?  Wouldn’t you be troubled?  Would you stop working for the Lord? Paul then goes on to say don’t be deceived by any man and explains that two things must happen in order for the tribulation period to begin. One is a falling away.  Sometimes we call this apostasy.  This is a falling away of the faith.  This is where people at the end of the church age will stop believing the truth and start believing lies. The second sign is that the man of sin will be known.  Sometimes this man is called the antichrist.  The word antichrist means instead of Christ.  In other words people will follow him in this time period.  He is known as the son of perdition or destruction.  It means he is destined to be destroyed. He will bring in a time of piece at the beginning of the tribulation period after the rapture.  The tribulation period is 7 years.  In the middle of that period he will sit in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and declare that all people worship him.  He will oppose all other religions and God himself, and he will exalt himself.  This time is also referred to as the abomination of desolation spoken of in Daniel chapter 9. Paul’s is urging these people to understand that they haven’t missed the rapture, so set your mind at ease. In verse 5 Paul is saying hey guys remember in the first letter I told you about the rapture, and how you won’t face the tribulation period or God’s wrath.  Remember that this letter was written only a few months after the first.  I think Paul is perplexed as to how they could have already forgotten. I think this section is alarming.  It shows how quickly others can spread lies in the church and deceive others.  Paul told them exactly how things would unfold yet they believed a lie.  The lesson is simple.  Be careful who you listen to.  Remember that these Christians comprised a model church, and yet they were easily deceived. It is always best to confirm what you hear with what the Bible actually says.  It is very easy for us to be deceived.  Notice the results of being deceived.  The people were shaken and disturbed.  What was a productive church could easily become one that went wayward. The second application is that the truth leads to peace of mind.  The truth allows them to refocus on the things they were doing right.  Loving others, works of faith, and focusing on the hope of Jesus return.  God doesn’t want us to be confused.  Study his word closely.     The post 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 Are You Troubled? appeared first on Max Suther.

Is God glorified in you? 2 Thess 1:11-12 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet   2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Bible Study and Commentary Last time we looked at how the church continued to suffer persecution, yet they continued to love people, and work for the Lord.  They were concerned that they had missed the rapture and maybe wondered why they were suffering such persecution.  Paul explained to them that it was obvious that God was working through them, and that God was just.  Those that persecuted the church would receive justice. Questions: What do you desire? What does it mean to walk worthy of the Lord? How do we glorify the Lord? Do you have a clear view of the future? Is God glorified in you?     11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul begins by saying that he, Timothy and Silas are always praying for the church in Thessalonica.  It would be nice to know that someone is always praying for our local church, but I think the application is that we should always be praying for our church and the other churches in the community. Paul prays for a few specific things.  One he prays that they would walk worthy of their calling.  God calls us to be different, and of course he has a will for our lives.  The revealed will of God for our lives can be found in the Bible.  For an example, let’s read Ephesians 4:1-2 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;   This is a clear indication of what we should be doing each day of our lives.  We should be humble, gentle, patient, and love one another. Are you walking as God wants you to walk?  Have you ever seen the trucks on the road that say “how’s my driving”?  If they aren’t driving well you are supposed to call a number and let the company know there is a problem.  Well, what if Christians were required to wear a shirt that said “how am I walking”?   Call this number if there is a problem.  Call this number if I am not humble.  Call this number if I am not gentle.  Call this number if I am not patient.  Call this number if I am not loving others. Paul then prays that the good desires that God places in each of us and the work he has called us to do by faith is accomplished by God’s power.  Paul doesn’t expect us to do things in our own power, but instead rely on the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. What do you desire?  If you are saved God puts desires in your heart that ultimately glorify him.  Are the desires that you have lining up with God’s will? Do you have a passion to fulfill the good desires that God places within you? Paul has been praying for all of these things to what end? That the Lord Jesus would be glorified by character of our lives. What does it mean to glorify the Lord?  Well let’s read Psalms 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.   We know that the heavens and the earth declare that God is perfect, wise, and powerful.  What we see around us declares that God is the creator, and what he can do.  But, the heavens don’t declare his grace, love and righteousness.  This is what we are for.  Let’s turn to Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. He saved us that others would know about His grace, love and kindness.  That he was righteous and we are not.  We are to be those trophies of grace.  We are to be an example to others so that they see God’s grace, love and kindness in our lives. What does the world see when they see you or listen to you? Do they see God’s grace, love and kindness? We must be the example of what God’s grace and power can do. Is God glorified in you? The last application is simple.  Paul has painted a picture of what the future will look like.  We see the end.  We see that Jesus returns in glory, and we are in him.  We see that those who did not believe are punished for eternity.  Do you see the picture?  Having a clear picture of the end should change the way we live today.   The post 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Is God glorified in you? appeared first on Max Suther.

Feeling Tense? 2 Thess 1:5-10 Please Retweet #biblestudyClick To Tweet  2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Bible Study and Commentary Last time Paul was so happy with the church in Thessalonica that he said he was obligated to give thanks to God for them.  Apparently the persecution was growing but these believers endured and did what God would want them to do. Questions:   Feeling tense?   5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.   So apparently the church in Thessalonica was facing heavy persecution and and they were wondering if they had missed the rapture and the tribulation period had already started.  It also appears that the church might have been asking, how could God allow His church to be persecuted like this.  Is it just? Verse 5 refers back to verse 4. 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Paul was saying that he was telling other churches about this church and was even bragging about it or basking in its glory.  Verse 5 states that it is apparent that the persecution that you are enduring is evidence that God is working in you, and that you are saved.  God sometimes allows tribulation and persecution in our lives to make us stronger, or to make us more like Jesus.  Those that are saved, have the Holy Spirit living within, and thus have the power to endure the troubles.  Not only were these people enduring, but they were mastering the test.  They continued to love, and work despite the persecution.  Only those that are saved and let God work through them could endure and excel like this.  In other words, this is evidence that God truly did save them and is working in their lives.  True believers do suffer for the kingdom and for the cause of Christ. Philippians 1:29 – “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” Paul is trying to get them to understand that they were declared at salvation to be worthy of the kingdom because of what Christ has already done for them.  The persecution that comes your way is because you are a Christian. Also, the persecution against them is mounting up evidence for God’s righteous judgment of these persecutors and unbelievers.  In other words, God sees what is going on, and he will be not only a judge but be a witness at the judgment.  In verse 6 we see that God will pay the persecutors back for what they have done.  In other words they will get what they are owed. This is also a mirror image of what is to come.  On earth we Christians are suffering, tempted, and under trial, but one day the opposite will be true.  Those that are persecuting, will suffer, and be on trial. There might have been the question from some, how could God allow this to happen in our life.  How is it that those that persecute us can get away with their hatred towards the church?  Well Paul reassures the church that those that persecuted them, will face judgment when the Lord returns to earth after the tribulation period.  God sees what is going on and those that don’t know the Lord and those that didn’t believe the Gospel will be separated from God for all eternity and face everlasting punishment. I don’t know about you, but the idea of being separated from God from all eternity breaks my heart.  I don’t ever want to be separated from Him.  As a believer we know we can’t be separated from God.  We should take rest in that fact.  Unfortunately those that don’t know God, don’t understand the peace and comfort we take in knowing God, and having a relationship with him.  We should let them know. Here then lies another great truth.   If we as believers believe that Jesus will judge unbelievers as stated in verses 6 – 9, and we believe he is just in doing so, then why do we doubt his justice now?  Does God change?  No.  The God that will judge righteously in the future is just today.  We as Christians have to settle on one big fact.  God is God, and we aren’t.  He can do with me what he wants for his purpose and plan.  God is just today, and God will be just in the future. In verse 7 Paul says to those that are troubled rest with us.  Why? Because the Lord will return and set things right.  The word rest is a release of tension, like letting easing back on a taught bow string. We should take comfort and relief in this fact. Our rest comes when Jesus comes back. Verse 10 tells us that when Jesus comes back to earth to rule and reign that He will be glorified in us.  In other words, people will give God the glory for what they see in us, His saints.  We will reflect the glory of God. Let God use you in any way he sees fit.  Don’t just get through the tough times, but learn from them.  Let God make you what he wants you to be.  It will be worth it.       The post 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Feeling Tense? appeared first on Max Suther.