GREAT FEAST
GREAT FEAR
GREAT FALL
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The SON
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son.. Who will bid for this picture?'
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'
But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!'
But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
'We have $10, who will bid $20?'
'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son..
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross.. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son.. Who will bid for this picture?'
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'
But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!'
But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
'We have $10, who will bid $20?'
'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son..
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross.. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Loom of Time
Man's life is laid in the loom of time
To a pattern he does not see,
While the weavers work and the shuttles fly
Till the dawn of eternity.
Some shuttles are filled with silver threads
And some with threads of gold,
While often but the darker hues
Are all that they may hold.
But the weaver watches with skillful eye
Each shuttle fly to and fro,
And sees the pattern so deftly wrought
As the loom moves sure and slow.
God surely planned the pattern:
Each thread, the dark and fair,
Is chosen by His master skill
And placed in the web with care.
He only knows its beauty,
And guides the shuttles which hold
The threads so unattractive,
As well as the threads of gold.
Not till each loom is silent,
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God reveal the pattern
And explain the reason why
The dark threads were as needful
In the weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
For the pattern which He planned
To a pattern he does not see,
While the weavers work and the shuttles fly
Till the dawn of eternity.
Some shuttles are filled with silver threads
And some with threads of gold,
While often but the darker hues
Are all that they may hold.
But the weaver watches with skillful eye
Each shuttle fly to and fro,
And sees the pattern so deftly wrought
As the loom moves sure and slow.
God surely planned the pattern:
Each thread, the dark and fair,
Is chosen by His master skill
And placed in the web with care.
He only knows its beauty,
And guides the shuttles which hold
The threads so unattractive,
As well as the threads of gold.
Not till each loom is silent,
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God reveal the pattern
And explain the reason why
The dark threads were as needful
In the weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
For the pattern which He planned
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Spiritual Restoration – Reading Ps 51
How many people in the Bible fell into a backslidden state?
David, Jonah, Abraham, Prodigal Son, Peter...................................
How can or may the Christian in a spiritual decline be restored?
The Christian in spiritual decline may be restored when he comes to himself, realises the seriousness of his position and fulfils carefully the conditions in scripture.
1. The restoration of the Christian whose life is in spiritual decline is taught in scripture.
The backslider’s state is not hopeless. Ps 37:24
Nothing can be done for the backslider until they are pricked in their heart. Mark 14:72; John 21:15-17
You are exhorted to return to the Lord. 2 Chron 30:6; Isa 3:12, 14, 22; Hos 14:1-4
The Lord uses Chastisement to bring the backslider back to Himself. Hosea 2:6, 5:15, 6:1
A Christian may also be used in their restoration. Gal 6:1; this can be done through direct questions Gal 4:15 or by direct accusation 2 Sam 12:1-13
Restoration can only take place when they come to themselves. Luke 15:17; Jonah 2:2-4
2. The Lord promises to pardon the backslider and revive the Christian in Spiritual decline.
There are conditions. 2 Chron 7:14
The RECONITION that deliverance belongs to the Lord. Jon 2:9
The REMEMBERANCE that God is a jealous God. Ex 34:14
All arrogance, self-assurance and pride must put to the side but there must be submission and humbling before God. James 4:6
Hosea 5:5-7 5And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them. 6They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. 7They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.
There must be RESISTANCE to the devil. James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Eph 6:16
Draw near to God. James 4:8
The sin of backsliding is to be confessed as we depend on the atoning work of Christ. 1 John 1 :7-9
We must turn away from the things that have led us astray. Isa 1:16-20
3. What will be the results of the restoration of a Christian
THINK!
The joy of God’s salvation. Ps 51:12
The desire for witnessing. Ps 51:13
There will be praise. Ps 51:15
There will be humility Ps 51:17
There will be acceptance of God’s will. Ps 51:8
David, Jonah, Abraham, Prodigal Son, Peter...................................
How can or may the Christian in a spiritual decline be restored?
The Christian in spiritual decline may be restored when he comes to himself, realises the seriousness of his position and fulfils carefully the conditions in scripture.
1. The restoration of the Christian whose life is in spiritual decline is taught in scripture.
The backslider’s state is not hopeless. Ps 37:24
Nothing can be done for the backslider until they are pricked in their heart. Mark 14:72; John 21:15-17
You are exhorted to return to the Lord. 2 Chron 30:6; Isa 3:12, 14, 22; Hos 14:1-4
The Lord uses Chastisement to bring the backslider back to Himself. Hosea 2:6, 5:15, 6:1
A Christian may also be used in their restoration. Gal 6:1; this can be done through direct questions Gal 4:15 or by direct accusation 2 Sam 12:1-13
Restoration can only take place when they come to themselves. Luke 15:17; Jonah 2:2-4
2. The Lord promises to pardon the backslider and revive the Christian in Spiritual decline.
There are conditions. 2 Chron 7:14
The RECONITION that deliverance belongs to the Lord. Jon 2:9
The REMEMBERANCE that God is a jealous God. Ex 34:14
All arrogance, self-assurance and pride must put to the side but there must be submission and humbling before God. James 4:6
Hosea 5:5-7 5And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them. 6They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. 7They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.
There must be RESISTANCE to the devil. James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Eph 6:16
Draw near to God. James 4:8
The sin of backsliding is to be confessed as we depend on the atoning work of Christ. 1 John 1 :7-9
We must turn away from the things that have led us astray. Isa 1:16-20
3. What will be the results of the restoration of a Christian
THINK!
The joy of God’s salvation. Ps 51:12
The desire for witnessing. Ps 51:13
There will be praise. Ps 51:15
There will be humility Ps 51:17
There will be acceptance of God’s will. Ps 51:8
Spiritual Decline – Hosea 4
What is spiritual decline?
Spiritual decline or backsliding is turning back from following the Lord. It takes a variety of forms, but it always begins with the thoughts, and eventually it shows itself in a life which is no longer wholehearted in its devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Spiritual decline describes what the Bible calls backsliding.
Turning back from the Lord by degrees – Zeph 1:6
It is turning of the heart away from God – 1 Kings 11:9 so that the heart is not wholly true to God. See verse 4
It is a gradual forgetting of God. Hos 2:13
Serving of 2 masters Matt 6:24
It is an abandonment of our first love. Rev 3:16
It is pushing God to the outside of our life Rev 3:20
It is spiritual adultery. Hos 1:2, James 4:3-4
2. Backsliding will always show itself in different forms
It all begins with our thoughts. 2 Cor 11:3
Our prayer life will be affected James 4:2. We are commanded to pray Luke 18:1
Our attendance at the place of worship will be affected. Heb 10:25, Ps 84:10
There can be a complete complacency about their situation. Amos 6:1, 4-7; 1 Peter 1:9; Rev 3:17
He needs someone to teach him again. He doesn’t have the skill nor the ability to discern. Heb 5:12-14; 1 Cor 3:1-3
You will fail to seek His guidance. Pro 3:5-6
3. The causes of spiritual decline
The neglect or the misuse of prayer. Jam 4:2-3
Giving in to sin, with the sin unrented of and unconfessed. Ps 51:3-4
Disobedience to the obvious and know will of God. Jon 1:2-3; Jer 8:5-7; 1 Cor 10:23
Love of the world. Rom 12:2; 2 Tim 4:10; 1 John 2:15-17
Relationships 1 Kings 11:4; 2 Cor 6:14
Self assurance Pro 16:18; 1 Cor 10:12
The pursuit of false and unworthy ambitions. Jam 4:3
A lack of self examination. 1 Cor 11:31
4. The consequence of backsliding
It will grieve the Holy Spirit. Eph 4:30
We will become good for nothing in fulfilling God’s purposes. Mat 5:13
It removes the joy of God’s salvation. Ps 51:12
The ability to teach others is lost Ps 51:13
It makes the Christian concerned nauseating to Christ. Rev 3:16
It brings the believer under the displeasure of God. Ps 78: 57-59
It brings the believer under God’s reproof and chastisement. Rev 3:19
Spiritual decline or backsliding is turning back from following the Lord. It takes a variety of forms, but it always begins with the thoughts, and eventually it shows itself in a life which is no longer wholehearted in its devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Spiritual decline describes what the Bible calls backsliding.
Turning back from the Lord by degrees – Zeph 1:6
It is turning of the heart away from God – 1 Kings 11:9 so that the heart is not wholly true to God. See verse 4
It is a gradual forgetting of God. Hos 2:13
Serving of 2 masters Matt 6:24
It is an abandonment of our first love. Rev 3:16
It is pushing God to the outside of our life Rev 3:20
It is spiritual adultery. Hos 1:2, James 4:3-4
2. Backsliding will always show itself in different forms
It all begins with our thoughts. 2 Cor 11:3
Our prayer life will be affected James 4:2. We are commanded to pray Luke 18:1
Our attendance at the place of worship will be affected. Heb 10:25, Ps 84:10
There can be a complete complacency about their situation. Amos 6:1, 4-7; 1 Peter 1:9; Rev 3:17
He needs someone to teach him again. He doesn’t have the skill nor the ability to discern. Heb 5:12-14; 1 Cor 3:1-3
You will fail to seek His guidance. Pro 3:5-6
3. The causes of spiritual decline
The neglect or the misuse of prayer. Jam 4:2-3
Giving in to sin, with the sin unrented of and unconfessed. Ps 51:3-4
Disobedience to the obvious and know will of God. Jon 1:2-3; Jer 8:5-7; 1 Cor 10:23
Love of the world. Rom 12:2; 2 Tim 4:10; 1 John 2:15-17
Relationships 1 Kings 11:4; 2 Cor 6:14
Self assurance Pro 16:18; 1 Cor 10:12
The pursuit of false and unworthy ambitions. Jam 4:3
A lack of self examination. 1 Cor 11:31
4. The consequence of backsliding
It will grieve the Holy Spirit. Eph 4:30
We will become good for nothing in fulfilling God’s purposes. Mat 5:13
It removes the joy of God’s salvation. Ps 51:12
The ability to teach others is lost Ps 51:13
It makes the Christian concerned nauseating to Christ. Rev 3:16
It brings the believer under the displeasure of God. Ps 78: 57-59
It brings the believer under God’s reproof and chastisement. Rev 3:19
Social Responsibility
What is it? Who is responsible? What part do we, government or business play?
Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
God
God set the pattern out in Gen 1:27-30
After the fall in Gen 3:21
Social responsibility was to be imbedded in society. Ex 22:25, Lev 19:10, 23:22, Deut 15:11, 24:12-13, 14-15
Matt 5:45
God’s wrath is declared in Ezek 22:23-31
God will not forget the dishonest dealings at the expense of the needy.
Favouritism on the grounds of class, money and privilege is forbidden. Lev 19:15, James 2:1-13
What does God require of us as members of society? Micah 6:8
Jesus Christ
God confirmed his pattern of SR in the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 10:38
Jesus cared for those who had a need. Luke 7:11-17
He was friendly with the outcasts. Mat 9:10-11
He healed those who were ill. Mat 11:2-6
He fed the hungry. Mat 14:14-21
He taught the importance of good works. Mat 5:13-16
The Church
We have the example of the early church. Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35
They sought to look after widows. Acts 6:1-7
They collected for the Christians in Jerusalem. Acts 24:17, Rom 15:26, 1 Cor 16:3
The Apostles
We are still earthly citizens. 1 Peter 2:13-17
Do good to all especially the church. Gal 6:10
We are not to be afraid of exposing evil. Eph 5:11
What are we being taught here? Eph 4:28, 2 Thes 3:10-15
Guidelines for Christian Social involvement
We are to be good citizens. Matt 17:24-27
We have duties to state, society and God. Matt 22:15-22, Rom 13:1-7, 1 Tim 2:2, 1 Pet 2:17
We are still to keep in sight mans spiritual need Luke 3:18-19, Matt 28:18-20
Salvation in men should influence society. Luke 19:8, John 8:11
We need to be willing not only to share the Gospel but also our own selves. 1 Thes 2:8, Matt 25:34-40, 1 John 3:16-18
An example of true SR. Luke 10:30-37
We are able to make social betterment by living a Christian Life. Eph 5:22-6:9
Loving God and Man should never conflict? Luke 10:27-28
Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
God
God set the pattern out in Gen 1:27-30
After the fall in Gen 3:21
Social responsibility was to be imbedded in society. Ex 22:25, Lev 19:10, 23:22, Deut 15:11, 24:12-13, 14-15
Matt 5:45
God’s wrath is declared in Ezek 22:23-31
God will not forget the dishonest dealings at the expense of the needy.
Favouritism on the grounds of class, money and privilege is forbidden. Lev 19:15, James 2:1-13
What does God require of us as members of society? Micah 6:8
Jesus Christ
God confirmed his pattern of SR in the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 10:38
Jesus cared for those who had a need. Luke 7:11-17
He was friendly with the outcasts. Mat 9:10-11
He healed those who were ill. Mat 11:2-6
He fed the hungry. Mat 14:14-21
He taught the importance of good works. Mat 5:13-16
The Church
We have the example of the early church. Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35
They sought to look after widows. Acts 6:1-7
They collected for the Christians in Jerusalem. Acts 24:17, Rom 15:26, 1 Cor 16:3
The Apostles
We are still earthly citizens. 1 Peter 2:13-17
Do good to all especially the church. Gal 6:10
We are not to be afraid of exposing evil. Eph 5:11
What are we being taught here? Eph 4:28, 2 Thes 3:10-15
Guidelines for Christian Social involvement
We are to be good citizens. Matt 17:24-27
We have duties to state, society and God. Matt 22:15-22, Rom 13:1-7, 1 Tim 2:2, 1 Pet 2:17
We are still to keep in sight mans spiritual need Luke 3:18-19, Matt 28:18-20
Salvation in men should influence society. Luke 19:8, John 8:11
We need to be willing not only to share the Gospel but also our own selves. 1 Thes 2:8, Matt 25:34-40, 1 John 3:16-18
An example of true SR. Luke 10:30-37
We are able to make social betterment by living a Christian Life. Eph 5:22-6:9
Loving God and Man should never conflict? Luke 10:27-28
Work – Part 2
Reading Eph 6:5-9
Work well done is worthy of a reasonable wage – 1 Tim 5:18
God rewards whatever your position in life – Eph 6:8
Diligence in work brings rewards. Pro 22:29; 27:23-27
The sluggard Pro 13:4
What does Pro 17:2 mean?
Life is not to be all work!
What do we learn from Luke 12:16-21?
What do we learn from 1 Tim 6:6-10?
There is a cycle of work and a cycle of rest. Ex 20:8-11. What are we to do on the Sabbath? What about nurses and doctors? When do they rest?
Idleness is condemned – 2 The 3:11
No one who is able to support themselves are entitled to be supported 2 The 3:10
Employers need to careful James 5:4
What does Col 3:22-25 teach us?
How is the world’s view of work different from the Christian’s? Rom 12:2
Use your talents. Mat 25:14-30
Work is to be an act of worship – Eph 6:5-6, 1 Cor 10:31
Work well done is worthy of a reasonable wage – 1 Tim 5:18
God rewards whatever your position in life – Eph 6:8
Diligence in work brings rewards. Pro 22:29; 27:23-27
The sluggard Pro 13:4
What does Pro 17:2 mean?
Life is not to be all work!
What do we learn from Luke 12:16-21?
What do we learn from 1 Tim 6:6-10?
There is a cycle of work and a cycle of rest. Ex 20:8-11. What are we to do on the Sabbath? What about nurses and doctors? When do they rest?
Idleness is condemned – 2 The 3:11
No one who is able to support themselves are entitled to be supported 2 The 3:10
Employers need to careful James 5:4
What does Col 3:22-25 teach us?
How is the world’s view of work different from the Christian’s? Rom 12:2
Use your talents. Mat 25:14-30
Work is to be an act of worship – Eph 6:5-6, 1 Cor 10:31
Work – Part 1
What does the Bible teach about work?
Work was an original purpose of God for man, but man’s rebellion against God marred man’s experience of God’s purpose so that man finds his work all too often a burden rather than a pleasure.
Work is part of God’s scheme for the support of the human race, and properly fulfilled it brings its own rewards. While to avoid work is folly, life is not to be filled exclusively with work – God makes provision for rest and recreation. Christians should bear witness to their faith by the quality of their work.
1. There is many different types of work. Gen 4:2, Ex 31:2-5
2. Work was the original purpose of God for man
Man was to subdue the earth. Gen 1:28, Ps 8:3-8
Man working before the fall. Gen 2:15 (Joy)
The principle of work is written into the whole of God’s creation. Pro 6:6-11
It is always assumed that work constitutes part of God’s pattern for man. Ex 20:9-10
God intends that man should find enjoyment in his work. Eccl 5:18-19
More pleasure in the work than in the result or achievements of the work. Eccl 2:10-11
Who thinks that working manually is beneath them? Eph 4:28, Mark 6:3
Work is a sign of God’s blessing. Unemployment in a nation may be a sign of God’s judgement. Zech :8-10-12
3. Man’s rebellion against God marred man’s experience of God’s purposes in the principle of work.
The curse which followed the fall of man was not the curse of work, but the pain and hardship connected with work by reason of the curse upon the ground. Gen 3:17-19
Work without God is meaningless and pointless. Ps 127:2
Work has been used to exploit and oppress. Ex 1:11-14, James 5:4-6
4. The purpose which may be discerned behind the principle of work.
The great incentive for daily work is our daily bread as the fruit of it. Pro 16:26
Daily work is the means of building the home and sustaining it. Proverbs 24:27
Daily work is part of God’s scheme for support of the human race. Pro 27:25-27
We are to make a return to our parents. It is a dreadful thing not to provide for members of our families. 1 Tim 5:4, 8
Christ taught that we were to give to those who were not as well off. Matt 19:21, Luke 14:13, Acts 2:44, 45, 4:32
The apostle Paul set an example of working, not only for his own support, but also for the benefit of those who were serving the lord with him Acts 20:34; he also laid emphasis upon the provision of help for the poor. Rom 15:26-27 2 Cor chapters 8 & 9
We should work with the aim to help others and not just ourselves. Eph 4:28
Work was an original purpose of God for man, but man’s rebellion against God marred man’s experience of God’s purpose so that man finds his work all too often a burden rather than a pleasure.
Work is part of God’s scheme for the support of the human race, and properly fulfilled it brings its own rewards. While to avoid work is folly, life is not to be filled exclusively with work – God makes provision for rest and recreation. Christians should bear witness to their faith by the quality of their work.
1. There is many different types of work. Gen 4:2, Ex 31:2-5
2. Work was the original purpose of God for man
Man was to subdue the earth. Gen 1:28, Ps 8:3-8
Man working before the fall. Gen 2:15 (Joy)
The principle of work is written into the whole of God’s creation. Pro 6:6-11
It is always assumed that work constitutes part of God’s pattern for man. Ex 20:9-10
God intends that man should find enjoyment in his work. Eccl 5:18-19
More pleasure in the work than in the result or achievements of the work. Eccl 2:10-11
Who thinks that working manually is beneath them? Eph 4:28, Mark 6:3
Work is a sign of God’s blessing. Unemployment in a nation may be a sign of God’s judgement. Zech :8-10-12
3. Man’s rebellion against God marred man’s experience of God’s purposes in the principle of work.
The curse which followed the fall of man was not the curse of work, but the pain and hardship connected with work by reason of the curse upon the ground. Gen 3:17-19
Work without God is meaningless and pointless. Ps 127:2
Work has been used to exploit and oppress. Ex 1:11-14, James 5:4-6
4. The purpose which may be discerned behind the principle of work.
The great incentive for daily work is our daily bread as the fruit of it. Pro 16:26
Daily work is the means of building the home and sustaining it. Proverbs 24:27
Daily work is part of God’s scheme for support of the human race. Pro 27:25-27
We are to make a return to our parents. It is a dreadful thing not to provide for members of our families. 1 Tim 5:4, 8
Christ taught that we were to give to those who were not as well off. Matt 19:21, Luke 14:13, Acts 2:44, 45, 4:32
The apostle Paul set an example of working, not only for his own support, but also for the benefit of those who were serving the lord with him Acts 20:34; he also laid emphasis upon the provision of help for the poor. Rom 15:26-27 2 Cor chapters 8 & 9
We should work with the aim to help others and not just ourselves. Eph 4:28
Worldliness Part 2
Worldliness revolves around the pride of life. The empty pride we have in possessions and position. 1 John 2:16
It is a lust for what in Mat 20:21?
It is a lust for what in Acts 12:21-24
What does this man do wrong in Luke 18:11-12? See also James 4:16
What was wrong with his choice? Gen 13:11
Was the rich man wrong in Luke 12:13-21?
What is Matt 6:31 teaching you?
Who or what do you love? 1 John 2:15
What needs to be right in our lives? 1 Sam16:7
What does it mean to commit adultery against God? James 4:4
What is the cure? James 4:7-10
What can we learn from Ps 1:1?
What antidote should we use to combat worldliness? Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thes 4:3, 1 Cor 10:31
What are we taught in 1 Cor 10:12, 11:28 & 2 Cor 13:5
Finish reading John 17:17
It is a lust for what in Mat 20:21?
It is a lust for what in Acts 12:21-24
What does this man do wrong in Luke 18:11-12? See also James 4:16
What was wrong with his choice? Gen 13:11
Was the rich man wrong in Luke 12:13-21?
What is Matt 6:31 teaching you?
Who or what do you love? 1 John 2:15
What needs to be right in our lives? 1 Sam16:7
What does it mean to commit adultery against God? James 4:4
What is the cure? James 4:7-10
What can we learn from Ps 1:1?
What antidote should we use to combat worldliness? Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thes 4:3, 1 Cor 10:31
What are we taught in 1 Cor 10:12, 11:28 & 2 Cor 13:5
Finish reading John 17:17
Worldliness Part 1
What is worldliness and why is it so serious?
Worldliness is essentially love of the world as it manifests itself in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It is so serious because it is in complete opposition to the love of God.
Worldliness needs to be seen against the background of the Christian’s position in the world.
How did God describe the world? Gen 1:31
What is the world like now? Rom 5:12
Under whose power does the world lie? John 12:31, Eph 2:2
How are Christians described in Gal 1:4?
How are we to respond to 1 Cor 5:10-11? Look also at Phil 2:15
What are we to resist? Rom 12:2
What does Gal 6:14 mean?
What does John 17:14-20 teach us?
What is the world and how are to respond to it? Mat 28:19-20, Mat 9:38, Phil 2:15-16
Defining Worldliness
Worldliness is the expression of what? Mark 7:21-23
What does 2 Tim 4:10 teach us?
What is worldliness? 1 John 2:16 What is the first thing?
What dominated our lives before salvation and what has changed and why? Eph 2:3, Titus 2:12, 1 Peter 4:2-4, 2 peter 1:4
What causes personal conflict and quarrels in our lives? James 4:1-4
How are we to safeguard ourselves from worldliness? Gal 5:16 (read also verses 17-25)
What was the first thing Christ was tempted to do in Luke 4:2-3?
What is worldliness? 1 John 2:16 What is the second thing?
Our eyes are organs of what? Jos 7:21 What commandment was broken here?
What does Luke 11:34 teach us?
What does Job 31:1and Mat 5:28 teach us?
What can covetousness lead us to? 2 Kings 5:19-27, 2 Sam 11:2-5, 15, 27, 12:19
The lust of the eye is what the devil uses in Luke 4:5
Worldliness is essentially love of the world as it manifests itself in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It is so serious because it is in complete opposition to the love of God.
Worldliness needs to be seen against the background of the Christian’s position in the world.
How did God describe the world? Gen 1:31
What is the world like now? Rom 5:12
Under whose power does the world lie? John 12:31, Eph 2:2
How are Christians described in Gal 1:4?
How are we to respond to 1 Cor 5:10-11? Look also at Phil 2:15
What are we to resist? Rom 12:2
What does Gal 6:14 mean?
What does John 17:14-20 teach us?
What is the world and how are to respond to it? Mat 28:19-20, Mat 9:38, Phil 2:15-16
Defining Worldliness
Worldliness is the expression of what? Mark 7:21-23
What does 2 Tim 4:10 teach us?
What is worldliness? 1 John 2:16 What is the first thing?
What dominated our lives before salvation and what has changed and why? Eph 2:3, Titus 2:12, 1 Peter 4:2-4, 2 peter 1:4
What causes personal conflict and quarrels in our lives? James 4:1-4
How are we to safeguard ourselves from worldliness? Gal 5:16 (read also verses 17-25)
What was the first thing Christ was tempted to do in Luke 4:2-3?
What is worldliness? 1 John 2:16 What is the second thing?
Our eyes are organs of what? Jos 7:21 What commandment was broken here?
What does Luke 11:34 teach us?
What does Job 31:1and Mat 5:28 teach us?
What can covetousness lead us to? 2 Kings 5:19-27, 2 Sam 11:2-5, 15, 27, 12:19
The lust of the eye is what the devil uses in Luke 4:5
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