Category: Teaching

The Harvest is Plentiful

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This is an outline of the notes that I used to teach my Wednesday evening class of the sayings and the life of Jesus. Feel free to join us on Wednesday at 6:15pm.

The heart of it all today: the fact that Jesus calls twelve disciples to follow Him, out of a larger group of seventy. They are warned that it will take no less than total commitment but the reward is great.

Key Verse to Remember: “Come, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19

Key Term for Today, Called: meaning to leave their earlier life behind and commit themselves to the kingdom of God.

Fishermen (Matthew 4:18-22): We often overlook the fact that these men were called to follow out of their daily work schedule rather than during some spiritual experience.

  1. These four (Peter, Andrew, James and John) had seen Jesus before, John 1:35 tells that Andrew (with possibly Peter) had been a disciple of John, but at this encounter, there is a decisive call to follow Jesus. They leave their nets and begin the journey.
  2. Luke 5:10-11 adds that they would be from now on catching people, or taking men alive. “Follow Me” was different here because they would not just be taught with ideas and thoughts, but with deeds. They were not going to be debating theology, but catching men, leading them to salvation.
  3. Mark 1:20 tells us the brothers left their father in the boat with the hired hands. These were more than just working class men, but business owners. God likes to use the working class, like Amos of the Old Testament. Amos 7:14-15 tell us that he was not a prophet of from a prophetic family, just a shepherd from Tekoa, tending his flock when God took hold of his heart.
  4. In Luke’s version, Jesus had already healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39). Then after a night of catching nothing, Peter is told to drop the nets into the deep water (Luke 5:4) before bringing up a huge catch (Luke 5:6). Peter is witness to two miracles and he sees himself in a proper light, a sinful man not worthy to associate with someone like Jesus (Luke 5:8). The others are astonished but only Peter drops to his knees (Luke 5:8-9). Peter’s awareness of his own failing and sinfulness was one of his finest qualities.

Workers for the Harvest (Matthew 9:35-38, John 4:35): Jesus and Paul had a similar method of first teaching in the synagogues, which were local centers for teaching and instruction.

  1. There was no music and singing, just prayer, Scripture reading and exposition. There was no minister, but rather an administrator or ruler, who would call on a competent man to speak.
  2. There was a vast difference in the way Jesus and the religious leaders viewed the people. Jesus had compassion on the people (Matthew 9:36) whereas the religious leaders had contempt for the people and believed them to be cursed (John 7:49). The people were harassed, neglected, ignored and abused by their “shepherd” while Jesus saw them not as losers, but as a rich harvest (Matthew 9:37-38).
  3. Many Old Testament prophets had this same view of people, like Jeremiah 50:6 says they are like lost sheep being lead astray; and Zechariah 10:2 says they wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. First Peter 2:35 continues the theme, and John completes the picture in Revelation 7:17. In John 4:35, the people were ripe for harvest.
  4. This was spoken in Samaria during the encounter with the woman at the well. A spiritual harvest was beginning in of all places, Samaria, a place the Jew despised and avoided. Jesus calls us to go to the outcast, and in essence asks us today, “why not you?”

Beginning the New Israel (Matthew 10:1-4): It is here that the term disciple (Matthew 10:1) is changed to apostle (Matthew 10:2). The meaning of apostle is “sent out one.”

  1. We know little about the twelve, but it was a diverse group, from fishermen to a tax collector (partnering with Rome) to a Zealot wanting to overthrow the Romans. We know little about them because it is likely their work was more important then themselves.
  2. Why twelve? It was a special number for Israel, representing the twelve tribe of Israel. In a way Jesus was beginning a new Israel, not based on family heritage but on devotion to God. Revelation 21:14 says their names are twelve are inscribed on the city’s foundation.
  3. Luke 6:13 tells us that these were chosen from a larger group of disciples.
  4. In Mark 3:16-17, Andrew is not placed with Peter, but the men of inner circle are listed first (Peter, James and John). Mark also adds a detail about the Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17). I discovered the Boanerges means “Sons of Thunder” in Aramaic (ben = child or son, regaz = rage or wrath). Perhaps this is due to their fiery personality (Mark 9:38, Luke 9:54, Mark 10:35-36), or the fact that their father is left standing in the boat (Matthew 4:22 – daddy might have been the fiery thunderous one as the boy left him with all the work).
  5. Two or three had Greek names, Philip and Andrew; the third may be Bartholomew (bar – Ptolemy). Both Andrew and Peter were likely able to speak Greek.
  6. In John 12:20-21, some Greeks wanted to see Jesus and they go to Andrew as the gatekeeper. Bartholomew was likely Nathanael (John 1:45), and Philip brings him to meet Jesus. This is a different Philip than the one in Acts 6:6, 8:5-40).
  7. Matthew and the second James may have been brothers because James is called the Son of Alpheus” (Mark 2:14 – a tax collector named Levi being the “son of Alpheus”). This James is often called James the Less, since the greater James was the brother of John.
  8. Thaddeus is in the list for Matthew and Mark, but in some manuscripts he is called Lebbaeus. To confuse us further, Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13, List neither Thaddeus nor Lebbeaus, but mention Judas the son of James (not Iscariot) who is at the end of all the lists.

Freely Giving (Matthew 10:5-15): Jesus restricts their ministry to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6). This is not for exclusion but rather a matter of priority.

  1. They were not yet equipped to carry the message past their own culture.
  2. They were to freely give, like the example of Moses where God taught him, and he was to freely pass it on to the people.
  3. They received good teaching, so they must pass it on.
  4. They were not to peddle the Word of God (2 Corinthians 2:17). “Take no bag for your journey” might refer to a leather shoulder bag, typically with enough provisions for a day or two. They did not need unnecessary supplies because God would supply their needs.
  5. The money belt (Matthew 10:9) was generally concealed and prevented one from entering the temple, in fear of transacting any business while inside.
  6. Their seeking a “worthy person” seems to be a contradiction since Jesus tended to be drawn to the outcasts in society (Matthew 10:11). This person of peace was likely be the gatekeeper in the community.
  7. “Shaking the dust from one’s feet” (Matthew 10:14) may refer to things that cling to a person, like the dust of idolatry. If people were unresponsive, this action would be a testimony against them (Mark 6:10).
  8. The fate worse than Sodom and Gomorrah seems a bit harsh (Matthew 10:15). The point is that rejection of the gospel is serious. In Genesis 19:5, the evil men desired to abuse God’s messengers; so this seems to be similar. They were an example to those who reject God (2 Peter 2:6).

Wannabees and Would-Have-Beens (Luke 9:57-62): Jesus could attract a crowd, but true followers were rare. People needed to know the cost involved; this was not a life of ease and comfort.

  1. “Let me bury my father” was not likely said by one who had just lost his father. It was a polite way to say no thanks but no thanks; good intention without commitment. His calling was higher than family obligations. Rather than focus on death, we are to focus on real life.
  2. “Hand to the plow” probably refers to the story of Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 19: 20). Elijah was willing to wait for Elisha, and Elisha did not disappoint him, but Jesus challenges us to not look back; we are not as dedicated as Elisha. Paul has something to say about this topic, (Philippians 3:13).

Builders and Kings (Luke 14:28-32): The radical idea here is to give up everything, and this life is not going to be easy.While Jesus attracts large crowds, He is not pander to the people. Evangelism was done the hard way. Don’t attract the greatest number of people, but those with the best commitment and dedication.

The Seventy (Luke 10:1, 17-20): The discussion is usually about the number (70 or 72?). Seventy is more likely for these reasons of symbolism:

  1. There were 70 elders to assist Moses (Number 11:16)
  2. The Sanhedrin consisted of seventy men
  3. There were seventy men who translated the Septuagint (LXX)
  4. There were seventy nations listed in Noah’s genealogy in Genesis 10
  5. Some rabbis said that there were seventy bulls sacrificed during the Feast of Tabernacles.
  6. Jesus was condemned by the Sanhedrin, but these seventy would proclaim the kingdom rather than try to destroy it.
  7. They returned with news of joy. Jesus did not say they were to cast out demons, but what a pleasant surprise (Luke 10:17, Matthew 10:7-8).
  8. They were to continue in humility; even Satan falling from heaven may have been a reminder of his pride at the beginning and being tossed out of heaven (Ezekiel 28:14-17).
  9. “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20) stresses the importance of worshiping God and not ourselves of our accomplishments. These records were like in any city on its citizens (similarly Philippians 4:3, Hebrews 12:23 and Revelation 20:12).
  10. “Nothing will harm you” could be interpreted literally, or perhaps the fact that the disciples can overcome anything, Satan, demons and other enemies. Demons were a reality in this time and culture; He was not saying not to fear demons, but to overcome them.

Next time we will look at “salted with fire” and the hazards of being a disciple.

My Father’s Business

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This is an outline of the notes that I use to teach my Wednesday evening class on the sayings and the life of Jesus. Feel free to join us at 6:15pm, beginning September 11.

The Heart of the Lesson is the fact that at age 12 Jesus becomes aware of His calling to be concerned with “His Father’s business.” As an adult Jesus takes on this mission by identifying with sinners, by experiencing baptism, and overcoming temptation.

Key Memory Verse for Today: “Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4

Key Term for Today: Test. The word tempt often has a bad image, but the original word meant testing. Important characters are tested in the Bible, like Abraham. A man was not great until he has been tested. Temptation can be seen not as the temptation to sin but to avoid sin.

Jesus’ Pre-existence: John 1:1, this helps us see that Jesus existed long before entering a middle class Palestinian family.

Jesus’ Birth: Luke 2: The gospels tell us about His miraculous birth, but nearly nothing about His childhood and youth.

Jesus’ Boyhood: Luke 2:40-52. What do we learn about his family in Luke 2:42?

  1. There were three festivals that Jews were required to attend: Passover, Pentecost, Booths.
  2. Women were not required to go, but Mary did; this goes toward our understanding her devotion to God.
  3. The caravan: probably for traveling protection, extended family.
  4. “Three days of searching” (Luke 2:46)? Perhaps there was one day each for discovering, returning and finding the missing boy.
  5. Age 12 (Luke 2:42) the age of manhood: Jesus was sitting with the leaders of the temple (Luke 2:46-47).
  6. Then came the parental question: “Why have you done this to us?” (Luke 2:48). Jesus responds that He would be, “in my Father’s house,” which can also be understood as “about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49 KJV). This emphasizes the mission.
  7. “My Father” is not the customary “our Father.” Even in His boyhood, Jesus seemed to demonstrate a personal closeness to God. Mary uses the phrase “your father and I” (Luke 2:48) which is a reference to Joseph. Jesus is respectful of His earthly father, but He is aware of the unique relationship He has with the Father.
  8. Referring to the genealogies, it was more important for Jesus to be understood as the Son of God than to be a son of David. He would repeatedly disappoint those expecting a military Messiah to defeat their enemies. He would never disappoint those who could see Him as the Son of God.

Mary’s perspective: She really did not understand her son, or she saw evidence that He is who she knew Him to be.

  1. Remember Luke 2:21-38. Mary had plenty of opportunities to treasure and ponder all of these things in her heart (Luke 2:51, see also 2:19).
  2. The gap in Jesus’ life is covered in Luke 2:52.
  3. The non-canonical infancy narratives (about AD 100-150) attempted to explain this silent period: these are not inspired Scripture. (Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of James).

Jesus’ Nature: Was He born like an adult and only play-acting the role as a child? Hebrews 5:8 – The writer says that He learned obedience. He was the Son of God yet fully human. Real human beings grow and develop, get tired, hungry and thirsty. He grew from a helpless and dependent infant into an adult who was changed on the inside as well as the outside.

Fulfill All Righteousness: Key teaching of the NT, Jesus was fully human yet sinless. The God-Man.

  1. So, why submit to the ritual of baptism when it was the public acknowledgment of repenting from sins? Matthew 3:13-17 – while it did not seem appropriate, Jesus insisted – Matthew 3:15.
  2. Main point is that Jesus identified with us, the sinless choosing to experience what the sinner must go through. Perhaps He was dedicating His life to God and His mission.
  3. Certainly Jesus identified with John’s movement of repentance, and turning back to God. Jews did not employ baptism for other Jews, it was for Jewish converts, symbolizing their cleansing from sin. It is as if God had leveled the playing field by promoting baptism of repentance for all people.

Jesus’ Ministry: What prompted Jesus to begin His ministry? At John’s call, maybe He sensed the spiritual time was right, and to begin something new. Baptism symbolized the washing away of sin, but also it symbolized death; the old self was drowned, to rise up in new life.

Jesus’ Without Sin: What does it mean that Jesus was sinless?

  1. All His life He submitted His own will to the will of the Father. At the time of the baptism, did Jesus know He was sinless?
  2. Perhaps the temptations to follow will answer this question. Notice the Father gave full approval to the Son’s action.
  3. Matthew 3:17 – the Father is well pleased.
  4. Psalm 2:7 – refers to the enthronement of Israel’s king.
  5. Isaiah 42:1 – refers to the suffering servant.
  6. Psalm 2:8 – is the response Satan gives to the temptation to have power over the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:9).

The Dove: This is the visible sign, the descent of the Spirit on Jesus, as a dove.

  1. This is reminiscent of Joel 2:28. The baptism could have been the Father’s seal of approval, and the seal was the Holy Spirit.
  2. Jesus was marked with a mission and given the power to bring it into being.
  3. “Heaven was opened” – literally “torn open,” which is the same word as the torn veil in the temple. In Jesus, the barrier between heaven and earth was removed.
  4. “Beloved” – applies to an only child.

The Tests: God approves of the Son’s mission: remember that where God is at work, Satan is also at work.

  1. Matthew 4:1 – Satan seeks to nip this mission in the bud, he saw the divine plan.
  2. After the baptism, Mark 1:12 says the Spirit “drove” or “impelled” Jesus into the desert. The same word is used when Jesus drove demons out of people. The Spirit did not drive Him out to see Him fail the test, but so Jesus would emerge a more determined spiritual warrior (1 John 3:8).
  3. This was no spiritual retreat to be alone with the Father; it was a desolate place, infested with beasts and demons.
  4. Jesus would be doing what Adam and Eve did, to face temptation. Rather than in a garden, it was the wilderness. Jesus was tempted while He was weak and alone, unlike Adam and Eve. Satan comes at us when we are at our weakest, too.
  5. Hebrews 2:18 – He suffered when He was tempted.
  6. Hebrews 4:15 – Tempted in every way, yet without sin.

Bread From Stones – Matthew 4:2-4, “If You are the Son of God” was a taunt rather than a doubt; Satan knew exactly who Jesus was.

  1. “Fasting 40 days” was a reminder of Israel wandering in the wilderness. A time of testing for them (spiritually/morally). For the most part the children of Israel failed, unlike Jesus. Moses and Elijah both encountered God in the wilderness.
  2. “Man does not live by bread alone” is from Deuteronomy 8:3. In context, it is the episode of the daily manna (Deuteronomy 8:1-6). All three responses are from Deuteronomy.
  3. All three are temptations to power. Resistance comes through God’s Word. Jesus was relying on His upbringing, using Scripture when facing a difficult situation.
  4. Was this a providing of bread for His own needs? People expected the Messiah to prepare a banquet for all the Jews. Jesus knew that feeding the people would be a bribe, gaining followers with material goods. Check out what happened in John 6:10-11, 15. There is a warning in John 6:26-27 – Same response as to Satan, “man does not live by bread alone.” Jesus was no social reformer bent on eliminating hunger and poverty; that was not ultimately His mission.

Testing God – Matthew 4:5-7: Throw Yourself from the temple – quoting Psalm 91:11-12 to back him up.

  1. Here is proof that speaking Scripture is no indication one one’s spiritual condition. Satan knows the Bible; familiarity with it is no assurance of salvation.
  2. Jesus’ response referred to the Exodus. The people wanted water, and Moses warned them not to test God (Exodus 17:1-7). Moses reminds them of the time they tested God (Deuteronomy 6:16).
  3. Many people asked Jesus for a sign, to do some dazzling miracle to prove Himself. Israelites in the wilderness saw miracles all the time and they did not have great faith.
  4. The Romans had charlatans referring to themselves as the “sons of god” so Satan tempted Jesus to be a miracle worker, and give the people what they expect. They expected miraculous wonders, but they got the perfect sacrifice for their sin.

Earthly Power – Matthew 4:8-11: Humans are attracted to and worship power.

  1. Jesus was not the Messiah they wanted. Power vs. self-sacrifice. Throne of power vs. a Galilean carpenter.
  2. The temptation here is not necessarily just to worship Satan, but to worship political power. Satan says to Him, be the Messiah they expect. Political hopes are based on regime change, but even in the Maccabean dynasty they became wealthy and corrupt. Nations get the politicians they deserve.
  3. Jesus taught that political regime change meant nothing, but a heart change was everything.

Satan’s Dominion: Luke’s account (Luke 4:6) mentions the inhabited world was given over to Satan, who is the Prince of this world – Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 2:2. Jesus does accept the gift; now is the time for judgment on this world (John 12:31). God reminds us there can be no comprising with the enemy (1 John 3:8). A laughable choice – serve God or serve the devil. It’s like Bob Dylan, You Gotta Serve Somebody.

Epilogue: Satan was not finished with Jesus. Luke 4:13 mentions he left Jesus until an opportune time. They will meet again. For now, Jesus passes the great test. He was the obedient Son of God. He did what Adam had failed to do, He withstood temptation.

Next Week – “The Harvest is Plentiful” and the calling of disciples, and more.

The Grounds for Faith

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This Sunday we continue in Second Peter, which begs the question as to why would we have faith at all? How can we know God’s plan for us? Can we really trust what is recorded in Scripture? Peter will also address his thoughts as he nears the end of his earthly life. How can we know that what we have followed all these years was right? If you could convey a final message to people whom you hoped would continue and persevere in the Christian faith, what would you say? What would you want them to know?

This letter is in many ways Peter’s farewell address. He reminded them of their source of faith. It was not built on the apostles, but upon another source.

Invoking His Memory

What God revealed to Peter: Peter wants to remind his readers of what they already know, Peter was not holding anything back (2 Peter 1:12). These believers have been established in the truth. He mentions that stirring them up, teaching and encouraging them was the right thing to do, even though his execution was drawing near (2 Peter 1:13, 14). Jesus made it clear that he would not live to a ripe old age, but a martyr’s death (John 21:18, 19).

What Peter requires of us: Peter wants these believers to remember the great spiritual truths he has written in these letters, especially after “his departure” (2 Peter 1:15).

Identifying His Majesty

Here, Peter reviews what we call the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13, Matthew 17:1-13). He and the disciples did not follow cleverly devised tales or stories about Jesus; he proclaimed that which he experienced. He was an eyewitness to the glory of Jesus (2 Peter 1:16, 17). The glory faded on the mountaintop, but the Word of God will never fade (1 Peter 1:24, 25). There was a sight (2 Peter 1:16) and there was a sound (2 Peter 1:17, 18). Peter experienced Christ, he did not just believe the right stuff about Him. Peter had a first-hand faith rather than a second-hand faith.

Inspiration of His Message

First Peter addresses the accomplishments of the Bible, moving toward giving us hope for the future (2 Peter 1:19). God’s Word is a light that shines in the darkness. As Galadriel spoke to Frodo giving him a gift of the special lamp, she said, “May it be a light in the dark places, when all other lights go out.”He challenges us to “make more sure” about the prophetic Word, which we “do well to pay attention.”

Then Peter moves to the author of the Bible (2 Peter 1:20, 21). So we beg the questions… can we trust the Word of God? How has it been preserved for us to read today? Is it reliable? Do we interpret the text properly? What does the word inspiration mean anyway? The message did not come from human writers, but from the power of God, people moved by the Holy Spirit.

Questions to Consider this Week:

  1. What people and events does Peter remind his readers (2 Peter 1:16-21)?
  2. What responsibilities did Peter seem to feel he had for his readers (2 Peter 1:12-15)?
  3. What phrases indicate Peter’s view of death?
  4. What can we assume was his attitude toward death?
  5. What do you hope will be your own attitude when death approaches?
  6. What could you be doing now to build toward a “good death?”
  7. In what ways did the transfiguration reveal the majesty of Jesus?
  8. What difference does it make to know that Peter’s teaching about Jesus came from eyewitness testimony?
  9. What difference does it make that the Father said of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5)
  10. What does this passage tells us about the design and purpose of Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21)?
  11. What are some ways we can show respect for the Bible?
  12. Other verse to consider about the Messiah: Isaiah 40:1-11, 53:1-12, Micah 2:2-5, Zechariah 9:9, Revelation 21:22-22:7

Commentary:

Peter’s readers needed a reminder that rested on apostolic authority that was in harmony with other Scripture.

The Need for a Reminder (2 Peter 1:12–15)
Returning to the subject of God’s promises (2 Peter 1:4), Peter developed the importance of the Scriptures as the believers’ resource. This was designed to enable his readers to appreciate the value of the Scriptures and to motivate them to draw on God’s Word so they would grow in grace.

Peter’s previous words were a reminder to his readers, not new instruction. 2 Peter 1:3–11 contain basic truths about the Christian life. Peter apparently believed that he would soon die as a martyr. He said he wrote this epistle so that after his death the exhortation in it would be a permanent reminder to his readers.

The Trustworthiness of the Apostles’ Witness (2 Peter 1:16–18)
Peter explained that his reminder came from one who was an eyewitness of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, which would have heightened respect for his words in his readers’ minds. This section begins Peter’s defense of the faith that the false teachers were attacking, defense which continues through most of the rest of the letter.

The apostles had not preached myths to their hearers, as the false teachers were doing. They had seen Jesus’ power in action as God’s anointed Messiah. God had clearly revealed that Jesus is the Christ at His transfiguration when God had announced that Jesus is His beloved Son (2 Peter 1:18).

The Divine Origin of Scripture (2 Peter 1:19–21)
The prophetic Old Testament Scriptures confirm the witness of the apostles. That witness is similar to a light shining in a darkened heart and world. Until the Lord returns, we should give attention to the Old Testament and to the apostles’ teaching. That is the only real light available to us. What we have in Scripture originated not in the minds of men but in the mind of God (2 Peter 1:21). The prophets did not simply give their interpretation of how things were or would be. They spoke as God’s mouthpieces, articulating His thoughts in words that accurately represented those thoughts. The Holy Spirit “carried along” the prophets to do so.

The next lesson we will take a look at false teachers. Have a great week.

Why Me, Lord?

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My Sunday School class has just finished the book of First Peter, which has a lot of great teaching. While the major theme of the book is suffering (which I’ll get to in a moment), here is a sample of many significant verses:

  1. A definite reference to the trinity (1 Peter 1:2)
  2. Suffering is proof of your faith (1 Peter 1:6-7, 9, 4:12)
  3. The prophets predicted the suffering of Christ (1 Peter 1:11)
  4. We are called to be holy, fear God and love others (1 Peter 1:15, 17, 22, 4:8)
  5. The Word of God abides forever (1 Peter 1:24-25)
  6. We are to be hungry to understand God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2)
  7. We are to be living stones (1 Peter 2:5)
  8. Live with integrity while passing through this life (1 Peter 2:11)
  9. We are to submit to the authorities (1 Peter 2:13-14, 18)
  10. We find favor with God when we suffer for doing what is right (1 Peter 2:20, 3:14, 17, 4:14, 16, 19, 5:10)
  11. Jesus is our example, we are to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21)
  12. Lifestyle evangelism really is in the Bible (1 Peter 3:1)
  13. God doesn’t hear your prayers if you don’t treat your wife right (1 Peter 3:7)
  14. Always be ready to tell others why you are a believer (1 Peter 3:15)
  15. Jesus preached to the spirits now in prison (1 Peter 3:19)
  16. Just where is Jesus right now? (1 Peter 3:22)
  17. Live for God, not the pleasures of today (1 Peter 4:2)
  18. Exercise your spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10)
  19. Judgment begins with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17)
  20. Pastors are to shepherd the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2)
  21. Younger men need older mentors (1 Peter 5:5)
  22. We are to humble ourselves before God does it for us (1 Peter 5:6)
  23. We have a spiritual enemy ready to devour us (1 Peter 5:8)
  24. We are told to greet each other with a kiss of love (1 Peter 5:14)

Back to the topic for today:

When we suffer in our lives, we often will think that we did something wrong to deserve the suffering, as if it were some sort of punishment; sort of a cause and effect relationship. While the law of sowing and reaping is very true (Galatians 6:7-8, 2 Corinthians 9:6) and God will at time discipline those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6), the universe would be quite an unreliable place if God shot us a lightning bolt for every evil deed and triggered some pleasure sensor for doing good. Let’s consider the story of the man born blind in John 9:

“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:2-3)

A common belief in Jewish culture was that bad happenings or suffering was the result of some great sin, but Jesus used this man’s suffering to teach about faith and the glory of God. We live in a fallen world where good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior is not always punished. Therefore, innocent people sometimes suffer. Jesus said the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike (Matthew 5:45).

On a larger scale, think about the reason that people follow God. Do they believe and follow God because of what they get out of it, or because He deserves our devotion and it’s the right thing to do? Think it over. Do you follow Christ because He promised heaven at the end of this life? Would you still follow Him even if you knew hell was your final destination? If God took suffering away whenever we asked, we would follow him for comfort and convenience, not out of love and devotion. Regardless of the reasons for our suffering, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it. We don’t go through this life alone.

So, when you suffer from a disease, tragedy, or disability, try not to ask, “Why did this happen to me?” or “What did I do wrong?” Instead, ask God to give you strength for the trial and a clearer perspective on what is happening. First Peter tells us that you will be blessed and rewarded.

Christians Loving People

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Here are the questions we can expect on Sunday for the lesson on First Peter 3:8-22. I will follow up on July 11 with a lesson on “Suffering for Doing Good.”

REFLECTION
Describe a time when someone demonstrated Christ’s love to you in a practical way.

BIBLE READING: Read 1 Peter 3:8–22.
(1 Peter 3:8-12 – To live a holy life requires Christian unity. The unity of believers results from right attitudes, indicated in 1 Peter 3:8. Peter then quotes from Psalm 34:12-16 to remind the readers that God favors right conduct).

DISCOVERY

  1. How should we treat each other? (1 Peter 3:8-9 – about eight characteristics are listed, notice the parallel with the words of Jesus in Luke 6:27-28)
  2. When is it most difficult to demonstrate a loving attitude toward others? (There could be many angles to this discussion: when you have been hurt, when the person is difficult, when you are sick, when the person is an enemy, when you are bitter, etc. You may want to continue the discussion until you have covered as many angles as possible).
  3. Describe the kind of person who enjoys life and pleases God. (If this question makes you think of someone you’ve known, you may want to open the discussion by telling about that person or telling about an incident you experienced with them).
  4. Why is it better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong? (we should expect to suffer if we do wrong, but those who suffer for righteousness or doing good, they are blessed by God, 1 Peter 3:14, 17).
  5. What difference does Christ’s resurrection make in how we treat others? (Remember all he had gone through for our sake, so why is our momentary suffering anything in comparison? We can stand tall in suffering knowing we will be raised at the right time).

INSPIRATION
Here is an uplifting thought from The Inspirational Study Bible.

In our house we call 5:00 p.m. the piranha hour. That’s the time of day when everyone wants a piece of Mom. Sara, the baby, is hungry. Andrea wants Mom to read her a book. Jenna wants help with her homework. And I—the ever-loving, ever-sensitive husband—want Denalyn to drop everything and talk to me about my day.

When is your piranha hour? When do people in your world demand much and offer little?

Every boss has had a day in which the requests outnumber the results. There’s not a businessperson alive who hasn’t groaned as an armada of assignments docks at his or her desk. For the teacher, the piranha hour often begins when the first student enters and ends when the last student leaves.

Piranha hours: parents have them, bosses endure them, secretaries dread them, teachers are besieged by them, and Jesus taught us how to live through them successfully.

When hands extended and voices demanded, Jesus responded with love. He did so because the code within him disarmed the alarm. The code is worth noting: “People are precious.”

(From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)

RESPONSE

  1. When is your “piranha hour”? (You may want to also include in this discussion what it feels like when everyone wants a piece of you. What are some typical stress reactions for your group members?)
  2. How can we find the strength to love people, even when they have nothing to give in return? Consider what angle 1 John 4:19 puts on this discussion (we love because he first loved us), or 1 John 3:16 (we know love by this, that he laid down his life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren).
  3. In what way can you remind yourself of Christ’s example the next time you feel overwhelmed by the demands of others? (Scripture memory, visualization of the cross, remember your own sinfulness and the fact of Christ’s suffering…).

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

  1. What kinds of issues create tension and conflict between believers?
  2. What practical steps can we take to promote harmony in the Body of Christ?
  3. What does it mean to work for peace?

For more Bible passages on loving people, see Matthew 5:43–48; 22:38–40; John 13:34–35; Romans 12:9–10; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; Galatians 5:13–14; Colossians 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 16–18; 4:7–21; 2 John 5–6.

Called to be Different

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Purpose of this lesson is to lead us to respond to God’s gift of salvation with holy imitation of Jesus.

Being a Christian shapes us, often in surprising ways. We discover God-given strengths and use them in ways we never imagined. But we also discover our flaws and learn the painful effort of overcoming those sins. God calls his people to be different: different from what they would be if they did not believe in Jesus and different from the unbelievers around them.

  1. How did you get ready for exams in school? (Kept up, Cram, Good night sleep).
  2. Who was your best coach? How did this person help prepare you and help you excel?
  3. What surprising strengths (or weaknesses) have you discovered in yourself as part of your Christian growth?
  4. Think of a Christian (living or dead) you admire. In what ways has that person practiced holy living? Pray, thanking God for his or her influence in your life.

Peter opens this section of his letter with the warning to “prepare your minds for action.” Go ahead and read 1 Peter 1:13-25.

1. What mental and physical actions should a follower of Christ pursue?

2. Peter lists several ways that followers of Jesus ought to respond to his gift of salvation. Define each of these responses more fully (1 Peter 1:13, 14, 15, 16). Can you spot the five commands?
Gird your ___________________________. Girding or preparing: meaning the ancient practice of gathering up one’s robes when needing to move in a hurry; here, it is metaphorically applied to one’s thought process. The meaning is to pull in all the loose ends of one’s thinking, by rejecting the hindrances of the world and focusing on the future grace of God (Ephesians 6:14; Colossians 3:2).
Keep ____________________ in spirit. Spiritual sober-mindedness includes the ideas of steadfastness, self-control, clarity of mind, and moral decisiveness. The sober Christian is correctly in charge of his priorities and not intoxicated with the various allurements of the world.
Fix your ___________________________ on future grace. In light of their great salvation, Christians, especially those undergoing suffering, should passionately live for the future, anticipating the consummation of their salvation at the second coming of Christ (see 1 Peter 1:7, Colossians 3:2-4). Christ’s future ministry of glorifying Christians and giving them eternal life in His presence will be the final culmination of the grace initiated at salvation (Ephesians 2:7).
Do not be ___________________________ to the former lusts. This is very similar to the Pauline command of not conforming to this world (Romans 12:2).
Be _________________ in all your behavior. What does it mean to be holy? Holiness essentially defines the Christian’s new nature and conduct in contrast with his pre-salvation lifestyle. The reason for practicing a holy manner of living is that Christians are associated with the holy God and must treat Him and His Word with respect and reverence. We therefore glorify Him best by being like Him (1 Peter 1:16, 17; Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 5:1; Leviticus 11:44, 45; 18:30; 19:2; 20:7; 21:6-8).

3. Select one of these responses above. If you were to put that response on the front burner of your priorities, what changes would you have to make in your life?

4. 1 Peter 1:15 says, “Be holy in all you do.” How might an honest attempt to be holy by God’s standards improve your relationships with people close to you? In what situations might it make you more like a stranger (1 Peter 1:17)?

5. Why does Peter tell us that we ought to live in “reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:17)? Why would Peter tell these persecuted believers that God is their judge and they should live in fear? Holy living is motivated by a God-fearing faith that does not presume upon the redemption that was purchased at so great a cost (1 Peter 1:18, 19).

6. What events from the past would help the recipients of Peter’s letter to appreciate God’s concern for them (1 Peter 1:18-21)? Examine the following past events noted:
“You were redeemed” (1 Peter 1:18) – meaning to buy back someone from bondage by the payment of a price; to set free by paying a ransom. “Redemption” was a technical term for money paid to buy back a prisoner of war. Here it is used of the price paid to buy the freedom of one in the bondage of sin and under the curse of the law (eternal death, Galatians 3:13). The price paid to a holy God was the shed blood of His own Son (Exodus 12:1-13; 15:13; Psalm 78:35; Acts 20:28; Romans 3:24; Galatians 4:4, 5; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:11-17).
“The empty way of life [was] handed down to you” (1 Peter 1:18) – Meaning the old Law system was empty; also we recognize that the old life we used to live was empty.
“He was chosen before the creation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20) – Meaning in eternity past, before Adam and Eve sinned, God planned the redemption of sinners through Jesus Christ (Acts 2:23; 4:27, 28; 2 Timothy 1:9).
He “was revealed” (1 Peter 1:20) – Meaning at the end of the law, He appeared from heaven to rescue us from our former way of life. Peter wants to impress us even more deeply with the importance of making a clean break with the world system from which Christ died to deliver us. We are in the world but not of it. We must not isolate ourselves from unbelievers, but rather carry the gospel to them. Yet in our dealings and relationships with them, we must never share in or condone their sins. We are to show by our lives that we are children of God. The moment we become like the world, our testimony is weakened. There is no incentive for lost people to be converted if they cannot see a difference, a change for the better in our lives.
“You became believers in God” (1 Peter 1:21) – Meaning, as W. T. P. Wolston said: “It is not by creation nor providence nor law that man knows God, but by Christ.”
“God … raised him from the dead and glorified him” (1 Peter 1:21) – Meaning God, through the ascension, returned Christ to the glory that He had with Him before the world began (Luke 24:51-53; John 17:4, 5; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:1-3; 2:9).
Each of these events from the past had a bearing on the current condition of those who received Peter’s letter.

7. What is a good test to see if one really has a change of heart (1 Peter 1:22)? How could the conditions that Peter describes in 1 Peter 1:21-25 promote sincere love among Christians?
O_________________ to the truth.
P_________________ of the soul.
S____________ and F_____________ love for one another.
B_________________, imperishable.

8. In speaking of a Christian’s relationships, Peter drew a contrast between “love for your brothers” and being “strangers in the world” (1 Peter 1:1, 17, 22). How is loving deeply and actively possible? When have you felt sheltered by a family kind of love among believers?

9. What contrasts do you see in 1 Peter 1:21-25 between what is temporary and what is enduring?
Temporary                                           Enduring
all people (1 Peter 1:24)                     new birth (1 Peter 1:23)
flowers (1 Peter 1:24)                         Word of God (1 Peter 1:23, 25)
grass (1 Peter 1:24)
glory of men (1 Peter 1:24)

10. Peter links the Word of God with salvation and new birth (Compare 1 Peter 1:10, 12, 23, 25). What do you think Peter means when he says that this Word is “enduring” and “stands forever?”
Try to understand the flow of Peter’s reasoning. These verses trace God’s redeeming work from the age of the prophets who searched for information about Christ’s coming (but did not themselves experience it). They “served” the believers of Peter’s era with their preparation. It was part of the “imperishable seed” presented to the new Christian church (the “word” that Peter preached).

11. The readers of Peter’s letter learned of God’s gift of salvation because it was preached to them. How have you learned about it?

12. If you were trying to convey to someone else the value of new birth in your life, what would you want that person to know?

13. Are you more like a pilgrim, an explorer or a land owner on this earth?

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Strangers in This World

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All of us have experienced times when we did not fit in: arriving overdressed (or underdressed) for a social occasion, not knowing the language spoken around us, being in a setting as a minority race or minority, gender, holding a single dissenting opinion in a hotly debated topic. But underneath these embarrassing and painful moments sometimes lurks a pervasive sense that maybe we don’t fit anywhere.

  1. Think about a time when you felt out of place, like a stranger who did not belong.
  2. If you knew you were about to enter a difficult time in your life that would test your faith, how would you prepare yourself?

Early Christians were subject to many kinds of isolation. Although their faith originated in Judaism, the Jews rejected them because Christians saw Jesus as Messiah. Romans would eventually use Christians as scapegoats, blaming them for all sorts of political problems. Pagan Greeks saw Christians as atheists because they insisted on worshiping only one God rather than their pantheon of deities. Here comes Peter offering first-century Christians (and us) a different kind of belonging.

Read 1 Peter 1:1-12

1. Imagine you are one of the early Christians receiving Peter’s letter. After studying this opening section, what would motivate you to keep reading?

2. Study Peter’s description of the people who were about to receive his letter (1 Peter 1:1-2). How does his description of them help explain why they were “strangers in the world?”

Notice the source of our salvation (1 Peter 1:2).
The Father elected us – we still have responsibility (John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Revelation 22:17).
The Spirit sanctified us – he convicts of sin (John 16:8) and points to Christ (John 16:13, 14).
The Son redeemed us – blood sprinkled signifies cleansing (Leviticus 14:1-7), ratification of a covenant (Exodus 24:3-8) and set apart holy items (Exodus 29:20-22)

3. How does the introduction to Peter’s letter help you appreciate the three persons of God? The word blessing is the same root word for eulogize.

4. Peter says that God has given his people “new birth.” What does he say grows out of that new birth (1 Peter 1:3-5)?

Notice the blessings of our salvation
A living hope (1 Peter 1:3) living word (1 Peter 1:23) living stone (1 Peter 2:4)
A lasting home (1 Peter 1:4) which is perfect (incorruptible), pure (undefiled) and permanent (does not fade away)

5. Peter says in verse 6, “Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” If you were to hear that kind of message, what information in this paragraph might help you through the suffering (1 Peter 1:3-9)?

Notice the trials of our salvation
Attitude – greatly rejoice (1 Peter 1:6)
Duration – for a little while (1 Peter 1:6)
Evidence – proof of authentic faith (1 Peter 1:7)
Blessing – belief in the unseen (1 Peter 1:8)
Effect – bringing salvation (1 Peter 1:9)

6. How does the future as Peter describes it here offer you hope in your own setting?

7. What did Peter believe to be true of genuine faith (1 Peter 1:7-9)? Proof of faith rests in the fact of the ability to give God praise, glory and honor in the midst of suffering.

Notice what Peter describes as precious:
Precious trials of faith (1 Peter 1:7)
Precious blood (1 Peter 1:19)
Precious cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4)
Precious spirit (1 Peter 3:4)
Precious promises (2 Peter 1:4)

8. Peter complimented his readers because they believed in Jesus and loved him, even though they had not seen him (1 Peter 1:8). What questions do you think people today have to cope because they have not personally seen Jesus?

9. When have you seen Jesus (through a person or event) in a way that increased your faith?

10. By what different routes did news of salvation come to the readers of Peter’s letter (1 Peter 1:10-12)? Old Testament prophets did not always understand their messages. Prediction would be understood at a later time (Matthew 13:17).

Notice suffering compared to glory (1 Peter 1:11)
Clothing (Luke 2:12 – Psalm 93:1)
Possessions (Luke 9:58 – Hebrews 1:2)
Rejection (John 1:11 – Isaiah 9:6)
Grief (Isaiah 53:3 – Hebrews 1:9)
Crown (John 19:5 – Revelation 14:14)
Appearance (Isaiah 53:2 – Psalm 27:4)

12. In what ways are Christians special, even when compared to Old Testament prophets and angels (1 Peter 1:12)? Angels don’t understand salvation!

13. Peter refers to new birth, or salvation, throughout this passage as a central difference between Christians and the world. What tensions have you experienced because of this difference?

14. How does God’s gift of salvation help you cope with these tensions?

Right now, thank God that you belong to him and that you have an eternal home with him and his people. If you have not yet come into God’s family, ask that he continue to guide you on your spiritual journey.

For Further Thought

Review some of the people who came to mind as you considered question 9, people who have increased your faith. Write a letter of appreciation to one of them. If this is not possible, write a prayer of thanks to God for that person’s influence in your life.

Suffering and joy are mixed in this section of Peter’s letter (a lot like right life). Consider the people and events that have brought you pain; consider sources that have brought you joy. Are some perhaps the same sources? In prayer, share all of this with your loving God, who understands the mixture far better than we do.

Read again 1 Peter 1:8-9. Meditate on love and joy as Peter describes them. Thank God for offering a joy that cannot be diminished by earthly events. Then, as much as possible, enjoy!

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Introduction to First Peter

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We are finishing our study of the life of Peter, and decided to move right into the writings of Peter. First Peter is a wonderful book of hope for the hurting. Get the First Peter Chart. Here are a few facts about the book:

  1. Of the 12 original disciples, only three where inspired by the Spirit to write Scripture (Matthew, John and Peter).
  2. In Peter’s letters, he takes seriously the last command of Jesus to feed his sheep (John 21:15-17).
  3. Peter writes a lot about hope (1 Peter 1:3, 13, 21, 3:15) , whereas Paul writes about faith and John writes about love (Faith, hope and love – 1 Corinthians 13:13).
  4. A key theme in Peter’s writings is suffering (word used sixteen times) and grace (used eight times).
  5. The church appears to be affected by worldliness in the pew (1 Peter 2:11) and materialism in the pulpit (1 Peter 5:1, 2, 3).

Peter develops the doctrine of Christ in a remarkable way:

  1. Incarnation (1 Peter 1:20)
  2. Names of Christ: Spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19), Chief Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6) in relation to the Scripture, Precious Stone (1 Peter 2:7) in relation to the believer, Stumbling Stone (1 Peter 2:8) in relation to unbelievers, Bishop of our Souls (1 Peter 2:25), Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)
  3. Sinless Life (1 Peter 1:19, 2:22)
  4. Suffering and Death (1 Peter 1:11, 2:23, 24, 3:18, 4:1, 13, 5:1)
  5. Resurrection (1 Peter 3:21, 22)
  6. Ascension (1 Peter 3:22)
  7. Presence at the right hand of the Father (1 Peter 3:22)
  8. Second Coming (1 Peter 1:13, 17, 4:13, 5:1, 4)

Peter describes believers in a remarkable way:

  1. Obedient Children (1 Peter 1:14)
  2. Newborn Babes (1 Peter 2:2)
  3. Living Stones (1 Peter 2:5)
  4. Holy Priesthood (1 Peter 2:5)
  5. Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:5)
  6. Holy Nation (1 Peter 2:9)
  7. Peculiar People (1 Peter 2:9)
  8. Strangers and Pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11)
  9. Christians (1 Peter 4:16)
  10. The Righteous (1 Peter 4:18)
  11. The Elect of God (1 Peter 1:2)
  12. The People of God (1 Peter 2:10)
  13. The Oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11)
  14. The Flock of God (1 Peter 5:2)

It is considered that Mark’s gospel reflects the teachings of Peter.

  1. Peter and John are the only NT writers who refer to Jesus as a lamb (John 1:29, 36, Revelation 5:6, 1 Peter 1:19).
  2. Peter was familiar with Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:15, 16).
  3. There is a similarity of teaching and wording between 1 Peter and Ephesians.
    Ephesians 1:3 and 1 Peter 1:3
    Ephesians 3:5, 10 and 1 Peter 1:12
    Ephesians 3:6, 21 and 1 Peter 4:11
    Ephesians 3:8 and 1 Peter 1:8
    Ephesians 4:2 and 1 Peter 3:9
    Ephesians 4:7, 11 and 1 Peter 4:10
    Ephesians 4:13, 15 and 1 Peter 2:2

Next we will look at being strangers in this world…

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Christianity and Conflict

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The Jews were by law separatists. You are likely familiar with many passages of Scripture where Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (John 4:9) or were forbidden to enter the house of a Gentile (Matthew 8:8, John 18:28) so these events in the life of Peter are best understood when we understand the culture of Peter’s day. There was sometimes a volatile religious mix that required strong leaders like Peter and Paul to break down barriers. God blessed them with strength, faith, revelation, and lots of grace–because sorting out the truth among so many competing beliefs would usually lead to some mistakes and misjudgments. Peter, well familiar with all sorts of social missteps, would play a key role.

A Course Correction: Acts 10:1-11:18 (Primarily Acts 10:1-19, 44-48)
Peter will later be known as the apostle to the Jews, while Paul will become famous as the apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7). But it’s through Peter that God first chooses to swing open the door of salvation to the Gentiles. This vision on a rooftop is a radical departure for the early church and gives it a straight path to reaching Greeks and Romans with the gospel.

Cornelius was a man of considerable means, power, and authority. As a centurion, he was in charge of a fighting force of one hundred Roman soldiers. He was also what the Jews call a God-fearer, a Gentile who had accepted the Jewish God and faith but stopped short of adopting the practices, like circumcision and dietary laws, necessary to become an authentic Jew.

God gave Cornelius and Peter complementary visions. He told Cornelius to send men to bring Peter to his house, and he showed Peter that keeping one’s distance from Gentiles for dietary and other reasons is no longer necessary. Salvation is for the Gentiles too, and the church will generate a few gatherings where Jews and Gentiles fellowship together, work alongside each other, and eat together. They can’t do this while thinking a fellow believer is unclean. No walls should separate Jews and Gentiles, slave or free, male or female. The body of Christ should be a united whole.

At Cornelius’s house, Peter explained the gospel, and as he was speaking, the Spirit fell on everyone there. I see this as evidence that God is making no distinction between Jew and Gentile, and the only reasonable response is praise.

  1. How would you respond if God told you to do something that would violate one of your long-held personal values?
  2. If the Spirit dramatically manifested himself among people who had never been to church or read the Bible, would you be more likely to feel jealous or praise God? Why?

A Council Convened: Acts 15:1-35 (Primarily Acts 15:4-21)
Some Pharisees who had become Christians were finding the Gentile mission very difficult to accept. It was clear in the Law that circumcision was to be a sign God’s people (Exodus 12:48-49; Leviticus 12:3). Actually, all of the laws of God were to be a sign that set his people apart from the rest of the world. It isn’t possible for the Spirit to contradict himself, so, Gentiles who accept the Jewish Messiah should be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses.

But salvation is by grace through faith alone, and neither circumcision nor any other work is a prerequisite of God’s grace, which was hard for the Jews to understand. So a council of church leaders convened in Jerusalem to settle the issue. Jew and Gentile believers, apostles, and elders offered their views. And then after much discussion, Peter stood up and laid out his simple, evidence-based argument: “God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:8-9). In other words, if the Spirit isn’t keeping his distance from uncircumcised Gentiles, why should we?

In the end, James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, spoke up declaring new believers need not become Jewish before they come to Christ. He then added that the council strongly urges Gentiles to reject the rituals of paganism, like eating meat sacrificed to idols and rites of sexual immorality (Acts 15:29). Basically, the Holy Spirit will conform Gentile believers into the image of Christ and the character of God. This new freedom is not a license to sin, but the liberty to believe, worship and be filled with the Holy Spirit apart from Jewish rites becomes official church policy.

  1. How difficult do you think it was for Peter to advocate for Gentiles among his Jewish brothers?
  2. How difficult do you think it might have been for him to endorse the ministry of Paul, who was once an enemy of the disciples?
  3. How well do you think Christians today affirm ministries that employ unfamiliar methods? Why?

A Confrontation Commences: Galatians 2:1-21 (Primarily Galatians 2:11-21)
Peter’s conviction on the issue of accepting Gentile believers had wavered since the Jerusalem council. He had been accepting invitations to dine with Greek friends in Antioch, but when some disciples of James come to visit, he began to distance himself from the Gentile believers in order to appease the Jewish believers (Galatians 2:12).

The change in Peter’s behavior was noticeable; he had suddenly allowed the pressure of Jewish guests to intimidate him. Even Barnabas, Paul’s companion, joined in this “hypocrisy” (Galatians 2:13). Since it had become a public issue, Paul confronted Peter publicly. There is no evidence in the New Testament that Peter ever rejected the criticism. I suppose in his maturity, he had become correctable.

  1. How do we know where to draw the line between the absolutes of our faith and the freedom we’re given in Christ?
  2. When is it right to confront others who may be abusing their freedom in Christ?
  3. Paul was adamant that Peter shouldn’t avoid eating with Gentiles just to appease Jewish believers. However, he also taught that we shouldn’t use our freedom to offend others (Romans 14:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33). Why do you think Paul was less concerned about offending strict Jewish Christians in this particular case?

Think About It:
Suppose you grew up in a very conservative Christian area that discouraged all forms of interaction with the secular world except the most unavoidable. But new people within your community had recently begun preaching a new interpretation of the group’s principles, saying that the only way to impact the world is to mix and mingle with it (to get involved in secular organizations and to try to understand secular culture, including its media and entertainment and ideologies). Needless to say, there’s quite a conflict between the traditional faction and the contemporary one. Your concept of holiness is being stretched beyond your comfort level.

  1. Why is change, especially in matters of faith, so controversial and contested?
  2. How is it possible to know when a new direction is initiated by God and when it isn’t?
  3. How do we balance our faithfulness to long-held values with our willingness to be moved by God’s Spirit?
  4. What was Paul’s answer to this tension between old and new perspectives? What was Peter’s?

A Model for Christianity

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The other Sunday I was able to give a message on unleashing the superhero inside you, and the main text was from Luke 10:30-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. I mentioned that each person in the room would identify with one character in the story, perhaps a couple of characters at different points in life. We are to be good stewards of the life that we have been given, so what are these four attitudes that we can have?

The certain man – “What’s mine is mine if I can keep it.”

The corrupt men – “What’s yours is mine if I can take it.”

The clergy men – “What’s your is yours and you can keep it.”

The committed man – “What’s mine is yours if your have it.”

Rather than go into the details of these four, I believe that the parable of the Good Samaritan is a great model for living as a Christian, so let’s take a look at him for a moment. It’s a familiar story. Jesus tells this story in response to the question “who is my neighbor?” Here’s the summary of the story. A man is robbed and left by the side of the road. Two people pass him by without helping. Finally the Good Samaritan walks by and is the example to follow in Jesus’ story.

What if Christians followed this model for being a neighbor to the world around them? What do we need to make such a positive impact on our community?

Alert eyes (Luke 10:33) – As this man traveled, he saw him. This certain man is going about his daily routine, not on a mission trip or a service project or a church event. His eyes are scanning his surroundings looking for where God is at work and desires to join God in what He is doing. The Samaritan doesn’t have his iPod on tuning out the world and thinking only of himself.

Compassionate heart (Luke 10:33) – After he saw the man in need, he felt compassion for him. His heart was filled with concern, empathy, and kindness. He was selfless. God was at work before this moment of crisis to prepare the Samaritan’s heart to not be cold and distant, but to be warm and open.

Quick feet (Luke 10:34) – The Samaritan went to him; his feet took him closer to where there was a need. He didn’t just care from a distance, or send money to help the injured man; he was willing to get close, to take a risk, to interrupt his busy schedule, to go out of his way. He didn’t just say, “I’ll pray for you brother.” His encounter was an up close and personal.

Active hands (Luke 10:34) – Wounds were bandaged, the injured was brought along with him, and the Samaritan cared for hi. This Samaritan guy was willing to get his hands dirty as he bandaged the wounded man. Can you imagine tending to the wounds of a stranger?

Focused on others (Luke 10:34) – He put the injured man on his own beast, giving up his contented seat for the sake of the man in need. The Samaritan left his comfort zone. Paul tells us to consider the needs of others more than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4).

Giving time (Luke 10:35) – The Bible says “The next day…” This was not simply a brief encounter at one point in time; the Samaritan followed up to make sure the injured man was cared for. He would even follow up on the return trip.

Generosity (Luke 10:35) – To top it all off, he was generous with his money by paying for the man to stay at the inn, and even for the innkeeper to take care of the injured man.

That’s Jesus’ definition of a neighbor. What if Christians lived each day with alert eyes, compassionate hearts, quick feet, active hands, focusing on others, giving time with a generous attitude?