Sabbath School Lessons by Dr. Robert LaMay

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Rejoicing in God

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December 7, 2008

Lesson: Luke 1:39-55

Key Verses: Luke 1:46-47

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Introduction

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Mary praises God, saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” (Luke 1:46). Mary magnifies the Lord because he is her God and Savior. The Lord has declared that he “has made a covenant” with his chosen, saying, “I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish forever, and build up thy throne to all generations” (Ps. 89:3-4). The Lord then declares that “the heavens shall praise thy wondrous works, O Lord; thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints” (Ps. 89:5). The glory of God’s covenant that the Son would sit upon the throne of David as King and Savior; which reveals the wondrous works and faithfulness of the Lord. The wonder of God’s covenant is expressed in these words of our Confession: “It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man; the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Saviour of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world; unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed, and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified” (Westminster Confession, 8.1). To this God and his covenant does Mary’s soul magnify the Lord! Our worship should always be filled with praise to our Lord; for he is our King and Savior. Within the congregation of the saints we declare the glory of God in Christ Jesus, who was born of the Virgin Mary.

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Mary Visits Elizabeth –Luke 1:39-45

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Mary makes haste to the home of her cousin Elizabeth. How wonderful is the work of the Spirit in the lives of his people. The Scripture teaches us of the marvelous life in the womb of the mother from conception to birth, revealed in the love of these cousins, Elizabeth and Mary, rejoicing in what the Lord has given them. Mary enters the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby in her womb leaped for joy. Is this not a response of a life? The word for baby is a word that indicates a person, a child. It can be used of an unborn child or a child who is born. The babe in the womb is a person! We will not abort a wonder of God’s creation! We will rejoice!

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Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, from whom her joy abounds. It is in the Spirit that she cries out, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” The truth is confirmed that the Lord had given to Elizabeth a direct revelation. A mystery of heaven is revealed. This is not a nice story but a truth from the mouth of God. And this confrontation between Mary and Elizabeth is given to us that we may know that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God! Elizabeth testifies that as soon as she heard the voice of Mary, “the babe leaped in my womb for joy!” God has sent his Son. His promise is complete. Nothing more is needed for our salvation, forgiveness, and life eternal.

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Elizabeth hears from Mary about the visitation of the Angel of the Lord and of the promise given to Mary. The Spirit of God reveals the wonder of the baby in Mary’s womb. She says to Mary, “Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She rejoices in the promise of the Son who would come as King, being called the Son of God, saying, “Blessed (well thought of) is she who believed, for there will be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” When the Lord reveals his truth to us through his word, he grants the wonder of faith, whereby we believe and trust in those promises. Not only by faith are we saved through grace, but also by faith through his grace do we live. The word “performance” means that what God has promised will successfully come to fruition. For this Christ, born of Mary, has entered into the Holy of Holies on our behalf, “having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12).

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Discussion: What were the results of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth?

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Mary Magnifies the Lord –Luke 1:46-55

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Mary responds to Elizabeth’s confirmation and blessing of the Lord that she would be an instrument in the fulfillment of God’s promise of the coming of his Messiah, praising him, saying, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior!” This was the song of the Psalmist, and that of every redeemed soul who belongs to our heavenly Father: “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together” (Ps. 34:1-3). Let the redeemed of the Lord not be ashamed to praise the Lord, together, one with another. The shed blood of our Savior has ransomed our souls from the depths of destruction. We have this in common with Mary, this Christ who came to us through her womb, is both her Savior and ours. This Christ is the one in whom the fullness of the Godhead is revealed: “The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon Him man’s nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance” (W.C. 8.2). This Christ, very God and very man, is our only Mediator.

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Thus the praise of Mary is of heavenly support, revealing the knowledge of God’s will in her life. She sings, “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaid; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” The Lord has regarded her worthy to be God’s handmaiden. Therefore, in our generation, we call her “blessed!” This word, “Blessed” (Makarizo), is used only of Mary and of the persecuted prophets: “Behold, we count them happy (blessed) who endure” (James 5:11). Mary is “Blessed” in that she has been indwelt by the Spirit of God, and thus “fully satisfied.” We can know this blessedness, this inward happiness that comes from the truth that the will of the Lord is being done in our lives, as it is done in his heaven. The Scripture speaks of our Savior, saying, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9).

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Mary praises the Lord, magnifies God her Savior, by recalling his marvelous deeds. He has done “great things” to her, and “holy is his name.” He is the one who shows mercy upon those who fear him, displaying his marvelous grace “from generation to generation.” He has showed his strength, scattering “the proud in the imaginations of their heart.” Those who consider themselves mighty will be brought down, and their Savior will exalt those of low degree. Those who consider themselves rich and in no need of him, he will make empty, while he feeds the hungry with good things. He helps his Israel, his church, remembering his covenant of mercy. He fulfills his covenant with his people, keeping that which he promised to Abraham and his seed.

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Discussion: What can we declare about our Lord that we may praise him?

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

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Bearing Fruits of Repentance

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December 28, 2008

Lesson: Luke 3:7-18

Key Verse: Luke 3:8

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Introduction

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John the Baptist was commissioned by God to preach “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3). He came as the fulfillment of the Word which God wrote and of which was written by his prophet Isaiah (Isa. 4:3): “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (3:4). John would preach the truth of the coming of the Messiah, who would “save his people from their sins;” whose name would be Joshua (Jesus), meaning, “Salvation is of the Lord.” When John preached “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,” he was making straight the path for which Christ Jesus came to this earth. John’s baptism was not without true meaning and purpose, for those who came to John and heard his message were brought to “repentance for the remission of sins.” In other words, they repented of, acknowledged their sin and iniquities against God, and by faith understood the meaning of remission of sins to be a full pardon from and by the grace of God.

This message of “repentance for the remission of sins” was the truth of the Gospel preached by other chosen of Christ. When Peter preached he was asked, “What must we do?” His answer was: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). On another occasion Peter spoke of God as the judge of the quick and the dead, confirming that they were witnesses of the resurrection of Christ, saying, “to him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). Paul also preached of “repentance for the remission of sins.” Paul spoke of the Christ that “after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;” and that the Lord said that our “sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin” (Heb. 10:12-18).

The “Fruits of Repentance” which includes remission of our sins in Christ and our new life in Christ, is expressed in these words of our Confession: “Repentance unto life is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and word of God, whereby, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, and upon the apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, he so grieves for and hates his sins, as that he turns from them all to God, purposing constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience” (Larger Catechism #76). This new life in Christ is one of obedience, which is summed up in these words of Christ: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matt. 22:37-39).

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Bearing fruit of repentance – Luke 3:7-9

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John came preaching the “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;” with the promise of the prophets that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (3:6). John spoke to his hearers, asking this question, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” If they had ears to hear and hearts to receive the message, it was because the gospel message came from Jehovah through the prophet Isaiah, and so through John. The crooked way of the wicked can only be made straight by the Christ who can bring about pardon for our sins through his sacrifice on our behalf upon the cross of Calvary. Matthew Henry wrote of John’s warning that “This generation of vipers is fairly warned to flee from the wrath to come, which is certainly before them if they continue such; and their being a multitude will not be at all their security, for it will be neither reproach nor loss to God to cut them off. We are not only warned of this wrath, but are put into a way to escape it, if we look about us in time.” The wrath of God is a reality that all of must face. In one case it warns the wicked that there is an eternal punishment for transgressing the moral law of God; “For every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come” (S.C. # 84). Wrath “deprives of the smiles of God’s face. It is hell enough to be excluded his presence: in whose ‘presence is fullness of joy’ Psa 16:11” (T. Watson). The warning is made sure and true in these words that “the axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bringeth no forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

In the other case it reminds those of us who know the pardon for our sins in Christ, the depth of the saving grace of our Father in heaven. For it is “God who is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” God’s Covenant is sure in his Christ. Those who have escaped the wrath of God through Christ’s redemptive work are enabled to “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance.” Paul encourages us to do good works with thanksgiving: “For God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work; (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor. 9:8-11).

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Discussion: What are the

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Examples of Fruit –Luke 3:10-14

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The people responded to John’s warning, asking, “What shall we do then?” Matthew Henry sees in these exchanges between John and the people the truth of the need of those who are taught to teach others, referring us to Matthew 18:19-20: “God ye therefore and teach all nations …Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have committed unto you;” writing that those “that profess and promise repentance in general must evidence it by particular instances of reformation, according as their place and condition are. They that would do their duty must desire to know their duty, and enquire concerning it.” Thus John speaks to the people in particular circumstances with this example, “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” As we teach the Gospel as Scripture has taught us we are to bear fruit that will be worthy of that Gospel. The blessings that we receive from the Lord will find its usefulness or fruitfulness in being a blessing to those who are in need. Those who are called blessed or inwardly happy are those who are merciful. The warming of the heart by the teaching of the Word of God must bear the fruit shares one’s clothes as well as to feed those who are hungry.

John then hears the publicans who came to be baptized: “Master, what shall we do?” The publicans were those who collected taxes for the government. They were to “Exact no more than that which is appointed you.” They were to just in their collections, not seeking to line their own pockets. Honesty and integrity is also a fruit of the Gospel in the positions we may hold in the government. This should also remind us that we are to be honest in the selling of goods. Business practices are to bear the fruit of the Gospel. The soldiers also came to John, asking, “And what shall we do?” They too are to be just in their duties, seeking the best for others and content with their wages.

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Discussion: How are we to be fruitful in the duties we have in our home or communities?

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The Messiah Comes – Luke 2:15-17

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The people with expectation began to wonder who John was; as they thought deeply about the possibility that John was the Messiah. There was no true king in Israel. They were under the rule of Caesar. Would this be the one who would free them? “Thus the way of the Lord was prepared, and people were prepared to bid Christ welcome; for, when men’s expectations are raised, that which they are in expectation of becomes doubly acceptable. Now when they observed what an excellent doctrine John Baptist preached, what a divine power went along with it, and what a tendency it had to reform the world” (M. Henry).

The Spirit gave the opportunity to John to make the path straight, to proclaim the coming and nature of the Messiah: “I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latched of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire; whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” The Messiah will come with the might, worthy of all praise and glory. He will come with judgment and mercy. He is the Son of God given by the Father to be the propitiation for our sins. His Name, his person is “Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). In Christ we have become adopted children of the Father, members of the household of God, a fellowship of believers, redeemed and made alive, proclaiming the wonder of the Messiah whose name is “Jehovah is salvation!”

Our paths are made straight in the coming of the Christ, “Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:15-19).

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Discussion: What is the wonder of the coming of Christ into our lives as our Savior?

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

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Sabbath School Lessons by Dr. Robert LaMay

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Glorify and Praise the Lord

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December 21, 2008

Lesson: Luke 2:8-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:20

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Introduction

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During the reign of Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1-6), first emperor of Rome, a decree was sent out that the world should be taxed. This included the taking of census of all those under the rule of Rome. Joseph, being of the lineage of David, went to the city of Bethlehem, at the time when Mary was “great with child.” It was here that the promise of the coming of God’s Messiah would be fulfilled: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).

Joseph learned of this child, who would be born of Mary, from the angel of the Lord. The angel said to him, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus (Joshua); for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21; see Luke 1:30-33 for the angel’s message to Mary). Isaiah spoke of the coming of the Messiah: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Christ, the incarnate Son of God, being both man and God, is Immanuel (God with us), the only Savior of man. God the Son took on our nature that we might behold the love of God in His saving grace. His name was both of earth and heaven, “Joshua,” which means “Jehovah is salvation.” Thus the Messiah, “Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking upon himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin” (Shorter Catechism # 22).

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Discussion: Who was this Son whom Mary would give birth?

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Tidings of Great Joy –Luke 2:8-10

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Mary brought forth her firstborn son, wrapping him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. The grace of God was with Mary and Joseph as they entered the crowded city of Bethlehem. The Spirit opened an innkeeper’s heart, as he found a pleasant place for them in his manger. The grace and love of God the Father is revealed in his every ordaining and providential act, whether it is in the birth of Christ, or where Mary would cradle her child.

At the time of the birth of Jesus, shepherds had brought their flock to rest in the fields. As they “watched over their flock by night,” God the Father was watching over his people. The shepherds heard of God’s promised Messiah, as “the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” David had sung, “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who has set thy glory above the heavens” (Ps. 8:1). Speaking of Christ, the prophet declares, “Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne” (Zech. 6:13).

When we consider the glory of God the Father, and that of the Son, there should be a great sense of awe and fearful reverence. The brightness of the glory of God in Christ ought to bring us to our knees in humble adoration. The Shepherds were afraid. The brightness of God’s glory outshone the brightness of the stars. The fast beating of their hearts were subdued by the words of the angel. “Fear not!” The Word of God calms the soul when it is cast down and disquieted, for its hope is “in God; for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance” (Ps. 42:5-6). As the majestic voice of the Lord stirs our soul, the promise of his presence calms it. The shepherd’s soul was calmed by this promise of the Lord, “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

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Discussion: Describe the difference between the experience of Mary and that of the shepherds.

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Glory to God –Luke 2:11-14

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The good news was to the shepherds and to all of God’s people, that a Saviour was born, who is “Christ the Lord.” A Deliverer had come, a Savior who would deliver his people from their sins. Jesus spoke of himself as the Deliverer: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). Come to this word, as the Samaritan woman came to hear Jesus, and responded, “Now we believe, … for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42).

The shepherds were given a sign; “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. The promised Messiah had come! This proclamation of the Good News of the coming of Christ, the Son of God, incarnate, could only be followed by the joy of heaven: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Christ’s own words echo down to us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Peace between man and God can only come through Jesus Christ and his redemptive work on his cross. For so great a salvation, let us praise the Lord with his angels: “Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens; … Praise ye him all his angels; … Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children; let them praise the name of the Lord; for his name is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven” (Psalm 148).

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Discussion: Why is it that our souls desire to praise the Lord?

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He Has Made Known –Luke 2:15-20

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After the angels departed from the fields, the shepherds said one to one another, “let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” We come to the Word of God, and proclaim the Gospel revealed to us with the same spirit of the shepherds, testifying that we have seen and heard that which the Lord Himself has made known to us. The shepherds “came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. These words went out as a glorious fountain, telling all “which was told them concerning this child.” All who heard the message of the angel, as told by the shepherds, wondered, and “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” The shepherds returned to the field “glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.”

There is no carol as sweet and promising as that message of the angel to the shepherds. As with them, and the prophet, we have heard the good tidings of a great joy: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). Let us sing of the glory of Christ our Savior and King: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in” (Ps. 24:9). This is our song of Praise. And this is our song of testimony: Go ye into all the world and preach the good tidings of a Great Joy!

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Discussion: What are we to make know to those around us?

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

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Sabbath School Lessons by Dr. Robert LaMay

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Blessed Art Thou

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December 14, 2008

Lesson: Luke 1:39-45

Key Verse: Luke 1:42

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Introduction

The Holy Spirit brings praise to the heart and lips of the Psalmist, a praise which can only be for the promised Savior to come: “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend (to fear, to morally revere) is his name” (Psalm 111:9). Zechariah prophesies by the power of the Holy Spirit, speaking of the same promised which was kept before his eyes: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68). The Lord God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has kept the heavenly covenant. Christ has come and redeemed his people. As David and Isaiah and Zechariah rested upon the promises of God, we too rest upon his promises. His promises or Covenant is kept in Christ, the Son of God, whose name is Joshua, for he has saved his people from their sins. Therefore, “Let us learn to rest on promises, and embrace them as Zechariah did. Let us not doubt that every word of God about His people concerning things future shall as surely be fulfilled as every word about them has been fulfilled concerning things past. Their safety is secured by promise … We have a seal on every promise which Zacharias never saw. We have the seal of Christ’s blood to assure us that what God has promised God will perform” (J. C. Ryle, Exposition of Luke)..

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It was Zechariah’s time, as a priest of the temple, to burn incense to the Lord. An angel of the Lord appeared to him, “standing on the right side of the altar of incense” (Luke 1). The angel told him to fear not, for his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son. His name would be called John. The angel promised that Zechariah would have joy and gladness, “and many shall rejoice at his birth.” God’s people still rejoice today. The promise continues. John would be filled with the Holy Spirit, “even from his mother’s womb.” The promise of redemption shines forth: “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.”

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Zechariah questioned the angel of the Lord as to the promise of a child and received a sign he could not question: “Behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed.” Elizabeth soon conceived, and when her time came, she brought forth a son. Zechariah and Elizabeth obeyed the command of the Lord, naming the boy, John. When he wrote his name upon the tablet, his mouth was opened, and Zechariah’s first words shouted the praise of God; and all the people questioned in their hearts, “What manner of child shall this be?”

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God Has Spoken –Luke 1:67-70

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Zacharias filled with the Holy Spirit, and he begins to prophesy. He is to declare the truth by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. He is to answer the unspoken question upon the hearts of God’s people, including those of him and Elizabeth, “What manner of child shall this be?”  Zechariah’s praise begins with “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.” It is the Lord alone who is worthy to be praised and receive honor because of birth of John. Why? Because it is the Lord God of the Covenant who has visited his people, has redeemed his people, and has raised up a “horn of salvation.” The horn of salvation refers to glory and power of the grace of God to save. The Lord has done this according to his promise, which he spoke through his prophets. This visitation and work of redemption came, as promised, through the house of his servant David.

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Discussion: What three reasons are given for praising and honoring the Lord God of Israel?

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Salvation and Deliverance –Luke 1:71-75

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What will be the result of these promises? The first promise is that the Lord’s people would be saved from their enemies, from the hands those who hate them. This promise is also for his people today, for we are taught to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven … deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever” (Matt. 6:10-13). Within the Kingdom of our Lord, the King of kings will save, protect, and claim the victory over all evil.

Our Lord has also promised that his people will be able to perform mercy and remember his “holy covenant.” God’s Covenant is an oath, which he swore to uphold to “father Abraham.” Our Lord would grant to us, who were delivered out of the hands of the enemy, the ability and desire to serve him without fear. Our service would be in “holiness and righteousness.” We are to obediently serve our Lord before his presence all the days of our lives. Our Lord delivers us out of darkness into his marvelous light, into his kingdom. In this new relationship we have the Covenant fulfilled that says the Lord will be our God and we will be his people. In this relationship we serve the King of kings, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

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Discussion: How would you express the promise and the performance of God’s Kingdom?

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Prophet of the Highest –Luke 1:76-80

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Zechariah, inspired by the Holy Spirit, turns to his newborn son, John. What will be John’s position in the Kingdom? First, John is to be the “prophet of the Highest;” for he will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways. John, God’s prophet, is to perform his service before the presence of the person of God the Father. He is a chosen servant who will declare that given command which all of God’s prophets heard: “Thus saith the Lord!” In so doing John is to prepare the way of the Lord, especially that of God the Son.

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His message is clear. He is to give “knowledge of salvation unto” God’s people. They will receive this knowledge through the “remission of their sins.” There is only one way to know the salvation of the Lord, and that is through the forgiveness of our sins. This is the glorious message of salvation that God’s people have been released from the sin and guilt, and so the deserved punishment thereof, through the shed blood of Christ. He released us from sin and guilt by taking upon himself what we deserved, the eternal wrath of God the Father. Those who transgress the moral law of God are called “children of wrath.” Thomas Watson wrote that God’s wrath “deprives of the smiles of God’s face. It is enough to be excluded from his presence: in whose presence is fullness of joy Psa 16:11.” The wonderful message of salvation is given through the tender mercy of God. God has visited his people, to give light to those who sit in darkness “and in the shadow of death. (Ps. 23:4; 1 Peter. 2:9-10). Those who come to Christ repentance and faith are those who are pardoned: “Pardoned people are the only blessed people” (M. Henry); as Scripture testifies, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb 10:16-17).

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Discussion: What service would John give before the presence of the Lord?

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

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November 30, 2008

Lesson: 2 Corinthians 12:19-13:10

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:5

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Introduction

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Paul’s apostleship was of Christ alone. He did not decide to serve Christ in the office of an Apostle, he was a chosen servant. Paul illustrates this office as depending upon Christ’s authority and power in this testimony: “lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffer me, lest I should be exalted above measure” (2 Cor. 12:7). The temptation for the Lord’s chosen to build upon one’s own strength to serve him. Whatever the “thorn in the flesh” was, it drew Paul to seek the Lord’s answer. The answer would drive Paul to the assurance that he serves by the strength of Christ alone: “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (12:9). Therefore Paul took “pleasure in infirmities, reproaches in necessities for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong” (12:10). By “pleasure” Paul is saying that he has found a freedom to see what is truly good and, therefore, resolves to face any infirmities by the strength of Christ, and to his glory alone.

As a minister of the gospel Paul’s love is seen in his earnest desire that the church grow in grace and peace. As his Lord’s minister Paul is willing to be spent on their behalf: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” (2 Cor. 12:15). If he had to lose their love in order that they may receive the goodness of God, then he was so willing. Paul’s was an unconditional love, that love which can only come through Jesus Christ. To the praise and the glory of the grace of God, may the Father make us acceptable in his Beloved Son (Eph. 1:4-7).

The more excellent way is the way of love. This is demanded in us, what is in the heart of God. “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy (covenant love): for thou renderest to every man according to his work” (Ps. 62:11-12).

Both the church and her ministers need to learn this lesson of love. Many a pastor has been exhausted in service only to find that the church abandoned him. Many Christians have returned the love they received with much praise and thanksgiving before their Lord. Yet it is not exhaustion that proves or disproves a minister, it is that unconditional love within him, that love with which he has been loved by the Lord. So with every child of God.

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Discussion: What is the minister’s strength in his service for Christ?

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Paul’s Fear  -2 Cor. 12:19-21

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As should every minister Paul’s faithfulness rested not in himself but in his bearing before his Lord. Paul speaks “before God in Christ” and for the edifying of the church. The risen Lord Jesus Christ, King and Head of the church, gave some, “apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-12). It is Christ we serve. It is his Body, the Church, to which we belong, one with another. Therefore we must grow “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).

Paul’s concern is that this is not what is being done in the church at Corinth. “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” Paul came with words of discipline because they had remained in their sin. Paul would rather had come with words of comfort before a people who have repented of their sin.

Therefore Paul desires to come, but with fear, “lest when I come again, my God will humble me among you and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented.” As a minister of God, Paul fears that he has come with grief and sorrow over the sins of others, looking for their repentance and faith. Paul would rather seen all that behind him and rejoice with them in their faith.

We are reminded that we are to sympathize with the sorrows or others, and not look down upon others who wrestle with sin. Are not both pastor and people to “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15)?:

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Discussion: What is Paul’s concern for the church at Corinth?

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Paul’s Power -2 Cor. 13:1-6

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This is the third time that Paul came to the church at Corinth. Two letters and now a visit from Paul seems to constitute a Biblical witness against those who continue to sin in the Corinthian Church: “In the mouth of three witnesses shall every word be established.” God’s word establishes Paul’s words: “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established” (Deut. 19:15). Paul will face those who are unrepentant of heart. The witnesses speak against them. Their sins are known to the church, and it has had negative affects upon the people of God. Therefore Paul must act: “I write to them which theretofore have sinned, and to all others, that, if I come again, I will not spare.” Paul has been very patient in his admonitions, but when the sin continues without repentance, then sever actions must be taken.

To those who still rebel against Paul and his authority as an apostle, Paul cautions them: “Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.” Paul will not spare them since they so question Christ in him, and not in themselves. For they declare that they are mighty in Christ. However the gospel which Paul speaks is of Christ. And those who have so learned Christ have learned of him through his servant Paul. They spoke against the instruments, no matter how weak, whom God has chosen, and through whom they have come to believe.

Paul argues for the gospel in weak vessels by pointing his readers to Christ: “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” The Cross may seem a weakness to many, but those who serve Christ live by the power of God. The minister also is weak, but he too lives by the power of God. It is the power of God, Christ in Paul, that the Corinthians must see, and not the weakness manifested in the flesh.

The people are to take their eyes off of Paul and look at themselves: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” It may be well that we learn this lesson, that we would examine ourselves, and the faith we have in Christ, that it may prove the faithfulness of the ministers who, through Christ and his word, leading us to see Jesus as our Savior. If those who disclaimed Paul as an apostle would examine themselves they would learn that the faith they have in Christ came from the faithful preaching of Christ’s servant, Paul.

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Discussion: What are the people to do to see the power of God in Paul?

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Paul’s Prayer -2 Cor. 13:7-10

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Whenever there is any admonishment, any witness of sin and its sorrow in another, the best place to be for that person is in the presence of God. We believe in the priesthood of believers. We are to intercede for one another. We are to pray, “Our Father.” Paul prays to God that these rebel Corinthians would not do evil. His appeal comes from a heart of love for them, and not for self. He prays not that he would be approved, but that they would “do that which is honest,” even if he and Apollos and others had to be seen a reprobates. In other words, if you really want to see us in that light, all right, but may our God bless you with deliverance from evil and the doing of righteousness. “The great desire of faithful ministers of the gospel is that the gospel they preach may be honored, however their persons may be vilified” (M. Henry).

No matter what others may think of us, there is really nothing that “we can do against the truth, but for truth.” The desire of the minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that truth be preached, unashamedly and with the power and wisdom of Christ. It is in this desire for truth in Christ that Paul prays for those who would do evil against God’s messengers. For when one turns against a faithful minister of Christ, selfishly seeking his own self-esteem, then he speaks against the Christ who has sent him. As Jesus said, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me” (Luke 10:16).

Paul is glad in the fact that they are seen as weak and those who are rebelling are seen as strong, for they desire their “perfection,” their progress in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul is willing to be seen as weak if it is true that they are strong. They will be strong if they are truly in the grace and power of Christ. Paul desires that they be strong, “according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.”

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Discussion: What was Paul’s prayer for the church?

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Dr. Robert LaMay

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

To endure hardness means that faithful men are to be prepared through the Word and Spirit, to do battle, to withstand the evil arrows of the unregenerate. A superficial understanding of the Gospel cannot meet this need. We need the wisdom and full counsel of God, and a soul which cries out for the “living God” (Psalm 84:2). “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee: in whose heart are the ways of them. … They go from strength to strength” (Psalm 84:5-7).

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Be Strong -2 Timothy 2:1-3

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Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Our strength lies not in us, but in the Holy Spirit who has given us of God’s grace in Christ. This does not negate our part in the work of sanctification. It encourages us not to be sluggish in our service for our King. To be strengthened in grace, Paul “intends to shake off sloth and indifference; for the flesh is so sluggish, that even those who are endued with eminent gifts are found to slacken in the midst of their course, if they be not frequently aroused” (John Calvin).

Paul continues to move Timothy to action, saying, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” The minister of the Word has a responsibility to teach the truth as revealed in God’s Scriptures, especially to those who are faithful elders or teachers in the congregation, that they should be able to teach others. Sometimes the emphasis has been wrongly put on the gift of teaching rather than on the ability to teach the truth as revealed in God’s Word. As Paul has transmitted the truth to Timothy, Timothy is to transmit this truth to others, and so on and on. This means that there must be much preparation in the Word of God, whether we are teachers, evangelists or parents, etc.

It is in this faithful transmission or teaching of God’s Word that we are to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Those who are obedient servants of Christ endure the “fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:16), for they have taken up the shield of faith.

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Discussion: What responsibility has been given to the minister of the Word?

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Be Lawful -2 Timothy 2:4-7

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Paul continues to speak of the Christian as a warrior whose King is Christ Jesus. If kings is at the forefront of this battle as he is building his church and the gates of hell will not prevail.

If a Christian is to strive for mastery over the things of this world, and claim a crown of victory, he must “strive lawfully.” He must not become slothful, enduring to the end. His goal must be to finish the race, not to give up in the middle of it, looking for excuses or rationalizations that hinder his continuing the race (1 Cor. 11:24-27). Paul’s example of one who strives lawfully is the farmer who labors and partakes of the first-fruits of his labor. He cannot start the tractor and then claim that there will be fruits. The Christian cannot claim, by faith, that Jesus is the Christ, and leave his task to be a servant of his Lord. Let us consider these things and pray that our Lord will give us grace to serve, and his Word to nourish our walk.

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Discussion: What does it mean to strive lawfully?

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Be Faithful -2 Timothy 2:8-13

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Paul further encourages his son in the faith, Timothy, to be strong in his faith and service. Timothy is to remember “that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead, according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evildoer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bond. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

A Christian is one who has faith, looking unto Jesus the author of that faith (Heb. 12:2). The faith of a Christian says that he or she is fully convinced that what God has revealed is true (Heb. 11:1-3). There are those, as in the day of Paul, who would lead believers to doubt the resurrection of Christ, and therefore his saving grace. Therefore we are reminded that God’s promise is kept, Christ is the seed of David; his resurrection is true. Though Paul is in bonds because of false accusations, the Word of God is not hindered in its power to redeem. Paul is free to endure all things, even false imprisonment, for the sake of Christ and his elect. The elect are delivered from evil because of the efficacy of the Gospel, which is in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, we can trust the Word of God, for if we die with Christ, we will also live with him; if we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. We must not deny him, for he will deny us. We must believe, for even in our weaknesses he is always faithful and cannot deny himself. This encourages our daily repentance and faith in Christ our Savior. Our faith rests upon the unchangeable Christ and his Word.

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Discussion: What is faith in Christ?

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Dr. Robert LaMay

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

November 16, 2008

Philippians 3:12-4:7

Key Verse: Philippians 4:7

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Introduction

The song of David in Psalm 18 is his testimony of victory, of being delivered by Jehovah from his enemies. It is a testimony that reveals the saving grace of the Lord: “Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters… He brought me forth also in a high place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me” (15-16, 19). This view of the saving grace of God in the deliverance he gave to his servant David on the battle field of this world is but an illustration of the greater victory of saving grace over our transgressions; for we, one with another in the Body of Christ, are the Lord’s delight “that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called out of darkness into his marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which have not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Thus our prayers, our communion with our Father in heaven, finds confidence upon such a foundation as the saving grace of Christ our Savior; which moves Paul to encourage the Philippian saints to be “careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

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Press On in Christ -Phil. 3:12-14

In the Olympics men and women place on foot upon the starting block, with their backs bent forward, their knees raised and ready to push forward at the sound of the gun. Speed is essential to winning, and so is the goal. And, as in the relay race, one must stay in your own lane. Discipline must be a key performance in the life of the athlete. So with the Christian life; however he discipline, course, and goal of our life is centered in Christ and his righteousness. Our heart, mind, and soul are being made perfect in Christ. Paul wrote, “I follow after, if that I ay apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Our chief end in life has been laid out for us by the Savior who chose us to be his own. We are to glorify God and enjoy him according to the Word he has given us.

Christ has taken a firm hold on Paul. Now he would press on toward that for which he was chosen. We show our willingness to run that race sing, with Paul, “I count myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We have received forgiveness of sins and given a new resurrected life in being called by the Father in Christ Jesus. We look forward to seeing him face to face. In this life we being perfected, made mature in faith and practice, to receive the prize of our high calling as we grow n the grace we have received. We rejoice in the fellowship of believers, in the love we have for one another, for the comfort we can give by the comfort given to us by Christ. We joy in tribulation that the name of our Savior be glorified. We serve Christ in the preaching his glorious Gospel that out of every nation and tongue people will come to know him as he has revealed himself in holy Scripture, our Lord and Savior.

Discussion: What does it mean to press on toward the goal which is in Christ?

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Being made Mature -Phil. 3:15-17

Our maturity in Christ progresses as we run the race that our Lord has set before us. We walk in Christ in this life, one with another. “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded; and if any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” We are being perfected, made mature in Christ Jesus. Moral perfection is our goal. We are being sanctified in Christ Jesus to bear the image of our Creator. Sanctification being “the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness (S.C.). Through his Word, the Spirit of God will teach us, write his truth upon our hearts, admonishing us to the truth that we might know that righteousness which we grant us spiritual maturity.

“Nevertheless,” writes Paul of those things we have already attained, “Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” In those truths we have been taught and find much agreement, let us walk heartily, giving glory to our Father in heaven, thereby edifying the Body of Christ. In those things where we find some disagreement, let us be patient one with another, looking to Christ and his Word, together, wanting to be taught the truth by the Spirit of God. Paul’s example is only that of Christ in him. Our example to others must radiate Christ and no ourselves. Be careful what you mark as examples in your life.

Discussion: What does in mean to be a mature Christian?

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Our Conversation -Phil. 3:18-4:1

In opposition to the Christian life are those who deceive themselves and others under the name of Christ. These are those who influence many with the Body of Christ, the church. Paul admonishes us that “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things.” Only anger and weeping can urge us to deal with these enemies of Christ. True sorrow stirs both our hearts and deeds to help those who are being led astray. Righteous anger leads us to speak the truth of the gospel with much boldness. How can we say all will be well when these purveyors of wickedness have no hope for themselves or others but destruction, satisfying their own lusts, their glory being darkness rather than light.

Our conversation is not with the wicked, but with heaven. We do not look for counsel from the wicked of this world. They have nothing to add to our knowledge. We are to “look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” We set our eyes upon Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is he who will provide us with a new resurrected body, which will bear the glory of his resurrected body. He will also give us victory in this life. For all things, those of the wicked and the righteous are under his supreme rule. By his authority all things will work together for his glory and the good of his people. “As Christ’s resurrection was a glorious instance of the divine power, so will our resurrection be; and his resurrection is a standing evidence, as well as pattern, of ours. And then all the enemies of the Redeemer’s kingdom will be completely conquered” (M. Henry).

Paul calls upon the brethren, his “dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,” to “stand fast in the Lord.” When we see each other as dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, our words, “stand fast in the Lord,” will take on a new and precious meaning. We must develop a deep love for one another, not just an outward appearance which fits the moment. Are we fickle Christians, showing love only when it pleases us? Or do we see each other as Christ sees us? For Christ loved us while we were yet sinners, ransoming our souls with his death upon Calvary’s cross. Having such a high calling, one with another, in Christ; with the hope of a glorious resurrection victory; let us exercise our faith in the love which God has given us in our Savior.

Discussion: Why must we always set our face upon Jesus?

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Conclusion: He Shall Keep Your Heart Phil. 4:4-7

Paul highlights the duty of the child of God to rejoice. We can understand that we must rejoice in the Lord. However, how do we rejoice in the Lord, always? George Wishart, faithful minister of the Word and Scots martyr, always willing to part with some of his own clothing to the poor, found himself, in March of 1546, climbing the steps of the scaffold. His word to the people from the stake, which was ready for fire, were, “I entreat you that you love the Word of God for your salvation, and suffer patiently and with a comfortable heart for the Word’s sake, which is your everlasting comfort; but for the true Gospel, which was given me by the grace of God, I suffer this day with a glad heart.”

Gladness of spirit and heart cannot be taken away from the Christian whose Savior is Christ the King. It is a light which cannot be snuffed out by any storm this world might muster against us. “He rejoices in the Lord, that is, because of his oneness with Christ, the fruit of whose Spirit is joy” (Gal. 5:22). This is reasonable, for in and through Christ all things, all things are received with thanksgiving and joy: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Discussion: What does it mean to have your heart kept in Christ?

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Dr. Robert LaMay

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

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November 9, 2008

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Lesson: Galatians 3:22-47

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Key Verse: Galatians 3:28

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Introduction

The union between Christ and his Church is beautifully expressed in these words of the Westminster Confession: “To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, He doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same, making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation, effectually persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable dispensation” (9. 8). Christ is always active in the lives of his people. His people come from every nation; there is no division as Jew and Gentile. For now “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus;” they all stand before the Father on the same rock, Christ Jesus, “as the one is not accepted on the account of any national or personal advantages he may enjoy above the other, so neither is the other rejected for the want of them; but all who sincerely believe on Christ, of what nation, or sex, or condition, so ever they be, are accepted of him, and become the children of God through faith in him” (M. Henry)

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Our School Master -Gal. 3:22-25

How should we understand the use of the moral law of God? Is it so connected to the promises of grace that there are works required for justification? Moses was moved to pen these words, “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments; which if a man do, he shall live in them; I am the Lord” (Lev. 18:5). Paul asks the question “Is the law then against the promises of God?” (Gal. 3:21). “God forbid!” is his reply. “For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” The law or moral demands upon those who were created after God’s image, if they were without sin, and then they could live by them.

However, “the Scripture hath concluded all under sin.” Thus the law, the Scriptures of God, condemns all as sinners. Therefore “the promise by faith of Jesus Christ” is a needed grace to “be given to those that believe,” who have been persuaded by the Spirit to be fully convinced that Christ alone can save. As Christ said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. …For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:3, 16). Condemned as sinners we need the regenerating work of the Spirit whereby we are given that grace of faith whereby we embrace the redeeming work of Christ for us.

Before faith came into our lives, “we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” The moral law of God disclosed the truth that we are transgressors of the law, and, therefore, enemies of God. We were kept in that condition until we could be justified in the sight of the Lord against whom we sinned. In this way “the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” We are not mistake makers, but law breakers. If we make a mistake, which is the way the world looks at the law breakers, that all you need is a moral eraser. But if we are lawbreakers then that law needs to be satisfied. God’s moral law then is used of the Writer, in whose image we are to live, to reveal our condition and lead us to Christ, the only Savior who can make peace between us and our Creator (Heb. 2:17).

Discussion: How is the law of God our schoolmaster?

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Heirs According to Promise -Gal. 3:26-29

Having been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, we find ourselves in a new relationship with our Father in heaven. We all, from every tribe and nation, are “the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” The Holy Spirit, who gave us our new birth, witnesses to our spirit that we are “children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:16-17). It is God who has chosen us, poor in spirit, transgressors in need of deliverance, to be “rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him” (James 2:5). To be heirs in Christ is to be called into a glorious relationship with God, “children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

This relationship is in Christ. Having been “baptized into Christ” we “put on Christ.” God has imputed our sins to Christ that he might pay the penalty for our guilt of transgression against Him. He has also imputed Christ’s righteousness to us that we might know that we are accepted as his righteous children. This identification is seen by Paul as he wrote that “we have been planted together in the likeness of his death,” and in a like manner “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Rom. 6:5).

Since everyone who is saved by grace through faith, whether they are of this tribe or that nation, there is a new relationship, not only between us and God, but between one another: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” There is only one division that is between those who are of God and those who deny him. It is sad that we would judge one another as to the cut of the cloth, or the gloss of the skin. All those who claim they are of Christ, are “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Calvin wrote, “Christ is the blessed seed, in whom …all the children of Abraham are united. He proves this by the universal offer of the inheritance to them all, from which it follows, that the promise includes them among the children. It deserves notice that, wherever faith is mentioned, it is always his relation to the promise.”

Discussion: What does it mean to be called children of God?

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Our Adoption -Gal. 4:1-7

Another comparison is made by Paul to help us understand what it means to be an heir in God’s covenant family. A child is no different from a servant, but is “under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father” to claim that position as inheritor of his blessings. “When we were children” writes Paul, we “were in bondage under the elements of the world.” Using the word “children” Paul is speaking of those who are underage, ignorant, under the influence of the world around us. But there is a time appointed by our heavenly Father when all of his chosen children would become heirs of his promise. This was “the fullness of the time” when “God sent forth his Son,” born of the virgin Mary, of the lineage of David (under the law), for the purpose of redeeming those who “were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

Becoming sons, male and female as heirs of our Father’s kingdom, God sends to us the “Spirit of his Son into” our hearts, “crying, Abba, Father.” We, through the redeeming work of Christ and the regenerating work of the Spirit, are no longer considered servants, but heirs “of God through Christ.” We now know by grace through faith that we “have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear,” but “have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” The Holy Spirit himself bearing “witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Rom. 8:14-17).

Adoption is not our request to become children of God, but that grace by which the Father has called us his children. We have, at spiritual birth, entered into a life regenerated by the Holy Spirit. A new born baby enters into a home and begins to experience a new surrounding, new relationships with parents and brothers and sisters. So with being born into the household of God, we experience something new and wonderful, and that not of our choosing or making. Our adoption is like a new birth. “At birth the child enters upon a new state of existence. Birth is not its own act. It is born. It comes from a state of darkness, in which the objects adapted to its nature cannot act on it or awaken its activities. As soon as it comes into the world all its faculties are awakened; it feels, and hears, and gradually unfolds all its faculties as a rational and moral, as well as a physical being. The scriptures teach that it is thus in regeneration. The soul enters upon a new state. It is introduced into a new world. A whole class of objects before unknown or unappreciated are revealed to it, and exercise upon it their appropriate influence” (C. Hodge).

Discussion: What is the meaning of our adoption in Christ?

Dr. Robert LaMay

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.
 
 

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November 2, 2008

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Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-16

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Key Verse: Ephesians 4:7

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Introduction

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Paul writes as a chosen apostle of Jesus Christ to the “saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.” Paul, towards the end of his second missionary journey, visited Ephesus, choosing Priscilla and Aquila to carry on the work of the gospel (Acts 18:18-21). Paul first settles the question of the need of a sure foundation of the Christian, upon which is built an obedient life which glorifies their Savior. “The apostle’s design is to settle and establish the Ephesians in the truth, and further to acquaint them with the mystery of the gospel, in order to it. In the former part he represents the great privilege of the Ephesians, who, having been in time past idolatrous heathens, were now converted to Christianity and received into covenant with God, which he illustrates from a view of their deplorable state before their conversion” (M. Henry).

Chapters one through three emphasizes the doctrine of the majesty of the Triune God in delivering us from the darkness of our transgressions to the light of our redemption in Christ. The foundation upon which the Body of Christ is built, and thus the foundation of each Christian, one with another, is a sure foundation in the love of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: “But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. … That (the Father) would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 2:4-6, 3:16). Chapter four begins the admonition that we grow and act upon that foundation, for “unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (4:7). We need the reminder that our growth in Christ, in our witness and worship, in being faithful followers of Christ is never practiced in a vacuum. Faith and practice is not a personal pilgrimage, but the working out of the glory of God in our lives, one with another.

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Walk Worthily in Christ -Eph. 4:1-3

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Scripture disciples us to walk in a worthy manner in Christ, that his name would be honored in what we believe and practice. We ought to have this thought in mind as we are discipled and as we are called to disciple others in Gospel: “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12).

If Christ be in us and we in him, then a certain behavior is required which must be clothed in righteousness and truth. We see Paul, “the prisoner of the Lord,” being made worthy of his Master; possessed by God, called by God, and bearing the seal of Christ. Thus Paul beseeches us, “that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” We have been called as adopted children of God, redeemed with he precious blood of Christ, loved by God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; therefore our Christian walk is to be worthy of such a calling.

The worthy walk of the Christian reveals a life which, in obedience to God, acknowledges the grace by which we have been saved. Thereby our first approach to the Father is in humility and faith. The Christian knows the mercy he has received from the Father, which is shown in acts of gentleness and love toward one another, “bearing with one another in love.” This love is defined by the love which God himself as manifested toward us, which is in us as Christ dwells in us: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4). Pride is shattered when this unconditional love of God in and through us is practiced.

Paul turns our attention to the nature of ‘unity’ within the Body of Christ. The walk of love encourages the Christian to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Denominational and local churches may reveal disunity in both Spirit and practice, but this does not negate the nature of ‘unity’ within the true universal Church. Disunity in doctrine and practice reveals that there is a war going on against the true faith as revealed in the Word of God. The true Church is not an organization which you join and hold membership. The local gathering of saints should reveal the truth that there is a universal Body of Christ to which we are united by being purchased by with the Blood of Christ. Therefore the outward show of unity is important to Christ and his Body, as revealed in Holy Scriptures. We must endeavor to “keep the unity of the Spirit” in a bond of peace. “We must live at peace, if we would wish that brotherly kindness should be permanent amongst us” (Calvin).

Discussion: What does the worthy walk of the Christ have to do with unity in church?

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Gracious Gift -Eph. 4:4-11

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Unity is a natural or innate characteristic of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us that there is only one body, one Holy Spirit, one hope of our being called children of God. The true Church is united in one Lord, one faith, one baptism, giving praise to the one God and Father of us all, who is “above all, through all, and in all of us.”

This unity is part of the character of the Church revealing a mutual love relationship between one another. We are unable to maintain this unity by our own strength and wisdom. The Spirit teaches us that “to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Each one of God’s children receives a certain measure of the gifts of grace. These gifts measure up to Christ’s gift in quality, bringing honor to our Father in heaven, showing his glory here on earth. They can never be used or be developed independent of another’s gift. The gifts and talents we receive are used most wisely when they are seen as mutually dependent with others in the Body of Christ. They are given for the blessing of the whole Church. “No member of the Body of Christ is endowed with such perfection as to be able, without the assistance of others, to supply his own necessities. A certain proportion is allotted to each; and it is only by communicating with each other, that all enjoy what is sufficient for maintaining their respective places in the Body” (J. Calvin).

Quoting from Psalm 68:18 Paul further illustrates the truth the unity of the Body rests in the person and work of Jehovah: “Thou hast ascended on high; thou hast led captivity captive; thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.” This is a Psalm of triumph! Christ has led “captivity captive,” having taken the rebellious soul and redeemed us from the punishment we deserved by taking upon his own self our sins and paid the ransom price through his precious blood. Christ has given gifts of grace to his Church. By his mighty rule and authority Christ has sent his Spirit upon the Church, in order that he might fill all things, complete and bring to maturity the Body which he has established through his blood.

Therefore, Christ has established his Church with a form of government by which the ministry of the Word may be accomplished on this earth, giving “some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.”.

Discussion: Why have various gifts of grace been to members of Christ’s Body, the Church?

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Building of the Body -Eph. 4:12-16

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The gifts of grace are active ingredients for the building of the Body of Christ. They are for the renewing or equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry (from the work diakonia, or deacon, which means to give assistance); Jesus saying, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my father honor” (John 12:26). The gifts of grace are also for the edifying of the body of Christ, through whom the Church is perfected.

Through Word and deed, through worship and fellowship, the saints are being built up “into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” True faith rests upon Christ alone, confining “its view so entirely to Christ, that it neither knows, not desires to know anything else” (J. Calvin). Thus we should no longer be like little children being tossed here and there, following every kind of doctrine, teaching given by trickery of men who seek to deceive us. We are to speak the truth in love, growing up in Christ, “from whom the whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the growth of the body to the edifying if itself in love.” Each part of the church works together, knowing Christ as the builder of his church, through the love of Christ which abides in each one of us.

Discussion: How and why are we using the gifts of grace within the Body of Christ?

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Dr. Robert LaMay

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2009 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.