bible study fellowhip – Page 2

BSF Acts: Week 8, Day 3: Galations 1:1-2:10

Galatians 1:1–2:10

Summary: Paul’s letter to the Galations is a teaching and reinforcement document sent to the church of believers in the area originally ruled by the King of Galatia. From Paul’s journey with Barnabas this would have included Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Some significant confusion had developed in the believers because of the incorrect teachings of believers from Judea who professed a requirement to hold to the old ways (observation of the Jewish Laws) in addition to the message of the gospel (salvation through Jesus Christ). By attempting to do both the implication was that Christ had not “fully” fulfilled the law (see Matthew 5:17) and, as such, it was still a requirement. There was also the issue of the gift of salvation being shared with Gentiles within them also having to adhere to the same rules and principles that the Jews had (circumcision being a specific outward sign).

The confusion likely stems from Exodus 12:48 that required a non-jew “alien” living in the household of a jew to be circumcised before he could participate in the passover.

Questions

6. a.True gospel: Galations 1: 3b-4: Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father

b. That we are redeemed from the bondage of our sins only through the grace of God that Jesus Christ was made man and died, paying the price of justice for our sins if we accept His word and believe in Him.

7. (Challenge) Galatians 2:4 – The freedom we have in Christ Jesus; Galatians 3:3–5, 10–11 – Attain through human effort?, because of law of because of belief?, Cursed under the law, (Deut. 27:26 ), no one justified by the law; 5:1–7. Either justified by the law or by faith – not both – justified by the law = fallen from grace, 5:6 the only thing that counts is faith)

Rom 3: 28-31: ²⁸ For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. ²⁹ Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, ³⁰ since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. ³¹ Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

8. (Challenge) “False brothers”

Acts 15:5 – Believers who belonged to the party of the pharisees

Galatians 2:11–13 – Came from James, belonged to the circumcision group, Hypocrites

Galatians 5:1–7 – Enslavers, Trying to be justified by law, aliens from Christ

Galatians 6:12–13 – Those who want to make a good impression outwardly, they may boast

Conclusion:

There are 3 main questions raised and answered in the verses we cover today – all critical to the “true faith”

1. Faith alone or faith plus works? Circumcision was never intended to “pay the price of salvation.” It was always an outward sign of an inward commitment and covenant from God’s people to their Lord. However, it was always the heart that mattered. Otherwise, how could Jesus have called the circumcised pharisees a brood of vipers? They had fallen more in love with the ritual of the law than they did the God whom the law was meant to honor. They confused the what for the why. Gal 5:6, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

2. If the law is not abolished, then what still applies considering it has been fulfilled? In regard to salvation, the price is paid. Period. As difficult as it is to understand or accept, the horrific acts we may perform while on the earth are insignificant to God in comparison to our belief in Him. This was clearly demonstrated by Christ on the cross in His conversation with the crucified thief. If our wickedness does not compare then neither do our good deeds. We do not “earn” salvation by them and implying we follow any law to earn freedom takes away from the one who paid the price of our freedom. Does that mean we ignore God’s commandments and his direction on how we are to live and love each other? Of course not, but we do them to honor our Lord not to earn His love or favor, those are things only He can give freely. We do them out of honor and respect, not out of obligation under threat.

3. Is it acceptable for christians to look and live differently? To me, this is the biggest unspoken question and one that many christians and churches struggle to overcome even today. The Judeazers wanted all christians to look and live like them. We all have prejudices, some more ugly and hateful than others (the prejudices that is), but they are there. What does a good pastor look like or sound like? What kind of up-bringing do you need to have had to be a church leader? Even BSF seemed to struggle in this area for a period of time: what does a christian leader look like? can they be overweight? can they dress differently? I’m glad to see the prejudices and stereotypes being challenged and changed – God wants the heart of His church.

BSF Acts: Week 8, Day 2, Acts 15: 1-12

Acts 15:1–12
Sumary: The question of ritual comes into play in the new church. Must someone become a jew to be a christian? Must they undergo circumcision and follow the Mosaic law to be saved through Christ. Paul, Barnabas and Peter say no.

Questions:

3. The christians at Jerusalem were footed in the jewish tradition and the teachings in the temple. The believers in Antioch were not, or at least not to the same degree.
4. The Jews were jealous (Acts 17:5). The Jews were prejudiced (Gal 2). The jewish believers may have felt outnumbered and still carried a subservient view (They were under Roman rule and this now brought them out of bondage as it had the Jews of Moses time.)

b. They believed that the Jews were God’s chosen people and saw the path to salvation only through their tradition and ritual.

c. He was “all in” for Christ. If salvation came through the gift of Jesus’ death and resurrection alone, then any requirement of works or ritual distracted from that covenent and lessened the gift. Rom 10:12 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, the same Lord is the Lord of all…”

5. Peter refers to his vision of the sheet with all matter of animal, clean and unclean, and his subsequent understanding of the vision through the interaction of the Holy Spirit with Cornelius the centurion who received faith.

Conclusions:

The bible is so simple in its requirements – believe, change and be saved. Yet we can add such complexity. You must go through these classes. You must attend these meetings. You have to be baptized on this day. You were baptized in what synod, we don’t count that.

There is nothing wrong with teaching, with prayer and with being a shepherd to new believers, but the avenue to a relationship with Jesus Chris does not come with barriers that new believers have to jump over. Christ seems to be happy that we are on the right path.

BSF Acts: Week 7 – Opening Assembly – Acts 14

It was my turn to lead opening assembly last night and I decided to do something a little different than normal. A poem:

Paul and Barnabas

Paul and Barnabas, P&B,
2 brave disciples, missionaries, visionaries, for the man who died on the tree.

From Pisidian they left shaking the dust from their feet
To Iconium they came, preaching to the Jews and the Greeks.

Many are saved, many believe but the non-believing jews gather with not believing gentiles to deceive. Where the spirit moves and power achieves, satanic forces mount creating a division of this very city. Many are fore, some are against, a conspiracy to stone P&B is conceived.

P&B flee.

To Lycaonia, a new song is sung, but confusion ensues from ignorance and a foreign tongue. When Paul, through the power of the spirit of the Lord, heals a lame man, a believer, who jumps up for joy. But confusion, frustration, appalation ensues when instead of worship God the locals brand Paul as Hermes and Barnabas as Zeus. The apostles tear their clothing, they preach and they plead: worship only the creator not a man such as me.

Then the wolves arrive. The Jews strive
to turn the local sheep into an angry herd.

The mob turns on the apostolic messengers, casting out a punishment as if they were common blasphemers,
they pick up rocks they pick up stones and throw them at Paul’s head
Bleeding and broken the mob drags him out, leaving him for dead.

The disciples gather in prayer, around Paul whom they plan to bury
but he jumps up, alive, and marches right back into the city.

Then to Derbe, preaching and blessing, the very next day
despite persecution, despite attempted execution, the word of God is here to stay.

They travel back through each town, lifting up the new leaders, strengthening churches, and teaching, encouraging new believers.

The seeds have been planted, the church roots enchanted with the spirit, the word, the living breath that was granted, that was breathed into man into dirt to create life, that spoke , that healed, that gave everlasting peace, that provided new sight

to the blind, and legs to the lame, hope for a sinner, that is the reason the lamb was slain. But death is defeated, sin has been beaten. The son of man sings from the throne of the King.

So this hollows eve, we focus our thoughts on the work of the spirit that came from the on-high and on 2 humble servants who were open to gentiles like me, these brave missionaries, with the initial P and the initial B.

BSF Acts Study: Week 8, Day 1

2. My take-away from the notes this week was about ways that the local church is built and strengthened. When I think of mission work, either local or away from home, I think mostly about doing works or building relationships to spread the word of the Lord. Clearly, that is a major emphasis and we have seen Paul and Barnabas doing that everywhere they went. But that is only the first step. For that seed to take root it must be nurtured. I found the discussion on page 4 about strengthening, preparing, uniting and committing the new believers into local churches very informative and good food-for-thought. I had not thought about it before, but to realize that these new gentile believers were not welcome in the synagogues (the normal place for discussions about God), and as a result a new structure of house churches was being created even as the good news was being spread. I also thought it was interesting to think about how Paul and Barnabas strengthened their home church in Antioch with the stories about their trip. I had thought about their time back at the church as a way for them to re-energize and rest, but hadn’t thought about how powerful and inspiring their tales would be to the believers in the local church.

BSF Acts: Week 7, Day 6 – Acts 14:20b–28

Acts 14:20b–28.

15. I think Paul and Barnabas strengthened and united the disciples through teaching, leadership, helping them establish organization and leadership, through prayer, through a pattern of worship and through hands-on-blessings?

16. Faith is like a muscle, to be strengthened it must be exercised which can be difficult. I want to encourage others to persevere and to establish a “faith exercise routine.” (something I need to do far more of myself)

BSF Acts: Week 7, Day 5, Acts 14:20b-28

Acts 14:20b–28.

Summary: A stop at Derbe (another shepherds town in the plain), more disciples and more preaching. Then, believe it or not, Paul and Barnabas travel right back through all the towns they just visited. Not quietly. Not in hiding. But boldly proclaiming the gospel and continuing to win souls. They appoint elders as they go. They return to their home church and stay “for a long time.”

Questions:

13. a. Gaius and Timothy

b. The first difference is that they did not get run out of town. Maybe the Jews thought Paul was dead and went back home. Secondly, they picked up companions who would travel with them.

c. The question about how God shows grace implies that we are promised breaks in our suffering. I may just be a contrarian, but I do not think that is really what the scripture says (see more in conclusions below). I think the main area of grace that is shown in the city of Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Pisidia is that God allowed Paul and Barnabas to be strengthened by seeing the harvest begin to come in.

14. How does each of the following verses show Paul’s love and care for those he led to Christ?

a. Acts 14:21–23 First: The fact that he came back! We must face many hardships

b. 2 Corinthians 7:3 Paul is willing to live or die for the disciples

c. Galatians 4:19 Paul thought of new believers as his own infant children (still in pains of childbirth)

d. 1 Thessalonians 2:7–11 Disciples are like family. Shared the gospel and life, working day and night to care for them (like a parent).

e. 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 Believers are Paul’s Joy, Crown, Glory in heaven

f. 1 Thessalonians 3:8 Believers standing firm in the Lord is the very meaning of Paul’s life

Conclusion: First, please do not miss the utterly amazing fact that Paul and Barnabas go right back through these places where there were direct and imminent threats on their lives. Talk about a walk of faith. In Rotary Club we talk about putting “service above self”, but we see that magnified in this death defying bravery.

Second (soapbox time): All too often misquotes of scripture end up in our common language and become elements that believers think are actually in the bible. One of these common misquotes is that “God will not give us more than we can bear.” That isn’t actually what it says. The verse this refers to is 1 Cor 10: 13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” Notice that this refers specifically to temptation, not every day life and hardships.

Why am I so preachy on this? I am concerned that it is implied in question 13c. Clearly Stephen received more than he could humanly stand. James did as well. It is important because I think sometimes, when we don’t understand what this is really saying and we grasp to the misquotation, we struggle in our faith. When we feel utterly broken, when we experience senseless death and violence, when we suffer from the loss or betrayal of a loved one – we can feel that, in fact, God has given us more than we can bear and therefore the scriptures must be a lie. But that is not what it says!

God does not promise us 2 hard days followed by an easy day. What he does promise is that he will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can stand up under. In other words, He will not lose us to sin ever again. We are His and neither sin nor temptation can ever steal us away from Him.

But, in regard to hardship, pain and sadness he promises something different. He promises to be yoked to us, to share our burden and carry us through it. He promises hope and eternity. He promises us His love and the willingness to lay down His son’s life for us.

If you are experiencing depression, pain, loss, fear, sadness, all more than you can bear – please do not fall to misquoted bumper stickers. It may, in fact, be more than you can humanly bear – but it is not more than God can take and bear for you. Pray. Allow others to pray for you, but know that you are not abandoned and the real scriptures do not lie.

End of sermon (sorry!)

Acts: Week 7, Day 4

Acts 14:19–20a and 2 Timothy 3:10–17.

Summary: The wolves arrive in Wolf Land! Out of town Jews travel over 100 miles to “win the crowd”. They take stone Paul and take him out of the city, but after they leave him for dead he got up and went back into town.

10. How quickly things can turn and how dangerous crowds (mobs) can become. But, seriously, after being left for dead by stoning Paul gets up and “went back into town”!?!?! I cannot see myself ever stepping foot back in the gates!

11. From Acts 16:1–3; Philippians 2:19–21; and 2 Timothy 1:2–5:

a. Timothy

b. I’m assuming this question refers to Gal 5:22-23 the fruits of the spirit (especially since that was the children’s memory verse this week!) Paul, in Timothy, found love, joy, kindness, goodness and faithfulness

c. God provides, through trials and persecution come blessings, the spirit blesses us through those we help teach and lead

12. (Challenge) I think this question is asking if Paul died at Lystra and then came back from the dead. Did he have an experience such as described in modern books such as Heaven is for Real or The boy who came back from heaven (both great reads, BTW)? Reading verse 5 of 2 Corinthians 12, I don’t think so. I think, in these verses he is talking about John. Paul may have died and been revived and he may have had a vision of heaven and the writing of this second letter to the Corinthians may have been 14 years later, but I think this passage refers to the Revelation to John – Rev 1:9-10, Rev 4:1

Conclusion: This verse and a half are the patron verses (is there such a thing?) of anyone who has worked in senior management, particularly at a large corporation. One day you can do no wrong. The people think you are a god. The next, a new consultant/author/leader comes on the scene. Next thing you know, you are being dragged outside the city walls and people are hurling stones at you!

Matthew Henry once said, “popular breath turns like the wind.” In our culture being liked, being popular, fitting in, particularly in youth but, frankly in all of us, can become an obsession. We can count and compare how many “friends” we have on Facebook. We can turn the television on to any number of shows based on judges criticizing (lambasting for sport) contestants. Paul learned a very important lesson in Lystra that he never forgot. It is never about Paul’s ministry, it is always about Jesus Christ.

Finally – is anyone else having a Sergeant Peppers album flashback??? Paul is dead. I buried Paul. (sorry, another one of those generational moments I have!)

Acts: Week 7, Day 1

2. There were three things that I found very interesting in this week’s notes.

The first was that Paul’s three missionary trips, the heart of his ministry, in total lasted only 10-13 years. What an amazing impact he made in such a short period of time. I have worked at jobs for more than 10 years and accomplished far, far less!

The second was the distance and terrain that Paul and his various companions travelled. In this first mission trip of 3 years, they spend almost 10 percent of their total time travelling from place to place, over treaturous seas and snow covered mountains on rickety bridges.. In each new town they have to find lodging and work (they supported themselves along the way so as not to be a burden or lead anyone astray.)

Third was the realization that the only reason that we have the writings of Paul is because God allowed him to be imprisoned. Had it not been for his forced solitude, it is clear that he would be in the field saving souls, not locked in a cell with someone documenting the notes, information and faith.

We are so richly blessed by the way that the Holy Spirit worked through this one man’s life. But, to me, the biggest realization is that the power of the Holy Spirit is ready and willing to work to that level again, today, in any devoted christian. Who knows what an amazing story our generation of believers may leave to childrena dn grand-children.

Acts: Week 6, Day 5

Acts 13:42–52.

Envy and jealousy prevent Jews from accepting the gift. Paul calls them on their rejection and quotes Isaiah – a light to the gentiles is now on the move. Paul and Barnabas leave the torment behind, shaking the very dirt from their sandals, and carry on in joy.

13. Salvation is not a one time event – it means to live a changed life. To lean on and trust in the Lord daily and in all things. Grace is also the means to faith (Eph 2:8: it is by grace you have been saved through faith

14. (Challenge) a. Reject:

Rom 2:8

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger

Isa 49:6

he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

15. a The gentiles listened and were saved. The Jews did not and were not

b. Too often I obsess and it festers. I need to be better at shaking it off and letting it go. I love the analogy of shaking the dust from my feet – not bringing any part of their negativism along with me.

Conclusion:

Paul is not one to mince words. It is not accept the gift or don’t accept the gift. There is no neutral state in Paul’s message. You are either going forward or you are in reverse. There is no parking. You either accept the truth that Jesus is Lord or you have rejected it, calling it a lie.

Again – Paul cuts to the chase of the truth in a way that we are all to “wishy-washy” about today. We allow so many to take a neutral stance, at least in their eyes. “I’m not going to say you are lying in what you say about the gospel, but, while it may be true for you it is not necessarily true for me.” And, we let it go. In the words of the bible, that is the worst possible position to take. Either accept it or reject it, but don’t be luke warm. Why? Because it corrupts the truth. It chisels away, not in an attack on the truth, but like rain does, one drop at a time it wears away at the truth, not making it less true, but by creating a rule of tolerance where you are not allowed to speak the truth because it may not fit someone else’s belief system – no matter that their belief system is wrong and will land them in eternal damnation – we are too polite.

Paul was not polite.

Acts: Week 6, Day 4

Acts 13:14b–41.

Paul preaches in the open synagogue at Pisidian Antioch. He explains that Jesus was foretold by and fulfilled the scriptures, that Jesus is the risen Lord and that through Jesus is forgiveness of sins and justification above what the law could ever provide.

9. a. 16,26,39

b. (1) 17: The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers, made them prosper in Egypt and led them out 19: Overthrew 7 nations and gave their land to his people

(2) 18: He endured their conduct

(3) 20-25: Judges to Kings to King David to John the Baptist

10. He has convicted me of my sins and provided me with God fearing people in my life who helped guide me into the bible, into BSF and into a church that adheres to the word of God.

11.27: in fulfillment of prophecy, Jews conspired against Jesus, 29: He was crucified and died and was buried. 30: raised from the dead, 31: seen for many days. 37: raised, never to decay

12. In the third section of this sermon:

a. 38: the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed

b. 39″ believe

c. Acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the Living God, my Lord and Savior and act appropriately for that acknowledgement

d. Those who scoff, wonder and perish.

e. They mock, deride and jeer at both the word of God and of the people that follow that word. They decide that we are too sophisticated, too advanced, too wise and that the bible is simply superstition. Theyridicule believers for not accepting that anyone’s beliefs are as justifiable and true as their own.

Conclusion:

Paul’s sermon resounds in the Nicene and Apostole’s Creeds. It is a simple statement of the facts. No cajoling. No pleading. No watering down. He simply states the historical promise, how that promise was fulfilled and the gift that fulfillment provides.

We struggle so often with what words to use to encourage a non-believer, that sometimes we skip over the most obvious: simply state the facts and let the Holy Spirit act.