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He Is Coming!

Jews, in the first century, were primed and ready for the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament begins with the triumphal annunciation that, indeed, he is here.  While Matthew and Luke gives the details of the virgin birth and the babe in a manger, John ops for a more theological approach.

John 1:1-2, 14  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  ² He was with God in the beginning… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, a time of

*Expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas… For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming.
*Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent

In the past two weeks we have studied Israel’s longing for the Messiah. We learned that the Old Testament told a story that was left unfinished at the ending of Malachi. Israel longed for the victorious return of her God, true release from exile, and the Davidic King, the Messiah, who would usher in God’s Kingdom and eradicate all evil and injustice. However, at the end of the O.T. none of this had happened – until Jesus was born.

Last week we examined Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2 from the perspective of the political intrigue and messianic fervor that gripped the Jewish people. It was into this setting that Jesus was born.  Strangely, though, John had this to say about his coming,

John 1:10-12  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  ¹² Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–.

Jesus was not the Messiah the Jews expected. They wanted a military leader, but he destroyed the power of evil and sin by his suffering and death. Their rejection, however, introduced the gospel to the Gentiles.  Now, ALL, Jew and Gentile alike, can be God’s children through faith in Jesus.  Moreover, Jesus’ resurrection continued God’s plan to create a new humanity; his ascension to the right hand of God inaugurated his rule over a restored creation.  This rule will be fully consummated when he comes again.

I’ll say more in my lesson.                           

Have a Great Week!  Joey

He Is Here!

Our current series is entitled, The Word Became Flesh. It is taken from John 1, where John describes the coming of the Almighty.  He does not record the singing angels or visiting Magi as did Luke & Matthew, but he does share its theological equivalent – The Word Became Flesh.

Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent.  I know we do not follow the liturgical calendar – except, perhaps, in a general way, in sermon planning.  This is what I am doing in this series. Advent is observed as a time of

*Expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas… For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming.
*Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent

Last week I discussed Israel’s longing for the Messiah. We learned that the Old Testament told a story that was left unfinished at the end of Malachi. Israel longed for the glory of the Lord to flood the earth. They longed for the Davidic King, the Messiah, who would usher in God’s Kingdom, eradicate all evil and injustice, and flood the world with righteousness and justice. They longed for the true end to their exile when God would finally forgive their sins and return them to their rightful place as the “light of nations.”

However, by the end of the O.T., none of this had happened.  Four hundred years pass and expectation reach a fever pitch. History, around this time, is full of would-be Messiahs either claiming the title or being so called – Judas Maccabeus, Simon of Peraea, Athronges, Judas of Galilee, Menahem ben Judah, and Simon bar Kokhba, to name a few.  These were either military movements or rebellions and most were put down soundly. It was into this setting that Jesus was born,  “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son…” (Galatians 4:4).

Matthew 1:21-23   She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ²³ “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.”

Luke 2:9-11  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

I’ll say more in my lesson.

Have a Great Week!  Joey

Israel’s Hope

Sunday, November 28, is the first Sunday of Advent. We, in the churches of Christ, normally do not follow the liturgical calendar as do many religious groups – except, perhaps, as a general guide to lesson planning. However, it is helpful for us to learn what others do and why they do it to enrich our own Christian walk.

• *Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”.
• Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used to refer to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming.
• Advent is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday…. Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, which is the Sunday between November 27 and December 3 inclusive. Christians of these denominations observe the season through practices such as keeping an Advent calendar, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, among other ways of preparing for Christmastide, such as setting up Christmas decorations
  *Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent

Beginning Sunday, I will preach a series of three sermons on the coming of Jesus entitled, The Word Became Flesh. I will discuss Israel’s longing for the Messiah. Next week I will speak about the birth of Jesus as the answer to that longing. Finally, in two weeks, I will talk about the second coming of Jesus as the culmination of Israel’s hopes.

The Old Testament ends with its story unfinished. God had promised release from exile, to return to his temple, to destroy evil, and to set up a kingdom that would never be destroyed, but none of that had happened. Well, they had physically returned from Babylon, but they were still a subjugated people. Evil, pagan influences controlled the world. God’s kingdom was a longed for reality that had not yet materialized. Israel longed for the promised Messiah, who would set all things right.

• Daniel 7:13-14 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

I’ll say more in my lesson.

Have a Great Week! Joey

Becoming a “Thanksgiver” at Thanksgiving*

Introduction

• “Don’t Forget to say Thank You.”
• Why do we Forget to say Thank You?
  • We are too Busy.
  • We have a sense of Entitlement.
  • We have not been properly Trained.
• Our Text this AM Regards a Group of People who did Not say Thank You to Jesus.

I. Jesus’ Kindness

• Read: Luke 17:11-19

II. The Leper’s Thankfulness

• Why Did Only One Leper Return? Were they not Grateful?
• Being Grateful is an Emotion, Being Thankful is an Action.
• Moral: Turn Your Grateful into Thankful.

III. Becoming a Better Thanksgiver.

• Be Specific
• Be Honest
• Make it Public
• Make it Tangible

Application

• Turn Your Grateful into Thankful this Week
  • Tell Someone Here Today how thankful you are for them.
  • Tell those at your Workplace how thankful you are for them.
  • Take a moment before you leave on you holiday trips to thank God for the Family, Funds, and Fun.
  • Let everyone around your thanksgiving table Give Thanks.
• Express Your Thanksgiving to God Today by Responding to Him.

*Outline courtesy of Chris Rappazini

Becoming a Thanksgiver

I ran across this sermon outline online and I thought I would share it with you.  We celebrate Thanksgiving with family gatherings, great meals, and of course, football; however, do we take time to be actual “thanksgivers” on this day?

I have tried to be a thanksgiver, but I know I often fail.  It is not that I am not grateful, I am.  However, there is a difference between being grateful and being thankful.  Gratitude is an emotion.  Thanksgiving takes gratitude to the next level by moving into the realm of action.  Thanksgiving expresses gratitude in tangible ways. Luke 17:11-19 recalls the 10 lepers Jesus healed. I’m sure all ten were grateful, but only one was thankful.  I can think of no other reason to include this story in the Bible except to emphasize taking gratitude to the level of active thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:15   Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Have a Great Week!  Joey

Self-Control (Egkrateia)

Introduction

• Today we will Discuss Self-Control.
• Definitions
  • KJV translates it as “temperance;” NIV, “self-control.”
  • Greek – Egkrateia, “self-control,” lit., “take hold of.”
    • It is not used Frequently in the NT.  (Ac 24:25; 2 Pe 1:6; 1 Co 7:9; 1 Co 9:25; Ti 1:8)
    • It is not used Frequently in the LXX (Greek OT).  It is used to describe self-restraint, self-control, & self-discipline in matters of physical pleasure & emotion.
    • Classical Greek: “the mastery of pleasure and desires.”
    • It describes one who is in full control of himself so that he can restrain himself from every evil desire.
  • The Apostolic Fathers have a Great Deal to Say…

I.     It is a Gift of God.

II.   It is One of the Pillars of the Christian Life.

III.  It is an Ally of the Christian Life.

IV.  It is the Way to Save the Soul.

V.    It is the Mark of Christian Love.

VI.  It is the Support of the Christian Church

Applications:

• Self-Control Must Be Exercised in Every Aspect of Life: Physical Appetites – esp., Sexuality; Emotion; Spending; Habits; & Decisions.
• Self-Control is a Behavioral State, but How do we Attain it?
• Philosophy – Logic
• Religion – Denial of Pleasure
• Common Sense – Willpower
• Psychology – Habit
• The Bible – The Holy Spirit

The exclamation, “Get ahold of yourself!” usually followed by a slap to the face is a common TV and movie trope. It is the response to someone who has lost control of their emotions and is panicking or acting hysterical.  While we certainly would not recommend a face slap as a strategy to help someone regain control, the exclamation is a literal translation of egkrateia, (self-control) our eighth fruit of the Spirit; it means to “take hold of” or “get ahold of” oneself.  It is used to describe self-restraint, self-control, & self-discipline in matters of physical pleasure & emotion. Self-control is necessary for winning the prize at the end of our race.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (RSV)   Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.  ²⁵ Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  ²⁶ Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air;  ²⁷ but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

The Spirit helps us to gain self-control.

Have a Great Week!  Joey

Gentleness (Prautēs)

Introduction

• Today we will Discuss Gentleness.
• Definitions
  • KJV translates it as “meekness;” NIV, “gentleness.” “Meekness” in modern thought is not an admirable quality; it suggests spinelessness and lack of strength. “Gentleness” is better, but not perfect. No one word is adequate.
  • Greek – Prautēs
    • Used of Persons & Things with a Soothing Quality.
    • Used of Gentleness of Character (esp. in Powerful People).
    • Used of Discussing Things without Losing One’s Temper.
    • Used of Taking an Unpleasant Situation Gracefully.
    • Used of Wild Animals which have been Tamed.
    • Used of Strength and Graciousness Perfectly Combined.

I.     Prautēs is Favored by God (Ps 147:6; 149:4; 37:11).

II.    Prautēs is Paired with Other Virtues.

• Love (1 Co 4:21)
• Gentleness/Mercy (2 Co 10:1).
• Humility (Ep 4:2; Co 3:12; Mt 11:29)

III.   Prautēs is Contrasted..

• Stern Punishment (1 Co 4:21)
• Fighting (Ti 3:2)

Applications:

• Prautēs is the Spirit in Which to Learn (Ja 1:21).
• Prautēs is the Spirit in Which Correction is to be Made (Ga 6:1).
• Prautēs is the Spirit in Which Opposition Must be Met (2 Ti 2:25).
• Prautēs is the Spirit of Christian Witness (1 Pe 3:15).
• Prautēs is the Spirit which Should Pervade the Whole of the Christian Life (Ja 3:13; 1 Pe 3:4).

I once served with an elder who was one of the most demanding, micromanaging, perfectionists you would ever meet. I’m sure you have had bosses or have known people like that. This brother would have been impossible to work with, except for one characteristic – his gentleness.  He was as graceful and forgiving as he was demanding. This is one of the classical descriptions of prautēs, gentleness – “strength under control.”

2 Timothy 2:25  Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.

Here Paul speaks of opposition an evangelist may encounter in his ministry.  It is from a position of strength, not weakness, that he must gently instruct. It is also the spirit in which we study, correct one-another, witness to a hostile world, and in general, maintain our relationships with others.

As with all of the virtues found in Galatians 5:22-23, gentleness is a fruit produced in us by the Holy Spirit. However, we must keep in step with the Spirit.  Are you gentle?

Have a Great Week!  Joey

Goodness (Agathōsunē)

Introduction

• Today we will Discuss Goodness.
• Definitions
  • KJV & NIV translates it as “goodness;” NRS, “generosity.”
  • In English “good” is a wide and general term.
  • Greek – Agathōsunē, “goodness,” is similar to Chrēstotēs, “kindness.” It is generosity that springs from a heart that is kind

Use in the LXX (Greek Old Testament)

• Goodness in General (Ps 52:3)
• Prosperity in Life (Ec 7:14; Ec 6:3, 6; Ec 5:18)
• Benefit, Profit, Enjoyment, Pleasure (Ec 4:8)
• Generosity (Ne 9:35, 25)

Use in the New Testament

• Three Other Occurrences – “goodness” (2 Th 1:11; Ep 5:9; Ro 15:14)
• “Goodness” is often Paired with “Justice.”
  • Matthew 20:15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
  • Justice concerns itself with accurate payment (for good or ill); goodness concerns itself with generosity.
• “Good” is often contrasted with “evil” or “bad.” In Mt 20:15 “evil eye” (envious) is contrasted with “good” (generous).
• One who is characterized by Agathōsunē does not just give what is due, but good that was never deserved. It reflects the quality of generosity that is contrasted with grudging, stingy giving.

Applications:

• A Good Person is a Generous Person, a stingy person is not good.
• A Kind, Generous Heart Expresses itself in Action.
• God’s Generous Character is Seen in the Way He Treats Us.
• Are you a Generous Person?

Goodness, Agathōsunē, is similar to Chrēstotēs, kindness. It is generosity that springs from a heart that is kind.  It is used in both the Greek OT and the NT to describe the “good” that God bestows on his people (prosperity, joy, pleasure, etc.).  In Matthew 20:15 we find a definite comparison between generosity (good) and greed or stinginess (evil).

Matthew 20:15  Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’  (KJV, “Or is your eye evil because I am good?”).

More than that, goodness is often paired or contrasted with justice.  Justice concerns itself with accurate payment (for good or ill); goodness concerns itself with generosity. God is generous with us; he gives us what we need instead of what we deserve.  God’s generosity (goodness) is an example for us to be generous to others with our praise, good works, and finances.

Are you generous?  Are you trying to be more like God?  I’ll say more in my lesson!

Have a Great Week!  Joey

Kindness (Chrēstotēs)

Introduction

• Today we will Discuss Kindness.
• Definitions
  • KJV translates it as “gentleness;” NIV, et.al., “kindness.”
  • Greek – Chrēstotēs, “kindness”
  • “The sympathetic kindliness or sweetness of temper which puts others at ease, and shrinks from giving pain” -Plummer.
  • In the Greek Old Testament it is used most commonly for God; it is often translated as “good” (Ps 106:1; 25:7).

I.  God Is Kind. He Expresses His Kindness…

• In Nature (Ps 85:12; Ps 65:9-13; Ps 104:27-28)
• In the Events of History (Ps 145:4-9)
• In His Instruction (Ps 119:65-68; 25:8)
• In Affliction (Na 1:7; Ps 34:8)
• In Poverty (Ps 68:10)
• In Forbearance (Ro 2:4)
• To Everyone – even the Ungrateful & Wicked (Lu 6:35)
• In Salvation (Ti 3:5)

II.  God’s Kindness Motivates Humans to Be Kind.

• Kindness is Not a Part of the Sinful Nature (Ps 14:1-3; 53:3).
• Kindness Can be Corrupted through Bad Company (1 Co 15:33).
• Kindness is Commanded (Ps 37:3; Co 3:12).
• Kindness is Possible Because of God’s Kindness (Ep 4:32).

Applications:

• Kindness Reflects a Quality of Character (Ez 27:22, “precious stones”; Je 24:1-5, “good figs”) – valued, useful, precious.
• Kindness Reflect a Mellow Graciousness of Character Contrasted with Harshness and Roughness (Luke 5:39, “old wine is better”).
• Kindness Means Treating Others the Way God Treats Us.

Psalm 14:1-3  The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.  ² The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.  ³ All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

In Psalm 14, fool refers to the morally deficient person (as opposed to mentally deficient). The Psalmist is describing humanity in their sinful nature.  The description continues, “there is no one who does good.”  In the LXX (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), good is translated as chrēstotē (kindness), “there is no one doing kindness.”  My point here is that kindness is a defining characteristic of the regenerated nature (new birth, new creation, humanity 2.0). Children of God are kind. The Spirit is responsible for developing this trait in our lives, but we must cooperate.  Plummer describes kindness as “The sympathetic kindliness or sweetness of temper which puts others at ease, and shrinks from giving pain.”

Are you kind?  Is God living in you?  I’ll say more in my lesson!

Have a Great Week!  Joey

Patience (Makrothumia)

Introduction

• Today we will Discuss Patience.
• Definitions
  • Greek – Makrothumia – , “long-tempered”
  • KJV translates it as “long-suffering;” NIV, et.al., “patience.”
  • Expresses attitude toward people & events – never loses patience, hope, etc.; never admits defeat.

I.  Patience in the Greek Old Testament & Apocropha

• Patience with Events (1 Macc. 8:4; Rome’s Greatness Attributed to her Policy of never Admitting Defeat)
• Patience with People (Never Loses Hope or Grows Bitter)
  • It is the Basis of Forgiveness (Pr 19:11).
  • It is the Basis of Humility (Ec 7:8).
  • It is the Basis of all good Relationships (Pr 15:18)
  • It is the Basis of True Wisdom (Pr 14:29)
  • It is the Basis of all True Power (Pr 16:32)
• Patience Describes the Character of God (Ex 34:6; Ne 9:17)
  • The Sinner’s Hope (Joel 2:13)
  • The Sinner’s Warning (Nu 14:18)

II.  Patience in the New Testament

• The Patience of God – Waiting & Acting (2 Pe 3:15, 2 Pe 3:9; Ro 2:4)
• Patience toward our Fellow Humans (Eph 4:2; Co 3:12; 1 Th 5:14)
• The Response of a Christian Toward Circumstances (Co 1:11; 2 Co 6:6; He 6:12-15; Ja 5:7-10)

Applications:

• Patience with Others is a Mark of the Indwelling Spirit.
• Patience in Difficult Circumstances is a Mark of the Holy Spirit.
• God is Patient with Us, but His Patience will Not Last Forever.

I like the old KJV translation of patience – “long-suffering.” It expresses the meaning of makrothumia succinctly; it is the willingness to suffer long in regard to people and circumstances.  People can be so exhausting!  They take your time, consume your resources, get on your nerves, irritate you, interrupt your day, work against you, hurt your feelings – do I even have to go on?  You know what I mean. The same is true with trying circumstances. Life has a way of doling out aggravation, difficulty, and suffering. We either choose to lose our cool or “suffer long” through it.

This quality of choosing to suffer long is called patience and is the fourth virtue Paul lists in Galatians 5:16-23.  Patience is a fruit of the Spirit which means, like the others, it is produced by the Spirit in our lives as a part of his transforming work.  Remember though, we have to cooperate with his work by following his lead. This is one of the virtues in which it is so easy to give up and “grieve the Spirit.” The next time you are faced with trying people or circumstances pray that God would fill you with his patience and help you to endure.

Have a Great Week!  Joey

Peace (Eirēnē)

Introduction

• Today we will Discuss Peace (Eirēnē, Used 88 Times).
• Definitions
  • English – Peace: “The absence of war/trouble.”
  • Hebrew – Shalōm: “Everything that Makes for a Person’s Highest Good.” It is translated “Soundness of Body,” “Welfare,” “Prosperity.”
  • Greek – Eirēnē: “Serenity,” “Tranquility,” “The Perfect Contentment of a Life which is Completely Happy & Secure.”

I.  Peace is Most Commonly Used as a Greeting

• Grace and Peace to You (Ro 1:7)
• Combining of Greek and Jewish Greetings

II.  Peace Has Recognizable Sources

• Trust (Ro 15:13)
• Faith which Has Turned to Action (Ro 2:9-10)
• God (Ph 4:6-9)
• Jesus Christ (Jo 14:27)

III.  Peace is Right Relationships in Every Sphere of Life

• Within the Home (1 Co 7:15)
• Between Jew and Gentile (Ep 2:13-18)
• Within the Church (Ep 4:3; Co 3:15)
• Between our Fellow Human Beings (He 12:14)
• Between Humans and God (Ro 5:1; Co 1:19-22)

Applications:

• Peace is the Expression of Perfect Welfare.
• Peace is a Gift from God, but we Must Seek and Pursue it (1 Pe. 3:11; 2 Pe 3:14).
• Peace within our Relationships does not Come Easy, but when we Pursue it with our Whole Hearts, God Provides.
• Peace with God is our Greatest Blessing.

Peace is the third virtue produced by Spirit, as he works to create within us the character of Jesus, listed by Paul in Galatians 5:16-23. Peace in the Greek is Eirēnē; it means “Serenity,” “Tranquility,” “The Perfect Contentment of a Life which is Completely Happy & Secure.” Eirēnē is the equivalent of the Hebrew Shalōm which means “Everything that Makes for a Person’s Highest Good.” Shalōm can translated “Soundness of Body,” “Welfare,” “Prosperity.” As you can see, both of these roughly equivalent terms mean much more than our English use of peace, “The absence of war/trouble.”

As with all the other fruit in this list, peace is the product of God’s activity in our lives.  This includes peace within, peace in the midst of circumstances, and peace within our relationships.  We all need peace in our lives.  This is especially true in our conflict laden world.  Just think of what we have experienced over the last two years – war and the threat of war; political and social unrest; economic uncertainty; and sickness, death, and fear from the pandemic. These circumstances along with the doom, gloom, and discord from the various media – including social media – erode our sense of well-being and mental health.  Thank God that he has an endless supply of peace for those who seek to be more like Jesus!