December 26, 2015 - Luke 2:8-20 - The Humble King I know that most of us just enjoyed Christmas, and if any of us go to church, this is the "go-to" passage for Christmas. But what can we take away from it after Christmas has past? Let's look at a few things: 1. Jesus (who is God) is not above simple circumstances: Here he is, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, who could have come blazing into this world (as the Jewish people expected him to). No, he came into the world as a lowly baby, completely dependent on his earthly parents, in a manger, with smelly farm animals. Not exactly the royal entrance that most people would have associated with a king. 2. God's glory is worthy of praise, even when we are afraid: Could you have imagined being the shepherds that night? Out in the fields, probably bored out of their minds (I know I would be, that's why I'm a miner) and then all of a sudden, this bright light appears and an angel tells them to not be afraid, that he brought great news of the Savior's birth? It probably wasn't the most relaxing way to learn of the Savior's birth. Even through it all, the shepherds traveled to Bethlehem and, when they saw Baby Jesus, they proclaimed his Glory by telling everyone what the angel had told them.
I'm sorry I haven't kept up with this thread lately... I haven't been on the forum much..I've been crazy busy..I'll try to do better
It is good to remember that Jesus was not above humble circumstances. Throughout his earthly ministry, he provided examples of that, such as the widow in the temple, the account of Mary & Martha, & the fact that wherever he went, he & the apostles never demanded special treatment, even sleeping outside on occasion. He never lost focus on the point of his being on earth. Personally though, I would have to respectfully disagree with the statement that Jesus is God. The Trinitarian doctrine is something I've never understood. through my own study, it is clear to me that God, his son Jesus, & the holy spirit are all very real, but are separate entities.
I think it would be interesting....as you stated, paul had a unique way of teaching the congregations he visited.
Read Romans 1:1-7 and answer the following questions: 1. What are some key words in this passage? 2. a) What do you think of when you hear the word "servant"? b) What is Jesus' attitude of being a servant? Reference Mark 10:43-45 and Luke 22:24-27. c) How would the attitude of Paul (v.1) and Jesus toward servanthood differ from most people? 3. What can you learn about the Gospel from this passage (v. 2-3)? 4. Why does it matter that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was anticipated in the Old Testament? (v.2, Luke 24:25-27, Acts 26:22-23) 5. What can you learn about Jesus in this passage? (v.3-4) 6. Why do you think Paul specifies that Jesus’ descendancy from David was "according to his human nature"? (v.3) 7. What does Jesus’ resurrection reveal about him? (v. 4; see Acts 2:22-36) 8. Why is it significant that Paul received his apostleship from God? (vv. 1, 5) 9. What people were the primary "target audience" of Paul’s ministry? Personal Reflection: Do you think of yourself as a servant of Christ? Of other people? How does your life reflect this attitude, or lack of it? How did God call you to belong to Jesus Christ? How is your life different as a result?
Monday, December 28 As the clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in my hand, O house of Israel.—Jer. 18:6. What if humans stubbornly refuse to be molded by the Great Potter? Think about what happens to the clay if it becomes unsuited for the intended purpose. Why, the potter can make another type of vessel out of it or simply discard it! When the clay is useless, though, generally the potter is at fault. This is never the case with our Potter. (Deut. 32:4) When a person does not yield to God's molding, the fault always lies with that person. God exercises his potterlike authority over humans by adjusting his dealings with them depending on their response to his molding. Those who respond properly are fashioned in a beneficial way. For example, Christians are “vessels of mercy” who have been molded into ‘vessels for an honorable use.’ On the other hand, those who stubbornly oppose God end up as “vessels of wrath made fit for destruction.”—Rom. 9:19-23
Pope Says Having A Personal Relationship With Jesus Is Dangerous And Harmful | Godfruits Thoughts on this? It's sad really....
I thought I would back up a bit and do an overview of Romans first before diving into each verse......I think it helps to know the background of Paul & where the writing took place. In Acts Paul, formerly a violent persecutor of Jewish Christians, become Christ’s zealous apostle to the non-Jewish nations. With Romans begins the 14 books of the Bible that the holy spirit inspired this former Pharisee, now a faithful servant of God, to write. By the time he wrote Romans, Paul had already completed two long preaching tours and was well along on the third. He had written five other inspired letters: First and Second Thessalonians, Galatians, and First and Second Corinthians. Yet it seems appropriate that in our modern Bibles, Romans precedes the others, since it discusses at length the new equality between Jews and non-Jews, the two classes to whom Paul preached. It explains a turning point in God’s dealings with his people and shows that the inspired Hebrew Scriptures had long foretold that the good news would be proclaimed also to the non-Jews. Paul, using Tertius as secretary, laces rapid argument and an astounding number of Hebrew Scripture quotations into one of the most forceful books of the Christian Greek Scriptures. With remarkable beauty of language, he discusses the problems that arose when first-century Christian congregations were composed of both Jews and Greeks. Did Jews have priority because of being Abraham’s descendants? Did mature Christians, exercising their liberty from the Mosaic Law, have the right to stumble weaker Jewish brothers who still held to ancient customs? In this letter Paul firmly established that Jews and non-Jews are equal before God and that men are declared righteous, not through the Mosaic Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ and by God’s undeserved kindness. At the same time, God requires Christians to show proper subjection to the various authorities under which they find themselves. How did the Roman congregation get started? There had been a sizable Jewish community in Rome at least since the time of Pompey’s capturing Jerusalem in 63 B.C.E. At Acts 2:10 it is specifically stated that some of those Jews were in Jerusalem at Pentecost 33 C.E., where they heard the good news preached. The converted sojourners stayed in Jerusalem to learn from the apostles, and later the ones from Rome no doubt returned there, some probably at the time when persecution broke out in Jerusalem. (Acts 2:41-47; 8:1, 4) Further, the people of that day were great travelers, and this may explain Paul’s intimate acquaintance with so many members of the Roman congregation, some of whom may have heard the good news in Greece or Asia as a result of Paul’s preaching. The first reliable information about this congregation is found in Paul’s letter. It is clear from this that the congregation was made up of both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians and that their zeal was praiseworthy. He tells them: “Your faith is talked about throughout the whole world,” and, “Your obedience has come to the notice of all.” (Rom. 1:8; 16:19) Suetonius, writing in the second century, reports that during the rule of Claudius (41-54 C.E.), the Jews were banished from Rome. They later returned, however, as is shown by the presence of Aquila and Priscilla in Rome. They were Jews whom Paul met in Corinth and who had left Rome at the time of Claudius’ decree but who were back in Rome at the time Paul wrote to the congregation there.—Acts 18:2; Rom. 16:3. The letter’s authenticity is firmly established. (Contrary to what some modern day so called men of God have started) It is, as its introduction says, from “Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ and called to be an apostle, ... to all those who are in Rome as God’s beloved ones, called to be holy ones.” (Rom. 1:1,7) Its outside documentation is among the earliest to be found for the Christian Greek Scriptures. Peter uses so many similar expressions in his first letter, written probably six to eight years later, that many scholars think he must have already seen a copy of Romans. Romans was clearly regarded as a part of Paul’s writings and was cited as such by Clement of Rome, Polycarp of Smyrna, and Ignatius of Antioch, all of whom lived in the late first and early second centuries C.E. The book of Romans is found, together with eight others of Paul’s letters, in a codex called Chester Beatty Papyrus No. 2 (P46). Regarding this early codex, Sir Frederic Kenyon wrote: “Here, then, we have a nearly complete manuscript of the Pauline Epistles, written apparently about the beginning of the third century.” The Chester Beatty Greek Biblical papyri are older than the well-known Sinaitic Manuscript and Vatican Manuscript No. 1209, both of the fourth century C.E. These too contain the book of Romans. When and from where was Romans written? There is no disagreement among Bible commentators that this letter was written from Greece, most probably from Corinth, when Paul visited there for some months toward the end of his third missionary journey. The internal evidence points to Corinth. Paul wrote the letter from the home of Gaius, who was a member of the congregation there, and recommends Phoebe of the nearby congregation of Cenchreae, Corinth’s seaport. Apparently it was Phoebe who carried this letter to Rome. (Rom. 16:1, 23; 1 Cor. 1:14) At Romans 15:23 Paul wrote: “I no longer have untouched territory in these regions,” and he indicates in the following verse that he intends to extend his missionary work west, toward Spain. He could well write this way toward the end of his third tour, at the beginning of 56 C.E.
Read Romans 1:1-7 and answer the following questions: 1. What are some key words in this passage? For me....slave, undeserved kindness, obedience 2. a) What do you think of when you hear the word "servant"? A person who lives not for themselves, but for their master. b) What is Jesus' attitude of being a servant? Reference Mark 10:43-45 and Luke 22:24-27. Jesus was an outstanding example of humility. He constantly reminded the apostles & those he preached to to be humble. He knew it is human nature to desire to be greater than another, so he made it a point to show that a willingness to serve others is a desirable quality. c) How would the attitude of Paul (v.1) and Jesus toward servanthood differ from most people? Most associate servitude with a stigma...such as the slave trade that used to take place in America. Servants are portrayed as being lesser individuals on tv & movies etc... 3. What can you learn about the Gospel from this passage (v. 2-3)? Jesus presence was foretold many years before he came to the earth 4. Why does it matter that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was anticipated in the Old Testament? (v.2, Luke 24:25-27, Acts 26:22-23) It serves to validate the bible's authenticity...especially concerning the number of years between the writing of the prophecies concerning Jesus & when they were fulfilled 5. What can you learn about Jesus in this passage? (v.3-4) It's alluding to the fulfillment of the prophecy that the messiah would come through the Davidic line (in the flesh, bring born of Mary), even though Jesus was a spirit being in heaven before human life was created (god calls Jesus the firstborn of all creation-Col 1:15) 6. Why do you think Paul specifies that Jesus’ descendancy from David was "according to his human nature"? (v.3) Because he was born in the flesh to Mary, who's husband was a descendant of David 7. What does Jesus’ resurrection reveal about him? (v. 4; see Acts 2:22-36) it proved he was God's son 8. Why is it significant that Paul received his apostleship from God? (vv. 1, 5) The only way it could have truly been received was from God, through Jesus Christ. No imperfect man can give another man such a thing...those who do are the ones we are warned about at Matt 7:15. 9. What people were the primary "target audience" of Paul’s ministry? In his opening words, he identifies himself as an apostle chosen by Christ to teach ‘obedience by faith’ among the nations. He expresses his fervent desire to visit the holy ones in Rome, to enjoy “an interchange of encouragement” with them, and to declare among them the good news that is “God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith.” As had long ago been written, the righteous one will live “by means of faith.” he witnessed to both Jews& non Jews without prejudice Personal Reflection: Do you think of yourself as a servant of Christ? Of other people? How does your life reflect this attitude, or lack of it? How did God call you to belong to Jesus Christ? How is your life different as a result? I am a servant of God, above any & all people. To me that means never compromising my beliefs to benefit myself or to keep out of trouble with people. Ill never deny my faith or be ashamed of it even if others oppose it. I was fortunate enough to be raised in a Christian household, so the "seeds of truth" were planted early on...but it wasn't until after I got out of high school & on my own that I really started to believe for myself....considering what I've been through, I don't even want to think about where I would be if I didn't have a relationship with God....maybe prison...or worse.
I was the same way. I grew up with grandparents that were heavily invested in our spiritual lives (hindsight, now that they have both passed). But I really didn't start to grow spiritually until I became heavily involved with my church family. Now that I have kids of my own, I see the importance of being the example to them.
awesome church family sure helps a Christian to understand things sometimes when things don't seem so clear!!! I really enjoy this thread and hope you guys keep it going!!!!
Tuesday, December 29 Keep seeking for [wisdom and discernment] as for silver.—Prov. 2:4. We can succeed in standing firm against temptations if we let God's sayings mold our inner person, if we pray persistently for God’s direction, and if we keep searching for God’s knowledge as if looking for hidden gems. God gives knowledge, understanding, discernment, and wisdom to those who put forth effort to seek these gifts. The more we look for them and use them, the closer we will be drawn to the Giver, our God. In turn, our intimate relationship with God will serve as a protection when we find ourselves confronted with a temptation. Drawing close to God and having a reverential fear of him will protect us from engaging in wrongdoing. (Ps. 25:14; Jas. 4:8) May the enjoyment of friendship with God and the application of godly wisdom move all of us to keep on making the kind of choices that will gladden God's heart and safeguard our inheritance.
Wednesday December 30 There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting.—2 Pet. 3:13. To please God, decisive action is needed. Recall Elijah’s words to the Baal worshippers and the apostate Israelites at Mount Carmel: “How long will you be limping upon two different opinions? If Jehovah is the true God, go following him; but if Baal is, go following him.” (1 Ki. 18:21) The sons of Israel knew what they ought to do, but they were “limping” with indecision. In sharp contrast, years earlier, Joshua set a fine example when he told the Israelites: “If it is bad in your eyes to serve Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve ...As for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.” (Josh. 24:15) Joshua and those who stuck with him were blessed with settling in the Promised Land, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Josh. 5:6) As the Greater Joshua, Jesus is now poised to bring this corrupt system to its end and lead his followers to the promised new world of righteousness.
Thursday December 31st It is not a desirable thing with my Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.—Matt. 18:14. God cares deeply about all those who have expressed love for his name, even if they are not actively serving him at present. (Luke 15:3-7) Are you among those who are not now actively serving God? Perhaps someone in your congregation hurt you and as a result you stopped associating with it. Since some time may have passed, ask yourself: ‘Is my life now more meaningful, and am I happier? Was it God who offended me, or was it an imperfect human? Has God ever done anything to harm me?’ Really, he has always done good toward us. Even if we are not living up to our dedication to him, he allows us to enjoy the good things he provides. (Jas. 1:16, 17) Do we not owe it to God to put him first ahead of our own selfish pride?
Friday Jan 1st Give thanks to God, for he is good.—Ps. 106:1. God, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present,” is indeed worthy of our thanks. (Jas. 1:17) As our loving Shepherd, he tenderly cares for all our physical and spiritual needs. (Ps. 23:1-3) He has proved to be “our refuge and strength”—especially in times of distress! (Ps. 46:1) Today, many take their blessings for granted. Influenced by the commercial world and its advertising, millions of people strive to obtain more instead of being content with what they have. We too can be affected by this unappreciative spirit. Like the ancient Israelites, we could become ungrateful and lose appreciation for our precious relationship with God and for the blessings that we have received from him. (Ps. 106:7, 11-13) When faced with difficult trials, we could easily become overwhelmed and lose sight of our blessings.—Ps. 116:3.
Saturday Jan 2 The little one will become a thousand.—Isa. 60:22. In the 20th century, millions of people died as a result of warfare, especially during the two world wars. But as World War II was raging in 1942, a man named Nathan Knorr delivered the discourse “Peace—Can It Last?” That talk presented evidence from Revelation chapter 17 that the war then raging would lead, not to Armageddon, but to a time of peace. (Rev. 17:3, 11) The conclusion of World War II did not bring total peace. According to one count, there were 331 episodes of armed conflict between 1946 and 2013. Millions died. During those years, however, many countries enjoyed relative peace.
Sunday Jan 3 By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.—Heb. 11:24. Moses knew what Egypt had to offer. He belonged to the royal household. He “was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.” (Acts 7:22) Within his grasp were the wealth, power, and privilege that a common Egyptian could only dream of! Yet, when he was 40 years of age, Moses made a decision that must have baffled the royal Egyptian family who had adopted him. He chose, not even the “normal” life of a common Egyptian, but a life among slaves! Why? Moses had faith. (Heb. 11:24-26) By faith, Moses saw far more than the physical world around him. As a spiritual man, Moses had faith in “the One who is invisible,” his heavenly father, and in the fulfillment of God’s promises. (Heb. 11:27) We too need to see more than what appears to our physical eyes. We must be “the sort who have faith.”—Heb. 10:38, 39.
Monday Jan 4 He became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones.” Luke 10:21. Can you imagine what it was like to see Jesus Christ become “overjoyed in the holy spirit”? Perhaps you picture his features lit up by a broad smile, his eyes twinkling with pleasure. What was it that moved him so? He had recently sent out 70 of his disciples to preach the good news of God’s Kingdom. He was keenly interested in how they would handle their assignment. There were many powerful enemies of the good news, such as the clever and highly educated scribes and Pharisees. They influenced many to look down on Jesus as a mere carpenter and on his disciples as “uneducated and ordinary men.” (Acts 4:13; Mark 6:3) Nonetheless, the disciples returned from their mission aglow with excitement. They had preached despite opposition, even from demons!
Monday Jan 4 He became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones.” Luke 10:21. Can you imagine what it was like to see Jesus Christ become “overjoyed in the holy spirit”? Perhaps you picture his features lit up by a broad smile, his eyes twinkling with pleasure. What was it that moved him so? He had recently sent out 70 of his disciples to preach the good news of God’s Kingdom. He was keenly interested in how they would handle their assignment. There were many powerful enemies of the good news, such as the clever and highly educated scribes and Pharisees. They influenced many to look down on Jesus as a mere carpenter and on his disciples as “uneducated and ordinary men.” (Acts 4:13; Mark 6:3) Nonetheless, the disciples returned from their mission aglow with excitement. They had preached despite opposition, even from demons!
Tuesday Jan 5 Let your words always be gracious, ... so that you will know how you should answer each person. Col. 4:6. This is more of a personal experience. Several years ago, I was discussing the Bible with my father in law. During the discussion, he said that he believed in the Trinity. I guessed that he might not have realized what the Trinity teaching is all about, so I tactfully asked, “Do you believe that God is God, that Jesus is God, and that the holy spirit is God; yet, there are not three Gods but one God?” Surprised, he said, “No, I don’t believe that!” A lively conversation about the true nature of God then ensued. That experience illustrates the value of asking tactful, well-chosen questions. Also, we do not need to feel intimidated by discussing challenging topics, such as the Trinity, hellfire, or the existence of a Creator. If we rely on God and on the training he provides, we can often give a persuasive answer, one that may reach the heart of our listeners.
