Paul's Two Gospels. The history of the Apostle Paul during his ministry is important to understand to rightly divide the scriptures. The lesson on 01-06-2002 teaches on Philippians 1:12-18 and compares it with the gospel that Paul preached in Galatians. Most christians assume “Gospel” means the same thing when ever its mentioned throughout the bible. The word gospel actually means “good news” and there are many different gospels in the scriptures. Consequently, there are two primary questions to ask when reading the “gospel”.
Rightly Dividing. Christians who randomly read the bible and apply whatever they have read are destined to take truth out of context. God, however, has called us to practice right division so we may learn what applies to whom. In order to do this, Christian’s need to learn which truth’s are eternal vs. truth’s that are dispensational. This is done by studying the bible and comparing the things that differ (see the Internal Laws of Sripture for more info).
The Gospel of Christ. There is an idea that if you come with a full bucket, you won’t be able to add any more water. In Philippians 1:27 (KJV), Paul states “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” Does your conversation or conduct demonstrate your confidence in the gospel of Christ?
Be Ready Always. 1 Pet 3:15 says “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (KJV)” As Christians, we are asked to study the Bible to be prepared for any situation that presents itself where we will have an opportunity to give witness. Many issues, like homosexuality, are confronting the Christian today where the Bible is very clear when condemning sinful behavior.
Why is it that unity can only be achieved by division ? As God created different administrations to deal with man, He demonstrated how he gave mankind specific callings to keep. It started with Adam who was given the responsiblity to keep the garden. As it turns out, Adam did not keep it and the result was the fall... and sin... and death. Other administrations came along and in every dispensation, man was given something to keep. Today, we’re in the administration of The Mystery, and in this calling we are to keep our conversation, conduct, and walk worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
Spoiled Philosophy. When the Apostle Paul visited Athens, the book of Acts tells of his encounter with Philosophers in Acts 17:18-21(KJV) ”Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
The Mind of Christ. The Christians ultimate weapon to tackle all the issues of life is contained in the mind of Christ. God has provided us a way to deal with the issues of life yet do we take advantage of it? “Let this mind be in you...” This is the key to every issue we face. Philippians 2:1-4 identifies the mindset with four motives for Christian living that have corresponding duties in the walk that is worthy of God: 1) Consolation... be like minded, 2) Comfort of love... having the same love, 3) Fellowship of the spirit...
The Christian Olympics. From February 8 to 24, 2002, Salt Lake City will have hosted the XIX Olympic Winter Games. With 78 events and nearly 2,400 athletes, it will be the largest Winter Games ever. The Modern (Summer) Olympics have been held every four years since 1896. The last summer games were held in Sydney, Austrailia in 2000. In those games there were 199 NOCs (Nations), 10,651 athletes (4,069 women, 6,582 men), and 300 events. Although the ancient Games were staged in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC through 393 AD, it took 1503 years for the Olympics to return.
Work Out Your Own Salvation. How do we as sinful beings work out our own salvation? Philippians 2:12,13 speaks of working out... not working for salvation, which speaks of our christian walk. After you accept Christ, you have the responsibility to work out every challenge that comes your way by relying upon Christ and His word. This is accomplished by putting on The Mind of Christ. Christian service requires a walk that is obedient vs. ceremonial or religious. As Proverbs 21:2,3 (KJV) says,”Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
His way, and not my way . Paul gives us an example of how we should live our lives in Philippians. Remember, we’ve been given the ultimate weapon with the Mind of Christ to overcome every attack of the mind that Satan brings. If you’re standing on the Lord’s side, there is a battle going on with Satan to move you off track. Further, the old nature you have in the flesh is constantly at battle with the new nature. The comfort and joy we are to experience as believers comes from putting our trust in Christ.
Righteousness from Christ. The power of God is different from the mercy of God. Many people may be drawn to God by his demonstration of power but it’s the grace and mercy of God that should grab your attention. As Paul demonstrated, he said he was in the best position to brag on his credentials as declared in Phil 3:4-7 “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh.
There is a joy that is set before us. This week we celebrate Palm Sunday and the triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion. The cross is very important to the believer. Everything Jesus does during this week fulfills the scriptures as He became sin for us.
The Greatest Story Ever Told. There are two days every year in the world when we are reminded that God become flesh and rose from the dead. Christmas and Easter may be full of commercialism but the testimony is still there... Christ Jesus was born of a virgin, and arose after His crucifixion a risen Saviour. Why? We’re reminded in 2 Cor 5:21 (KJV) “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” When the elders of Israel refused to accept who he was, they asked for a sign.
Let’s be honest. Who knew Christ better than the Apostle Paul? Yet, why does Paul in Philippians 3:10 say “That I may know Him...”? Look at the 14 New Testament books God used Paul to write which include Hebrews, Romans, and Galatians. These books demonstrate a very deep understanding by Paul of the salvation that is in Christ. Paul knew Christ better than anyone for he knew Him for over 30 years. So then what was Paul referring to in Philippians 3:10?
Salvation vs. Inheritance. Paul often talked about exchanging things of the flesh for Christ’s righteousness. This was a common theme in the previous dispensation as demonstrated in Matt 16:24-27 (KJV) ”Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” When comparing salvation with inheritance, it’s very important to understand that both are seperate topics and have different requirements. Our works has nothing to do with salvation yet works has everything to do with inheritance.
Stand fast in the Lord. Paul gives us a challenge to stand fast. There are two ways to stand, either stand you own way, or stand God’s way. It’s not automatic when you become saved. Standing in the Lord has got to be a relection of what God has given you to stand with. For example, Cain and Abel both took a stand, however, one was acceptable unto God and one was not. Our conduct or behavior is what precedes our stand. As we take a stand, we are to do so with one spirit, one mind, and one calling that God has set before us.
A Psalms 106 perspective on today. Psalms 106 is a passage that recaps much of the nation of Israels failure to stick with God’s plan and take matters into their own hands. Often this course of action provoked God to anger and often wrath on their nation. As you read this passage today, much of the same thoughts apply to the American demise. Although God does not deal with America as a nation like He did with Israel, many principles still apply to a nation when they pursue those things which please God vs. provoke Him to wrath.
Think on these things. Philippians 4:8-13 gives us very important insights into applying the mind of Christ in our lives. The most important event in anyones life is that of salvation in Christ. Next, it’s up to the Christian to learn what truth has been given to us today. Finally, we are instructed to “think on these things”. The mind is the place where we battle Satan for every thought that comes forth. As we wage war with him, sin continues to be Satan’s ally as it wrestles for control over our thoughts to be filled with anything but Christ.
“Every wise woman builds her house.” We learn so much from mothers. Someone once said that they learned religion from their mom when she said “You better pray that this comes out of the carpet!” The wise mother knows that Betty Crocker is a cookbook for the kitchen but the bible is the cookbook for the soul. A child first receives wisdom from their parents. As Proverbs 4:1-3 (KJV) states “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
Ever wonder about the history of the English Bible? After Jerusalem was destroyed in AD70, God has passed his written word down through the ages under various political and religious authority of the time. For appx 1,600 years, the written word was only available to a few… the political and religious elite until it finally was made available in English for all to have free access.
Memorial Day 2002. usually conjurs up thoughts of swimming and a nice three day weekend to kick off the summer. Most pools open on Memorial Day for the summer so everyone is excited to break out their new swimsuits and dive in. Polls indicate most Americans treat this day as just another day off. Another poll found that only 28% of the people who were asked knew the real meaning of Memorial Day. Everyone should take time to remember those who have died for our country and the freedoms we share... even the pool opening for the summer.
The Principles of Giving. God loves a cheerful giver. There is an important distinction between giving and tithing.Tithing is not giving and giving is not tithing. Tithing was a tax imposed on Israel to support the priestly structure among the twelve tribes. In the Old Testament, we learn of three tithes that were established. Numbers 18:21 tells us of a National Tax that was used to care for the Levites. Deuteronomy 14:22 identifies a Feast Tax which was used to help feed everyone. Finally, a Priest and Poor Tax is given in Deuteronomy 14:28 which occured every three years.
God Supplies Your Needs. The lesson on 06-09-2002 comes to the end of Philippians and provides a review of the high points discussed throughout the letter. In Phil 4:19 (KJV) “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” First, we find confidence in He who hath begun a good work in us will perform it... and supply all your needs along the way for His purposes. We often equate needs to wants. However, the needs we have a members of the Body of Christ, consists of the items that are needed to accomplish His purpose and not ours.
Living a Power Filled Life. The lesson on 06-16-2002 celebrates Father’s Day in America. For this message, the scripture reading covered Luke 15:11-13. Living a power filled life from a Christian perspective recognizes that true power is not worldly. Worldly success is vain and never satisfies. Consider the man who has six million dollars to the man that has six children. The millionare wants more yet the man with six kids is satisfied! But seriously, riches, strength, and glory are things we should not pursue.
Unfeigned Faith. Paul when writing was writing to Timothy in 2 Tim 1:5-7 (KJV) he says “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” It is very apparent that Paul appreciates the genuine faith he sees in Timothy.
“Under God”, Under Attack. This week America will celebrate the 226th anniversary of its independence from England. Most of the celebrations will involve sporting events like baseball where it’s required that the crowd honor America by singing the National Anthem as the Flag of the United States is raised in all its glory. Another uniquely American tradition that involves the flag has been the Pledge of Allegiance. The history behind the Pledge involves the addition in 1954 of the words “under God” describing America’s belief in God.
America’s Founders and Nature’s God. The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America acknowledges faith towards a supreme God who created mankind. The Declaration also acknowledges by all who signed it, the laws of God, the providence of God, and the judgment of God. The Declaration also appeals to God as the Supreme Judge of the world for their intentions. Furthermore, for the support of this Declaration, the signers relied firmly on the protection of Divine Providence. The Lesson on 07-07-2002 teaches on the connection between scripture and our founding documents.
Hold the form of sound words. This is the admonition Paul gave to Timothy in the last book of the bible, chronologically speaking. 2 Timothy 1:13 (KJV) says “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” It is customary that the last orders given supercedes all previous orders. One might say this holds true for handling the word of God accurately. If you don’t know the difference between the canon of scripture and the chronology of the bible, please study more about the differences here.
The Ministry of Paul. God has given us a sound mind by giving us a specific calling in scripture apart from the nation of Israel. This calling is called “the Mystery” and is revealed to us through the Apostle Paul. Paul’s christian ministry began after his conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9. At this time he was called out and given instructions to go to the Jew first, then to the Greek. As we learn through the Acts, Paul continues to “graft” in Gentiles with the Abrahmic calling and it’s not until the end of Acts in chapter 28, does Paul reveal a new calling apart from Abraham.
Signs and Right Division. Mark 16:15-20 (KJV) says “15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Be Strong in the Grace. 2nd Timothy is the last book that Paul wrote of the 14 he contributed to the New Testament. Not only is it the last book, but it contains the last charge to Timothy and us. Since the close of 2nd Timothy, God has been silent and no more has been given. Are you ever challenged to live the Christian life? Paul has given us in 2nd Timothy the recipe for living the proper Christian life . Satan is constantly at war with God and he continues to try and make us casualties of the war. Yet God gives us a challenge to be strong in the grace that has been given.
Faithful Sayings. There are times in your life where you’re in the valley and not on the mountain top. Trouble that occurs in our lives is part of the challenge that comes with living. If you want to be victorious when trouble occurs, Paul tells us how with his admonition to Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. This comes from 2 Timothy 2:1 (KJV) ”Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” If we are crucified with Christ then it’s Christ that lives in us. This is one of the five “faithful sayings” found in the prison epistles.
Study. Studying the word of God, rightly divided, is the key to understanding the dispensational differences between callings. Right Division is the instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The word “study” implies a serious commitment and obligation on behalf of the saint to take time and learn the scriptures.
Right Division. There are two importants aspects of Right Division. First, Right Division is the only way to properly learn about the dispensations in scripture. Second, Right Division is essential for the proper interpretation of callings and inheritances in scripture. By rightly dividing the word of truth, we learn in 2 Timothy 2:16 that we are able to shun profane and vain babblings. This is what you get when you take scripture out of it’s context and end up wrongly dividing the word. Christians today should avoid high octane fleshly worship and pursue daily bible study.
Dispensations - Part 1. Understanding dispensational differences is like chewing on a big piece of steak. It’s not for the baby in scripture. 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages study so you can be approved unto God with accurate handling of scripture. By comparing scripture with scripture, you start to learn of the different dispensations in scripture. Dispensations refer to the subdivision of the ages and the revealed will of God that is made known in each age. It also involves individuals who have been given the duties of administration for that time frame.
Dispensations - Part 2. As human beings, we have the capacity to ask questions the animal or vegetable kingdom cannot. Questions like “Where did I come from?”, “Why am I here?”, or “Where am I going?”. God has given us these answers and we can easily find them in the Bible. We were created in His image, to serve and glorify God. One day we will appear with Him in a place He has prepared for us. At this point, God has a question for you which is “What are you doing with my work I’ve given you and called you to do?”.
Dispensations - Part 3. 2 Timothy 2:15 is the verse that acts as the key to understanding all of scripture. In this verse, we learn of “rightly dividing the word of truth”. Right Division means to cut up scripture and partition it with the appropriate administration of God. It doesn’t mean to cut scripture out as we learn from 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is profitable”. The key is to read and study scripture so you can keep scripture in it’s context. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that God speaks in different times, in various ways, through different messengers, and with specific messages.
Dispensations Part 4 - The Mystery. Zechariah 9:9-10 is another passage that demonstrates how there are gaps in time in certain verses. Usually, it’s where the first statement made has been or is being fulfilled at the time of the writing (Zech 9:9), while the latter part is a future event that sometimes takes hundreds or thousands of years to fulfil (Zech 9:10). In some cases, scripture that has yet to be fulfilled and falls into the realm of prophecy yet to happen.
Dispensations - Part 5. Right Division is crucial to understanding scripture and the different administrations (or dispensations) of God. The lesson on 10-13-2002 continues with a series of lessons studying the seven primary dispensations in scripture and begins to describe the last three dispensations that follow the Mystery (The Mystery is the fourth dispensation period and is our present Age of Grace).
Dispensations - Part 6. Most Christians may know that there are 66 books in the bible with 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. We have learned that all of those books are for our learning but all of it is not to us. The problem we find with christianity today is that most of christiandom teaches that all of scripture (or a large part of it) is to us and treat it like a combination salad. The seven primary dispensations are characterized by 1) a subdivision of the ages; 2) God’s revealed message, and 3) God’s ordained messenger (Hebrews 1:1-2a).
A Halloween Story. This time of year, it has become a popular tradition to celebrate Halloween with the promotion of all things “scarry”. On the surface, most folks like to dress up children and have them go door to door and receive either “tricks” or “treats”. Yet, the truth behind the halloween holiday is the promotion of evil that is against God. To the christian, there is nothing more scarry than being apart from God.
The Christian Conflict. As christians, we were once in darkness, but now we are to be light in the Lord. Therefore we are admonished to: walk as children of light. However, It’s usually much easier to “go along to get along” yet we’re told to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.“ This isn’t always easy. None of us enjoy a life of conflict but once we were saved, we are in opposition to the world and it’s dark ways. In this conflict, we find there are several forces that work against. First is the flesh.
Shun Vain and Profane Babblings. Paul takes the time to tell christians what how their walk should demonstrate godliness.. With this wisdom, we find one of the guidelines involves avoiding pofanity and things that are sacriligous and offensive to God. This specifically includes profane people because they lead to ungodliness. God knows that it doesn’t take much to corrupt those that are good. We’re not instructed to keep bad company because ungodly people lead to profane behavior usually because profane people keep bad company.
The Pattern of Paul. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we are reminded to be thankful. Yet we see from 2 Timothy 3:1-2, that unthankfulness is one of the attributes of the last days of this dispensation. Do you practice thankfulness? A recent observation made by some missionaries about the American people was that they were a bunch of complainers and unthankful even though there are so many things to be thankful for. If America turns away from it’s Christian heritage and leans towards humanism or materialism, unthankfulness will be a result because the flesh is never satisfied.
Strive Not. The aim of the enemy, according to2 Timothy 2:16, is to subvert the hearer and snare the believer. Yet God gives the Christian good instructions on how to deal with it as believers in Christ. The workman that is not ashamed has studied the scripture and practices right division. Paul also encourages Timothy to commit certain “things” to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also. What things? Don’t be ashamed of Paul’s specific ministry called “the mystery”. Further, be strong in the grace that is in Christ and recognize the completeness we have in Him.
The Last Season. Since the terrorist attack on September 11th in America, most Christians are claiming that we are in the Last Days. However students of scripture should pause and ask “which last days are we in?” There are several “Last Days” in scripture and it’s important to understand which one you’re talking about. It’s true that the things that have been happening over the last 50 years make us think it’s the last “season”. The last days that Paul identifies in 2 Tim 3:1-2 are those that conclude this dispensation and the Day of Man.
Make Full Proof of Thy Ministry. The last letter Paul wrote was 2 Timothy for soon after he was beheaded according to church history. In the end, Paul declares he fought a good fight, and kept the faith, hence thre was a crown of righteousness that Paul would receive in the heavenly kingdom.
The Game of Life. The nature of man is to deny his own mortality. Each one of us lives each day like there will be a tomorrow. Yet, in a moment, this can change and ones own mortality becomes apparent. The lesson on 12-15-2002 includes the testimony of William Champion and how he suffered a stroke at the age of 39. The lesson encourages you to learn about the game of life. This “game” is the real destiny of our own souls for all eternity. Most people who haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior are still playing the game of life by their rules.
Do You Believe in Christmas? What is Christmas and what does it mean to you? For those of us who are Christians, it means more than the lights, the shopping, or wrapped presents under the tree. If it were, then the spirit of man really yearns for something more than that and is so empty. All the answers the world has to give will never satisfy the yearning heart. There is only one answer that will, and that is Christ. Christians know that every day is Christmas because God has given us the gift of His dear Son.
The Rules for Success. Most of us like to have success. We often make goals in the new year to achieve new levels of prosperity and success. Yet if we if spend our energy trying to find the secret of worldly success, we miss what God has prepared in His rules for success. Psalms 1 (KJV) begins with ”Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” God blesses those who follow His word.
