Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Lesson 26: Fear of Man
QUESTIONS
1.How did Paul describe his feelings when evangelizing?
He said that when he reached out to the Corinthians with the gospel, he did so not with “excellency of speech or of wisdom.” He confided that he had “weakness” (he was not trusting in his own strength or ability) and “fear” (in Greek, phobos, “that which is caused by being scared”), resulting in “much trembling” (awareness of his insufficiency). Paul battled the fear of man.
2.Can anything positive come from a fear to reach out to the lost?
To be fearful just means we are just as qualified as any other believer. It is a consolation to know that almost every Christian has a battle with the “fear of man” when it comes to reaching out to the lost.
3.How can we put our fears in perspective?
There are certain keys that can help to bring our fears into perspective. One is to meditate on what God is not asking us to do. Here’s the scenario. You are outside a shopping mall and see a man standing by himself. You feel a strong conviction that God wants you to give the man a tract. Your heart begins to pound. Thoughts flood your mind: What if he gets angry? He is going to think I’m a religious nut who is trying to ram religion down his throat. Here is what to say to yourself to make the task easier. God is not asking you to stand on a soapbox and preach to a crowd. You are not being asked to do this in a country where you could be jailed for handing out Christian literature. All God is asking you to do is hand one tract to one man.
4.What was the lesson the U.S. Navy wanted their recruits to learn?
He must take control, not only of the circumstances, but also of his own fears.
If we want to rescue humanity from the fires of hell, we must take control of our own fears and reject the fears the enemy whispers to our hearts.
5.Why should we quote God’s Word in the face of fear?
The Book of Revelation says of the glorified Jesus, “out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword” (1:16). Soldier of Christ, throw away your sheath; it is not part of your armor. Your sword, the Word of God, should always be at the ready.
There is power in the Word of God. When the light of the Word is spoken, the darkness of the enemy must vanish. Make it a habit to quote God’s Word at fear: “He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD,He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” (Psalm 91:1,2).
6.According to William Gurnall, why do we experience fear and how should we overcome it?
“We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear
causes another. When man’s terror scares you, turn your
thoughts to the wrath of God.”
WILLIAM GURNALL
Memory Verse
“Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”
ISAIAH 41:10
Lesson 25: Our Primary Task
QUESTIONS
1. What was the crime of the lighthouse keeper?
He did not do his job ie He didn't keep the light shining throughout the night.
2. Did the judge do the right thing in punishing him? If so, why?
Yes. Despite his good reputation and good deeds, he failed to do his primary task and many lives were lost as a result.
3. What is the primary responsibility of the Church?
The church can so often get caught up in legitimate acts of kindness —standing for political righteousness, feeding the hungry, etc.—but our primary task is to warn sinners of danger. We are to keep the light of the gospel shining so that sinners can avoid the jagged-edged rocks of wrath and escape being eternally damned.
4. What did Oswald J. Smith say about our wrong priorities?
Oswald J. Smith said, “Oh my friends, we are loaded down with countless church activities, while the real work of the Church, that of evangelizing and winning the lost, is almost entirely neglected.”
5. What tasks is your own church involved in, while it neglects evangelism?
Everything but evangelism.
6. What does it indicate if we have no concern for the lost?
We have polished the engines of worship, prayer, and praise and neglected the sober task given to us by God. A firefighter who ignores his responsibilities and allows people to perish in the flames is not a firefighter; he is an impostor. How could we ignore our responsibility and allow the world to walk blindly into the fires of hell? If God’s love dwells within us, we must warn the lost. The Bible tells us to “have compassion...save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 22,23). If we don’t have love and compassion, then we don’t know God—we are impostors (see 1 John 4:8). Charles Spurgeon said, “Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.”
Memory Verse
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
2 TIMOTHY 4:2
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Lesson 24: Man's Sinful Condition
QUESTIONS
1.What two things are meant by the expression “original sin”?
Two things are meant by the expression “original sin”: the first sin of Adam, and the sinful nature possessed by every person since Adam, due to Adam’s first transgression.
2.What is the sinful nature called?
Depravity
3.In what four ways are all individuals “depraved” when they are born?
1. He is completely void of original righteousness. “Behold, I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).
2. He does not possess any holy affection toward God. “They changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever” (Romans 1:25). “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God” (Romans 3:10,11). “For men shall be lovers of their own selves,...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:2–4).
3. There is nothing from without a man, that can defile him; but the things which come out of him, these are they that defile the man. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:15,21–23).
4. He has a continual bias toward evil. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagining of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).
4.Some individuals claim that people are basically good. How does that fit with the concept of depravity?
The result of man’s depravity, or sin nature, is his willful rebellion against God. Such an attitude cannot but bring forth evil results. The awful results of sin are obvious. It is not possible for men to continue sinning and receive anything but a harvest of sorrows of the worst kind. Paul states in Galatians 6:8, “For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” Hosea said concerning Israel, “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7). He also declared, “You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped iniquity; you have eaten the fruit of lies” (Hosea 10:13).
5.What is the greatest defense against sin?
A great man once said, “Our greatest defense against sin is to be shocked at it”; and when this attitude ceases, sin has accomplished its direst results. Paul, in that terrible list of gross iniquities in Romans 1:24–32, climaxed the whole dread situation when he said, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (v. 32). When sin loses its sinfulness, and men take pleasure in the grossest of sinful practices, there is little hope left...but for the grace of God
6.Based on that, how do you think the U.S. is faring?
In the United States, probably the richest Christian nation in the world, every institution of correction, every prison of punishment, every sanitarium and asylum is bulging with the results of sin. Every policeman in the country is a silent tribute to the reality of sin.
Memory Verse
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.”
ROMANS 3:10–12
1.What two things are meant by the expression “original sin”?
Two things are meant by the expression “original sin”: the first sin of Adam, and the sinful nature possessed by every person since Adam, due to Adam’s first transgression.
2.What is the sinful nature called?
Depravity
3.In what four ways are all individuals “depraved” when they are born?
1. He is completely void of original righteousness. “Behold, I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).
2. He does not possess any holy affection toward God. “They changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever” (Romans 1:25). “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God” (Romans 3:10,11). “For men shall be lovers of their own selves,...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:2–4).
3. There is nothing from without a man, that can defile him; but the things which come out of him, these are they that defile the man. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:15,21–23).
4. He has a continual bias toward evil. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagining of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).
4.Some individuals claim that people are basically good. How does that fit with the concept of depravity?
The result of man’s depravity, or sin nature, is his willful rebellion against God. Such an attitude cannot but bring forth evil results. The awful results of sin are obvious. It is not possible for men to continue sinning and receive anything but a harvest of sorrows of the worst kind. Paul states in Galatians 6:8, “For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” Hosea said concerning Israel, “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7). He also declared, “You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped iniquity; you have eaten the fruit of lies” (Hosea 10:13).
5.What is the greatest defense against sin?
A great man once said, “Our greatest defense against sin is to be shocked at it”; and when this attitude ceases, sin has accomplished its direst results. Paul, in that terrible list of gross iniquities in Romans 1:24–32, climaxed the whole dread situation when he said, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (v. 32). When sin loses its sinfulness, and men take pleasure in the grossest of sinful practices, there is little hope left...but for the grace of God
6.Based on that, how do you think the U.S. is faring?
In the United States, probably the richest Christian nation in the world, every institution of correction, every prison of punishment, every sanitarium and asylum is bulging with the results of sin. Every policeman in the country is a silent tribute to the reality of sin.
Memory Verse
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.”
ROMANS 3:10–12
Lesson 23: The Reality of Hell
QUESTIONS
1. What would be the implications if hell were not real?
That would mean that the Bible is a huge hoax, in which more than forty authors collaborated (over a period of 1,500 years) to produce a document revealing God’s character as “just.” They portrayed Him as a righteous judge, who warned that He would eventually punish murderers, rapists, liars, thieves, adulterers, etc. Each of those writers (who professed to be godly) therefore bore false witness, transgressing the very Commandments they claimed were true. It would mean that Jesus Christ was a liar, and that all the claims He made about the reality of judgment were therefore false. It would also mean that He gave His life in vain, as did multitudes of martyrs who have given their lives for the cause of Christ. In addition, if there is no ultimate justice, then the Creator of all things is unjust—He sees murder and rape and couldn’t care less, making Him worse than a corrupt human judge who refuses to bring criminals to justice.
2. What are some of the ways that people picture hell?
Some who are enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season will brush off thoughts of God’s eternal justice by joking, “I don’t mind going to hell. All my friends will be there.” Obviously, those who flippantly say such things don’t believe in the biblical concept of hell. They are like a slow-witted criminal who thinks that the electric chair is a place to put up his feet for a while and relax.
3. What are some of the ways that the Bible describes hell?
“Shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2)
“Everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46)
“Weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:51)
“Fire unquenchable” (Luke 3:17)
“Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish” (Romans 2:8,9)
“Everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
“Eternal fire... the blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 7,13)
Revelation 14:10,11 tells us the final, eternal destiny of the sinner: “He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone... the smoke of their torment ascended up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day or night.”
4. Why does the concept of annihilation go against our desire for justice?
? Because we are all deserving of it.
5. What will help convince sinners of the reality of hell?
A sinner won’t see that hell is his eternal destiny unless he is convinced by the Law that he has sinned against God. He may consider hell a fit place for others, but not for himself. That’s why we must not hesitate to open up the Law and show that each individual is personally responsible for his sin, and that God’s wrath abides on him because of it.
Memory Verse
“If your eye offends you, pluck it out: it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.”
MARK 9:47,48
1. What would be the implications if hell were not real?
That would mean that the Bible is a huge hoax, in which more than forty authors collaborated (over a period of 1,500 years) to produce a document revealing God’s character as “just.” They portrayed Him as a righteous judge, who warned that He would eventually punish murderers, rapists, liars, thieves, adulterers, etc. Each of those writers (who professed to be godly) therefore bore false witness, transgressing the very Commandments they claimed were true. It would mean that Jesus Christ was a liar, and that all the claims He made about the reality of judgment were therefore false. It would also mean that He gave His life in vain, as did multitudes of martyrs who have given their lives for the cause of Christ. In addition, if there is no ultimate justice, then the Creator of all things is unjust—He sees murder and rape and couldn’t care less, making Him worse than a corrupt human judge who refuses to bring criminals to justice.
2. What are some of the ways that people picture hell?
Some who are enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season will brush off thoughts of God’s eternal justice by joking, “I don’t mind going to hell. All my friends will be there.” Obviously, those who flippantly say such things don’t believe in the biblical concept of hell. They are like a slow-witted criminal who thinks that the electric chair is a place to put up his feet for a while and relax.
3. What are some of the ways that the Bible describes hell?
“Shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2)
“Everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46)
“Weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:51)
“Fire unquenchable” (Luke 3:17)
“Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish” (Romans 2:8,9)
“Everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
“Eternal fire... the blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 7,13)
Revelation 14:10,11 tells us the final, eternal destiny of the sinner: “He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone... the smoke of their torment ascended up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day or night.”
4. Why does the concept of annihilation go against our desire for justice?
? Because we are all deserving of it.
5. What will help convince sinners of the reality of hell?
A sinner won’t see that hell is his eternal destiny unless he is convinced by the Law that he has sinned against God. He may consider hell a fit place for others, but not for himself. That’s why we must not hesitate to open up the Law and show that each individual is personally responsible for his sin, and that God’s wrath abides on him because of it.
Memory Verse
“If your eye offends you, pluck it out: it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.”
MARK 9:47,48
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Lesson 22: Judgment Day
QUESTIONS
1.Why should we not be concerned that speaking of judgment causes sinners to fear?
Don’t be concerned that, by referring to the Judgment, you are causing sinners to fear. They have sinned against God and His wrath abides on them. In fact, the Bible calls them “children of wrath.” Shouldn’t they then fear Him? Look at these words from Isaac Watts:
I never knew but one person in the whole course of my ministry who acknowledged that the first motions of religion in his own heart arose from a sense of the goodness of God, “What shall I render to the Lord, who has dealt so bountifully with me?” But I think all besides who have come within my notice have rather been first awakened to fly from the wrath to come by the passion of fear.
2.If we don’t preach about the coming judgment, what will result?
The Day of Judgment is the reason men are commanded to repent (Acts 17:30,31). If we don’t preach that God will judge the world in righteousness, we shouldn’t be surprised that men and women are passive about responding to the Savior. If we tell them that they need only believe, then neither should we be surprised when the church fills up with false converts who believe but don’t even have enough fear of God to obey.
3.Why is it difficult for Christians to preach about judgment and hell without making reference to the Law?
Therefore, we must remember that it isn’t enough to preach the Moral Law. It must be preached in conjunction with future punishment. It has been well said that Law without consequence is nothing but good advice. We must instead preach that those who commit adultery, those who lie and steal, etc., will be punished on the Day of Wrath. It is the preaching of future punishment that produces fear, and it is through the fear of the Lord that men depart from sin (Proverbs 16:6). The Bible tells us that “the Law works wrath” (Romans 4:15). Martin Luther stated, “The proper effect of the Law is to lead us out of our tents and tabernacles, that is to say, from the quietness and security wherein we dwell, and from trusting in ourselves, and to bring us before the presence of God, to reveal his wrath to us, and to set us before our sins.”
No man will let go of his darling sins unless he sees a reason to. Hell is a good reason. However, it is difficult for any Christian to preach judgment and the reality of hell without using the Law. Imagine if the police burst into your home, arrested you, and angrily said, “You are going away for a long time!” Such conduct would leave you bewildered and angry. What they have done seems unreasonable.
However, imagine if the law burst into your home and instead told you specifically what you had done wrong: “We have discovered 10,000 marijuana plants growing in your back yard. You are going away for a long time!” You would then understand why you are in trouble. Knowledge of the law you have transgressed furnishes you with that understanding. It makes judgment reasonable.
Hell-fire preaching without the use of the Law to show sinners why God is angry with them will more than likely leave them bewildered and angry—for what they consider unreasonable punishment. A sinner cannot conceive of the thought that God would send anyone to hell, as long as he is deceived into thinking that God’s standard of righteousness is the same as his.
4.What does the Law do to judgment?
However, when we use the Law lawfully, it appeals to the “reason” of sinners. Paul reasoned with Felix about his sins and the judgment to come so that the governor “trembled” (Acts 24:25). He suddenly understood that he was a guilty sinner in the sight of a holy God, and hell became reasonable. No doubt the “righteousness” Paul spoke of was the righteousness which is of the Law, with the result that the fear of God fell upon the heart of his hearer.
5.According to R. C. Sproul, what do most people think of God’s wrath?
R. C. Sproul rightly said, “There’s probably no concept in theology more repugnant to modern America than the idea of divine wrath.” This is because America has been left in the dark about the spiritual nature of God’s Law, and therefore has no understanding of God’s absolute and uncompromising holiness.
6.What does eternal punishment for sin show us about God?
He hates sin that much and takes it very serious.
Memory Verse
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 JOHN 1:8,9
1.Why should we not be concerned that speaking of judgment causes sinners to fear?
Don’t be concerned that, by referring to the Judgment, you are causing sinners to fear. They have sinned against God and His wrath abides on them. In fact, the Bible calls them “children of wrath.” Shouldn’t they then fear Him? Look at these words from Isaac Watts:
I never knew but one person in the whole course of my ministry who acknowledged that the first motions of religion in his own heart arose from a sense of the goodness of God, “What shall I render to the Lord, who has dealt so bountifully with me?” But I think all besides who have come within my notice have rather been first awakened to fly from the wrath to come by the passion of fear.
2.If we don’t preach about the coming judgment, what will result?
The Day of Judgment is the reason men are commanded to repent (Acts 17:30,31). If we don’t preach that God will judge the world in righteousness, we shouldn’t be surprised that men and women are passive about responding to the Savior. If we tell them that they need only believe, then neither should we be surprised when the church fills up with false converts who believe but don’t even have enough fear of God to obey.
3.Why is it difficult for Christians to preach about judgment and hell without making reference to the Law?
Therefore, we must remember that it isn’t enough to preach the Moral Law. It must be preached in conjunction with future punishment. It has been well said that Law without consequence is nothing but good advice. We must instead preach that those who commit adultery, those who lie and steal, etc., will be punished on the Day of Wrath. It is the preaching of future punishment that produces fear, and it is through the fear of the Lord that men depart from sin (Proverbs 16:6). The Bible tells us that “the Law works wrath” (Romans 4:15). Martin Luther stated, “The proper effect of the Law is to lead us out of our tents and tabernacles, that is to say, from the quietness and security wherein we dwell, and from trusting in ourselves, and to bring us before the presence of God, to reveal his wrath to us, and to set us before our sins.”
No man will let go of his darling sins unless he sees a reason to. Hell is a good reason. However, it is difficult for any Christian to preach judgment and the reality of hell without using the Law. Imagine if the police burst into your home, arrested you, and angrily said, “You are going away for a long time!” Such conduct would leave you bewildered and angry. What they have done seems unreasonable.
However, imagine if the law burst into your home and instead told you specifically what you had done wrong: “We have discovered 10,000 marijuana plants growing in your back yard. You are going away for a long time!” You would then understand why you are in trouble. Knowledge of the law you have transgressed furnishes you with that understanding. It makes judgment reasonable.
Hell-fire preaching without the use of the Law to show sinners why God is angry with them will more than likely leave them bewildered and angry—for what they consider unreasonable punishment. A sinner cannot conceive of the thought that God would send anyone to hell, as long as he is deceived into thinking that God’s standard of righteousness is the same as his.
4.What does the Law do to judgment?
However, when we use the Law lawfully, it appeals to the “reason” of sinners. Paul reasoned with Felix about his sins and the judgment to come so that the governor “trembled” (Acts 24:25). He suddenly understood that he was a guilty sinner in the sight of a holy God, and hell became reasonable. No doubt the “righteousness” Paul spoke of was the righteousness which is of the Law, with the result that the fear of God fell upon the heart of his hearer.
5.According to R. C. Sproul, what do most people think of God’s wrath?
R. C. Sproul rightly said, “There’s probably no concept in theology more repugnant to modern America than the idea of divine wrath.” This is because America has been left in the dark about the spiritual nature of God’s Law, and therefore has no understanding of God’s absolute and uncompromising holiness.
6.What does eternal punishment for sin show us about God?
He hates sin that much and takes it very serious.
Memory Verse
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 JOHN 1:8,9
Friday, January 6, 2012
Lesson 21: The Certainty of Judgment
QUESTIONS
1.Why was John the Baptist imprisoned?
John the Baptist preached judgment for sin. He told Herod that he had transgressed God’s Law in taking his brother’s wife, and that cost John his life (Mark 6:18)
2.According to Jeremiah 28:1–9, what did the false prophet say?
The prophet also had to contend with those who preached a life-improvement message rather than one of judgment (Jeremiah 28:1–17). The Bible tells us that such a message was in truth “rebellion against the LORD” (v. 16).
3.Why do those who neglect to preach future punishment teach “rebellion against the Lord”?
When the preaching of Judgment Day is neglected, people don’t see a need to repent.
4.How would you compare this false message to the modern gospel?
very much the same.
5.Why did God judge Judah?
He openly preached that Judah had strayed from the Moral Law. He even expounded the Law to reveal their specific sins (Jeremiah 7:9). They had transgressed the First and Second Commandments by going after other gods. They broke the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Commandments, and then walked in hypocrisy (v. 10). And still they continued in sin by following after their own counsels and the imagination of their hearts.
6.Do you think the United States is under judgment? If so, why?
yes... all the same reasons and more.
7.Explain how God’s retribution and compassion are related.
The compassion of God should never be separated from the retribution of God; they are related. Because He is a just God of retribution and must punish sin, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself because of His great compassion. There would be no cross unless there was wrath against sin.
When the world asks us why we preach that there will be a fearful Day of Judgment, we could simply say that it will come to pass because the Bible says so. While this is true, that isn’t the only reason we are sure Judgment Day will take place. Our assurance comes from the fact that God has revealed His retribution and His compassion in the gospel, and now offers humanity forgiveness in the Savior. It is through the power of the gospel that we gain assurance that Judgment Day will surely happen.
Those who are seeking safety will find it in the Savior. One who repents and trusts the Savior becomes a new creature; he is born again. Nothing can convince a sinner of the reality of Holy Scripture and its great warning of the coming wrath like a new life with a new heart and new desires.
How then do we best drive men to the Savior? By preaching that the God of compassion is also the God of retribution. It is by opening up the spirituality of the Moral Law that men are made to realize their guilt and see their need of refuge from the coming wrath.
1.Why was John the Baptist imprisoned?
John the Baptist preached judgment for sin. He told Herod that he had transgressed God’s Law in taking his brother’s wife, and that cost John his life (Mark 6:18)
2.According to Jeremiah 28:1–9, what did the false prophet say?
The prophet also had to contend with those who preached a life-improvement message rather than one of judgment (Jeremiah 28:1–17). The Bible tells us that such a message was in truth “rebellion against the LORD” (v. 16).
3.Why do those who neglect to preach future punishment teach “rebellion against the Lord”?
When the preaching of Judgment Day is neglected, people don’t see a need to repent.
4.How would you compare this false message to the modern gospel?
very much the same.
5.Why did God judge Judah?
He openly preached that Judah had strayed from the Moral Law. He even expounded the Law to reveal their specific sins (Jeremiah 7:9). They had transgressed the First and Second Commandments by going after other gods. They broke the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Commandments, and then walked in hypocrisy (v. 10). And still they continued in sin by following after their own counsels and the imagination of their hearts.
6.Do you think the United States is under judgment? If so, why?
yes... all the same reasons and more.
7.Explain how God’s retribution and compassion are related.
The compassion of God should never be separated from the retribution of God; they are related. Because He is a just God of retribution and must punish sin, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself because of His great compassion. There would be no cross unless there was wrath against sin.
When the world asks us why we preach that there will be a fearful Day of Judgment, we could simply say that it will come to pass because the Bible says so. While this is true, that isn’t the only reason we are sure Judgment Day will take place. Our assurance comes from the fact that God has revealed His retribution and His compassion in the gospel, and now offers humanity forgiveness in the Savior. It is through the power of the gospel that we gain assurance that Judgment Day will surely happen.
Those who are seeking safety will find it in the Savior. One who repents and trusts the Savior becomes a new creature; he is born again. Nothing can convince a sinner of the reality of Holy Scripture and its great warning of the coming wrath like a new life with a new heart and new desires.
How then do we best drive men to the Savior? By preaching that the God of compassion is also the God of retribution. It is by opening up the spirituality of the Moral Law that men are made to realize their guilt and see their need of refuge from the coming wrath.
Lesson 20: Hypocrisy
QUESTIONS
1. Why do unbelievers argue that the church is full of hypocrites?
One of the greatest hindrances to people coming to Christ is the view that the church is “full of hypocrites.” Some maintain that it is full to the brim; others will admit that there are genuine Christians in the church among the false. Whatever the case, those who present this argument usually do so because they themselves love the darkness and hate the light. While they may have a genuine grievance about the issue, the hypocrisy of others will not be a legitimate excuse for them on the Day of Judgment.
2. What is “hypocrisy”?
Hypocrite comes from the Greek word for “actor,” or pretender. Hypocrisy is “the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold.”
3. Why are there no hypocrites in the Church?
Hypocrites may show up at a church building, but in reality there are no hypocrites in the Church. In its ignorance, the world thinks that the Church is the building, and that those who sit within its confines are Christians. However, the Church is the Body of Christ, which consists only of true believers; hypocrites are “pretenders” who sit among God’s people. They dwell as goats among the Lord’s sheep, bad fish among the good, tares among wheat until the day God separates them.
4. What will be the final end of hypocrites?
The false convert (the hypocrite) is not part of the Body of Christ. He has never truly repented, and because of his sin he is therefore rejected as part of the Body. God knows those who love Him, and the Bible warns that all hypocrites—those merely pretending to be Christians—will end up in hell (Matthew 24:51).
5. What is the root of hypocrisy? Explain.
The root of hypocrisy is idolatry, which easily takes root in the soil of a sinful heart. The false convert has created a god that he doesn’t fear. The tree that grows from the root bears fruit that is visible for all to see.
6. Why should we examine ourselves?
That’s why we are cautioned to examine ourselves to ensure that we are in the faith, that Jesus Christ lives in us (2 Corinthians 13:5). Jesus said, “Every good tree brings forth good fruit” (Matthew 7:17). We must follow Paul’s example and strive to be devout, just, and blameless in the sight of a sinful world (1 Thessalonians 2:10). God forbid that any soul should stumble because he sees what he perceives to be hypocrisy in our lives.
Memory Verse
“You hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
MATTHEW 15:7,8
1. Why do unbelievers argue that the church is full of hypocrites?
One of the greatest hindrances to people coming to Christ is the view that the church is “full of hypocrites.” Some maintain that it is full to the brim; others will admit that there are genuine Christians in the church among the false. Whatever the case, those who present this argument usually do so because they themselves love the darkness and hate the light. While they may have a genuine grievance about the issue, the hypocrisy of others will not be a legitimate excuse for them on the Day of Judgment.
2. What is “hypocrisy”?
Hypocrite comes from the Greek word for “actor,” or pretender. Hypocrisy is “the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold.”
3. Why are there no hypocrites in the Church?
Hypocrites may show up at a church building, but in reality there are no hypocrites in the Church. In its ignorance, the world thinks that the Church is the building, and that those who sit within its confines are Christians. However, the Church is the Body of Christ, which consists only of true believers; hypocrites are “pretenders” who sit among God’s people. They dwell as goats among the Lord’s sheep, bad fish among the good, tares among wheat until the day God separates them.
4. What will be the final end of hypocrites?
The false convert (the hypocrite) is not part of the Body of Christ. He has never truly repented, and because of his sin he is therefore rejected as part of the Body. God knows those who love Him, and the Bible warns that all hypocrites—those merely pretending to be Christians—will end up in hell (Matthew 24:51).
5. What is the root of hypocrisy? Explain.
The root of hypocrisy is idolatry, which easily takes root in the soil of a sinful heart. The false convert has created a god that he doesn’t fear. The tree that grows from the root bears fruit that is visible for all to see.
6. Why should we examine ourselves?
That’s why we are cautioned to examine ourselves to ensure that we are in the faith, that Jesus Christ lives in us (2 Corinthians 13:5). Jesus said, “Every good tree brings forth good fruit” (Matthew 7:17). We must follow Paul’s example and strive to be devout, just, and blameless in the sight of a sinful world (1 Thessalonians 2:10). God forbid that any soul should stumble because he sees what he perceives to be hypocrisy in our lives.
Memory Verse
“You hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
MATTHEW 15:7,8
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Lesson 19: True and False Conversion
QUESTIONS
1.What did Jesus tell His disciples when they questioned Him about the Parable of the Sower?
He said to them, ‘Do you not know [understand] this parable? and how then will you know [understand] all parables?’” (Mark 4:13). In other words, the Parable of the Sower is the key to unlocking the mysteries of all the other parables. If any message comes from the parable, it is the fact that when the gospel is preached, there are true and false conversions. This parable speaks of the thorny ground, the stony ground, and the good-soil hearers—the false and the genuine converts.
Once that premise has been established, the light of perception begins to dawn on Jesus’ other parables about the kingdom of God. If one grasps the principle of the true and false being alongside each other, then the other parabolic teachings make sense.
2.Name some of the parables Jesus told that speak of true and false conversions.
the Wheat and Tares (true and false), the Good Fish and Bad Fish (true and false), the Wise Virgins and the Foolish (true and false), and the Sheep and Goats (true and false).
3.When will false converts be exposed?
Notice that the good fish and the bad fish were in the net together. The world is not caught in the dragnet of the kingdom of heaven; they remain in the world. The “fish” that are caught are those who respond to the gospel—the evangelistic “catch.” They remain together until the Day of Judgment.
4.What damage can be done by a Christian who doesn’t understand that there is such a thing as a false conversion?
In their zeal without knowledge, those who prefer the ease of modern evangelism to biblical evangelism betray the cause of the gospel with a kiss. What may look like love for the sinner’s welfare is in truth eternally detrimental to him.
Like Peter (Luke 22:51), our zeal without knowledge is actually cutting off the ears of sinners. Those we erroneously call “backsliders” won’t listen to our reasonings. As far as they are concerned, they have tried it once, and it didn’t work. What a victory for the prince of darkness, and what an unspeakable tragedy for the church!
5.How can we make sure we are not responsible for bringing false converts into the church?
False converts lack genuine contrition for sin. They make a profession of faith but are deficient in biblical repentance—“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). A true convert, however, has a knowledge of sin and has godly sorrow, truly repents, and produces the “things that accompany salvation” (Hebrews 6:9). This is evident by the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of righteousness, etc.
*They must see themselves as God does (via the Law) to drive them to true repentence and faith in Christ.
Memory Verse
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
MATTHEW 10:32,33
1.What did Jesus tell His disciples when they questioned Him about the Parable of the Sower?
He said to them, ‘Do you not know [understand] this parable? and how then will you know [understand] all parables?’” (Mark 4:13). In other words, the Parable of the Sower is the key to unlocking the mysteries of all the other parables. If any message comes from the parable, it is the fact that when the gospel is preached, there are true and false conversions. This parable speaks of the thorny ground, the stony ground, and the good-soil hearers—the false and the genuine converts.
Once that premise has been established, the light of perception begins to dawn on Jesus’ other parables about the kingdom of God. If one grasps the principle of the true and false being alongside each other, then the other parabolic teachings make sense.
2.Name some of the parables Jesus told that speak of true and false conversions.
the Wheat and Tares (true and false), the Good Fish and Bad Fish (true and false), the Wise Virgins and the Foolish (true and false), and the Sheep and Goats (true and false).
3.When will false converts be exposed?
Notice that the good fish and the bad fish were in the net together. The world is not caught in the dragnet of the kingdom of heaven; they remain in the world. The “fish” that are caught are those who respond to the gospel—the evangelistic “catch.” They remain together until the Day of Judgment.
4.What damage can be done by a Christian who doesn’t understand that there is such a thing as a false conversion?
In their zeal without knowledge, those who prefer the ease of modern evangelism to biblical evangelism betray the cause of the gospel with a kiss. What may look like love for the sinner’s welfare is in truth eternally detrimental to him.
Like Peter (Luke 22:51), our zeal without knowledge is actually cutting off the ears of sinners. Those we erroneously call “backsliders” won’t listen to our reasonings. As far as they are concerned, they have tried it once, and it didn’t work. What a victory for the prince of darkness, and what an unspeakable tragedy for the church!
5.How can we make sure we are not responsible for bringing false converts into the church?
False converts lack genuine contrition for sin. They make a profession of faith but are deficient in biblical repentance—“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). A true convert, however, has a knowledge of sin and has godly sorrow, truly repents, and produces the “things that accompany salvation” (Hebrews 6:9). This is evident by the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of righteousness, etc.
*They must see themselves as God does (via the Law) to drive them to true repentence and faith in Christ.
Memory Verse
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
MATTHEW 10:32,33
Lesson 18: The Sinner's Prayer
QUESTIONS
1. How can we “guide the head” in a spiritual birth?
As long as there are no complications when a child is born, all the doctor needs to do is guide the head. The same applies spiritually. When someone is “born of God,” all we need to do is guide the head—make sure that the person understands what he is doing.
2. Why is this understanding important?
Philip the evangelist did this with the Ethiopian eunuch when he asked, “Do you understand what you read?” (Acts 8:30).
In the Parable of the Sower, the true convert (the “good soil” hearer) is the one who hears “and understands.”
3. Where does this understanding come from?
This understanding comes by the Law (Romans 7:7) in the hand of the Spirit, who will “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). If a sinner is ready for the Savior, it is because he has been drawn by the Holy Spirit (John 6:44). This is why we must be careful to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work and not rush in where angels fear to tread. Praying a sinner’s prayer with someone who isn’t genuinely repentant may leave you with a stillborn on your hands. Therefore, rather than lead him in a prayer of repentance, it is wise to encourage him to pray himself.
4. Why are the sinner’s words not important?
When Nathan confronted David about his sin, he didn’t lead the king in a prayer of repentance. If a man committed adultery, and his wife is willing to take him back, should you have to write out an apology for him to read to her? No; sorrow for his betrayal of her trust should spill from his lips. She doesn’t want eloquent words, but simply sorrow of heart. The essence of his apology should be something like this: “Please forgive me. I have betrayed your trust. I am so sorry.” The same applies to a prayer of repentance. If a person is genuinely repentant (he has sorrow of heart and his mouth is stopped from self-justification), he should pray himself; his words aren’t as important as the presence of “godly sorrow.”
5. Does your church invite sinners to the altar, or to the Savior?
If you study the ministry of Charles Spurgeon, you will find that he invited men and women to come to Christ, not to an altar. Listen to him invite sinners to come to the Savior:
Before you leave this place, breathe an earnest prayer to God, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner. Lord, I need to be saved. Save me. I call upon Thy name...Lord, I am guilty, I deserve Thy wrath. Lord, I cannot save myself. Lord, I would have a new heart and a right spirit, but what can I do? Lord, I can do nothing, come and work in me to do of Thy good pleasure.
Thou alone hast power, I know To save a wretch like me; To whom, or whither should I go If I should run from Thee?
But I now do from my very soul call upon Thy name. Trembling, yet believing, I cast myself wholly upon Thee, O Lord. I trust the blood and righteousness of Thy dear Son...Lord, save me tonight, for Jesus’ sake.”
Memory Verse
“No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
JOHN 6:44
1. How can we “guide the head” in a spiritual birth?
As long as there are no complications when a child is born, all the doctor needs to do is guide the head. The same applies spiritually. When someone is “born of God,” all we need to do is guide the head—make sure that the person understands what he is doing.
2. Why is this understanding important?
Philip the evangelist did this with the Ethiopian eunuch when he asked, “Do you understand what you read?” (Acts 8:30).
In the Parable of the Sower, the true convert (the “good soil” hearer) is the one who hears “and understands.”
3. Where does this understanding come from?
This understanding comes by the Law (Romans 7:7) in the hand of the Spirit, who will “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). If a sinner is ready for the Savior, it is because he has been drawn by the Holy Spirit (John 6:44). This is why we must be careful to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work and not rush in where angels fear to tread. Praying a sinner’s prayer with someone who isn’t genuinely repentant may leave you with a stillborn on your hands. Therefore, rather than lead him in a prayer of repentance, it is wise to encourage him to pray himself.
4. Why are the sinner’s words not important?
When Nathan confronted David about his sin, he didn’t lead the king in a prayer of repentance. If a man committed adultery, and his wife is willing to take him back, should you have to write out an apology for him to read to her? No; sorrow for his betrayal of her trust should spill from his lips. She doesn’t want eloquent words, but simply sorrow of heart. The essence of his apology should be something like this: “Please forgive me. I have betrayed your trust. I am so sorry.” The same applies to a prayer of repentance. If a person is genuinely repentant (he has sorrow of heart and his mouth is stopped from self-justification), he should pray himself; his words aren’t as important as the presence of “godly sorrow.”
5. Does your church invite sinners to the altar, or to the Savior?
If you study the ministry of Charles Spurgeon, you will find that he invited men and women to come to Christ, not to an altar. Listen to him invite sinners to come to the Savior:
Before you leave this place, breathe an earnest prayer to God, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner. Lord, I need to be saved. Save me. I call upon Thy name...Lord, I am guilty, I deserve Thy wrath. Lord, I cannot save myself. Lord, I would have a new heart and a right spirit, but what can I do? Lord, I can do nothing, come and work in me to do of Thy good pleasure.
Thou alone hast power, I know To save a wretch like me; To whom, or whither should I go If I should run from Thee?
But I now do from my very soul call upon Thy name. Trembling, yet believing, I cast myself wholly upon Thee, O Lord. I trust the blood and righteousness of Thy dear Son...Lord, save me tonight, for Jesus’ sake.”
Memory Verse
“No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
JOHN 6:44
Lesson 17: Personal Witnessing - How Jesus Did It
QUESTIONS
1. What are the four principles of evangelism that Jesus demonstrated with the woman at the well?
Relate, Create, Convict, Reveal
2. List some different ways to relate in the natural realm to sinners.
Most of us can strike up a conversation with a stranger in the natural realm. It may be a friendly “How are you doing?” or a sincere “Good morning!” If the person responds with a sense of warmth, we may then ask, “Do you live around here?” and from there develop a conversation.
3. Why can you ask if someone has kept the Ten Commandments without it seeming confrontational?
“Do you think you have kept the Ten Commandments?” Most people think they have, so quickly follow with, “Have you ever told a lie?” This is confrontational, but if it’s asked in a spirit of love and gentleness, there won’t be any offense. This is because the “work of the Law [is] written in their hearts” and their conscience will also bear “witness” (Romans 2:15).
4. Why doesn’t our unbelief negate reality?
“I don’t believe in hell.” Gently respond, “That doesn’t matter. You still have to face God on Judgment Day whether you believe in it or not. If I step onto the freeway when a massive truck is heading for me and I say, ‘I don’t believe in trucks,’ my lack of belief isn’t going to change reality.” Then tenderly tell him he has already admitted to you that he has lied, stolen, and committed adultery in his heart, and that God gave him a conscience so he would know right from wrong. His conscience and the conviction of the Holy Spirit will do the rest. That’s why it is essential to draw out an admission of guilt before you mention Judgment Day or the existence of hell.
5. Why can the sinner not rely on God’s “goodness” to save him?
He thinks that God is “good,” and that He will, therefore, overlook sin in his case. Point out that if a judge in a criminal case has a guilty murderer standing before him, the judge, if he is a good man, can’t just let him go. He must ensure that the guilty man is punished. If God is good, He must (by nature) punish murderers, rapists, thieves, liars, adulterers, fornicators, and those who have lived in rebellion to the inner light that God has given to every man.
6. At what point in the evangelism process should you talk about the Savior? Why?
Once the Law has humbled the person, he is ready for grace. The Bible says that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The gospel is for the humble. Only the sick need a physician, and only those who will admit that they have the disease of sin will truly embrace the cure of the gospel. Learn how to present the work of the cross—that God sent His Son to suffer and die in our place, and that Jesus rose from the dead and defeated death. Take the person back to civil law and say, “It’s as simple as this: We broke God’s Law, and Jesus paid our fine. If you will repent and trust in the Savior, God will forgive your sins and dismiss your case.”
Memory Verse
“Jesus answered and said to her, Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
JOHN 4:13,14
1. What are the four principles of evangelism that Jesus demonstrated with the woman at the well?
Relate, Create, Convict, Reveal
2. List some different ways to relate in the natural realm to sinners.
Most of us can strike up a conversation with a stranger in the natural realm. It may be a friendly “How are you doing?” or a sincere “Good morning!” If the person responds with a sense of warmth, we may then ask, “Do you live around here?” and from there develop a conversation.
3. Why can you ask if someone has kept the Ten Commandments without it seeming confrontational?
“Do you think you have kept the Ten Commandments?” Most people think they have, so quickly follow with, “Have you ever told a lie?” This is confrontational, but if it’s asked in a spirit of love and gentleness, there won’t be any offense. This is because the “work of the Law [is] written in their hearts” and their conscience will also bear “witness” (Romans 2:15).
4. Why doesn’t our unbelief negate reality?
“I don’t believe in hell.” Gently respond, “That doesn’t matter. You still have to face God on Judgment Day whether you believe in it or not. If I step onto the freeway when a massive truck is heading for me and I say, ‘I don’t believe in trucks,’ my lack of belief isn’t going to change reality.” Then tenderly tell him he has already admitted to you that he has lied, stolen, and committed adultery in his heart, and that God gave him a conscience so he would know right from wrong. His conscience and the conviction of the Holy Spirit will do the rest. That’s why it is essential to draw out an admission of guilt before you mention Judgment Day or the existence of hell.
5. Why can the sinner not rely on God’s “goodness” to save him?
He thinks that God is “good,” and that He will, therefore, overlook sin in his case. Point out that if a judge in a criminal case has a guilty murderer standing before him, the judge, if he is a good man, can’t just let him go. He must ensure that the guilty man is punished. If God is good, He must (by nature) punish murderers, rapists, thieves, liars, adulterers, fornicators, and those who have lived in rebellion to the inner light that God has given to every man.
6. At what point in the evangelism process should you talk about the Savior? Why?
Once the Law has humbled the person, he is ready for grace. The Bible says that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The gospel is for the humble. Only the sick need a physician, and only those who will admit that they have the disease of sin will truly embrace the cure of the gospel. Learn how to present the work of the cross—that God sent His Son to suffer and die in our place, and that Jesus rose from the dead and defeated death. Take the person back to civil law and say, “It’s as simple as this: We broke God’s Law, and Jesus paid our fine. If you will repent and trust in the Savior, God will forgive your sins and dismiss your case.”
Memory Verse
“Jesus answered and said to her, Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
JOHN 4:13,14
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)