Bryan Hodge

This Is Our Watch

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”

This is our time on earth. This is our watch. Let us consider the words of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14:

1. “Watch.” Let us, as God’s people, be alert and on guard. (a) Let us watch out for the enemy, and his influence. The adversary is real. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” We need to be a spiritually discerning people (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1-ff). (b) Let us watch out for the sake of others. Ezekiel was made a watchman for his people (Ezekiel 3:16-ff; 33:1-ff). Elders are responsible for watching out for the souls of the church (Hebrews 13:17). Christians are their brothers keepers (1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 3:13). (c) Let us watch for the Lord’s return. We are told, “Watch, therefore, for you do not know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13). We need to live in anticipation of this return ( 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Titus 2:13).

2. “Stand fast in the faith.” Let us stand our ground and not back down. It is the system of faith (cf. Acts 6:7; 14:22; Galatian 1:23; 2 Corinthians 13:5 etc.) in which we are to stand. May we not be fickle, hot one minute – cold the next (Mark 4:5-6, 16-17); but, let us resolve to be steadfast. 1 Corinthians 15:58 reads, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Galatians 6:9 exhorts, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

3. “Be brave.” Other versions read “quit you like men” (KJV); “act like men” (NASB, ESV). Thayer defines the origin word to mean “to show one’s self a man, be brave.” Let us be men, and not children in our Christianity. 1 Corinthians 14:20 reads, “Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature (men – KJV).” Let us go on to maturity. Let us be men!

4. “Be strong.” Brother Bill Jackson has written, “The appeal for them to be powerful and forceful for God, and thus be spiritually strong” (Jackson, A Commentary on First Corinthians, p. 172). They were to “Trust God, and go forth doing His will” (Lipscomb, First Corinthians, p. 256). Let us be strong, powerful servants of the most High God. Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Look at the words of 2 Timothy 1:7-8, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.”

5. “Let all that you do be done with love.” David Lipscomb writes, “All their affairs were to be conducted in the spirit of love to God and man (ibid, p. 257). Our preaching should be done in love (Ephesians 4:15). Our deeds and all our actions should be likewise done in, and motivated by love (Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Good deeds without love profit nothing. Let us “Pursue love”!

If we would truly do these things we just might save ourselves and many souls. We just might turn this society around.

Posted in be ready, christian growth, Dedication, Faith, Soul Winning, Textual study | Tagged 1 Corinthians 16, act like men, be brave, be strong, christian soldier, duty, faith, let all things be done with love, love, not on our watch, quit you like men, stand fast in the faith, watch, watchman | Leave a comment

Sixteen Things About Jesus

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

It is easy to advise one to consider in decision-making W.W.J.D.. However, such is beneficial only if one truly knows how Jesus lived. Too many do not. The book of Mark contains sixteen chapters. Let’s consider one snapshot of Jesus from each chapter.

Jesus was a man of prayer. Mark 1:35: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” He not only instructed prayer (Mark 11:17; 13:33; 14:38), He practiced it (Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32).
Jesus was a man of logic. Mark 2:16-17: “And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with tax collectors and sinners they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’” He always had a reasonable answer for what He believed and practiced (Mark 2:16-17; 12:13-17; 12:18-27; 12:28-34).
Jesus was a man of impartiality. Mark 3:31-34: “Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And the multitude was sitting around: and they said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother, and Your brothers are outside seeking You.’ But He answered them saying, ‘Who is My mother, or my brothers? And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.’” There was something more important to Him than earthly kinship (Luke 11:27-28 Acts 10:34-35).
He was a man of power. Mark 4:39-41: “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” He had power over nature, but did not force anyone to follow Him.
Jesus was a man of compassion. Mark 5:18-20: “And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.’ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled. Do we, as Jesus have compassion for others? Are we, as this healed man, practicing friendship evangelism? cf. 1 Peter 2:9.
Jesus was a man of comfort. Mark 6:49-51: “And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled; But immediately He talked with them and said to them, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.” Does our presence bring comfort and peace to others? cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:14.
Jesus was a man of perfection. Mark 7:37: “And they were all astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well.’” He did not half way do things. Do we? cf. Colossians 3:23; Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Jesus was a man of proper values. Mark 8:36-37: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” This is what He taught. Is this how we see things? Do we value the souls about physical life and material things?
Jesus was a man who taught service. Mark 9:33-35: “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?’ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’” Greatness, He said, was found in serving others.
Jesus was a man who practiced service. Mark 10:42-45: “But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many.’” He not only taught it, He practiced it.
Jesus was a man who rode a donkey. Mark 11:7-8: “Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” This was Jesus’ triumphant entry. This was the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 which reads, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey.” He came in peace. The donkey “is associated throughout the Bible with peaceful pursuits (Genesis 42:26-f; 22:3; 1 Samuel 16:20; 2 Samuel 19:26; Nehemiah 13:15), whereas the horse is referred to in connection with war and armies” (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 287). It as “preferred by rulers and great men for peaceful journeys. Horses were reserved for war” (The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, p. 40). Jesus came in peace, offering salvation. He did not come to make war against sinful man (cf. John 3:17). Moreover, He did not enter being carried on the backs of men or in an expensive chariot. He entered on a donkey, “Something the humblest peasant (often) owned” (I.S.B.E.).
Jesus was a man who knew the scripture and rebuked error. Mark 12:24-27: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.’” Jesus frequently said things like – “have you not read” (Mark 2:25; 12:10; 12:26; Matthew 12:3; 12:5; 19:4; 21:16; 21:42; 22:31; 24:15); “it is written” (Mark 7:6; 9:12; 9:13; 11:17; 14:21; 14:27; Matthew 4:4; 4:7; 4:10; 11:10; 21:13; 26:24; 26:31); and, “you are mistaken, not knowing the scriptures” (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24; 12:27). Too many of us are silent in the presence of doctrinal error.
Jesus was a man of vigilance. Mark 13:32-37: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; For you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going into a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming – in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning – lest coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, “say to all watch!” Do we so live in expectation of His return?
Jesus was a man determined to do the will of the Father. Mark 14:35-36: “He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” Are we so determined? He calls on us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow after Him (Mark 8:34-35; 10:21-22).
Jesus was a man who allowed Himself to be bound. Mark 15:1: “They bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.” The man who calmed the wind and the sea (Mark 4:39-41; 6:45-51), and handled a man no one could restrain (Mark 5:1-15) allowed Himself to be bound. He had more than twelve legions of angels at his disposal (Matthew 26:52-54). Yet, He came “to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Love is what bound Him.
Jesus was (is) a man of mercy and forgiveness. Mark 16:15-16: “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” He gave man an opportunity for forgiveness.

*Note: The idea for this article comes from Johnny Ramsey who urged students at the Brown Trail School of Preaching to remember one point about Jesus per chapter in the book of Mark.

Posted in Dedication, Example, Forgiveness, Humility, Jesus, Prayer, Priorities, Textual study | Tagged all things done well, be not afraid, be of good cheer, donkey v. horse, family v. brethren, gain whole world and lose soul, go home and tell your friends, greatness through service, have you not read, Jesus, johnny ramsey, man determined to do the father's will, man of comfort, man of compassion, man of forgiveness, man of grace and mercy, man of impartiality, man of logic, man of perfection, man of power, man of prayer, man of proper values, man of rebuke, man of vigilance, man who allowed himself to be bound, man who knew the scriptues, man who praticed service, man who rode a donkey, man who taught service, not my will but your will be done, overview of the book of Mark, partiality, sixteen things about Jesus, the great commission, watch and pray, what would Jesus do?, who are my mother and brothers, why eat with sinners, WWJD, you are greatly mistaken, you are mistaken not knowing the scriptures or the power of God, you do err | Leave a comment

Miracles (Part 5)

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

This is our final part of this series on miracles. In this part, we will, once more, consider the duration of miraculous gifts in the church.

Ephesians 4

“But to each one of us grace was given to the measure of Christ’s gift” (4:7).

The “grace” referred to here is miraculous gifts (Ephesians 3:7; 4:7-8 cf. 4:11; Romans 1:5; 12:3-6; 15:15-16). This gift was from Christ (Acts 8:20), God (Acts 8:20), and the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). All authority is derived from the Father. This authority was given to Christ [Matthew 28:18-20; John 17:1-2; John 5:22 (cf. Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16)]. The Spirit is the dispensing agent, working through the authority of Christ (John 16:13-15).

“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (4:8).

Two things followed Jesus’ ascension: (1) He led captivity captive. He gained victory over the power which had held men captive (cf. Romans 7:23-25; 1 Corinthians 15:17-18, 22, 55-57; Hebrews 2:14-15). (2) He gave gifts to men (cf. John 16:7-14; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8; 2:4).

Some see the imagery to be from military victory parades. Adam Clark commented, “The conqueror was placed in a very elevated chariot… the conquered generals were usually bound behind the chariot of the conqueror, to grace the triumph… the conqueror was wont to throw money to the crowd” (Vol. 6, p. 452).

“(Now this, ‘He ascended’… He also first descended into the lowest parts of the earth… He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things)” (4:9-10).

Robert Lowry penned, “Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o’er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!” (Song: Low In The Grave He Lay).

“He… gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (4:11-12).

These various ministries were closely associated with miraculous gifts in the early church. Two of these ministries were necessarily connected with miraculous gifts: apostles, prophets. Evangelists of the first century were aided by miraculous gifts (Acts 21:8 cf. 8:5-6, 13; 2 Timothy 4:5 cf. 1:6). Though, it is possible to evangelize without miraculous gifts (Acts 18:24-19:7; 2 Timothy 2:2). Pastors and teachers evidently, commonly were also miraculously endowed (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). W.T. Hamilton has remarked, “The need and work of each office determines its permanency. If the need for the office was temporary, the office was temporary. If the need permanent, the office was permanent. This passage deals with gifts, not the permanency of the office. Their needs were supplied until the word was all revealed” (Glory In The Church, pp. 79-80).

The gifts were given to equip the church for the ministry and the edifying of the body. W.T. Hamilton commented, “When Paul wrote the Ephesians, most of the New Testament had not been written; hence, they had special needs that had to be supplied in a special way. This was true of the entire church for several years after its establishment in Acts 2” (ibid, pp. 78-79). Remember that edification came through revelation and inspired teaching (1 Corinthians 14:3, 6).

“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried by every wind of doctrine…” (4:13-14).

How long were these gifts to last? The answer is “till we come to the unity of the faith.” The term “unity” can mean “unity… in contrast with parts of which the whole is made up” (B-A-G). “The Faith” refers to the system of faith (cf. Acts 6:7; 14:22; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 1:23; 3:23; 3:25; Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 3:9; 4:1; 5:8; Jude 3, etc.). Doesn’t this sound like the perfect or complete in contrast with the parts in 1 Corinthians 13:9-10?

The two passages have other similarities. (1) Both speak of the church moving from childhood to maturity (Ephesians 4:13-14 cf. 1 Corinthians 13:11). (2) Both speak of the church coming to full knowledge – epignosomai (Ephesians 4:12 cf. 1 Corinthians 13:12).

Objections

Some have pointed out that while “till” can refer to a termination point (e.g. Acts 23:12, 21; 1 Timothy 6:14), it does not have to mean such, but can mean – up to that point, without implying what happens after that point (e.g. Genesis 8:5; 46:34; 1 Samuel 15:35; 2 Samuel 6:23; Matthew 11:23; 13:30; 28:15; Mark 13:30; Acts 10:30; 20:7; 23:1; Romans 5:14, etc.). This is true. However, this passage sounds much like 1 Corinthians 13, which does speak of the end of the miraculous age (even Pentecostals admit such though we differ over the time).
Some hold that this is speaking of the unity of brethren, and that what is being said is that the purpose of the various ministries is to bring about such unity. Moreover, some who hold this view do not understand “till” as a termination point, but a goal. However, this does not seem correct because Paul had just instructed them “to keep the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Some wonder how “the faith” in Jude could refer to the complete system of faith since most do not list Jude as the last New Testament book written. In reply – a) we do not know for sure the exact chronological order in which the books appeared. Jude is thought to have been one of the last books written. b) If it was not the last written, it is possible that “the faith” had been delivered orally at this point but had not yet been written down or fully disseminated. The E.S.V. Study Bible comments, “Although the New Testament documents had not yet been collected into a complete canon of Scripture, by this time the foundational New Testament teachings were circulating in oral form through the apostolic circles.” Marion Fox has summarized his thoughts on the subject in this way: “The ‘Unity of the Faith’ came when the faith (the New Testament) was fully revealed, confirmed, and disseminated. For example, the church at Thessalonica had two epistles, the church at Corinth had two epistles, Timothy had two epistles, etc. Each congregation or person had a piece of ‘the faith’ and when they saw to it that their piece was copied and disseminated to the universal church, the unity of the faith had arrived. Of course, each congregation would be required to have those who possessed gifts to confirm the authenticity of each book” (The Work of The Holy Spirit, Vol. 2, p. 418).

Posted in Miracles, Pentecostalism, Signs, Textual varients | Tagged apostles, assended on high, edifying the saints, Ephesians 4, equipping the saints, gave gifts to men, grace was given, Jude 3, led captivity captive, miracles, pastors and teachers, prophets, purpose of gifts, robert lowry, song low in the grave he lay, the cessation of miracles, the duration of miracles, unity of the faith, work of ministry | Leave a comment

The Golden Text

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”

The word “world” does not refer to this sphere on which we live, nor does it refer to this universe (though the term Kosmos is so used at times). The word “world” refers to the people (cf. Romans 5:8). This is a figure of speech, a metonymy, whereby the place is put for the people. Robert Taylor Jr. has written, “The world He loved embraced the lost in three dimensions – past, present, future. He died for those prior to Calvary as well as those subsequent Golgotha” {Robert Taylor Jr., Studies in the Gospel of John, p. 44. [See Romans 3:25-26; Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 9:15; 11:16; 11:39-40 (cf. 9:7-9, 13-14 cf. 10:1-4, 16-17, 22); Matthew 8:11; John 17:20]}.

The opportunity for salvation is due to God’s amazing love. “God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Man in all his intellect, and might could not climb up to the glories of heaven. Man would stand hopeless, without the love of God. However, God, in His love, had a plan for man’s salvation, even before the foundation of this world (1 Peter 1:18-20).

God’s love is an acting love. “By this we know love, because He laid down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18). He showed us how to love (1 John 4:19).

2. “That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”

The opportunity for salvation in universal, “whoever.” He does not want any to be lost (1 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23 cf. 33:11). Jesus tasted death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9).

Salvation is conditional, “whoever believes.” Keep in mind the context: (a) Those in Moses’ day needed to look upon the bronze serpent which was lifted up in the wilderness (John 3:14 cf. Numbers 21:4-9). Even so, today, man needs to believe in Jesus (John 3:14, 16 cf. 12:32-33). (b) The word believe sometimes carries the idea of “trust… conjoined with obedience” (Thayer, p. 511). Jesus had just told Nicodemus that “unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:1-5). Man needs to accept and obey what Jesus has instructed. He is “The author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9 cf. Matthew 7:24-27). [Note – for those who object to baptism, because it is not specifically mentioned in this verse, consider Guy N. Woods comment: “If because John 3:16 does not mention water baptism it is to be rejected as a condition of pardon, by the same token we must reject repentance as well because there is as much said about baptism in it as there is of repentance” (Woods, A Commentary on the Gospel According to John, p. 67). Man needs to accept all that the Savior says is necessary for salvation].

Moreover, the term “believes” is present tense. It expresses continuous action. Wayne Jackson has commented, “The one who cultivates sustained belief (so the force of the verb) need not fear judgment” (Wayne Jackson, A New Testament Commentary, p. 146). This is speaking, not of a one-time thing, but of a manner of life lived in trust of Him and His teachings.

Two destinies are mentioned. (1) Those who do not believe will “perish.” The idea is not extinction, but loss of well-being (Vine’s). (2) Eternal life is for those who believe. The phrase “eternal” or “everlasting life” does not refer to quantity of existence, but quality of life (Robert Morey, Death and the Afterlife, p. 97). The term “life” is not bios but zoe. It refers to high quality of life.

“Shall not” or “should not”? Some translations read, “shall not perish” (NIV, NASB), others read “should not” (KJV, NKJV, ESV). Which is correct? One writer has written, the words, “should not perish” and “have” are “in the subjunctive because they are in a purpose clause. God sent his Son for the purpose of saving them… because purpose is not a statement of reality (indicative), it must be moved into the subjective” (teknia.com). “Should not” is the correct wording. However, I do not believe that this is expressing any doubt that one who keeps on believing will be saved. The Zondervan’s Parallel New Testament provides this literal rendering, “For thus loved God the world, so as the Son the only begotten he gave, that everyone believing in him may not perish but may have life eternal.”

Summary

“Eloquently embedded here is ‘The Stream of Divine Love’ as portrayed beautifully by the late, lamented Frank L. Cox in his valuable book, According to John (pp. 39-41). God’s love is the spring; His Son is the stream; our obedient faith is the pitcher, dipper by which we appropriate this redemptive blessing to our life; eternal life is the drink” (Robert Taylor Jr., Studies in the Gospel of John, p. 44).

Posted in Faith, God, Love, Plan of salvation, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged bios v. zoe, bronze serpent, eternal life is the drink, faith, faith is the pitcher and dipper, for God so loved the world, frank cox, God's love is the spring, He gave His only begotten son, His son is the stream, John 3:16, kosmos, love, love in action, nicodemus, Numbers 21, plan of salvation, robert taylor jr., should not or shall not perish, the golden text, the stream of divine love, whoever believes in Him | Leave a comment

Miracles (Part 4)

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Jesus said, “These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18). We are told, “they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20).

We continue our study of miracles. In this part, we will consider the duration of miraculous gifts in the church.

1 Corinthians 13

“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (13:8).

There is a great contrast between love and miraculous gifts. Love (agape) never fails. “Fails” (piptei) meaning: “to perish, i.e. to come to an end, disappear, cease” (Thayer). Love will never cease to be a part of God’s plan. However, this is not the case with miraculous gifts. Prophecies and knowledge will fail or vanish away. The original word (Katargethesntai) is the same, though rendered “fail” and “vanish away.” It means “to reduce to inactivity” (Vine’s). Tongues will cease. The original word (pausontai) means “stop (oneself), cease” (B.A.G.) [Gary Workman set forth some thoughts on the difference between the two words (katargethesntai and pausontai). “Tongues were to stop themselves whereas prophecies and knowledge had to be done away. As an example of this distinction, we read that the sacrifices of the old law could not cease – pauomai – (Hebrews 10:2). They could not complete their task so they had to be done away – katageo – (Ephesians 2:15), replaced by Jesus’ ‘one sacrifice for sins forever” (Hebrews 10:12). We might make this further observation: In contrast with the Old Testament sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice has permanence efficacy. Yet the doing of it has ended. It has ‘ceased to be offered’ (Hebrews 10:2) because ‘this he did once for all, when he offered up Himself’ (Hebrews 7:27). So that ‘there is no more offering for sin’ (Hebrews 10:18). His task of offering Himself has been completed – has ceased – while the effect continues on. Let us summarize this contrast: The Old Testament sacrifices could not cease but were done away; Jesus’ sacrifice has ceased but it is not done away because it will not be replaced… Likewise, tongues had no replacement” (Workman, Has “That Which is Perfect” Come?, pp. 4-5)].

The three miraculous gifts mentioned (prophecies, tongues, and knowledge) are representative of all miraculous gifts. Nine miraculous gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 12. These nine gifts are divided into three categories, each separated by the word heteros: (1)Gifts of revelation(12:8); (2) Gifts of confirmation (12:9-10c); (3) Gifts of communication (12:10d,e). In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul takes one gift from each of these three categories: (1) Gifts of revelation: knowledge; (2) Gifts of confirmation: prophecies; (3) Gifts of communication: tongues. (For more information see Part 2 of this series).

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (13:9-10).

The word “perfect” (teleion) means “having reached its end, finished, complete, perfect” (Vine’s). It is juxtaposition to “in part.” The reference is to God will for man being completely revealed, disseminated, and confirmed.

The literal language is: “Out of part we know and out of part we prophesy; but when comes the complete thing, the thing out of part will be done away.” Roy Deaver once gave this illustration “On a construction site may be a pile of lumber. Brick and lumber are essential ‘Parts’ of the building under construction. Out of the brick part the workers may lay brick and out of the lumber part they may build walls, ‘out of part’ they lay brick and ‘out of part’ they build walls. But, when is come the perfect thing the out of the part thing ceases. There is no further need for the brick pile and the lumber stack. These ‘parts’ are lost in the perfect, the complete. In this case, the perfect thing is the complete building” (Article: Why the Neuter Gender in 1 Corinthians 13:10?). The complete comes out of the parts.

“When I was a child I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I because a man I put away childish things” (13:11).

Illustration one: A child matures and leave behind certain things in adulthood (e.g. childish manners and speech, childish ways of thinking and understanding). Even so, the church was maturing in its knowledge, and with such certain things would be left behind. Miraculous gifts were meant for the church in its childhood.

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face” (13:12a).

Illustration two: Ancient mirrors were polished metal. They allowed one to see, but not clearly. It was not like looking face to face. Even so, the early church, before complete revelation, were able to see. However, some things they were unable to see clearly. When revelation was complete, things would be much clearer. It would be like seeing face to face instead of in a mirror.

“Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (13:12b).

Illustration three: One can have partial knowledge of something without having thorough knowledge. Two different words are used for “know” in the text. The first word (ginosko) is contrasted with the second word (epignosomai) which refers to full knowledge; Thayer – “to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly; to know accurately, know well.”

“And now abide faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (13:13).

These are the enduring characteristics of Christianity. These things abide, literally keep on abiding. Miraculous gifts will not. They needed to place greater emphasis on these enduring qualities, instead of being envious over who had what gift (For why love is the greatest see article Faith, Hope, Love, part 9).

Objections

Some argue that this is speaking of Christ and His second coming. However: (a) The term “perfect” is neuter gender, not masculine. It is not “He who is perfect,” but “that which is perfect.” It is not “the perfect one,” but “the perfect thing.” (b) While it is true that Jesus is at times referred to as: “The Door,” “The Vine,” “The Bread of Life,” “The Light of the World,” etc. – those contexts are clear that Jesus is in view. Jesus has not even been mentioned in this chapter. His second coming has not been mentioned in this chapter.
Some argue that this is speaking of heaven’s coming. However: (a) Heaven is not mentioned in the entire context of 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14. (b) This is not language used elsewhere of heaven. (c) Some claim that there is nothing perfect this side of heaven, but such is not the case (Genesis 6:9; Job 1:1; 2:3; Matthew 5:43-44, 46-48; 19:21; 1 Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Colossians 4:12; Hebrews 5:12-14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:25).
Some argue that this is speaking of the coming of agape love. However: (a) “Agape” is feminine gender, not neuter gender. (b) It is not imperfect love or unity being contrasted with perfect love or unity; but, it is partial knowledge and prophecy being contrasted with that which is perfect (complete).
Some object that “knowledge” is feminine gender. This is true. Roy Deaver’s answered this way: “Paul… is setting forth a principle, and this is the reason for the use of the neuter gender… when is come ‘the perfect thing’ (any perfect thing) the complete, the whole – then the ‘out of the part thing’ (any out of part thing) ceases to be” (ibid).
It is argued that we do not now see God or Jesus “face to face.” Therefore, this must refer to heaven. However, the text does not mention seeing God or Jesus. The wording “face to face” simply means to see or hear clearly [cf. Deuteronomy 5:4-5a. Israel did not literally speak with God face to face (Deuteronomy 4:12; 5:5; Exodus 19:12), nor did Moses (Exodus 3:20-23). However, He did talk with them face to face (Deuteronomy 5:4-5a), meaning clearly, plainly (Numbers 12:7-8)].
Some have argued that it is not possible to have full knowledge (epignosomai) in this life. However, such is not true (Luke 1:1-3; Colossians 1:6, 9; 2 Peter 1:2; 2:20-21).
Many brethren have pointed out that the scriptures are referred to as “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). Some object that James was already written. Therefore, the scriptures cannot be in view in 1 Corinthians 13. However, let me suggest that James is using a figure of speech known as prolepsis. He is speaking in anticipation of its completion. Man needs to live in accord with God’s complete revealed will. Moreover, they were responsible to do so then, to the extent it had been revealed.

Posted in Faith, Hope, Love, Miracles, Pentecostalism, Signs, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged 1 Corinthians 13, construction illustration, epignosomai, fail v. cease, faith, gary workman, hope, in part done away, is heaven the perfect?, is Jesus the perfect?, is love the perfect?, James 1:25, katargethesntai, know in part, knowledge vanshes away, known as I am known, love, love never fails, miracles, out of part comes the whole, piptei, prolepsis, prophecy fail, prophesy in part, roy deaver, scripture uses three groups of gifts, see dimly in mirror, see face to face, teleion, that which is perfect, the cessation of miracles, the duration of miracles, the passing of miracles, three abiding things, tongues cease, when became man put away childish things, when child spoke as child and understood as child, why neuter gender | Leave a comment

Miracles (Part 3)

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The early church received miraculous gifts from God (Acts 2:16-17; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:8). Miracles were worked through the apostles (Acts 3:1-10; 5:12; 5:15-16; 8:14-17; 9:32-35; 9:36-42; 13:6-12; 14:1-3; 14:8-10; 15:12; 16:16-18; 19:6; 19:11-12; 20:9-12; 28:3-5; 28:8-9). Miracles also were worked through members, other than apostles (Acts 6:8; 8:6-8, 13; 9:17-18; 11:27-28; 19:6-7; 21:8-9; 21:11).

We continue our study of miracles. In this part, we will consider how these gifts were received.

Two Means

Miraculous gifts were received by two means. First, miraculous gifts were received directly from heaven. This was rare. This, by my count, happened only three times in the New Testament. (1) It happened on that Pentecost which immediately followed Jesus’ ascension (Acts 2:1-4). This happened to the apostles [The antecedent of the pronoun “they” is the apostles (Acts 1:26 cf. 2:1, 4)]. (2) It happened to Cornelius and his house (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18). The purpose was to demonstrate that the gentiles were proper candidates for the gospel (Acts 10:44-47; 11:15-18; 15:6-11). (3) It can be inferred that such happened to Saul (Galatians 1:1, 15-24; 2:6-9). He did not receive inspiration from the hands of men (Galatians 1:1; 1:16-17).

Second, miraculous gifts were received through the hands of the apostles. (1) The happened in Samaria (Acts 8:14-17). Philip could work miracles (Acts 8:4-8, 13). However, he did not confer miraculous gifts unto others. The apostles were needed for this (Acts 8:14-17). (2) This happened at Galatia (Galatians 3:2 cf. 3:5). (3) This happened to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6). (4) This happened at Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:12-13 cf. 1 Corinthians 1:7) The ability to confer miraculous gifts to others was the sign of an apostle. (5) This happened at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7). (6) Paul had desire to do this at Rome (Romans 1:11).

Think of the implication. Miraculous gifts only came two ways. There are no apostles today, who can confer miraculous gifts [an apostle had to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Paul wrote that he was the last of the witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:8 cf. Acts 9:1-6)]. Moreover, the only non-apostles to directly receive miraculous ability in the New Testament was Cornelius and his house. This, chronologically the last such occurrence in the New Testament, was a special case. Why should one expect to receive such today?

Objection

It is objected that the apostles were not the only ones who could confer miraculous gifts. Two passages are usually cited as evidence. (1) It is argued that Timothy received his gift by the hands of the eldership (1 Timothy 4:14). However, this is not what the text says. Timothy received his gift “through” (dia) the hands of Paul (2 Timothy 1:6). It was “with” (meta) the hands of the eldership (1 Timothy 4:14). The laying on of hands was sometimes done to separate one to a work (e.g. Numbers 27:23; Acts 6:5-6; 13:1-3). Paul was the means of Timothy receiving his gift. The eldership also laid their hands on Timothy, at this time, separating him to work with Paul (no doubt during the time of Acts 16:1-3). “A.T. Robertson observes that meta ‘does not express instrument or means but merely accompaniment” (Wayne Jackson, Notes From The Margin of My Bible, Vol. 2, p. 130 – quoting Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament Vol. 4, p. 581). (2) It is argued that Saul received the Holy Spirit through the hands of Ananias (Acts 9:10-18). However, the text does not necessarily imply such. Consider: (a) The purpose of Ananias’ laying of hands on Saul is stated: “So that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:12). (b) The purpose of Ananias’ coming is stated as two-fold: “that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17). It is possible Ananias’ hands provided Saul with restored sight, and that the Holy Spirit was given directly from heaven in Ananias’ presence. Remember that Peter’s visit had something to do with Cornelius’ receiving the Holy Spirit; however, such did not come through Peter’s hands. Saul’s apostleship did not come “from” (apo) or “through” (dia) man (Galatians 1:1).

Posted in Miracles, Pentecostalism, Signs | Tagged ananius, corinth receives spirit, cornelius' house receives spirit, desire to impart gifts in rome, ephesus receives spirit, galatia receives spirit, gifts received directly from heaven, gifts received through the hands of an apostle, laying on hands, meta v. dia, miracles, no apostles today, pentecost, philip, samaria receives spirit, saul receieves spirit, timothy receives spirit, two means to receive miraculous gifts | Leave a comment

The Life of Christ in Scripture Alone

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Introduction

John 12:21 – 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

I. Pre-Incarnate

A. John 1:1-3 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

B. Colossians 1:16-17 – For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

II. Prophecy of His Birth

A. Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

B. Isaiah 9:6-7 – For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end.

C. Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

III. His birth/early life

A. John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

B. John 1:17 – For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

C. Matthew 1:18-23 – Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

D. Luke 2:1-7 – And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

E. Luke 2:8-17 – Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

F. Matthew 2:1-16 – Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

G. Luke 2:41-52 – His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

IV. John’s Work

A. Matthew 3:1-6 – In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

B. Matthew 3:11 – I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

C. Matthew 3:13-17 – Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

D. John 1:29-34 – The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

V. Jesus’s Work Begins

A. Luke 3:23 – Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,

B. Matthew 4:1-11 – Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

C. John 1:43-51 – The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

D. Matthew 4:23-25 – And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

VI. Jesus’ Teaching

A. Matthew 5:1-16 – And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

B. Matthew 5:43-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

C. Matthew 6:9-13 – In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

D. Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

E. Matthew 7:13-14 – “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

F. Matthew 7:21-29 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

G. Luke 10:30-37 – Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

H. Luke 15:1-10 – Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He spoke this parable to them, saying: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

I. Matthew 16:13-19 – When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

J. Matthew 16:21-23 – From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

VII. Opposition

A. John 3:17-20 – For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

B. John 11:46-50 – But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

C. Luke 20:14-19 – But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.” And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!” Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone’? Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people —for they knew He had spoken this parable against them.

VIII. Nearing Death

A. Matthew 26:3-5 – Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

B. Matthew 26:14-16 – Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

C. Matthew 26:17-20 – Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.

D. John 13:1-5 – Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

E. John 13:14-16 – If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.

F. Luke 22:19-23 – And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

G. John 13:26-27 – Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”

H. John 13:34-35 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

I. John 14:1-6 – “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

J. Matthew 26:36 – Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”

K. Matthew 26:47-56 – And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

L. Mark 14:53 – And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes.

M. Mark 15:1 – Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.

N. Mark 15:10-20 – For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!” So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified. Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

O. John 19:28-30 – After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

IX. Burial/Resurrection

A. Luke 23:50-53 – Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before.

B. Luke 24:1-8 – Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” And they remembered His words.

C. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 – Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

D. Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

X. Post Resurrection

A. Acts 1:8-11 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

B. Acts 2:36-38 – “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

C. Acts 4:11-12 – This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

D. 1 Corinthians 2:2 – For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

E. Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

* My idea for this lesson stems from a similar lesson that Hugo McCord once presented.

Posted in Jesus | Tagged birth and early life, burial and resurrection, hugo mccord, jesus work begins, Jesus' teaching, John's work, lesson from scripture alone, life of Christ, nearing death, opposition, post-resurrection, pre-incarnation, prophecy concerning birth | Leave a comment

Proverbs By Topic

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The book of Proverbs contains a wealth of wisdom within it. It is extremely practical in nature. The book is 31 chapters in length, with a total of 915 verses.

It is wonderful reading as it is laid out. Taking one chapter per day, one can read the entire book through in a 31 day month. Try it some time.

However, at times we need to reference this wisdom at a quick and efficient pace. I have topically arranged the book around some major topics. I hope this helps you to access this wisdom quickly and efficiently.

Purpose of Book: 1:1-6
Abomination: 3:32; 6:16-19; 8:7; 11:1; 11:20; 12:22; 13:19; 15:8; 15:9; 15:26; 16:5; 16:12; 17:15; 20:10; 20:23; 21:27; 24:9; 28:9; 29:27
Age: 16:31; 20:29; 23:22
Animals: 12:10; 27:23-27
Anger/Wrath: 12:16; 14:17; 15:1-2; 16:32; 19:19; 25:28; 29:22
Asking Questions/Seeking answers from others: 20:5
Backsliding: 26:11
Benevolence: 3:27-29:11:24-26; 14:20-21; 19:17; 21:13; 29:7; 31:20
Boast: 27:1, 2
Business/Money/Riches: 6:1-11; 10:2-5; 10:26; 11:1; 11:4; 11:15; 11:28; 12:24; 12:27; 13:4; 13:7; 13:11; 13:18; 14:4 14:20; 15:16-17; 15:19; 16:8; 16:11; 17:9; 17:18; 19:5; 19:15; 19:24; 20:4; 20:10; 20:13; 20:23; 21:5 21:6; 21:17; 21:25; 22:7; 22:13; 22:26; 22:28; 22:29; 23:4-5; 23:10-11; 23:20-21; 23:30-34; 25:13; 26:6; 26:13-16; 27:23-27; 28:8; 28:22; 29:24; 30:10; 30:25-28; 31:12-14; 31:15; 31:16; 31:19; 31:22; 31:24; 31:27
Children: 10:1; 10:5;15:20; 17:2: 17:6; 17:21; 17:25; 19:13; 19:18; 19:26; 20:7; 20:20; 22:6; 22:15; 24:13-14; 24:24-25; 28:7; 29:3; 29:15; 29:17; 30:11; 30:17; 31:28
Civic/Government: 11:11;14:28; 14:34; 14:35; 16:12; 19:12; 20:2-3; 20:8; 20:26; 20:28; 24:21; 25:2; 25:4-5; 29:2; 29:4; 29:12; 29:14; 28:2; 28:15-16; 31:1-9
Conceit: 26:12
Correction/Counsel/Instruction/Reproof: 3:11-12; 9:7-8; 11:14; 12:1; 12:15; 13:1-3; 15:4-5; 15:10; 15:12; 15:22; 15:31-33; 17:10; 19:20; 19:25; 20:5; 20:15; 23:9; 24:3-6; 27:3; 29:9
Coworkers/ Employees: 14:35; 17:2: 25:13; 26:6; 28:16; 29:24; 30:10;
Cover Sin: 10:12; 28:13
Credit: 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 22:7
Enemies: 16:7; 24:17-18; 25:21-22
Envy: 3:31-35; 14:30; 23:17-18; 24:1-2; 24:19-20; 27:3-4
Etiquette: 23:1-3; 23:6-8; 25:6-7; 25:15; 25:20; 27:14
Evil For Good: 17:13
Excuses: 22:13; 26:13
Folly: 5:21-23; 13:16; 14:8; 14:18; 14:24; 14:29; 15:21; 16:22; 17:12; 18:13; 26:4; 26:5; 26:11.
Food: 15:17; 17:1; 21:17; 23:1-3; 6; 25:16; 30:7-9; 31:15
False Promise: 25:14
False Weight: 11:1; 20:23
False Witness: 6:17-19; 12:17:14:5; 19:5; 21:28; 25:18
Father: 1:8; 3:12; 4:1, 3; 6:20-23; 10:1; 13:1; 15:5; 15:20; 17:6; 17:21; 19:13; 19:26; 20:20; 23:22; 23:24-25; 27:10; 28:7: 28:24; 29:3: 30:11; 30:17
Fear of the Lord: 1:7; 1:24-33:; 2:1-5; 3:7-10; 8:13; 9:10-11; 10:27-30; 13:13; 14:2; 14:16; 14:20-27; 15:16; 15:31-33:16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17-18; 31:30
Flatter: 26:28; 29:5
Fool: 1:7, 22, 32; 3:35; 10:8; 10:18; 10:23; 11:29; 12:15; 12:23; 13:16; 13:19; 14:1; 14:8; 14:9; 14:16; 15:2; 15:5; 15:14; 17:10; 17:12; 17:24; 17:28; 18:2; 18:6; 18:7; 19:1; 23:9; 26:4-5; 26:6-9; 26:11; 26:12; 27:3; 28:26; 29:11; 29:20
Forgive: 17:9; 28:13
Friends/Associates: 1:10-19; 4:14-22; 6:1-5; 13:20; 14:7; 17:17; 18:19; 18:24; 22:24-25; 27:10; 27:17
Gluttony: 25:16
God Sees/Knows: 5:21; 15:3; 15:11; 20:27
God’s Sovereign: 16:1; 16:4; 19:21
God’s Word: 22:17-18; 30:5-6
God Tries Heart: 16:2; 17:3; 21:2
Good Name: 22:1
Grace/Mercy: 11:16-17
Grandchildren: 17:6
Greed: 30:15
Gullible: 14:5; 14:15
Happy/Merry: 3:13-20; 15:13-15; 15:28; 17:22
Hasty: 12:16; 25:8; 29:11
Hate: 6:16-19; 8:13; 9:8; 10:12; 10:18; 12:1; 13:5; 13:24; 15:10; 15:17; 15:27; 19:7; 25:17; 26:24; 26:26; 26:28; 28:16; 29:10; 29:24;
Heart: 4:23-27; 12:24-25; 17:22; 23:7
Innocent Attacked: 1:11; 6:16-17
Integrity: 19:1; 19:22; 20:7; 28:6
Jealousy: 6:30-35
Kindness: 19:22; 31:26
Law: 1:8; 3:1; 4:1-2; 6:20-21, 23; 7:2; 13:14; 28:4, 7, 9; 29:18; 31:4-5; 31:26
Lie: 6:16-19; 10:18; 13:5; 14:5; 19:5; 19:22; 21:6; 26:28; 29:12; 30:6
Life’s Brevity/Uncertainty: 27:1
Listening/Hearing: 16:20-24; 26:20-28
Lots: 16:33
Love: 3:12; 9:8; 15:9; 15:16-17; 17:1; 27:5-6
Loyalty: 27:10
Marriage: 5:15-21; 21:9; 21:19-20; 27:15; 31:10-31
Meddling: 26:17
Mother: 1:8; 4:1-3; 6:20-23; 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 20:20; 23:22; 23:25; 28:24; 29:15; 30:11: 30:17; 31:1
Neighbor: 3:28; 3:29; 6:29; 11:9; 11:12; 14:20-21; 16:29; 19:4; 21:10; 24:28; 25:8-9; 25:17-18; 27:14; 29:5
Numbers: 6:16-19; 30:11-31
Obedience: 19:16
Offense: 18:19
Peace: 28:1
People to Avoid: 1:15-16; 4:14-15; 6:20-35; 13:20; 22:10; 22:24-25; 26:20-21; cf. Psalm 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33
Preparation 6:6-8; 30:25; cf. Ecclesiastes 10:10
Plans: 16:1
Poverty/Poor: 14:20-21; 17:5; 18:23; 19:1; 19:4; 19:7; 19:22; 22:16; 22:22; 28:6; 22:2;
Praise: 27:2; 31:28
Pride/Conceit/Self-Righteous: 6:16-19; 11:2; 15:25: 16:5; 16:11-12; 16:18; 20:9; 21:4; 22:2; 26:2; 27:1-2; 28:25; 29:23; 30:13
Prudent: 12:16; 12:23; 13:16; 14:8; 14:15; 14:18; 22:3; 27:12
Punishment: 3:12; 10:13; 13:24; 20:30; 23:13-14; 26:3; 29:15; 29:17;
Rebellion/Revolution: 24:21
Repentance/Restitution/Confession: 6:30-31; 28:13
Respect of Persons: 28:21
Rich and Poor: 22:2
Scorn: 1:22; 3:24; 9:7; 9:8; 13:1; 14:6; 15:12; 19:25; 19:28-29; 21:11; 21:24; 22:10; 24:9; 29:8
Self-Control: 16:32; 25:28
Self-Righteous: 20:9; 22:2
Shame: 3:35; 9:7; 10:5; 11:2; 12:16; 13:5; 13:18; 14:35; 17:2; 19:26; 25:10; 29:15.
Silver Rule: 20:22; 24:19
Simple: 14:15; 14:18; 21:11; 22:3; 27:12
Sin/Temptation: 1:10-19; 4:14-22; 5:22-23; 6:12-19; 10:23; 14:9; 22:3; 27:12; 30:7-9
Sleep: 3:21-26; 4:16; 6:1-5; 6:9-11; 19:15; 20:13; 24:33-34; 29:17
Strive: 3:30; 16:28; 18:6; 20:3; 25:8; 26:17; 28:25; 29:22
Stubborn: 29:1
Sweet/Pleasant: 2:10; 3:13-17; 3:24; 9:17-18; 13:19; 15:26; 16:24; 20:17; 22:17-18; 23:6-8; 24:3-4; 24:13-14; 27:7
Subjective Thoughts: 14:12; 16:2; 16:25; 21:2; 30:12
Talebearer: 11:13; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20-28
Theft: 6:30-31; 28:24; 29:24
Thoughts: 15:26; 21:5
Trust in the Lord: 3:1-12; 30:5-6
Trust in Men: 25:19
Unrighteous Judgment: 17:15; 18:5
Upright v. Perverse: 11:3-31
Vision: 29:18
War: 21:31
Waste/Slothfulness: 12:24; 12:27; 15:19; 18:9; 19:24; 21:20; 21:25; 22:13; 24:30-34
Whisperer: 16:28
Wife: 5:15-21; 6:29; 18:22; 19:13; 19:14; 31:10-31
Wine: 20:1; 21:17; 23:20-21; 23:29-35; 31:4-7
Wisdom: 1:7-9; 1:20-33; 2:1-22; 3:13-26; 4:1-12; 5:1-2; 8:1-36; 9:1-18
Wise: 3:35; 9:8-9; 10:1; 10:8; 10:14; 11:30; 12:15; 12:18; 13:1; 13:20; 14:1; 14:3; 14:16; 15:2; 15:7; 15:20; 15:31; 16:32; 17:28; 18:15; 20:26; 21:11; 21:20; 23:24:; 24:23; 25:12
Wise in own eyes: 26:5; 26:11; 26:12; 28:11
Wise v. Wicked: 10:6-31; 12:1-28; 13:5-25; 14:1-35; 15:5-33; 16:16; 24:13-14
Women: 5:3-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-20; 9:13-18; 11:22; 12:4; 14:1; 22:14; 31:3
Words: 10:19-21; 12:17-19; 12:22, 23, 25; 15:1-2; 15:4; 15:7; 16:20-24; 16:27-28; 17:5; 17:9; 18:8; 18:4; 21:6; 21:23; 21:28; 25:11; 26:4-5; 26:20-28; 29:11; 29:20; 30:14;
Worship: 3:9-10; 15:8; 20:25; 21:3; 20:27; 28:9

Posted in Bible Study, Proverbs | Tagged book of proverbs, table of contents | 4 Comments

Miracles (Part 2)

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

There are different words used in the Bible to describe super-natural work: (1) “Miracle” (e.g. Luke 23:8; Acts 2:22). The word is from the Greek, “dunamis” (it is from this word we derive our word “dynamite”). The word refers to “power” (Vine’s). It refers to the cause of the act, super-natural power. Such power is from God. (2) “Work” or “deed” (e.g. Luke 10:13; 24:19; Acts 2:11; 2 Corinthians 12:12). The original word, “ergon,” has reference to the deed or work itself. (3) “Wonder” (e.g. Acts 4:29-30; 5:12). The Greek word is “teras.” It refers to “something so strange as to cause it to be ‘watched’ or ‘observed’…” (Thayer). The word has reference to the wonderment and amazement of those who witnessed the super-natural work (cf. Matthew 15:31; Acts 3:7-10; 7:30-31; 8:13). (4) “Sign” (e.g. John 2:11; 4:54; 6:14; 12:18; Acts 2:22). The word, “semeion,” though sometimes translated “miracle” by the KJV, should be rendered “sign.” It refers to “a sign, mark, indication, token” (Vine’s). In other words, the design of the miracle was to lead man to a truth beyond the miracle itself (cf. John 3:2).

We are studying the subject of miracles. In this part, we will consider the specific miraculous gifts given in the New Testament.

Specific Gifts

The following lists are composed from the three chapters (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4):

Gifts of Revelation: (1) The word of wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8 cf. 2:6-7). This refers to the receiving and revealing of God’s hidden wisdom. (2) The word of knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8, cf. 1:4-5; 13:2; 13:8; 14:6). This refers to knowing and teaching God’s will. The distinction may be that the first gift had to do with revealing God’s word (his was done by the apostles and the New Testament prophets); While, the second gift had to do with the inspired ability to teach what had already been revealed by the apostles and the prophets.

Gifts of confirmation: (1) Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9 cf. 13:2; Matthew 17:20; 21:21; Mark 9:23; 11:22-23). It is true that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17 cf. Luke 8:11-12; John 5:45-47;; 17:20; 20:30-31; Acts 8:12; 17:11-12; 18:8; Ephesians 1:13-14). This, however, refers to super-natural works designed to build faith in others, and were accomplished through the faith of the workers (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:2; Matthew 17:20; 21:21; Mark 9:23; 11:22-23). We now move from the general to some specific kinds of miracles as the list continues – (2) Gifts of healings (1 Corinthians 12:9). This includes the ability to super-naturally heal various diseases and illnesses, and demon possession (cf. Acts 8:4-8; 28:8-9). (3) The working of miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10). David Lipscomb commented, “The word here translated ‘working’ literally means ‘inworking’ of powers. That is… the ability to impart power of working miracles others.” The apostles had this ability (Acts 8:14-18; 19:6-7; Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 1:7 cf. 2 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:2-5; 2 Timothy 1:6). (4) Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10 cf. 13:2; 13:8). The term “prophecy” means “to speak forth” (see Vine’s). It does not necessarily mean to foretell the future. It can mean simply “the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God” (Vine’s). However, since this is in the grouping of gifts of confirmation, this seems to refer to predictive prophecy (cf. Acts 11:27-28; 21:10-11). Note: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 is divided into three groupings, each group being separated by the word “heterous” (another of a different kind). (5) Discerning of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10). This refers to the super-natural ability to discern what is in man, his thoughts, and if he is speaking the truth (cf. John 2:25; Matthew 9:3-4; Acts 5:1-3; 1 John 2:19-20; 2:26-27).

Gifts of communication: (1) Kinds of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10 cf. 13:2; 13:8; 14:8-11; 14:18-19; 14:27; 14:39). This is the super-natural ability to speak in a foreign language without studying it [(cf. Acts 2:4-11). Note: For more information see article – Tongue Speaking: What Was It? By Bryan Hodge]. (2) The interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10 cf. 14:27-28). This is the super-natural ability to interpret. Note: This grouping – gifts of communication – helped in both revelation and confirmation.

Ministries

Miraculous gifts are closely connected with certain positions and works in the early church. Consider:

Positions of Revelation and Teaching: (1) Apostles (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28). The word literally means, “one sent forth” on a mission (Vine’s). This is speaking of the apostles of Jesus Christ. They were selected eyewitnesses, commissioned to carry the gospel into all of the work (Acts 1:21-22 cf. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8). They evidently possessed all miraculous gifts (Acts 2:4; 3:6-7; 8:14-17; 9:40; 1 Corinthians 14:18; Acts 14:8-10; Acts 19:1-6; Acts 20:9-10, 12). (2) Prophets (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:6). The word literally means “one who speaks forth” (see Vine’s). Think of it this way – all apostles were prophets (Ephesians 2:20; 3:5, Granville Sharp Rule); but not all prophets were apostles (Acts 2:17-18; 11:27-28; 21:8-9; 21:10). (3) Evangelist (Ephesians 4:11). The word literally means “a bringer of good news” (Thayer) Philip is so-called (Acts 21:8). Timothy is so called (2 Timothy 4:5). They “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). (4) Teachers (1 Corinthians 12:29; Romans 12:7). The book of Ephesians speaks of pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Think of it this way – all pastors are to be teachers [Ephesians 4:11 (notice these words are not divided with a “some” between them); 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9]; but not all teachers are pastors (2 Timothy 2:1-2). The term ‘pastor’ refers to an elder (Acts 20:17 cf. 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1 cf. 5:2-4).

Positions of miracle workers: (1) Workers of miracles (1 Corinthians 12:28-29). David Lipscomb commented, “The in-working of powers.” That is, the ability to confer miraculous abilities unto others. (2) Gifts of healings (1 Corinthians 12:28, 30). This is possibly the gifts used by “he who shows mercy” (Romans 12:8).

Position of communication: (1) Speakers of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:28, 30). (2) Interpreters of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:30).

Position of leadership: (1) Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28). This is perhaps the same as those who minister (Romans 12:7). This is possibly a reference to deacons. (2) Administrations (1 Corinthians 12:28). This is possibly a reference to elderships. Romans speaks of “he who leads” (Romans 12:8).

Miscellaneous works: (1) Exhorting (Romans 12:8). This can be done by preaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Such can also be done in daily conversation, and in the assembly of the church (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25). Barnabas was an exhorter (Acts 4:26). (2) Liberal giving (Romans 12:8). God evidently blessed some, so that they would be able to give liberally. The rich should understand the responsibility to properly use their money (1 Timothy 6:17-18 cf. Luke 12:48b; 2 Corinthians 8:12).

It should be kept in mind that while some of the listed ministries require miraculous gifts (e.g. apostle, prophet, workers of miracles, etc.), many of those listed do not require miraculous gifts. Apollos, for example, proclaimed Jesus from the scriptures without inspiration (Acts 18:24-28). However, the various positions and works are listed with the miraculous, because these positions and works were frequently accompanied by miraculous gifts in the early church.

Diversity of Gifts

A couple of things should be kept in mind. First, it was possible to be a Christian in the first century, and be without a miraculous gift (Acts 8:9-17; Romans 1:11), for at least a period of time, and maybe always. Second, the various gifts were distributed through the church. Not all Christians received the same gift or gifts (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-30; Ephesians 4:7-16).

Why didn’t God give all miraculous gifts to each and every member of the early church? The answer is that He wanted the members working together as members of the human body do (Romans 12:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-17; Ephesians 4:16).

There is an application for us, beyond the miraculous gifts context. Strengths and weaknesses differ from member to member. We each have innate and acquired abilities and skills. These abilities and skills are to be used in the body “for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:26b; 1 Peter 4:10). Let us work together to build up and strengthen the church. Let us work together to reach the lost. Let us work together to the glory of God.

Posted in Miracles, Pentecostalism, Signs, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged 1 Corinthians 12, administations, apollos, apostle, barnabas, deacons, different words for miracle, diversity of gifts, dunimus, dynamite, elders, Ephesians 4, ergon, evangelist, exhorting, gift of discernment, gift of faith, gift of interpretation of tongues, gift of prophecy, gifts of communication, gifts of confirmation, gifts of healings, gifts of revelation, gifts of tongues, Granville Sharp, helps, in working of power, interpreters of tongues, kinds of tongues, liberal giving, miracle, miscellaneous works, not all had same gifts, pastors and teachers, philip, positions of communication, positions of leadership, positions of miracle worker, positions of revelation and teaching, prophet, Romans 12, scripture uses three groups of gifts, semeion, show mercy, sign, speakers of tongues, specific gifts, specific ministries, teacher, teras, the working of miracles, timothy, use of gifts for prfit of all, wonder, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, work, workers of miracles | Leave a comment

In The News: An Open and Shut Case

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

James Dixon stood accused of shooting police sergeant Richard Scanlon in the abdomen during a scuffle on Chicago’s south side. James Dixon was guilty, right? He did shoot sergeant Richard Scanlon, right?

Here’s are some facts: (1) A neighbor called the police to report a man with a gun. Scanlon arrived to find Dixon noisily arguing with his girlfriend’s father. (2) Dixon and the father began to physically fight. Scanlon stepped in to break it up. A shot rang out. Scanlon was hit. (3) A .22 caliber gun belonging to Dixon was found nearby. It was covered with Dixon’s fingerprints. One bullet had been fired from the gun. (4) The father, by all accounts, had been unarmed. (5) The policeman’s revolver remained holstered. (6) Powder-burns on Scanlon’s skin showed that he had been shot at close range. (7) Dixon had a previous rap-sheet. (8) Dixon pleaded guilty. Note: The officer did not die, He was awarded a medal for bravery for his efforts.

An open and shut case, right? Not exactly. Consider these additional details: (1) Some witnesses said that before Scanlon arrived Dixon’s gun had discharged once. The bullet went downward into the front porch. Moreover, there was a chip in the porch consistent with the testimony. (2) Dixon explained that he had hidden the gun because he didn’t want to be caught with it, not because he had shot the officer. (3) The powder-burns were concentrated in the inside – but not above – the left pocket of Scanlon’s shirt. (4) Dixon had spent three years prior in prison, but he had been wrongfully convicted. (5) The confession and guilty plea was part of a plea bargain agreement. If convicted Dixon could go away for twenty years in prison. If he pleaded guilty, the sentence would be one year, and he had already spent 362 days in jail, thus he was almost done – if he would plea bargain.

What was the truth? The truth eventually was brought forth by the press. Scanlon had an illegal pen gun. It had unintentionally gone off in the struggle. Scanlon had shot himself by accident. Dixon was exonerated and won a lawsuit against the police. Scanlon was stripped of his medal, pleaded guilty to official misconduct, and the veteran officer was fired.

The moral? Be careful before condemning. 1 Timothy 5:22 reads, “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partakers of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”

Note: The Dixon-Scanlon story is told in The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel, pp. 9-ff. Also, Lee Strobel, “Four Years in Jail – and Innocent,” Chicago Tribune (August 22, 1976) and “Did Justice Close Her Eyes (August 21, 1977).

Posted in Judgment | Tagged 1 Timothy 5:22, book the case for the christ, careful before judging, chicago, chicago tribune, did justice close her eyes, four years in jail and innocent, in the news, james dixon, justice, lay hands suddenly on no man, lee strobel, pen gun, plea bargain, police officer misconduct, richard scanlon, wrongful conviction | 4 Comments

Bryan Hodge

This Is Our Watch

Sixteen Things About Jesus

Miracles (Part 5)

The Golden Text

Miracles (Part 4)

Miracles (Part 3)

The Life of Christ in Scripture Alone

Proverbs By Topic

Miracles (Part 2)

In The News: An Open and Shut Case

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