Tuesday, November 22, 2011

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For Sunday November 27, 2011

DOES YOUR LIFE SPEAK WELL OF GOD?
(We are to behave in a way that our lives will be a tribute to GOD)
(Romans 15:1-13)

In Romans 15:1-13, Paul expands on the subject that he had already introduced in chapter 14, of living to please others. Our pursuit of righteous living requires us to be able to live a life of love for one another. It means that we must be able to stop judging others, and, at the same time, evaluate how the exercising of our personal freedoms may affect other people’s lives. The strong Christian must be able to tolerate the weak Christian in the interest of building them up.
Paul had already written in chapter 14 how Christians should not condemn, despise, or hinder the conduct of one another. Here in chapter 15, he gives us another principal that we need to observe, while dealing with one another, and that is, that, we must strive to be “imitators” of CHRIST. We must be aware at all times that JESUS was a person WHO always ministered on behalf of others, and as Christians, we need to reflect that image to the world, through our own behavior.
As Paul continues to define the responsibilities of Christians towards one another, he also gives us a wonderful summary of what should characterize, or be the attributes of, the Christian community as a whole. Paul’s idea of a Christian community, is that of a place, where everyone has a strong consideration for the needs of others. It should also be a place that identifies itself by being encouraged by the study of the Scriptures, and, by a desire to incorporate GOD’s word into the everyday lives of its people.
The Christian community should also have a fortitude that is exemplified in the attitude that each individual has towards life, and how they are able to cope with life, in a GODly manner. It is a community that needs to represent to the world, the personification of hope. We should be able to exist in harmony with one another, because, the “CHRIST” in us, is greater than the “world” in us. And finally, we must be in the “Praise Mode”, at all times remembering just WHO we represent in the world, and that is of course, CHRIST JESUS.
After pointing to CHRIST as a model for all Christians, Paul moves on to talk a bit more about JESUS’ ministry and the objectives thereof. First of all, JESUS came to us as a servant. GOD had two objectives to accomplish through JESUS’ mission. The first was to confirm the promise of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, for the Jews, and the second was so that the Gentiles may also glorify HIM for HIS mercy.
Those two purposes are now being achieved as Israel, as a nation, has been set aside, and the church is being formed with both Jews and Gentiles all over the world. This will be fulfilled in the future when Israel, once again, will take its place as head of the nations of the earth, and become a blessing to all people. To demonstrate the validity of this claim, Paul goes on to cite four Old Testament passages (read Romans 15:9-12). The significance of these quotations is that they are taken, one from each division of the Old Testament, the Law (Moses), the Prophets (Isaiah), and the Psalms (King David).
There is a progression of thought in these four quotations that we’ll do well not to miss. In the first quotation, David praises GOD among the Gentiles. In the second, Moses exhorts the Gentiles to rejoice with the Jews. In the third, the psalmist commands the Gentiles to praise the LORD. And, in the fourth, Isaiah predicts that the Gentiles will live under the rule of the MESSIAH, and will find hope in HIM.
Our peace results from the assurance that GOD will fulfill all of our hopes. And Paul’s desire was that GOD would fill his readers with the joy and peace that would reign eternal. Only when the surge of CHRIST’s power fills the voids of our human weaknesses, will we, ourselves, be able to overcome this life, just as CHRIST did.


PERSONAL APPLICATION:

(1). Be responsible to CHRIST JESUS for your conscience, and don’t attempt to
       make others responsible for you.
(2). JESUS helped us to establish a pattern of welcome that we must, in turn,
       convey to others, all along our Christian walk.
(3). The strong Christian is obligated to take the initiative in the Christian
       community, and, in the world. They must consider, at all times, what is most
       helpful in building up those who are weak.
(4). Show love and concern by actively reaching out to embrace the weak. That way
       you will be able to build a spirit of unity in the Christian congregation.


LIFE RESPONSE:

Pray for continued strength through CHRIST JESUS. The farther you go along your Christian struggle, the MORE you need prayer, not less. Amen.


KEY VERSE: Romans 15:7


DEVOTIONAL PASSAGES: 1 Corinthians 3:15-20, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 1 Corinthians 13


A Book by Book Bible Study by,
Larry D. Alexander


Friday, November 11, 2011

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For Sunday November 13, 2011

DO YOU SHOW RESPECT TO OTHERS?
(We are to show respect to other Christians, even when we find it difficult)
(Romans 14)

In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul once again turns his attention to the subject of “faith-based righteousness” in regards to relationships within the Christian community. We, as believers, are to accept one another without condemning each other for our personal convictions regarding our interpretations about our Christian faith. We, as human beings, have no right to judge others in that respect, because, in all respects, we are all indeed, people under judgment. We are all responsible to the LORD, so let HIM tell others, through the HOLY SPIRIT, whether they are right or wrong. The LORD’s OWN power will convict them, and help guide them in their decisions to do the right thing. In other words, each person will have a personal conviction about all matters of the heart (Vs. 3-4).
Christians come to the faith from various backgrounds and we all grow spiritually at different rates. If we are to live in the Christian community in the harmony of CHRIST, we must all learn to avoid differences of opinion over matters that are not sin according to Scripture. For example, a believer with certain Christian principles should not be invited into the Christian community with the intentions of changing their view or opinion about things that do not go against Christian doctrine, by debating with them.
Here in this chapter, Paul uses as an example, one of the most debated areas of Christian principles, which is the subject of food consumption. One man’s Christian faith allows him to eat everything, while another man’s faith only allows him to eat vegetables (v. 2). In such situations, Paul says, neither believer should judge the other’s motives. A Christian servant’s motives for doing things should only be judged by GOD, and not by his fellow believers, especially regarding those things that are not forbidden by Scripture (Vs. 4).
Another area Paul touches on is, the days of which a person worships. One person may consider one day more important, or more sacred than the other, while another person may hold that they are all equally important. Paul says that each person should be convinced in his own mind, examining his own heart to be sure that he is doing what he feels the LORD would have him do. That person should then, hold his opinion up to the LORD, and this is true regarding all issues where an honest difference of opinion exists between Christians (Vs. 5-6).
Everyone in life, and in death, is under the watchful eye of GOD, and we are all accountable to HIM, and not to each other, at least, not for our motives behind our actions regarding things that are not prohibited by Scripture. One Christian should not look down on another Christian because of the things that they do, that are not specifically prohibited by GOD. It is GOD’s job to dole out “krino” (judgment), and you can be assured that every one of us will have to make an account for the deeds done in our lifetimes (Vs 7-12).
Paul’s warnings against judging relates specifically to the Christian’s attitudes and actions, toward the convictions of other Christians, especially regarding their respective Christian beliefs. We should not cause another Christian to stumble, by arguing over things, and trying to get that person to commit to certain convictions that are not of scripture, but rather, are just a matter of opinion. Paul says that he is perfectly sure, on the authority of CHRIST JESUS, that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then, for that person, it is wrong, and as Christian brothers and sisters, we should respect that, as it is (Vs. 13-14).  
The kingdom of GOD is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but rather, it is a matter of living a life of goodness, peace, and joy, in the HOLY SPIRIT. Our aim should always be toward harmony and trying to build each other up in the Church. We should never tear apart the work of CHRIST over what a person eats or drinks, nor, over what days of the week that person worships on. However, it is wrong to eat or drink something, or do anything when, if by eating, or by doing it, it causes another Christian to stumble. But we should never condemn ourselves for something that we know is all right by Scripture (Vs. 13-22), and if you harbor any doubts about something you may be doing, then don’t do it, lest you be condemned for not acting in faith. If you do anything that you believe is not right, you are sinning. For whatsoever is not of faith, is sin (v. 23).


PERSONAL APPLICATION:

(1). Try to discover ways to identify and avoid the stumbling blocks that Christians
       often create between themselves in the Christian community.
(2). Think of some people in your church that you know are burdened by heavy
       issues, yet no one has made an effort to uplift them, and then, commit yourself to
       reaching out to them.
(3). Make a pledge that you will not build new stumbling blocks for other Christians
       by criticizing, gossiping, stereotyping, etc., and then, sign your name to that
       pledge.


LIFE RESPONSE:

Pray and ask GOD to open your spiritual eyes so that you may see the stumbling blocks that you may be putting before other Christians by way of your own behavior. Pray also that GOD will allow the SPIRIT to work inside of you and help you to honor others, and not judge others wrongly.


KEY VERSE: Romans 14:13


DEVOTIONAL PASSAGES: Mathew 6:14, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 25:31-46


A Book by Book Bible Study by,
Larry D. Alexander


larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com


                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website




Friday, November 4, 2011

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For Sunday November 6, 2011

CAN YOU BE COUNTED ON?
(We should exhibit high quality behavior in all we do)
(Romans 13)

All the governments of man are servants of GOD, but few recognize it in the conscience sense. Governments are used and manipulated by GOD to achieve HIS purposes, weather they know it or not. Human governments must, at least, enforce a minimum amount of justice, lest that government be in danger of collapsing on itself. If criminal behavior were allowed to go unchecked, human society would come to an abrupt and tragic halt.
In Romans 13, the apostle Paul lectures on obedience to the authority that GOD has vested in mankind. Out of respect and reverence for GOD, a Christian must show respect for the governing body of any particular city, state, or country, in which they reside. We must pay our taxes and obey the laws of that society at all times (Romans 13:1-6).
At first sight, this passage tends to provoke a surprising reaction from most Christians because it seems to suggest absolute obedience on the part of a Christian to conform to civil law. However, it is a commandment that also shows up a few other times in New Testament scripture, notably, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13-17.  I suppose one could debate that these passages were written during a time before the Roman government had begun to persecute Christians. However, we know for a fact that, in the book of Acts, often the secular magistrate served as a safe haven for those same Christians who were attacked by their Jewish brothers for preaching the doctrine of CHRIST. And even centuries later, long after persecutions had begun, during the reign of the Emperor Claudius (Acts 18), the Christian teachers still stuck to this philosophy.  It was this persistent, consistent teaching that continued even when those persecutions escalated during the reign of the Emperor Nero, when both Paul and Peter were reported to have been martyred.
We can see quite vividly how the unchanging Word of GOD prevailed in strong Christian hearts down through the ages, even when it seemed unbearably difficult to obey HIS commands. Paul saw rebellion and insurrection against governments as a direct negation of Christian principals and doctrine. Paul correctly saw that no one can completely separate themselves from the society in which they live.
Everyone enjoys certain benefits from being a part of an organized government. And everyone has a responsibility to dedicate a part of themselves to the safety and welfare of their respective municipality, state, and nation. For instance, we should all pay our taxes, because our taxes supplies the need of those who work in government functions such as the military, law enforcement, fire fighting, garbage pick-ups, etc. (Romans 13:6-7).
Paying our debts is something that all of us struggle with from time to time, but in order to satisfy and fulfill GOD’s requirement, we must all try and make sure we eventually get our debts paid. In fact, Paul says that the only debt that we should leave owing is “the debt of love for each other as Christians”. That is a debt, Paul says, that we should never finish paying. If we continue to love our neighbor, we will continue to fulfill the requirement of GOD’s Law (Romans 13:8).
The commandments against adultery, murder, stealing, coveting, etc. are all summed up in the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. If you love your neighbor, you won’t commit adultery with their spouse. If you love your neighbor, you won’t kill them, or steal from them, or despise them with envy of what they have, or own (Romans 13:9-10).
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For, that is the warning that the ancient prophets, and New Testament writers and thinkers all leave us with. And that is the warning that Paul gives us here in this passage starting in verse 11. Because our time here on earth is short, that gives us greater reason to want to do that which is right in the eyes of GOD. It is time to shed our evil ways like dirty clothes, and then, re-dress ourselves in the armor of right living. We must become decent and true in everything that we do so that our behavior will be accepted by both man and GOD (Romans 13:11-13a).
The days of wild partying, getting high, engaging in all sorts of immoral living, and fighting with each other because of jealous and envious motives, must end, especially among those who profess to be Christians (Romans 13:13b). Just as Christians are a part of the body of CHRIST’s Church, they are, just as well, a part of the body of their nation, and should serve as a GODly example, or “light”, to the world at large.
In this world, and, in the world to come, there can be no such thing as an isolated individual. Paul clearly understood GOD’s intent in secular governments and he also clearly understood GOD’s intent in the Church as well. He clearly and correctly saw, both the Church, and the secular nation, as instruments in the hands of GOD, both unwittingly poised for a time when GOD would choose to awaken them for use in HIS OWN grand and divine plan. GOD always has a way of showing us that HE is subject to no one’s will but HIS OWN. And we might as well come to rest in that thought, lest we continue to be disappointed in our position in a world that only GOD, can, and will, control.


PERSONAL APPLICATION:

(1). The only debt GOD wants us to owe is “the debt of love for one another”, and that
       is a debt, which can never be paid.
(2). Our continued debt of love for each other enables us to fulfill the Law of GOD, and
       that will raise our credit scores to the heights of Heaven.
(3). There is never a right time to do the wrong thing, and there is never a wrong
       time to do the right thing.
(4). Christians must submit to governing authorities, because they are servants
       of GOD’s put in place to lead us (although, most often, unwittingly). And so,
       submission,  to authorities, shows reverence for GOD indirectly.


LIFE RESPONSE:

Pray to GOD for the strength of submission, so that you may be able to clothe yourself in the love of CHRIST, rather than gratify yourself with the desires of a sinful nature.


KEY VERSE: Romans 13:1


DEVOTIONAL PASSAGES: Matthew 22:17-21, Ephesians 6:1-3, Ephesians 6:12


A Book by Book Bible Study by,
Larry D. Alexander


larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com


                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website