Saturday, May 25, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For the week beginning Sunday May 26, 2013
____________________________________________________________

PLEASE GOD IN YOUR WORSHIP
(Actions that please GOD in our worship)
1 Timothy 2

In the first century, the city of Ephesus was a well-known center for idol worship. It was even the home of the imposing temple of the idol god “Artemis” which was considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. People often went to this magnificent structure in a misguided superstitious attempt to find life’s truths through rituals and sacrificial offerings to this popular false god.
Paul had left his young protégé, Timothy, in this idolatrous city to head up and minister to the newly founded Christian church, that was, understandably, struggling with Christian teaching, church manners, and various other aspects of lifestyles. These were, of course, the common issues that inevitably influence any society that is long permeated by an idolatrous atmosphere and climate.
Paul wrote this first “pastoral letter” to Timothy to provide him with various instructions and encouragement on how to deal with these issues. He wanted his young pastor to not become overwhelmed by his enormous task, and to live wholeheartedly with GOD’s bigger picture in mind, at all times.
The importance of right living is at the core of the message in this important letter, and it also stresses the importance of knowing the truth of the Gospel, and defending it against the false teachings that had infiltrated even the minds of some in the Christian church. Paul wanted those who were of the Body of CHRIST, to become good examples and ambassadors, careful to live what they believe, so that satan wouldn’t be able to use their own failings against them, and to hinder the growth and spread of Christianity.
In 1 Timothy 2, verse 1, the apostle Paul uses, no less than four, of the New Testament’s seven words that are used for “prayer”;

·         First we see the word “intercession”, translated from the original Greek word, “enteuxis” (ent-yook-sis), and it literally means “to enter into the presence of a king, in order to present a petition, on behalf of someone else”. This word lets us know that the way to GOD is always open, even when, and I dare say, especially when, we are petitioning for someone else.We oftentimes find it easy to pray for those whom we know and love, and especially those people whose life situations have a direct impact on our own lives. But what about those individuals whom we may know, but actually have very little contact with on a personal level? Sometimes, even though we may know that these individuals may be going through a crisis, we may not necessarily feel compelled to pray for, or with them, to our GOD, WHO is KING of all.
·         The second word Paul uses is the word “prayer” itself, which is translated from the Greek word “proseuche” (pros-yoo-khay), and it means “to bow down and petition in worship of GOD”. This petition is never used for any other purpose than to approach and request something of the Almighty GOD.
·         Next we see the word “supplication”, which is translated from the Greek rendering “deesis” (deh-ay-sis), which means “to request”. It, in itself, is not exclusively a religious word, because it can be addressed to either GOD, or man.
·         And finally, we see the term “giving of thanks”. It is a term that comes from the Greek rendering “eucharistia” (yoo-khar-is-tee-ah) and it means, quite literally, “thanks to GOD for all things”. This word is meant to teach us that, not only should we bring our requests, and the requests of others to GOD, but we should also pray “prayers of thanksgiving” to GOD for HIS benevolence in all things.

In Paul’s instructions to Timothy, he urges him to carry out his mission of keeping the Ephesian Church focused on “sound doctrine” by interceding in prayer for GOD’s mercy on all men. He urges him to pray for kings, and others who are in authority, so that they, as a people, might live in peace, GODliness, and dignity (1 Tim. 2:2).
It is a fact, that, even today, a hostile governmental leadership can severely curtail the rights of the Christian Church to meet, worship, study, and evangelize. We must always remember to pray for, and not take for granted, our right of expression in the Christian faith. This, Paul stresses, is good and pleasing to CHRIST JESUS, because HE wants everyone to be saved, and, to understand the truth of HIS Word (1 Tim. 2:3-4).
In verse 5, in his original Greek writing, Paul uses the word “mesites” (mes-ee-tace), for “mediator”, when describing the function of CHRIST JESUS. Here, he depicts JESUS as “one who intercedes between two or more parties in an attempt to restore, or make peace”. JESUS, was and is, the only ONE ever qualified to take the role of “mediator” between GOD and man. HE is the only ONE WHOM GOD could call on to usher in HIS new “life giving Covenant” to man. And HE is also the only ONE WHO can usher us into GOD the FATHER’s OWN glorious presence without fear, without guilt, and, without shame.
JESUS, the 100% man, gave HIS life on the cross at Golgotha to purchase our freedom from sin and death (permanent separation from GOD). HIS message that GOD gave to the world at the proper time, is the absolute truth that must be taught to all who wish to hear it, by those who are called to teach it (Vs. 6-7). And wherever a church is assembled in GOD’s name, men ought to always pray with holy hands (not sinful hands) lifted up to GOD, free from controversy and anger (v.8).
In verses 9-15, Paul shifts to the importance of right conduct among the women of the Christian Church, which is a hard lesson to take for the women living in this “post women’ liberation movement era”. In fact, most modern-day preachers and pastors are scared to teach this passage for fear of losing most of their “tithes and offerings”, or, having to deal with the wraths of their angry “worldly wives” afterwards.
In fact, I think I’ll just quote this particular passage directly from the NLT (plain English version) bible, starting at verse 9, and reading through verse 15. That way, all my readers can send their e-mail debates and disagreements to the Apostle Paul and, or to JESUS in prayer, instead of sending them to me:

“ (9) And I want all women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair, or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. (10) For women who claim to be devoted to GOD should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. (11) Women should listen and learn quietly and submissively. (12) I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. (13) For GOD made Adam first, and afterward, HE made Eve. (14) And it was the woman, not Adam, who was deceived by satan, and sin was the result. (15) But women will be saved through childbearing and by continuing to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty”.
     
The warm embrace of the grace of GOD is infinitely limitless, and it wraps itself around the rich and the poor, the king and the commoner, the scholar and the ignorant, the young and the old, male and female, and even the so-called good and bad. No one is outside of the love of CHRIST, and no one is outside the purpose of GOD. GOD wishes for all men to be saved. JESUS’ three-year earthly ministry and vicarious sacrifice on the cross, stands alone, as the greatest example to us, as to how we should live, and sacrifice our own lives, for the salvation of others.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander





                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

Saturday, May 18, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For the week beginning Sunday May 19, 2013
____________________________________________________________

FOLLOW SOUND DOCTRINE
(Knowing when doctrine is sound)
1 Timothy 1

Paul’s first letter to Timothy was probably written during his first imprisonment                in Rome, which is chronicled by Luke at the conclusion of the book of Acts (Acts 28:17-31). Scholars believe that he was released from this “house arrest”, which took place circa A.D. 64, in a house that was rented by Paul. After this imprisonment, Paul is said to have gone on another preaching mission, one that would be his last. He returned to Rome two years later and was re-arrested, and this time, was sentenced to death and beheaded, near the end of the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero in A.D. 67. It was during this second imprisonment (A.D. 66) that he wrote his second letter to Timothy, and it would become his last known written communication.
Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus, so as to help him deal with the problems caused by false teachers in the church. He wanted to give the young pastor instructions and encouragement to aid him in his struggles with other church matters as well, such as, the various issues in the church involving lifestyles.
Like all the rest of Scripture, the theme of this letter centers around the importance of “right belief” and “right behavior”. In it, Paul stresses how we need to know the truth, and then, defend it against false teaching that will, no doubt develop, as it always does, even in our modern-day churches. As Christians, in the Church, we must all be prepared to defend the Word of GOD against the forces of satan who are forever trying to penetrate its walls. Satan desires to mix worldly ideas into holy functions, so as to confuse the thought process of the congregation who are, for the most part, not nearly familiar enough with the doctrine that they say they represent.
In First Timothy 1, verse 2, the word Paul uses for “own”, in his original Greek writings, is “gnesios” (gnay-see-os), and it means “genuine”, or “true”. This represents one of only two times (Titus 1:4 is the other) that this particular word is used in the New Testament for “own”. Here, Paul is expressing his deep feeling of love for his young protégé, Timothy, just as he was for Titus, his other outstanding young protégé in Titus 1:4.
In both instances, Paul also exposes to us, a deep feeling of trust and confidence in these two young men that they will adhere to the ways of the sound, and right Christian doctrine which they had learned from him. He was not overly concerned that their faith might not be strong enough to withstand the rigors of church work, nor was he concerned about the outside influences and false teachings that periodically infiltrated the church, but rather, he just wanted to under-gird them with words of inspiration and encouragement, something that all Christians need in order to function in a world that is adverse to the ways of GOD.
Taking up at verse 3, Paul reminds Timothy why he left him there to oversee the Church at Ephesus. He wanted him to “remain there” so that he could ward off the false teachings that lurked just outside the door. A good shepherd (pastor) cannot properly tend his flock if he running up and down the streets socializing with other pastors.
Paul also did not want the church to engage the world (wolves in sheep clothing) in silly arguments over myths (teachings that cleverly mix “worldly ideas” with “biblical truths”) and other spiritual pedigrees (their relationships to respected men of GOD). Such things are dangerous, as they mislead, and stumble, people who truly wish to live a life of faith in the Almighty GOD. Paul’s desire was that all Christians be filled with a love that can only come from a clear conscience, a sincere faith, and a pure heart, that is fixed on GOD (Vs.3-5).
In those days, just like in churches today, pastors and teachers are missing the whole point of what their responsibilities are; they are to show those who are ignorant of the ways of GOD, just how they are living their lives in ways that are contrary to the instructions of GOD. Pastors want to be known as teachers of the Word of GOD, but they themselves have become “spiritually confused” about their roles, mainly because they are all listening to, and following each other, and no one is listening to, or following GOD (Vs.6-7).
Paul says GOD’s laws are not intended for those who live right, but rather, they are intended for those who live wrong. And these laws are only good when they are used as intended by GOD. They are to be applied in teaching to;

·         Those who are disobedient and rebellious (v.9),
·         Those who are ungodly and sinful (v.9),
·         Those who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy (v.9),
·         Those who murder their father, mother, or any other person (v.9),
·         Those who are  sexually immoral (v.10),
·         Those who are homosexual (v.10),
·         Those who are slave traders (v.10),
·         Those who are liars and oath breakers (v.10),
·         Those who do anything else that contradicts the Word of GOD (v.10),

In verses 12-15, we see an eternally thankful Paul, that GOD would consider a sinner like him, trustworthy enough to serve HIM, especially, in light of all the persecution and condoned killings of HIS faithful, that he had previously took part in. In verse 13, Paul tells us that he had previously “scoffed” (blasphemed) at the name of CHRIST, and hunted down HIS people and harmed them in every way he could. In this verse the word translated from the original Greek as “injurious”, is “hubristes” (hoo-bris-tace), and it not only means “to harm”, but also, “to take great pleasure in harming”.
However, also in verse 13, Paul tells us that GOD showed mercy on him, because of his ignorance and unbelief. He goes on to tell us in verse 15, that, JESUS came into the world to save sinners, and that he perhaps, was the worst sinner of all. He was forever thankful that GOD, not only saves sinners, but also, transforms them into someone HE can use.
Paul saw himself as history’s greatest example of how GOD’s mercy can reach the worst of sinners, and use them as a source of light and hope for others who either want to believe, or, who have been previously ignorant to the truth of HIS ways and word.
Finally in verses 18-20, Paul urges young Timothy to hold on to his faith and never violate his conscience (which is the HOLY SPIRIT). He also warns Timothy that, if he allows his conscience to be violated, like so many others have, his faith too, could become “shipwrecked”.
And so, in conclusion, how do we find the strength to serve? GOD’s perfect will for every believer is that we hear, receive, and submit to HIS holy word with exceeding joy. HE then wants us to allow the seed of HIS word to produce good fruit in our lives, so that we can take that good fruit, and feed the lives of others.
However, we must constantly fertilize the seed of HIS word with prayer in order to grow strong in the faith, and, to help others grow strong also. For our strength to serve comes from the GOD we serve, and it comes through CHRIST JESUS. And until we can grasp and understand that, we will always be in danger of living or existing in shipwrecked lives, forever looking for physical answers, to problems, that have always been spiritual.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander





                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website


Sunday, May 12, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For the week beginning Sunday May 12, 2013
____________________________________________________________

PURSUING THOSE WHO NEED TO HEAR
(Be willing to tell everyone about the Gospel of CHRIST)
Jonah 3 & 4

The prophet Jonah ministered during the reign of Jeroboam II. Years earlier, during the reign of Jeroboam II’s great grandfather, Jehu, the nation of Assyria had established dominance in the east, and, had secured tributes from Jehu, in effect, making him a vassal king. Sometime later, however, the Assyrians suffered a temporary setback due to dissension within their camp, and this allowed Jeroboam II to expand Israel’s territories to its greatest size since the “United Kingdom” of David and Solomon.
Unfortunately, because of Jeroboam II’s disobedience to GOD, and his leading of Israel farther into idolatry, GOD had sent both Amos, and Hosea into northern Israel to warn him of Israel’s impending judgment if they didn’t repent and return to HIM. In fact, the prophet Hosea specifically told Israel that GOD would use the Assyrians to topple them because of their refusal to return to HIM (Hosea 11:5).
It seems likely that, because Assyria had been lingering in a weakened and declining state for some years at that time, Israel did not believe the prophets, and remained stubborn, refusing to heed their warnings from GOD. And perhaps these prophecies by Amos and Hosea also explain why Jonah was reluctant to obey GOD and go to preach repentance to Nineveh. He of course, was one who believed Amos and Hosea, and so, he, understandably had a problem with going to save his enemies, so that they can come later and destroy Israel. 
In chapter 3 we see, a now obedient Jonah, travels to Nineveh to deliver GOD’s message to the Assyrian populace, while still, hoping in his heart, that they would not heed his warning of imminent judgment. However, to the contrary, the people of Nineveh believed GOD’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they decided to fast and dress themselves in sackcloth to show GOD their sorrow for their sins.
Even the Assyrian king, when he heard Jonah’s message, stepped down from his throne, took off his royal robes, humbled himself and repented as he sat on a pile of ashes, demonstrating his own sorrow for his sins, and the sins of the people. He even issued an edict to the entire city of Nineveh commanding everyone (and also their animals) to fast without food, or water. Every person was to wear sackcloth, and pray earnestly to the GOD of the Israelites, that HE might not destroy them. And when GOD saw their demonstration of earnest repent and obedience to HIM, HE had mercy on them and did not carry out HIS alternate plan of destruction.
When we obey GOD, as Jonah ultimately decided to do, our actions witness to others, and, as in this case, can have a positive effect, even on unbelievers. The use of the Hebrew term “Elohim” for “GOD” in verses 8 and 10, shows that the Assyrians lacked having a personal, revelatory relationship with GOD, and perhaps in this story, we do not actually see a true “conversion” by them, to the ways of GOD. What we do see here, for sure, is an emotional stirring of the heart, through fear of their desperate situation. This is not at all unlike what we see at the alters of our modern-day Christian churches, particularly when people come up during “Altar Call”, because of emotional, or physical reasons, rather than a desire to repent and make the drastic lifestyle changes, and heart changes, that one must determine to make, in order to please GOD.
Nineveh’s repentance delayed GOD’s wrath on them for another 150 years. However, as man always does, so too, the people of Nineveh fell back into the doldrums of sin, and their city was still ultimately destroyed. World history tells us that Nineveh was invaded and destroyed by Nabopolasser, the Babylonian king, with help from his ally Cyaxeres the Mede, in 612 B.C. (also see Nahum’s prophecy in the book of Nahum).
Jonah’s preaching to the Ninevites, which resulted in their repentance and their turning to GOD, angered Jonah very much. In fact, in chapter 4 of his book, we see that Jonah threw a major, adult-sized temper tantrum, stormed out of the city, and sat underneath a large leafy plant that GOD had provided for his protection from the blazing hot sun. There he literally sulked throughout the night.
GOD continues to deal with Jonah, however, as HE sends a worm to kill the plant that HE had made for the disgruntled prophet, causing him to be angered to the point of death. The lesson that GOD is trying to teach Jonah here is that when we cause GOD to withdraw HIS compassion from us, through our own ungratefulness and disobedience, we don’t have a right to be angry when we see HIM bestowing HIS compassion upon someone else, even if its upon those whom we don’t like.
We cannot be sure, whether or not this lesson was lost on Jonah, for his book ends without him ever responding to GOD’s final comments to him. However, as I said in last week’s commentary, Jonah was clearly at fault with his attitude of not wanting GOD’s “Will of compassion” to be demonstrated in the lives of others, even if he feared they might harm him at some future date. If we pray for GOD’s Will to done, even in the lives of those we think might harm us, as believers, we have to know that GOD, can and will, act on their heart for the better, and thus, remove us from the peril of their wicked intentions.
The book of Jonah has often been called “The Gospel of Second Chance”, because it clearly shows that when we know GOD, HE will not let us run away from obedience for too long. And sometimes, HE may have to place great storms in our lives, or, great fishes in our paths, to get our attention. However, we can be thankful, because ultimately, “our good and compassionate GOD” always has our best interest at heart.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Saturday, May 4, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For the week beginning Sunday May 5, 2013
____________________________________________________________

GOD PURSUES THOSE WHOM HE CALLED TO TELL
(Taking the Gospel into other parts of the world)
Jonah 1 & 2

In Jonah chapter one, the prophet Jonah is called by GOD to travel some 550 miles northeast, from the city of Samaria, to the great double-walled city of Nineveh. This was a tall order on many levels, one of which is that, Nineveh is located in the middle of the Assyrian Empire, and the Assyrians were Israel’s greatest enemy at that time.
In those days, Nineveh was a large city of around 120,000 inhabitants. In fact, it was so large that it would take a person three days, just to see the whole city. It also had the unique characteristic of being surrounded by, not one, but two walls, an inner wall, and, an outer wall. The inner wall, which was 100 feet high and 50 feet thick, directly surrounded the central city of Nineveh, while the outer wall surrounded the smaller towns, villages, and fields that were situated outside of the city.
Jonah’s task was to go there and deliver GOD’s message of judgment on the people, that, if they did not repent within 40 days, they would be destroyed. And to make things tougher, the Assyrians, at that time, weren’t even worshipers of the GOD of Israel. This, I’m sure, served as a great motivation for Jonah’s decided disobedience to the LORD’s call, and he instead, chose to run away to avoid obeying GOD’s command.
A quick look at ancient land maps, tell us, that, Jonah ran as far as he could in the opposite direction. Jonah, who was apparently not quite as compassionate towards the Assyrians as GOD was, jumped on a ship that was headed to Tarshish, a Phoenician colony located some 2500 miles west of Joppa, which was the farthest point west from Israel, as they knew it at that time.
Bible history tells us, however, that GOD miraculously altered the plans on Jonah’s itinerary, by ultimately causing him to be swallowed up by a great fish, during a divinely provoked storm at sea. And after three days, and much prayer from Jonah in the belly of the fish, GOD, in HIS OWN unique way, releases Jonah back on dry land, giving him a second chance at obedience. And so Jonah re-incorporated the travel plans that GOD had originally given him in Samaria, that, he travel to Nineveh and deliver GOD’s message to unbelievers who lived there (Jonah chapter 2).
Throughout Old Testament biblical literature, whenever true believers, who have undergone a genuine transformation of the heart, and thereby, are experiencing a personal, revelatory relationship with GOD, they always refer to GOD by HIS personal, revelatory name, which is “YAHWEH”. This is the term of reverence used by Jonah when he refers to GOD here in this passage.
However, GOD has compassion even on those who do not know him, for HE allows it to rain on the “just” and the “unjust” at the same time, and perhaps, this is why; There are many people in this world who don’t believe in GOD, yet are still capable of doing “a right thing” from time to time. And there are many Christians in this world, who often know the “right thing” to do, yet, we yield to our “sin nature”, and don’t do it. 
Jonah erred with his attitude and behavior toward the Assyrians, for he did not desire that GOD’s “Will” be done in the lives of other human beings, who are, like Christians, also made in the image of GOD. GOD embodies us all with the same “Communicable Attributes”, which are Life, Personality, Truth, Wisdom, Love, Justice, and holiness.
These attributes are contained in the “Nature of GOD”, and GOD shares them only with the human side of HIS creation. They render all human beings, no matter who they are, or, where they come from, capable of having a “Personal Relationship” with HIM. It is GOD’s earnest desire that all mankind accept CHRIST and be saved. And an “obedient witness”, through their speech and behavior, no matter who they are, can still be effective in fulfilling the desires of GOD for mankind, here on earth.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander





                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website