BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday November 22, 2020

 

THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD

Luke 1:26-38

 

   In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the archangel, Gabriel, returns to earth to deliver yet another message from GOD. This time he visits the tiny town of Nazareth in Galilee, the home of a young teenaged “virgin” (“parthenos” in the Greek) named Mary. Mary was engaged to marry a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of King David. Gabriel’s charge, on this visit, was to give young Mary shocking news of GOD’s plan to bless the world through her, with the “Immaculate Conception” of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, WHOM HIMSELF would be “the ULTIMATE MESSAGER”.

    The long-awaited “MESSIAH” WHO had been forecasted by ancient prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and the likes, would now be sent by GOD to usher in a “New Covenant” that would liberate all mankind from under the dominion of sin. It would be a covenant that would allow anyone, who believes in HIM, to receive the gift of eternal life, through their faith. It would then become the duty of all of HIS followers to build their spiritual foundation on that “most high” faith.

    As Christians, they would then have to learn to pray and communicate with GOD in the power of a, soon-to-come, HOLY SPIRIT (worship in Spirit), WHOM JESUS would later send. And after HIS ascension back into Heaven, through regular “Holy Communion” services, we were to always acknowledge and remember the conditions of this covenant, under which the love of GOD has called us, and of which, JESUS HIMSELF, signed with HIS OWN blood.

    In verse 28 Gabriel greeted Mary saying, “Greetings favored woman! The LORD is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary struggled to try and understand just what the appearance of the angel before her meant. Sensing her fear, Gabriel sought to calm her by saying, “Don’t be frightened, Mary, for GOD has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him JESUS. HE will be very great and will be called the SON of the MOST HIGH. And the LORD GOD will give HIM the throne of HIS ancestor David. And HE will reign over Israel forever; HIS kingdom will never end!” (NLT)

    Then Mary wondered out loud, asking Gabriel, “But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin”. Gabriel then explains to her that, “The HOLY SPIRIT will come upon you, and the power of The MOST HIGH will “overshadow” (“episkiazo” in the Greek) you. So, the BABY born to you will be holy, and HE will be called the “SON of GOD” (“Prototakas”, which means, “first born”) (Vs.34-35).

    In order to understand further what the angel, Gabriel was telling Mary, the word “overshadow” which is “episkiazo” in the original Greek, has a duel meaning, and in this case both meaning do apply. First it means “to make insignificant”. Here the angel is telling Mary that the child she will borne is “infinitely more important than herself”.

    Secondly, “episkiazo” means, “to envelope (fully cover) with a “preternatural (beyond the normal course of nature) covering or influence”, or a haze of brilliancy”. In other words, GOD would place a supernatural covering around Mary to protect her, during the course of her pregnancy, from the wiles of satan, and his last-ditch efforts to prevent, or delay the entrance of JESUS into the world.

    Suddenly Mary’s “confusion and fear” turned to “joy and appreciation”. She then responded by saying, “I am the LORD’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever HE wants. May everything you said, come true” (v.38).

    When we believe in GOD, in all HIS fullness, holiness, and eternal righteousness, it becomes easy to accept whatever HE sends our way. We then understand that HIS tests are not meant to make us fail, but rather, are sent to make us strong, so that we may become better warriors in the Army of CHRIST.

    Mary accepted the message that GOD sent her that day through HIS angel, Gabriel, and as a result, every generation since, has called her blessed. We can’t help but acknowledge the “favor” (“charise”) that GOD showed her, by way of HIS bestowing upon her, such a divine role, in HIS divine plan and works.

 

 

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH

Luke 1:39-56

 

  In Luke 1, verses 39-45, just a few days after Mary had been visited by the archangel Gabriel, she traveled to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah, the husband of her cousin Elizabeth lived. When she entered their house and greeted, a now, six-month pregnant Elizabeth, the sound of her voice caused the child that her cousin was carrying to leap in her womb with joy.

    Being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, Elizabeth herself gave a cry of joy and exclaimed to Mary, “You are “blessed” (in the Greek “eulogeo”, which means “well-spoken of”) by GOD above all other women, and your child is blessed. What an honor this is, that the mother of my LORD should visit me! When you came in and greeted me, my baby jumped for joy the instant I heard your voice! You are blessed because you believed that the LORD would do what HE said” (NLT).

   Luke 1:46-55 is a passage that, over the years, has become one of the great hymns of the Christian Church as a whole. This passage is known world-wide as the “Magnificat”. Magnificat is a term taken from the “Latin Vulgate”, the first Latin translation of the bible, written by Jerome at the end of the fourth century A.D., and it means, “My soul doth magnify the LORD”.

    This song, composed by Mary, mother of JESUS, praises GOD’s favor on her and her people (Vs. 51-55). Some scholars tend to doubt that a young uneducated country girl, such as Mary, could have composed such a wonderful and prophetic poem, however, common sense dictates that she, or anyone else, who was in a close personal relationship with GOD, and were fairly familiar with the Old Testament passages which are alluded to in this song, is capable of expressing these thoughts of praise that we find here.

    Apparently, Mary saw herself as a part of the GODly remnant that had served her LORD with all diligence. We see in verse 47, for instance, where she calls GOD, “my Savior”, shows she had a deep intimate knowledge of HIM. She also speaks of GOD’s faithfulness, power, holiness, and mercy in verses 48-50, showing that her relationship with GOD was an experiential one.

    This timeless stretch of biblical literature, has, contained within it, four distinct parts which should be noted by every reader. First, there is “great personal adoration and thanks to GOD” (Vs. 46-48). In the biblical Greek, the word “makarizo” (mak-ar-id-zo) is used in verse 46 for “blessed”, and it actually means “supremely blest”, or, “beatified”. It describes, in this passage, what it is like to be “indwelt by GOD, and thereby, fully satisfied”. Mary was completely satisfied and honored by the wonderful, and unexpected way, in which GOD chose to use her body for HIS purpose.

    Then secondly, there is “a celebration of GOD’s attributes” (Vs. 49-50). Mary celebrated GOD’s goodness and she cherished all that HE had done for her, and she also appreciated the fact that HIS mercy extended throughout all generations, for all times.

Thirdly, we see her “acclaim GOD for correcting pride, social injustice, and economic disparities” (Vs. 51-53). In these three verses we see “GOD’s three great moral revolutions”. These moral rebellions can also be found in the make-up of Christianity. We see, first of all, “GOD’s revolution against pride (v.51), where Mary notes that, “GOD scatters the proud and haughty ones” (NLT). When Christianity is practiced properly, it automatically means death to pride. A person cannot possibly set their life beside the life of CHRIST without, first, tearing every ounce of pride from him, or herself.

     Next, we see “GOD’s revolution against social injustice” (v.52) “HE has taken the princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly” (NLT). When Christianity is practiced properly, it means death to social injustice. It puts an end to race, labels, and prestige, because what CHRIST did for one, HE intended for all. No man is favored in the eyes of GOD, but also, we can call no man worthless, or common, for whom JESUS CHRIST has died. HE died for all men in general, and all Christians, in particular.

    And then, there is “GOD’s revolution against economic disparity” (v.53) “HE has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands” (NLT). When Christianity is practiced properly, it means death to economic disparity and greed. A Christian society is a community of believers who dares to have too much, while others don’t even have enough. The attitude of a believer in CHRIST JESUS, is one that desires to have more, in order that they may have more to give away.

    In the fourth and final part (Vs. 54-55), we see “Mary giving GOD praise for the mercy shown to Israel”.  There she cites that, “How GOD has helped HIS servant Israel! HE has not forgotten HIS promise to be merciful. HE promised our ancestors, Abraham and his children, to be merciful to them forever” (NLT).

    Even at her young age we can clearly see that Mary knew for sure that her blessing and charge of giving birth to the SON of GOD was not all about her, but rather, it was about a covenant promise that was established with Abraham and her fore-fathers, long before she was ever thought about. 

    It was William Barclay who wrote, concerning this wonderful passage of scripture, that, “There is loveliness in the Magnificat, but within that loveliness, there is also, dynamite”. And he was right. And so Mary went on to birth our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, and JESUS CHRIST birthed Christianity into the world, and Christianity birthed a revolution in mankind against pride, social injustice, and economic disparity, and mankind must now take up that fight, and continue that revolution throughout the world.

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday October 11, 2020

 

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

 

Introduction:

 

Luke 1:1-5

 

   The authorship of the Gospel of Luke is accredited to Luke the physician, who traveled with the Apostle Paul during his second and third missionary journeys. Most scholars believed that Luke wrote his Gospel account for a Greek man named “Theophilus” who lived in Antioch, Luke’s hometown. However, I personally believe that Luke originally wrote his Gospel account to the “Church at Antioch”, and that “Theophilus” which means “friend of GOD”, was just a “code name” for the Church which was located in that city.

    The early Church letter and gospel writers often used code words to protect their messages from the antichrist factions that sought to cut off communications between CHRIST followers, or, “Adherents of the Way”, as they were called. These opponents also sought to persecute those followers and find out the locations of their meeting places.

    Luke’s main objective for writing this account was to highlight the “humanity” of JESUS and HIS unique place in the human existence. For this reason, he was careful to examine all of the evidence that was provided by the people who were closest to JESUS’ day to day movements and actions. He wanted to also provide precise dates to the larger-than-life events that surrounded JESUS’ extraordinary ministry.

    Luke begins his account by giving us many details regarding JESUS’ “virgin birth” by Mary that are not found anywhere else in scripture. And whereas Matthew’s Gospel account focuses on JESUS as a Jewish MESSIAH, and John Mark’s accounts focuses on HIS servanthood toward GOD the FATHER, Luke’s account depicts JESUS as ONE with GOD WHO was “100% human” while HE lived on earth. JESUS was ONE WHO’s genealogy can be traced all the way back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38) through both story and explanation.

    Luke’s writings in his Gospel account are the most literary of all New Testament books. His distinctive fluid style in the original Greek text is simply a thing of beauty. Unlike the other three Gospels, whose contents can be traced back to eyewitness accounts of JESUS’ life here on earth, Luke’s Gospel is a detailed account that is a result of careful and thorough investigative research into the events surrounding and involving CHRIST’s birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension back into Heaven. And just like in the case of the other Gospel writers, GOD assigns his writings to attract a particular audience by stressing special and unique interest themes.

    Most scholars agree that Luke’s Gospel account is also written to attract the attention of the “Hellenist”, or “the person who is rooted in the Greek culture (Gentiles)”. And despite being ever mindful of CHRIST’s deity, Luke is also brilliantly able to present JESUS’ as the ideal 100% human being (the Hypostatic Union), WHO, quite simply, redefines excellence to even the most righteous of men here on earth. In fact, HE shows quite literally that all men’s righteousness is derived through their obedience to GOD.

    Luke also shows, more clearly than the other Gospels, just how greatly JESUS values those who are often dismissed by society, such as women, the impoverished, the downtrodden, and the powerless. In his Gospel account he shows us that, in JESUS, excellence is not looked upon as a “personal superiority”, that, in itself, “devalues others”, but rather, in JESUS, we see a “divine standard” that is bent on “raising others up”, resurrecting them into a life that is more pleasing to GOD.

    And so, in the aforementioned ways, perhaps Luke’s Gospel provides us with the most accurate, and most attractive portrait of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, that can found anywhere else in Scripture, arguably perhaps, even more so the book of Hebrews.

 

 

 THE FORETELLING OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Luke 1:5-25

 

    In the New Testament Greek, the word used for “messenger” is “aggelos” (pronounced ang-el-os), and it describes “one who brings news or tidings by divine order from GOD”. Here in Luke chapter 1, after a brief introduction in verses 1-4, Luke writes of an angelic announcement of the coming birth of the “forerunner to CHRIST JESUS”, John “the Baptist”.

    Taking up at verse 5, Luke begins his Gospel account by introducing to us, a Jewish Levite Priest named Zechariah, who, lived during the time when “Herod the Great” was king of Judea (37 B.C. – 4 B.C.). He was a member of the priestly line of Abijah, who was a descendant of Aaron, and who was a priest during the reign of King David. Zechariah was married to a woman named Elizabeth, who was also a descendant of Aaron. They were both considered “righteous” in the sight of GOD because of their obedience, and they had no children because Elizabeth was barren. This aging couple had long prayed to GOD for a child and little did they know that their prayers were about to be answered.

    Zechariah had recently been chosen by “sacred lot” (“Urim and Thummin”) to serve for a week in the Temple, an opportunity that came only once in a lifetime for most priests. One day, as he was serving his term of duty burning incense in the LORD’s presence, in the sanctuary of the temple at Jerusalem, he received a visit from the Archangel of the LORD, Gabriel (Vs.8-9). Gabriel is one of the famed archangels that stands in the very presence of the LORD in Heaven.

    Here Gabriel gives Zechariah the good news of GOD’s answer to his and Elizabeth’s longtime prayer for a son. The child would be named “John”, and would be great in the eyes of the LORD. He would be a man blessed with the spirit (courage) and power (authority) of “Elijah the Prophet” of old, and would be “the forerunner” for, or “prepare the minds of the people, particularly the Jews, for” the coming of JESUS, the CHRIST (HIS first advent) (Vs.13-17). However, Zechariah, despite his direct word of good news from GOD, and because he was applying “human logic” to the things of GOD, had great doubt in his heart, and was hesitant to believe that he and Elizabeth could conceive a child in their old age (v.18).

    This particular passage serves to remind us that GOD expects more faith from those who are called to be HIS leaders, and who are supposed to know and understand the ways of the LORD more thoroughly. And HE also expects more from a professed Christian than HE does from an unbeliever. Here Zechariah shows the doubt of an untrained layperson, instead of the faith and trust of an experienced spiritual leader and man after GOD’s OWN heart. This unbelief miffs the LORD, WHO sent Gabriel, and as a result, Zechariah’s ability to speak is taken away from him until the birth of his son, John, several months later (Vs.19-20).

    GOD had to silence Zechariah because of his words of unbelief that were, unfortunately, contrary to the fulfillment of the covenant promise. He was a man who was versed in Scripture and was very familiar with the example of Abraham and Sarah giving birth to Isaac at ages that, even far exceeded he and Elizabeth’s. And yet, he found it hard to believe that such a thing could happen to them under similar circumstances.

    Christians are called to believe, and when we pray and ask in faith, in JESUS’ name, for the things that are within GOD’s Will, we are called by GOD to believe that HE will deliver. In other words, when we pray to GOD for rain, we ought not to leave home without, at least, an umbrella. We need to, at all times, show at least, a minimum amount of faith (faith, the size of a mustard seed) in the GOD we say we serve.

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

 

    Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

 

            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

 

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

 

Clinton Family Portrait - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

 

 

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday September 13, 2020

 

SERVANTS AND SUPERIORS

Ephesians 6:5-9

   The word "slave" or "slaves" is translated from the original language only twice in scripture, once in the O. T. (Jeremiah 2:14), and once in the N. T. (Revelation 18:13). In all other occurrences the word "servant" is translated from the original Greek and Hebrew text, not "slave".

    The definition of the word  “slave" is that, it is, "one who is bound in servitude to another “without payment for services". The word "servant", on the other hand, is defined as "one who is employed to perform services" for another and is paid a specified agreed amount for those services. With that said, in biblical times, it was quite common for a person to trade menial services for money, food, land, or any other necessary or unnecessary things. In today's society that is called a “job”.

    "The borrower is always the servant of the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). When we get ourselves into debt, particularly due to greed, or envy of what others have, or any other GODly or ungodly reason, we become servants to our lenders, and our jobs. Probably with the exception of a house to live in, we probably should not borrow money, and if we can afford to pay cash for the house, it would be wise to do so.

    In the spiritual sense, anyone who is not a servant to GOD is a slave or servant to man, whether they realize it or not. And oftentimes, in the biblical days, even the “children of the debtor” could end up paying for services that were rendered to their parents, or, can end up working off the debts of their parents. When we are in financial debt, the lender owns a piece of us, and we, in effect, become their “servant”. And even when the lender dies, we may become the servant of their “heirs” by way of their inheritance.

    In Ephesians 6, verses 5-9 Paul speaks on the very necessary topic of the “relationship between servants and superiors”. Here in this passage the apostle advises Christians that we must be careful to be GODly, even in those relationships, and even if that relationship is a covenant between believing and unbelieving parties.

    The servant must always obey and respect their superiors on their jobs. We must serve them as sincerely as we would CHRIST JESUS (v.5). We should work hard, even when our superior is not watching us, simply because we are also servants of CHRIST, and want, very badly, to do the will of GOD (v.6). We must work with enthusiasm as if we were working for the LORD, rather than for the people we are indebted to, and the LORD will reward us for the good and honest things that we do, regardless of the extent of our indebtedness to others (Vs.7-8).

The work superiors also have a responsibility under GOD to treat their servants rightly. They must not oppress or threaten the people who work for them, especially those superiors who are also believers. They must remember at all times that they too, have a “SUPERIOR” WHO dwells in Heaven, and HE HIMSELF does not have any “favorites” among HIS people (v.9).     

 

CALLED TO STAND FIRM

 

    In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul closes out his letter to the Ephesians with a remarkably creative summary of his overall message to them. Here he paints a vivid picture of the spiritual resources one would have to clothe himself with, if he is to do battle with the unseen world of evil that dictates to our “sin nature”, and manifests its negative results in our physical lives.

    As Christians, we are waging the fight of our lives on a daily basis, and our opponent is not one who is visible to our physical eyes. And while certainly we can feel his assault on our bodies, sadly, we continue to fight a losing battle because we fail to correctly identify just who our assailant really is.

    In order to wage a successful battle, we must first realize that the enemy is, not, other people, but rather, it is satan himself. And if we are going to fight against this enemy, and win, we must turn our battles over to GOD. The battle with satan is a battle for our souls, and in order to overcome him, we must put on “the full armor of GOD”.

    In order to beat us, satan uses such weapons as “pride”, “lust”, “other people”, and “doubt”. If we are to make a successful stand against him, we must incorporate “truth”, “righteousness”, “peace”, “faith”, “salvation”, and “the Word of GOD”. In short, we must don the full armor of GOD daily. We cannot use carnal weapons and expect to defeat the evil one in our own natural strength. But by clothing ourselves with the full armor of GOD, we become more than conquerors through our strength in CHRIST JESUS.

    When we equip ourselves with all that GOD provides us, we are well able to win the spiritual battles that we will inevitably have to wage every single day of our lives here on earth. Paul’s colorful description of the battle attire of GOD, is cleverly likened to the panoply of a Roman soldier, because he wants to ensure that the people understand exactly what they are up against, and how GOD has already provided the resources needed to overcome such a formidable foe.

    Warren Wiersbe once wrote, “Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground, and that he faces an enemy who is much stronger than he is, apart from GOD”. As Christians, and, as human beings, we face, on a daily basis, three weapons, that are perpetually exploited by satan:

 

·         First, there is “the world”, which refers to the systematic opposition to GOD that surrounds us everywhere we go.

·         Then there is “the flesh” which is controlled by our own “sin nature” which we inherited from Adam’s disobedience to GOD, and, that is opposed to GOD and can naturally do nothing to please GOD in any way.

·         And then finally, there is the “evil spirit”, the devil himself, who gets into us and manipulates our thoughts, and thus dictates our actions and deeds, causing us to make all sorts of ungodly decisions in life.

 

    We should be eternally thankful to JESUS for salvation through HIS overcoming of “the world”, “the flesh”, and “the evil spirit” of satan. We do not have to fight for victory, because the victory is already won. Now, we only have to fight from the victorious standpoint that CHRIST JESUS has given us. And the HOLY SPIRIT enables us, by faith, to appropriate HIS victory for ourselves, when we choose to fight and pray in GOD’s army, and, in the name, of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD and DELIVERER.

    In Paul’s closing words to the Ephesians he lets them know that he is sending Tychicus, his beloved brother in CHRIST, to encourage them, and, to let them know how he was getting along while he is incarnated there in Rome.

    In his final words we find a blessing being called down from GOD, by Paul, upon the people at the Church in Ephesus. Here Paul calls for the “peace” of GOD (man’s highest good), the “love” of GOD”, the complete resting of “faith” in CHRIST, and the all-important “grace” of GOD, which sustains us all, to abide with them, forever.

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

 

            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

 

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

 

Clinton Family Portrait - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday August 2, 2020

 

FAMILY MATTERS

(Ephesians 5:21-6:4)

 

   In Ephesians 5:21-6:4, the Apostle Paul teaches on how to be controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT at home as he turns his focus to the two most important family life relationships, “husband and wife”, and “parents and children”. Here he defines how we should all strive to live as children walking in the light of CHRIST at home, as well as in church. In fact, what

we do Monday through Saturday in our homes, and on our jobs away from the church, is more of testament to how we love and worship GOD, than what we do in church on Sunday morning.

    After Paul establishes the overriding principle of us all submitting to one another out of reverence for CHRIST JESUS (v.21), he moves on to the specifics of the spiritual responsibility of each family member toward each other, and, towards CHRIST. Wives, he says, are to submit to their husbands as they do to the LORD (v.22). Husbands are the head of the wife, as CHRIST is the head of the Christian Church, which is HIS body (v.23a).

    The husband should “show love” for his wife, and be willing to give his life for her, just as CHRIST was willing to give HIS life for the church that HE so loves (v.23b). Husbands ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. In fact, husbands actually show that they love themselves, when, they love their wives, who they are spiritually at one with, in the LORD (v.28).

    GOD calls for us to have a united, GODly home front. The Christian family’s interactions with one another should reflect CHRIST and HIS interactions with the Christian Church, or, “Body of CHRIST”. GOD fully intends for us to enjoy a harmonious, SPIRIT-guided family relationship in submission to HIM first, and then, to each other, starting in our own homes (v.21).

    In the New Testament Greek, the word used for “submit” is “hupotasso” (hoop-ot-as-so) and it means “to be under obedience to”. It is a word that carries a complex concept which needs to be defined by the context in which it is used. Here in this passage, there is no question of power, or position as it is in, say, Romans 13. In this particular passage, Paul calls for all believers to develop an attitude of submission, and a willingness to be responsive by yielding to each other, out of love for each other.

    It would be remiss of us to read hierarchy into these verses, but rather, we should see this passage as a call for us to begin to develop a sensitivity toward each other that will help to extricate us from “pride”, and enable us to function at all times, in a more, loving and caring manner. 

    Each partner in a marriage has a special “privilege”. A husband’s privilege is to put his wife first, after GOD, just as CHRIST did when HE was crucified for us on the cross by Roman method. The wife’s privilege is to set the tone of submission by being responsive and caring. And neither partner lords over the other, but rather, each partner ministers to the other in their own GOD-given, special ways, for that is the “responsibility” that comes with the privilege.

    In Ephesians 6:1-4, Paul addresses the relationship between parents and children. In the Greek, the normal word used for “right” is “dexios” (dex-ee-os), and it means “being on the right side of”. Here in this passage, however, Paul uses the Greek term “dikaios” (dik-ah-yos) for “right”, which means “the proper course to follow”.

    Children are to submit themselves under the leadership and care of their parents until they move out and start a family of their own, or become responsible adults capable of making their own decisions, for it is the proper course to follow. However, GOD commands a child should always “honor” their parents, no matter how old the child is. In fact, it is the first commandment of the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) that carries a promise from GOD, and that promise is one of a long life, filled with blessings.

    Paul ends this passage with an admonishment to fathers to not anger their children with harsh worldly and “ungodly treatment”, but rather, they are to bring them up with the “GODly discipline and instruction” that can be found in the Word of GOD. Here in verse 4a Paul uses the Greek term “parorgizo” (par-org-id-zo) in his original Greek writings, for “provoke”, and it means “to exasperate” or “make things worse, by what one does or says”.

    In the home, the father must present a picture of the LORD to his children, through both his speech and behavior, to, and before them. How a child views his or her father has a profound effect on how they view GOD later on in life. By provoking our children to anger through unGODly treatment, we will ultimately “make things worse” for them later on in life.

    The command to “Honor your father and your mother” is the first commandment that parents can use to introduce their children to the ways of GOD. If children respect their parents, they will respond positively to their nurturing. Through GODly nurturing, it becomes easier for a child to see GOD in their parents, and come to know and show reverence to GOD after they become adults.

    When they come to know GOD, through a personal, experiential relationship with their parents, it becomes much easier for them to have and maintain that same kind of relationship with GOD later in life. And thus, they can enjoy a long life on earth, because we have passed on to them, a legacy of faith, were they will desire to continue walking in the light of CHRIST, and know the importance of passing that legacy on to their own children.

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

 

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BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday July 12, 2020

LIVING IN THE LIGHT

Ephesians 5:1-20

   In the biblical Greek, the term used for “word” is “logos” (log-os), and it more or less emphasizes the message of that which is spoken. In John chapter 1, the apostle expresses to us that our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST personifies the Word of GOD, in the flesh. Here he is trying to get us to understand that one of the key reasons for JESUS’ first advent, was, and is, for “communication”.

    JESUS is the “Spoken Word”, and the “Living Expression” of all that which GOD ever sought to communicate to us about HIMSELF. There John is saying, particularly in verse 1, that, JESUS is both, “identical” to the GOD of the Old Testament concept, and yet, HE is also “distinct” from HIM.

    One can imagine how stunning this must have been to the people of the first century. Even today, many people have a problem with embracing this concept, which has now become more familiar, and yet still remains just as mysterious as it ever was. In that passage, we can see that, while the concept may be difficult, John’s teaching seems to be very clear.

    The Apostle John is saying there in that passage, that, JESUS existed eternally with GOD the FATHER, as one GOD, yet, with a distinct and separate personality. Those of us who understand the concept, that, unity in a family and marriage represents, can certainly grasp the concept of “unity as one” between the FATHER and the SON.

    It is true that in human society, if someone hands someone else a gift, and that person doesn’t perceive that gift to be real, then they probably aren’t going to reach out and accept it. Our believing in GOD, in all of HIS fullness, can be likened to that. GOD is giving us the gift of eternal life through HIS only begotten SON, JESUS the CHRIST. Believing in HIM involves seeing HIM as real, and, as coming from GOD, and then, reaching out and accepting HIM. By accepting JESUS, one also accepts GOD the FATHER’s wonderful gift of eternal life in Heaven, and, at one and the same time, becomes what they weren’t before, and that is, quite simply, “a child of GOD”.

    JESUS came into the world to teach us how to live our lives under GOD, and, to teach us how to die and live again, with GOD. HE taught us how to give and forgive, and, HE taught us how to love, and how to give thanks. John points to JESUS as being the “LIGHT of the world”, a true light for all people. In HIM we see exactly what GOD is like, and only HE can usher us into GOD’s OWN glorious presence, without fear, without guilt, and, without shame.

    Here in Ephesians chapter 5, verses 1-14 the Apostle Paul relates to Christians about “living in the light” that CHRIST JESUS, our SAVIOR, brought into a world of darkness. Paul begins this chapter by urging us Christians to follow GOD’s example in everything that we do. We should live a life filled with love for one another, following the examples of CHRIST WHO loves us, and, WHO gave HIMSELF up as a ransom for us, to nullify our sins, through HIS death on the cross. It is a sacrifice that was like sweet perfume to GOD’s nostrils (Vs. 1-2).

    With every ounce of “worldly success” comes an equal measure of “pride”. To the contrary, with every ounce of “GODly success” comes an equal measure of “humility”. Every professed Christian must strive to be an imitator of JESUS CHRIST, simply because they claim to be GOD’s Children. The more we conform to the world, the more “prideful” we become, but the more we are able to transform from the world’s ways, to the ways and examples of CHRIST, the more “humble” we become.

    There should be a very distinct and clear difference between the lifestyle of a Christian, and that of one who desires to be like the world. Darkness and light cannot co-exist in the same space. When the people in the community of GOD compromise their ways with the ways of the world, the distinction between the two are soon lost, and professed Christians are no longer able to properly represent CHRIST to anyone with any accuracy. 

    In Ephesians 5, verses 3-13, we see perhaps Scriptures greatest and clearest defining of the contrasting moral differences between “light” and “darkness, or “right” and “wrong” by GOD’s standards. The “vices” or “sins” mentioned in verses 3-4 (sexual immorality, impurity, or greed, even obscene talk and dirty jokes) portray “self-worship” and “a lack of concern” for others.

    Remember, “a greedy person” is nothing but “an idolater”, because they chase after and worship the things of this world. We should not be fooled by those who try to excuse such a sin as this. Those who desire to follow CHRIST should not have even a hint of these evil elements in his or her life. Anyone who practices such immoralities cannot expect to enter into the Kingdom of CHRIST (the Millennial Kingdom), and of GOD in Heaven (v.5).

    People who are comfortable in their own sin, and, who are offended by those who try to rebuke, correct, or expose them, have themselves, a favorite “scripture-based saying” that they like to use. They love to tell people, “You can’t judge”.

    However, in the Christian bible there are three separate and distinct types of judgment. Two of them GOD expects all Christians to be able to do, and the third is one that only GOD HIMSELF can do. In fact, even if we wanted to do this third type of judgment, our mere mortality prevents us from being able to do it. There is a different Greek word that is used to describe each of them. They are as follows:

·         “Anakrino” (judgment) – A self-examination, using “GOD’s standards” to see if we ourselves are in line with HIS Word and Will at any given time.

·         “Diakrino” (judgment) – “Using GOD’s standards” to examine anything, or anyone to determine, or discern, that which is right, from that which is wrong in that person, place, thing, or situation.

·         “Krino” (judgment) – A judgment of “condemnation”; it is a judgment that only our superior GOD can make. No human being can make this type of judgment, even if they wanted to, because we are all, ourselves, people under judgment from GOD, at all times. 

    In Ephesians 5:10-14, the Apostle alludes to the two, of the three judgments that GOD expects us to make. Here we see a clear example of our duty to judge ourselves (Anakrino Judgment), and others (Diakrino Judgment), by first, finding out what is pleasing to GOD, by closely examining HIS Word and Will for our lives (Vs.10-11).

    By closely studying GOD’s Word and finding out what we ourselves are doing wrong (examining ourselves), we’ll be able to help others who are going astray, to get themselves into line with GOD’s Word and Will also. Serious Christians should take no part in the worthless, evil deeds and darkness that now permeate and dominate this world. The Word of GOD says that Christians should instead, rebuke and expose such evil (v.11). In fact, we should not even talk about the shameful things that ungodly people do even in secret, but rather, we should let our light shine on them, through our GODly behavior, so that it can become clear that their way is not the way to go. And so our lifestyle and behavior can expose things that are not right with GOD better than anything we can ever say. And wherever the Christian light of CHRIST shines through us, it will automatically expose evil deeds and actions in others.

    In verses 15-20 Paul advises all Christians to live depending only on the HOLY SPIRIT’s power to guide us. Christians must commit to seeking GOD’s ways on a daily basis, and, to living wisely and not foolishly as unbelieving people live (v.15).

    In the Greek, the word Paul uses in verse 16 in his original writings, “exagorazomenoi” (ex-a-gora-zo-men-ohee), means “to buy up the time” or “to make the most of every opportunity”. As vibrant Christians, we are to take advantage of every opportunity we get to do good things according to GOD’s standards, especially in these evil days that we live in. We must “walk circumspectly” not being drunk or high on wine, liquor, or illicit drugs, but rather, by being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, WHO was sent to us by JESUS CHRIST (Vs.17-18).

    When we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to control us, we will be able to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among ourselves, just as fervently as we used to sing blues, pop, disco, rock and roll, and hip hop songs, when we were “lost” in the world. And we will always give thanks for everything to GOD the FATHER in heaven, in the mighty and precious name of JESUS CHRIST, our LORD and SAVIOR (vs.19-20).

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                

                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website