Study the Bible…Why?

2 TIM. 2:14-18; 2 PET. 1:20

THEME: We need to develop the discipline to study the Bible to interpret it accurately. 

                                                                                                           

RELEVANCY: Every Believer needs to know how to interpret Scripture accurately to explore and satisfy God’s plan.

INTRODUCTION:

If you believe what you like in the Gospel and reject what you do not like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself. —St. Augustine

Confusion reigns over the world of Christianity today, and it is without doubt that Satan is using this to keep the "minds of them which believe not" blinded from the truth of the Gospel. Indeed, many Christians themselves are ignorant of "the whole counsel of God."

Much of this confusion stems from faulty interpretations of the Word of God. Many differences over doctrine are rooted in the method of Biblical interpretation employed; thus, it is extremely important to be grounded in the basic discipline of Bible Study.

Lesson:

GOD CLEARLY COMMANDS BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL BELIEVERS

2 Tim. 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

    1.  The Bible is to Be Studied with Diligence.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God,” we are to give diligence, or make an effort to fulfil the duties of Bible study, preaching, and teaching to meet with God’s approval.

         a.  The Goal of the Ministry and Bible Study Is Not to Please Men.

The care of ministers must be to approve themselves unto God, to be accepted of Him, and to show that they meet God’s standards of ministry. Correct doctrines should be preached, and Christ-centered plans made, and a God pleasing lifestyle pursued. 

        b.  To Do this Demands STUDY of God’s Word! Because there are many temptations to the tendency of seeking popular favor with men rather than the divine approval. If ANY man please God, it will be as the result of deliberate attention to study and a careful application of God’s Word to His own lifestyle.

        c.  The Results Will Be Confidence in Our Ministry Before God.

“A workman that needeth not to be ashamed,” a man faithfully performing his duty, so that when he looks over what he has done, he may not be embarrassed or offer excuses.  Ministers must be “workmen”; they have work to do, and they must take pains in it. Workmen that are unskillful, or unfaithful, or lazy, have need to be ashamed; but those who mind their business, and keep to their work, are workmen that have no need to be ashamed.

    2.  The Bible is to Be Carefully and Thoughtfully Applied.

“Rightly dividing the word of truth,” the words "rightly dividing," means, "to cut straight, to divide right;” and the allusion here may be to a steward who makes a proper distribution to each one under his care of such things as his office and their necessities require.

        a.  That is, Rightfully and Skillfully Teaching the Word of Truth. The idea seems to be, that the preacher of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that Word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and needs of his congregation, and giving to each member that which will be most appropriate to nourish the soul. He knows his people and strives to help them by interpreting and applying the Word to their lives.

Therefore, by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and, according to our Lord's simile, giving each his portion of meat in due season-milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate, reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities. --(from Adam Clarke's Commentary)    

        b.  We Must Be Careful to Avoid Corrupting the Scriptures.

1 Tim. 1:3, As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

2 Cor. 2:17, For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

         c.  We Are to Pass on the Same Things We Have Been Taught from God’s Word.

2 Tim. 2:2, And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Preaching, teaching, and counseling from God’s Book is serious business and requires hard work and discipline. As students who care about conveying the hope and peace of God’s truth to the hearts of hungry and needed souls, this matters greatly. We dare not take this responsibility lightly!

     3.  Errors and their Teachers are to Be Shunned.

2 Timothy 2:16, But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

We must develop and intentionally cultivate the ability to discern false ideas and distinguish these from the truth. Such skill comes with careful and skilled study of the Word. We must become so familiar with the truth that a lie becomes obvious.

         a.  God’s View of False Teachings.

“But shun profane and vain babblings,” (See 1 Tim 6:20).

This is the character he gives of the preaching of the false teachers. Whatever was not agreeable to the doctrine of truth was, in the sight of God, empty and profane babbling; engendering nothing but ungodliness, and daily increasing in the same. God straightly charges us to shun such confusing misconceptions and ideas. Do not read their books, listen to them on the radio, or attend their meetings. God is saying stay way from these vain babblings!

          b.  The Consequences of False Teachings.

“For they will increase unto more ungodliness,” their tendency is to alienate the soul from God, and to lead to sinful irresponsible living. These kinds of teachings are not merely a waste of time, they are productive of positive mischief. A person enamored with conflict in religious matters is not interested in the practical duties of a holy life style, or any in depth sense of right and wrong. You will not likely find these folks in the place of prayer, nor can you expect their efforts in reaching sinners with the Gospel, nor will you discover that they have any serious or strict views of spiritual obligations. They will persist in pandering their false notions.

2 Tim. 3:13-15, But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. [14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; [15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

So, we have a clear command to obey regarding the discipline of Bible study, duties of study and Bible application to execute as we serve others, and we need the ability to identify and shun false teachers and their lies. Exposing ourselves to God’s Word regularly and diligently will enable us to handle it more precisely. Why not become a student starting today?

Walking with God By Faith

Hebrews 11:5–6

Healthy interpersonal relationships provide spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy. They play a crucial role in our overall human experience since we all, to some degree, desire to belong and to love. God’s design satisfies these needs through our close friendships, family and marriage providing a social network for His children to form and pursue strong emotional attachments. As such vulnerability and trust characterizes healthy intimate relationships.

God also designed us for intimacy with himself through vibrant and interactive faith. Beloved, this has the potential of becoming the closest bond with another Person we will ever experience! Consider what God records about a gentleman who lived before Noah’s flood name Enoch. He was Noah’s great grand daddy!

And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (Genesis 5:21–24, KJV)

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:5–6, KJV)

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth the LORD require of thee, But to do justly, and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8, KJV)

Hebrews 11:5 and 6, tells how Enoch pleased God because he walked intimately with Him by faith. The original account of Enoch is given to us in Genesis 5, informing us that he walked closely with God and instead of dying like everyone else in Genesis chapter five, Enoch was taken from his earthly life by God without dying. Then in Micah 6:8, we see how God prescribes for every believer to do justly, love mercy, and you guessed it… “walk humbly with thy God.” God designed for life to be an ongoing experience with Him, not independent of Him.

Certainly, living by faith is essential to genuine Christian expression; our lives are not Christ-like without this characteristic. Fundamentally, faith requires that we listen to God’s Word and daily life is a continuous expression of confidence/trust in His prescriptions and instructions. We purpose to obey God and leave all the consequences with Him because such trust honors Him and respects the relationship. The opposite of living by faith is living by sight, fears, mere reason, doubt, uncertainty, self-sufficiency, and independence of God. We know God is wonderfully pleased with us as we live by faith, but what does He expect regarding “walking” by faith and ‘walking with God’?

I think at the core of this concept of living relationally with God is the notion of a mental/emotional bond and communion with the Almighty. Us enjoying Him throughout our lives, and He is enjoying us as well. Through faith in Jesus Christ, a relationship with God is established. Like any other relationship this one must be nurtured through healthy interactions. So, rich conversations, growing trust, insightful considerations, deepening love, thrilling adventures together, sharing real challenges and triumphs, working through setbacks, acknowledging painful failures, and realizing progress towards maturing the relationship are all tenets of walking with God by faith. 

In addition, Enoch sought after God…he hungered to know Him more intimately and comprehensively. He intentionally believed what God revealed to Him and diligently pursued more of God. He even preached messages to others from what God had revealed to him (Jude 14). All of these were elements of Enoch’s warm walk with the Lord in those 300 pre-flood years. Beloved, God regards such behavior as “good” and He invites each of us to likewise “walk humbly with our God.” Such a God-seeker lifestyle is rewarded by God and pleasing to Him because it evidences vibrant faith! Let’s take a closer look at the faith of Enoch.

Enoch, The Faithful Seeker, Walking with God by Faith (Hebrews 11:5-6)

His Promise

How did God invite Enoch to such an excellent experience? Perhaps it was the birth of his son, Methuselah, that inspired a definite decision to live by faith in harmony with God. Clearly, Methuselah’s birth sparked a dedication that marked the rest of Enoch’s life—he began to take matters of faith far more seriously. Maybe he yearned to provide his son a godly model to follow. (See Genesis 5:21–24)

Hebrews 11 suggests that Enoch viewed God as “God” and a “Rewarder” of the diligent seeker. There had to be a basis for him thinking of Jehovah in this way…perhaps God issued a promise of blessing—an invitation to spend life with Him, the Almighty God-Rewarder. It could have been a promise from God that Enoch would go to heaven without dying. I cannot be dogmatic here…. What is clear is that God promised to reward the person who diligently seeks Him as God (Heb. 11:5, 6). This much was powerfully motiving in the heart of Enoch. God promised, and Enoch believed Him. It was the most sane, rational thing that Enoch could do; what is more reasonable than that the creature should believe his Creator? (MacDonald) Remember, intimate relationships are characterized by deepening trust and vibrant God-confidence.

Fundamentally, a walk of faith is motivated and directed by “thus saith the Lord.” Our trust must be in God’s character and statements. It cannot be a matter of demanding our own will according to our own imaginations. Such behavior violates intimacy. Instead it is living in the context of God’s revealed plan that is essential (Rom. 10:17). What specific promise from God inspires you to walk obediently and closely with Him? Remember, faith is always based on something God said, prescribed, or promised; it is never wishful thinking or merely a positive outlook. Beloved, there is inherent promise in the fact that God is a “rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). So, who are you pursuing?

His Passage 

Sometime during Enoch’s devoted life, it suddenly happened! He received a passport directly into Heaven! Before that incredible moment, we know that Enoch walked with the invisible God for three hundred years (Gen. 5:21–24)! Again, we must consider this idea of walking with God because it is so crucial.

The word walk implies a steady, progressive relationship and not just a casual acquaintance. To walk with God is the business of a lifetime, and not just the performance of an hour. (MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary)

Enoch possessed a companionship with God that he cherished like no other. He regarded God first and foremost as priority number one. Steadily, progressively, daily, life-long, and sweetly pursuing deepening connection with Jehovah. “Enoch walked with God!” He found his greatest pleasure in God’s company and expressed his most honest thoughts to His Creator. It was not a matter of impressing the watching eyes, it was a matter of exploring and experiencing supreme Reality by faith. This is what gave this dear saint of God purpose, meaning, and significance….

Also bear in mind that up to that time everyone had died—consider the record and you will find that sooner or later everyone else literally died (Gen. 5). The sentence of death was realized with every generation since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Humanity was receiving its fair wages for its sinfulness! There was no record of anyone ever having been taken away without dying. All Enoch had was a promise of blessing and perhaps translation to heaven from God. Yet, this fueled his worship and pursuit of God and the knowledge of the Holy! There was no other occasion Enoch could learn from as a case study. Apparently, what God said to him was enough and he believed God. The promise gave shape to his passage through life.

You see, life was designed to be shared with God. Beloved, we were never intended to figure our life’s challenges all on our own. From the creation, God’s plan involved His interaction with humanity in relationship…intimate relationship. Walking with God is His design for all of us and Jesus Christ is key to making life with God possible. It is Christ who died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day raised from among the dead (1Cor. 15:1-6). He is alive forevermore to save all who will acknowledge their sinfulness and trust him as Savior (Rom. 10:8-17). Without faith in Jesus, the Son of God, we remain under the sentence of death and condemnation in Hell (Rom. 5:12-21). Jesus is the way, the true faith-passage, to God. (See Jn. 14:1-6) Will you trust Him also?

Then perhaps surprisingly, Enoch walked with Jehovah God straight on into heaven. Yes, this was extraordinary, miraculous, and supernatural. Hebrews 11:5 says he was “translated” and refers to this as a “translation”—a change to a different location. Much like words can be transported from one language to another, Enoch was transported to Glory to be with God before Noah’s flood! He escaped the coming wrath and judgment through this God-provided passage! 

Like many others, I also see in the translation of Enoch an intimation of the Rapture of the saints when Jesus Christ returns for us prior to the Tribulation judgments (1 Thes. 4:13–18). Perhaps the Lord wanted to assure these suffering Hebrew believers that they too have this hope of being translated as Enoch was, but in the meantime, we must concentrate on walking daily and closely with God. (Wiersbe) Beloved, what is your passage to God? Is it faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? You may look many places to find love and belonging…. I assure you…you cannot do better than Jesus. God created you for the best! He is that “BEST” for you! Beloved, Jesus is who you need.

7 Qualities of Mature Believers

2 Peter 1:5-7

Subject: Spiritual Growth 

Theme: diligently apply yourself to sustain spiritual growth.

Introduction:

In order to sustain growth, we must apply serious, concentrated, and persistent effort (2Pet. 1:5-7). Verses 3 and 4 declare how God has given us everything necessary to experience Christ’s divine life. Because He has, we must be diligent in cultivating it. God does not make us holy against our will or without our involvement. There must be desire, determination, and discipline on our part.

Peter refers back to the divine nature by beginning this new paragraph with the words “And besides this” indicating the very reason we must pursue maturity in Christ. When he says, “giving all diligence” it summons our every effort—to apply zeal; it is bringing to bear our personal determination alongside the provisions and promises of God. You see, every bit of effort a Christian can muster is to be coupled with the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, to “escape the corruption that is in the world” caused by our evil desires (2 Peter 1:4). Yes, serious personal exertion is necessary to develop the seven qualities of mature believers. Lazy believers will never cultivate these characteristics in verses 5-7, but those that do so will become more like Christ as they experience more entirely God’s “divine nature.” This certainly is not an either or proposition!

Paul, the apostle, completely agrees writing, “work out your own salvation.... For it is God which worketh in you” (Phil. 2:12–13). Spiritual development requires God’s work and our work! Since we truly have life, we can know substantial growth. By saving us God began an incredible work in us, but this is merely the start of a journey of development. We have an obligation to apply ourselves. Spiritual growth is not automatic, and we cannot become holy in a hurry. It requires full cooperation with God and our application of spiritual diligence.

Lesson:

Make Every Effort to Develop the 7 Qualities of Mature Christian Character (2Pet. 1:5-7). So then…how can we know when we are all grown up? What character strengths should we focus our energies on? 

Faith

Since Peter is writing to those who have already exercised saving faith in the Lord Jesus, he does not tell them or us to furnish faith; he assumes we already have it. Faith actually connects us to God through Jesus Christ; spiritual life begins with faith in our Lord. It is not through our discipline, works, services, sacrifices, rituals, or church membership that we are made right with God.

We are instead challenged to supplement our faith with seven elements of holiness. The word “add,” means “to supply generously,” pointing to an imperative—what we must do. Note that this is not adding these traits one after another, but manifesting all the qualities all the time.

In addition, the word "add" indicates one who provides for or supports others or supplies something for them in abundance. As such we are to “furnish, supply, or support” our life with these qualities. You see, we develop one quality as we exercise another quality. They are related much like a tree to its branches, and branches to their twigs. Like the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22–23), these qualities, the fruit of divine life, grow out of life and out of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not enough for the Christian to “let go and let God,” as though spiritual growth were God’s work alone. Literally, Peter is challenging us to bring our very best "A game" to ensure these qualities grow alongside our faith. The Father and the child must work together. (K. Gangel)

Virtue
The first characteristic is virtue (see 2 Peter 1:3). It basically means “excellence.” To the Greek philosophers, it meant “the fulfillment of a thing.” When anything in nature fulfills its purpose, that is “virtue—moral excellence.” The land that produces crops is “excellent” because it is fulfilling its purpose. The tool that works correctly is “excellent” because it is doing what a tool is supposed to do. (W. MacDonald)

A Christian is supposed to glorify God because he has God’s nature within; so, when he does this, he shows “excellence” because he is fulfilling his purpose in life. True virtue in the Christian life is not “polishing” human qualities, no matter how fine they may be, but producing divine qualities that make the person more like Jesus Christ. It may also be that virtue means spiritual courage before a hostile world, the strength to stand for what is right.  

Knowledge  

Virtuous courage is to be supplemented with knowledge, especially the knowledge of spiritual truth. Faith helps us develop virtue, and virtue helps us develop knowledge (2 Peter 1:5). The word “knowledge” in 2 Peter 1:2–3 means “full knowledge” or “knowledge that is growing.” The word used here suggests practical knowledge or discernment. It refers to the ability to handle life successfully. It is the opposite of being “so heavenly minded as to be of no earthly good!” This kind of knowledge does not come automatically. It comes from obedience to the will of God as stated in the Word (John 7:17) and submission to the personal ministry of the Holy Spirit. In the Christian life, you must not separate the heart and the mind, character and knowledge.

Beloved, we are immediately impressed with the importance of studying the Word of God and obeying its sacred precepts. Through an experiential knowledge of the Bible we develop what Erdman calls “practical skills in the details of Christianity.” (W. MacDonald)      

Temperance 

God calls every Christian to a life of discipline (1:6); temperance means self-control. Someone has defined this as the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God. There must be discipline in prayer, discipline in Bible study, discipline in the use of time, discipline in curbing bodily appetites, and discipline in sacrificial living. For a believer... enslavement to passions and pleasures will destroy their testimony. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Prov. 16:32). “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls” (Prov. 25:28).

Paul agrees and often compares the Christian to an athlete who must exercise and discipline himself if he ever hopes to win the prize (1 Cor. 9:24–27; Phil. 3:12–16; 1 Tim. 4:7–8). Because of the example of others, the urgent needs of a perishing world, the personal peril of wrecking our testimony, we should discipline ourselves so that Christ will have the best of our lives.

Patience 

Temperance should be supplemented with patience, that is, persevering endurance of persecution and adversity. Patience is the ability to endure when circumstances are difficult. Self-control has to do with handling the pleasures of life, while patience relates primarily to the pressures and problems of life. (The ability to endure problem people is “long-suffering.”) Often, the person who “gives in” to pleasures is not disciplined enough to handle pressures either, so he “gives up.”

Patience is not something that develops automatically; we must work at it. James 1:2–8 gives us the right approach. We must expect trials to come, because without trials we could never learn patience. We must, by faith, let our trials work for us and not against us, because we know that God is at work in our trials.

If we need wisdom in making decisions, God will grant that wisdom if we ask Him. Nobody enjoys trials, but we do enjoy the confidence we can have in trials that God is at work, causing everything to work together for our good and His glory. need to be constantly reminded that the Christian life is a challenge to endure. It is not enough to start off in a blaze of glory; we must persevere in spite of difficulties. The idea that Christianity is an unending round of mountaintop experiences is unrealistic. There is the daily routine, the menial task, the disappointing circumstance, the bitter grief, and the shattered plans. Perseverance is the art of bearing up and pressing on in the face of all that seems to be against us. (W. MacDonald)  

Godliness

The next virtue is godliness. This may mean piety, reverence, goodness of life, or a high degree of morality. Godliness is simply “God-likeness.” In the Greek language, this word meant “to worship well.” It described the man who was right in his relationship with God and with his fellowman. In an irreverent culture like ours this quality of character truly makes a believer stand out. We must live above the petty things of life, as well as the common passions and pressures that control the lives of others. Beloved, seek to do the will of God and, as we do so, seek the welfare of others.

We must never get the idea that godliness is an impractical thing, because it is intensely practical. The godly person makes the kinds of decisions that are right and noble. We must not take an easy path simply to avoid either pain or trial. We must consciously choose to do what is right because it is right and because it is the will of God.

Our lives should be like God, with all that means in the way of practical holiness. There should be such a supernatural quality in our conduct that others will know we are children of the heavenly Father; the family likeness should be unmistakable. Paul reminds us, “... godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8). (W. Wiersbe)

Brotherly kindness 

Brotherly kindness (1:7) identifies us to the world as Christ’s disciples (John 13:35). Brotherly kindness is a virtue that Peter must have acquired the hard way, for the disciples of our Lord often debated and disagreed with one another.

If we love Jesus Christ, we must also love the brethren--desiring the highest good for them. We should practice an “unfeigned [sincere] love of the brethren” (1 Peter 1:22) and not just pretend that we love them. “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1). “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10). The fact that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ is one evidence that we have been born of God (1 John 5:1–2).

Charity

Love of the brethren leads to charity for all mankind. There is more to Christian growth than brotherly love; we must also have the sacrificial love that our Lord displayed when He went to the cross. The kind of love (“charity”) spoken of in 2 Peter 1:7 is agape love, the kind of love that God shows toward lost sinners. This is the love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13, the love that the Holy Spirit produces in our hearts as we walk in the Spirit (Rom. 5:5; Gal. 5:22). When we have brotherly love, we love because of our likenesses to others; but with agape love, we love in spite of the differences we have.

This is not primarily a matter of the emotions but of the will. Love manifests itself in giving. For instance, “God so loved the world, that He gave ... ” (John 3:16). “Christ also loved the church and gave ... ” (Eph. 5:25). We can show our love by giving our time, our talents, our treasures, and our lives for others.  (W. MacDonald)

These seven graces make for a full-orbed Christian character. It is impossible for fallen human nature to manufacture these seven qualities of Christian character. They must be produced by the Spirit of God. To be sure, there are unsaved people who possess amazing self-control and endurance, but these virtues point to them and not to the Lord. They get the glory. When God produces the beautiful nature of His Son in a Christian, it is God who receives the praise and glory.

Because we have the divine nature, we can grow spiritually and develop this kind of Christian character. It is through the power of God and the precious promises of God that this growth takes place. The divine “genetic structure” is already there: God wants us to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). The life within will reproduce that image if we but diligently cooperate with God and use the means He has lavishly given us. (W. MacDonald)

And the amazing thing is this: as the image of Christ is reproduced in us, the process does not destroy our own personalities. We still remain uniquely ourselves! One of the dangers in the church today is imitation. People have a tendency to become like their pastor, or like a church leader, or perhaps like some “famous Christian.” As they do this, they destroy their own uniqueness while failing to become like Jesus Christ. They lose both ways! Just as each child in a family resembles his parents and yet is different, so each child in God’s family comes more and more to resemble Jesus Christ and yet is different. Parents don’t duplicate themselves, they reproduce themselves; and wise parents permit their children to be themselves. (W. Wiersbe)

Managing Our Lord's Estate

Genesis 39: 1-6

THEME: Biblical Stewardship Is the Key to Overcoming Financial Indebtedness and Bondage.  As Christians we are to faithfully, wisely, and diligently manage our Lord’s affairs and the property He has placed in our managerial care.

INTRODUCTION:

Joseph was sold by his brothers to some Ishmaelite Merchantmen.  These traveling salesmen went down to Egypt and there they sold Joseph to Potipher, Captain of Pharaoh’s Palace Guards.  Joseph started out as a slave in Potipher’s house and was soon advanced to Overseer or Steward of the entire estate of his master.  This story gives us three basic principles about Stewardship.

LESSON:

THE PRINCIPLES OF STEWARDSHIP

Imperative for our day is a stewardship that is not fractional, but which brings the whole life into proper relationship between God and man. Clinging to church membership by having one’s name on the roll does not prove that one belongs to the church.  Proof is living, active participation in the worship and the service of the church. --J. H. Melton

EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD

Gen 39:4, And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Gen 39:6, And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

Even though we have many things in our possession none of them really belong to us, they all actually belong to God.  He owns it all.  Therefore, He has the right and authority to tell us how His property is to be used.

Exodus 19:5, Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Ps 24:1, The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.            

Hag 2:8, The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

STEWARDSHIP IS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE AFFAIRS OF ANOTHER

Matthew 25:14-15, For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. ¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

A Steward is a Manager of another’s estate or affairs.  Stewardship is the management of the affairs or estate of another.  And from this period in Joseph’s life we find a parallel for the Christian who is to be a steward of God. 

The Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples the principles of stewardship in Matthew 25:14-31. The word 'stewardship' means the "management of the affairs or estates of another" - Genesis 39:1-6. Christian stewardship involves a great deal more than just money.  It entails the whole of man's relationship to God and man.

EVERY CHRISTIAN IS A STEWARD OF GOD

Gen 39:1, And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.  (Like Joseph we as Christians have been bought and we belong to Christ)

Matt 25:14-15, For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15, And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Being a Christian means being a steward of God, we belong to Him and He has certain responsibilities to entrust us with. As Believers we ALL are not owners but we ALL are Managers of those things that God has placed in our care.  We are Stewards or in charge of His property (Ge. 15:2; 43:19; 1 Ch. 28:1; Mt. 20:8; Lk. 16:1-8).  Therefore, we cannot simply decide what we will do with His property.  We can only do what He instructs us to do with His property.  We need to consciously transfer all ownership of our possessions to God who rightfully owns them.

            1.  Christians Are Stewards of the Gospel (1 Co. 4:1,2),

            2.  Christians Are Stewards of Spiritual Gifts and Ministries (1 Pe. 4:10,11),

1 Peter 4:10-11, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold [Multi-colored] grace of God. ¹¹If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

APPLICATION: Think about the Multicolored Grace of God the next time you feel Blue, see Red, or feel Yellow. What about the next time your situation seems Gray and you are indecisive or maybe the future is Black and you are uncertain.  Apply the appropriate color of Grace for whatever the problem may be.

            3.   Christians Are Stewards of  All That They Own (1 Ti. 6:17-19).

1 Tim. 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; ¹⁸That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ¹⁹Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

            4.  The Steward Is Responsible for His Sphere of Service and Will Give Account to His Master.     (See Luke 19:11-27; Matt. 25:14-30)

GOD REQUIRES HIS STEWARDS TO SERVE FAITHFULLY

Gen 39:6, And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

1 Cor 4:2, Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

FAITHFUL MEANS: TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE, RESPONSIBLE, and DILIGENT!

As Stewards we are to seek to increase the Kingdom of God by faithfully managing whatever the Lord has committed to us.  It does not matter if someone else has a greater or less responsibility then you, you must faithfully manage that which Our Lord committed to YOU!

We are not to be lazy, unfaithful, half-hearted, irresponsible and unwise in our management of our Lord’s estate.

Just Suppose

Just suppose the Lord would begin tomorrow to make people sick as they claim to be On Sunday.

Just suppose the Lord should take away the children whom the parents use as an excuse for Staying away from church.

Just suppose the Lord should make the people as poor as they claim to be when asked to help finance His program.

Just suppose the Lord should have everyone stoned to death for covetousness as was Achan.

Just suppose the Lord should let some parents look into the future and see what their example and lax control did for their children.

Just suppose-and then, by the help of the Lord, go forth and live and serve as if eternity was soon coming.

It is! "I come quickly" (Rev. 22:12), says the Lord.

How To Avoid Shipwreck

2 Peter 1:5-11

Subject: Spiritual Growth 

Theme: diligently apply yourself to sustain spiritual growth.

Introduction:

In order to sustain growth, we must apply serious, concentrated, and laborious persistence (2Pet. 1:5-11). Verses 3 and 4 declare how God has given us all that is required for experiencing Christ’s divine life. Because He has, we must be diligent in cultivating it. God does not make us holy against our will or without our involvement. There must be desire, determination, and discipline on our part.

Peter referred back to the divine nature by beginning this new paragraph with the words “And besides this” or for this very reason. The words “giving all diligence” means to make every effort to apply zeal; it is bringing to bear our personal determination alongside the provisions and promises of God.  It takes every bit of diligence and effort a Christian can muster, along with the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, to “escape the corruption that is in the world” caused by our evil desires (2 Peter 1:4) and to bring in alongside of our faith a complement of virtue. We must work hard at cultivating the seven qualities Peter listed in verses 5-7. As a Christian does so, we become more like Christ, participating more fully in God’s “divine nature.”

Where there is life, there must be growth. The new birth is not the end; it is the beginning. God gives His children all that we need to live Christ-like lives, but we, His children, must apply ourselves and be diligent to use the “means of grace” He has provided. Spiritual growth is not automatic. It requires cooperation with God and the application of spiritual diligence and discipline. “Work out your own salvation.... For it is God which worketh in you”(Phil. 2:12–13).

Lesson:

Make Every Effort to Grow and Experience The Benefits of Spiritual Growth (1:8-10).

There is either advance or decline in the pathway of discipleship—no standing still. There is strength and security in moving forward; danger and failure in retreat. Failure to persevere in the development of Christian character leads to barrenness, unfruitfulness, blindness, shortsightedness, and forgetfulness.  When this happens we know we are not 'growing up' in the Lord.  But how can we know we are advancing?  Peter gave three solid evidences of genuine spiritual growth.

There will be Spiritual Fruitfulness: Assurance of fruitfulness in the knowledge of Christ (1:8-9).

Notice the Benefits of Fruitfulness.

                                Christian growth (1:5-7) results in spiritual effectiveness and productivity. The words “be in you” means “possessing” and emphasizes that these spiritual qualities “belong to” Christians.

                                However, Christians are to do more than merely possess these virtues. Effective and productive spirituality comes as these qualities “abound”—more than adequate measure. There is to be a growth in grace. A believer who does not progress in these seven areas is ineffective and unproductive in his saving knowledge—“full personal knowledge”—of our Lord Jesus Christ.

     Notice the Consequences of Unfruitfulness.

                                Unfortunately many Christians know the Lord in salvation, but they lack the “fruit” of the Spirit and are not advancing spiritually. They remain “infants in Christ” (1 Cor. 3:1), still in need of spiritual “milk” (Heb. 5:12-13).

                                But as Peter urged, believers should “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

     Thus avoiding barrenness (1:8).  Only the life lived in fellowship with God can be truly effective. The guidance of the Holy Spirit eliminates barren activity and insures maximum efficiency. Otherwise, we simply going through the motions, but we are not producing anything godly.

     Thus avoiding unfruitfulness (1:8).  It is possible to have considerable knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and yet be unfruitful in that knowledge. Failure to practice what we know leads inevitably to barrenness. Inflow without outgo killed the Dead Sea, and it kills productivity in the spiritual realm as well.

     There will be Spiritual Vision: Avoidance of blindness in the knowledge of Christ (1:9).

     We can avoid blindness and shortsightedness (1:9). In contrast with a growing Christian, a carnal believer is blind and nearsighted.

                                A believer with spiritual myopia is not magnifying the grace of Christ. Since his life is not evidencing the seven characteristics listed in verses 5-7, he seems to be just like a spiritually blind (or unsaved) person (2 Cor. 4:4; John 9:39). He is not aware of what is central in life. He lacks discernment of true spiritual values. He lives in a dark world of shadows. (MacDonald)

                                The phrase cannot see afar off means “shortsighted.” It is the picture of somebody closing or squinting his eyes, unable to see at a distance.

                                There are some Christians who see only their own church, or their own denomination, but who fail to see the greatness of God’s family around the world. Some believers see the needs at home but have no vision for a lost world. –W. W. Wiersbe

                                Shortsightedness encompasses the fact that there are various degrees of impaired vision which are spoken of as blindness (1:9). Shortsightedness here specifies the form of blindness in which man lives for the present rather than the future. He is so occupied with material things that he neglects the spiritual.

     We can avoid forgetfulness (1:9). Since they lack these seven virtues, they have forgotten that they have been cleansed from their pre-conversion sins. Such Christians are spiritually immature. Though they have been cleansed from their sins, they have not grown spiritually (Titus 3:5). The truth of his redemption has lost its grip on them. He or she is going back in the direction from which they were once rescued. They are toying with sins that caused the death of God’s Son.

    There will be Spiritual Security: Assurance of salvation and greater reward (1:10-11).

     This involves confirming our calling an election (1:10).

                                Peter exhorts his readers to confirm their calling and election (1:10). These are two facets of God’s plan of salvation. Election refers to His sovereign, eternal choice of individuals to belong to Himself. Calling refers to His action in time by which the choice is made evident. Our election took place before the world was made; our call takes place when we are converted. Chronologically, there is first election, then call. But in human experience we first become aware of His call, then we realize we were chosen in Christ from all eternity.

                                We cannot make our calling and election more sure than they already are; God’s eternal purposes can never be thwarted. But we can confirm them by growing in likeness to the Lord. By manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, we can provide unmistakable evidence that we truly belong to Him. A holy life proves the reality of our salvation.

                                Peter pointed out that “calling” and “election” go together. The same God who elects His people also ordains the means to call them. The two must go together, as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation.... Whereunto He called you by our Gospel” (2 Thes. 2:13–14). We do not preach election to unsaved people; we preach the Gospel. But God uses that Gospel to call sinners to repentance, and then those sinners discover that they were chosen by God! (Wiersbe)

                                Peter also pointed out that election is no excuse for spiritual immaturity or for lack of effort in the Christian life. Some believers say, “What is going to be is going to be. There is nothing we can do.” But Peter admonishes us to “give diligence.” This means “make every effort.” (He used this same verb in 2 Peter 1:5.) While it is true that God must work in us before we can do His will (Phil. 2:12–13), it is also true that we must be willing for God to work, and we must cooperate with Him. Divine election must never be an excuse for human laziness. –Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary

     This involves preventing a fall into sin, disgrace, and disuse (1:10).

                                Living a holy life will keep us from stumbling. It is not a question of falling into eternal perdition; the work of Christ delivers us from that. Rather, it refers to falling into sin, disgrace, or disuse. If we fail to progress in divine things, we are in danger of wrecking our lives. But if we walk in the Spirit, we will be spared from being disqualified for His service. God guards the Christian who moves forward for Him. The peril lies in spiritual idleness and blindness. –MacDonald: Believer's Bible Commentary

                                If you walk around with your eyes closed, you will stumble! But the growing Christian walks with confidence because he knows he is secure in Christ. It is not our profession of faith that guarantees that we are saved; it is our progression in the faith that gives us that assurance. The person who claims to be a child of God but whose character and conduct give no evidence of spiritual growth is deceiving himself and heading for judgment.

                                   

     This involves securing a grand entrance into Christ’s everlasting kingdom (1:11).

                                Not only is there safety in constant spiritual progress, there is also the promise of a richly-provided entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peter refers here not to the fact of our entry but to the manner of it. The only basis of admission to the heavenly kingdom is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But some will have a more abundant entrance than others. There will be degrees of reward. And the rewards are here said to depend on the degree of one’s conformity to the Savior. (Wiersbe)

                                In fact, the growing Christian can look forward to an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom! The Greeks used this phrase to describe the welcome given Olympic winners when they returned home. Every believer will arrive in heaven, but some will have a more glorious welcome than others. Remember, some believers “shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Cor. 3:15).

                                The word ministered in 2 Peter 1:11 is the same as the word add in 2 Peter 1:5, and it means “to bear the expenses of a chorus.”

                                When the Greek theatrical groups presented their dramas, somebody had to underwrite the expenses, which were very great. The word came to mean “to make lavish provision.” If we make lavish provision to grow spiritually (2 Peter 1:5), then God will make lavish provision for us when we enter heaven! –The Bible Exposition Commentary

                                The ultimate reward of a growing, Christ-honoring life is the personal “welcome” by the Savior into His kingdom. Stephen experienced it (Acts 7:56); Paul knew when it was imminent for him (2 Tim. 4:7-8, 18); and every believer will experience such a welcome when he enters the Lord’s presence in heaven. …The entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be supplied with richness; it will be a wonderful “welcome home.” –Walvoord: The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Conclusion:

What spiritual disciplines have helped you the most in your Christian walk?

Clearly our Father knows our weaknesses. He knows we are prone to be undisciplined in spiritual matters. We need Him to come alongside us and help us. We all should ask for Him to guide us, and give us perseverance and discipline so that we can grow in our knowledge of Him. May we never be content with less than His best. The prayer on all of our lips should be, “Show us how much more you want to teach us. May we always hear your voice and obey.”

Remember God has given us all that is required for experiencing Christ’s divine life. Because He has, we must be diligent in cultivating it. God does not make us holy against our will or without our involvement. There must be desire, determination, and discipline on our part.

“Add to your faith”: Supplement it, flesh it out. Being a Christian doesn't mean believing and then just sitting around. Now that you have faith in God's part, make every effort—that's your part.

That's disciplines.

That's regular “holy habits.”

That's pacing yourself for the cross country run to your future.

Says Henri Nouwen, “A spiritual life without discipline is impossible.” Tighten your belt. Get tough on yourself. GO FOR IT.

A woman once said to the great Paderewski, “Sir, you are truly a genius.”

“Well,” he answered, “before I was a genius, I was a drudge!”

To get there, to win—your life needs discipline, order, and arrangement.

“If one examines the secret behind a championship football team, a magnificent orchestra, or a successful business, the principle ingredient is invariably discipline” (James Dobson, Discipline of the Home).

You will only discover excellence on the other side of hard work.

(From My Sacrifice, His Fire by Anne Ortlund)