Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 18, 2016
“The Lowly and the Holy” Luke 1:46-55 Bible Study 12/18/16
Mary’s song of praise underscores the importance of acknowledging our lowly status and making much of God’s magnificent mercy.
I. Introduction (1:26-45)
-between promise and fulfillment
-testimony of Elizabeth
-a sermon from the womb
-the Mary/Hannah connection
-living word and written word
II. The lowly express joy in the Holy (46-47)
-soulful magnification
-spiritual rejoicing
-personal Savior
III. The lowly specify joy in the Holy (48-49a)
-regard for a female servant
-blessed by generations to come
-not excessive veneration but biblical admiration
IV. The lowly anchor joy in the Holy (49b-53)
-concentration on the character of God
-merciful response to reverential fear
-the irresistible force of a mighty reversal
V. So what?
-Because the Lord is all-caring and all-powerful, rejoice in Him above all things.
-Magnify the Lord because He is both mindful and mighty.
-“The songs of Zion are not cultural artifacts but the story of God’s saving plan.” (Keller)
-“What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.” (Rosetti)
-Your only hope: Mary’s Savior
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 11, 2016
“Credit Where It’s Due” Joshua 5:13-6:27 Bible Study 12/11/16
Our study in Joshua this morning brings us to the account of the conquest of the city of Jericho. In it, we discover the presence, plan and power of God. We also discover that Joshua did not “fight” the Battle of Jericho!
I. The Commander of the Lord’s army (5:13-6:5)
-the OT perspective of conquest (Gen. 15:16, Deut. 9:4-5)
-appearance as a warrior
-submission and then instruction
-seemingly hopeless situation
II. The Lord’s unusual methodology (6:6-15)
-blowing of horns
-circling of city
-centrality of the ark
-the shout
III. The significance of submission (6:16-21)
-the ban (herem)
-the shout
-compliance before conquest
IV. The deliverance in the midst of judgment (6:21-27)
-rescue of Rahab
-inclusion of Rahab (Matt. 1:5)
V. So what?
-In God’s economy, the prelude of obedience precedes the processional of victory. Therefore, prioritize obedience to Him.
-Reverent submission sets the stage for specific instruction.
-The posture of dependence paves the path to deliverance.
-Marvel at the magnificent mercy of God: A Canaanite prostitute becomes the great, great grandmother of David- a snapshot of the ultimate gift of mercy in God’s Son!
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 4, 2016
Guest Speaker: Dr. Barry McCarty
“How the 12 Tribes came to be” – Genesis 29:31-35:26
Lesson notes not available.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 27, 2016
“What Sort of People…? 2 Peter 3:11-18 Bible Study 11/27/16
After a scathing denunciation of false teachers in chapter 2, the last chapter of 2 Peter opens with Peter’s affectionate declaration to believers (“beloved” 3:1). He now returns to the theme of chapter 1: the believer’s hope that is grounded in the precious promises of God. Addressing the apparent “delay” of Christ’s return, the threat of false teachers and the general tendency of people to be “tossed” in turmoil, Peter exhorts his readers to live presently in light of God’s promised eternal future. What sort of people should we be? We should be the sort of people that let the biblical next-world outlook shape the contours of our this-world existence.
I. Consider the context (3:1-10)
-“these things” connection (11)
-“day of the Lord” (10): judgment and deliverance
-predictions of prophets and commands through apostles (2)
-scoffers (3-6), fire (7) and the Lord’s patience (8-10)
II. Ponder the prescription (3:11-13)
-holiness and godliness: behavior and actions
-“waiting” (verses 12, 13, 14): longing expectation
-“hastening”: speeding the “arrival” by godly living
III. Apply four command-based principles (3:14-18)
-engagement: “be diligent” (14)
-assessment: “count” (9, 15)
-vigilance: “take care” or “guard” (17)
-progression: “grow” (18)
IV. Reflect on the truth
-“Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord and Judge shall come…” (C. Wesley)
-The stability of believers hinges on avoidance of error and advancement in godliness.
-Dare to place your life under the searching spotlight of eternity. Ask yourself frequently, “How important is this in light of eternity?”
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 20, 2016
“Keep Yourselves in the Love of God” Jude 1, 17-20 Bible Study 11/20/16
This morning we will examine a pivotal text in the frequently neglected book of Jude. It is essentially a polemic against false teachers and a warning for believers to persevere in right doctrine and right living. Believers are to persevere by keeping themselves in the love of God. Our text this morning communicates the specifics of how such a “keeping” is done. Those who are kept by God keep themselves in the love of God.
I. Keep yourselves in the love of God (21a)
-apparent conflict: verse 1 and verse 21
-“Grace is opposed to earning-not effort.” (Willard)
-fire insurance or fire endowment?
-How? Persevere: contend v. 3, remember v. 17
-specifically: three participles modify the main verb “keep” v.21
A. Build on your faith (20a)
-doctrinal conformity
-personal commitment
-avoiding the anesthesia of idolatry
B. Pray in the Holy Spirit (20b)
-intoxicated prayer
-use the words He inspired
-relationship requires communication
C. Wait for God’s mercy (21b)
-not passive
-Let future assurance shape present activity.
-“We have the presence and the promises of God. We are meant to march to that great music.” (Carmichael)
-Erupt in doxology (25)
-The foundation for finishing well is a riveted focus on the faithful love of God.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 13, 2016
Guest Speaker: Dr. Madison Grace.
“The Nature of Authority” 2 Peter 1:12-21
Lesson outline not available.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 6, 2016
“For This Very Reason” 2 Peter 1:1-11 Bible Study 11/06/16
This morning we begin a new study in 2 Peter, which was Peter’s final recorded correspondence. Writing to the same original recipients addressed in 1 Peter, Peter continued to offer inspired insights for believers living in the midst of persecution and cultural confusion. He wanted his readers to be assured that God’s power and promises provided everything necessary for their growth in conformity to Christ. Therefore, we can summarize his instruction in 1: 1-11 with the following statement: In light of the Lord’s power and promises, passionately pursue the goal of growth in likeness to Christ.
I. Practice biblical “choreography” (5-7)
-affirmation of effort: bring in diligence
-power of favor precedes our labor
-spiritually “fit out” the chorus
-seven-fold application of faith: banking on Christ
*moral excellence: virtue
*knowledge: discernment
*self-control: strict training
*perseverance: unswerving devotion
*godliness: reflecting God’s character
*brotherly kindness: family affection
*love: origin in the agent not the object
II. Prioritize biblical productivity (8-9)
-possession and progression
-neither ineffective nor unproductive in knowledge
-not blind or myopic
III. Prize biblical certainty (10-11)
-be diligent to confirm: cooperation
-observe the order: calling and election
-two results:
*no falling beyond recovery
*no hindered entrance
-confirmation by continuation
IV. So what?
-Affirm divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
-Remember: “Grace is opposed to earning-not to effort.” (D. Willard)
-Assess life biblically: “Three things are called precious in the Scripture: the blood of Christ is called “precious blood,” 1 Peter 1:19; and faith is called “precious faith,” 2 Peter 1:1; and the promises are called “precious promises,” 2 Peter 1:4.” (T. Brooks)
-Feed your mind with the promises of God.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 30, 2016
Guest Speaker: David Norman
Holding on until Help Arrives
1 Peter 5:1–11
Four Anchors to Weather the Storm
I. Cling to a trusted pastor (vv. 1–4)
II. Cling to a humble heart (vv. 5–7)
III. Cling to a shared suffering (vv. 8–9)
IV. Cling to an eternal perspective (vv. 10–11)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 23, 2016
“The Truth about Suffering” 1 Peter 4:12-19 Bible Study 10/23/16
Our text this morning leads us to understand that, while Christ hung on the cross so that we wouldn’t have to suffer hell, He did not die so that we wouldn’t have to suffer here. Suffering for the cause of Christ, according to Scripture, is both prescribed and purposeful for the believer. When you treasure Christ above all things, your faith enables you to thank and trust Him in the furnace of suffering.
I. Respond biblically (12-13)
-do not be surprised…
-do keep on rejoicing
-indication of identification
-intensification of intimacy
II. Remember specifically (14-16)
-support from heaven
-opportunity to show your satisfaction
-participating in a purging process
III. Rely actively (17-19)
-entrust for safekeeping
-His permission and purpose
-engage in active obedience
IV. So what?
-Acknowledge the twin truths of suffering and glory.
-Bank on the utter reliability of God in Christ.
-Repudiate the prosperity gospel by living out the biblical gospel.
-Mission 1:8/Fuel the Fire: Availability (Jn. 6:1-14)
Sustenance (Jn. 6:22-40)
Stewardship (2 Cor. 8-9)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 16, 2016
“Armed with an Attitude” 1 Peter 4:1-6 Bible Study 10/16/16
Our passage this morning is an application of the key truths found in 1 Peter 3:18-22. Believers share in Christ’s victory and also share in His sufferings. Believers are enabled to suffer for Christ when they rely on the accomplishment of His death and arm themselves with His attitude. In this rich text we will observe that we should expect suffering if we participate in the Lord’s rescue operation and that we should select suffering for the sake of an authentic Christian testimony.
I. Run to the roar (1)
-Boniface (Seventh Century): “Let us stand fast in what is right and prepare our souls for trial. Let us neither be dogs that do not bark or silent onlookers, nor paid servants who run away before the wolf. Instead, where the battle rages, let us find ourselves. Run towards the roar of the lion! Run towards the roar of the battle! That is where Christ’s most glorious victories shall be won.”
-because Christ died
-arm yourselves with a mindset
II. Resist the path of least resistance (1)
-suffering that signifies a clean break
-personal obedience over pain avoidance
III. Refuse to waste any more time (2-3)
-embracing the will of God as the higher value
-you don’t need some more time to sin
-the degradation of the undelivered
IV. Anticipate the accountability of adversaries (4-5)
-their shock and slander
-you don’t need the last word-God has it
V. Anticipate triumph even in death (6)
-gospel not proclaimed in vain to Christians now dead
-alive with Christ
-wherever He leads and whatever the cost
VI. So what?
-fueling the fire for Mission 1:8
-Gen. 12:1-3: called to the unseen
-Gen. 15:1-6: trusting the promise of God
-Gen. 17:1-8: acknowledging your new identity
-Gen. 22:1-18: absolute surrender
