Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 3, 2016

“Your Pursuit of Poverty in 2016” Matthew 5:1-3 Bible Study 01/03/16

This morning we begin a study of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. The Beatitudes are statements of promised Kingdom blessing recorded in Matthew 5:1-12. They comprise the bulk of the introductory portion of the Sermon on the Mount which covers Matthew chapters 5-7. Often misunderstood, the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount do not describe attributes one must manifest to “earn” God’s favor. Rather, they stress the transformed character of the one who truly has met the King and become a citizen of His Kingdom. When you grasp something of the depth of your own spiritual poverty, you treasure the mercy of the Ruler and the magnitude of His reign.

I. Introduction (1-2)

-primary audience:
-place
-new identity: an “extreme makeover”
-the meaning of “blessed”

II. Affirm your inability

-the opposite of being rich in pride
-the source of blessing (James 1:16-17)
-the beginning of blessing (Psalm 32:1-2)

III. Acknowledge that emptying precedes filling

-repentance and conversion
-boasting and self-pity
-dismissing the disposition of merit

IV. Make the Master your measure

-the curse of comparison
-the key to the Kingdom

V. Conclusion

-Christianity is for the crippled!
-“…hear and respond to Jesus’ teaching like a true disciple rather than like the crowds who were impressed by Jesus’ authority but who ignored His instructions.” (C. Quarles)
-“Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling; Naked, come to thee for dress; Helpless, look to thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die.” (Toplady)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 27, 2015

“Tempted As We Are” Matthew 4:1-11 Bible Study 12/27/15

This morning we turn our attention to the temptation of Jesus which followed His baptism and His Father’s words of affirmation. Hebrews 4:15 informs us that Jesus was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Temptation is a common subject in Scripture and a constant reality in our lives. How Jesus responded to temptation demonstrates and authenticates His identity as the Son of God. His response is also instructive for us as we face it in our own lives.

I. Make the connection (1-2)

-message of repentance 3:1-12
-baptism of Jesus: identification and affirmation
-role of the Holy Spirit
-fasting and hunger
-the tempter: devil/satan

II. Observe the “provision” temptation (3-4)

-if/since you are the Son of God…
-stones to bread
-it is written Deut. 8:3

III. Observe the “protection” temptation (5-7)

-pinnacle of Temple in Jerusalem
-throw yourself down
-Scripture-twisting Psa. 91:11-12
-it is written Deut. 6:16

IV. Observe the “plan” temptation (8-11)

-fall down and worship
-be gone, satan!
-it is written Deut. 6:13
-devil departs and angels minister

V. For further reflection
-Avoid the “Flip Wilson Mentality.” 1 Cor. 10:13, James 1:13-15
-Recognize that where Adam/Eve and Israel failed, Jesus succeeded.
-Savor His sympathy and seek His presence Heb. 4:14-16
-When tempted, wield the weapon of the Word. Eph. 6:17, Psa. 119:11
-“The great Physician now is near, The sympathizing Jesus; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer, Oh, hear the voice of Jesus…” (William Hunter)
-When you resist temptation by the help of the Holy Spirit, you model the allegiance of Jesus to His father. Dr. Matthew McKellar’s weekly lesson from December 27, 2015

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 20, 2015

“Known and Worshiped” Matthew 2:1-12 Bible Study 12/20/15

Matthew’s account of the visit of the Wise Men underscores the wisdom and power of God in pursuing His great goal: that His Son would be known and worshiped as King over all. Know Him and worship Him this Christmas-and always!

I. Honor Jesus as King of Kings

-Herod: king of the Jews

-inquiry about Messiah

-emphasis on “where” (Micah 5:2-4)

II. Honor Jesus as King of the nations

-represented by the wise men

-focus on foreigners (Isaiah 60:1-3)

-King and Promise-Fulfiller

III. Grasp the guidance and goal of God

-speculation about the “star’

-exertion of supernatural influence

-the worship of the nations

IV. Identify the features of non-worship

-indifference of religious leaders

-hostility of Herod

-the far-off near and the near far-off

V. Worship through joyful recognition and sacrificial giving

-authority and dignity

-quadruple rejoicing

-gifts that focus and foreshadow

VI. For further reflection

-The One “pavilioned in splendor” placed Himself in a manger.

-“Worship is communion with God in which believers, by grace, center their mind’s attention and their heart’s affection on the Lord, humbly glorifying God in response to His greatness and His Word.” (B. Leafblad)

-“Thou hast given so much to me, Give one thing more, a grateful heart; Not thankful when it pleaseth me, As if Thy blessings had spare days, But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.” (G. Herbert)

-“May we say from the heart, ‘Lord Jesus you are the Messiah, the King of Israel. All nations will come and bow down before you. God wields the world to see that you are worshiped. Therefore, whatever opposition I may find, I joyfully ascribe authority and dignity to you, and bring my gifts to say that you alone can satisfy my heart, not these.’” (J. Piper)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 13, 2015

“It Happened Like This” Matthew 1:18-25 Bible Study 12/13/15

Along with Luke 2:8-20, our text this morning may be one of the most familiar passages related to the birth of Jesus Christ. Rather than allowing ourselves to be “dulled” by the familiarity of this story, we should ponder the amazing narrative and be “staggered” by it. The story of incarnation-God taking on human flesh should evoke worshipful awe. Of the incarnation, J. I. Packer has observed: “Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of incarnation-the Word becoming flesh.” Because the biblical testimony is true, embrace the truth of “Immanuel” and its life-transforming implications.

I. Consider three amazing aspects of the incarnation

-supernatural conception (18)
* commentary from John 1
* context of Matthew 1
* conception connected to the Holy Spirit

-angelic intervention (19-21)
* description of Joseph
* dispelling of fear
* declaration of deliverance

-prophetic confirmation (22-23)
* Isaiah 7
* Immanuel: “God with us”

II. Observe one amazing response of obedience (24-25)

-acting on received revelation
-“ …knew her not…”
-“ …called his name Jesus.”

III. So what?

-“We will never face life alone now that God has made Himself known, Father and Friend with us to the end, Immanuel.” (S. C. Chapman)
-The body fashioned in the womb was the same body raised from the tomb!
-“And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of days has become an infant.” (Chrysostom)
-“The NT knows nothing of an incarnation which can be defined apart from its relation to atonement.” (James Denney)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 6, 2015

“Operation Preparation” Matthew 3:1-12 Bible Study 12/06/15

This morning we turn our focus to Matthew’s gospel and his account of the preparatory role of John the Baptist as it relates to the ministry of Jesus. Our passage today contains both prophetic fulfillment and profound declaration. Because Jesus is the True King, recognize His authority and resolve to trust Him alone.

I. Preparation begins with repentance (1-6)

-“In those days…” –following a period of prophetic silence
-connecting Matthew 2 and Matthew 3
-John the Baptist: birth, role (Isa. 40:3), appearance
-“comes” preaching: “heralding”
-repent: total alteration
-Kingdom of Heaven
-John’s baptism and “confessing their sins”

II. Preparation demands awareness of reality (7-10)

-Pharisees: self-righteous ritualists
-Sadducees: skeptical “modern thought” aristocrats
-John’s address: “spawn of snakes”
-Two commands: bear fruit and don’t presume

III. Preparation involves anticipation (11-12)

-of the supremacy of Jesus
-of the power of Jesus- Holy Spirit and fire
– of the authority of Jesus- “He rules the world…”

IV. For Further Thought
-Advent from the Latin “adventus”- “coming. It can lengthen the joy of Christmas. Don’t let Christmas find you “unprepared.”
-“Christmas is an indictment before it becomes a delight. We need a Savior.” (Piper)
-“Let every heart prepare Him room…He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found…” (Watts)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 29, 2015

“A Marriage Made in Heaven” Genesis 24 Bible Study 11/29/15

The story of a search for a bride for Isaac comprises the longest chapter in Genesis. In it we see a strong validation of the hand of God’s providence. Today, that hand of providence continues to coordinate circumstances for the accomplishment of His purposes.

I. Model the faithfulness of God (1-9)

-a relational relay
-a recognized relationship

II. Saturate your circumstances in prayer (10-28)

-an expedition bathed in prayer
-making work effective not unnecessary

III. Determine to follow where God leads (29-67)

-response of humility
-response of immediacy

IV. Grasp the bigger picture

-divine initiative and human responsibility
-recognizing the Chief Actor
-Rebekah and the Bride of Christ
-Because the Lord providentially governs your life for your good and His glory, faithfully follow Him in your present circumstances.
-Faith is the assurance that God will do what He wants to do and not what you want Him to do.
-Water the camels!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 22, 2015

“…Now I Know that You Fear God…” Gen. 22:1-19 Bible Study 11/22/15

Our text this morning focuses on the Lord’s testing of Abraham with reference to his beloved son, Isaac. This powerful narrative is loaded with drama and emotion. In this story we learn about the Lord’s character and His faithfulness. We also get a picture of robust biblical faith.

I. View the crisis from God’s perspective (1-2)

-“…After these things…”
-character of the test
-conditions preceding the test
-specific command

II. Observe Abraham’s compliance with the command (3-5)

-immediate
-intimate
-intensive

III. Observe Abraham’s confidence in God’s provision (6-10)

-astounding
-accounting: Heb. 11:17-19
-expressing: v.8- “…God will provide for Himself…

IV. Consider the Lord’s response (11-19)

-“…for now I know…”
-don’t miss the repetition
-The Lord “will see…”
-affirmation of promises
-a clearly theocentric focus

V. So what?

-When you truly fear The Lord , you release His gifts and rely on His promises.
-Make the connection to the cross (Rom. 8:32)
-Remember that the Lord is more concerned that you lift up the cross than He is that you ascend the ladder of “success.”
-When the bottom falls out, your theology will restore you or ruin you.
– Prize the promises of God!
-Accurate theology leads to overflowing doxology.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 15, 2015

Guest speaker: David Norman

The Faithfulness of God and the Joy of His People (Genesis 21:1–7)

God is faithful and Fulfills His Promises (v. 1–2).

God’s Faithfulness Leads Us to obedience (v. 3–5).

God’s Faithfulness Leads Us to joy (v. 6–7).

The faithfulness of God leads us to __________ and ___________ .

If we lack these, perhaps it demonstrates a lack of ____________ in the character of God.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 8, 2015

“The Answer is ‘Yes’” Genesis 18:16-33 Bible Study 11/08/15

The key question in today’s text, which is related to the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, anticipates a positive answer. Not only is the Lord able to do whatever He pleases, but also, whatever He does is right. You can count on Him to do the right thing-always!

I. The message of coming judgment for sin offends many people.

-Abraham, Job (1:21) and Paul (Rom. 3:4)
-people of Sodom
-friendship with Abraham

II. Sin cries out for judgment. Not one wrong escapes the Lord’s notice.

-outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah
-sins of the cities (Ezek. 16, Jer. 23, Jude 7)

III. Don’t confuse the Lord’s patience with the Lord’s tolerance.

-certainty of judgment
-Ezek. 16:49 and Luke 17:28-30

IV. Observe the remarkable prayer of intercession.

-Abraham’s response
-50-45-40-30-20-10?
-humility, persistence and specificity
-the righteous and the wicked

V. What now? We are all sinners who deserve judgment.

-Take prayer personally.
-Take truth seriously.
-Take refuge immediately.
-Because the Lord’s mercy flows even in the midst of judgment, recognize His righteousness and rejoice in His revelation.
-“Now let no sin cause you to flee, or make you suffer loss, our God is free and Christ has died, rejoice before His cross.” (Piper)
-the “miracle” of mercy…

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 1, 2015

“Back to the Future” Genesis 17 Bible Study 11/01/15

This morning we turn our attention to Genesis 17 and the Lord’s communication with Abram/Abraham. In this chapter the Lord reiterates and expands on the instructions/promises He has conveyed previously. In the events leading up to Genesis 17, we may observe that Abram did what most of us have done when presented with situations that seem incompatible with God’s promises: He attempted to run ahead of God. A look back to his experience can give us perspective and teach us to anticipate God’s faithfulness in every facet of our lives.

I. Understand the substance of God’s design

-to stagger you
-to show you

II. Affirm the scope of God’s dominion

-Elohim
-El Shaddai
-significance of a name change

III. Acknowledge the center of God’s desire

-orientation
-renewal of covenant promises
-“…walk before me…blameless…”
-Ishmael and Isaac
-same day submission

IV. So what?

-Because the Lord keeps His promises, anticipate His future faithfulness in every facet of your life.
-“God loves to magnify His sovereign grace and keep us in our humble place.” (Piper)
-Orient your life to God’s presence and God’s promises.
– It really is all about Jesus (John 8:58)!