Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 17, 2019

“Operation Reconciliation”   Genesis 44:14-45:15   Bible Study   02/17/19

In Genesis 44-45 we may observe the resolution to the dramatic story regarding Joseph and his brothers which begins in Genesis 37. This powerful resolution serves to remind us that the will of God, not the will of man, is the controlling reality in the circumstances of our lives.

1. Background/Context

• the brothers go to Egypt (42): guilty consciences awakened
• the brothers return to Egypt (43): the test of maturity
• the brothers are tested again (44): the test of loyalty

2. Guilt Acknowledged 44:14-17

• the brothers fall to the ground (see also 42:6)
• confession of guilt
• Benjamin to be held as a slave

3. Judah’s Appeal 44:18-34

• recollection of previous meeting (18-23)
• Jacob’s concern for Benjamin (24-29)
• Jacob’s sorrow (30-32)
• request to take Benjamin’s place (33-34)

4. Emotional Revelation to the Brothers and Their Response 45:1-3

• Joseph overcome by emotion
• Brothers overcome by terror

5. Joseph Addresses His Brothers 45:4-13

• explanation of God’s purpose (“sent me” repetition) (4-8)
• instructions for migration to Egypt (9-13)
• note the use of “ruler” in verse 8 (see also 37:8)

6. Emotional Reunion 45:14-15

7. So What?

• When you know God is in control, you can extend forgiveness and experience reconciliation.
• “To see God in all things, both good and evil, enables us to forgive easily those who injure us.” (Barnhouse)
• Apply the elements of true repentance: admission/contrition/exhibition.
• “When you hold a grudge, you doubt the Judge.” (Piper)
• the Joseph-Jesus connection.
• Get the strings of your heart tuned to the cross.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 10, 2019

“Who’s in Charge Here?”   Genesis 41:1-57   Bible Study   02/10/19

As we focus this morning on Genesis 41, we find ourselves at a crucial turning-point or transition in the Joseph narrative. Following the dream of Genesis 37 and before its fulfillment in Genesis 45, we have a dream and its interpretation which result in Joseph’s elevation to power. There are three key characters in Genesis 41. First, there is the faithful servant, Joseph. Then, there is the potential antagonist, Pharaoh, who ends up quietly acquiescing to God’s sovereignty. The third, and most significant, character is the God Himself. This chapter shows clearly that He is completely in charge of the events that transpire. The good news for us is that He remains in complete control today.

1. Pharaoh Dreams 1-8

• after 2 years
• cows and grain
• troubled spirit and inability to interpret

2. Cupbearer Remembers 9-13

• imprisonment and dreams
• identification of Joseph
• accurate interpretation recalled

3. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dream 14-36

• Joseph is summoned
• Joseph acknowledges his God
• Pharaoh relates his dream
• 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine
• fixed by God
• Joseph’s wise counsel

4. Pharaoh Promotes Joseph 37-57

• recognition of Joseph’s giftedness
• endowed with authority: “God speaks and lives”
• administrates grain storage at age 30
• births of Manasseh and Ephraim
• all the earth comes to Egypt and Joseph

5. So What?

• Because God sovereignly controls the destinies of nations in order to protect and provide for His own people, declare His power and submit to His plan.
• “He who is aware of God is humble and fearless at the same time. Even a king is nothing compared to God” (A. Ross) (Prov. 21:1)
• “Joseph acts out of confidence in the character of God.” (B. Waltke)
• “Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head. Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.” (W. Cowper)
• Since God is in His place, our place is on our faces-awed, amazed, staggered and surrendered!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 3, 2019

“Joseph’s Prison Ministry”   Genesis 40:1-23   Bible Study   02/03/19

As we focus on Genesis 40 this morning, we find Joseph in prison after having been falsely accused by Mrs. Potiphar. Rather than curling up in a fetal position and bemoaning his circumstances, Joseph perseveres in faith and provides a lasting model for all who find themselves in circumstances they never anticipated.

1. The Cupbearer and Baker Imprisoned 1-4

• positions of significant authority
• confined with Joseph
• Joseph appointed to attend them

2. The Cupbearer and Baker Have Dreams 5-8

• disturbing dreams
• dejection
• Joseph’s recognition and request

3. Joseph Interprets the Cupbearer’s Dream 9-15

• cup in Pharaoh’s hand
• restoration within 3 days
• Joseph’s request and declaration

4. Joseph Interprets the Baker’s Dream 16-19

• expectation of a positive interpretation
• birds devour baked goods
• execution within 3 days
• telling it like God says it is

5. Fulfillment and Forgetfulness 20-23

• restoration of cupbearer
• execution of baker
• forgotten by man but remembered by God

6. So What?

• Knowing that the Lord wants to work in and through you, remain faithful in discouraging circumstances.
• Determine to stand on the promises rather than the circumstances.
• Rely on the revelation of God. Joseph had dreams. We have the Word.
• What “prison ministry” do you need to cultivate?
• Rest in the assurance that the Lord never forgets His own.
• Look to the One whose sufferings exceeded those of Joseph.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 27, 2019

“Armed Resistance”   Genesis 39:1-23   Bible Study   01/27/19

This morning, as we continue our focus on the life of Joseph, we will examine his experience and triumph over temptation at a particularly vulnerable time in his life. His encounter with Mrs. Potiphar demonstrates that only a superior satisfaction in God can arm one against the assault of the ticking bomb of temptation.

1. Blessed with God’s Presence 1-6a

• continuation from 37:36
• the LORD’S presence with Joseph
• favor in the sight of Potiphar

2. Propositioned by Mrs. Potiphar 6b-10

• Joseph’s form and appearance: away/advancing/attractive
• proposition and refusal
• Joseph’s perspective
• the persistence of Mrs. Potiphar: powerful/punctual/persistent

3. Falsely Accused 11-18

• the problem intensified
• Joseph flees
• Mrs. Potiphar accuses

4. Imprisoned but Not Abandoned 19-23

• Potiphar’s anger
• Joseph imprisoned: elevation/temptation/incarceration
• the LORD’S presence with Joseph

5. So What?

• When assaulted by the ticking bomb of temptation, arm yourself with a superior satisfaction in God.
• “The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies and put our mouths out of taste for those pleasures with which the tempter baits his hooks.” (M. Henry)
• “Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I’ll be; Oh, how could I this Friend deny, when He’s so true to me…” (W. Thompson)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 20, 2019

“From the Pit to the Palace”   Genesis 37   Bible Study   01/20/19

The last fourteen chapters of Genesis focus on the life of Jacob’s son, Joseph. The Lord’s sovereign supervision of his life was not without its share of intrigue and unexpected twists and turns. However, through it all, we see a man who is a model for believers in both his low and high moments.

1. The Lord’s selection of Joseph (37:1-11)

• a continuing theme: the blessing of the Lord
• Joseph’s report to his father
• Joseph’s robe from his father
• Joseph’s revelation from God

2. The Lord’s subjection of Joseph (37:12-35)

• favored son and hated brother
• dispatched by his father
• conspired against by his brothers
• Reuben’s intervention
• thrown into a pit
• sold into slavery
• the deception of his brothers and his father’s grief

3. The Lord’s protection of Joseph (37:36)

• preserved from death
• sold in Egypt to Potiphar
• imprisoned but later promoted (39:20-21 and 41:44)
• NT commentary: Acts 7:9-16
• connection to Christ

4. So What?

• Because the Lord is sovereign and merciful, you can trust him from the pit to the palace.
• Let the Lord’s promises guide you through the danger of adversity and detour of prosperity.
• Remember that the Lord is never a victim of circumstances.
• “The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.” (J. Newton, 1779)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 13, 2019

“The Best Is Yet to Be”   Genesis 35: 1-29   Bible Study   01/13/18

Spiritually speaking, Jacob’s later years were the best years of his life. Whatever your age, you can count on the Lord to keep His promises and to use your experiences to make you a living testament of His grace. Genesis 35 records details related to the last part of Jacob’s life. Previously, Jacob wrestles with God (32:24-32), meets Esau (33:1-7), settles in Shechem (33:18-20) and deals with the defilement of Dinah and its sordid aftermath.

1. Remembering God’s Blessings (1-8)

• back to Bethel (28:10-22)
• act of purification
• acknowledgement of presence
• example of provision

2. Reflecting on God’s Promises (9-15)

• repetition with additions
• enabled by the Almighty
• feasting on the facts

3. Relying on God’s Providence (16-29)

• Benjamin’s birth and Rachel’s death
• name change noted
• reality-check with Reuben
• death of Isaac
• connection to Christ

4. So What?

• Because God is faithful, the believer’s best really is yet to be.
• “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made…” (Browning)
• Cultivate a preoccupation with God’s goodness. Count your blessings!
• Lose your luggage.
• Let all things (people and places) take a “back seat” to God.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 6, 2019

“Winning through Weakness”   Genesis 32: 24-32   Bible Study   01/06/19

In his wrestling encounter with the LORD, Jacob experiences what G. Campbell Morgan calls “the crippling that crowns.” This dramatic narrative text teaches us that the key to true strength is the recognition of our own weakness.

1. Jacob’s Solitude (24a)

• free of Laban
• headed for a showdown with Esau (32:1-12)
• family and fortune sent before him (32:13-23)
• left alone at night

2. Jacob’s Struggle (24b)

• wrestling match until daybreak
• insight from Hosea 12:2-5

3. Jacob’s Submission (25-32)

• condescending yet conquering authority
• the “severe mercy” of a dislocated hip
• from wrestling to clinging
• confession and transformation: What’s in a name?
• Peniel: the “face of God”
• walking with a limp

4. So what?

• Because of God’s grace, “strong” losers like us may be transformed into “weak” winners.
• God uses isolation to strip us of self-sufficiency.
• God uses confrontation to show us our desperate dilemma.
• God uses dislocation to shape us into “weak” winners.
• “Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free; Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand; Imprison me within Thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.” (G. Matheson, 1890)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 30, 2018

“A Different Set of Rules”   Genesis 30:25-43   Bible Study   12/30/18

In his lengthy labor relationship with Laban, Jacob’s unusual negotiations reveal his growing awareness of the faithfulness of God. He truly is the God who goes before His people. Such an awareness enables Jacob to operate by a new and different set of rules. The story of Jacob’s wages has much to say to us as we stand on the precipice of a new year.

1. Jacob’s Progress (25-30a)

• 14 years of labor completed
• desire to go home
• Laban’s paganism
• credit to the blessing of the LORD

2. Jacob’s Practice (30b; 31:36-42)

• the discipline of hard work
• no excuses
• track record of diligence

3. God’s Provision (31-43; 31:1-13)

• an unusual arrangement
• divine instruction
• proper attribution of prosperity
• from the gifts to the Giver

4. So What?

• Let the providence and provision of God lead you to cherish the preciousness of His presence above all else.
• “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” (Thomas Ken, 1709).

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 23, 2018

Christmas Message

“Doing the Humanly Impossible”   Luke 1:34-38   Bible Study   12/23/18

In anticipation of Christmas, we turn our attention this morning to Luke’s account of some key details leading up to the birth of Jesus. Luke is the only gospel writer who records the foretelling of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. By focusing our attention on both the similarities and differences between these events, Luke teaches us important truths about the power of God, the preeminence of Jesus and our response to the One who does the humanly impossible.

-summary of Luke 1:1-2:20
-an emerging pattern and an invitation to compare/contrast

1. The Power of God

• prediction of births (1:13 and 1:31)
• nature of births (1:7 and 1:35-36)

2. The Preeminence of Jesus

• words of John the Baptist (Matt. 3:11 and John 3:30)
• affirmation of Gabriel (1:32-33)

3. Our Response to the One who does the humanly impossible

• Zechariah: “I can’t be sure.” (1:18-20)
• Mary: “I don’t understand.” (1:34)
• explanation and declaration (1:35-38)

4. So What?

• Because God excels at doing the humanly impossible, trust His promises.
• “The Son of God became man to enable men to become the sons of God.” (Lewis)
• “…If Christian mission doesn’t flow from and toward the worship of the Incarnate One, we’re really just running around the hamster wheel…Whatever condescensions and sacrifices we embrace along the path of gospel advance, they simply will not hold a candle to the Light of the world and his divine stooping to take our humanity and endure the excruciating death on our behalf.” (David Mathis)
• Stand on the promises of God this Christmas!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 16, 2018

“A Case of Continuing Education”   Genesis 29:1-30   Bible Study   12/16/18

This morning we will focus on the first key event in Jacob’s life following his meeting with God at Bethel. What awaited Jacob in Haran involved not only years of hard labor and the acquisition of wives, but also an enrollment in the divine school of continuing education.

1. Providential Encounter (1-14)

• Jacob “lifted up his feet” (28:15)
• from Bethel to a well near Haran
• dialogue with shepherds
• Rachel is coming!
• a flock watered and a woman kissed
• a welcome from Laban
• a biblical parallel and a notable absence (24:11-33)

2. Providential Education (15-30)

• a question about wages
• Leah and Rachel
• seven years for Rachel
• behold, it was Leah!
• Jacob’s question and Laban’s response
• marriage to Rachel and seven more years
• mercy in the middle of the mess

3. So What?

• Because God orders the circumstances of His people so that He might purify them and promote their spiritual health, press on in His school of continuing education.
• The sovereignty of God is “the strong wood of the tree that keeps our lives from being blown over by the winds of adversity.” (Piper)
• Acknowledge the “law of the harvest.” (Galatians 6:7-9)
• The Lord’s discipline reveals our deficiency and directs us to His sufficiency.
• “Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace. Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.” (Cowper)
• “And I smiled to think God’s greatness flowed around our incompleteness, round our restlessness, His rest.” (Browning)
• connection to Christ (Luke 1:46-55)
• Three stages in a work of God: “Impossible, difficult, done.” (H. Taylor)