Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 28, 2021
Providence, Pandemic and Perspective
Job 38-42
1. Introduction
• defining providence
• distinguishing providence from fate
2. Observations from Job 38-42
• Job suffers and his “friends” respond
• Job wants a meeting to present his “case” (31:35)
• Job is given a series of “knowledge” tests (38:3)
• Job gets a guided tour of the created order (38:4-39:30)
• Job is left speechless (40:1-5)
• The “lesson” continues (40:6-41:34)
• The reminder from 41:11
• repentance, rebuke and restoration (42)
• connection to Christ (Phil. 2:5-11)
3. What the LORD is saying through this pandemic
• Remember that you are not in control (Deut. 32:39)
• Worship only Me (Isa. 45:22-23)
• View your circumstances from My perspective (Psa. 34:18-22 and Isa. 40:8)
• Think bigger thoughts of Me (Isa. 55:8-9)
• Maximize the “mist” that is your life (James 4:13-17)
4. So What?
• The pervasive providence of God points us to the necessity of Christ being our pervasive reality.
• “The same sovereignty that could stop Covid yet doesn’t is the very sovereignty that sustains our souls in it.”
• “When your by-and-by is beautiful and sure, your here-and-now will be sweet and fruitful.”
• “This is not a season for sentimental views of God.” (Piper in Coronavirus and Christ)
• “He’s got the whole world in His hands…” (Warner)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 21, 2021
A Case of Divine Delay and Desperate Faith
Luke 8:40-56
1. Context
• Luke continues his focus on the power of Jesus over all that is broken
• preceded by the healing of the Gerasene demoniac (8:26-39)
• Jesus returns to Galilee and a thronging crowd (8:40)
2. Jesus is summoned to the home of Jairus (41-42)
• synagogue ruler who falls at the feet of Jesus
• began begging with regard to dying daughter who is about 12 years old
• Jesus proceeds and the people press
3. Jesus is touched by an unnamed woman (43-48)
• account implies a “delay” for Jairus
• unclean woman for 12 years: impoverished materially and isolated socially
• touched…garment…discharge…ceased
• the purposeful question and sovereign perception of Jesus
• the unnamed woman testifies
• a repeated formula (7:50)
4. Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus (49-56)
• report of death
• response of Jesus
• accompanied by disciples
• from mourning to scornful laughter
• restoration, nourishment and amazement
5. So what?
• Because Jesus, the compassionate and great Physician, has authority over all that is broken, trust His sovereign strength and schedule.
• “Everything sad is going to come untrue and it will somehow be greater for having once been broken and lost.” (Keller)
• “If the cause of delay is divine, the effect of the delay will be blessing.” (Deffinbaugh)
• “He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free…” (Wesley)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 14, 2021
Extravagant Love
Luke 7:36-50
1. Contextual Considerations
• reviewing 7:1-35: servant healed (1-10), son raised (11-17), John the Baptist and application (18-35)
• specific connection to 7:31-35
2. A sinful woman shows up at Simon’s house (36-38)
• Jesus accepts an invitation
• understanding “reclining at table”
• an uninvited guest
• wet His feet with her tears, wiped His feet with her hair, kissed His feet and anointed them with oil
3. Simon’s evaluation of the ministry of Jesus (39)
• he said to himself…
• evaluation: interaction invalidates identity as a prophet
4. Jesus tells a story (40-43)
• awareness of Simon’s self-dialogue
• two debtors: 500/50 denarii
• canceled debt and a question
• Simon’s accurate judgment
5. Jesus confronts Simon with the striking contrast (44-50)
• Simon: zero hospitality-loves little
• Sinful Woman: extravagant devotion-loved much
• public declaration of forgiveness
• summarizing word to a sinful woman
6. So what?
• Because you’ve been forgiven much, love much.
• “So now I’m giving back to Him all the praise He’s worthy of. I’ve been forgiven and that’s why I love Him so much…” (Alabaster Box, CeCe Winans)
• A healthy love for Jesus is rooted in the constant awareness of the depth of His forgiveness.
• “God be with you till we meet again, By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you, God be with you till we meet again, Till we meet, Till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet…” (Besing, Ranking, Tomer)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 7, 2021
Rock or Ruin?
Luke 6:46-49
1. Context
• Sermon on the Mount
• beatitudes (20-23), woes (24-26), love of enemies (27-36), judging others (37-42), fruit-bearing (43-45)
2. Jesus asks a question (46)
• implications of “Lord”
• exposure of inconsistency
3. Jesus makes a comparison (47-48)
• hearing and doing
• rock foundation
• flood survival: no collapse
4. Jesus offers a contrast (49)
• hearing and not doing
• no foundation
• flood disaster: complete ruin
5. So what?
• Only as you hear and heed the words of Jesus are you prepared to live presently and eternally.
• Your obedience, or lack of it, has consequences now and in the future.
• “Entrance to the Kingdom does turn on obedience after all-not the obedience which earns merit points, but which bows to Jesus’ lordship in everything and without reservation.” (Carson)
• Cultivate holy fear: There is a heaven to be gained and a hell to be shunned. (Isa. 1:5-6, 18-20)
• “…all other ground is sinking sand…” (Mote)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 31, 2021
He Can Make You Clean!
Luke 5:12-16
This text records the first of three accounts of Jesus responding to the needs of real individuals. Here, Jesus, The Great Physician, meets a physical need which points to the meeting of a greater need.
1. Desperate Condition
• full of leprosy
• disfiguration, humiliation and isolation (Lev. 13:45-46)
• symbol and parable of sin
2. Distinct Self-Awareness
• worshipful submission: on his face
• not heal but make me clean
• confidence in the ability of Jesus
3. Dramatic Touch
• compassionate contact
• comforting words
• immediate “departure”
4. Definite Instructions
• don’t tell, but do go and show…
• practical and prophetic (Gal. 4:4-5)
• more crowds and more communion
5. So What?
• Because Jesus can deliver the diseased, magnify His power in the midst of your weakness.
• “There are times when the least thing in the world we feel we deserve is comfort, and yet there it is. The everlasting lovingkindness of the Lord our God is ever on its way to comfort us. “ (Carmichael)
• “The Great Physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus. He speaks the drooping heart to cheer. Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!” (Hunter)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 24, 2021
In the Power of the Spirit
Luke 4:16-21
1. Introduction
• crucial role of The Holy Spirit: defensively and offensively
• fulfillment in the person of Jesus (Isa. 61:1-3)
• unfinished sentence and two-act drama
• extension of the mission (John 20:21, Eph. 1:22-23)
2. The Holy Spirit’s Crucial Role
• conceived (1:35), descended (3:22), led (4:1) and anointed (4:18)
• a refusal and a result
• from the wilderness to the synagogue
3. The Comprehension of the Mission
• release, recovery and liberation
• two errors to avoid: limitation and absence (Rev. 3:17)
• ultimate objective
4. The Mobilization of the Message
• speak, show and pray
• heralding good news
• target: the captive, blind and oppressed
• going on offense with Jesus in the power of The Spirit
5. So What?
• Recognizing The Spirit’s crucial role in the life of Jesus, employ the defensive and offensive elements of Holy Spirit dependence.
• “If the highest value is communion with Him, then we will never wish to live shamefully before Him and will always long to display His beauty to others.” (J. Elliff)
• “Holy Spirit, breathe on me, fill me with power divine. Kindle a flame of love and zeal with in this heart of mine.” (McKinney)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 17, 2021
Divine Endorsement
Luke 3:21-22
1. The Preparatory Ministry of John the Baptist
• proclamation (1-6), confrontation (7-14), expectation (15-17), incarceration (18-20)
2. The Baptism of Jesus
• preceded by the imprisonment of John the Baptist
• turning point in redemptive history
• the coming of Jesus means the going of John
• the sinlessness of Jesus (Heb. 4:15; 2 Cor. 5:21)
• alignment with those who turn and trust
3. The Priority of Prayer
• first mention of Jesus praying
• had been baptized and was praying…
• Luke’s picturing of prayer (6:12, 9:18, 9:28, 22:41, 23:34)
• connection between earnest prayer and God’s blessing
4. The Divine Display of Approval
• heaven opened
• Holy Spirit descended like a dove (Matt. 10:16)
• harmless and pure: visible form (Isa. 42:1-4)
• verbal declaration of delight and approval
5. So What?
• Heaven’s estimate of the person and work of Jesus demands continual turning to and trusting in Him.
• Recognize that the Father’s approval of the Son establishes Him as the sole focus of saving faith.
• Determine to wed prayer and Scripture in the quest to pray earnestly.
• “O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all.” (Perronet)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 10, 2021
A New Year at the Throne of Grace
Hebrews 4:14-16
1. Introduction
• recipients of Hebrews
• context of this passage: 3:1, 4:11-13, 5:1-3
• two key concepts: perseverance and prayer
• Since Jesus is your great and sympathetic High Priest, persevere and pray.
2. Command 1: Hold Fast (Persevere) 14
• clarifying the concept of “confession”
• Jesus: alive, with God, Son of God
• transcendence and immanence
3. Command 2: Draw Near (Pray) 15-16
• sympathizing yet sinless
• how we draw near
• what we may expect: reception of mercy and gracious help
• not scolded for being needy
4. So What?
• “By perseverance, the snail reached the ark.” (Spurgeon)
• Affirm the vital connection between perseverance and prayer.
• “Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art; freely let me take of Thee; spring Thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity.” (Wesley, “Jesus Lover of My Soul”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 3, 2021
Guest Speaker: Lloyd “Butch” Linville
Encouragement from the First Miracle
John 2:1-11
Outline not available.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 27, 2020
Lesson postponed till January 10, 2021.
