Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 4, 2018

“Paul’s Parting Shot” Acts 20:17-38 Bible Study 02/04/18

As we come to our text this morning, we find Paul hurrying to reach Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost. Seven weeks separated Pentecost from Passover, which he had spent in Philippi. Later, having sailed past Ephesus, Paul came to Miletus. From there, he summoned the elders of the church of Ephesus. What follows is what one might term the “super bowl’ of apostolic farewells. In this farewell address, Paul highlights the Lord’s prevailing providence and the sustaining power of His word.

I. Paul Reflects on His Recent Past (18-21)

-serving with humility, tears and trials
-relaying the word in public and in private
-repentance and faith to both Jews and Greeks

II. Paul Anticipates His Immediate Future (22-24)

-to Jerusalem
-constrained by the Holy Spirit
-impending imprisonment and afflictions
-completing the received ministry
-testifying to the gospel of the grace of God

III. Paul Delivers a Charge to the Elders (25-31)

-will not see them again
-Paul the “watchman” (Ezek. 3:18-19)
-“not shrink” for the second time
-pay attention
-be alert

IV. Paul Leaves the Elders in the Best Hands (32-35)

-prevailing providence of God
-sustaining word of God
-the blessing of giving

V. Paul Concludes the Meeting with Prayer (36-38)

-kneeling on the promises
-weeping on the premises

VI. So What?

-Regardless of earthly circumstances, the Lord remains with His own and sustains them through His word.
-Remember that our message is not our own. It is God’s and it has urgent life and death consequences.
-Model the self-forgetting urgency of Paul that focuses on the spiritual well-being of others.
-“Send us strength, oh, Pilgrim Guide, Sin would drown us in its tide, Be close at hand and go before, As we sail to heaven’s shore.” (P. McHugh)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 28, 2018

“Piercing the Darkness”   Acts 19:8-20   Bible Study   01/28/18

Our text this morning records the advancement of the gospel through Paul’s extended ministry at Ephesus. After leaving Corinth, Paul had visited Ephesus briefly before returning to Jerusalem and Antioch. Now, after having visited churches in the Galatian region (start of third missionary journey), Paul returns for an extended stay in Ephesus. This large ancient city, with its great temple to Diana/Artemis and its notoriety for occult and superstitious practices, desperately needed the gospel. Through bold proclamation and diligent labor, Paul delivers the darkness-piercing message of Jesus Christ.

I. Paul Goes on the Offensive (8-12)

• dialogue in the synagogue
• relocation and determination
• penetration and verification

II. The Darkness Gets Overpowered (13-16)

• invoking the name of the Lord Jesus
• seven sons of Sceva
• chaotic consequences of misusing the name

III. The Gospel Flourishes (17-20)

• fear and honor
• sensitized to sin
• “burning the ships”
• continued advancement

IV. So What?

• When the gospel is communicated clearly in word and deed, darkness retreats.
• “To be intimidated by the world is as spiritually fatal as being overly attracted to it.” (Keller)
• Armor up! (Eph. 6:10-20)
• “And though this world with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! His doom is sure, One little word shall fell him. (Luther)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 21, 2018

“And Now for a Word of Encouragement”   Acts 18:1-17   Bible Study   01/21/18

This morning we will turn our attention to Paul’s ministry in the city of Corinth which followed his encounter with the Greek intelligentsia in Athens. Paul was clearly a devoted servant of the Lord. As a man of intense focus and zeal, his character is summed up aptly by these words of J. C. Ryle: “He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please the Lord and to advance His glory.” Nonetheless, Paul was human and faced the inevitable “ups” and “downs” of life and ministry. Our text today offers a realistic picture of Paul’s circumstances as well a powerful presentation of the Lord’s timely encouragement.

I. Background

• Summary of events in Europe: beaten in Philippi, civil rejection in Thessalonica and Berea, indifference in Athens
• Athens: culture shock
• Corinth: moral shock
• 1 Cor. 2:1-5

II. Transition to Athens (1-4)

• 50 mile journey, didn’t wait for Silas and Timothy
• a home
• a trade
• a passion

III. Intensified Activity (5-8)

• arrival of Silas and Timothy (Phil. 4:15, 2 Cor. 11:9, 1 Thess. 3:6)
• “occupied” with the word
• opposition and response
• gospel fruit

IV. Instructions from the Lord (9-11)

• don’t fear
• keep on speaking
• promise of presence and protection
• promised fruit
• putting down roots in Corinth

V. Evidence of Faithfulness (12-17)

• attacked by Jews
• Gallio’s refusal
• seizure of Sosthenes
• Gallio’s indifference

VI. So What?

• When you prize the Lord’s person and promises, you can persevere in serving Him for His glory.
• “The consequence of God’s presence is not exemption from attacks, but preservation in them.” (A. Maclaren)
• “The craving to impart ever accompanies real possession.” (A. Maclaren)
• “But I’m not going to be fearful about what I have no grace available for yet.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)
• “Then we will fight in the shade!”

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 14, 2018

“Making Known the ‘Unknown’”   Acts 17:22-34   Bible Study 01/14/18

Our text this morning records the content of Paul’s gospel presentation to the Gentile intelligentsia of ancient Athens. After leaving Philippi (16:40), Paul enjoyed fruitful ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, but not without increasing opposition from the Jews in both places. Now, we find Paul, some 200 miles from Berea, in Athens, a city considered at the highest level of culture and learning in the ancient world. Paul’s presentation of the gospel here is both conciliatory and confrontational. As such, it provides a healthy model for believers today as they seek to share the gospel in a post-modern world.

I. Setting

• Paul’s spirit “provoked” by idols
• Epicureans and Stoics
• Jesus and the resurrection
• invitation to the Areopagus
• the Athenian “hobby’

II. Conciliation (22-23a)

• bridge-building perception of Paul
• 30,000 statues, 1 to an AGNOSTO god

III. Declaration (23b-29)

• emphasis on God’s roles as Creator and Sustainer
• from one man every nation
• general revelation
• use of Greek poetry references
• truth about the true God

IV. Confrontation (30-31)

• God’s forbearance
• summons to repent
• designation of a day of judgment
• designation of the Judge

V. Appropriation (32-34)

• a split-decision
• some believe
• male and female

VI. So What?

• Because God summons all people to seek refuge in His Son, rid yourself of idols and rely on God’s final revelation of Himself.
• “The dearest idol I have known, What’er that idol be, Help me to tear it from Thy throne, And worship only Thee.” (Cowper)
• Rest in the refuge found only in God’s Son.
• Relay the message of accountability to the one true and “knowable” God.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 7, 2018

“Lessons from a Philippian Jail”   Acts 16:22-40   Bible Study   01/07/18

In Acts 16, Luke records a series of events which occurred in Philippi in the midst of Paul’s second missionary journey. These events, while reminding us of the many ways we may be instruments for gospel influence, underscore a constant and prevailing theme in the book of Acts. That theme centers in the ongoing supernatural work of God, through the Holy Spirit, in protecting and propelling His church forward in the face of obstacles and opposition. Whether the human subject is a woman like Lydia, a demon-possessed slave girl, or a Gentile jailer, we may observe the purpose and plan of God coming into an ever-increasing focus. As we launch out into the opportunities of a new year, our text offers both strong encouragement and sobering challenge.

I. Incarceration (22-24)

• an incited mob
• response of the magistrates
• maximum security jail sentence for Paul and Silas

II. Intervention (25-28)

• midnight prayer and hymns
• listening prisoners
• earthquake: shaken foundations, opened doors, loosened chains
• a suicidal jailer
• a reassuring word from Paul

III. Interrogation (29-32)

• trembling before Paul and Silas
• a question about eternal life
• straight talk from Paul
• the word of the Lord for the household

IV. Indication (33-34)

• compassion from a jailer
• from belief to baptism
• table fellowship

V. Vindication (35-40)

• proposed release from prison
• Paul invokes Roman citizenship
• apology and release
• encouraging the brothers

VI. So What?

• Because the Lord’s intent is to build His church, anticipate His activity and maximize your witness where you are.
• “The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end; tho’ there be those who hate her and false sons in her pale, against the foe or traitor she ever will prevail.” (S. J. Stone)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 31, 2017

“Providential Progress” Acts 15:36-41; 16:1-5 Bible Study 12/31/17

Our text this morning addresses events after Paul’s first missionary journey and the separation of Paul and Barnabas preceding Paul’s second missionary journey. Luke’s historical account reminds us of at least two important principles. First, God uses human instruments in the objective of gospel expansion and these human instruments are not always “on the same page.” Second, God is quite able to superintend scenes that seem counter-productive to His plans and transform them into concrete cases of gospel progress.

I. The Parting of Ways (36-39)

-after the Jerusalem Council
-Paul’s intention to check on spiritual progress
-sharp disagreement regarding John Mark
-Paul and Barnabas separate

II. The Provision of God (40-41, 1-3)

-Barnabas and Mark to Cyprus
-Paul and Silas to Syria/Cilicia
-addition of Timothy at Lystra
-Timothy’s circumcision: normalization and not imposition

III. The Progress of the Church (4-5)

-communication of Jerusalem Council decision
-strengthened in the faith
-increased in numbers

IV. So What?

-Because God’s Kingdom purposes cannot ultimately fail, “do the next thing” and align your agenda with His.
-“Do it immediately; Do it with prayer; Do it reliantly, Casting all care; Do it with reverence, Tracing His Hand, Who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on Omnipotence, Safe ‘neath His wing, Leave all resultings, Do the next thing.” (quoted by E. Elliot)
-What true progress looks like in 2018: that you and others know Christ and grow in Christ.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 24, 2017

“Simeon’s Satisfaction” Luke 2:25-32 Bible Study 12/24/17

In our culture, satisfaction is a desperately sought after and fleeting commodity. The mantra of many today is captured in the words the Rolling Stones made famous: “…can’t get no satisfaction.” The concept even expresses itself in candy-bar marketing: “Snickers satisfies.” Yes, satisfaction has to do with hunger and longing. This morning we turn our attention to a man who found true satisfaction-deep, permanent soul-satisfaction. His name was Simeon and he discovered that only a sovereign God who keeps His promises can provide true satisfaction. Nearing the end of his life, he experienced the fulfillment of a promise that he would not see death before he had “seen the Lord’s Christ.” His “song”, or word of praise, traditionally is referred to as the “Nunc Dimittis,” a Latin designation meaning “now You are dismissing…” From Simeon we learn that real satisfaction is all about an appetite for the right things.

I. Introduction

-note the intentional old age/infancy contrast
-note the repeated emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit

II. Rest completely assured

-foundation: Spirit and Word
-revelation: see the Lord’s Christ
-reception: a new era

III. Understand the mission

-global scope
-light to the nations
-glory of Israel
-set for falling and rising

IV. Yearn for fulfillment

-looking for consolation
-the other side
-shall we long for Him less?

V. So What?

– When you rely on the Lord’s own revelation of Himself and relish it for all that it is, you can know true satisfaction.
– “He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found…” (I. Watts)

– “Bethlehem morning is more than just a memory,

For the child that was born there
Is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords,
And He will come again.” (M. Chapman)

-Recognize that the mission of Jesus is not sentimental but sacrificial.
-Let the ground of your satisfaction center in the certainty that God has a perfect track record of keeping His promises.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 17, 2017

“Christmas and the Lord’s Zeal” Isaiah 9:1-7 Bible Study 12/17/17

Our text this morning ends with the powerful assurance that “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” The “this” in the sentence refers to the promise of a coming, ultimate and everlasting Ruler-Jesus Christ. God the Father is no passive spectator in the drama of redemption. With ardent desire and fervency, He orchestrated and executed His plan to exalt His Son and to gather a people to Himself. As we study this morning, we will see that the Lord’s ultimate display of divine wisdom and almighty omnipotence occurs in the giving of His only Son to be our only Savior and everlasting Lord.

I. Delight in the declaration of a deliverer

-a royal birth announcement
-for those harassed by darkness-light!
-a child born-humanity
-a son given-deity (Psa. 2:7, Heb. 1:1-2)
-the shoulders of Jesus-administrative authority and superiority

II. Discern the depth of the double-names

-confirmation of His excellencies
-Wonderful Counselor
-Mighty God
-Eternal Father
-Prince of Peace

III. Depend on the Lord’s determination

-perpetual peace (Luke 1:33)
-a promise kept (2 Sam. 7:12-17)
-justice and righteousness
-LORD of hosts
-infinite fervency

IV. So What?

-Your zeal for God’s Son should reflect the Father’s zeal for Him-at Christmas and always!
-“Zeal has attained its highest aim, its end is satisfied, if sinners love the Saviour’s name; nor seek aught beside.” (Watts)
– Every name He wears is a blessing He shares. His names are wonderful!
-Come and see the zeal of the LORD: Immanuel!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 10, 2017

“The Horn of Salvation” Luke 1:67-79 Bible Study 12/10/17

As the horn of salvation, Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s mercy. Therefore, He must be the ultimate treasure of our lives.

I. Consider it Done

-note the use of the past tense
-a visitation and a redemption

II. Highlight the Horn

-a reference to Jesus and not to John
-not a musical instrument but an animal weapon
-sign of strength and means of victory

III. Magnify God’s Mercy in Jesus

-not a song about saving ourselves
-remedy for a deadly disease and a roaring enemy
-blessing the Lord for His tender mercy
-Psalm 18:2 in its ultimate application

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 3, 2017

“Thoughts of Hell at Christmas-Time” Hebrews 2:14-15 Bible Study 12/03/17

Our text this morning may seem to be a rather unusual one in light of an approaching Christmas season. However, it answers a fundamental question: Why did God take on human flesh and blood in the Person of Jesus Christ? The answer is that Jesus Christ was born to die-in order that we might be delivered from soul-enslaving fear. Because Jesus Christ was born to die for your sins, you can be delivered from soul-enslaving fear and set free to live with loving abandon.

Five Important Observations from 2:14-15

1. Humans share in a common flesh and blood existence.

-context of 2:10-18
-a basic truth essential to the flow of the text

2. Identify the children in verse 14 as the spiritual offspring of Jesus Christ.

-connection to Psa. 22:22 and Isa. 8:18 in verse 13

3. Verse 14 indicates that Jesus took hold of a form previously foreign to Him.

-clothing deity with humanity
-affirmation of incarnation (John 1:14)

4. View Christ’s death as the disarming of the devil and his chief weapon.

-purpose clause: …that through death…
-destroy: render powerless
-“Even the devil is God’s devil.” (Luther)

5. The disarming of the devil delivers the believer from enslavement to the fear of death.

-fear that frequently takes the form of denial (1 Cor. 15:32)
-“time” after death: the “ages of the ages” (Rev. 14:11)

Three Important Applications from Hebrews 2:14-15

1. Face the fear through faith in Christ.

2. Tremble with joy over your rescue.

3. Your ultimate safety should have an immediate impact.

* “God in flesh is the end of fear.” (Meyer)