Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 26, 2017

“I Am Your King!” Matthew 21:1-11 Bible Study 03/26/17

This morning we turn our attention to the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Far from being a spontaneous decision on his part, Jesus on this occasion intentionally signifies by His actions that He is the one true and lasting King.

I. Background/Context

-beginning of Passover week
-Matthew’s focus on the last 8 days
-Matthew’s theme: Jesus as King

II. Arrangement of Jesus (1-7)

-near Jerusalem: Bethphage and Mount of Olives
-disciples dispatched for donkey retrieval
-declaration of kingship: riding on a donkey
-significance of Zechariah 9:9
-riding on a cloaked colt

III. Action of the Crowd (8-9)

-spread cloaks and branches
-shouted Scripture: Psalm 118:25-26
-crowd composition and expectations

IV. Agitation in the City (10-11)

-Who is this?
-Jesus the prophet…is the messianic Son of David-the King of Israel

V. So What?

-Because Jesus is who Scripture says He is, worship Him now as Savior, Treasure and King.
-Grasp the contrast between His first coming and His second coming (Matt. 21/Rev. 19).
-There is still time to switch sides!
-“You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool; you can spit at him and kill him for a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” (Lewis)
-Sing and reflect on “Lead on, O King Eternal” and “Rejoice, the Lord is King” this week!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 19, 2017

“A Case of Kingdom Economics” Matthew 19:16-30 Bible Study 03/19/17
This morning we will turn our attention to the dialogue between Jesus and a rich young ruler. This dialogue and the subsequent discussion of Jesus with His disciples show us the stunning contrast between the world’s economy and the Kingdom’s economy.

I. Background/Context

-Judea beyond the Jordan (19:1)
-moving closer to Jerusalem and the cross
-tested by Pharisees (19:3-9)
-children brought to Him (19:13-15)

II. Dialogue with a Rich Young Ruler (16-22)

-rich, young, ruler (Luke 18:18)
-question about salvation: eternal life
-corrective question of Jesus: focus on divine goodness
-clarifying answer of Jesus: keep commandments
-question about “lack”
-challenging answer of Jesus: wholeness-sell, give, follow
-a “grieving” departure

III. Directive to the Disciples (23-30)

-difficulty for the rich
-impossibility illustrated: getting a camel through a needle’s eye
-astonishment of disciples
-a gaze and a “truth bomb”
-Peter pipes up
-promise of uncountable blessings
-19:30 and 20:16: surprise, surprise, surprise!

IV. So what?

-Since the Lord initiates and empowers Kingdom entrance, commit to His gospel exclusively and communicate it expectantly.
-Make sure your concept of “good” is God-informed.
-Our ultimate problem is not a money problem but a heart problem.
-Grasp the contrast between the world’s perspective and God’s perspective.
-Pray for an “impossible” person this week.
-Remember that the Lord rewards faithfulness with uncountable blessings.
-“I’d Rather Have Jesus…” (Rhea Miller, 1922)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 12, 2017

“Look and Listen!” Matthew 17:1-13 Bible Study 03/12/17

Our text this morning focuses on the transfiguration event in the earthly ministry of Jesus. Prior to the events recorded in Matthew 17, Jesus has heard Peter’s confession and has confirmed his impending death. Now, accompanied by Peter, James and John, Jesus goes up to a high mountain to pray. While on the mountain, Jesus is transfigured. This is the only occasion in His earthly ministry when there is a recorded revelation of the glory of His person. This “glimpse of glory” has powerful implications for modern disciples.

I. Background/context (1)

-six days after confession of 16:13-20
-Peter, James and John
-centrality of prayer (Luke 9:28-29)

II. Transformation (2)

-metamorphosed 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 12:2; Ex. 34:29-30
-glimpse of glory

III. Affirmation (3)

-Moses: Law
-Elijah: Prophets
-Matthew 5: 17
-conversation: departure/exodus (Luke 9:31)

IV. Verification (4-8)

-Peter’s attempt
-cloud: presence/glory
-voice: Psa. 2:7; Isa. 42:1; Deut. 18:15
-Jesus only

V. Clarification (9-13)

-command of Jesus
-question of the disciples
-role of Elijah
-certainty of suffering

VI. So What?

-Because the Father validates Jesus as His unique Son and our unique Savior, look to Him alone for salvation and sustenance.
-“It is better to hear the Son of God than to see saints or to build tabernacles.” (Spurgeon)
-Affirm, appreciate and celebrate the unrivaled credentials of Jesus!
-Acknowledge the biblical order: the cross before the crown.
-Make the connection: 2 Peter 1:16-21
-The duty and delight of biblical digestion: Psalm 119:9-16
-Look and listen! 2 Cor. 3:18

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 5, 2017

“I Will Build My Church” Matthew 16:13-20 Bible Study 03/05/17

Our text this morning directs our attention to the confession which forms the foundation of the church and the institution of the church itself. Believers are called away from self-righteousness and self-indulgence so that they might embrace a self-denial which leads to the exaltation of Christ and His church.

I. Background/Context

-before transfiguration (17:1-13)
-increasing opposition: demand for signs (16:1-12)
-location: Caesarea Philippi
-with disciples

II. Perspective of the People (13b-14)

-Jesus asks a question
-identification of the “Son of Man”
-response of disciples: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, prophet

III. Perspective of the Disciples (15-16)

-Jesus asks a question
-Peter’s reply: The Christ…

IV. Pronouncement of Jesus (17-20)

-blessing
-designation
-determination
-delegation
-connection and correction (16:21-28)

V. So what?

-Because Jesus is the source of the church’s existence and empowerment, exalt Him and expend your life for Him.
-The church: intimate knowledge, confident proclamation, sacrificial obedience
-Who you say Jesus is will determine everything about how you follow Him.
-Christ’s church merits your serious actions and not your sentimental leftovers.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 26, 2017

“Not a Chance: Pondering the Providence of God in Ruth 2” Ruth 2 Bible Study 02/26/17

I. Introduction

-the concept of “providence”
-pawns, puppets or participants?
-role of human agency
-context for Ruth 2: death of Elimilech, Mahlon and Chilion, Naomi left with Ruth and Orpah,
Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at beginning of barley harvest (1:22)

II. Outline of Ruth 2

1. Insider Information (1-3)
-“split screen”
-Boaz identified: “gibbor hayil”
-Ruth’s initiative
-she “happened…”

2. Pre-Meeting Coordination (4-7)
-arrival of Boaz
-Boaz and foreman
-Boaz’s greeting
-inquiry about Ruth

3. Meeting (8-13)
-Boaz and Ruth
-permission, protection and provision: “hesed”
-reward and refuge

4. Eating (14-16)
-significance of meal
-unheard of favor
-long way from Moab

5. Report to Naomi (17-23)
-quantity of grain
-conversation with Naomi
-Boaz as “go’el”
-no resolution-yet!

III. Make the Application/So what?

-When you take refuge in the Lord, you can expect His providential care.

1. Rely on the Lord’s presence when His purposes remain hidden.
2. Remember that the Lord is never the victim of circumstances.
3. Deal with others as the Lord has dealt with you.
4. Praise the Lord for the way He writes His signature on the page of your life.
5. Make the connection to Christ: a greater “go’el” than Boaz!

IV. Quotes/Observations

-“Redundancy, at least in biblical narratives, is often repetition for the sake of emphasis. This is
certainly true of Ruth 2:1.” (S. Ferguson)
-Purpose of OT stories: “…to lure us into real-life dramas where we run smack into God’s
agenda and assessment of our lives.” (S. Mathewson)

-“Providence in its wisdom plays pranks with all our man-made rules.” (Sidney Berry)
-“The providence of God is like Hebrew words-it can be read only backwards.” (J. Flavel)
-“His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But
sweet will be the flower.” (W. Cowper)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 19, 2017

Guest Speaker: Dr. Barry McCarty

Professor at SWBTS

“Introduction to Ruth” – Ruth 1

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 12, 2017

“Seeing Yourself in Samson” Judges 16:1-31 Bible Study 02/12/17

This morning we will turn our attention to Judges 16 and the compelling, yet tragic, story of Samson. One might question why Israel needed to hear this sordid story or why we need to hear it today. An appropriate answer would be that we are to view Samson as a mirror in which ancient Israel was to see itself and, by extension, in which we are to see ourselves. Samson’s story is a precautionary narrative: Those who attempt to please everyone, including themselves, more than God invite ultimate heartache and disaster to come calling. Put another way, those who fail to glory in the King’s majesty will only find themselves grinding in the equivalent of a Philistine mill!

I. The Beginning of the End (1-3)

-contrast between the former Samson (chapters 14-15) and the latter Samson (chapter 16)
-a seeking Samson sustained and a self-sufficient Samson abandoned
-significance of Judges 15:20
-Gaza: a female, a failed ambush and a fractured city

II. Playing Games with Delilah (4-14)

-bribery of the Philistines
-Delilah’s question
-Samson’s deception: fresh bowstrings, new ropes and fastened hair

III. Samson Cracks (15-21)

-intensified pressure from Delilah
-the razor’s edge
-Samson’s tragic ignorance
-grinding in prison at Gaza

IV. God’s Honor Vindicated (22-31)

-hint of hope
-Philistine dullness
-entertainment by Samson
-Samson’s request
-God’s answer
-true God vindicated/false god exposed

V. So What?

-Because the Lord is gracious and merciful, He continues to hear and answer His erring servants.
-Praise God for His faithfulness in the midst of your failure.
-Prize the presence of God above all things.
-Are you God-dependent or self-sufficient?
-If you ask, “Why Samson?” you must also ask, “Why me?”
-“…the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own…” (G. Duffield)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 5, 2017

“Meeting God in the Text” Judges 6 Bible Study 02/05/17

This morning we will cover Judges 6 in its entirety. It is a highly significant chapter in Judges because it reveals how gracious the Lord is in preparing His people for deliverance. While 1:1-3:6 highlights the failure of a second generation to obey the Lord, 3:7-16:31 places the spotlight on the long-suffering of the Lord in extending salvation to an undeserving people. Additionally, although Judges 6 records the call of Gideon, He is not the main character. Rather, the main character is the long-suffering, promise-keeping Lord. Let’s meet Him in the text!

I. The cycle continues (1-6)

-rebellion of Israel
-oppression by Midian
-cry for help

II. A prophet’s explanation (7-10)

-rehearsal of grace
-repetition of demand
-interpretation of circumstances

III. The promise of the Lord’s presence (11-24)

-unexpected omission
-Gideon: “hacker”
-addressed by an angel
-Gideon’s protest
-the promise repeated
-a request answered by fire
-Gideon’s awe and the Lord’s peace

IV. A demand for idol-removal (25-32)

-“back yard” Baal
-compliance in the night
-perverted indignation
-Joash’s defense and challenge

V. A case of condescending assurance (33-40)

-clothing of Gideon
-assembling for conflict
-Gideon and the fleece
-looking ahead: Midian defeated (Judges 7)

VI. So what?

-In light of the Lord’s long-suffering toward you, obey His voice and rely on His adequacy.
-Stand in awe of the strange strategy of the Lord. He doesn’t act on the basis of our focus groups or expectations.
-What Baals need banishment from your back yard?
-Cease blaming the Lord for the self-inflicted consequences of disobedience.
-“Forfeited mercies are followed by more mercies. Whatever foolishness of the past we blush at, yet we are encouraged that God’s kindness continues, for His mercies are new every morning.” (S. Charnock)
-Treasure the greatness of grace and the privilege of intimacy with the Infinite!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 29, 2017

Guest Speaker: Daniel Weaver

“The consequences of unfaithfulness to a faithful God” Judges 2:1-5 Bible Study 01/29/17

Judges 2 records an assembly called by God to address Israel’s disobedience. They had been commanded by the Lord to drive out the wicked peoples of the land and to destroy the pagan worship sites and idols. Part of God’s covenant was to give them this land where they would worship Him alone, and they would be His people. This ancient story has significant implications for believers today. God’s past and present faithfulness provides powerful fuel for an obedient future. However, His faithfulness does not mean believers are immune to dreadful consequences for disobedience.

I.   The Setting (1)

-Bochim
-Means “Weepers”
-Significance of the angel of the Lord coming from Gilgal

II. The History Review (Ch 1:1-36)

-The book of Judges is a sad book that serves as both a warning and reminder to God’s people
-God gave them this land to serve only Him
-they were to clear out the land of all wicked, idol-worshiping practices
-they did not fully clear them out and they made covenants with the peoples

III. God’s restatement of His actions and faithfulness (1-2)

-I brought you up …
-I will NEVER break my covenant with you

IV. God’s restatement of their actions and unfaithfulness (2)

-you shall make no covenant … you shall break down their altars …
-you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done?

V. The Results (3-5)

-they shall become thorns in your sides
-their gods shall be a snare to you

VI. So What?

-Although God remains faithful to His people, disobedience by God’s people will still bring dreadful consequences
-remember God’s faithfulness toward you (Christ’s blood, His intercession, His sealing of you by the Holy Spirit, His empathy toward your weakness)
-remember the consequences of disobedience (many instances in Scripture, including the NT; you may have examples in your life of shameful results of your sin)
-1 John 2:1 “I am writing to you so that you may not sin … if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father”

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 22, 2017

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jim Sibley

“The Regathering of Israel” – Ezekiel 37