“By The Word of the Lord” 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Bible Study 06/12/16

This morning we turn our attention to the call of the prophet Samuel. In a dark period for His people, the LORD brings light by raising up one who would be a faithful conduit of His word. Through Samuel, the word of the LORD would flow freely and the people would be blessed. His role as a prophet is the beginning of a line that culminates in the LORD’S ultimate prophet, Jesus.

I. Context Leading to 1 Samuel 3

-end of the Judges period: moral decline
-cycle of instability rooted in idolatry
-rise of Samuel/fall of Eli and sons

II. Conditions at Shiloh (1-3)

-the boy Samuel: temple servant
-word of the LORD: “rare”
-infection of sin
-just before morning

III. Call of Samuel (4-9)

-The LORD called…
-Samuel’s status
-Eli’s perception
-Samuel’s response
-The LORD’S kindness

IV. Revelation to Samuel (10-14)

-ear-quivering action
-bad news confirmed for Eli (2:27-38)
-severe and irrevocable judgment

V. Report to Eli (15-18)

-prophetic tension
-Eli’s request
-Samuel’s faithfulness
-Eli’s response

VI. Validation of Samuel (19-21)

-progress and presence
-no prophetic “flops”
-all Israel knew…

VII. So What?

-Because spiritual health hinges on the word of the LORD, accept it gratefully and apply it diligently.
-Recognize the distinction between preachers/teachers today and an OT prophet.
-Consider the commentary of 2 Peter 1:16-21.
-The people of God are blessed when the word of God flourishes.
-“Thou hast the true and perfect gentleness, no harshness hast Thou and no bitterness…”
-Reflect on your response to God’s prophet, Jesus (Heb. 1:1-4).

“Setting the Stage” 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 Bible Study 06/05/16

The story of Samuel’s birth sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God’s plan for His people following the period of the Judges. As God’s man, Samuel would bridge the gap between the period of the Judges and the United Kingdom of Israel and anoint its first two kings.

I. The Period in History

-Israel: moral chaos, oppression from the Philistines, corrupt priesthood
-transition from loose confederation to united kingdom
-“God’s greatness is the umbrella over every story.” (Eric Geiger)

II. The People in the Story

-Elkanah: “…a certain man…” and husband
-Hannah: “Grace”, childless wife of Elkanah
-Peninnah: “Red”, child-bearing wife of Elkanah
-Eli: priest at Shiloh
-Hophni and Phinehas: sons of Eli, corrupt priests
-Samuel: “Asked of God”, born to Hannah, man of God

III. The Problem for Hannah

-childless: “…the LORD had closed her womb.” (1:5-6)
-provocation from Peninnah (1:6-8)
-pouring out her soul: repetition of “servant” (1:11)
-the two responses of Eli (1:14, 17)

IV. The Providence of God

-“…and the LORD remembered her.” (1:19)
-“Hannah had a problem she couldn’t solve and a person she couldn’t change.” (Mark Howell)
-The LORD knows you and sees you where you are.
-God’s providence may be perplexing but it is always perfect.
-Life, in its daily “grind,” means more than you think it does. (contrast: Samuel and Eli’s sons)
-Awareness of God’s providence leads to eruption of praise (2:1-11)
-Because the LORD is great and in control, trust Him to be faithful when your circumstances are painful and perplexing.

Guest speaker: Dr. Madison Grace

“Accepting the Ethnically Different” Acts 10:9-26

“Forward Progress” Acts 9:31-43 Bible Study 05/22/16

This morning we turn our attention to a powerful account of the early church’s progress which is rooted in the power of Jesus. After observing the status of the church following Paul’s return to Tarsus, we will examine two key miracles which point to its continuing progress for the glory of God.

I. Observe the Atmosphere (31)

-previously: persecution, violence, scattering…
-now: peace, edification
-moving forward with fear and comfort

II. Note the Progress Connected to a Paralytic’s Healing (32-35)

-from Paul to Peter
-Lydda: Samaritan territory
-Aeneas and paralysis
-correspondence to Luke 5:24
-credit to Jesus
-…and they turned to the Lord.

III. Note the Progress Connected to the Drama of a Dead Woman’s Restoration (36-43)

-Joppa: 10 miles from Lydda
-Tabitha/Dorcas: excels in serving
-death and grief
-…washed…upper room.
-request for Peter
-restoration: correspondence to Luke 8:40-56 and 1 Kings 17:17-24
-…and many believed in the Lord.
-hint of more progress to come: verse 43

IV. So What?

-Because Jesus is the supernatural power source behind the church, trust Him to transform circumstances and transform people.
-Abandon hand-wringing for heart-singing!
-“The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, To guide, sustain and cherish, Is with her to the end: Though there be those who hate her, And false sons in her pale, Against both foe and traitor, She ever will prevail. Though with a scornful wonder, Men see her sore oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed: Yet saints their watch are keeping, Their cry goes up, ‘How long?’, And soon the night of weeping, Shall be the morn of song! (Samuel Stone, 1866)
-“This is my Father’s world, Should my heart be ever sad? The Lord is King-let the heavens ring, God reigns-let the earth be glad.” (Maltbie Babcock, 1901)
-Savor the sense of being a part of something that is supernatural and unstoppable!

“From Persecution to Proclamation” Acts 9:1-20 Bible Study 05/15/16

Our text this morning focuses on the dramatic conversion experience of Saul of Tarsus. The significance of his conversion is indicated by the fact that there are three accounts of it recorded in Acts. The sovereignty of the Lord Jesus in initiating and orchestrating this conversion, when it is considered carefully, is absolutely stunning!

I. Introduction

-observations regarding “shocker” conversions
-major emphases: Holy Spirit, Church growth/health, external/internal opposition
-context: following Stephen’s stoning and Philip’s encounter
-conversion accounts: Acts 9, 22, 26

II. Intercepted by Jesus (1-6)

-extensive opposition
-sovereign initiative
-light and voice
-sovereign interrogation
-first orders

III. Orchestration according to Sovereignty (7-20)

-speechless companions
-significant blindness
-agency of Ananias
-election of Saul: chosen instrument
-synagogue “shock”

IV. So What?

-Because the Lord Jesus is sovereign and sufficient in saving sinners, you can have hope for yourself and for the people you long to see converted.
-Connect persecution and proclamation (Phil. 3:12)
– “Healthy things grow…Growing things change…Change challenges us…Challenge forces us to trust God…Trust leads to obedience…Obedience makes us healthy…Healthy things grow” (J. Ryle)
-“Understand that God had you in mind when he saved Saul (1 Tim. 1:15-16).” (Piper)
-Joyfully recognize that Christianity is a converting religion.
-“O, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me…” (F. Whitfield, 1855)

Guest speaker: David Norman

“And It Was No Big Deal” Acts 8:26-39 Bible Study 05/08/16

Philip obeyed. . . and it was no big deal (v. 26–30a).

Philip shared the gospel. . . and it was no big deal (v. 30b–35).

The Eunuch was baptized. . . and it was no big deal (v. 35–36).

The Problem is that we see that which should be as ordinary as extraordinary.

Perhaps the reason is that we’ve come to see that which should be as extraordinary as ordinary.

“Addressing an In-House Issue” Acts 6:1-7 Bible Study 05/01/16

Our text this morning addresses another internal crisis that threatened the health of the early church. The manner in which the apostles and fellowship of believers handled the matter of neglected widows is instructive and enlightening for the church today.

I. Introduction

-another internal issue
-previously: deception
-presently: dissension
-threat to church health and growth
-specific challenges: making provision/maintaining priority

II. Potential for Conflict (1-2)

-complaint
-Hellenists and Hebrews
-neglected in the daily distribution
-business meeting
-the Word of God and serving tables

III. Solving the Problem (3-7)

-congregational involvement
-selection of seven: delegation
-qualifications
-affirmation of apostolic intent
-Stephen and Philip…
-prayer and commissioning
-result: health/growth

IV. So What?

-When the church functions in the power of the Holy Spirit, pressing needs are met and the priority of the Word is affirmed.
-“The life of the church hangs on the Word of God.” (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4) (Piper)
-Prioritize prayer and the ministry of the Word.
-Cultivate an every member is a minister mentality.
-Commit and contribute to church unity.
-“Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds. Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us. Truths unchanged from the dawn of time that will echo down through eternity. And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises. And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us. Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built and the earth is filled with Your glory.” (Getty/Townend)

“Facts and Faithfulness” Acts 5: 25-42 Bible Study 04/24/16

Following the sudden demise of Ananias and Sapphira and a period of unprecedented fruitfulness and expansion, persecution of the early church intensifies and reaches a new level. In our text this morning we encounter heightened opposition to the name of Jesus. We also find a radical obedience on the part of disciples that produces joy in the midst of severe trial.

I. Setting and Context

-exhibition and expansion (12-16)
-arrest fueled by jealousy (17-18)
-angelic intervention (19-21)
-missing prisoners (22-24)

II. Deliverance and Opposition (25-28)

-surprising report
-cautious arrest
-strictly charged
-bring this man’s blood upon us

III. Authority and Explanation (29-32)

-principle of authority
-proclamation of facts
* crucifixion
* resurrection
* ascension
*attestation

IV. Rage and Reason (33-39)

-response of rage
-reason of Gamaliel
-reality of opposing God

V. Pain and Perspective (40-42)

-flogging and a futile charge
-joyful perspective
-continuation in commendation of Jesus

VI. So What?

-Because God’ authority is supreme and His faithfulness is sure, faithfully declare the facts of Jesus in the face of opposition.
-To whom are we commending Jesus?
-Recognize the productivity of persecution.
-Pray for the persecuted church. Pray also for the un-persecuted church!
-Avoid the anesthesia of American addiction to comfort.
-Acknowledge the Lord’s supreme authority-biblically!
-“Smooth seas never make for a skilled sailor.” (C. Finch)

“Sudden Death: A Cause for Fear” Acts 4:36-5:1-11 Bible Study 04/17/16

Our text this morning focuses on the sinful deception of Ananias and Sapphira. The swift judgment following their sin reveals the fervor that the Lord of the Church has for the purity and holiness of His people. As it did with believers in the early church, this fervor should fill us with reverential fear.

I. Consider the context

-thriving in the midst of external opposition
-dependence and boldness
-harmony of fellowship
-shift from external to internal opposition

II. Note the distinct contrast between Barnabas and Ananias (1-6)

-But… in 5:1
-Ananias: “God is gracious” and Sapphira: “Beautiful”
-…sold property…kept back…
-Peter’s interrogation
-…lie…contrived…lied
-sudden death
-great fear

III. Observe the consequences for Sapphira (7-11)

-interval of 3 hours
-her knowledge and ignorance
-Peter’s interrogation
-…to test the Spirit of the Lord
-sudden death
-great fear

IV. So what?

-Because God has a holy fervor for the holiness of His people, serve Him with reverential fear.
-There is too little “trembling” today. (Phil. 2:12)
-Acknowledge your accountability
-“Twas grace that taught my heart to fear…” (John Newton)
-The better question:
-Contempt for severity of judgment often reveals a sub-biblical concept of sin.
-“Every sin strikes at the honor of God, the being of God, the glory of God, the heart of Christ, the joy of the Spirit and the peace of a man’s conscience.” (Thomas Boston)
-“The fundamental problem in the evangelical world today is that God rests too inconsequentially upon the Church. His truth is too distant, His grace is too ordinary, His judgment is too benign, His gospel is too easy and His Christ is too common.” (David Wells)

“Holy Boldness” Acts 4:1-31 Bible Study 04/10/16

This morning we will examine a chapter which records perhaps the first case of persecution against the early church. The church’s response is instructive and exemplary for 21st century believers. A key factor that shapes the proper treatment of Acts 4 is the repetition (verse 13, 29, 31) of the word “boldness.” An understanding of this term, as used in Scripture, indicates that is an indispensable attribute for believers today. This is true, in part, because boldness was an identity-shaping element in the early church.

I. Understand the context

-healing of lame man 3:1-10
-Call for repentance 3:11-26

II. Annoying proclamation 4:1-12

-content of message
-arrest
-expansion
-interrogation
-explanation Psa. 118:22
-exclusion

III. Astonishing boldness 4:13-22

-perception of authorities
-confounding conference
-stern warning
-bold response
-reluctant release

IV. Anointed prayer meeting 4:23-31

-acknowledgement of sovereignty
-analysis from Scripture Psa. 2:1-2
-appeal for enablement
-answer to prayers: shaken, filled, boldness

V. So what?

-When you recognize God’s sovereignty and rely on His Spirit, you can serve Him with holy boldness.
-Boldness: “…Clear, direct communication in the face of potential opposition.” (J. McDonald)
-Boldness: “…outspokenness about the identity of Jesus.” (J. McDonald)
-“Is a Christian navigating life so as to avoid conflict? If so, it may be a clear signal that cowardice is winning out over courage.” (J. Piper)
-God loves His truth. And He means to use it to humble people, exalt His Son, and turn wimps into bold, humble, broken-hearted people.” (J. Piper)
-“To live Christianly in a culture of confusion is to live boldly.” (J. Parnell)

-Three specific applications:

*Be a person of the “Book”
*Speak the exclusivity of Jesus with clarity and without apology
*View boldness as an indicator of Holy Spirit filling