Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 23, 2023
When the Lord Does a New Thing
Jeremiah 31:23-34
1. Background
• the people “get it” (31:15-22)
• a more explicit commentary on 29:11
2. Description of Future Blessing 23-30
• reassurance of restoration
• revelation through a dream
• repudiation of a well-known saying
3. Declaration of a New Covenant 31-32
• noteworthy repetition
• not like the previous covenant
• notice the LORD’S initiative
4. Distinctives of the New Covenant 33-34
• internalized word (Matt. 5-7)
• personal God
• personal instruction
• permanent forgiveness
5. So What?
• Because the LORD can restore fully what was devastated completely, trust Him to do a new thing in your life.
• connection to Christ: Heb. 8:6-12; 1 Pet. 2:9-10
• “But the faith, needed by Israel to believe in what would come, is the faith I need to believe in what has already come.” (S. Smith)
• “God of the covenant, Lord God Almighty, marvels of mercy adoring we see: calling from sin and from darkness a people bonded to Christ by a timeless decree.” (J. Webb, “God of the Covenant, Lord God Almighty”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 16, 2023
Fueled by Your Future
Jeremiah 29:1-14
1. Background
• yoke of servitude to Babylon and the folly of false prophets (28)
• Jeremiah’s letter to Jewish exiles in Babylon (29:1-32) and the immediate context (29:1-3)
2. Continuation 4-7
• emphasis on the LORD’s sovereignty/providence: displaced but not misplaced
• addressed to exiles
• settle down and thrive personally
• pursue peace and pray
3. Clarification 8-9
• note the repetition
• untrue prophecies from unsent prophets (28:3, 11; 25:11-12)
4. Motivation 10-14
• revelatory accuracy
• emphatic assurance: not to hurt but to help
• personal access and inexhaustible promise (Deut. 4:29; 30:1-5)
5. So What?
• Because of the promise of deliverance in the future, thrive by God’s grace in the present.
• NT connections: Luke 4:18, Heb. 6:19-20; 11:8-10, 1 Pet. 1:3-9
• Aim to align your life with the reality of biblical hope.
• “There is a hope that lifts my weary head, a consolation strong against despair, that when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit, I find the Savior there! Through present sufferings, future’s fear, He whispers ‘courage’ in my ear. For I am safe in everlasting arms, and they will lead me home.” (S. Townend, “There Is a Hope”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 9, 2023
Good News for Scattered Sheep
Jeremiah 23:1-8
1. Background
• “leaves” from the last years of Judah (21-26): a misruled and mistaught people
• contrast: scattering and gathering shepherds (Ezek. 34:31, John 10:11)
2. The Problem of Unattended Sheep 1-4
• the LORD’s attention to the inattentive
• identification of “shepherds”
• gathering of the remnant
3. The Promise of the Ultimate Shepherd 5-6
• messianic prophecy: raise up for David a Righteous Branch (33:14-16)
• salvation and security as a result of His administration (Isa. 52:13)
• His identity: The LORD is our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30-31, Phil. 3:8-11)
4. The Perspective of an Updated Status 7-8
• significance of “As the LORD lives…”
• parting the Red Sea of political tape
• pointing to a greater exodus
5. So What?
• Assured that He gets all of His sheep safely home, rely on the LORD’S provision of the ultimate Shepherd.
• Consider the connection to Christ: Matt. 9:36, 1 Pet. 5:4, Heb. 13:20-21, Lk. 15:3-7
• “Scripture is composed with a specific purpose: to show the glory of God through the exaltation of Christ as He reconciles man to God.” (Smith)
• “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me, and on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me…And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise within Thy house forever.” (Baker, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for July 2, 2023
A Visit to the Potter’s House
Jeremiah 18:1-12
1. Background
• sin of Judah (17), Judah fit to be smashed (19), Jeremiah persecuted (20)
• vessel still in the making and appeal for repentance (18)
2. A Picture Supplied 1-4
• prophetic formula followed by a command
• ceramics and sovereignty (Gen. 2:7)
• as it seemed good to the potter…
3. A Principle Applied 5-10
• recognizing the limitations of analogy
• the LORD’S freedom to act with judgment and mercy without compromising His character
• when the LORD relents (Isa. 29:16; 64:8)
4. A Plan Devised and a Plea Denied 11-12
• warning of disaster preparation
• appeal to turn from evil
• blunt refusal: forsaking that which never fails
5. So What?
• Because the LORD is both sovereign and merciful, trust Him to bring wholeness out of your brokenness.
• “Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Thou art the potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.” (G. Stebbins, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”)
• “This text is all about remaking-for better or worse…He is a craftsman and no plodding amateur; His touch has the boldness and resource of the true artist.” (D. Kidner)
• Repent and persevere!
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 25, 2023
Guest Speaker: Dr. Mark Dance
Mark Dance is the Director of Pastoral Wellness for Guidestone Financial Resources. He was a lead pastor/planter for 27 years before becoming an associate vice president at Lifeway, the director of pastoral development for Oklahoma Baptists, and co-founder of the Care4Pastors Network. Mark has degrees from Howard Payne University (BBA), SWBTS (MDiv), and SBTS (DMin). Mark and Janet live in Dallas and have two adult children.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalms 23
1. THE LORD IS PASTORING ME
The LORD is my shepherd v.1a
2. THE LORD IS PROVIDING FOR ME
I have what I need v.1b
a. The Lord provides for my physical needs
He lets me lie down in green pastures v. 2a
b. The Lord provides for my emotional needs
He leads me beside quiet/still waters v. 2b
c. The Lord provides for my spiritual needs
He renews my life/restores my soul v. 3
3. THE LORD IS PROTECTING ME
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me. v. 4
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 18, 2023
The Lord’s Response to Lucky Charm Religion
Jeremiah 7:1-15
1. Background
• after renewal under Josiah and a short-lived reformation (Jer. 6: prophecy of impending judgment)
• part of Jeremiah’s temple sermon (7:1-8:3)
2. The Problem of Misplaced Trust 1-4
• proclamation in the gate of the temple
• a command and a promise
• the temple as a lucky charm (Matt. 6:7)
3. The Need to Make Things Right 5-7
• a picture of religion that pleases the LORD
• addressing horizontal and vertical abuse
• repetition of promise
4. The Crisis of Self-Deception 8-11
• accusation of repeated violation of the LORD’S commands
• elevation of ritual over relationship
• the LORD’S assessment of the temple: den of robbers (Isa. 56:7, Matt. 21:12-13)
5. The Sobering Warning from Shiloh 12-15
• location of the tabernacle in Canaan (Psa. 78:56-64)
• reminder of repeated warnings
• from the tabernacle to the temple
6. So What?
• Because obedience to the LORD is the only source of real security, grasp the vital connection between privilege and responsibility.
• beyond mere moralism and the connection to Christ (Jer. 31:31-34)
• “We should fear a fake faith.” (S. Smith)
• “Human pride and earthly glory, sword and crown betray His trust; what with care and toil he buildeth, tower and temple, fall to dust. But God’s power, by the hour, is my temple and my tower.” (J. Neander, “All My Hope on God is Founded”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 11, 2023
Idolatry and the Absence of Fear
Jeremiah 2:1-19
1. Introduction/Background
• warnings of judgment from Jeremiah’s early ministry (2:1-6:30)
• rebuke of Judah’s faithlessness (2:1-37) and the tragedy of forsaking God for worthless idols (2:1-19)
2. Remembering a Past Faithfulness 1-3
• prophetic invocation of authority
• devotion of a bride (Ex. 19-24)
• firstfruits of harvest (Lev. 23:9-14)
3. Rebuking a Present Faithlessness 4-12
• a courtroom challenge
• the principle of becoming like that which you worship (Eccl. 1:2, Psa. 115:4-8)
• ingratitude indicated by defilement, disregard and disloyalty
• the LORD’S accusation of abandonment
4. Recognizing a Foundational Absence 13-19
• Judah’s two sins: forsaken (abandonment) and hewed out (embracing of idols)
• exchanging freedom for bondage and self-inflicted calamity
• solemn warning and insightful assessment (Prov. 1:7)
5. So What?
• Recognizing the LORD’S character and the consequences of idolatry, fear Him and banish every Baal.
• “What we revere we resemble, either for our ruin or restoration.” (G. Beale)
• Acknowledge the connection between ingratitude and idolatry.
• Remember that perceived alternatives to God always lead to destruction.
• “What has stripped the seeming beauty from the idols of the earth? Not a sense of right or duty, but the sight of peerless worth…Draw and win and fill completely till the cup o’erflow the brim; what have we to do with idols who have fellowshipped with Him?” (O. Rowan, “Hast Thou Heard Him, Seen Him, Known Him?”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 4, 2023
I Am with You to Deliver You
Jeremiah 1:1-19
1. Background and Introduction to Jeremiah 1-3
• priest from Anathoth to whom the word of the LORD came, 40+ NT allusions to his prophecy
• four decades of ministry in Judah from Josiah to the Babylonian captivity
2. The LORD’S Sovereign Initiative 4-8
• knew, consecrated and appointed
• Jeremiah’s confession of incompetence
• stifle yourself, Jeremiah!
• affirmation of purpose and presence
3. The LORD’S Supernatural Assignment 9-10
• a touched and filled mouth
• ministry of judgment and hope
4. The LORD’S Specific Instructions 11-19
• message of the almond tree: watchfulness
• message of the boiling pot: inevitable judgment of Judah’s idolatrous worship
• appeal for Jeremiah to “gird up his loins”
• no fear of man or alteration of message
• assurance of enabling presence (Rom. 8:31-32; Heb. 13:5-6, 1 Pet. 2:9)
5. So What?
• Because of the LORD’S purpose for you, power behind you and presence with you, serve Him confidently.
• “Every Christian is bound not only to offer himself and what he has, his prayer, thanksgiving, good works, alms, etc., but also industriously to study in the Word of the Lord, with the grace that is given him to teach others, especially those under his own roof, to chastise, exhort, convert and edify them, to observe their life, pray for all, and insofar as possible be concerned about their salvation.” (Spener)
• “When we carry God’s word within our own heart and to a dying world, we can be certain of its ultimate, eternal success.” (Ash)
• “There is no biblical teaching to suggest that between 65-95 saints should play while the world perishes.” (Piper)
• “Be still, my soul; your God will undertake to guide the future as He has the past; your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them when He lived below.” (von Schlegel, “Be Still, My Soul”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 28, 2023
Operation Restoration
John 21:15-25
1. Background
• after Jesus appears to disciples and John’s statement of purpose (20:19-31)
• Peter goes fishing (21:3), Jesus appears at the Sea of Galilee and hosts a breakfast (21:4-14)
2. Jesus Interviews Peter 15-17
• from “Rocky” to “Shaky”
• structure: triple questioning, triple affirmation, triple commission (Matt. 26:33)
• appeal to the omniscience of Jesus
• obedience as the fruit of loving Jesus
3. A Future Prospect and Present Command for Peter 18-19
• uninhibited movement to inhibited movement: martyrdom/cross
• follow Me through service, suffering and death
4. Perspective Regarding the Role of John 20-23
• too much concern for God’s secret counsel and too little concern for conformity to His revealed will
• banishing a rumor and the significance of precision with words
5. A Fitting Conclusion 24-25
• stress on truth and selective history
6. So What?
• Because He is the God of all grace who knows your every weakness, you can be restored to fellowship with Him.
• Subordinate your curiosity about the future of others to an obedience to the command, “Follow Me!”
• “Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made…” (Lehman, “The Love of God”)
• “Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be…” (Thrupp, “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 21, 2023
Guest Speaker: Sherry Forester
Living by Faith
Psalms 71
Context
Prayer of Concern (v.1-13)
• God his refuge
• Cries for help
• Preaches to himself
• Emotions in a nosedive
Living by faith means trusting God with everything we cannot understand or control.
Prayer of Commitment (v.14-24)
• Vertical commitment
• Horizontal commitment
• Trust God
• Praise God
Living by faith means trusting our future to the One who controls every tomorrow.
Lamentations 3:22-25
So what?
Because God is faithful, we can trust Him through every season of life.
“As we grow old, let’s not talk about our aches and pains, let’s rejoice in the Lord and sing His praises.” J. Vernon McGee
When life is in a nosedive, remind yourself you’re simply diving into the bottomless ocean of God’s faithfulness.
“Morning by morning, I wake up to find,
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine.
Season by season I watch Him, amazed,
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways.
All I have need of His hand will provide.
He’s always been faithful to me.”
(“He’s Always Been Faithful” by Sara Groves)
