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)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 14, 2023
It Is Finished!
John 19:17-30
1. Background
• following Pilate’s interrogation and pronouncement of innocence
• Jesus: delivered over to the will of those who sought His death
2. Crucifixion of Jesus 17-22
• bearing His own cross to Golgotha and being crucified between two others (Isa. 53:12)
• Pilate’s prophetic inscription and the objection of the chief priests
3. Division of the Clothing of Jesus 23-24
• soldiers divide His garments
• casting lots for the tunic and fulfillment of Scripture (Psa. 22:18)
4. Provision of Jesus for His Mother 25-27
• contrast: four soldiers and four women
• the disciple whom Jesus loved
• entrusted to John
5. Completion of His Mission 28-30
• sovereign awareness of Jesus and significance of His statement of thirst (Psa. 69:21)
• sponge of wine on a hyssop branch (Ex. 12:22, Psa. 51:7)
• mission accomplished and emphasis on the voluntary nature of His death
6. So What?
• Because of His completed work at the cross, rely on Jesus as the completely sufficient One.
• three words for reflection: Sacrifice, Substitute, Savior (Begg)
• “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling; naked come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.” (Toplady, “Rock of Ages”)
• “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe…” (Hall, “Jesus Paid It All”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 7, 2023
I Find No Guilt in Him
John 18:28-40
1. Background
• after facing Annas and Caiaphas
• part of the Roman trial narrative (18:28-19:16): intention to emphasize the innocence of Jesus
2. Public Hearing 28-32
• to Pilate’s headquarters early in the morning and the irony of concern about defilement
• Pilate’s outside inquiry and the response of the enemies of Jesus
• Pilate’s emphatic referral and the fulfillment of crucifixion prophecy (12:32-33, Deut. 21:22-23)
3. Private Conversation 33-38a
• this man a king?
• Pilate on the witness stand
• Pilate’s two questions
• Jesus articulates the nature of His kingdom
• truth and pre-postmodernism
4. Proclamation of Innocence 38b-40
• nothing at all amiss (19:4, 6)
• proposal to release
• preference for Barabbas
5. So What?
• Because abandonment of the “true truth” of the innocent Jesus invites disaster, determine to live in the light of God’s evidence.
• Reject relativism and embrace “true truth.” (Schaeffer)
• “Christianity can be expressed in the three phrases: I deserved hell; Jesus took my hell; there is nothing left for me but His heaven.” (Barnhouse)
• “He was lifted up to die; ‘It is finished’ was His cry; now in heaven exalted high: Hallelujah, what a Savior!” (P. Bliss, “Man of Sorrows, What a Name”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 30, 2023
Shall I Not Drink the Cup?
John 18:1-12
1. Background 1-3
• after High Priestly Prayer of John 17
• to the Garden of Gethsemane
• arrival of Judas with military and religious leaders
2. Confrontation with Majesty 4-7
• foreknowledge and initiative of Jesus
• humble humanity and exalted divinity
• significance of the recoil of captors
3. Depiction of Mission 8-9
• the command of Jesus
• the fulfillment of Scripture (17:12)
• functioning as the Good Shepherd
4. Determination to Drink 10-12
• futility and intervention
• confidence in the Father’s perfect control
• cup: metaphor for death (Psa. 75:8, Isa. 51:17, Isa. 53:10-12)
5. So What?
• Because Jesus drank the cup for you, rest assured.
• “It was not their power but His own pity which drew Him to the judgment hall and the cross.” (Maclaren)
• “If this is the effect Jesus has on His enemies when He came to submit to judgment, what effect will He have on His enemies when He comes to execute judgment?” (Augustine)
• “O loving wisdom of our God! When all was sin and shame a second Adam to the fight and to the rescue came.” (Newman, “Praise to the Holiest in the Height”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 23, 2023
For Those Who Will Believe
John 17:20-26
1. Background
• High Priestly Prayer in the shadow of the cross
• glorification (1-5), sanctification (6-19), unification (20-26)
2. Jesus Prays for an Earthly Unity 20-23
• focus of intercession that flows out of a stated conviction (16:33)
• petition: “that they may all be one”
• pattern: reflective of Father and Son
• purpose: message and maturation
3. Jesus Prays for a Heavenly Reunion 24
• petition “that they may be where I am”
• purpose: to see My glory (1 John 3:1-3)
4. Jesus Confirms His Ongoing Activity 25-26
• contrast: ignorance and complete knowledge
• ongoing activity: power of the cross and promise of the Holy Spirit
5. So What?
• Knowing that Jesus prayed for you, prize the principle of unity and the prospect of reunion with Him.
• “From God’s point of view, truth is not only more important than unity but it is in fact the basis for unity.” (Stowell)
• “Divisions in the church breed atheism in the world.” (Manton)
• “If we could see one another right now filled with the glory that we will one day have when we are in heaven, we would be sorely tempted to fall down on our knees and worship one another.” (Lewis)
• “Savior, if of Zion’s city, I through grace a member am, Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Thy name.” (Newton)
• “When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see, ‘Twill be my joy through the ages to sing of His love for me.” (Gabriel)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 16, 2023
Better for You
John 16:5-15
1. Background
• warning of persecution: keep from being “scandalized”
• putting on the “spectacles of Scripture”
2. An Imminent Going and Coming 5-7
• selfishness and sorrow of disciples
• assertion: it is expedient (John 11:50)
• explanation: “The coming for which Christ’s going was needful makes that going a gain.” (Maclaren)
• a lesson in contrasts: Mark 14:50 and Acts 4:31; 5:41
3. The Spirit’s Work in the World 8-11
• His role as Prosecutor bringing about conviction (Acts 2:37)
• concerning sin…unbelief
• concerning righteousness…demonstrated by Christ’s death, resurrection and exaltation (Phil. 3:9)
• concerning judgment…overthrow of Satan
4. The Spirit’s Work in Believers 12-15
• limited perception of disciples
• guidance in the whole sphere of truth
• what is needed as it is needed
• Christ-centered: from accomplishment to application
5. So What?
• Because the Holy Spirit applies the accomplishment of Christ in your life, depend on Him and delight in His work.
• “He is nearer to us when He leaves us, and works with us and in us more mightily from the throne than He did upon the earth.” (Maclaren)
• “We praise Thee, O God for Thy Spirit of Light, Who hath shown us our Savior and scattered our night. Hallelujah! Thine the glory. Hallelujah! Amen. Hallelujah! Thine the Glory. Revive us again.” (Mackay)
