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Parables of New Testament Last Edit January 17, 2020 ...done
© 2009, 2020 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
The Parables of Jesus Fall 2006 Adult Sunday School Class
2019...These documents are only slightly modified from documents taken from my local computer hard drive. Those 2006 documents were edited documents from when I taught a Sunday School quarter on parables in 1993. The 2006 documents usually have one or two pages at the start that I photocopied and handed out to the class. I used the pages after the class pages as a teaching guide (leader pages) during the class. This documents on Google Drive only have the leader pages. I believe the scripture quotes are taken from the NIV version unless otherwise noted.
The parables studied in this collection of Sunday School Lessons are:
1. 9/10/2006 Neighbor: Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37
2. 9/17 Spiritual Growth: Soils Matthew 13:3-8; Mark 4:4-8; Luke 8:5-8
3. 9/24 God’s Kingdom and the World: Weeds Matthew 13:24-30
4. 10/1 God’s Kingdom: Mustard seed Matthew 13:31,32; Mark 4:30-32;
Luke 13:18,19 Yeast Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20,21
Treasure Matthew 13:44 Pearl Matthew 13:45,46
Fishing Net Matthew 13:47-50
5. 10/8 Forgiveness: Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:23-35
6. 10/15 God’s Fairness: Workers in the Harvest Matthew 20:1-16
7. 10/22 Doing God’s Will: Two Sons Matthew 21:28-32
8. 10/29 God’s Justice: Wicked Tenants Matthew 21:33,34; Mark 12:1-9;
Luke 20:9-16
9. 11/5 God’s Kingdom/End Times: Marriage Feast Matthew 22:1-14
10. 11/12 End Times: Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-3
11. 11/19 Stewardship: Talents and Traveler’s Servants Matthew 25:14-30
12. 11/26 Prayer: Friend at Midnight Luke 11:5-8
13. 12/3 Prayer: Unjust Judge Luke 18:1-8
14. 12/10 Prayer Attitude: Pharisee and Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14
References: (given to people in the Sunday School class)
The Bible is the only textbook that you need to read for this class.
I used the following text as a study aid: “The Parables” by Simon Kistemaker Baker Books (1980). Other books you may find useful are: “The Parables of Jesus” by David Wenham Intervarsity Press (1989); “Parables, The Greatest Stories Ever Told” by John White Intervarsity (1988); “Stories Jesus Told” by Gladys Hunt Harold Shaw Publishers (1986), and commentaries, Bible dictionaries, etc.
From “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 17 “Wherever possible, the interpreter ought to make a study of the historical setting of the parable, including a detailed analysis of the religious, social, political, and geographical circumstances revealed in the parable.” From page 18 “The main point of a given parable should be checked against the teaching of Jesus and the rest of Scripture.” “The interpreter of the parable must translate its meaning in terms relevant to the needs of today.”
Be sure to read the Bible verses before and after each parable. It is important to know where Jesus was, and the audience, as we seek to apply the parables to our lives. We need to put ourselves into the historical, cultural and religious context as we read each parable.
The “Life Application Bible New International Version” Tyndale House Publishers and Zondervan Publishing House (1991) page 1936 lists these parables of Jesus:
About the Kingdom of God: Soils Matthew 13:3-8; Mark 4:4-8; Luke 8:5-8
Weeds Matthew 13:24-30
Mustard seed Matthew 13:31,32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18,19
Yeast Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20,21
Treasure Matthew 13:44 Pearl Matthew 13:45,46
Fishing Net Matthew 13:47-50 Growing Wheat Mark 4:26-29
About Service and Obedience: Workers in the Harvest Matthew 20:1-16
Loaned Money Matthew 25:14-30
Nobleman's Servants Luke 19:11-27 Servant's Role Luke 17:7-10
About Prayer Friend at Midnight Luke 11:5-8 Unjust Judge Luke 18:1-8
About Neighbors Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37
About Humility Wedding Feast Luke 14:7-11
Pharisee and Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14
About Wealth Rich Fool Luke 12:16-21
Great Feast Luke 14:16-24 Shrewd Manager Luke 16:1-9
About God’s Love Lost Sheep Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7
Lost Coin Luke 15:8-10 Lost Son Luke 15:11-32
About Thankfulness Forgiven Debts Luke 7:41-43
About Christ’s Return Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-3
Wise and Faithful Servants Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-48
Traveling Owner of the House Mark 13:34-37
About God’s Values Two Sons Matthew 21:28-32
Wicked Tenants Matthew 21:33,34; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16
Unproductive Fig Tree Luke 13:6-9
Marriage Feast Matthew 22:1-14 Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:23-35
“Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” W.E. Vine, M.F. Unger, W. White, Jr. Thomas Nelson Publishers (1996)
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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The Parables of Jesus Fall 2006 Sunday School Class Leader notes
Leader notes SEPTEMBER 10, 2006 THE GOOD SAMARITAN
New Testament
parable ... “Vine’s Dictionary” Vine (1996) page 457: ”a placing of one thing beside another” with a view to comparison. A narrative drawn from nature or human circumstances, the object of which is to set forth a spiritual lesson.
Some Old Testament uses of the word Parable:
Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth in parables ..
Proverbs 1:6 for understanding proverbs and parables..
Ezekiel 17:2 "..set forth an allegory and tell the house of Israel a parable.
Ezekiel 24:3 Tell this rebellious house a parable and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
Hosea 12:10 I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions and told parables through them."
Nathan tells a parable to David 2 Samuel 12:1 – 4
From “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 12 “By means of his parables Jesus explained the great themes of his teaching: the kingdom of heaven; the love, grace, and mercy of God; the rule and return of the Son of God; and the being and destiny of mortals. … In his parables Jesus reveals new truths…”
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
Who is your neighbor?
When you were growing up did you have "good" neighbor?
Read Luke 10:25-37 Who is Jesus talking to?
..expert in the law..trying to test Jesus..v29 wanted to justify himself
v25 an expert in the law stood up
Perhaps they were in a group. The person stood up to get attention.
… READ LUKE 7:29,30 How did the experts in the law respond to John’s baptism? Were members of this group receptive to Jesus message?
…READ LUKE 6:6-11 Jesus heals on the Sabbath.
Matthew 22:34-40 & Mark 12:28-34 (later in Jesus ministry) An expert in the law of the Pharisees asks Jesus, to test him, What is the greatest commandment?
V25 The expert is not sincere in asking the question.
How did Jesus avoid the trap set by the expert in the law?
What happened to the expert as he quoted scripture?
...(love God Dt 6:5, love neighbor Lev 19:18)
… (agape) love is used in both phrases .. a deliberate choice, not from feelings, seeks the welfare of all
v28 In what way was the expert "correct" in his answer?
v 29 Is his question sincere?
...Pharisees believed only fellow Jews (“the righteous”) were neighbors
neighbor “Vine’s Dictionary” Vine (1996) page 429: “the one near” “The terms for neighbor were therefore of a very comprehensive scope.” Agricultural areas were very lightly populated. Not a lot of people lived near each other.
Was the expert a "legalist"?
..did he try to scale down god's law to justify his own behavior?
..The expert wanted to know where to draw the line, what would be enough.
Do we ever slip into legalism?
...v30. This was not an uncommon situation in these days. Jericho is towards the Jordan River, north-east of Jerusalem. The road is 17 miles long and descends 3300 feet. There are caves in the region where robbers hid. “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 142.
The man is likely a Jew. Samaria is about 35 miles straight north of Jerusalem. Jericho is about 12 miles from Jerusalem in a straight line.
In what situations today is noninvolvement seen as a wise choice?
v31 priest
Who were the priests? Performed religious work in the Temple.
…He could have been of great help in just happening on the scene.
… The wording implies to me that the priest could have seen he was alive.
… He takes trouble to not get too close.
… Would it be difficult for the priest to know if the man was a Jew or a Samaritan?
How could the first man rationalize his decision?
Numbers 19:11...unclean for 7 days if you touch a dead body
afraid of attack, too busy, hard heart, didn’t want to interfere in God’s judgment
v32 Levite similar reaction
Who were the Levites? 1 Chron 23:24-32 ...service house of the lord
Aaron was a Levite.
How could the second man rationalize his decision?
v33 Why would Jesus pick a Samaritan as the "hero" of the parable?
..half-breeds in a Jew's eye ...Jesus may have been showing that merciful Samaritans were nearer the kingdom of god than the unmerciful Jews. Note also the disciples thought that calling down fire from heaven on the Samaritan villages might be OK in Luke 9:51-55.
.."his heart went out to him"
v34 Did the Samaritan know if the man was a Jew or a Samaritan?
Did the Samaritan do more than the basics of showing love?
How long did the Samaritan care for the man?
v35 Did the Samaritan provide for the injured man’s future?
Did the Samaritan suffer any inconvenience? Financial cost? Risk?
..2 denarii could have been enough for “several days of room and board” “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 253
…The innkeeper probably knew the Samaritan and trusted him to pay later for any extra expenses.
v36 Jesus gets back to the question the expert posed in v 29.
The Samaritan “became” a neighbor on the spot.
V37 How are the Samaritan’s actions in line with his feelings?
The expert in the law does not use the word Samaritan.
“mercy” The Samaritan’s action was the outward expression of his feelings described in verse 34.
What did Jesus want the expert to do? … show mercy
… show that you love God
Do inconvenience, cost, and/or risk discourage us from neighborly activities?
Define "neighbor" now.
..not just those we talk to frequently
1 John 4: 19We love because he first loved us. 20If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Do we isolate ourselves from certain groups of people?
Is there a conflict between helping your neighbor and being separate from the world?
How can we "go and do likewise" today?
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Luke 6: 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Galatians 6:7-10 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
James 2:14 14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
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Read Matthew 5:43-44; 9:10-13; 12:7
Mt 5:43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Matthew 12: 3He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Titus 3:5-8 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5: Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
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“Naves Topical Bible” Orville Nave, ed. Moody Press (1973)
Parables of Jesus
The wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49)
Two debtors (Luke 7:41-47)
The rich fool (Luke 12:16-21)
The servants waiting for their Lord (Luke 12:35-40)
The barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9)
The sower (Matthew 13:3-9,18-23; Mark 4:1-9,14-20; Luke 8:5-8,11-15)
The tares (darnel) (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43)
Seed growing secretly (Mark 4:26-29)
The mustard seed (Matthew 13:31,32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18,19)
Leaven (yeast) (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20,21)
The hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44)
The pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45,46)
The drag net (Matthew 13:47-50)
The unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35)
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
The friend at midnight (Luke 11:5-8)
The Good Shepherd ( John 10:1-16)
The great supper (Luke 14:15-24)
The lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7; Matthew 18:12-14)
The lost piece of money (one drachma) (Luke 15:8-10)
The prodigal son and his older brother (Luke 15:11-32)
The unjust steward (Luke 16:1-9)
The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
The importunate (unrelenting) widow (Luke 18:1-8)
The Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14)
The laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
The pounds (Luke 19:11-27)
The two sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
The evil sharecroppers (Matthew 21:33-44; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-18)
The marriage of the king's son (Matthew 22:1-14)
The fig tree leafing (Matthew 24:32; Mark 13:28,29)
Man taking a far journey (Mark 13:34-37)
Ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
The talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
The vine ( John 15:1-5)
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Why did Jesus teach the people with parables?
Matthew 13: 9 He who has ears, let him hear." 10 The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" 11 He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'
Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'"
From “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 13 “The contrast Jesus presents, therefore, is one between believers and unbelievers, between followers and opponents, between receivers and rejecters of God’s revelation.”
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #2
September 17, 2006 Matthew 13:1-30
Parable of the Soils: Matthew 13:1-9;18-23 Mark 4:1-9;13-20 Luke 8:1-8; 11-15
Parable … an earthly story with a heavenly meaning
THE PARABLE OF THE SOILS
Have you planted any grass seed this year?
What prevents all of the seed from becoming grass in your yard?
label..99% will germinate; doesn’t get into the soil, lays on top; doesn’t get water
7 parables in Matthew 13...4 to the crowd...3 to disciples only
These are parables that teach about the kingdom of God
Who is Jesus talking to?
Matthew 13:1 that same day Matthew 12:1 on the Sabbath
Matthew 12:2 Pharisees v9 Synagogue v15 many followed v38 Pharisees and teachers of the law v46 crowd...mother and brothers
On the Sabbath people didn't work so many could come and see Jesus
Jesus had to use a boat so more could see and hear...big crowd
Read Matthew 13:1-9 What is the setting of the parable?
People were closely associated with agriculture. They would be interested in the story's setting...sower with bag of seed, scattering the seed with his hand across the soil...wind blowing it around... Planting grass seed today by hand....the focus is on the seed, not the sower.
from “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 37 In Jesus day the verb “to sow” could be employed metaphorically, meaning “to teach.”
Read Matthew 13:18-23 the parable is explained
What is not mentioned in the parable that you might expect in a longer story?
the sower, rain, plowing, etc.
What is common to each part of this parable?
the seed
What does the seed represent? the message of the kingdom
This parable is about a) the kingdom b) the preaching of the kingdom c) people's response to the preaching
Jesus ministry was a seed...one person, not born with a lot of status, not accepted by the leaders of the day
Jesus preached the word and let people decide to follow him or not.
Here, did some seed not bring forth fruit because it was bad?
no, the seed is God’s message
the sun, wind, rain fell on all of the seed.
v19 On the path...no response or understanding..forgotten...taken by Satan
…the word reaches the ear but not the heart.
…hardened heart...tramples seed underfoot,
…indifferent person...allow birds to take the seed
What does “in one ear and out the other” mean to you?
…Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions
…Isaiah 44:16-20 wood…he makes..an idol…they understand nothing and their minds are closed so they cannot understand
…Jeremiah 4:22 My people are fools; they do not know me…have no understanding
…Jeremiah 5:20-25 you foolish and senseless people … have ears but do not hear; stubborn and rebellious hearts
…1 Corinthians 2:14 man without the Spirit..Godly things are foolishness
…Hebrews 3:7-11 do not harden your hearts
…Hebrews 4:1,2 the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
What causes a hardened heart?
John 12:37-40 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" 39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them."
Hebrews 3:7-14 7So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, 8do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, 9where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did. 10That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.' 11So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.' " 12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
How can Satan snatch away what was sown?
2 Co 4:3-4 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
What can we do to help people understand God's message?
1 Timothy 2:1 intercede for everyone
Luke 10:2 pray for workers for the harvest
Acts 8:24 Simon the sorcerer ask Peter to pray for him
Romans 10:1 (Paul prayed for Israel)
v 20,21 rocky places
perhaps the rocks keep the soil warmer and the seeds grow their first, but, when rain is absent for a span of time…
..enthusiasm at first..people give up when things get tough
No roots...no strength to endure difficult times
Hard heart covered by some sensitivity to the message.
Mere religion, traditions, thin soil of morality
Shallow faith
What is lacking in the soil on the rock?
no deeply rooted faith in Jesus.
There is no resupply of moisture (truth) to the person who lacks deep roots.
Psalm 1:1-4 Blessed is the man .. like a tree planted by streams of water
John 6:60-69 many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him
What prevents the full growth of the word in a person?
Why don't roots develop?
Satan brings trials and the temporary faith fails.
What are two possible results of a time of testing? Romans 5:3-5
develop character (roots)
Ephesians 3:17,18 rooted and grounded in love, understand Jesus love
To develop deep roots time is required, sprouting up quickly doesn't leave time to develop roots....1 Timothy 3:6 overseer must not be a new convert
Is our soil eroding? (weakening)
Are our roots getting shallower or deeper?
v 22 Weeds ..
How do weeds hurt the growth of the desired plant?
response, but the word is strangled by the weeds that have been in the person’s life longer
Matthew 19:16-22 rich young man choose not to sell all and follow
overcome by distractions
Good soil, good depth, but evil seeds are present also
someone who hangs on to sin
How can worries and pleasures cause the word to grow weekly and shrink in our lives?
Are we too busy today, too rich?
Is this describing a person whom serves God on Sunday and serves the world Monday through Saturday?
Matthew 6:24 you cannot serve God and money
Can good things become weeds in our lives? Give an example.
1 John 5:16 (pray for Christians who sin)
Moses prayed for Israel, Aaron
How long does it take for weeds to overrun a flower garden?
Are we pulling the weeds regularly from our lives?
Philippians 2:12 continue to work out your salvation
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Exodus 32 The people turn to idols when Moses is delayed in coming back
1 Kings 11:1-6 King Solomon … his wives turned his heart after other gods
Matthew 16:24-26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?
Matthew 24:9-13 because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold
Luke 21:34-36 Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.
Galatians 6:7-9 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Colossians 3:1,2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
2 Timothy 4:10 Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me
Titus 2:11,12 say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions
Hebrews 2:1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Hebrews 10:35-39 if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him
James 1:21 get rid of all moral filth and the evil … accept the word planted in you
James 4:4 … friendship with the world is hatred toward God
v23 Good soil..received, bear fruit, live out in practice the kingdom of God
the disciples …… receptive..not 'in one ear and out the other'
What makes a good soil?
How does the good soil receive the word?
What is involved in helping the seed to grow?
What are some practical examples of how we can become good soil?
Different amounts of harvest depending on our individual circumstances
Two fruits: growth in ourselves, witnessing to others, more seed
1 Corinthians 3:6-9 I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow
Do we have all 4 kinds of soil in our lives?
What kind of soil are you? Do you have a different 'soil' for different truths from God's word?
Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.
Matt 13:19 sown in the heart (inner life of thought and will)
Acts 17:11 Bereans … received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
James 1:25 the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, no forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
1 Peter 1:23,24 born again, not of perishable seed…through the living..word
Colossians 1:5-6 word of truth..bearing fruit and growing
Isaiah 55:10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
If we are witnessing, how does this parable help us?
…persevere.. three failed crops, but there can be an abundant harvest
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #3
September 24, 2006 Leader’s notes
Why did Jesus teach the people with parables?
Matthew 13:11-17; 34-35 knowledge...of kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them ... Hearing, they do not hear or understand...prophecy of Isaiah ... The people's heart has become calloused
Similar statements in Mark 4:11,12 Luke 8:9,10
“The Parables of Jesus” by David Wenham Intervarsity Press (1989) states that there is evidence that teaching parables in the Jewish community in Jesus day were usually immediately followed by an explanation of the meaning. Jesus did not do this. The explanation was for the disciples (and us!) Not for those with hardened hearts
John 12: 37-41 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" 39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40"He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them." 41Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.
Acts 28:23-27 23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26" 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 27For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'
Ezekial 36: 24 " 'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Parables of weeds, mustard seed, yeast, treasure, pearl
“ the kingdom of heaven is like …”
Read Matthew 13:24-30 ; 36-43 Who are the listeners? See Matthew 13:34
the crowd
Before Jesus came, what concepts did the Jews have for the 'Kingdom of God?' ...after feeding 5000 John 6:15 people intended to make Jesus king
...people wondered why Jesus wasn't more active in establishing what they thought of as a kingdom
Weeds Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus explains it: Matthew 13:36-43
Identify the sower, field, good seed, weeds, enemy, harvest, harvesters
..field = world Jews would see the field as Israel, Jesus saw the future of God bringing in Gentiles
..good seed born again Christians
Sowing weeds in an enemies field was common...there was a Roman law against this,...the weeds and the crop looked very similar when the plants were small
Why didn't the farmer pull the weeds in the field? Verses 29,30
trample growing crop, roots of weeds tangled with roots of crop ...pulling would damage the crop...the weeds will be dealt with later
Why does God allow evil to exist in the world?
Why doesn't he get rid of it immediately?
...for men and women, the weed can change into a good crop
...we need to do what we can to help the lost realize their condition and change
*Romans 5:12-15 12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
*Romans 9:19-26 19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' " 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? 22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25As he says in Hosea: "I will call them 'my people' who are not my people; and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one," 26and, "It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' "
2 Peter 3:9 God is not slow..he wants repentance
Who is responsible for removing the weeds? ... God’s angels verse 41,42
...note problems with the Crusades and Spanish Inquisition, church splits
What is our responsibility regarding the good crop and weeds in the world?
..recognize them..don't pull them up
..verse 41 God will rid the world of things which cause sin!! Greek word for sin = something that causes one to stumble
What does this parable teach us about the devil's activity in this world?
Was there a "weed" who was closely associated with Jesus?
Are non-Christians "sons of the evil one?"
Do we need to be careful around non-Christians?
...Matthew 7:15-23 watch out for false prophets...by their fruit will you recognize them
..the kingdom came with Jesus but the evil one (weeds) are still present
Does this parable offer any hope to Christians?
...this is not a parable about not removing weeds from the church
Malachi 3:16 – 4:3 the day is coming; … the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire
Next: Mustard Seed and Yeast Matthew 13:31-33
Hidden Treasure and Pearl Matthew 13:44-46
The Parable of the Net Matthew 13:47-50
Unmerciful Servant Matthew 18:21-35
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #4 October 1, 2006
following up on an earlier lesson …. Has anyone had the opportunity to be a good Samaritan in the past few weeks?
Mustard seed and yeast Matthew 13:31-33
What do mustard seed and yeast have in common?
...small, but become big or have a big effect
..mustard seed 1 millimeter plant was 6 feet tall in one season
..yeast was put into bread..Greek word for bread = bread which could feed 100 people
...Jesus was saying that the ministry, the kingdom revolution, looks small now but it will grow. (born in a manger, few followers, no political power) Jesus is redirecting their view of the coming of the kingdom.
..the yeast starts in our life and spreads to all parts of our life as we grow as a Christian.
… the yeast is not seen in the dough but it has internal power that affects the dough
Have you had a mustard seed or yeast experience in your life?
Matthew 12: 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 19: 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Ezekial 17: 22-24 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. " 'I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.' "
Acts 1:6-8 6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 4:1-4 1The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
Acts 5: 12-16 12The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil[a] spirits, and all of them were healed.
Acts 6:1-7 1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." 5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 9:28-31 28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
Acts 11:22-24 22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Colossians 1: 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
How is the Christian church like this mustard tree?
…. yeast effect the kingdom of God has an internal transforming power
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2 Corinthians 3: 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Peter 3: 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Would these parables encourage the disciples? Does it encourage you?
http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html
2005 World: 33% Christian, 21% Islam, 16% non religious, 14% Hindu, 6% primal African etc. , 6% traditional Chinese, 6% Buddhist
ABCNEWS July 2001
United States World
Christian 83% 33%
No religion 13 15
All non-Christian religions 4 52
In 2015 … World religions Christians 31%; Muslims 24%; Hindus 15%; Buddhists 7 %; Jews 0.2%; Folk religions 6%; unaffiliated 16% source Pew Research Center
https://www.theglobalist.com/religion-christianity-islam-hinduism-buddhism-judaism/
skip this verse if time is short... Matthew 17: 20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 13:36 Jesus left the crowd, now in a house with the disciples
Hidden treasure and pearl Matthew 13:44-46
… people would bury valuables for safekeeping
How were the valuables found?
..one found it without really searching, the other was searching
..the holy spirit can reveal the treasure to someone
How did each person show confidence in its value?
(silent question: What value do you put on the kingdom of God?)
Mark 10:28-30 Peter: we have left all to follow you
Matthew 16: 24 – 28 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Philippians 3: 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Paul gave up Jewish position. Paul could have had a comfortable life as part of the religious establishment.
How do we fully use the treasure of the kingdom?
Do these parables have anything in common?
...hidden power and small beginnings
Matthew 13:52 the Old Testament is still valid. God has revealed his purposes in the Old Testament. Jesus is giving us new treasure which is contained in the Old Testament.
The Parable of the Net Matthew 13:47-50
…desirable and undesirable fish were together in the water
…some of the disciples were fishermen, familiar with sorting fish
What type of fish are you?
Hebrews 9: 27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Matthew 24: 36 – 41 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
1 Corinthians 9: 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Ephesians 2:8-10 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Read Matthew 13:51-53
What is your understanding of the parables in Matthew 13?
Next week
Unmerciful Servant Matthew 18:21-35
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #5
October 8, 2006 Matthew 18:15-35 The Unmerciful Servant
Read v 15-17 Jesus gives a plan for reconciling two Christians
What is the ultimate goal that we should have when we come to a brother or sister who has sinned against us?
Read v 21-22 Have you been repeatedly wronged by someone?
v 17 “church” is spoken of while Jesus is still on earth.
V21 Do you think Peter was being generous with "seven times"?
Peter thought he was being generous. The Rabbi's taught: forgive 3 times.
What is Peter's view of forgiveness?
...limited number of times
What is the meaning of seventy-seven (seventy times seven) times?
...unlimited forgiveness
Read v 23 - 35
Jesus teaches the disciples how they are to act regarding forgiveness.
Jesus is teaching us how we are to act regarding forgiveness by this parable.
v23 the king is settling up with all his servants.
It was common for a debt to cause people to become slaves.
Was the king being fair in the decision to sell the possessions and the servant and his family?
The debtor asks for more time to pay. The king has compassion on him and cancels the debt at great cost to the king.
If you were the debtor, how would you have felt before and after the king forgave you?
How real is our indebtedness to God?
v28 The debtor now finds someone (a fellow servant) who owes him a few dollars. (a few days wges)
The 1st debtor roughs him up and demands payment.
Read v 26 and verse 29 both servants made the same request
Putting people in prison was done to get the person or family to make payment.
Was the 1st debtor fair in throwing the 2nd servant into jail?
...yes but there was no mercy shown. God wants us to show mercy.
Also, both were servants of the king. Wouldn’t the king have some rights in the matter of this second servant?
The other servants act correctly in going to the king. The king is responsible for the servants.
What point does Jesus make by choosing a small amount for the 2nd debt.
...sins between people are not comparable to sin between man and God.
Think about someone you have had trouble forgiving. Does it help to compare their "debt" to you to the "debt" God forgave you for?
Matthew 7:1 – 5 1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Romans 2: 1 – 4 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
James 2: 12-13 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
James 3: 9-12 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
v35 the point of the parable, forgive your brother from your heart
What can you say about the Christian today who does not forgive?
..on thin ice...in a dangerous position
What happens to our fellowship with God when we are unforgiving?
What are some behaviors that show unforgiveness?
...critical attitude
This teaches us about God's immense love and forgiveness for us. We should treat our brothers and sisters as we have been treated by God. John 15:12 love one another, just as I have loved you.
As we have received God's forgiveness we should likewise forgive others.
Do we forgive others so that God will forgive us?
Does God forgive us so that we will have a forgiving attitude to others?
Matthew 6:12 – 15 Lord's prayer..forgive us as we forgive others
Mark 11:25 when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins
Luke 17:3,4 if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him...seven times in a day
Ephesians 4: 31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Why is it so hard to forgive others?
How can we find the strength to forgive others?
Proverbs 19:11...it is to his glory to overlook an offense
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy
Romans 12: 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Colossians 3:12-14 bear with each other, clothe yourselves with compassion, etc.
Hebrews 12: 14 – 15 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Can our action of forgiving someone be a witness for God to a non-Christian?
This principle works in the world also. Those who are known as forgiving people receive forgiveness from others. Those who are not forgiving people do not receive extra consideration from others.
Pray...thank God for his forgiveness ..ask for his help in forgiving those who have hurt or mistreated you.
Next week Workers in the Harvest Matthew 20:1-16
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #6
October 15, 2006 Workers Matthew 19:27 - 20:16
Read 19:27-30
Have you ever heard anyone say "look out for number one" or "demand your rights"?
...19:27 Peter implies that they should receive a reward
...God will reward people for their sacrifices, first and last place will not be ordered as men would think
...verse 19:29
Mt 25:34-36 inherit the kingdom prepared for you
1 Co 2:6-10 eye has not seen the things that God prepared for those who love him
Galatians 6:8 reap eternal life
Read 20:1-16
Note times: early in the morning, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 11th hour, evening
...6am 9am noon 3pm 5pm 6pm
Do workers today receive the same pay no matter how many hours they work?
...some do...salaried positions . . but a full day's work is usually expected
20:6 Why were some workers just standing around?
...perhaps no one hired them because they were less able to do good work.
Do you think that the workers who were hired at 5pm were grateful?
…they could have gone home, they were still seeking work
Deuteronomy 24:15 pay workers before sunset
Was the landowner being unfair to the first workers?
Would the employer have provided good things for the workers during the day?
Food, protection
V2 a contract “OT Law” for pay rate
Why were the first workers upset?
Put yourself in the place of the workers who started at 6am, worked until 6pm..and then were last in line to receive their pay!
Would you say something about the pay arrangement?
The Jews had a doctrine of works to become acceptable to God
...verse 12b they had worked hard for their pay. They earned their reward
Jonah 3:10-4:3 4:10,11 God cares about people. God had mercy on Nineveh. Jonah was angry.
Apply this parable to the kingdom of heaven.
We were chosen by God before we wanted to come to God.
Who are the workers who were hired in the morning? Jews
Who are the workers who were hired late in the day? Gentiles
Did the Jews have any advantages since they came to God early?
Romans 9:1-5 Israel has benefits as God’s chosen people
Romans 11:11-15 salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious
John 4:21-24 salvation is from the Jews
Are there any advantages to coming to God early in life rather than waiting until near the end of your life?
What does this parable teach us about the nature of God?
Compassion, love for all
2 Peter 3:9 Not willing that any should perish
Can we thank God for his love and generous grace to us?
Deuteronomy 7:7,8 God doesn't love because of what we are or do
Romans 9:14-16 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy
Read 20:16 and 19:30
What does it mean that the last will be first and the first will be last?
Can you think of other Bible passages which teach this principle?
God has his own idea of first and last.
John 1:16 we have all received
Luke 23:39-43 thief on the cross who trusts Jesus and is saved
Galatians 3:26-29 there is neither Jew or Greek
Ephesians 3:1-6 the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel
What should our attitude be towards new Christians regarding 'rewards'?
Romans 3:21-24 all have sinned and are justified
What about people in prison who claim to have accepted Christ?
God rewards as he will
But don't wait to accept Christ
2 Corinthians 6:1,2 Now is the day of salvation
Hebrews 3: 12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
We don't know when the evening of our life will come
Those who work longer for God generally have more influence for God
Grumbling, Murmuring: James 5:7-9 don't grumble against each other
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 jealousy and quarreling I follow Paul, I follow Appolos
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 lawsuits among believers
After they heard this parable did the disciples still have some difficulties with their thinking about rewards? Mathew 20:20-28
This parable is preceded by Jesus' discussion with the rich ruler who would not sell all and follow Christ. Verse 23 it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven. The Jews thought that the rich were the righteous .. blessed by God so the disciples were puzzled on how the ordinary people were going to be accepted by God.
The parable of the workers shows how God reverses what man had thought about the kingdom of God. The rich young ruler goes away...the disciples will be rulers over the tribes of Israel. Mt 19:28
2 Timothy 2:10 I endure everything for the sake of the elect
…do what you can to help those who have not yet been saved
…be a worker hired during the day who helps those who come to work later
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #7
October 22, 2006
Matthew 21 Palm Sunday, Triumphal Entry, Jesus at the Temple, Jesus Authority Questioned
Read Matthew 21:23-27 Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men?
Read Matthew 21:28-32 Parable of the Two Sons
Did you ever have either of these situations occur when you were a child?
What is the attitude of each son as they talk to their father?
v29 one seems belligerent I will not
v30 the other is respectful I will, sir
Which is more important: saying or doing?
James 1:22-25 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
James 2: 14-18 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? l5 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 12 And now, 0 Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Matthew 12:47-50 47Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
John 6: 35-38 35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
Matthew 26:41,42 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Matthew 23:1-3 summary: Pharisees don’t practice what they preach.
v28,31a Jesus asks for their opinion
v3lb “I tell you the truth” Jesus corrects their thinking
Why would the tax collectors and prostitutes enter the kingdom of God before the priests and elders?
The chief priests and elders (Matthew 21:23) failed twice to recognize God’s kingdom. They did not believe John and they didn’t repent after they saw “sinners” repenting.
Luke 19:5-10 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 A11 the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Jesus is teaching the Jewish leaders that John’s ministry was from heaven. It bore fruit.
Matthew 3:1-17; Luke 3:1-18 John the Baptist
Mark 1:1-4 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— 3 ”a voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ “4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
v32 What is the way of righteousness?
Romans 5:18,19 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Galatians 3:11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”
Hebrews 10:38,39 But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
v29 Is changing your mind related to repenting?
repent
Acts 26:19,20 19 ”So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Acts 3:17-26 17 ”Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 2l He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.’ 24 ”Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
2 Corinthians 7:8-10 8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it— I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Revelation 2:5;2:16; 2:22; 3:3; 3:19 Jesus calls on the churches to repent.
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #8
October 29, 2006
Read Matthew 21:33-46 Parable of the Tenants (also in Mark 12:1-12 and Luke 20:9-19)
v33 this seems to be a valuable place, land with improvements
wall to protect the vineyard, watch tower for protection
Who makes the land more valuable?
Why does the owner need tenants?
v33 the farmers would share in the profits, the farmers were left in charge of the vineyard
It would take a few years before the vines produced grapes.
What did the tenants live on during the years before the grape harvest?
v34 Did the owner break the agreement?
the landowner waited until the appropriate time to get paid
v35 the tenants mistreat servants sent to collect the payment
What message are the tenants sending to the owner?
they intend to keep all the profits for themselves
they don’t respect the owner
v37 Why would the owner expect more respect for his son?
the landowner expected the tenants to respect his son
v38 Why would the tenants kill the son?
v38 the tenants plot to kill the heir and take the inheritance, the vineyard they were managing
maybe they thought the owner was dead and they could “legally” get the vineyard if the son was dead
v40 Why does Jesus ask the people to comment on the parable?
Jesus asks the people listening what the landowner should do to the tenants
v41 How do the people answer?
the people listening expect the landowner to kill the tenants and rent the vineyard to tenants who will pay the landowner at harvest time
v42 Jesus connects the parable to OT scripture Psalm 118:22,23
Psalm 118 was sung on an appointed day during the feast of Passover, this week in the section of Matthew we are reading
Who is the capstone?
v43 How should God’s land be fruitful?
the kingdom of God will be taken from the Jews and given to people who will produce its fruit
v44 Are all people affected by the stone in the same way?
v45 What is the reaction of the religious leaders?
chief priests and Pharisees understand Jesus is criticizing them
v46 What do the people think of Jesus? Does it last?
v46 Jesus is popular with the people at this time, both John and Jesus were viewed as prophets
Are we taking good care of God’s vineyard? … of what God has given us?
Isaiah 5:1-7 1 …his vineyard … He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit…. When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad?
… I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; … the vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the house of Israel, … And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.
Hebrews 1:1-2 1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Is God patient?
Is there a limit to God’s patience?
Jesus as the stone
Acts 4:8-12 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Romans 9:30-33 30What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." 33As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Ephesians 2:19-22 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
1 Peter 2:4-8 4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,"8and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #9
November 5, 2006 The Parable of the Wedding Feast
Read Matthew 22:1-14 Who is listening to Jesus?
v2 The kingdom of heaven is like …
What other parables use this phrase?
Why does Jesus teach them with parables? (This is a review question.)
Matthew 13: 9-15 v13 This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.
Mark 4:9-12 v11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'"
What happens at a wedding banquet?
- the banquet would be a time of rejoicing, of fellowship
v3 invitations had already been sent out, the people knew about the wedding banquet
- servants told the people to come, they refused
- Why did they refuse? “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page93
Perhaps they didn’t think the son was worthy, rebellion, didn’t want to give a gift
v4 more servants were sent to tell them the dinner is ready
- this is an extra invitation not required to be given
Describe a king who would send out a second group of servants.
merciful, patient
- still a somewhat polite request to come to the banquet
- How much was done in the preparations for the banquet?
a lot
v5 they ignore the invitation and go to their work activities
- why would they ignore the invitation?
- why would they refuse the king’s invitation?
v6 some people killed the servants
Matthew 23:33-35 33"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? 34 Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. 35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
v7 the king uses his army to destroy those people and burn their city
Hebrews 2:1-3 1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?
- there are consequences for those who live with the people who killed the servants
Deuteronomy 4:23,24 23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. 24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
v8 the invited people did not deserve to come
Why were they invited?
-they were given an opportunity
v9 the servants are told to invite people off of the street
- they are to go outside the city, to the country, (i.e. the world)
- common people instead of the nobility, etc.
v10 good and bad people fill the wedding hall
- perhaps alluding to tax collectors and prostitutes
- did any of the Jewish religious leaders accept Jesus?
Nicodemus? Joseph of Arimathea
John 19 38 – 40 v38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
v11the king sees a person who is not dressed correctly
- the garments were given to those who came to the wedding feast “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page95
- the king would be insulted by those who didn’t wear the clothes he gave them
skip… Psalm 132:16 I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy.
Isaiah 61:10 10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
skip… Zechariah 3:3-5 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you." 5 Then I said, "Put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by.
Revelation 3:4-6 4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 19:6-9 6Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) 9Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."
skip… Luke 15:22 prodigal son is given a nice robe to wear
Romans 13:12-14 v13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
What is the correct set of spiritual clothes?
John 14:5-6 v5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
v12 Friend is used also by the landowner who explains he gave the workers who worked all day just what was agreed upon for the wage
- evidently the man knew he was in the wrong, he gives no defense
v13 the king has the man thrown out into the darkness in a helpless state (tied up)
Matthew 8:8-12 8The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
v14 many are invited, but few are chosen
chosen Greek word eklektos “chosen out, select” “Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” W.E. Vine, M.F. Unger, W. White, Jr. Thomas Nelson Publishers (1996) page 101
skip … Ezekial 33:11 10 "Son of man, say to the house of Israel, 'This is what you are saying: "Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?" ' 11 Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?'
Matthew 7:13-14 13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
2 Peter 3:8-9 v8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Acts 13:46-48 46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
1 Timothy 2:3-6 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.
skip … Titus 2:11 11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
Hebrews 2:9 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
skip … Romans 1:16-17 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Ephesians 2:8-9 v8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
What is the message of this parable?
How are people invited and then qualified to be in the kingdom of God?
How does this parable apply to you?
How does this parable apply to today’s world?
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #10
November 12, 2006 End Times and the Parable of the Ten Virgins
Have you ever ignored a warning? What happened after you ignored the warning?
Read Matthew 25:1
Skim through .Matthew 24 Jesus talks with his disciples abut his return.
v3 the disciples came to him privately
Matthew 24:1-35 signs of the end of the age ..vs36-44 the day and hour are unknown
Read Matthew 24:42 keep watch v44 be ready
Read Matthew 24:45-51 Wise servant and Wicked servant
If Jesus returned today, what would he want us to be doing?
...There are two choices
1) be careful and faithful servants-doing his will and ready for his return at any time
2) be disobedient, counting on the master's not returning, putting ourselves in charge
Does a faithful and wise servant only do good to get rewards from the master?
Does God bribe us to do good works?
…No.
…God doesn’t bribe us to do good, he gives a just judgment that includes rewards for those who do what he wants them to do. …He gives rewards to those who do things in line with God’s character.
Did the faithful and wise servant know when the master was coming home?
… no he just acted as he should, as his master had told him before leaving
What happens to the faithful and wise servant when the master retuns?
… put in charge of all
Did the unfaithful servant know when the master was coming home?
… no He assumed it would be longer than it actually was
…v48 he talked and rationalized things to himself
What is wrong with rewarding ourselves and taking advantage of our position until Jesus comes back to earth?
… others are hurt … Such an individual is not following God’s ways, and will be punished when Jesus suddenly arrives.
…The bad servant is thrown out
How do we avoid being thrown into the place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth?
… do what God wants us to do
John 21:15 Jesus said to Peter, feed my lambs
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." 18Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
1 Peter 5:1,2 elders...feed the flock...not for money…not as a lord
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
2 Peter 3:3-12 the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, live holy lives
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. …… 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
1 Peter 4:7-11 each one should...serve others
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 those who have been given a trust must prove faithful
1So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Luke 16:10-13 if you can be trusted with little you can be trusted with much … no servant can serve two masters
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? 13"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
2 Timothy 4:6-8 I have kept the faith...crown of righteousness
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Read Matthew 25:1-13 Ten Virgins
Read vv 1 - 13
Do people today make preparations for a wedding?
Why do they prepare?
… so the event takes lace in an orderly way, so the guests are comfortable
“The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) pages 114-115 10 bridesmaids were customary. Torches were used to light the way in the procession, and they needed a larger amount of oil than a household lamp. The bridegroom may have been delayed due to settling the dowry.
Did the 5 who were wise sleep as much as the 5 who were foolish?
…yes v5 they all slept
v9 Can you rely on someone else to get you ready for Jesus return?
v10 “The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 115 Closing the door was customary for weddings in a rich family.
Why should each person have their own oil (spiritual preparation)?
...Spiritual preparation cannot be given from one person to another. The
wise virgins were not being selfish, they were being realistic.
v12 … ‘I don’t know you.’ What is Jesus saying?
…The foolish bridesmaids didn’t walk back with the bridegroom, they were out buying oil
Matthew 7:21-23 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Matthew 7:24-27 whoever does my commands is wise...whoever doesn't is foolish
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Hebrews 4:1-3 the ..gospel...they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith
1Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
"So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.' "
How does this parable relate to us as we wait for Christ's return?
Does waiting 2000 years have any negative effects on Christians?
...Psalms 119:105 your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
… skip???Matthew 5:15-16 let your light shine before men that they may praise God
...similar to parable of the seeds...not all seed continued its growth
... Some was distracted and did not form good roots
...becoming a Christian does not bring instant happiness...we must keep on in our Christianity, don't let our oil run out
...Luke 12:35-40 keep your lamp lit and wait for the masters return from the wedding banquet...it will be good for those servants who are ready when he comes, whenever he comes
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
v13 keep watch (but also be prepared)
…the 5 bridesmaids who had extra oil were prepared even though they fell asleep and were not watching. Perhaps they had made arrangements for someone else to watch.
Which is better: 1) calculating when Jesus will return, 2) Being ready for Jesus to return now?
…The parable is being spoken to the disciples. Jesus was telling them to be prepared.
Are you ready for Jesus to return now?
How can you get ready?
Skip this unless there is extra time
Mark 13:32-37 traveling owner
...the alert Christian will not be taken by surprise, will not be unprepared
...v35 the 4 watches of the Roman night
Why do you think God has made the day and hour a secret?
1 Peter 4:7 the end is near, be clear minded...so you can pray
Christ's return will be unexpected: Matthew 24:36, 42, 44, 50; 25:13
We should be ready Matthew 24:42, 44, 46; 25:13
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #11
November 19, 2006 Talents and the Traveler’s Servants
Read Matthew 25:14-18 What is the context of this parable? Who is Jesus speaking to?
v14 This is a continuation of the teaching to the disciples
“it will be” We are living in the time of verses 15-18 The end times begin with verse 19.
...context…end times...second coming...kingdom of heaven … speaking to disciples
“Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” W.E. Vine, M.F. Unger, W. White, Jr. Thomas Nelson Publishers (1996) page 335 “journey” apodemeo to go on a journey to another country, go abroad
This was not going to be a short trip. The man needed someone to manage his possessions.
”New Testament TransLine” M. Magill, Zondervan (2002) page 89 1 talent was equal to about 16 years wages, working 365 days per year
If someone loaned you a million dollars and you had to pay it back in a year, what would you do with it?
v15 How did the master divide up the money?
…each according to his ability
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 variety of gifts…each one is given the manifestation...for the common good
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
Ephesians 4:7,8 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
v16, 17 How long did the first two servants wait before being industrious?
… they went immediately and put the money to work
Romans 12:3-8 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
1 Peter 4:7-11 be good stewards of the manifold grace of God
1 Peter 4:7-10 7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
v18 How did the third servant respond
… went away, hid the money in the ground
Put yourself in the place of the third servant. How would you feel about receiving the smallest amount of money?
READ v19 - 30
v19 … the long journey is done, there is a time to settle accounts
Romans 14:10-12 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.' " 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
v20 What is the attitude of the first servant?
… confident in presenting the extra five talents, pleased that he was of good service to his master
v21 What does the first servant receive?
…congratulations from his master, the title “good and faithful”, more responsibility, a sharing of the joy of his master
Proverbs 22: 29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.
Romans 4:7,8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Hebrews 6: 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
2 Peter 1:5-11 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
v22 What is the attitude of the second servant?
… ditto
v23 What does the second servant receive?
… ditto
v21,23 Did the master treat the first and second servants differently when he returned?
Did the amount of money matter?
What does the master look for in his servants?
…faithful faithful in a few things
Verses 24-25 What is the attitude of the third servant?
… fear lack of understanding of his master
Proverbs 22:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"
Do you think that the attitude of the third servant toward his master affected the way he handled the talent?
… yes, he didn’t want to take a risk
v26 What does the third servant receive?
… condemnation, loss of the original money, cast out
Why was the master upset?
Proverbs 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
v27 The third servant had not even done the minimum of letting the money earn interest.
v29 Does this judgment seem fair?
…those “that have” have earned the trust of the master. He is willing to give them more
…those “who does not have” loose everything
Matthew 3:7-10 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
...Mark 4:24,25 by your standard of measure it will be measured to you...
Mark 4:21-25 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
v 30 What does the phrase "place...weeping and gnashing of teeth" mean?
…separated from God
How is the master like God and unlike God?
… like: God gives us gifts, God has put us in possession of the world,
…God entrusts the ministry of spreading the gospel to us
… unlike: God is not totally away on a journey to the other side of the universe, God is here to help us in ministry
How does our relationship with God affect our attitudes toward what we do?
Do you have any type of fear of God?
… respectful, awe filled fear is OK
… trembling, paralyzing fear is not OK
How can you faithfully handle responsibilities God has given you?
What is the message of this parable?
...work on behalf of your master instead of having a paralyzing fear of your master
How do you feel about other Christians when they seem to have more given to them?
What are our spiritual talents?
2 Thessalonians 3: 11-13 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
Hebrews 6:12 don’t become lazy
… the passage is above
2 Corinthians 5:10 judgment seat of Christ...recompensed for good or bad deeds
2 Corinthians 5:6-11 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
Why does God involve us in his work?
What does work do for any servant?
God rewards motives, not deeds...principles, not results...the one who earned the most was not the only one rewarded. No #1's.
Does this parable give us any encouragement while we await Jesus return?
…We have been entrusted with good things by God. We can use these gifts to increase what God has given us, for the benefit of God. God will honor those who are faithful.
...1 Corinthians 4:1,2 servants of Christ...stewards of the mysteries of God
1 Corinthians 4:1- 5 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
...1 Corinthians 3:8 each will receive a reward according to his labor
1 Corinthians 3:8-9 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
James 2:18 –26 18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
miscellaneous verses, not used during the class
...Matthew 5:15 don't put your lamp under a bushel (or your ministry (money) in the ground)
Matthew 5:13-16 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 12:33-37 33"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
James 2:17 faith without works is dead
James 2:14-17 14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
maybe skip this
Luke 19:11-27 speaking to the disciples
...the money here is much less than in Matthew, being about 100 days wages
...these servants are given less money but get great rewards for being faithful.
"humbler" Christians can give a greater return to God.
Again here, the master places trust in his servants and expects them to be faithful.
Why did two servants go right to work to get more money?
Was the third servant inconsistent with his actions compared to his attitude toward his master?
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #12
November 26, 2006 Prayer
Luke 11:1-13 Lord’s Prayer, Friend at Midnight, Ask, Good Gifts
Read Luke 11:1-4 Did Jesus make prayer a priority?
Luke 3:21,22 21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Mark 1:35-37 35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
Luke 5:15,16 15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12-13 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:
Matthew 14:22,23a 22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.
Luke 9:28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Luke 21:31-32 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Matthew 26:36-44 36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." 39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." 40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." 43When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Why did the disciples ask this question?
they wanted spiritual growth, they saw Jesus model prayer,
Is the Lord’s Prayer a recipe or a pattern?
pattern, but it can be prayed, as can other scripture
from “Quest Study Bible NIV” Zondervan (1994) page 1340 Matthew 6:7 pagans would try to control their gods by naming long lists of names or repeating phrases or syllables to earn the favor of a god. True prayer depends on what is in the heart more than what is on the tongue.
Ephesians 6:18-20 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
not quite directly related…
Ecclesiastes 5:1,2 1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
Matthew 6:7,8 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
What should be in our prayers?
praise to God, praying in line with God’s will, requests, repentance, request for guidance
Colossians 1:9-12 9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
1 Timothy 2:1,2 1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Read Luke 11:5-8 Friend at Midnight
Why does the friend make the request?
there was a need, a friend was visiting
see Luke 11:3 pray to God for daily bread
Was the request legitimate?
yes, the friend arrived late, the bakery was closed. The traveler would not have stopped at a restaurant along the way!
the request was not just for the friend’s need, it was an unexpected situation
Did the person inside immediately grant the request?
no, he had other concerns
“The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page 149 typical house was 1 room with father and mother sleeping with the children, hard to get up in the dark and step over the family
Why does the person inside get up and grant the request?
boldness, persistence … not because he is a friend
Boldness and persistence show God we are dependent on him.
What does this parable teach us about prayer?
Go to God. Ask. God will meet our needs.
John 14:9-14 9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Hebrews 4:14-16 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Read Luke 11:9,10
What actions are we supposed to take?
ask, seek, knock all of these have the meaning of “keep on” keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking
What results occur after our actions?
everyone who asks receives
those who seek find
the door is opened for he who knocks
Is there some connection between verses 9 and 10, and the parable?
The person in need asked, sought out help, knocked on the door of his friend’s house.
Read Luke 11:11-13
v 11,12 Why would these things be paired up in each phrase?
there are some similarities of shape in the contrasting items
What is the contrast between ourselves and God?
v13 we are impure but give good things to our children
God is infinitely better as a Father and will give us a better gift
Also, God is pleased to hear our prayers, … the man in the home in parable was not pleased to hear the knock.
What should we ask for from God?
What will God give us?
The good gift of the Holy Spirit.
John 15:26,27 26"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. 27And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
What does this passage teach about prayer?
1. what should be in our prayers
2. our attitude in prayer … legitimate needs, boldness
3. God will be faithful in giving us a good response
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 22:1-3 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.
Psalm 40:1-3 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #13
December 3, 2006 The Widow and the Unjust Judge
What new game started in Nebraska in September, 1993?
Lottery.
Do you think that some people play the lottery all of their lives but never win?
(yes) They play week after week and never lose hope that they will win big money.
How do children sometimes get their way with parents? Continual whining?
Do the lottery players and children have more hope than Christians? Do Christians pray as "faithfully" as some people play the lottery? Do we give up praying if the answer doesn’t come soon? Do we expect God to answer our prayers?
Should we pray 1) "thy will be done" and stop praying, or, pray 2) "thy will be done" as we continue to pray for things God wants?
Jesus gave us a parable concerning praying and not giving up.
Read Luke 17:20,21,26
...Pharisees asked when the kingdom of God would come...Jesus told them that the kingdom of God is within you
...then he told his disciples about the 'days of the Son of Man'
...so the context of the parable is Jesus teaching about the end times.
...the disciples may have been disturbed about the message of hard times during the end times.
Read Luke 18:1-8
Verse 1...what words are most important to you in this verse? Explain why you choose your words.
...the purpose of the parable is given in verse 1...pray and don't give up ..
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
verses 2 & 3
Can you imagine the widow? What would be her circumstances?
...many women married by their mid-teens..the widow could be young and not have children who were able to take care of her.
Perhaps someone would not pay a debt to her or a relative would not let her have her proper share of an inheritance.
Can you imagine the judge. What would be his circumstances?
...neither fears God nor respects people..bad example for a judge … self-serving judge
Exodus 22:22-24 do not take advantage of a widow..they cry out..I will hear..I will kill you with the sword
Exodus 22:22-24 22 "Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.
Mark 12:38-40 watch out for the teachers of the law..they devour widows' houses..such will be punished
Mark 12:38-40 38As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."
Did the widow tell the judge "thy will be done" and then walk away?
verses 4-5
What would prompt an unjust judge to rule in your favor?
...the widow can't afford to bribe the judge so he ignores her
Why do you think that the widow keeps coming to the judge?
…she needs justice
Why does the judge grant her justice?
...wearing me out Greek = a boxer hitting the opponent under the eye...jab..wearing down the opponent.. Causing me trouble...perhaps the judge was afraid of losing favor with the people, of going too far with his injustice and unjust attitude...also..the widow was irritating him, a dripping faucet
Verse 7...Who are the chosen ones? What are their circumstances?
... Perhaps persecuted in end times...Revelation 6:10 martyrs call out in loud voice..avenge our blood
Revelation 6: 9-11 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
Matthew 24:15-22 15"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. 18Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 19How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
Romans 8:28-39 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Colossians 3:11,12 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
2 Timothy 2:8 – 13 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Titus 1:1-3 1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
Describe the prayers of the chosen ones.
…cry out day and night
Can we expect that God will do more for those who cry out than the judge did for the widow?
…yes
Did you expect more results from your prayers when you were a new Christian?
…probably … although now I have personally seen more examples of God being faithful
Should we ask God to correct the injustice that comes into our lives?
...yes
What are some injustices that we should bring to God in prayer?
...the devil is our adversary
Matthew 6:13 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Can we know that God listens to our prayers and acts on our behalf but feel sometimes that it is useless to pray?
Do these two characteristics war against each other as we make decisions about our prayer life?
God hears our prayers
Proverbs 15: 29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
God doesn’t always answer the way we want him to answer
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Why should we "not faint?"
...we pray to an almighty God...we offer our prayer through a victorious savior, who intercedes for us...we are aided by the Holy Spirit who prays with groanings too deep for words
Justice
Matthew 12:15-20 15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16warning them not to tell who he was. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. 21In his name the nations will put their hope."
Acts 17:29-31 29"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. 30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."
Verse 8 what does Jesus mean when he asks if the Son of Man will find faith on the earth when he comes?
Matthew 24:9-13 end times, the love of most will grow cold but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (perhaps not just end times but also standing firm until we have victory in the situation?)
...Matthew 24:4-13 4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
....without faith there can be no effective prayers
Mark 11:20-24 20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" 22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Does this parable increase your desire to continue in prayer?
Can we ask God to help us to pray and not give up?
Read Matthew 6:9,10 or Luke 11:2 your kingdom come Lord's Prayer
Rev 22:20 I am coming soon...amen, come Lord Jesus
Rev 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Luke 21:34-36 be on watch and pray that you may be able to escape …, and that you may be able to stand before the son of man
Luke 21:34-36 34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Keep on praying:
Romans 12:11,12 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Ephesians 6:18-20 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Colossians 4:2-4 2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
1 Thessalonians 3:9,10 9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
James 5:13-18 13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
At times there can be a delay in the answer
John 11:1-6 1Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." 4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
2 Peter 3:8,9 8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
God responds to prayer:
John 15:5-8 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
----- not in the lesson
Mark 9:28,29 28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brothers, pray for us.
Mark 1:35-37 35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Class #14
December 10, 2006 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Does the way we pray give some indication of our relationship to God?
Read Luke 18:9-14 Who is Jesus telling this parable to?
verse 9 self righteous..."religious" people, snobs
verse 10 What did the men have in common?
….. both were men and Jews both were actually sinners
How were they different? social standing, attitude
Tax collectors..They were held in the lowest regard by the people. They collected taxes for the Romans and took extra money from the people for themselves
Were all Pharisees and Jewish religious leaders like the Pharisee described in this parable?
no Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimithea
John 3:1,2 1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
John 7:50,51 50Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51"Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?"
John 19:38-42 38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Are all members of __________ denomination hypocritical?
Are all members of __________ denomination humble?
Up to the temple
Jews went to the temple at the hour of prayer. The temple was on an elevated part of the city.
Why did they go to the temple to pray?
the temple was the place of worship
More could be researched on this.
verses 11,12 What is the focus of the Pharisee’s prayer?
on himself; “I” is used often
How much does the Pharisee depend on God?
… not much, he claims not to be a sinner; he fasts and tithes and announces it to those near him
… v11 he prayed about himself he is praising himself
… the Law required fasting only on the Day of Atonement
On what basis does the Pharisee judge himself?
..works
..no confession of sin, no humility, no asking for God's forgiveness
Luke 11:42 Pharisees pay tithe but ignore justice
Luke 11:37 – 52 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised. 39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. 42"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. 43"Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44"Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it." 45One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also." 46Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. 47"Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them. 48So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49Because of this, God in his wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.' 50Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all. 52"Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."
Bible passages on works vs. Grace
Romans 3:20; 9:31,32; 10:3
Romans 3:19,20 19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Romans 9:30-32 30What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone."
Romans 10:1-4 1Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Phillipians 3:3-11 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
What is significant about the Pharisee's standing up to pray?
.. it seems he is proud and wants to stand out in the gathering in the temple
Matthew 6:5 hypocrites prayer..they have their reward in full
Matthew 6:5 5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Luke 14:11 everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled
Luke 14:10,11 10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
What Bible passages would you share, lovingly, with the Pharisee to direct his thoughts toward God in a better way?
Ephesians 2:8-10 for grace you have been saved..not saved by works
Ephesians 2:4-9 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
Romans 3:23 all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:21-24 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
1 John 1:10 if we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us
1 John 1:8-10 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Do you compare yourself to others to justify yourself?
Romans 12:3 I say to every man..not to think more highly of himself than he ought
Romans 12:3-6a 3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
Bible passages on self-righteousness
Luke 16:14,15
Luke 16:14,15 14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.
Proverbs 30:11-13 11 "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; 12 those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth; 13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful;
...when you pray forgive...Mark 11:25
Mark 11:24,25 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
verse 13 What is significant about the "body language" of the tax collector?
he stood at a distance, he did not lift up his face, he beat his breast
...he did not presume to come to a place of honor in the temple
..conscious of guilt, humility, sincere confession
On what basis does the tax collector judge himself?
...God's righteousness
Passages on 'admit sin to God'
Ezra 9:5,6 5 Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God 6 and prayed: "O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.
Psalm 51:1 - 19 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are [c] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Luke 5:8-10 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Luke 7:6,7 6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
1 Timothy 1:12-17 12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God will forgive Hebrews 8:10-12 10This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.11No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
...a brief effective prayer
Does our body position, standing, sitting, kneeling, laying in bed ever affect our prayers?
verse 14 Why was the tax collector "justified before God"?
…he humbled himself before God, he submitted to God’s judgment
Humble yourself Psalms 138:6 6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Proverbs 15:33 33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 16:18,19 18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
Isaiah 57:15 15 For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Matthew 23:1-29 1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.' 8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. 15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. 16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. 23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. 25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. 27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!
Luke 14:10-11 10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
James 4:5-10 5Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?[a] 6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:5-7 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
How are we tempted to exalt ourselves today?
How does this parable add to the previous parable about the persistent widow?
How can we humble ourselves in a right way?
How are we affected by the prayers we hear other people pray?
…Do we look on them with awe if they proclaim their righteousness?
…Do we look down on those who admit their failings to God?
How should we pray?
… the model of the Lord’s Prayer forgive us our sins …
1 Timothy 1: 15 was read earlier Paul admitted his sin.
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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References
”New Testament TransLine” M. Magill, Zondervan (2002) page
“The Parables” S. Kistemaker (1980) page
“Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” W.E. Vine, M.F. Unger, W. White, Jr. Thomas Nelson Publishers (1996) page
“The Parables of Jesus” by David Wenham Intervarsity Press (1989)
“Quest Study Bible NIV” Zondervan (1994) page
Copyright © 2006 by Greg Clements Permission is granted to copy and distribute this document as long as no fee of any kind is charged and this copyright notice is included in the document.
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Smith
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Parable. [B] [E]
(The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole ) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another. --McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expanded into a narrative. (Ezekiel 12:22) In the New Testament itself the word is used with a like latitude in (Matthew 24:32; Luke 4:23; Hebrews 9:9) It was often used in a more restricted sense to denote a short narrative under which some important truth is veiled. Of this sort were the parables of Christ. The parable differs from the fable (1) in excluding brute and inanimate creatures passing out of the laws of their nature and speaking or acting like men; (2) in its higher ethical significance. It differs from the allegory in that the latter, with its direct personification of ideas or attributes, and the names which designate them, involves really no comparison. The virtues and vices of mankind appear as in a drama, in their own character and costume. The allegory is self-interpreting; the parable demands attention, insight, sometimes an actual explanation. It differs from a proverb in that it must include a similitude of some kind, while the proverb may assert, without a similitude, some wide generalization of experience.--ED.) For some months Jesus taught in the synagogues and on the seashore of Galilee as he had before taught in Jerusalem, and as yet without a parable. But then there came a change. The direct teaching was met with scorn unbelief hardness, and he seemed for a time to abandon it for that which took the form of parables. The worth of parables as instruments of teaching lies in their being at once a test of character and in their presenting each form of character with that which, as a penalty or blessing, is adapted to it. They withdraw the light from those who love darkness. They protect the truth which they enshrine from the mockery of the scoffer. They leave something even with the careless which may be interpreted and understood afterward. They reveal on the other hand, the seekers after truth. These ask the meaning of the parable, and will not rest until the teacher has explained it. In this way the parable did work, found out the fit hearers and led them on. In most of the parables it is possible to trace something like an order.
1. There is a group which have for their subject the laws of the divine kingdom. Under this head we have the sower, (Matthew 13:1; Mark 4:1; Luke 8:1)... the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:1) ... etc.
2. When the next parables meet us they are of a different type and occupy a different position. They are drawn from the life of men rather than from the world of nature. They are such as these --the two debtors, (Luke 7:1) ... the merciless servant, (Matthew 18:1) ... the good Samaritan, (Luke 10:1) ... etc.
3. Toward the close of our Lord’s ministry the parables are again theocratic but the phase of the divine kingdom on which they chiefly dwell is that of its final consummation. In interpreting parables note-- (1) The analogies must be real, not arbitrary; (2) The parables are to be considered as parts of a whole, and the interpretation of one is not to override or encroach upon the lessons taught by others; (3) The direct teaching of Christ presents the standard to which all our interpretations are to be referred, and by which they are to be measured.
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Lessons from 1993 that perhaps are not in the 2006 documents???
November 7, 1993 wedding feast Luke 14:7-11 great feast Luke 14:16-24
Read Luke 14:1-11
...setting verse 1..in the house of a leader of the pharisee on sabbath
...this is not just instruction about how to behave at feasts
...recall the pharisee and tax collector praying at the temple
...the humble are accepted by God
Why would someone try to sit at the place of honor? What does that say about the person?
What do we acknowledge when we take the "lowest place"?
...we admit that we are not worthy on our own. We admit our need to God.
What is the difference between society's view of honor and Jesus' view of honor?
...James & John could not be given places of honor in heaven by Jesus
...the first shall be last and the last shall be first
...those who lead should serve
...let someone else honor you
Read verses 12-14
What is wrong with the attitude that we should be "paid back" for our efforts?
...this is not just instruction about how to be a good host
...we are to follow Jesus example of ministering to the needy
...lay up treasure in heaven ...verse 14
Read Luke 14:15-24
If you were in charge of planning a banquet for 100 people...
would you invite people and ask for r.s.v.p.'s?
where would you hold the banquet? What would be on the menu?
what would you have for table decorations and entertainment?
what would you do if the people decided not to come at the last minute and gave you "excuses"?
Who are the invited guests here?
...the kingdom of God is rejected by those who should have wanted it
What are the general reasons that the people would not come?
...materialism, new wife
...perhaps Jesus was hinting that the religious leaders were rejecting him due to their ties to materialism.
Would you buy land in florida or arizona without looking at it?
Would you buy a new car without test driving it first?
The husband should be happy to take his wife to a banquet.
Do you think that some preparations had been made for the feast on the basis of the first invitation? (verses 16, 17)
...verse 17...the people had already been invited, they knew the feast was coming. Their excuses are not worthy excuses.
Does the parable of the sowers connect to this parable in any way?
...cares of this world choke out the word
...verse 21 reference to the needy in palestine
...verse 23 reference to the gentiles
What happens to the people who were invited first?
How do you explain the fact that many say "no" to the invitation to join in at God's "banquet"?
Next week lost sheep, lost coin, lost son Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 15:3-32
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November 14, 1993 lost sheep, lost coin, lost son
...put these word pairs on the whiteboard:
Somber..joyous searching..waiting welcoming..judging
Which word in each pair matches your image of God?
..think about how many small ideas are puffed up with a lot of words. Isn't it remarkable how God brings a teaching of a great truth of his love for us in a small parable!
Read Luke 15:1-7 lost sheep
...setting Luke 14--at the house of a pharisee verse 25 large crowds
... Luke 15 Pharisees and scribes + tax collectors and 'sinners'
...verse 3 Jesus is talking to the Pharisees
How does Jesus view of sinners differ from the view of the Pharisees and teachers of the law?
Luke 19:10 the son of man came to seek and to save what was lost
...Jesus seeks them, hopes for their repentance, loves them
...Pharisees avoid them, despise them
Do we get upset with Christians who associate with non-Christians?
Isaiah 53:6 we all like sheep have gone astray..the lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all
What kind of shepherd searches for one sheep?
...the shepherd who knows his sheep, knows when one is lost
...customary to have helpers with this many sheep
...dead sea scrolls were found by shepherd looking for lost goat while
two friends watched the herd.
...the 99 are not Pharisees
...the 99 repented previously and were rejoiced over
How does the shepherd treat the lost sheep when it is found?
..with care, love..not beating it into submission..not saying baaaad sheep
Shepherd verses: Romans 23:1, Psalm 100:3, Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:10-12
Matthew 15:24, Luke 19:10, John 10:14
...main thought: God goes to great effort to seek and save the lost.
..God rejoices
Read Luke 15:8-10
Have you ever lost something which was very important to you?
How did you feel?
...the coin might have sentimental value in addition to its value as money
...custom was for the husband to give his wife a headband with 10 coins
... Sewn into it. It might be similar to losing a stone from your
... Wedding ring.
Did you call someone when you found the lost item?
...message: God searches for us. God rejoices
Luke 15:11-32 prodigal son
1. Root of all sin....independence from God
Why might the son have wanted his inheritance?
Why would the son trade his sonship for independence?
How does this apply to people today, how does it apply to each of us?
Where did the inheritance come from?
...are we using rightly or misusing the wealth from our heavenly father?
Romans 1:21-25 they did not glorify God or thank him..he gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts
2. Slave to sin read John 8:34
...the son lost the independence he was trying to have
What would the Pharisees see as wrong actions by the younger son?
..early inheritance, waste money, wild living,
..going far away ?=gentile land, being near pigs
3. Coming to his senses...repentance..renouncing of his former ways
Sorrow for sin..humility
...the son practiced his confession along the way. The father greeted him warmly..the son still made the confession. He didn't take the easy way out and just accept the love of his father.
4. God receives us joyfully
...father was watching for the son. Saw him a long way off
Why did the father welcome him?
...because he was his son. Because he loved him.
..the father gives gifts to his son...we are clothed with christ's righteousness
What does this parable have in common with the first two?
...God rejoices
...this parable is called the gospel within the gospel
...it gives a picture of God welcoming the repentant sinner
Ephesians 2:1-7 God has seated us in heavenly realms..shows the richness of his grace
Explain the actions of the older brother. What is the father saying to the older son?
Are you the lost son or the older brother? What changes in your life would make God celebrate?
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