Lesson for 3rd of August, 2014



Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)

PAUL’S DEFENCE OF HIS APOSTLESHIP AND MINISTRY

[2 Corinthians:10:1-18 ]; [2 Corinthians:11:1-33 ]; [2 Corinthians:12:1-21 ].
Lesson No.:
397
Class: Senior
Memory Verse: “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:10).

Cross References:

I Paul’s Defence
1. Paul sets forth the spiritual power with which he is armed against the adversary, [2 Corinthians:10:1-9 ]; [Ephesians:6:13].
2. Paul’s opposers said his letters were weighty, but his speech contemptible, [2 Corinthians:10:10-11 ]; [Galatians:4:13]; [1 Corinthians:2:3-5 ].
3. Paul accuses them of reaching out beyond their measure and boasting in other men’s labour, [2 Corinthians:10:12-16 ].
4. Whom the Lord commendeth is approved, [2 Corinthians:10:17-18 ]; [Proverbs:27:2]; [Romans:2:29].

II Paul’s Suffering for the Gospel
1. Paul is forced to commend himself, [2 Corinthians:11:1-22 ]; [John:8:44].
2. Paul recounts his suffering for the Gospel, [2 Corinthians:11:23-33 ]; [Deuteronomy:25:3]; [1 Corinthians:9:22]; [Acts:20:31]; [Acts:27:41].

III Paul’s Revelations
1. Paul caught up to Paradise, [2 Corinthians:12:1-6 ].
2. Lest he be exalted above measure through the abundance of these revelations, he was given a thorn in the flesh, [2 Corinthians:12:7-9 ]; [Galatians:4:13-14 ].
3. He gloried in these infirmities, for when he was weak then he was strong, [2 Corinthians:12:10]; [2 Corinthians:7:4]; [2 Corinthians:13:4]; [Romans:5:3].
4. He received wages from other churches that he might preach the Gospel free of charge to them, [2 Corinthians:12:11-21 ]; [Acts:20:33]; [2 Corinthians:11:8].
Notes:

The Greatest Missionary
Paul was a native of Tarsus, a city noted for its learning. He was well versed in Greek culture and philosophy. He was also a pupil of Gamaliel, the noted Jewish teacher of that day. He knew the Law. All this was not a requisite to being an Apostle but we do believe the Lord used these things, and made him the greatest missionary the world has ever seen.

Requirements to Be an Apostle
There were some requirements the people deemed necessary in order for one to be an Apostle. One of these was that he must have seen the Lord. In [1 Corinthians:9:1-2 ], Paul asks the questions: “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.” In [1 Corinthians:15:8]; “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” Paul tells them plainly that he had seen the Lord.

Another requirement was that he be divinely called. (Paul’s call is recorded in [Galatians:1:11-12 ].) Another requirement was that signs and wonders must accompany his ministry [Mark:16:17-18 ]). Paul fulfilled all these requirements. He said, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” [2 Corinthians:12:12]).

Paul preached for a year and a half at Corinth. The Lord worked mightily and a strong church was established. In Paul’s absence, the devil had slipped in an emissary who claimed to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He was drawing the people unto himself and away from the true Gospel. In order to build up a name for himself, he assailed Paul and put him into ill repute with the church. He could find nothing against Paul’s character, so he found fault with his bodily appearance and speech. The enemy asserted that Paul was bold and his letters powerful when absent, but when present he was weak and his speech contemptible.

Paul brands them as false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ; and he says it was no wonder, for Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, and it is not strange if his ministers try to transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.

Measuring by Themselves
Paul tells them it is not wisdom to measures themselves by themselves. There is no limit to the height of a man’s opinion of himself so long as he compares himself with himself or with an inferior and not with a superior.

Paul calls this walking after the flesh. “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds).” He assures them he is coming again to them and what he was when absent he would be to them the next time when present.

False Charges
In order to lead these Corinthians back to Christ, Paul felt he must vindicate himself by facts. He said that boasting is not consistent with Christian humility, but he must refute the false reports that were being circulated.

These false workers boasted of their lineage. Paul compares his own with them and then tells some of the many things he had suffered for the Gospel. As he recalls these hardships, his heart goes out to those who are weak and suffering and he exclaims, “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not?” Besides all these trials there was that which came upon him daily: “the care of all the churches.” He was no coward. He was ready to take the lion by the beard and throw him out. He would not allow the enemy to slip in unmolested and devour the flock. Paul may have been weak in body but not in spirit. He threw all his spiritual strength against the ruthless foe to overthrow him and save his flock.

Other Men’s Labours
This false apostle had entered Paul’s province and labours and was trying to take possession of them as if they were his own. An old worthy said about such a one: “It is base, abominable, and deeply sinful, for a man to thrust himself into other men’s labours and by sowing doubtful disputations among Christian people, distract and divide them, that he may get a party to himself.”

Paul never attempted to go where another had preached the Gospel. He went where Christ had not been named, lest he build on another man’s foundation.

He alludes to the Olympic Games and declares this intruder had entered the game unlawfully. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”

Paul’s Stature
They who were accusing Paul said his bodily presence was weak and his speech contemptible. An old Greek writer said that Paul was small of stature but his height “touched the heavens.” That he had no mean personality may be reasonably presumed or he would never have filled the office he did under the high priest in persecuting the Christian Church.

That his speech was not contemptible we have evidence from the account given in [Acts:14:12], where the Lycaonians thought he was Mercury because he was the chief speaker. Mercury was the Greek god of eloquence.

Fleecing the Flock
The false prophets were fleecing the flock, and Paul reminds the Corinthians that he preached the Gospel to them free, working with his own hands to supply the need. Later the Macedonian churches also sent help. Ironically, he refers to it as if he had done them a wrong and begs to be forgiven. Did he do it because he loved them not? God knoweth. The more abundantly he loved them, the less he was loved. He gloried in his freedom to preach the Gospel without charge, and no man could take that freedom from him. He preferred to work with his own hands rather than to be chargeable to anyone.

Caught Up to Heaven
Paul proves he was not a whit behind the chiefest Apostle and relates an experience he had with the Lord fourteen years previous. Perhaps all these years this had been a secret between him and the Lord, something too sacred to mention. He discloses it now that he might help them out of the trap of the enemy into which they were falling. He relates that he was caught up to Paradise and saw and heard things unlawful to utter. So great were these revelations that the Lord gave him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble and prevent him from being exalted above measure. He besought the Lord thrice to remove it, but the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

So closely united was Paul’s spirit with that of Jesus Christ that he rejoiced in his sufferings for the Gospel. He realized his strength was made perfect in weakness. Therefore he could say that he took pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.

When trials and afflictions come our way, do we take pleasure in them? Or do we wail and bemoan our fate? Do they bring more of the power of God on our lives, or less zeal and courage to fight the good fight of faith? Paul had found the great secret of the Gospel, and no buffeting of Satan could dislodge him from the cleft of the Rock in which he was hid.

Questions:

1. Why did Paul have to defend his apostleship?
2. Who first carried the Gospel to the Corinthians?
3. Does Satan send workers into the Lord’s vineyard?
4. Describe their appearance.
5. What was given Paul to keep him humble?
6. What did Paul’s enemies say about his appearance?
7. Give reasons why you think they were wrong.
8. How did Paul get money to preach the Gospel to the Corinthians?
9. Tell some of the things Paul suffered for the Gospel.
10. In what did he rejoice?

Studied on 10th August,2014


Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)

THE LAW, A SCHOOLMASTER

[Galatians:3:1-29 ].
Lesson No.:
398
Class:
Senior
Memory Verse:

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them” (Galatians 3:10).

Cross References:

I Paul’s Defence of Justification by Faith
1. The Galatians originally had received an experience of salvation by faith, [Galatians:3:1-4 ]; [Galatians:1:6].
2. Miracles were wrought by faith, [Galatians:3:5]; Hebrews 11.
3. Abraham was justified by faith, [Galatians:3:6-9 ]; [Romans:4:1-5 ].

II The Curse Which the Law Brings upon Man
1. Cursed is everyone who does not keep the whole Law, [Galatians:3:10]; [Deuteronomy:27:26].
2. The “curse” is sin brought upon men by the transgression of the Law, [1 John:3:4]; [Romans:7:9].
3. No man without salvation can keep all the Law, [Galatians:3:11-12 ]; [Romans:3:23].

III Freed by Christ from the Curse
1. Christ paid the price of redemption by hanging on the tree, [Galatians:3:13]; [Deuteronomy:21:23].
2. The blessing promised Abraham is conferred upon the Gentiles in Christ, [Galatians:3:14]; [Genesis:12:2-3 ].
3. The covenant with Abraham was not affected by the Law, [Galatians:3:15-18 ]; [Jeremiah:31:31-33 ].

IV The Purpose of the Law: to Bring Men to Christ
1. The Law is added to convict men of sin until Christ should come, [Galatians:3:19-20 ].
2. All are concluded under sin that the promise given believers might be realized, [Galatians:3:21-23 ].
3. Thus the Law is “our schoolmaster” to bring to Christ all who are shut up under sin, [Galatians:3:24-29 ].
Notes:

It was with strong feeling that Paul wrote his Epistle to the Galatians. He has preached to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they had accepted it wholeheartedly, but in his absence false teachers of the Jews had come along saying that they should keep the Law of Moses. Jesus said, “The law and the prophets were until John” [Luke:16:16]).

An Apostolic Decision
There are those even in our day who would bring us under the bondage of the Law, especially the law of the Sabbath. The Apostles and elders came together at Jerusalem to consider the matter of whether or not the Gentiles should keep the Law. Their conclusion stated by James was, “that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God” [Acts:15:19]). A letter to the Gentiles was written by the church at Jerusalem stating: “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: . . . For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well” [Acts:15:24], [Acts:15:28-29 ]).

Satanic Deception
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?” The hypnotic powers of Satan are so great that one under his spell can be made to believe a lie. Christ’s crucifixion and atonement had been preached to them, then why should they go back to the Law for atonement? The blessings they received from Christ with the witness of the Spirit came by faith and not by works of the Law. Then why now return to the Law for the perfection of the faith? Paul asks the question: “He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” [Galatians:3:5]).

Abraham
Further to strengthen the support for the “hearing of faith” instead of the “works of the law,” Paul calls attention to the fact that Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Thus Abraham, who lived before the Law of Moses, was justified by faith. The promise of God to Abraham that “in thee shall all nations be blessed” included the Gentiles who were to be saved through faith in Christ, the seed of Abraham. The Law, which was given 430 years after the promise to Abraham did not annul or make of no effect the promise.

The Purpose of the Law
Why then was the Law given? What purpose did it serve? It was added because of transgressions, or sins, until Christ came. It could not give life, but it revealed how wrong it was to do those things that were sinful. “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” [Romans:7:7]). “If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law” [Galatians:3:21]). It took the death of Christ to redeem a sinner and give life.

The Law Fulfilled
In Romans 7, Paul gives the example of a woman being bound by the Law to her husband so long as her husband lives, but if her husband be dead she is no longer bound to him but is free to marry again. Through the death of Christ we are free from the Law of Moses, “that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit” [Romans:7:6]).

In the Book of Hebrews, Paul goes to great length to proclaim the priesthood of Christ, and states, “The priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law” [Hebrews:7:12]). He further proceeds to quote the promise of a new covenant, or a new law. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away” [Hebrews:8:8];[Hebrews:8:13]).

The “Law” Means the Whole Law Given by Moses
Lest some might say that it was only the ceremonial Law but not the whole Law as given by Moses that was done away with, let us see what is the heart of the Law. Is it not the Ten Commandments, which were written on tables of stone? In [2 Corinthians:3:7] it is stated: “If the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, . . . which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?” Thus we see that the Law written in stone was not intended to be binding after a new covenant was ushered in. Even in our land when new laws are made, it is often necessary to repeal an old law to make room for a new and more comprehensive law. When Christ ushered in a new dispensation it was necessary that the Mosaic Law be repealed that the law of Christ might be in force. This does not mean that much of the same principles of the Mosaic Law are not incorporated in the new covenant or that we cannot learn from the Old Testament, for it is still the Word of God; but the coming of Christ brought in a more complete, comprehensive law which included the moral principles of God which have not changed since the foundation of the world.

The Duties of a Schoolmaster
“The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” The word “schoolmaster” used here is from the original “pedagogue” who was the entrusted servant to watch over a boy until he was grown. The pedagogue’s duty was to protect the boy in all his activities. When the boy comes to maturity he no longer has need of this care. A schoolmaster held an important place and it was well that the child be thus guarded and trained by him, but it was not intended that the schoolmaster be retained after the young man came to maturity. Thus it was with the Law of Moses. It was given by God and was good; it was needful for Israel until Christ came; but when Christ came the days of the schoolmaster were over. Now the Jews and Gentiles alike could enjoy the fullness of the Gospel dispensation.

Christ Our Substitute
Although the Law itself could not save a man, those who were obedient to it could by faith believe God and be saved. The Law through its many sacrifices and rites drew pictures of Christ and His atonement on Calvary. When a man sinned under the Law, he was to bring a lamb as a trespass offering to the priest. He was to confess his sins. The lamb was slain to show that the wages of sin was death. The sinner was worthy of death, but the lamb was slain instead. The lamb became a substitute, and the sinner who came in faith and true repentance was saved from his sins. In the same way, Christ became our substitute. He died in our stead. If we come in faith confessing and forsaking our sins, He saves us.

Salvation has always been by faith. During the period of the Law many people went through the ritual of the Law without true repentance in their hearts. The lambs were slain, the offerings were made, but without true faith it availed nothing.

The Lord’s Day
Some false teachers today would like to have us attempt to be saved by the keeping of the Law of Moses. Especially do they stress the Fourth Commandment -– the keeping of the Sabbath. Concerning the Sabbath the Word of God tells us: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days” [Colossians:2:16]).

The “first day of the week” was the day on which Jesus rose; it was the day he made His several appearances before His disciples after His resurrection; it was the day on which the power fell (Acts 2), at which time Christ’s Church was founded; it was the day on which the disciples met to break bread in commemoration of the Lord’s Supper, and brought their offering unto the Lord. It also continued to be the day, which the early Church observed from 100 A.D. to 324 A. D. according to the universal testimony of the fathers from Ignatius to Eusebius.

The first day of the week, therefore, was not instituted as the “Lord’s Day” by Constantine, by the Catholic Pope, or any other prelate. It became accepted as the day of worship immediately after Jesus’ resurrection, and has been observed by all true Christians from that time down to the present day.

Questions:

1. For what did Paul reprove the Galatians?
2. By what was Abraham saved?
3. Under what curse are those who try to keep the Law?
4. How are we free from the curse of the Law?
5. What are the duties of a schoolmaster?
6. Compare a schoolmaster with the Law?
7. Why was the Law given?
8. How many years was it from the giving of the promise unto Abraham until the Law was given?
9. Why do we not need the Law or a schoolmaster today?
10. Give reasons why we worship on Sunday instead of Saturday.

Studied on 17th of August 2014


OUR LIBERTY IN CHRIST

[Galatians:4:1-31 ]; [Galatians:5:1-15 ].
Lesson No.:
399
Class:
Senior
Memory Verse:

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).


Cross References:

I Heirs of Christ
1. An heir is under bondage until he is of age, [Galatians:4:1-3 ]; [Luke:2:51].
2. Christ was sent to redeem us from bondage, [Galatians:4:4-7 ]; [John:8:36]; [Romans:10:3].
3. After being set free, why return to servitude? [Galatians:4:8-10 ]; [Romans:6:2]; [2 Peter:2:19-22 ]
4. The Gospel preached by Paul was joyfully received, [Galatians:4:11-15 ].
5. The false teachers confuse the Galatians, [Galatians:4:16-21 ]; [Galatians:1:6-7 ].

II Two Covenants
1. Abraham’s two sons are used as an allegory, [Galatians:4:22-24 ]; [Genesis:17:15-21 ]; [Genesis:21:9-13 ].
2. Ishmael is a type of the natural Jew, [Galatians:4:25], [Galatians:4:29].
3. Isaac is a type of the spiritual Jew, [Galatians:4:26-28 ]; [Romans:2:28-29 ].
4. The spiritual Jew is free, [Galatians:4:30-31 ]; [Romans:6:22]; [Romans:8:15-16 ].

III A Call to Freedom
1. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, [Galatians:5:1-6 ].
2. False teachers hinder freedom, [Galatians:5:7-12 ].
3. Love fulfils the Law, [Galatians:5:13-15 ]; [Romans:13:8-10 ]; [1 Corinthians:13:4-7 ].
Notes:

Heir
Oftentimes when a fortune is left to a son, he is not allowed to touch it until he becomes of age. While he is a child he goes to school, just as other children who might be very poor. As children there is no difference between them. Thus we find the Apostle setting forth the fact that when Christ came, we were as children becoming of age and realising the liberties of our inheritance. What liberties the son now enjoys! No longer does he hear: “Don’t touch that!” “Leave that alone!” “You can’t have that!” The old restraints are now removed; the inheritance is his; he has become of age.

Bondage of the Law
The Law with its many ordinances brought the people into bondage. This is because they did not know justification by faith. They went about to establish their righteousness by the works of the Law. “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” [Romans:10:3]). Some people today are also taking this course by not coming to Christ for forgiveness. They try to live up to the Golden Rule. They even force themselves to abstain from some of those things that are evil. All this but brings them into bondage. If they would come to Christ and be saved, their very nature would be changed and they would know the liberties of being sons of God.

This means that a Christian does not do the things that are sinful, for the desire for sin is taken out. The bondage of Satan is removed, and he finds himself at liberty to live, as he desires. This is true liberty. A sinner is in bondage to sin. He may find himself bound by the habit of drink. He wants to quit but is unable to do so. When he comes to Christ the chains of sin are broken. Thus being set free a man is able to live the way he wanted to when he was under Satan but could not because he was bound. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” [John:8:36]).

Should one whom Christ has set free be desirous of being in bondage again? Should one who has been bound by drink and set free desire again to try to live right in his own strength after knowing the liberty from evil desires?

False Prophets
“Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.” Could we not say this of those who observe the Jewish Sabbath today? They would bring us back under the bondage of the Law from which Christ has set us free. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” [Romans:10:4]).

When Paul first preached the Gospel to the Galatians they were very enthusiastic about it. They received him as an “angel of God.” They were willing to pluck out their eyes and give them to him. Why the change now?

False prophets had come in and turned their hearts from the truth. Those who were zealous for the Law of Moses wanted to bring these Galatians into the bondage of the Law. “It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing.” But how sad it is to see one turned aside from the Truth and be zealous in a false movement! Jehovah’s Witnesses are turning out their false literature by ton’s-loads. Communism has printed enough of its devilish propaganda to put pages in the hand of every man, woman, and child in the world. Should not we as children of the King be zealously affected by and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Isaac and Ishmael
Abraham had two sons. Isaac was by Sarah and was a child of promise, being of miraculous birth. Ishmael was by Hagar (Agar), a bondwoman, and was by natural birth. This is a symbol of the natural and spiritual Jews. They, which are born of the flesh and are under the bondage of the Law are symbolical of the children of Ishmael. The spiritual children of Abraham are those under grace and are children of the heavenly Jerusalem and are not in bondage. “What saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” How thankful we should be for the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free! This freedom comes from a miraculous spiritual birth -– the new birth.

God said to Abraham: “I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore” [Genesis:22:17]). The spiritual children of Abraham have been likened to the stars of the heaven, while the natural children of Abraham have been likened to the sands of the sea shore.

No Middle Ground
“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” The Bible makes it very clear that we cannot “straddle the fence.” If we are under grace we are not under the Law. If we are justified by the Law we have fallen from grace. Some people today are trying in their own strength by their own works to make Heaven. They need to be justified by faith -– that is, be born again -– in order to be saved.

“Ye did run well.” What a pity that a good start should be fouled up by false teachers! We today must be on guard against any deviation from the true Gospel that was planted in our heart by those who have sown the seed of the Apostles’ doctrine. On the Day of Pentecost God gave the Holy Ghost to those 120 who were of one accord. This was the beginning of the “early rain.” He also poured out His Spirit upon a group of believers in Los Angeles in 1906, which was the beginning of the “latter rain.” God set His seal of approval upon the doctrines of the Word of God as set forth by the Apostolic Faith. Since that time false teachers have endeavoured to set aside some of the cardinal truths contained in the Scripture. God has not changed, the Bible has not changed, neither has the Apostolic Faith changed its original tenets of faith.

Paul had no time for compromise. He said, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” “I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” [Galatians:1:8]). Paul preached, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” but he did not extend a hand to the devil or any of his emissaries. Christian love and fellowship are wonderful but do not extend to false prophets or those who fail to give heed to the whole Word of God.

Love
True liberty is marvellous, but it is not a licence to walk after the flesh or earthly desires. With salvation comes not only liberty, but love. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour.” “He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” [Romans:13:8-9 ]).

Questions:

1. What is Christian liberty?
2. To what are the Jews under the Law likened?
3. How were they freed from bondage?
4. What was turning them again into bondage?
5. To what are Abraham’s two sons likened?
6. How can the term “Christian liberty” be misconstrued?
7. Explain how all the Law is fulfilled in one word.
8. What happens to those who attempt to be justified by the Law?
9. Tell how zeal can be both good and bad.
10. What was Paul’s attitude toward those who tried to get the Galatians to keep the Law?

To be studied on 23rd August, 2014



Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)

THE WORKS OF THE FLESH AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT


[Galatians:5:16-26 ]; [Galatians:6:1-10 ].
Lesson No.:
400
Class:
Senior
Memory Verse:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22, 23).

Cross References:


I Works or Fruit?

1. The spiritual life is free from the works of the flesh, [Galatians:5:16-18 ]; [Romans:8:1-2 ]; Psalm 1.
2. The works of the flesh will keep one out of Heaven, [Galatians:5:19-21 ]; Jude 14-15; [Psalms:9:17].
3. The unimpeachable fruit of the Spirit is the result of walking in the Spirit, [Galatians:5:22-26 ]; I Corinthians 13.

II Sowing and Reaping

1. Seeds of gentleness, long-suffering, goodness and love, sown in meekness, temperance and faith, bring forth joy and peace, [Galatians:6:1-5 ]; [2 Peter:1:4-8 ].
2. Sharing is a Christian duty, [Galatians:6:6], [Galatians:6:10]; [Matthew:10:40-42 ]; [Proverbs:19:17]; [1 Corinthians:9:7-19 ].
3. The harvest is inevitable, [Galatians:6:7-9 ]; [Jeremiah:17:9-10 ]; [Matthew:16:25-26 ].
Notes:

Walk in the Spirit

When one is converted, he is born of the Spirit. But birth is only a beginning. Walking in the Spirit is necessary in order to maintain spiritual life. Jesus taught a way of self-denial. Paul testified that he kept his body under. Although salvation rids us of sin, and sanctification removes the Adamic nature, still we are human, and subject to temptation. Daily consecration is the answer to successfully walking in the Spirit. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” [Romans:8:14]). If we are led by the Spirit, we are overcomers. The works of the flesh are kept out.

Carnality

“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” [Romans:8:7]). In the unsaved person there is a constant warfare between the conscience and the carnal mind. If one listens to the voice of conscience it leads him to repentance. Repentance is a change of mind and if conscientiously pursued leads to salvation, which removes the carnal mind.

The terms, Adamic, carnal, or sinful are synonymous when referring to the unsanctified heart. This carnal nature is given a deathblow and is held in subjection when one is saved. Before one is sanctified, this nature will at times try to assert itself. Through faith, prayer, and consecration an instantaneous experience of sanctification can be obtained. This experience is the complete destruction of the carnal nature.

The carnal mind is destroyed at salvation, the Adamic or carnal nature at sanctification, but this does not entirely end the conflict. Sanctified people can still be tempted; there is still a tempter from without. We are still human and there remains a self-life, which must be yielded to God. Every earthly desire and ambition must be subjected to the leading of the Spirit and consecrated to God. This is where self-denial, keeping our bodies under and dying daily, come in, which are necessary to spiritual life.

The Manifestation of Sin

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper” are the words of the Almighty. Adam, Achan, Ananias and Sapphira attempted it; in fact, from the beginning of time until the present day, men have tried to hide their sins. “The works of the flesh are manifest”; they crop up like weeds in a garden -– ugly, undesirable, and hideous, but they are there. The works of the flesh are the result of an unregenerated heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” [Jeremiah:17:9]).

Without the blotting out of sin through the Blood of Jesus, the works of the flesh will be there and they will be manifest. “A good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” [Luke:6:43-45 ]).

Works of Flesh

Although divorce and remarriage while the first companion still lives is legal in civil courts, and is commonly practised, Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her” [Mark:10:11]). This sin is the first of a long list of the works of the flesh of which it is said, “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Fruit

There is a diversity of gifts of the Spirit. God may give to one the gift of prophecy and to another the gift of discerning of spirits, but the fruit of the Spirit is different. It is here portrayed as one fruit made up of the various elements such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. For instance: an orange contains water, sugar, fibre, acid, iron and other elements, which are a part of the whole orange. A person who is born of the Spirit of God possesses a portion of all the elements of the fruit of the Spirit. As he goes deeper in Christ the purging process takes place in order that he may bring forth more fruit, but it is the same kind of fruit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. If one is lacking in any of these attributes, he is lacking in the Spirit of God. A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. We possess no more of the Spirit of God than is displayed in times of provocation. As Christians we must be constantly submitting ourselves to the chastening of God that we may be “pruned” as vines or trees, in order to produce “fruit.”

Correction

If a man be overtaken in a fault it is the place of a spiritual person to correct him in a spirit of meekness. A man destitute of the Spirit might recognise the fault and try to correct it, but only aggravate the condition.

Seedtime and Harvest

God promised Noah right after the Flood: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” [Genesis:8:22]). Just that sure is the law of sowing and reaping. If we sow to the flesh we shall of the flesh reap corruption. This is true not only of the baser sins of life as mentioned in [Galatians:5:19-21 ]; but also in the case of the farmer who decided to tear down his barns and build greater ones. He lived for himself and was not rich toward God. (See [Luke:12:16-21 ].) Many sinners who shun the grosser sins of life and work hard to better their position in the world are still sowing to the flesh and neglecting their spiritual life. “All that is in the world, . . . is not of the Father” ([1 John:2:16]). The material things of this life that men work so hard to obtain will pass away. Even this physical body, which men labour to preserve will go back to corruption. Only that which is spiritual shall remain. Won’t you start today to spend more time sowing to the Spirit in order that you might of the Spirit reap life everlasting?

“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Even though the benefits of sowing to the Spirit are not fully reaped today, the harvest is certain. Amid all the blight and corruption of this present world, who wants to store away much goods for many years? Is it not better to have our gold upon the streets of Heaven to enjoy than in a vault to corrupt? Is not fine linen, clean and white, more thrilling than moth-eaten purple? Wouldn’t you rather have a mansion designed by the Architect of Creation than a house upon the earth? Sow to the Spirit and say with the Apostle Paul, “We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens [2 Corinthians:5:1]).
Questions:

1. How can one keep from fulfilling the lust of the flesh?
2. What did Jesus class as adultery?
3. Can one enter Heaven who manifests the works of the flesh?
4. What are the qualifications given for restoring a brother overtaken in a fault?
5. What happens when a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing?
6. How can a man prove his own work?
7. What is the harvest of one who sows to the flesh? To the Spirit?
8. What are we told to do if we have the opportunity? [Galatians:6:10]).
9. How can one walk in the Spirit?
10. What have those who are Christ’s done concerning the lusts of the flesh?

To be taught on August 31, 2014


Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

[Ephesians:2:1-22 ].
Lesson No.: 401
Class: Senior

Memory Verse:

“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:.


Cross References:


I Comparing the Natural Man with the Spiritual
1. Paul points out their present state as compared with former conditions, [Ephesians:2:1-3 ]; [Ephesians:4:18]; [Colossians:2:13]; [1 John:5:12]; [Romans:8:2-6 ].
2. He shows by what virtue they were saved and for what purpose, [Ephesians:2:4-7 ]; [Romans:5:6], [Romans:5:8]; [Romans:6:4-5 ].
3. They were saved by grace and created unto good works, Ephe-sians:2:8-10 ; [1 Corinthians:3:9]; [2 Corinthians:5:17]; [2 Timothy:1:9].
4. By the Blood of Christ the middle wall of partition was broken down, [Ephesians:2:11-14 ]; [Galatians:3:29]; [Colossians:1:20].
5. Both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father through Christ, [Ephesians:2:15-19 ]; [2 Corinthians:5:18]; [Galatians:6:15]; [Colossians:1:20-23 ]; [Colossians:2:14].
6. All are built from the same foundation and grow together unto a holy temple, [Ephesians:2:20-22 ]; [2 Corinthians:6:16]; [Hebrews:12:22-23 ]; [1 Peter:2:5]; [Revelation:21:14].
Notes:
The Two Deaths

Paul compares the natural man with the spiritual. He shows what we are by nature and what we are by grace. Man is a triune being, composed of body, soul and spirit. There is the physical death of the body, and there is the spiritual death of the soul. Temporal death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. Spiritual death separates man from God while man is on earth; and if he continues in that state, he will be condemned to eternal punishment, which is the second death. Spiritual death is the result of sin. Adam’s disobedience brought physical and spiritual death to the human race. Before Adam sinned there was no death. Christ has power over both natural and spiritual death.

When we think of the death of the body, we think of an enemy that enters our homes and takes away a loved one. (Read [1 Corinthians:15:26].) We behold that death with our natural eyes. However, eternal death, or damnation to the soul, we cannot see with our eyes, but the Lord beholds it and realises the awfulness of it. He sent His Son to make a way to escape it. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” [John:3:16]).

Jesus said: “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” [Matthew:10:28]). The Lord takes note of our bodily suffering, for in the Word we find, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” [Psalms:116:15]). If a soul has been born again and is right in the sight of the Lord, when the body dies the soul takes its flight to God who gave it, and lives on eternally. Jesus frees us from the bondage of sin and death and gives us life eternal. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” [John:5:24]).

Resurrection of the Body

When a body dies, if the soul is right with God and spiritually alive, it will be reunited with the body, for there is a resurrection of the body. “For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” [1 Corinthians:15:52-55 ]. Read also [Romans:8:19-23 ].)

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Jesus tells us about the rich man and Lazarus. Both men died. The rich man had lived in all the pomp and glory of this world. He provided sumptuously for his body, but gave no thought for his soul. Possibly, as many others, he said, “Time enough yet.” He was buried with the pomp and splendour that this world affords. But the Word tells us that in hell he lifted up his eyes and saw Lazarus afar off in Abraham’s bosom. The rich man’s soul that he had neglected was in hell -– lost, eternally lost, spiritually dead.

Lazarus was poor but he had prepared to meet God. His soul was alive -– eternally alive.

Abraham’s Seed

The Lord chose Abraham’s seed to become a nation in which His Son could be born to bring redemption to a lost world.

The Jews thought they alone had a right to the Kingdom of God. The Lord called Paul and made him an Apostle and revealed to him the Gospel more fully, that it was to the “whosoever will.” Through the death of Jesus Christ the door of mercy was flung wide open and all the Gentile world could enter in if they sought the Lord.

The Ephesians

Paul spent some time preaching the Gospel in Ephesus, a Gentile city. The church that was raised up became one of the chief fortresses of Christianity. These Ephesians were steeped in idolatry, but when they heard the preaching of Paul, many believed and their souls were quickened by the Spirit of God. They had been dead in trespasses and in sins, but were now made alive in Christ Jesus. The new birth had transformed their lives. Until we are born again both Jew and Gentile walk according to the desires of the flesh. But when we are saved our desires are changed and we no more walk after the flesh but after the Spirit, doing the things that are righteous in the sight of God.

It was in Ephesus that the great temple of Diana was built, one of the seven wonders of the world. The silversmiths made their living by making small models of Diana and selling them. So many Ephesians believed in the Gospel that the trade of the silversmiths became endangered. They made an insurrection against Paul and he had to leave the city (Read Acts 19.)

Mercy

It is God’s great mercy that He loved us when we were sinners and quickened our spirits through Jesus Christ and made both Jew and Gentile sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The Gospel brings fellowship. How can two walk together except they be agreed? What communion hath light with darkness? Or what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?

Saved by Grace

“Not of works, lest any man should boast” [Ephesians:2:9]). The Lord planned this great salvation that it should be wholly by grace. Man has tried through the ages by every means possible to free himself from the powers of sin, but to no avail. Through Jesus’ Blood, and His Blood alone, can sin be destroyed out of the heart of man.

If good works could bring us into favour with God, many would readily do them. There would be no need of a Saviour. God honours the work of His Son. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” ([1 John:5:12]). God ordained that good works should follow our lives when the heart is changed and we have passed from death unto life. It is the natural walk of a Christian to do the things that are righteous. Good works are spontaneous acts from a heart of love to God, and not deeds performed to try to win God’s favour.

Salvation from sin is the gift of God to this world through Jesus Christ our Lord; so no man can boast of having contributed anything toward his redemption.

Afar Off

The Jews were said to be “nigh” to God because of the Law and the covenants and their access to Him through their offerings and blood sacrifices. The Gentiles had no access and they were said to be “afar off.”

As the Blood of Jesus Christ flowed from that cruel cross, nature was thrown into convulsions, and burst forth in its fury. The heavens became black, the rocks were rent and graves were opened. The veil of the Temple was rent in twain from top to bottom. The Gentiles were bidden to enter in. “Rejoice, ye Gentiles, . . . and laud him, all ye people”. Both Jew and Gentile can now approach the Living God through the Blood of Jesus Christ.

The Jews are no longer said to be “nigh” and the Gentiles “afar off,” but all have access by the Spirit unto the Father.

Temple of the Lord

Jew and Gentile are fellow citizens of that heavenly country, and all belong to his household of faith. They have the same foundation, that of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone and the medium by which, both are united in the same building.

Both are being fitly framed together by the Holy Spirit into one great temple of the Lord. The building is not completed yet but is growing day by day; and some day the last saint will have entered in, and the glory of the Lord will lighten the temple and the saints will dwell there. Death will be swallowed up in victory.

Questions:

1. Do soul and body exist after death?
2. What was the condition of the Ephesians before they heard the Gospel?
3. Do good deeds save us? If not, what brings us into favour with God?
4. What brought separation between Jew and Gentile?
5. Does the middle wall of partition still exist?
6. What kind of building are the saints compared with?
7. Upon what Foundation is the Gospel built?
8. When death comes where do soul and body go?

For study on September 7,2014

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)

THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

[Ephesians:3:14-21 ]; [Ephesians:4:1-16 ].
Lesson No.:402
Class: Senior
Memory Verse: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1).


Cross References:

I The Apostles’ Prayer for the Ephesians
1. To be strengthened in the inner man, [Ephesians:3:14-16 ]; [Romans:9:23]; [2 Corinthians:4:16]; [Colossians:1:11], [Colossians:1:27].
2. That Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith, [Ephesians:3:17]; [John:14:23].
3. To comprehend the vastness of the love of God, [Ephesians:3:18]; [Ephesians:1:18]; [Romans:10:12].
4. To be filled with all the fullness of Christ, [Ephesians:3:19]; [Hebrews:13:21]; [John:1:16].

II An Exhortation to Christian Unity
1. A walk worthy of a Christian’s high calling is necessary, [Ephesians:4:1]; [Philippians:1:27]; [1 Thessalonians:2:12].
2. The fruit of the Spirit is manifested in our relations one with another, [Ephesians:4:2]; [Acts:20:19]; [Galatians:5:22-23 ]; [Colossians:3:12-13 ].
3. The unity of the Spirit is preserved in the bond of peace, [Ephesians:4:3]; [John:14:27]; [Colossians:3:14].

III The Unity of All Pertaining to God
1. Christ’s Church is one body. There is one Spirit -– the Spirit of Christ, [Ephesians:4:4]; [Romans:12:5]; [1 Corinthians:12:11-12 ]; [Hebrews:6:19].
2. There is one Lord –- Lord Christ; one faith -– Christ’s Doctrine; one baptism –- He ordained it, [Ephesians:4:5]; [Matthew:28:19]; [Galatians:3:27-28 ].
3. There is one God in whom we live and have our being, [Ephesians:4:6]; [Malachi:2:10]; [Romans:11:36]; [1 Timothy:2:5].

IV The Work of the Church on Earth
1. The gifts were bestowed upon men when Christ ascended on High, [Ephesians:4:7-10 ]; [Psalms:68:18]; [Romans:12:6-8 ]; [1 Corinthians:12:4-11 ]; [1 Timothy:3:16]; [Hebrews:9:24].
2. Instructors were appointed that the church might be brought to perfection, and that the children of God might not be led astray by false doctrine, [Ephesians:4:11-16 ]; [Isaiah:28:9]; [Hebrews:13:9]; [2 Timothy:4:5].
Notes:

God Our Father
This lesson starts out with Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. He declares that the whole family of the redeemed in Heaven and earth is named for the Father. In human relationship are we not named after our earthly father? Through Jesus Christ we are all made one in our heavenly relationship, if we have been born again and our names enrolled in the heavenly records. God is not the Father of those who reject His Son and His plan of salvation. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” [John:8:44]). It is our spiritual relationship to God that makes Him our Father. God is not the author of sin nor the Father of those whose lives are sinful. Neither are they brothers who reject our Elder Brother and walk after the flesh.

God’s Riches
The first part of Paul’s prayer is for them to be strengthened in the inner man, according to the riches of his glory. God’s riches are unlimited. It is all a free gift. When a wealthy man gives a gift, he is expected to give a gift according to his ability. When a poor man gives a gift, one expects it to be small, for he is not able to give much. But think what God’s resources are! And He is able to go even beyond what we can think or ask. The gift of Christ to man is the measure of God’s love, and the death of Christ for man is the measure of His love.

Paul desires that Christ dwell in their hearts by faith and that they be rooted and grounded in love, so that they may be able to comprehend the immeasurableness of God’s love.

The natural man is strengthened by earthly food, the inward man by that which comes from Heaven. To survive, they both must be fed. Neglect the body, it perishes. Neglect the spiritual man, he dies. Paul wants them to know the love of Christ, which is abounding toward them so richly, that they may be filled with all the fullness of God. Someone has said that to be filled with God is a great thing; to be filled with the fullness of God is still greater; but to be filled with all the fullness of God confounds the understanding. It means to be filled with meekness, goodness, gentleness, love, patience, justice, holiness, mercy and truth. Few exemplify the stature of fullness. Many show the stature of littleness and emptiness.

Paul prayed that the Ephesians might attain to the very highest in their Christian experience. Does it not portray the perfection of the Bride of Christ? In days of old, kings looked for human perfection in selecting their brides. Why should not we expect our Christ to look for that spiritual perfection in the Church, His Bride who is to walk side by side with Him in His Kingdom here on this earth?

A Careful Walk
Walk worthy of the vocation! How high is our standard? In our own heart, what is the standard we have set up? Do we consider that we should be full of meekness, full of love, full of joy, full of humility, full of justice? Do we hold as high a standard for ourselves as we do for another?

The standard we hold must be weighed on God’s scale and not on our own ideas or shortcomings. Every step in this Christian race should be a step of courage, of faith, of love, of meekness, of loyalty to the truth. The Lord expects it of us; He is grieved if we fail; and by our failure we may lose our place in the Bride hood of Christ.

Unity
“United we stand, divided we fall,” is not a Bible quotation but it is quite true. A story is told of a father who had several sons. One day he took some sticks and bound them into a bundle and brought them to his sons and asked each son to break the bundle. Not one of them could break it. The father then took the bundle, untied it and took each stick and broke it, showing that in unity there is strength.

We are exhorted to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace [Ephesians:4:3]).Jesus said the gates of hell should not prevail against His Church. Why? It is a united Church. The members may live in Africa, America, Japan, West Indies, anywhere on the earth; it is one Church, the Church Militant here on earth. One day it will become the Church Triumphant -– the Bride of Christ.

One Body
The Church is likened to the body of Christ. Jesus is the Head. All are members one with another. There is no friction in the human body. All members work in perfect accord and in conjunction with one another. All are in perfect obedience and subjection to the head. In the Church every member should labour for the comfort and edification of the whole, and to honour the Head, which is Christ. Paul, by his admonitions, exhortations and encouragements is striving to point the way to a perfect Church.

There is one Lord -– Jesus Christ; one faith for the whole world, and that faith is the doctrines set forth in the Word of God by Jesus Christ and the Apostles; one baptism, the one Jesus ordained when He was here on earth; one God, Father of us all, Jews and Gentiles, and fountain of all being, who is above all.

Christ’s Ascension and Descension
“When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” This same Jesus who triumphed over death, hell and the grave on that resurrection morning, ascended up on High leading captivity captive. In [Psalms:68:18] we find the Psalmist giving the same quotations as if he were picturing a military triumph. Also in [Judges:5:12] we read: “Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive.”

In olden times the conqueror often drove through the streets with the conquered fastened behind his chariot; and amidst the applause of the people, threw out to them gifts of the bounty he had taken. Jesus descended to this earth as God in man and suffered the insults and rebuffs of men, was crucified and placed in the tomb, but that was not the end. He arose and ascended up on High far above all heavens, that He might fulfil all things.

Gave Gifts unto Men
“He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Jesus looks into the natural qualifications of the members of the Body of Christ and gives to them according to their ability. It is all done for the perfecting of the saints.

Just as we need schools to teach our children the ways of life, so the church needs pastors, evangelists, and teachers to instruct Christians in the path of righteousness and to build them up in the most holy faith. Those who are as children, are often tossed about from one belief to another before they become grounded in the truth. When they grow up to become stalwart men and women in the faith they are able to separate the true from the false.

All these teachers and instructors in the Gospel are given us to help us become full-grown men or women in Christ Jesus -– united in one perfect Church.

Questions:

1. Mention some of the things Paul prayed for in his prayer for the Ephesians.
2. How great is God’s love to man?
3. How carefully should a Christian walk?
4. Name some of the gifts Jesus gave to men.
5. Can all men claim God as their Father?
6. What brings unity in the Church?
7. Tell how Paul compares the Church to the body.
8. Who is the Head?

This week's Senior lesson
THE CHURCH - THE BRIDE OF CHRIST
Ephesians 5:1-33
Lesson 403
Senior Memory Verse: “We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Ephesians 5:30)

I The Importance of Holy Living
1. We are exhorted to walk in love, Ephesians 5:1, 2; 4:1-4.
2. We are warned against sinfulness, Ephesians 5:3-7.
3. The believer walks in the light, Ephesians 5:8-13; I John 1:7.
4. The will of the Lord is to redeem the time, praise and worship God,
Ephesians 5:14-21.
II The Church, the Body of Christ
1. The wife, in relation to her husband, is a type of the Church’s relationship to Christ, Ephesians 5:22-24.
2. The husband is a type of Christ and His love for the Church, Ephesians 5:25.
3. Christ gave Himself for the Church that he might present it as a bride unto himself, Ephesians 5:26, 27.
4. Men are taught to love their wives by Christ’s love for His Church, Ephesians 5:28, 29.
III The Beauty and Wonder of the Bride of Christ
1. The Bride is united with Christ in a mystical body, unseen but real, and
does His will, manifesting true Christian graces in everything, Ephesians 5:30; Proverbs 31:10-31.
2. As a woman forsakes all for her husband, so Christ’s Bride leaves all to be joined to Christ, Ephesians 5:31, 32.
3. Earthly marital ties are deep and wonderful, Ephesians 5:23.

NOTES
A Holy Life
The true Church, the Church of the Firstborn, is a mystical body. The
church as it is known in its many physical forms in this world, bears little resemblance to the Church that we study about in the New Testament. Christ is the Head of the Church, and this means that the Church is subject to Him in all its teachings, plans, and policies. It is plain for all to see that all church
members in this world are not subject to Christ in all they say, think, or do.
This brings us to the conclusion that to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ means much more than belonging to some earthly organisation. Earthly organisations fill their place, of course, but membership in the Church of the Firstborn is the all-important thing.
We are exhorted in this lesson to live a holy life. When the Christian loves
God, reads and obeys God’s Word, and has been redeemed from sin by the sinless One, Jesus Christ the Lord, he finds it natural to obey every precept that he finds in the Bible. Every exhortation to godliness he appreciates and clings to; and every warning against the dangers that he might encounter he gladly heeds, knowing that in following the Word of God he is proving the love he has in his heart for the Bride-groom of his soul. He is not serving God for reward, nor is he doing it out of fear of reprisal; but his service is a result of his love for Jesus who has done so much for him.

Warnings
There was a danger when Paul wrote this Epistle to the Ephesians that
some of them might continue in the sinful, unclean ways of the unrighteous man and be deceived into believing that they had a part in the Kingdom of Christ anyway. He blasts this false conception by telling them: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” That danger is still with us. In spite
of the many warnings of the Scriptures, some people live in sin and call themselves Christians. This lesson enumerates many of the sins and says pointedly that they who do such things have no part in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
The Christian has passed from under this terrible darkness and now walks
in the glorious light of the Gospel. The things that once overcame him he now overcomes. The light of God’s Word shows things to him now in a new way and he abhors every evil thing. He enjoys fellowship with God and with the people of God. He does not desire the fellowship and friendship of the world, for he knows these things will draw him away from his love for his Lord and Master.

Separation
The saint of God feels ashamed of the things that the worldly man delights in, for they are at variance with the spiritual life. The fact is that the Christian’s love for God just naturally separates him from them who walk in darkness; his life and testimony are a reproof unto them. The man or woman, boy or girl, who has set himself to be ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ is busy in the Lord’s work. Things that others can do that seem necessary to them he sees as foolishness, for he expects his Lord to come for him soon. Others say that things continue as they were “since the fathers fell asleep” (II Peter 3:4).
But the Bride of Christ is longing and praying for the hour to come when the Bridegroom will appear to take His Bride out of this world.

Preparedness
If we are going to be ready for Jesus’ coming and be a member of the Bride of Christ, we must do more than know that He will come back to earth again.
We must prepare for His return and keep in a state of preparedness. We are to be translated by faith, but we will never have such faith unless the Word of God has purified our lives. Without that purifying which comes through the Blood of Jesus and the Word, and without that hope of His soon coming in our heart, we will not have the faith to be translated -– to lose gravitation and go up when Jesus comes.
This lesson is taught to us very plainly in the parable of the Ten Virgins in the 25th chapter of Matthew (Matthew 25:1-13). Five of the virgins were wise and five were foolish. The difference was that the wise had oil in their vessels with their lamps; and with their lamps trimmed and burning they went in to the marriage. The foolish virgins had been careless about keeping their supply of oil, and their lamps had gone out. The oil typifies the Spirit of God many places in the Scriptures. The foolish had not walked in the light to obtain the extra supply of oil needed, and had let that which they had leak out. The wise had availed themselves of the opportunity afforded to be filled with the Spirit.
Having been baptised with the Holy Ghost, He, the Spirit of Truth, led them into all truth and showed them that their Lord would soon come.
They knew that the careless and indifferent would never be ready; and by watchfulness and prayer they had retained the Spirit upon their lives and were ready when the call came. But with the foolish this was not the case. Through carelessness and neglect their lamps had gone out and they were unprepared when the cry went forth, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Just so will it be when the Bridegroom comes for His Bride. They who
are ready will go in to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and those who are left on the outside will be left to go through the terrible tribulation that will come upon this earth.
The Bride of Christ is espoused to Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom of her
heart. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones”
(Ephesians 5:30). Christ’s purpose is that He might have “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27). He supplies the grace to prepare just such a Bride and to sustain her in this state in this present world. We overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.
Every soul is responsible for walking in the light that has shined across his pathway. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (I John 1:7). “And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (I John 5:4). It is impossible to have faith in God or in His promises unless one is walking in the light of the Word. If a person refuses any part of the light that comes to him, the light that is in him becomes darkness.
The Church of the Firstborn is made up of individuals and it can be holy and without blemish as each member of it is purified and made holy. If the
members of this Church forget their vows and consecrations to Jesus, they will be tempted to go after “another” and will forget that their main purpose is to please the Lord and to prepare for the day when He will come back for His own.

Husbands and Wives
Husbands and wives are taught their obligations to each other through this lesson of Christ’s love and relationship to His Church. Many troubles, heartbreaks, broken homes and divorces would be avoided if the husband and wife were members of the Church of which Christ is the Head. When the husband loves the wife as Christ loves the Church, he will not be the cause of trouble in that home. When the wife is subject to the husband as the Church is to Christ, her side of the marital relationship will make for peace and continuing love. If both husband and wife obey the Word of God and their attitudes toward each other are right, they fulfil the place that God ordained for them in having a happy spiritual relationship. Their children will rise up and call them blessed. Many times we have heard testimonies of the redeemed that gave a great deal of credit to Christian fathers and mothers for living before their children an example that made them want to follow in their parents’ footsteps in serving the Lord.

Redeeming the Time
Christians have a great responsibility in the use of their time. Paul exhorts
us to redeem the time, because the days are evil. We are to use our time to the best advantage in winning souls for the Kingdom. Many unimportant things come up that someone must do, but the Bride of Christ remembers that her first obligation is to obey the voice of the Master and go forth bearing precious seed. She must do this even though beset by trials and persecutions.
The Bride of Christ is the sorrowing Bride today. She is now bearing the cross. She is pure and holy, washed in the Blood, refined and tried as gold, willing, to be counted as the off-scouring of the earth and suffer reproach for His Name. Jesus was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and he will have a Bride to reign with Him who has first suffered with Him. We are living on the very eve of the coming of the Son of God. Soon our privilege of winning souls for Jesus will be past. Then how many will cry, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (Jeremiah 8:20)!
The more evil the time the more the Christian shines. The worse the day,
the more dire the need for the Gospel of light. In Noah’s day every thought
and imagination of the hearts of the people was evil continually. But he
condemned the world by believing God in the midst of all the evil. When the time for the flood came, Noah and his household rode on top of the flood, just as the Bride of Christ will rise above this old world in the Rapture. She will be at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb while the flood of God’s indignation is being poured out on this world during the Great Tribulation. The most profitable way to redeem or use our time is to prepare for the Lord’s coming and to help others to get ready also.

QUESTIONS
1. Who is the Head of the Church?
2. What kind of Church does Christ desire for Himself?
3. What love is the husband to have for the wife? With what is it compared?
4. What is the wife’s attitude to be toward her husband?
5. What reason given in this lesson urges us to redeem the time?
6. What is our attitude to be toward works of darkness?
7. What are the things listed in this lesson that bar one from the Kingdom of Christ and bring the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience?
8. What will have to be the condition of the Church that is presented to
Christ?
9. What are the conditions that keep the Church prepared for the Rapture?

This week's Senior Lesson
PAUL’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PHILIPPIANS
Philippians 1:1-7, 27-30; 2:1-30
LESSON 405
Senior Memory Verse: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3)

I Words of Affection
1. Paul addresses the Philippian believers and gives thanks for their fellowship, Philippians 1:1-5.
2. He has confidence that the work of Christ will abound through them,
Philippians 1:6, 7.
II Steadfastness Enjoined
1. He encourages them to live consistent Christian lives, Philippians 1:27; I Timothy 4:12.
2. The victorious Christian walk is their joy and not the burden their
adversaries would suppose, Philippians 1:28-30.
III Love, Unity and Humility
1. Paul’s joy was that these Christians live in harmony and unity, Philippians 2:1-4; Ephesians 4:1-3.
2. They are to have the mind of Christ and walk humbly, as Christ did, Philippians 2:5-8.
3. Because of humility and obedience, God has exalted Christ, and will cause every one to worship Him to the glory of God the Father, Philippians 2:9-11.
IV Obedient Christians As Lights
1. God works out His pleasure and salvation in the faithful, obedient Christian, Philippians 2:12, 13.
2. The Christian’s living testimony shines as a light in a darkened world,
Philippians 2:14-18; Ephesians 5:8; I Thessalonians 5:5.
V Messengers
1. Timothy is faithful, but others seek their own welfare, Philippians 2:19-24; 2:4; I Corinthians 10:24.
2. Epaphroditus, a faithful fellow-soldier, was sick but God spared him, Philippians 2:25-28.
3. He is to be received with gladness as one who has given his all for the course of Christ, Philippians 2:29, 30.

NOTES
Paul’s concern for and his exhortations to this Philippian church spring from a heart of concern just as a father has for his children. This church had its beginning in the conversion of Lydia, the seller of purple. Paul had a vision in the night of a man of Macedonia saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” He believed this was of the Lord, and immediately left Troas to go into Macedonia where Lydia became Europe’s first convert to Christianity and the beginning of the church there (Acts 16:9-15). The young woman with the spirit of divination was soon healed and converted, as was the Philippian jailer and his family. No doubt these few people made up the nucleus of this body of believers. This epistle was written from Rome while Paul was imprisoned there.

Salutation
Paul salutes the saints in Philippi, as well as the bishops and deacons, indicating that the church there was well organised and prosperous. Every time his thoughts turned to them he rejoiced because of the work God had done among them. He had confidence that God would finish the work that he had started. His prayers could be prayers of thanksgiving and praise because of the fellowship he enjoyed with the saints at Philippi. True fellowship in the Gospel is not based on persons being at the same place at the same time, but it is a spiritual relationship. The people who are one with God and obey His Word has fellowship with God and with God’s people.

Steadfastness
Paul’s advice to the Philippian Christians was that their conversation, or their conduct, be a credit to the Gospel of Christ. He knew that some men would profess to be Christians whose lives would prove otherwise. He did not want them to depend upon his presence, but whether he was present or absent they would be living testimonies to the keeping power there is in the Gospel. It has been true down through the ages that some have followed God quite faithfully when they had strong spiritual leaders over them, but when the leaders were gone their faith faltered. God wants us to stand even if we stand alone. There may come a time in our lives when we will be far away from the best of Christian influence, but may it be said of us also that we stand fast in the faith.
The very fact that the Christian does not retaliate under persecution may seem an indication of weakness to the adversaries of the Gospel. But to stand still and see God work for us is the victory. Even in times of persecution or trial our part is not to fight back but to remember that the Word says: “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:7, . We read in the text that suffering for His sake is as much a part of the Gospel as believing on Him. Paul knew whereof he spoke, for he had suffered many things and even then was a prisoner in Rome.

Unity
The Christian’s warfare is fought on a different plane from what the natural
man would think. In the estimation of the worldly person, humility would not win many battles. In the business world of everyday commerce, man is expected to radiate self-confidence and his own ability. Paul’s purpose was not to teach lessons in daily commerce but a far more important lesson of dwelling together in unity in the fellowship of the Spirit. The lessons he taught them we take for our lessons today and apply them to our fellowship in our church. Even at the hazard of having the worldly-wise out-bargain us, we must live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Strife or vainglory has no place in the Christian, but he is to esteem his brother better than himself. He is to be concerned about his brother, and not to be always arranging things to his own advantage. His brother’s gain and welfare is of great importance to him.
Mind of Christ
Christ is our example. He left all in Heaven and made Himself of no reputation, came to earth, and lived and died that we might have life. We are to follow by applying all that we have to the furthering of the Gospel that men may be saved. Our reputation, our chance for fame or fortune, we must gladly set aside that we might be used of God in reaching the lost. The one who is hungry for God will see in the humble servant of the Cross the beauty of Jesus and will be attracted to Him by the Spirit of God. The man who has no thought of God nor concern for his own soul may count the Christian as the off- scouring of the earth, but such was the fate of the Apostles. Whether men hear or forbear the instructions, the Word of God is the Christian’s chart and compass by which he lives and which guides him to eternity.

Christ Exalted
God has exalted His Son and given Him a name above every name. Isaiah the Prophet spoke of that wonderful Name when he said: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Every name that can be applied to God, as Deity, can also be applied to His Son Jesus. He was with the Father in the creation and we read: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).
Every knee will bow to Jesus some day. They who bow to Him now and let Him receive them and be their Saviour obtain His salvation. But there is coming a time when all who have failed to bow will yet have to do so to the glory of God but it will be after all hope of salvation has passed. To honour the Son and to worship Him is to honour God; and to refuse to honour Him is to dishonour the Father also.
The tendency in many circles seems to be to downgrade Jesus the Son of God. Some deny His divinity, and in doing so they deny themselves any hope of eternal salvation. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ was no impostor. He declared Himself to be the resurrection and the life. Our hope of salvation rests upon His divinity and upon the truth of God’s Word. If one allows himself to entertain a doubt about any part of the Bible he may soon lose all faith he has in any part of it. The King James Version of the Bible is the best translation that has been offered to the English-speaking world and is still our best hope of finding our way from earth to Glory. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible was edited by men, most of whom entertain doubts as to the divinity of Jesus; and we know that such doubts would not lead one toward Heaven, but would close the door forever in his face. Jesus is the Door, and if we cannot find Him, what hope would there be of our salvation? The very same persons who today deny the virgin birth of Jesus or His divinity will one day bow their knees and confess Him, but that will come too late for salvation. Today is the day of salvation, and now is the accepted time.

Christians As Lights
The Apostle says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” This would indicate that the Christian is to be a person of action; he is to do things -– not that he stirs up or looks for controversy, but he stands for the truth. To remain inactive or to fail to let his light shine to avoid opposition would be cowardly compromise. The more vile and sinful the surroundings, the more dire the need for the light. By obeying the injunctions of this lesson we will be lights that penetrate the darkness around us and we will “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” If we had to shut ourselves behind some great wall to keep from being polluted with the sins of this world, what hope would the world have of seeing the light of the Gospel through us? Rather, Jesus has left us to occupy until he comes back to earth again. He has gone to Heaven and we are left here to shine for Him. When He was here he declared Himself to be the Light of the world, and now that He is at the right hand of the Father we are His lights shining in this world.
Many people have ruined their testimony and even lost their soul after having been used of the Lord. They did not keep themselves in the love of God nor did they obey His Word. They murmured, they complained, they disputed in direct violation of what the Lord has told them to do. We are free moral agents and have the power of choice all the days of our lives. If we choose to obey the Lord He will make us to shine more and more unto that perfect day.

Messengers Sent
Paul, being imprisoned in Rome, was unable to visit these Christians whom he loved so dearly. He sent Timothy and Epaphroditus. They had proved their worth and faithfulness. They helped Paul bear the burden of the Gospel work in those days. Even at that early date Paul said that he had no other who stood with him, for all “seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” What a responsibility rests upon Christians to stand true to the Lord and be faithful! If men fail, God has no other plan. May the reader, if he is a Christian, take the exhortation to heart to be able to shine as a light in this world. And to the unsaved, may these wonderful words of the Apostle Paul cause a hunger to spring up in your heart. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

QUESTIONS
1. What was Paul’s feeling when he remembered the Philippians?
2. What did he say their conversation (conduct) was to be?
3. What mind did he want them to have?
4. What did he say that Christ had done for them?
5. What did he say about bowing to Christ?
6. How were they to live that they might be lights in the world?
7. Whom did Paul propose to send unto them?
8. What did he say about the supply of Gospel workers in that day?
9. Why had Ephaphroditus been full of heaviness?
10. How had Timothy served with Paul in the Gospel?

This week's Senior Lesson
EZEKIEL’S COMMISSION
Ezekiel 1:1-28; 2:1-10; 3:1-27
LESSON 407
Senior Memory Verse: “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ezekiel 3:18)

I Ezekiel’s Commission
1. We are given the time and place of divine manifestation to the prophet, Ezekiel 1:1-3; Daniel 8:1, 2; Matthew 3:16; Acts 7:56.
2. Ezekiel is given a vision of the four living creatures and the wheels, Ezekiel 1:4-18; Revelation 4:6-8.
3. The living creatures were moved by the Spirit that was in them and the noise of their wings was like the noise of the Almighty, Ezekiel 1:19-25; 10:17.
4. Ezekiel saw a throne and the likeness of the glory of the Lord around it, Ezekiel 1:26-28; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9.
II Sent to a Rebellious Nation
1. Ezekiel was sent to the children of the captivity, whether they would hear or not, Ezekiel 2:1-5; I Samuel 8:7; Isaiah 48:4; Jeremiah 5:3; Acts 13:46.
2. He was not to be afraid of their words or looks, Ezekiel 2:6-8; Isaiah 41:10, 51:12; Jeremiah 1:17.
3. He was given a roll, written within and without with lamentation and woe, Ezekiel 2:9, 10.
III Eating and Declaring God’s Word
1. Ezekiel ate the roll and was made a watchman to the house of Israel, Ezekiel 3:1-17; Psalm 119:103; Jeremiah 15:16; Revelation 10:9.
2. He was warned of the importance of being a faithful watchman, Ezekiel 3:18-21; 33:6; John 8:21, 24.
3. He was given another vision of the glory of the Lord, Ezekiel 3:22-27; 24:27; 33:22; Luke 1:20-22.

NOTES
Ezekiel is Called the “Shepherd of the Exiles”
Ezekiel was carried to Babylon in the second stage of the captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was among the first of the captives to be taken to Babylon, eight years previous to Ezekiel’s captivity. Ezekiel was contemporary with Jeremiah and Daniel. Jeremiah had prophesied for 34 years before Ezekiel was called to the prophetic ministry. Ezekiel was the son of a priest and possibly had executed some priestly offices himself before being taken captive to Babylon.
He had been in Babylon five years when the Lord appeared to him one day by the river Chebar and gave him a vision of the divine glory of the Lord. He continued to prophesy for at least 22 years. Much of his prophecy was symbolical but his language was very plain and simple.
Having been around the Temple in Jerusalem, he possibly had heard much of Jeremiah’s prophecy. It may have influenced his young life. Ezekiel had been prophesying in Babylon for six years before the fall of Jerusalem.
During this time Jeremiah was battling with his own people in Jerusalem trying to persuade them not to resist the Chaldean army. To his own countrymen this sounded like treason. To the ungodly, the voice of the Lord speaking through His messengers is distasteful and many times stirs up rebellion.

Ezekiel’s Commission
Ezekiel was favoured with this extraordinary vision of divine glory when he received his commission to bear God’s message to the rebellious house of Israel. He states that the heavens were opened and he saw visions of God, emblems and symbols of divine majesty, showing forth the glory of the Lord.
When these living creatures moved, the sound of their wings was like the voice of the Almighty. In the firmament that was over them was the likeness of a throne, and on that throne, the likeness of a man. Could this represent the One who was to come and lay one hand on sinful man and the other upon a merciful God and bring them together in reconciliation? The appearance of fire was round about the One who sat on the throne. Fire denotes judgment. But above it all was the appearance of a bow that is seen in the cloud in the day of rain. This bow of promise was hung out like a flag from this throne of glory as a covenant of peace. Except for final judgment, there is never a judgment foretold but that it is followed by a promise of peace and hope to those who will heed the warning and seek the face of God. In wrath God remembers mercy. God’s ultimate purpose is to save men’s lives and not to destroy them.

Eating the Roll
A roll was handed to Ezekiel, written within and without, full of lamentations and woe. Ezekiel was told to eat the roll. The Lord wanted him to fully saturate himself with the message he was to bear.
In order to fully preach God’s Word, a minister must know and understand the message he is to preach. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” II Timothy 2:15).
This roll, or message, told of God’s judgment for sin. It is not easy to proclaim the judgments of God. It sometimes brings severe persecution to the messenger. That is why many ministers are preaching only the “love” of God. It is an easy way and tickles the ears of people. It does not disturb them from their spiritual slumber. But God is a God of judgment as well as a God of love and mercy.

Ungrateful
There never was a people so highly favoured as Israel and yet never a people so ungrateful. At one time the glory of the Lord shone out through the Kingdom of Israel to all the nations of the world. No nation was ever more blessed of the Lord than Israel during the reign of Solomon, but sin and disobe-dience brought it from its pinnacle of glory to the depths of slavery. What a fall! “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). There is no soul so abject and pitiful as one who has once known God and backslid.

A Rebellious People
Ezekiel was possessed with those sterling qualities that make a man a giant for the Lord. He was sent to a rebellious people. The Lord told him not to be afraid of their voices or dismayed at their looks. Whether they would hear or whether they would forbear, he was to proclaim the Word of The Lord. Paul exhorted Timothy: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2). Even though they will not hear, they cannot plead their ignorance in the day of judgment.

A Watchman
Ezekiel was made a watchman to the house of Israel. The duty of a watchman is to warn the people of an impending danger. Israel had wandered far from the fold. The Prophet Jeremiah said, “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of diamond” (Jeremiah 17:1). “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also rap” (Galatians 6:7). Israel was now reaping what they had been sowing for years. They were captives in a strange land. The walls of their beautiful city, Jerusalem, were broken down. Their costly Temple was laid waste. Their sins had separated them from their God. Not only their past sins but their present sins were keeping God’s face hid from them. They were still a stiff-necked and rebellious people. They had forgotten God.

Responsibility
The responsibility of warning Israel was laid upon Ezekiel. The responsibility of warning sinners today is laid upon God’s watchmen. Where are the fiery preachers who once sounded the warning that hell-fire and brimstone awaited the ungodly? “Eternal security” is the cry that today’s hirelings are sending forth. Hear this from the lips of the Almighty: “When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
From the pulpit, from the press, from the air, in almost every quarter of the globe, one hears that smooth-sounding phrase, “eternal security.” One can be eternally secure if he walks obedient to God’s commandments, but if he turns from the faith, he is no longer a child of God and has no right to eternal life. At whose hands will the blood of those who have been deceived be required? They have been led to believe that if they were once saved they can never be lost, when God’s Word plainly declares that only the “pure in heart” shall see God. God still has some faithful “Ezekiels” who still warn the wicked of their evil ways and declare that in the day a righteous man sins he shall surely die.

QUESTIONS
1. Where was Ezekiel when the Lord gave him his commission?
2. What was the proverb the Children of Israel were using?
3. Describe the vision Ezekiel saw.
4. Why was Ezekiel told to eat the roll?
5. What is the duty of a watchman?
6. What does the Lord say about a righteous man in the day that he sins?
7. What does the Lord say about a sinner in the day that he turns from his sins?

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SIN

[Ezekiel:18:1-32 ].
Lesson No.: 408
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20).


Cross References:

I God’s Just Dealings with Man
1. The Lord reproves the parable of sour grapes, [Ezekiel:18:1-3 ]; [Romans:6:23].
2. The Lord shows how He deals with a just father, [Ezekiel:18:4-9 ]; [Psalms:15:5]; [Amos:5:4].
3. He shows how He deals with a wicked son of a just father, [Ezekiel:18:10-13 ]; [Leviticus:20:9]; [Deuteronomy:21:18-21 ].
4. He shows how He deals with a just son of a wicked father, [Ezekiel:18:14-19 ].
5. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die,” [Ezekiel:18:20]; [Isaiah:3:11]; [Romans:2:9].
6. When the wicked turns from his sins and doeth righteousness, he shall live, [Ezekiel:18:21], [Ezekiel:18:23-28 ]; [Ezekiel:33:12], [Ezekiel:33:16], [Ezekiel:33:19].
7. When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die, [Ezekiel:18:24], [Ezekiel:18:26]; [Ezekiel:33:11]; [2 Peter:2:20].
8. Israel claimed the way of the Lord was unequal, [Ezekiel:18:25];[Ezekiel:18:29].
9. Exhortation is given to turn from their sins and live, [Ezekiel:18:30-32 ]; [Ezekiel:33:11]; [Jeremiah:35:15]; [Ephesians:4:22-24 ].
Notes:

Sour Grapes
The Children of Israel who were captive in the land of Babylon were using this proverb, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” They were placing their blame for being in captivity on the sins of their parents. They were not looking into their own hearts and saying, “We have sinned, and because of our own sins the Lord has let us be brought into captivity.”

It seems to be a mark of corrupt human nature to lay the blame for sin on someone else. Just as Adam placed his sin of disobedience on Eve, and Even on the serpent, so man has always been prone to blame someone else if he is in a sinful condition. The Lord’s law of judgement has always been just and the same. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”

Abraham realised God was just, and when the Lord was about to destroy Sodom, he pleaded with the Lord to spare Lot, saying, “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: . . . Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” [Genesis:18:25]).

The Lord was tired of their unjustly using this proverb of the sour grapes, so through Ezekiel he tells them their ways are unequal. He says, “All souls are mine,” the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son. None shall die for another’s crime, none shall be saved for another’s righteousness.

God’s Standard
“But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, . . . hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; . . . hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgements, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.” That is God’s standard for a just father.

The Lord then takes up the case of an unjust son of a just father. If a son does not live righteously but is a robber, a shedder of blood, hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath not restored the pledge, then in his iniquity he shall die: making it plain he shall die for his own sins.

Then the Lord treats the case of a just son of an unjust father. If he sees all his father’s sins and considereth and does all that is lawful and right, he shall not die for the iniquity of his father; he shall live. The Lord is making it plain to them they need not suffer for their father’s sins.

Now the Lord takes up the case of a sinner. If he will turn from his sins and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live. The penitent sinner is dealt with according to his new obedience and not according to his former sins. On the other hand, if a righteous man turns from his righteousness back to sin, he shall be punished for his sins and his former righteousness will be of no avail to him. He must expect, in justice, that his former goodness will not atone for subsequent sins.

Eternal Security
There is a false teaching in the world today that when once one has been born again he is always a child of God and will not be lost eternally regardless of how deep he may go into sin, and though he die in his sins. They call it “eternal security.” Some say that people who have once been truly saved and have backslidden will eventually come back to God before they die, though they may wander in sin for a long time. It is true that they may get back to God, but there is danger that they will not. How they can ignore the plain teaching in this lesson is more than one can understand. In [John:15:1-6 ], Christ teaches that the unfruitful branches are cut off and destroyed. Every one of these branches had been attached to the vine at one time.

David’s warning to Solomon, his son, in [1 Chronicles:28:9], says: “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.”

These portions of Scripture plainly teach that a soul may have once known God and then backslide and be lost forever. No sin will ever enter Heaven. Jesus died that we might be saved from our sins.

The Truth of the Scriptures
A favourite text of those who believe in the so-called eternal security doctrine is [John:10:27-28 ], “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Notice Jesus said, “They follow me.” Certainly when a soul backslides and sins, he is not following Jesus and is no longer a sheep.

Our late Brother Jack Robbins used to say, “No man can pluck you out of God’s hand, but you can wiggle yourself out.” ‘Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” [Matthew:26:41]). When a soul yields to temptation and falls into sin, he removes himself from God’s hand, just as Adam did when he yielded to the voice of the tempter in the Garden of Eden. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” [Matthew:24:13]). It is the condition that we are in spiritually at the end of the race that will determine whether we have eternal life or will suffer eternal damnation.

“When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.” There is nothing in this verse to make us think that because he was once God’s child the Lord will bring him back into the fold before he dies. As the tree falls, so shall it be.

The Lord declares His ways are equal and Israel’s ways are unequal. So are the ways of the eternal security advocates -– they are unequal.

The Lord says He is married to the backslider, and He longs to bring him back into the fold, and will bring him back if he will repent and turn away from his sins. If one dies in his sins -- which many do -– he is lost, eternally lost. The Lord pleads with man to repent and turn from his transgressions so that iniquity will not be his ruin. He says, “Make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”

Eternal Life
“As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth” [Ezekiel:33:11-12 ]). What the Lord is looking for today is real born-again Christians -– those who have passed from death unto life, those who have forsaken the world, with its sin and folly, and have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb. They have a new life. Their life has been changed. They are no more children of the devil. They have changed masters and they follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. They are the ones who will inherit eternal life if they continue steadfast unto the end.

Many in Israel fell by the wayside and perished while making the journey from Egypt to Canaan, but God wills that all men everywhere come to repentance and live. “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.”
Questions:

1. What proverb were the Children of Israel using?
2. Name the different things the Lord says a just man will do.
3. In the day that a righteous man sins, what happens to him?
4. In the day that a sinner turns from his sins, what happens to him?
5. What false doctrine does this chapter in Ezekiel refute?
6. Explain how God’s ways are equal.
7. How do we get a new heart?
8. Why does the Lord plead with the sinner to repent?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE RIVER OF LIVING WATERS

[Ezekiel:47:1-12 ]; [Revelation:22:1-5 ].
Lesson No.: 409
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Cross References:

I Israel’s Failure to Respond to the Call of God
1. They forsook God, the Fountain of Living Waters, [Jeremiah:2:12-13 ].
2. They substituted cisterns, [Jeremiah:2:13], [Jeremiah:2:26-28 ].
3. The results -– their city was destroyed and Temple burned, [2 Chronicles:36:19].

II God’s Plan for a Future City During the Millennium
1. Ezekiel sees a vision of a city, [Ezekiel:40:2].
2. The Temple is described, Ezekiel 41-46.
3. Living Waters bring life and healing, [Ezekiel:47:1-12 ].

III The Living Waters of the Gospel
1. Salvation is likened to “a well of water,” [John:4:14]; [Isaiah:12:3].
2. Sanctification cleanses from all sin, [1 John:1:9]; [Ephesians:5:25-27 ].
3. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is likened to “rivers of living water,” [John:7:38-39 ]; [Isaiah:44:3-4 ].
4. Healing is provided in the Atonement, [Isaiah:53:5]; [Matthew:8:16-17 ].

IV The New Heavens and New Earth After the Millennium
1. John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, [Revelation:21:1-2 ].
2. The Living Waters were still flowing from the Throne of God, [Revelation:22:1-5 ].

Notes:

The Temple
“In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city” [Ezekiel:40:2]). “Declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel” were the instructions Ezekiel received. This was at a time when Jerusalem lay in ruins and the Temple of God had been burned with fire. God’s people Israel were scattered in foreign lands among strangers.

God in His love must have given this message and vision to inspire hope in the hearts of His people in a day when there would be a rebuilding of the city and of the Temple of God. There was a restoration of the city, and another Temple built under Ezra and Nehemiah, but this Temple that Ezekiel saw was different from that Temple. It was also different from Herod’s Temple; in fact, to this day no temple like it has ever been built. It should encourage the Jews even of our day with hope that even yet the Temple of Ezekiel’s vision shall be built.

The Living Waters
After the vision of the Temple, God let Ezekiel see a pure stream of water flowing out from under the threshold. “These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, withersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh” [Ezekiel:47:8-9 ]).

The Gospel
Living waters! Healing waters! What a marvellous type of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Flowing forth from the Son of God by virtue of Calvary, the Gospel brings healing and salvation wherever it goes. Into lands made barren by sin, life and salvation have followed the preaching of the Gospel. Souls that were dead because of sin have felt the flow, and life has returned. Bodies weakened because of disease have been instantly restored through the power of the Gospel. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” [John:10:10]).

How marvellous it is to think of a thief on a cross repenting of his sin and finding a place in paradise! A chief among the publicans willing to restore fourfold any ill-gotten gains! And a woman taken in adultery hearing the words, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more”! [John:8:11]). These Living Waters of the Gospel have continued to flow from the days of the Apostle until the present time. Men and women today are feeling that transforming power of the Gospel. Thieves, drunkards, adulterers, as well as moral men, are finding forgiveness and life by coming to Christ.

Healing
Healing, too, is found in the Gospel through the Atonement on Calvary. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” [Isaiah:53:5]). Proof of healing in the Atonement is further attested to in [Matthew:8:16-17 ]: “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”

That life-giving Stream is still flowing and miracles of healing are constantly being wrought and testified to by God’s people. All manner of disease have been healed in our day through prayer; many times cases that baffled physicians have found instant deliverance through Christ.

Broken Cisterns
“Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” [Jeremiah:2:12-13 ]). Just as Israel forsook the Lord and turned to idols, so people today have forsaken the Living Waters and have turned to their own material devices in the hope of satisfying their souls. The Gospel is a living Stream that brings peace and satisfaction to those who seek salvation. Yet amid the turmoil and strife of today’s so-called civilisation, very few are turning to God. They have hewed themselves out broken cisterns that hold no water.

Millions are turning to liquor and tranquillisers to drown their sorrows instead of seeking the Comforter who is able to give them true relief. Others are seeking in other sins to find pleasure, not heeding the promise, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” [Psalms:16:11]). Many there are who turn to riches, not knowing that “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” [Luke:12:15]). Truly broken cisterns have all those who do not seek “first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” [Matthew:6:33]).

The Vastness of the Living Waters
The Living Streams of the Gospel are deep and wide, just as the river, which Ezekiel saw. A thousand cubits -- 1,500 feet -– brought the prophet only ankle deep, but as he followed on, the waters deepened to the knees, to the loins, to waters to swim in, a great river which could not be passed over. Just so is the Gospel of Jesus Christ: as one goes forward, he sees more and more the depths, the vastness, the greatness of its flow.

Some people venture into the waters and receive salvation, but fail to look beyond and see the beauties of holiness. If they would follow the man with the measuring line out another thousand cubits, what blessings they would receive! “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” [Matthew:5:8]). And why should one hesitate to follow on to the place where “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: . . . )” [John:7:38-39 ]). That Stream has never been crossed over; its depths are not known; and it is still flowing for those who will cut shore lines, and by faith venture forth into the fullness of God. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!” [Romans:11:33]).

The Future Realities
Just as Ezekiel saw a stream flowing from the Temple in Jerusalem, so John the Beloved saw “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” [Revelation:22:1]). There was no more curse, and God dwelt among His people. Though the Gospel thrills and satisfies the soul, yet the Christian’s hope reaches beyond this sin-cursed earth to the day when faith shall become a reality.

We know that Jerusalem will be the capital of the world during the Millennium when Christ reigns upon this earth. No doubt the Temple, which Ezekiel saw will be built, and the river of living waters will flow forth to give life to the present Dead Sea. What a glorious hope the overcoming Christian has of living and reigning with Christ for a thousand years upon this earth and then forever to be with the Lord in a new Heaven and a new earth! That Living Stream will continue to flow from the Throne of God and of the Lamb. On either side will be the Tree of life, which yields her fruit every month. “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” [Galatians:6:9]). Truly great are the rewards for those who will press their way into the Kingdom of God!
Questions:

1. What is the length of a cubit?
2. What is the minimum width possibility of this river Ezekiel saw?
3. What is the river typical of?
4. What effect did the river have wherever it ran?
5. Compare this scene given by Ezekiel with the vision of John in this lesson.
6. When will the vision of Ezekiel be fulfilled? Of John?
7. How many kinds of fruit are borne by the Tree of Life?
8. How often does the Tree of Life yield fruit?
9. For what are the leaves of the tree?
10. Name some of the changes in the new earth.
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


CHRIST, THE ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE

[Colossians:1:9-29 ]; [Colossians:2:8-19 ].
Lesson No.: 410
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:

“In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Cross References:

I Loving Concern for the Colossians
1. The brethren in Rome are grateful for the good beginning of the Church at Colosse, [Colossians:1:3-4 ].
2. They pray for continued spiritual growth, [Colossians:1:9-11 ]; [John:17:9], [John:17:15-23 ]; [Ephesians:1:16-17 ].
3. Paul reminds the Colossians that redemption and deliverance is through Christ’s Atonement, [Colossians:1:13-14 ]; [Romans:3:24-25 ]; [Titus:2:14]; [Hebrews:9:12]; [Revelation:5:9].

II Christ’s Divine Pre-eminence
1. Christ is the image of God, [Colossians:1:15];[Colossians:2:9];; [John:14:9]; [Hebrews:1:3].
2. Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, visible and invisible, [Colossians:1:16-17 ]; [John:1:3-4 ]; [Hebrews:1:2-3 ].
3. Christ is the Head of the Church, and the first-born from the dead, [Colossians:1:18-19 ]; [1 Corinthians:15:20]; [Ephesians:1:22].

III Christ, the Author of Redemption for Mankind
1. Peace and reconciliation is made through the Atonement, [Colossians:1:20-22 ]; [Isaiah:57:21]; [Romans:5:10-1].
2. The holy and unblameable spiritual state is conditional on steadfastness in the faith, [Colossians:1:22-25 ]; [John:8:31].
3. The great mystery is Christ within the Christian, presenting him perfect, [Colossians:1:26-29 ].

IV Perfection in Christ
1. A Christian is complete in Christ; sanctification brings Christian perfection, [Colossians:2:8-11 ]; [John:17:17]; [1 Corinthians:1:30]; [Ephesians:5:26]; [2 Timothy:2:21]; [Hebrews:10:10]; [Hebrews:13:12].
2. Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection are wrought out spiritually in the Christian, [Colossians:2:12-13 ]; [Romans:6:3-5 ].
3. The Children of God enjoy freedom in Christ, [Colossians:2:14-19 ]; [John:8:36]; [Ephesians:4:16].

Notes:

The Colossian Church
The City of Colosse was located approximately 100 miles inland from the City of Ephesus. Though Paul had journeyed over much of this territory, never in his writings does he mention directly that he was in the City of Colosse. In reading [Colossians:2:1], it would appear that he had not been there, for he wrote of his concern for as many as had not seen his face in the flesh. No doubt, as a result of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus the Gospel was spreading into the surrounding cities, as in this Epistle he makes mention of the churches at Laodicea and Hierapolis which were neighbouring cities to Colosse.

Philemon was one of the faithful leaders at Colosse, and the church possibly was in his house [Philemon:1:2], [Philemon:1:7]). During Paul’s imprisonment, Onesimus, a native of Colosse, was won to Christ. This man was a runaway servant of Philemon’s and Paul sent him back with the heart-touching letter known as the Epistle to Philemon. (Read [Colossians:4:9]; [Philemon:1:10-12 ].)

Another leader at the church of Colosse seems to have been Epaphras, who was a faithful minister of Christ [Colossians:1:7]), and who faithfully carried the Colossians on his heart in fervent prayer [Colossians:4:12-13 ]). Perhaps Epaphras was converted during Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. In any case Epaphras not only loved his people, but he also loved Paul and journeyed all the way to Rome to be with him, to minister unto him, and to share his imprisonment. When this man gave the good report of the faith, love, and hope of the church at Colosse, Paul’s heart rejoiced with thanksgiving [Colossians:1:3-5 ]). Inasmuch as Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, he proceeds to write this Epistle to the church at Colosse, though he had never seen their faces.

A Very Hopeful Beginning
How the heart of Paul the Apostle, the prisoner, must have thrilled when he heard the good report from the church at Colosse! But Paul, from years of Christian experience, knew that a good beginning was not enough. He knew there would be many trials, tests, and perils in the spiritual battles that were yet ahead for the young church. Paul desired and prayed that they might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that they might “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

Paul’s great heart went out for them that they might continue and increase in their spiritual graces and attainments. It was his desire that they continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and that they finally be presented before Christ “holy and unblameable and unreproveable.”

Deeper in the Knowledge of Christ
The Colossians had a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, but there are heights and depths and lengths and breadths in Christian knowledge which cannot all be taken in at once. The greatest of saints never stop learning. All Christians need continually to add to their knowledge and to strive after deeper and clearer insights into the mysteries of God and His grace.

One of the profound mysteries of the Gospel is that Jesus could reside here on earth in a human body and still be part of the Godhead, the great Trinity. Philip said to Jesus, “Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Jesus said unto him, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” [John:14:8-9 ]). Paul said that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He bears all the attributes, power, and nature of God.

All creation is ascribed to Jesus as well as unto God. John said, “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Paul the Apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, states that all things in earth, yes, and in Heaven, visible and invisible, were created by divine command. We see nothing here of the modern man-made theory of evolution. The theory that this world gradually evolved through myriads of years is based on a whole series of completely missing links. This theory has been beset by the necessity of constantly being altered and changed because of later scientific discoveries, but the Word of God has remained unchanged down through the years of time. Scientific discoveries have not made it necessary to alter God’s Word. Actually, these discoveries have rather confirmed the Bible and the fact that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” [2 Peter:1:21]).

The great Creator, Paul says, is the Head of the body -– the Church. This position is not left for an angel, certainly not for a mortal man -– His created beings -– but is for the Creator, not only because He is the Creator, but also because He is the Redeemer. He, the Creator, “took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” [Philippians:2:6-8 ]). All this, that He might redeem lost souls and forgive fallen mankind’s sins, making peace by reconciling all things unto Himself! This wonderful salvation is a great mystery, and Paul told the Colossians that this mystery is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Sanctification Paul wrote to the Colossians: “Ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” How thankful Paul must have been that he knew the Colossians had been taught sanctification, that there is a circumcision of the heart in which the very root and nature of sin is removed. Paul was not trying to bring them back under the Law when he was speaking of circumcision (which was a ceremony under the Law, and typified sanctification), but he meant that circumcision which was made without hands, circumcision of the heart performed by Christ. Christ had come and had fulfilled all the Law with its types and shadows.

Jesus had died for their sins, had been buried, and had risen again for their justification; and in testimony of this they had been baptised by immersion in water. (Read [Romans:6:3];[Romans:6:4].) The Colossians were warned not to be in bondage or to be judged by anyone in regard to meat or drink, or the keeping of holydays or Sabbaths or the feasts of new moons. Many of these ordinances, true enough, were given by God, but they were given for a specific period of time, known as the dispensation of the Law; and the Law was a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ. So Paul said that the Law was only a shadow of things to come, but the body (who casts the shadow) is Christ who fulfilled all the Law.

The Colossians were warned of the danger of the Judaizers who wanted to bring them under the bondage of the Law. Paul also warned of those who “through philosophy and vain deceit” were trying to bring them back into the things of the world. But having been born into the family of God, made a partaker of Christ, that great Creator and Redeemer, they became a vital part of the Body of Christ, knit together in the unity of the faith and the bond of peace. No power in earth or hell could break such an intimate bond as this; but the aged Apostle knew that it all depended upon each one whether he would continue in the faith. They, being free moral agents, could take themselves out of the Lord’s hands and thereby lose all the benefits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But if they kept true, their faith and confidence steadfast unto the end, they would increase with the increase of God as they received more of God, and would eventually become partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, and enjoy the bliss of Heaven for all eternity.
Questions:

1. What prompted Paul to write to the Colossians when he had never seen them?
2. Paul compared Christ to God; describe this comparison.
3. The first verse of the Bible states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” How then could Jesus be called the Creator of all things?
4. Why could Christ be called the Head of the Church?
5. Explain how we know that the Colossians had been taught about sanctification and water baptism.
6. What was the mystery of which Paul spoke?
7. What was the ultimate end that Paul wanted to see the Colossians and everyone reach?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE AMBITIONS AND AFFECTIONS OF A CHRISTIAN

[Colossians:2:20-23 ]; [Colossians:3:1-25 ].
Lesson No.:411
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuferring; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:12, 13).

Cross References:

I Dead with Christ -- Risen with Christ
1. The Christian is dead with Christ to the things of the world, [Colossians:2:20-23 ]; [Colossians:3:3]; [Romans:6:1-6 ]; [1 Peter:2:24].
2. The Christian is risen with Christ to newness of life, [Colossians:3:1-4 ]; [2 Corinthians:5:17]; [Ephesians:2:1], [Ephesians:2:5-6 ].

II The Old Man -- The New Man
1. The old man with his evil conduct and tempers is to be put off, [Colossians:3:5-9 ]; [Ephesians:4:22], [Ephesians:4:25-31 ].
2. The new man in the image of the Creator is to be put on, [Colossians:3:10-11 ]; [Ephesians:4:24].
3. The new man is to be clothed with Christian graces, [Colossians:3:12-15 ]; [Ephesians:4:32].
4. The new man is to be nourished by the Word, and Christ is to be the centre of all activity, [Colossians:3:16-17 ]; [Psalms:119:11], [Psalms:119:97]; [Jeremiah:15:16]; [1 Corinthians:10:31].

III Christian Living
1. Wives are to be submissive; husbands are to be compassionate, [Colossians:3:18-19 ]; [Ephesians:5:22-25 ], Ephisians:5:28-29; [1 Peter:3:1-7 ].
2. Children are to be obedient; parents are to be considerate, [Colossians:3:20-21 ]; [Proverbs:8:32]; [Ephesians:6:1-4 ].
3. Servants are to labour as unto the Lord; masters are to give a fair wage, [Colossians:3:22-25 ]; [Colossians:4:1]; [Ephesians:6:5-9 ]; [1 Timothy:6:1-2 ]; [James:5:4].
Notes:

Risen with Christ
Paul the Apostle wrote to the Colossians about a most glorious spiritual experience. He called it being “risen with Christ.” Let us consider briefly why it is necessary to have this spiritual experience, and by what means it is made possible.

In the beginning of time God created man in His own mage and placed him upon this earth. Here man walked and talked in fellowship with God, but because of sin, this fellowship was broken and death passed upon all mankind. This was more than physical death, for God said that in the day that Adam would eat of the forbidden fruit he would surely die; and we know in that very day a change came over Adam. He no longer looked for fellowship and communion with God, but rather he hid himself when God came to the Garden. Death passed upon Adam -– spiritual death -– and from then on, all the sons of Adam were born in sin. David said, “I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

But God through His infinite love devised a marvellous plan of redemption by which sinful man could be brought back into the fellowship of God. It took Jesus’ death on the cruel cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for sin. Jesus remained in the tomb three days, and then He arose; and Paul tells us that He arose for our justification. When a sinner comes to God through Christ, confessing and forsaking his sins, and believing on Jesus as his Redeemer, a wonderful transaction takes place. That person is born again -– a spiritual birth -– risen to walk in newness of life, a new creature in Christ, the old things passed away and, behold, all things become new. Paul told the Ephesians, “And you hath he quickened, [made alive] who were dead in trespasses and sins” [Ephesians:2:1]).

What a tremendous price our Lord Jesus paid that we might have this glorious spiritual experience of being “risen with Christ”!

Holy Ambitions and Affections
When a person is saved, all his sins are forgiven. Every wrong deed or malicious act is forgiven so completely that he stands before God as though he had never sinned. No work of righteousness of his own brings this transaction; it is accomplished through faith in the work of Christ at Calvary. But, there are certain positive actions and activities, that a person is admonished to follow in order to keep saved and make Heaven his home. Two words of action that Paul uses are “seek” and “set”; both centre about things above, not things on the earth.

Many may think of ambition and affection as evil things; but these are natural principles in the human soul and become evil only when they are directed to an improper object. The ivy will climb upward if only it can lay hold on some tall object, to which it may adhere, but if no such support lends itself it will creep along the ground. Like it, ambition and affection will mount heavenward if they be fixed on some heavenly thing, but left to themselves they will trail along the earth and may degenerate into the worst of things.

An ambition or affection bounded by the horizons of this present life, its riches, honour, pleasure or power, falls far short of what Paul was admonishing the Colossians to seek. He wanted to lift their eyes far above the transitory things of this present life. “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” [2 Corinthians:4:18]). Paul’s desire was that the Christian’s love for God, for His truth, and for His righteousness would be coupled with a holy ambition for the work of the Lord in labouring for lost souls to win them from the darkness of sin to the glorious light and liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With this holy zeal for God, Paul wanted the Colossians to have “humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering”; for he knew that it was possible to be all out for the Lord and still be humble. A person can be truly humble, never promoting, defending, or avenging himself, and he can at the same time possess holy boldness for the Lord and His cause.

A reason for this holy ambition and affection Paul stated was: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” From this and other Scriptures, we know that our position in glory shall be determined by our Christian character and the work which we have faithfully done here. An outstanding example of this would be our Lord Jesus Himself. After His resurrection there were the scars of His sacrificial death; and the height of His exaltation in glory is proportioned to the depth of His voluntary humiliation when He was here on earth. (Read [Philippians:2:8-11 ].) As we approach His likeness here, so shall we obtain a measure of His glory hereafter. What a solemn thought this is and what an influence it ought to be toward seeking those things, which are above and the setting of our affection on things above.

Sanctification
The Christian, having been raised with Christ and proceeding with a holy ambition and affection for the Lord and things above, soon finds there is to be yet a deeper work wrought in the heart. Though all his committed sins and transgressions have been forgiven, there is yet a nature of sin within, a root of sin, which was inherited from Adam. Paul calls this “the old man,” and he says he is to be put off “with his deeds.”

When we are saved the carnal nature or old man suffers a stunning blow. He is nailed to the cross, made powerless, but he is still not dead. There comes an instant when the old man dies, the heart is sanctified and pure love reigns supreme. The new man is put on, “which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” [Colossians:3:10]); “which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” [Ephesians:4:24]). The image of God’s sinless creation is restored and Paul then called them “the elect of God, holy and beloved.”

John the Beloved saw a revelation of the Bride of Christ and she was “arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” [Revelation:19:8]). Here Paul calls this adorning, “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.” Then to bind all this together, Paul said to put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Oh, what glorious adornment!

Nurturing the New Man
Paul does not leave the Colossians without a means of maintaining and strengthening in the faith their spiritual new man. He said: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Line was to be upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. They were never to tire of hearing the Word of God. They were never to grow weary of being admonished in their spiritual warfare, but rather they were to encourage one another by assembling together, by the singing of hymns, and preaching and teaching God’s Holy Word.

Christ was to be the very centre of all motivation and action so far as the Christians were concerned, even to every word and deed done in the body. This of course would influence their homes, their conduct between husbands and wives and children. In their secular labour as they worked for their living, they were to work as if they were doing it unto the Lord. After all, the main purpose of their life was to live for the Lord and to see others brought to the saving knowledge of Christ. Because of their faithfulness in work and labour, and their living for Christ, perhaps their employers would be saved. Paul the Apostle, even as a prisoner, saw fellow prisoners saved and a jailer converted -– certainly not because he held hatred and animosity toward them, but because he had a love for every eternity-bound soul.
Questions:

1. What experience was Paul speaking of when he said, “If ye then be risen with Christ”?
2. Name two positive actions that Paul admonished the Colossians to follow.
3. Explain how it is possible to have an ambitious zeal for the Lord and still be meek and humble.
4. What experience was Paul speaking of when he said, “Put off the old man with his deeds”?
5. The “new man” was to bear the image of whom?
6. What were the Colossians urged to do to nourish and sustain the new man?
7. Explain in what way these Christian experiences were to affect each member of the home and the employer-employee relationship.
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE RAPTURE OF THE SAINTS

[1 Thessalonians:4:13-18 ]; [1 Thessalonians:5:1-24 ].
Lesson No.: 412
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:
“This we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep” (I Thessalonians 4:15).
Cross References:

I Comfort Concerning the Dead
1. The dead in Christ shall rise first, [1 Thessalonians:4:13-16 ]; [1 Corinthians:15:23].
2. The living saints shall be caught up with them, [1 Thessalonians:4:17]; [1 Corinthians:15:51-52 ].
3. The Scriptures are given for our comfort, [1 Thessalonians:4:18]; [1 Thessalonians:5:11]; [2 Corinthians:1:3-4 ].

II Alert to His Coming
1. He comes as a thief in the night, [1 Thessalonians:5:1-4 ]; [Matthew:24:42-51 ].
2. The Christian must watch, [1 Thessalonians:5:5-10 ]; [Matthew:25:1-13 ].

III Exhortations to Christians
1. Respect your leaders, [1 Thessalonians:5:12-15 ]; [Hebrews:13:17].
2. Pray and give thanks, [1 Thessalonians:5:16-20 ]; [Philippians:4:6].
3. Shun evil and hold fast that which is good, [1 Thessalonians:5:21-24 ]; [Psalms:34:14]; [Romans:12:9].

Notes:

The Two Great Events
The general term, the “second coming of Christ,” refers to two great events. The first is the Rapture of the Church, at which time, Christ is seen only by those who are ready; they are caught up to meet Him in the air. The second event is the Revelation of Christ, when He comes back with His saints to set up His kingdom on earth -- the Millennium. Between the Rapture of the Church and the Revelation of Jesus Christ occurs the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Heaven and the Great Tribulation on the earth.

The Rapture of the Church is the catching away of the Bride of Christ -– those who have made themselves ready -– from this earth to the place that Jesus has prepared for them, to be united with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” [John:14:2-3 ]).

We shall Rise
Cemeteries have been left unkempt; records of the dead have been destroyed; those gone on before have been forgotten; men may have been burned, blown to bits, or buried at sea; but nothing shall prevent the dead in Christ from coming forth at the sound of the Trump of God. Science tells us that matter cannot be destroyed without leaving a trace. Though these bodies of the saints go back to dust, yet, out of the dust shall come forth each child of God in a glorified, resurrected body when the Lord shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the Trump of God. Jesus said, “The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth” [John:5:28-29 ]).

Job was very emphatic when he cried out, “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” [Job:19:23-27 ]).

The First Resurrection
All the dead from Adam down to the end of time are going to be resurrected, “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” [1 Corinthians:15:23]). The resurrection of the righteous dead, known as the “first resurrection” is in several stages; that is, Christ, as the firstfruits, came forth first as a token of the harvest that was to follow. We are told also that when Jesus died, “the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many” [Matthew:27:52-53 ]). Our hope of the resurrection is not founded on faith alone, but is well substantiated in the fact that Jesus arose from the grave, and not He alone, but many of the saints with Him. Thus with the firstfruits gathered in, we are well assured of the harvest that is to follow.

At His coming, we are told that the dead in Christ shall rise first. “The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” [1 Corinthians:15:52]). The bugle has long been used to arouse sleeping soldiers, but what a day that will be when the trumpet of God shall arouse from the dust of the earth the bodies of all sleeping dead who have died in Christ. The souls of Christians who die go immediately to Heaven. When Christ returns in the Rapture, these souls are clothed upon with immortality, with the bodies that are raised from the dead, each one receiving from the earth the substance that was laid aside in death. This resurrected body will “be fashioned like unto his glorious body” [Philippians:3:21]).

The living, overcoming saints shall also “be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” and “shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Thus the Rapture of the Church, which is the great harvest of the First Resurrection, includes the living, overcoming saints and the dead in Christ.

Warnings
“Let us watch and be sober.” The careless and indifferent, though they may call themselves Christians, are in grave danger of being left behind when the Trumpet sounds. Jesus gave us the parable of the ten virgins as a warning to those who fail to make adequate preparations for His coming. What a bitter disappointment for those who intended to take part to find themselves shut outside the door! Who can picture the anguish of soul of the foolish virgins whose darkened lamps give witness to their failure to obtain the oil of the Spirit in the day when God was pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh? Have you been baptised with the Holy Ghost?

Imagine the fear of the unprofitable servant as he stood before his Maker. His own excuse condemned him, and his unused talent lay on the table in mute evidence of his neglect. Can you feature his despair as he was cast into outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth because of neglected opportunities? Is your talent being used in the service of the King?

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” [1 Thessalonians:5:5]). The Word of God gives us light, but it is up to us to walk in it. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” ([1 John:1:7]). The warnings in the Bible are numerous, especially those that express the necessity of watching for the coming of the Lord. We watch by measuring our lives to the Word of God. Are you measuring up, or making excuse?

The Armour
“Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” The true child of God is not, and must not be, content just to obtain forgiveness of sins and then settle down to go to sleep. We must be diligent to grow in grace, and to go deeper in the Lord through faithfulness in prayer and study of the Word of God. Salvation must be augmented by sanctification, a second, definite experience with the Lord. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ [1 Thessalonians:5:23]). In addition to sanctification, he must seek until he receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost as promised by Jesus and experienced by the disciples as recorded in Acts 2, to be a member of the Bride of Christ.

We are “to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” those who “are over you in the Lord.” We are exhorted to obey our spiritual leaders: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls” [Hebrews:13:17]). Humility and submissiveness are qualities of the Bride of Christ. When we are corrected let us remember we are called to “abstain from all appearance of evil” [1 Thessalonians:5:22]). Let us keep as far away as we possibly can from the danger line, and as close as we can to God that we might “be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” [1 Thessalonians:5:23]).
Questions:

1. What two events are included in the second coming of Christ?
2. Describe the Rapture.
3. Who will have part in the Rapture?
4. Name the order of the resurrection of the dead.
5. Where are the souls of the dead now? Are they con-scious?
6. Compare the resurrection with the harvest.
7. What preparation is necessary in order to meet the Lord in the air?
8. Describe the condition of the Church for which Christ died.
9. Name some of the signs of the coming of the Lord.
10. With what is the coming of the Lord compared?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE ANTICHRIST

[2 Thessalonians:2:1-12 ]; [Daniel:7:7-28 ]; [Daniel:8:23-25 ]; [Daniel:11:21-24 ], [Daniel:11:28-32 ], [Daniel:11:36-38 ], [Daniel:11:45]; [Daniel:12:1-3 ]; [Revelation:13:1-18 ].
Lesson No.: 413
Class:
Senior Memory Verse: “The mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (II Thessalonians 2:7).

Cross References:

I Events Prior to the Reign of the Antichrist
1. The falling away must first come, [2 Thessalonians:2:1-3 ].
2. The Rapture of the Church will transpire before the antichrist is revealed, [2 Thessalonians:2:5-8 ]; [Isaiah:26:20-21 ].

II The Antichrist
1. A covenant with the Jews is made and broken, [Daniel:9:27]; [Daniel:11:30-32 ].
2. He is a world-wide ruler, [Daniel:7:7-8 ], [Daniel:7:15-25 ]; [Daniel:11:21-24 ], [Daniel:11:28-29 ]; [Revelation:13:7].
3. He is governed by Satan, [2 Thessalonians:2:9-12 ]; Daniel [Daniel:8:23-25 ]; [Revelation:13:1-6 ].
4. He exalts himself as God, [2 Thessalonians:2:4]; [Daniel:11:36-38 ], [Daniel:11:45]; [Revelation:13:8-18 ]; [Matthew:24:15].

III The Tribulation
1. It is a time of trouble, [Daniel:12:1-3 ]; [Matthew:24:21].
2. God’s judgements are poured out on the world, [Daniel:7:9-10 ]; [Revelation:16:1-21 ].
3. The antichrist is defeated, [Daniel:7:11-12 ], [Daniel:7:26].
4. Jesus Christ takes the reins of government, [Daniel:7:13-14 ], [Daniel:7:18], [Daniel:7:22], [Daniel:7:27-28 ].
Notes:

The Antichrist
Jesus said: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” [John:5:43]). This one who shall come in his own name is none other than the antichrist of whom John warns, “Ye have heard that antichrist shall come” ([1 John:2:18]). The Apostle Paul refers to him as “that man of sin,” “the son of perdition.”

Now we are told that he will come before the day of Christ. That is, he will come and reign before the revelation of Christ, which is at the close of the Tribulation. Let us look at the order of the events as told in II Thessalonians 2.

The Falling Away
First there comes a falling away. Perhaps the greatest display of the falling away has been the departure from the fundamental doctrines of the Church and turning to modernism. Many people hold to the name “Christian” but deny the deity of Christ. They claim to teach from the Bible, but deny the miracles thereof. They acknowledge a “Supreme Being” but substitute Darwinism for the Genesis record of Creation. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

The Holy Ghost
Now after the falling away, we read of One who still prevents the revelation of the antichrist. “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [hindereth] will let [hinder], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed” [2 Thessalonians:2:7-8 ]). He who now hinders is none other than the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost who was sent down to earth on the Day of Pentecost and has remained to this day seeking out a Bride for Christ. The Holy Spirit will leave this world with the Bride to present us to Christ at the Rapture of the Church.“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast” [Isaiah:26:20]).

With the Bride safe in God’s pavilion enjoying the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the antichrist is then revealed on the earth. After the antichrist’s brief reign the Lord will destroy the antichrist with the “brightness of his coming.” This coming will be the revelation of Christ at the beginning of the Millennium.

The Mystery of Iniquity
The mystery of iniquity, which worked in Paul’s day is certainly working more strongly in our day. One of the strong delusions that is most baffling today is that of communism. This godless religion based upon the atheistic theories of Marx and Engels promises utopia, but delivers serfdom and abject slavery. It rejects truth as such, and calls anything truth that furthers its cause. “It cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered” [Daniel:8:12]). From a standpoint of subjecting people and gaining control over much territory by lies and false propaganda, Communism has prospered and now dominates one third of the world’s land surface and more than one third of the world’s population. This atheistic philosophy dethrones God and sets up man and so-called science. It promises peace, but advocates violence and bloodshed. This philosophy reduces man from a spiritual being to an animal and condemns to death any who disagree with its tenets. It justifies lying, stealing, immorality, and even murder if it furthers the cause of Communism.

The Man of Sin
Out of a tumultuous sea of political agitation arises one “whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” This one, the antichrist, is called “that man of sin,” literally, the man of lawlessness. That is a good point to remember. Why? Because that is exactly what he is -– lawless. He disregards all law, except what he himself institutes.

So strong is his power of deception, that all the world will wonder admiringly after him. Men will proclaim, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” He speaks great things and draws the world unto himself. His description as a beast is that made up of a leopard, bear, and lion. This would indicate that in his kingdom are manifest some of those qualities that made up the kingdoms described in Daniel 7. The golden splendour of Babylon, the massive power of Medo-Persia, the elegance of art and intellect of Greece, the iron law and discipline of Rome are all combined to make men stand in awe of such a ruler.

“He shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many.” Peace and prosperity -- two of the greatest desires of man -- are accomplished by him for a time. “He shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries” [Daniel:11:21]). “He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, for his fathers’ fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches” [Daniel:11:24]).

The Abomination of Desolation
As we understand [Daniel:9:27], the antichrist makes a covenant with the Jews for a seven-year period (one prophetic week). This covenant embraces the right of the Jews to set up their temple on Mt. Moriah, the site of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews resume their worship with sacrifices being made in their temple. In the middle of this period, the antichrist breaks his covenant with the Jews and “exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” [2 Thessalonians:2:4]). This is “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet” [Matthew:24:15]).

To further his demands for worship, we see another beast rising out of the earth, a false prophet, whose office is to convince the world of the deity of the first beast, and to demand that he be worshiped. Though the looks of the false prophet resembles a lamb, his speech betrays the source of his power -– the devil -– “he spake as a dragon.”

The Mark of the Beast
The absolute control that Satan has through these two men is shown in the demand for the mark of allegiance in the right hand or in the forehead of each of their subjects. Without this mark one cannot buy or sell; with it he is doomed to eternal hell. “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, . . . and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone . . . and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name” [Revelation:14:9-11 ]). “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” [Joshua:24:15]).

The Comparison Satan’s triumph through the antichrist is short. From the time he sets himself up as God until the end of his reign is only forty-two months. Compare this with Christ’s Millennial Reign on earth for one thousand years, and choose for Christ today. Be sure that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, or you will be caught in the snares of the arch-deceiver. “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” [Revelation:13:8]). Is your name written there?

Though the reign of the antichrist promises peace, no sooner does he exalt himself as God until the Almighty begins to pour out judgements upon the earth. We have but to study the Book of Revelation to see what transpires in this short period of tribulation. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” [Luke:21:36]).
Questions:

1. Name the order of events before the Millennium.
2. What is meant by the falling away?
3. Where does the antichrist get his power?
4. How widespread is his domain?
5. What happens to those who take his mark?
6. What is the “abomination of desolation”?
7. What are some of the other Scriptural names for the antichrist?
8. How long does the antichrist reign?
9. Where does the antichrist make his headquarters?
10. How is the antichrist overthrown?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.
Source URL: http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org/content/antichrist

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE LAST DAYS

[1 Timothy:4:1-9 ]; [2 Timothy:3:1-7 ].
Lesson No.: 414
Class: Senior[b]
Memory Verse: [/b]

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (I Timothy 4:1).
Cross References:

I Departing from the Faith
1. The Spirit gives warning that some shall depart from the faith, [1 Timothy:4:1]; [1 John:2:18-19 ].
2. Doctrines of devils and hypocritical lies are substituted for the truth by these apostates, [1 Timothy:4:1-2 ]; [2 Timothy:4:3-4 ].
3. Commandments of men are enforced, displacing the commandments of God, [1 Timothy:4:3-5 ]; [Mark:7:6-8 ].

II The Minister’s Duty
1. Words of faith and good doctrine are to be ever kept before the brethren, [1 Timothy:4:6].
2. Emphasis is placed upon godliness, [1 Timothy:4:7-9 ]; [Titus:2:12].

III Perilous Times
1. All manner of evil is a mark of the last days, [2 Timothy:3:1-4 ]; [Matthew:24:37-39 ]; [Genesis:6:5-7 ].
2. A form of godliness is observed, but the power is denied, [2 Timothy:3:5-7 ].
Notes:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” One of the strong emphases that the Apostle puts on the sign of the last days is a departure from the faith: apostasy, turning away, forsaking the old paths. The Laodicean age is the last age of the Church on the earth, and it is marked by lukewarmness, a state nauseating to God. God has said, “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Let us beware lest we become spiritually lukewarm in these latter days.

It is good to consider what the Spirit saith unto the churches through the Word. The Word is inspired by the Spirit of God. That is why the Word is alive. It is quick and powerful, and it pierces to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, joint and marrow -– the spiritual and the physical.

Never-Dying Soul
Man was created in the image and likeness of God. When God breathed into man the breath of life, man became a living soul. He became alive physically and spiritually. The animals, birds, fishes, and all other created things were made different from man. Man was a distinct creation of God, a creation possessing a never-dying soul. How glorious! Yet how disgracefully man has treated his privilege to serve God and to be true to God.

Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils can enter into a man and work in subtle ways, in insidious ways, to delude, to deceive, and to draw him aside so that he misses the purpose that God had in mind for his eternal welfare. And there he is, nothing but a poor, deluded dupe of the devil, an apostate -– departed from the faith -– abandoned by God. God has declared that these seducing spirits would deceive the very elect if possible. Let us think seriously on these things.

Signposts
In God’s Word we read: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers.” Lovers of their own selves! Not lovers of God, not lovers of their neighbour, not lovers of the beauties of God’s great salvation, but lovers of their own selves! Look the world over today and what do you find? A literal fulfilment of those very words of Scripture. Men are demanding, selfish, covetous, boastful.

The age in which we live is a boastful age. Men are boasting of their scientific discovery and development, boasting of their theories and of the preparations they are making for space travel, and investigating planets in the faraway heavens. Few things seem denied to the wisdom of man today, but with one stroke God can reduce man’s wisdom to confusion, as He did to the builders of Babel.

The Apostle said: “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” [1 Corinthians:1:20]). After man’s wisdom has utterly bit the dust, God’s wisdom will be soaring on through the eons of eternity.

Evil Men
The Word of God describes the men of the last days: “Boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.” Never was there a time in the history of the world when these very words of Scripture were so literally and perfectly fulfilled, through the lives of evil men as today.

The social fabric in these days is breaking down in a marked way. Moral standards are no longer where they were; they are going down. Remember, the Bible declares that in the last days “perilous times” shall come. We are living in the last days. Perilous times are here! Men are “incontinent,” “despisers of those that are good.” When was the world ever so given over to the lust of the flesh and the pride of life as today?

If one really has a standard of decency in his heart, he is often despised by others. Many people will follow a multitude to do evil, just because it is popular. But one can doom his soul to a devil’s hell for all eternity by following a multitude to do evil. God hates it!

Lovers of Pleasure
The Bible tells us more about the people of these last days: “Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” About whom is this speaking? Anyone who finds earthly pleasures more palatable than the love of God and His law. It matters not whether he is in religious circles or not. One does not need to be an atheist or an infidel to grieve the Spirit of God and incur His wrath. All one needs to do is to have a greater love for pleasures than for God.

Sometimes we wonder about people who will lightly deny God’s claims on them for true worship, serious thinking, service for the Lord in spreading the light of the Gospel; and, instead, will seek and do their own pleasure.

Give this matter a little thought: Are you a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God? What do you do on the Lord’s Day? How much are you contributing to the cause of Christ? Are you giving God your time and your talent, giving of your substance and your ability? If not, perhaps you, too, are a mark, a sign of the last days because you have more love for pleasure than for God.

Formal Religion
After describing the men and women of the latter days, the Scriptures follow with these words: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Carefully note these words. Take inventory of your spiritual status. These words come from God’s Holy Book.

Many people today have a form of godliness, but are spiritually dead. They continue their form of religion but they have no power –- deny the power of God that quickens, that makes alive, that fills with zeal, faith, courage, and enthusiasm for the cause of Christ.

Their first love, that first desire to see men and women born into God’s kingdom, came into their heart through receiving pardon for sin, after godly sorrow had taken place; but now seducing spirits of devils have crept in and undermined their former love and zeal and faith and the doctrines they once loved. They are now left stranded and destitute of the Spirit-moving power of God, but they continue on in form only.

Beware
God deals with men and women individually. He reveals His will through His Word. But if His Word falls on dull ears, that person becomes delinquent in his service for God; his love for God dims; he loses his zeal for God’s kingdom. If that happens to be your condition, you may well know that there is something desperately wrong. And you should take care of the matter before it is too late.

God forbid that we, individually or collectively, should ever fall victim to that spirit of apostasy which has come over the nominal church -– the professing church -– in these last days. May we never lose that fervour, zeal, and burning desires to give our all for Christ’s cause. May we serve Him with an intense earnestness and give Him our time, our talent, our ability.

God’s Word is true; and when we step into eternity, even those who may not believe it today will find that it is true. Someday all will know that this Bible is the Book of Life, the Book of God, the Book that determines one’s eternal destiny. It is the Book that shows every man and woman the way to Heaven.

May God stir our hearts! May we never, never, let the spirit of the perilous times in which we live take such an effect upon our soul that we become careless and indifferent in our behaviour before God.

The Accepted Time Today is the time to become concerned. Today is the day of preparation. Today is the day of salvation. How would it fare with you if today were the end of the world?

Now is the accepted time to seek God’s pardon -– the time that God will accept you. The Word says to believe Him. God will accept you, sinner friend, lukewarm follower, backslider, cold and dead professor, if you repent.

God is calling. If you will hear His voice, harden not your heart, but come home to God’s love and be ready for that last day.
Questions:

1. Who warns us that there shall be a departure from the faith in the latter times?
2. What is substituted for the truth by those who depart from the faith?
3. What happens to the conscience of those who depart from the faith?
4. Are any of God’s creatures to be refused? How are they to be received?
5. What is to be refused?
6. Complete the quotation: “Godliness is profitable unto all things, . . .”
7. When shall perilous times come?
8. Name the 19 signs that mark perilous times as foretold in the text of today’s lesson.
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THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

[Matthew:2:1-23 ]; [Luke:2:1-20 ].
Lesson No.: 417
Class: Senior
Memory Verse: “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Cross References:

I The Birth of Christ
1. Jesus was born at Bethlehem, the City of David, [Matthew:2:1], [Matthew:2:5-6 ]; [Luke:2:1-7 ]; [John:7:42]; [Micah:5:2].
2. Jesus’ earthly heritage was humble and poor, His birthplace was a manger, [Luke:2:7], [Luke:2:12]; [Psalms:2:7]; [Isaiah:9:6-7 ].

II The Visit of the Shepherds
1. The glory of the Lord appeared, and the angel brought good tidings to the shepherds, [Luke:2:8-12 ]; [Acts:5:31]; [Isaiah:52:7].
2. A multitude of the heavenly Host joined in praising God, [Luke:2:13-14 ]; [Revelation:19:6].
3. When the angels had returned to Heaven, the shepherds went to Bethlehem, [Luke:2:15].
4. They found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger, [Luke:2:16].
5. The shepherds spread abroad the wonderful things that they had seen and heard, [Luke:2:17-20 ].

III The Wise Men and the Star
1. The wise men, following Jesus’ star, came to Jerusalem from the East, [Matthew:2:1-7 ]; [Numbers:24:17].
2. When the wise men found that Bethlehem was Jesus’ birthplace, they started for that city and once again saw His star, [Matthew:2:8-10 ].
3. Jesus the Saviour was the object of adoration of the wise men, [Matthew:2:11]; [Matthew:14:33]; [Psalms:95:6].
4. Being warned of God, the wise men returned home another way, and Joseph took Mary and the infant Jesus into Egypt, [Matthew:2:12-15 ]; [Hosea:11:1].
5. Herod sent forth and slew all the children in the coasts of Bethlehem, two years old and under, [Matthew:2:16-18 ]; [Jeremiah:31:15].
6. The Holy Family returned to the land of Israel and Nazareth after Herod’s death, [Matthew:2:19-23 ]; [John:1:45-46 ].
Notes:

The Promised Messiah
As this cheerful Christmas season is observed, may we direct our thoughts to the events that make Christmas possible. Think of the incomparable Gift that God gave to men. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” [John:3:16]).

For centuries the promised Messiah had been the cherished hope of God’s people. Now on this first Christmas night, the promise became reality; and with a glorious display that was worthy of the Son of God, Jesus came to earth in the likeness of man, to dwell among men. Yes, Jesus was God’s Gift to the world, but He came willingly to pay the price of man’s redemption. Jesus knew that the Cross lay at the end of His earthly pilgrimage, but His only desire was to do the will of His Father. God desires only one thing of us in return for the love that He has manifested: He asks that we love and serve Him. Jesus gave His life for us. Should not we give our lives to Him in gratitude?

Good Tidings
So momentous was the event when the Saviour was born, that God sent an angel from Heaven to proclaim the good news. The angel was not sent to the crowded cities of the Jews; He was sent to the simple shepherds on the Judean hills. Without question, these openhearted people had had a love for God and a yearning to see His Word fulfilled. Suddenly the night watches of their eastern sky were illuminated by the glory of the Lord. The shepherds feared as they beheld this glorious sight, but the angel was there to reassure and comfort them. The tidings that the angel brought were not tidings of fear; they were tidings of great joy: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” [Luke:2:11]). Though addressed to the shepherds, the tidings were intended for the whole world for all people. Thus has God ordained. He tells the few, then commissions them to go and tell what they have seen and heard[b].

A Wonderful Night[/b]
Surely it was a wonderful night for the world, that first Christmas night when Jesus was born! God’s angels must have realised the import of that night; for as soon as the good tidings were made known, a whole multitude of the heavenly Host joined in the exultation. Their praises rang out in one accord with what the angel had already declared: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” [Luke:2:14]).

The shepherds did not doubt the wondrous declaration, for they saw the attendant glory. After the angels returned to Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” They came to the city with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger, just as the angel of the Lord had said. This humble scene did not daunt their faith in the least degree: “When they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” Oh, that men would be as willing to see Jesus today, as were these shepherds, and then would go out into the world to declare the vision they have beheld!

The City of David
Jesus was born in the City of Bethlehem, as the prophet had declared nearly 700 years previous to the event. Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David, too, and later became known as the City of David. It was here that David lived and tended his father’s sheep before he was advanced to the kingship of Israel. How fitting that Jesus, the Son of David according to lineage, should be born in this same city to become the Great Shepherd of all God’s sheep, and the coming King of all the redeemed. The name Bethlehem signifies “The house of bread.” Does not this seem the proper place for Him to be born -– who is the “living bread which came down from heaven” [John:6:51])?

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a woman of Nazareth, a city of Galilee far to the north of Bethlehem. How could it be, then, that Jesus was born at Bethlehem? It seems that God put the whole world into motion to bring His prophecy to fulfilment. A decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed, every one in his own city. Joseph and Mary left Nazareth to go to Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), “to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife.” The Lord thus proved beyond a chance of question that Jesus was of the house and lineage of David, as the Scripture said that He would be.

Simeon and Anna
The shepherds were the first to hear and see the glorious things concerning Christ. Forty days later in the Temple, Simeon and Anna spoke by the Spirit, to all who would heed, of the salvation and redemption of God that was manifest in this Child. One would think that these declarations would have aroused at least some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem to a perception of what was before them; but apparently nothing could stir these people, for when the wise men arrived, none of the people seemed to be aware of Jesus’ birth.

The Wise Men’s Visit
Some time had elapsed after Jesus’ birth, before the wise men from the East came to Jerusalem seeking for the King. They saw the Star of Bethlehem the same night that Jesus was born, and without doubt they started on their journey to Him as soon as they could. They seemed to know what the star meant, possibly as the result of Balaam’s prophecy to the king of Moab more than 1,400 years before, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel” [Numbers:24:17]).

That the wise men were Gentiles and not of the commonwealth of Israel appears to be sure. They lived a great distance from the scene of the nativity and could have said, “If such a Prince and Saviour be born, we shall hear of Him shortly in our own country, and it will be time enough then to pay homage to Him.” But the wise men had no thought of waiting to see Jesus, for they were so eager to honour Him that they took the long journey to the land of Israel to see the King and present their gifts to Him.

Following the Star
Well may these men be counted wise. They saw Jesus’ star, and they arose and followed it to its source. Those who really desire to find Jesus and know Him, will not idly wait until Jesus passes by, but will arise and seek for Him. Those who earnestly seek for the King of Glory will find the Light to lead them to their destination.

No doubt the wise men expected to find all Jerusalem worshiping their newborn King, but the question they asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” caused Herod to be troubled and all Jerusalem with him. Herod called the chief priests and scribes to demand of them where Christ should be born. The chief priests and scribes were quick to furnish the answer, for they knew the prophecy of Micah: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel: whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” [Micah:5:2]).

The chief priests and scribes had studied God’s Word all their lives and perhaps had memorised a great portion of it; still they failed to recognise their day of Christ’s visitation; therefore all their efforts and hopes toward heavenly things were lost. “The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” [2 Corinthians:3:6]). A mental knowledge of God’s Word will never save anyone. The Word must be written in the heart as well, and that is what Christ came to do.

Going to Bethlehem
Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” The star, which they saw in the East reappeared, and they followed it to the place where the young Child lay. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” [Matthew:2:11]).

The wise men did not return to Jerusalem as Herod had directed them to do, for God warned them in a dream to return to their country another way. When the men had departed, the Lord appeared to Joseph in another dream and said: “Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him” [Matthew:2:13]). Herod had no thought of worshiping Jesus; he thought only of slaying the Son of God because the wise men had declared that He was the King of the Jews.

Jesus of Nazareth
After the death of Herod, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, in Egypt, to say that it was safe for the Holy Family to return to Israel. Joseph feared to go into Judæa, however, for Archelaus, the son of Herod, reigned there. Being further directed of God, they made their way into Galilee, and came to the City of Nazareth.

Jesus of Nazareth became the stumbling stone of the Jewish people, for they said, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” [John:1:46]). The answer is, “Come and see.” You must see Jesus to appreciate Him; you must know Jesus to love Him. Those who know and love Him have the greatest treasures in the world, and they have the promise of the life that is to come.

“When the lowly Nazarene
To my rescue quickly came,
Filled my heart with sweetest peace,
Day had broken, night was gone.”
Questions:

1. Who was the first to declare the good tidings of Jesus’ birth? Who were the first to hear the tidings?
2. Where was the Son of God lying when the shepherds came to Him? Could not a better place be found for Jesus?
3. In what city was Jesus born? Tell how this came about.
4. What does the name “Bethlehem” signify?
5. Who were the wise men? Were they of the Children of Israel?
6. How did they happen to come to Jerusalem?
7. Why did Joseph take the Holy Family into Egypt?
8. To what city in Israel did they go after they returned from Egypt?
9. What is the greatest Christmas gift that has ever been given?
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THE KING DETHRONED AND HIS PRIDE ABASED

[Daniel:4:1-37 ].
Lesson No.: 421
Class: Senior
Memory Verse: “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:17).


Cross References:

I The King’s Dream
1. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God’s eternal dominion, [Daniel:4:1-3 ].
2. The king dreams of a great tree hewn down, [Daniel:4:4-17 ]; [Psalms:37:35-36 ].

II The Interpretation and Warning
1. The wise men of Babylon could not interpret the king’s dream, [Daniel:4:18], [Daniel:4:6-7 ]; [Daniel:2:2-13 ].
2. Daniel interprets the dream, [Daniel:4:19-26 ], [Daniel:2:36-45 ].
3. Daniel counsels the king to heed the warning of the dream and turn from his sin, [Daniel:4:27]; [Isaiah:58:1]; [Jeremiah:26:3]; [Ezekiel:3:18]; [Matthew:27:19]; [Hebrews:12:25].

III The Fulfilment
1. After 12 months of pride and rejection of God’s mercy, Nebuchadnezzar was dethroned, [Daniel:4:28-32 ]; [Daniel:5:20]; [2 Chronicles:26:16]; [2 Chronicles:32:25]; [Isaiah:14:12-15 ].
2. Driven from his palace, the king lived in the fields as an animal, [Daniel:4:33]; [Daniel:5:21]; [Psalms:32:9].
3. After seven seasons Nebuchadnezzar turned to God and his understanding returned to him, [Daniel:4:34]; [Acts:8:22].
4. The kingdom was restored to Nebuchadnezzar when he acknowledged that God rules in Heaven and in earth. [Daniel:4:35], [Daniel:4:36], [Daniel:4:17], [Daniel:4:25], [Daniel:4:32].
5. King Nebuchadnezzar gives his testimony and warning on pride, [Daniel:4:37], [Daniel:4:1-3 ]; [Proverbs:16:18]; [Proverbs:29:23]; [1 John:2:16]; [Revelation:3:17].

Notes:

In a former lesson we studied the second chapter of Daniel and found that through a dream God revealed to Nebuchadnezzar that he was the very head of gold of the image that depicted world empires. The God of Heaven gave him the kingdom of Babylon and all the power, strength, and glory of that kingdom, and called him a king of kings. But what unconverted man is there whom God has blessed, promoted, and prospered, who will not take all the honour unto himself and forget that it is God who giveth these things? Nebuchadnezzar had yet to learn and acknowledge that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.”

The King’s Prophetic Forewarning
Nebuchadnezzar had been successful in his wars and all his administration. His enemies had all been effectively subdued and everything was quiet and prosperous in his empire. He had succeeded in making Babylon one of the wonders of the world. Everything to which he had laid his hand had turned out favourably. There remained nothing more to be desired to satisfy his ambition as a man, or to add to his glory as a great king. And while he was thus at rest in his house and flourishing in his palace a dream came to him. This dream, so vividly described in our text, the king remembered and recounted in minute detail. But the king was utterly at a loss to understand the meaning of this dream. It should have been plain from the very terms of the dream that it was meant to give the king a serious admonition against pride and self-glorification, and that God would send speedy humiliation to those who give themselves the glory for what they have achieved or enjoy. Needless to say, the king was very much disturbed by this dream and the implications thereof.

After the wise men of Babylon had been unable to interpret the dream, Daniel came before the king. The king gave a wonderful testimony to the faithfulness of Daniel, the prophet of God, then told him his dream. For one hour Daniel did not speak in the king’s presence. Daniel was troubled in his thoughts, very probably because the interpretation of this dream was much different from the former dream. To stand before a world monarch and tell him his faults was altogether different from standing before him and telling him he was a great king, a head of gold in the scheme of world empires. But at the king’s encouragement, Daniel said that the tree that had grown and become strong was the king, “for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.” But as the dream foretold, he was to be driven from men and have his dwelling among the beasts of the field and eat grass as an ox, and the dew of heaven was to be upon him until seven times passed over him. Then Daniel, true to his God, at the risk of his own life, gave counsel to the king and advised him to break off his sin by righteousness, and his iniquity by showing mercy unto the poor. What a different story the outcome of this dream would have been if King Nebuchadnezzar had heeded the warning!

The King’s Offence
We would suppose that such an impressive forewarning and admonition could not fail of the desired effect, but there is nothing more treacherous and deceitful than poor, depraved human nature. Nebuchadnezzar doubtless intended to profit to the full from the counsel he had received. He had the utmost confidence in the wisdom and inspiration of the prophet. He had every reason to accept the whole presentation as a veritable message from God, nor was it in the composition of this monarch’s character to make light of so evident a communication from the Deity whose signs and wonders he had beheld. But it is hard for rich and powerful men in the midst of their glory and flatteries to be true and faithful to all they know and feel as their duty in regard to what is right and proper. The Saviour and His Apostles have remarked upon the great difficulty of such to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and Nebuchadnezzar was not an exception. Where is the unsaved man in public office who could be entrusted with such power and glory without having his head completely turned and his self-esteem lifted higher than the stars?

The king possibly pondered long the meaning of this dream, and no doubt for a while walked carefully as a result of it. Finally a whole year had passed and he was walking upon the high places of his palace, in all its grandeur, ornamented with battlements and towers. All around and beneath him lay the city with its grand avenues and its gigantic wall with one hundred mighty gates. Nebuchadnezzar, taking a survey of his magnificent achievements, refers them exultingly to himself, to his own genius, but leaves out that eternal Providence without which he was no more than the meanest beggar. He looked and admired, but forgot about the dream, and said: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?”

He had heard the heavenly “watcher” say, and Daniel repeat, that it was his duty, as that of all men, to know and realise that it is the Most High that ruleth in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever He will; but in the moment of transport over what he had accomplished he forgot all this and set everything down to his own credit. Thus he lent his soul and speech to a miserable pride, which seems to have been this man’s besetting sin -- the besetting sin of all human greatness and success -- which reached its culmination as he thus walked and spoke amid the towers and battlements of his glorious palace.

The King’s Punishment
Twelve months of grace had been given to the king, ample time for consideration and repentance from his pride and vainglory. Punishment came quickly when the Lord’s time arrived. While the words were still in the king’s mouth there was a voice from Heaven, saying, “The kingdom is departed from thee.” That which the king had seen in a dream, and which had been interpreted by the faithful prophet, finally came to pass. It is thought that the king was seized with a form of insanity in which his human understanding was taken from him and he thought himself to be an animal. This well may be the case, because in reference to his recovery he said, “Mine understanding returned unto me.” Yet we cannot think of this as altogether a natural affliction, for it was sent from God as a direct result of his sin and pride. He had unduly glorified his own genius and God turned that genius into the lowest instinct of an ox that eateth grass, as helpless and as base as if he had never been a man at all. The description throughout exhibits one of the most horrible afflictions that could come upon a human being, to say nothing of such a mighty potentate as Nebuchadnezzar. Verily, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Almighty God.

The King’s Recovery and Restoration
Seven times or seasons, very possibly meaning seven years, passed over the king’s head in this condition, but “at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven.” That look unto Heaven was coming from a grievous sufferer who looked imploringly for mercy and help from whence only they could come. It was a look of reverence for the God of Heaven and a look of prayer for pity; and it was an availing look. The king states: “Mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”

He had endured a most awful judgment, but it had upon him the intended effect. It humbled his pride. It brought him to the most devout personal recognition of the true God. It set him to work to do all in his power to honour and glorify Jehovah. It took away from his heart all shame or hesitation in confessing his sin, and the justice of the punishment he had suffered on account of it. It made him a penitent adorer and royal missionary of the true God. He had learned that the heavens do rule, and now his royal desire was that all people and nations and languages that dwell in all the earth might learn the same without coming to it through such sorrows as he had experienced.

The fact that after such total disability he found his kingly authority reserved for him must likewise refer to the special providence and merciful goodness of God. It could have been that Daniel and the three other Hebrews who held high places in government were used of God in holding this position for their king. They knew that this affliction was for a definite time and that he would recover. Accordingly, the king had this testimony to give that when the days of his affliction were accomplished his counsellors and lords sought unto him and he was established in his kingdom and excellent majesty was added unto him.God’s discipline acknowledged and accepted is always God’s favour secured.


Questions:

1. Describe in your own words the dream, which Nebuchadnezzar had.
2. What words of commendation did the king have in regard to Daniel’s ability?
3. Why should the king have so much confidence in Daniel’s ability?
4. After Daniel interpreted the dream, what more did he have to say to the king?
5. Under what conditions would it have been possible that this dream would never be fulfilled?
6. What was the king in the process of saying when the Lord let that which the dream had prophesied happen?
7. What effect did the fulfilling of the dream have on the king in the end?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.