August 2 AM
"OUR LIFE TOGETHER"
Freedom In Our Fellowship
INTRODUCTION
1. We have seen that the Lord intends for us to enjoy a fellowship
together in the church of Christ which has...
a. The intimacy of a family
b. The interdependence of a body
c. Opportunities to be nourished and strengthened in our assemblies
d. An acceptance of one another despite differences in many things
2. That fellowship may truly flourish in a local congregation, it is
important to understand certain concepts that can have a bearing on
fellowship
a. The proper use of our freedom in Christ is one such concept
b. Failure to understand the nature and proper application of
liberty has ruptured the fellowship of many churches
3. In this lesson, we shall examine the nature of our freedom in Christ
and how it affects our fellowship with one another
I. THE NATURE OF OUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST
A. WE ENJOY "FREEDOM" IN CHRIST...
1. Jesus offered freedom to His disciples - Jn 8:31-32,36
2. Paul taught that Christ has made us free, and we should be
careful to stand fast in this liberty - Ga 5:1
3. James refers to the "perfect law of liberty" - Jm 1:25
B. THE NATURE OF THIS FREEDOM...
1. Does this mean we are totally free from any sort of
obligation?
a. That we are free to "do our own thing"?
b. That we have no responsibilities to anyone?
c. That we are free from having to be concerned about others?
-- Of course not!
2. We should be careful to understand the context of freedom in
Christ
a. Jesus was promising freedom from sin - Jn 8:34-36
b. Paul had reference to freedom from rudimentary elements of
the Old Law - Ga 4:3-5,8-11
c. The "perfect law of liberty" is a blessing only to those
who are "doers of the word" - Jm 1:21-25
3. The truth of the matter is that we have been set "free" in
order that we might "serve"!
a. Set free from the slavery of sin, that we might be servants
of righteousness - Ro 6:17-18; cf. 6:12-16
b. We are now free to "serve one another" through love - Ga 5:13
II. HOW THIS FREEDOM RELATES TO FELLOWSHIP
A. THE CHURCH AT CORINTH: A CASE IN POINT...
1. The situation:
a. Brethren were claiming to have true knowledge about eating
meat sacrificed to idols - cf. 1Co 8:1-6
b. By their example and influence, they were encouraging
others to violate their conscience - 1Co 8:7
c. Those who so violated their weak conscience were sinning
- cf. Ro 14:23
2. But even if there was liberty in Christ to eat such things,
Paul counseled against it
a. Because it was a stumblingblock to those weak in faith -
1Co 8:9-10
b. Because this abuse of knowledge and liberty was causing
brethren to sin, which in itself is a sin against Christ!
- 1Co 8:11-12
3. Paul provides himself as an example of the proper use of
freedom
a. He is willing to go to extremes in service to his weak
brother - 1Co 8:13
b. Though an apostle, enjoying freedom in Christ - 1Co 9:1
c. He is willing to place limitations on his freedom to save
others - 1Co 9:19-23
4. He concludes his treatment on this subject with a command for
us to follow his example - 1Co 10:31-11:1
B. PAUL GAVE SIMILAR COUNSEL TO CHURCH IN ROME...
1. The strong in faith are to be considerate of those weak in
faith - Ro 14:1,13
2. Even if it means giving up things that are right within
themselves - Ro 14:14-23
3. Bearing with the scruples of the weak, seeking their
edification, follows the example of Christ Himself - Ro 15:1-3
C. IMAGINE THE FELLOWSHIP WHERE THESE PRINCIPLES ARE FOLLOWED...
1. Rather than just trying to please ourselves, there would be
serious efforts to build up one another
a. I would not just think of the value of assembling for my
own personal benefit
b. But I would also be concerned about the impact of my
absence on others!
2. Brethren would be patient with those weak in faith, willing
even to forego liberties in Christ in order to serve
a. I would not be desirous to press issues or ideas on those
whose consciences could not allow them to participate
b. Instead, I would seek other ways where we could accomplish
the same goals
3. An atmosphere of love, service, and unity would exist, in
which fellowship could truly thrive to the glory of God!
CONCLUSION
1. The fellowship we enjoy in Christ is a "precious" thing, made
possible by the work of Christ on the cross - cf. Ep 2:13-22
2. Yet, that fellowship is also a "fragile" thing, easily disrupted
through our misuse of the freedom we have in Christ!
3. The solution? To have that "mind of Christ" in our dealings with
one another - Php 2:1-8
a. Fellowship in one accord is possible, but only when we heed the
admonitions given by Paul to the Philippians
1) To do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit
2) To esteem others better than one's self
3) To look out for the interests of others
b. Only by following Christ's own example humble service, can we
insure that fellowship in one accord will continue!
Will we follow the example of Christ in how we use our freedom in our
fellowship? Remember:
"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty;
only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh,
but through love serve one another."
- Ga 5:13
August 2 PM
"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"
The Danger Of Traditions (7:1-13)
INTRODUCTION
1. As Jesus went about teaching, He often ran afoul of religious leaders
over keeping traditions...
a. E.g., plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath - Mk 2:23-28
b. E.g., eating with unwashed hands - Mk 7:1-13
2. In Mk 7:1-13, Jesus describes the danger of traditions at length...
a. How keeping them can make void the very commands of God
b. How keeping them can make our worship vain before God
3. Traditions are very important in some religions...
a. In Roman Catholicism, tradition is placed on par with God's Word
1) "It is an article of faith from a decree of the Vatican Council
that Tradition is a source of theological teaching distinct
from Scripture, and that it is infallible. It is therefore to
be received with the same internal assent of Scripture, for it
is the word of God." - Catholic Dictionary, p. 41-42
2) "Do you have to believe in Tradition? Yes, because it is the
Word of God and has equal authority with the Bible." - Catholic
Catechism For Adults, p. 11
b. Protestant churches have their own traditions
1) It is often their traditions that distinguish between the
denominations
2) To be a member of a particular denomination, one must accept
its traditions
4. In this study, with Mk 7:1-13 as our basic text, we will address the
following questions...
a. What are traditions?
b. Are traditions always wrong?
c. If not, when does a tradition become sinful?
I. THE MEANING OF TRADITION
A. THE WORD ITSELF...
1. The Greek word is paradosis, which means "giving over" or
"handing down"
2. It refers to teaching that is handed down either by word
(orally) or in writing
B. AS UNDERSTOOD BY THE JEWS...
1. It applied to the oral teachings of the elders (distinguished
elders from Moses on down)
2. These traditions were often divided into three classes...
a. Oral laws supposedly given by Moses in addition to the
written laws
b. Decisions of various judges which became precedents in
judicial matters
c. Interpretations of highly respected rabbis held in reverence
along with the OT scriptures
Article on "Tradition", ISBE
3. Prior to his conversion, Paul was a staunch supporter of Jewish
tradition - Ga 1:13-14
C. AS UNDERSTOOD BY ROMAN AND GREEK CATHOLICS...
1. Their views appear to be parallel to that of the Jews
2. What they consider "Tradition" is what they believe to be the
teachings:
a. Of Jesus or the apostles, persevered orally rather than
through writing
b. Of various councils which have left various decrees
c. Of various church leaders (such as the pope) considered to
be inspired with later revelations from God
3. Of course, one is expected to take their word for it that these
"traditions" were truly from God and have been faithfully
transmitted
D. AS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES...
1. The word "tradition" as such is not found in the Old Testament
2. It is found thirteen (13) times in New Testament
a. Three (3) times it refers to "apostolic teaching"
1) That which had been delivered by the apostles - 1Co 11:2
2) Whether by word (in person) or epistle - 2Th 2:15
3) Which Christians were expected to keep - 2Th 3:6
b. Ten (10) times it refers to "the tradition of the elders" or
"the traditions of men"
1) As in our text and parallel passages - Mk 7:3-13; Mt 15:2-6
2) Of which Paul warned the Colossians - Col 2:8
3) From which Jewish Christians had been delivered - 1Pe 1:18; Ga 1:14
3. Jesus did not feel bound to abide by "the traditions of the
elders"
a. Some traditions He had no problem with keeping
1) Such as going to a wedding feast - Jn 2:1-2
2) Or attending the Feast Of Dedication - Jn 10:22-23
b. But He just as easily had no problem with violating other
traditions
1) Plucking grain on the Sabbath - Mk 2:23-28
2) Eating with unwashed hands - Mk 7:1-5
4. Evidently Jesus did not subscribe to the view of "traditions"
handed down orally
a. He never appealed to the traditions of the elders
b. He either appealed to the authority of the written Word (the
Law of Moses), or to His own authority as the Son of God
II. THE DANGER OF TRADITIONS OF MEN
A. THEY CAN LEAD TO HYPOCRITICAL WORSHIP...
1. Traditions of men tend toward ritualism (just look at the
rituals found in many religions that have no scriptural basis)
2. Such ritualism is often done repeatedly, with little thought as
to its origin and purpose
3. It is easy to go through such rituals, with the heart and mind
on other things
4. Worship without the heart (or mind) of man is hypocritical
worship! - Mk 7:6
B. THEY CAN LEAD TO VAIN WORSHIP...
1. When traditions of men are taught on the same level as the
commands of God, it leads to vain worship - Mk 7:7
2. Such worship may appear to be impressive, but it in actually
"empty, worthless"
a. First, because God did not command it
b. Second, because it does not accomplish the good we really
need - cf. Col 2:18-23
C. THEY CAN MAKE THE WORD OF GOD VOID...
1. Jesus gave the example of honoring one's parents - Mk 7:10-12
a. The elders' tradition taught giving to the temple freed one
from giving to one's parents
b. Thus rendering the command of God of no effect
2. There are traditions of men today with similar affect
a. Such as the practice of sprinkling for baptism, a tradition
of man
b. When one keeps the tradition of sprinkling, they make the
command of God to be baptized (immersed) of no effect!
3. Through such traditions, one is actually rejecting the command
of God! - Mk 7:8-9,13
CONCLUSION
1. What are traditions...?
a. They are simply teachings that have been handed down
b. In the case of inspired men (like the apostles) given in person or
through their writings, such traditions are good and to be
followed
2. Oral traditions, given through a succession of uninspired men, are at
best suspect...
a. Jesus did not hold traditions orally transmitted through the Jews
on par with God's written word
b. Nor should we hold traditions orally transmitted through men on
par with God's written word
3. At worst, traditions of men can be vain and deadly...
a. When their observance leads one to not keep a command of God
b. When they are taught as doctrine, on par with God's word
c. When they lead to ritualism, done without engaging the heart and
mind of man
From the words of Jesus, let us beware of "The Danger Of Traditions",
and make sure that our faith and practice is based upon the written Word
of God, not the interpretations and teachings of uninspired men...!
August 9 AM
August 9 PM
"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"
The Source Of True Defilement (7:14-23)
INTRODUCTION
1. When confronted by the Pharisees and scribes regarding eating with
unclean hands...
a. Jesus described the danger of traditions - Mk 7:1-13
b. How they can make our worship vain and the commands of God void
- ibid.
2. Jesus then used the occasion to teach concerning true defilement...
a. First to the multitude - Mk 7:14-16
b. Then privately to His disciples - Mk 7:17-23
I. NOT THE FOOD
A. DIETARY RESTRICTIONS IN THE PAST...
1. From the Creation, man (and animals) may have been vegetarian
- Gen 1:29-30
2. After the Flood, God gave animals as food, but not their blood
- Gen 9:3-4
3. With the Law of Moses, Israelites were restricted in their diet
- Lev 11:1-47
In Old Testament times, God did have some stringent dietary
guidelines
B. DIETARY FREEDOMS IN THE PRESENT...
1. Jesus has declared all foods clean - Mk 7:14-19
a. To the multitude, Jesus hints at the source of true
defilement - Mk 7:14-16
b. To His disciples, He explains His parable - Mk 7:17-19
c. "...purifying all foods" is likely a parenthetical statement
- Mk 7:19
d. For while the Law of Moses was in force, Jesus observed it
in full - cf. Mt 5:17-18
e. Thus Mark's parenthetical statement was intended for
disciples living after the cross
2. Paul later taught that all food is acceptable
a. Teaching to abstain from foods would be a sign of apostasy
- 1Ti 4:1-3
b. Nothing is to be refused when received with thanksgiving and
prayer - 1Ti 4:4-5
3. There are a few exceptions...
a. Things offered to idols, blood, and things strangled - Ac 15:28-29; 21:25
b. Especially when connected to idolatry - 1Co 10:19-23; Re 2:14,20
c. When certain foods becomes a stumbling block to the weak
- Ro 14:14-21; 1Co 8:8-13
-- From the New Testament, we learn of the dietary freedom we have
in Christ
II. BUT THE HEART
A. MAN HAS A HEART PROBLEM...
1. The heart (mind) is a fountain out of which much that impacts
life flows - Pr 4:23
2. Affected by sin, it becomes deceitful and wicked - Ec 9:3; Jer 17:9
3. Thus the heart is a source of much evil that defiles man - Mk 7:20-23
-- The heart (or mind) of man is the real source of defilement
B. EVIL THOUGHTS LEAD TO TRUE DEFILEMENT...
1. Evil thoughts
a. The general term translated 'evil thoughts' precedes the
verb in the Greek text and is viewed as the root of various
evils which follow - Bible Knowledge Commentary
b. Evil thoughts generated in a heart unite with one's will to
produce evil words and actions - ibid.
2. Adulteries
a. Illicit sexual relations by a married person
b. Which Jesus said could occur in the heart - Mt 5:27-28
3. Fornications
a. Illicit sexual activities of various kinds, prompted by lust
- cf. 1Th 4:3-5
b. Including pre-marital sex, homosexuality, etc.
4. Murders
a. Taking life intentionally
b. Which is connected to hate in the heart - 1Jn 3:15
5. Thefts
a. Stealing
b. Including shoplifting, pilfering, etc.
6. Covetousness
a. Greediness
b. Which makes one an idolater - Ep 5:5; Col 3:5
7. Wickedness
a. Evil acts
b. Done with malice
8. Deceit - acting with guile and intent to defraud
9. Lewdness
a. Unrestrained and unconcealed immoral behavior
b. Closely related to lust - cf. Ro 13:13
10. An evil eye - a Hebrew idiom for stinginess - cf. Pr 28:22
11. Blasphemy - slander, verbal abuse against God or man
12. Pride - arrogance, boastful opinion of one's self, often with
disdain toward others
13. Foolishness - lack of common sense, with moral and spiritual
insensitivity
Such sins prompted by evil thoughts are what truly defile us!
CONCLUSION
1. Today, many people choose to restrict their diet...
a. Some for health reasons (allowed by the liberty we have in Christ)
b. Others for religious reasons (not bound by the liberty we have in
Christ)
2. From Christ and His apostles, we learn that all foods have been
declared clean...
a. When received with thanksgiving
b. When sanctified by prayer
Thus we learn where our true focus should be: removing that defilement
which springs from sinful hearts (Ep 4:17-24; 1Pe 4:1-3). It begins
with obedience to the gospel of Christ... - cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16
August 16 AM
August 16 PM
"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"
A Gentile Blessed For Her Faith (7:24-30)
INTRODUCTION
1. Many Christians today take their faith and its privileges for
granted...
a. Perhaps it is the old adage, "familiarity breeds contempt"
b. But Gentile Christians in particular should never lose sight of
the grace shown them
2. I refer to privileges that were long bestowed on the Israelites...
a. Such as a covenant relationship with God
b. With all the blessings that accompany such a relationship
c. Which are now available to all who come to God with faith in
Christ
I. THE NARRATIVE
A. THE SEARCH FOR PRIVACY...
1. Jesus had travelled about 40 miles from Capernaum
2. He came to the region of Tyre and Sidon, also known as
Syro-Phoenecia - Mk 7:24
3. He sought privacy, probably needing rest - cf. Mk 6:31-32
B. THE REQUEST FOR A MIRACLE..
1. A woman with a daughter possessed by an unclean spirit came to
Him - Mk 7:25
2. She was a Greek (Gentile), a Syro-Phoenician by birth - Mk 7:26
3. She "kept asking" Jesus to cast out the demon - Mk 7:26
4. She even acknowledged Jesus as "O Lord, Son of David!" - cf. Mt 15:22
5. Matthew reveals that initially Jesus did not speak to her - cf.
Mt 15:23
6. That she began pestering His disciples - cf. Mt 15:23
C. THE REFUSAL TO HEAL...
1. Matthew's account explains Jesus' thinking - cf. Mt 15:24
a. "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of
Israel."
b. Compare His charge regarding the "Limited Commission" - cf.
Mt 10:5-6
c. His mission was to fulfill prophecy concerning Israel's
Messiah
d. He would later expand His ministry to the world - cf. Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15
2. Jesus' response to her suggested as much - Mk 7:27
a. "Let the children be filled first..."
b. There were promises to Israel that needed to be filled
before those to the Gentiles
D. THE RESPONSE TO FAITH...
1. The woman's response to Jesus shows her faith - Mk 7:28
a. "Yes, Lord..." - she acknowledge the right for Him to refuse
her request
b. "...yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the
children's crumbs.." - she would be happy with "crumbs" left
over from His ministry to the Jews
2. Jesus admired her faith and healed her daughter - Mk 7:29-30
a. Matthew adds that Jesus said, "O woman, great is your
faith!" - cf. Mt 15:28
b. And that her daughter "was healed instantly" - cf. Mt 15:28
II. SOME OBSERVATIONS
A. OTHER GENTILES BLESSED BY FAITH...
1. The centurion at Capernaum - Mt 8:5-13
2. Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to the gospel - Ac 10:1-6
The first centurion ate "crumbs", the latter the first to "sit
at the table"
B. GENTILES ARE NOW BLESSED BY FAITH...
1. We are no longer:
a. Without Christ
b. Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel
c. Strangers from the covenants of promise
d. Having no hope and without God in the world - Ep 2:11-12
2. We are now:
a. Brought near by the blood of Christ - Ep 2:13
b. Reconciled as one body in Christ - Ep 2:14-17
c. With access by one Spirit to the Father - Ep 2:18
d. Fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household
of God - Ep 2:19-22
True to Jesus' promise (Mt 8:11-12), Gentiles can now sit at
the table!
C. ARE WE MAKING GOOD USE OF OUR BLESSINGS...?
1. Not if we refuse to come to the table
a. By not obeying the gospel
b. Jesus now invites everyone - Mk 16:15-16
2. Not if we refuse to eat at the table
a. Through disobedience and neglect
b. This was the mistake of many of the Jews - cf. Mt 8:11-12;
21:43
3. Not if we eat only the crumbs
a. Through apathy and neglect
b. This was the problem with Sardis and Laodicea - cf. Re 3:1-2,14-19
If the "sons" will be cast out, how much more ungrateful
"dogs"? - cf. Ro 11:21-22
CONCLUSION
1. This incident, "A Gentile Blessed For Her Faith", should remind us
of...
a. The way we were before Christ
b. The blessings we now enjoy in Christ
2. Do we have her kind of faith...?
a. Persisting even when first rebuffed?
b. Willing to accept even the smallest of blessings?
For those who do, a spiritual feast awaits...! - cf. Ep 1:3
August 23 AM
"OUR LIFE TOGETHER"
Enriching Our Life Together
INTRODUCTION
1. Up to this point, we have been dealing with some of the "doctrinal"
underpinnings of "Our Life Together"...
a. Noticing the "intimacy" and "interdependency" of our fellowship
in the local church
b. Examining various "acts of worship" and their role in nurturing
fellowship
c. Reviewing the concepts of "acceptance" and "freedom" in Christ as
they relate to fellowship
2. With this lesson I wish to begin addressing the "application" side
of our study...
a. What can we "do" to enrich our life together?
b. What sort of things should we "avoid" that have the potential of
disrupting fellowship?
3. There are many places we could turn to in the New Testament for a
study on "Enriching Our Life Together"...
a. Indeed, much of the New Testament addresses the subject in one
form or another
b. But in this study, we will focus mainly on what we find in "The
Epistle Of James"
4. Addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (Jm 1:1), it is especially full of advice for...
a. Those Christians who find themselves living in a highly mobile
society like our own
b. Those Christians whose need for "fellowship" is often a truly
"felt need" (because other normal channels of association like
family, friends, etc., may be lacking)
I. THINGS TO AVOID
A. ALL FILTHINESS AND OVERFLOW OF WICKEDNESS - Jm 1:21
1. I take this to include any sort of immoral behavior or speech
- cf. Ep 5:3-5
2. The wise man wrote of the devastating effects of immorality
- cf. Pr 6:27-35
Nothing will destroy the precious fellowship we have in Christ
like "sin in the camp"
B. PARTIALITY - Jm 2:1-9
1. This was discussed in our study entitled "An Accepting
Fellowship"
2. Showing respect of persons, either through "partiality", or
its more malignant cousin "bigotry", makes us sinners before
God - Jm 2:9
Fellowship in Christ is designed to bring us together, not
divide us
C. MISUSE OF THE TONGUE - Jm 3:1-12
1. The tongue possesses great power to destroy, if we are not
careful - Jm 3:5-7
2. When we misuse the tongue to curse men, it reveals the
shallowness of our praise of God - Jm 3:9-12
During the war, the old Navy saying was "Loose lips sinks
ships"; it can have the same effect on the peace and
fellowship in a congregation!
D. SELFISHNESS - Jm 4:1
1. James reveals that the root cause of much strife is nothing
more than selfishness
2. As he wrote earlier, "For where envy and self-seeking exist,
confusion and every evil thing will be there." - Jm 3:16
If we desire peace and harmony in our fellowship, we must grow
beyond the egocentricism of our youth and carnality!
E. SPEAKING EVIL OF ONE ANOTHER - Jm 4:11-12
1. Here we learn that speaking evil of another evil actually
"speaks evil of the law and judges the law"; do we wish to be
guilty of that?
2. We also set ourselves up as judges, when there is really only
one Judge and Lawgiver
3. This does not preclude the necessity to "judge with righteous
judgment" (Jn 7:24), nor that we cannot "judge those who are
inside" the family of God (1Co 5:9-13)
But too often we can be guilty of "judging" others according
to our own personal standards; speaking "evil" of others is
usually an indication of that, and quickly destroys fellowship
II. THINGS TO DO
A. VIEW CHALLENGES AS OPPORTUNITIES - Jm 1:2-4
1. Possessing a positive perspective about difficulties is good
for congregations as well as individuals
2. Any church that is growing will likely experience problems
with maintaining peace and harmony
3. But just as marriages are made stronger when spouses are
willing to work through their difficulties, so a congregation
can be made stronger by its difficulties!
B. PRAY FOR WISDOM - Jm 1:5-8
1. To be able to maintain a thriving fellowship in a congregation
requires wisdom
2. Just as we should seek wisdom from God as individuals, so also
as a congregation!
C. MAINTAIN PROPER PERSPECTIVES ABOUT OUR SITUATIONS - Jm 1:9-11
1. Fellowship is often disrupted by envy or pride
2. But God gives us reasons to be thankful for whatever situation
in which we find ourselves
3. If all the members are willing to see themselves as God sees
them, there will be no room for pride or envy
D. BE SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH - Jm 1:19-20
1. Poor communication and short tempers will quickly destroy any
relationship
2. But if all apply this "triad" of graces, problems can be
gracefully handled and overcome
E. PRACTICE PURE AND UNDEFILED RELIGION - Jm 1:22-27
1. This involves each of us...
a. Being doers of the Word, and not just hearers
b. Letting our actions speak louder than our words
c. Attending to the needs of the less fortunate
d. Keeping ourselves untainted by the world
2. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have fellowship in a congregation
where all are true "practitioners" of this kind of religion?
F. DEMONSTRATE WISDOM BY YOUR CONDUCT - Jm 3:13,17-18
1. Again, we are letting our actions speak louder than our words
2. Note especially verse 17, wouldn't it be wonderful to be in a
congregation filled with people demonstrating a wisdom that
is: "...first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without
hypocrisy."?
G. PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER - Jm 5:13-16
1. When we are praying for others, it is hard to be angry at them
2. When we know others are praying for us, it is hard not to love
them
3. When we are praying for each other, not only is our fellowship
with God strengthened, but our fellowship with one another!
H. RESTORE THE ERRING - Jm 5:19-20
1. When people stray from the faith, we lose the benefit of their
fellowship with us
2. Restoring them back to God not only saves them, but blesses us
with their renewed fellowship!
CONCLUSION
1. This quick survey of The Epistle Of James illustrates many of the
good things we can do to be "Enriching Our Life Together"
2. Indeed, the entire New Testament is filled with admonitions...
a. Not only to enhance our relationship with God
b. But also to enhance our fellowship with one another!
Let the Word of God be our guide to creating and maintaining "Our
Life Together"!
How about "your" relationship with God and His children (i.e., the
church)? Is it what it ought to be? Can we help you draw nearer to
God and His family...? - cf. Ga 3:26-27; Jm 5:16
August 23 PM
"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"
He Has Done All Things Well (7:31-37)
INTRODUCTION
1. I would like for you to ask yourself: What has Jesus done for
you...?
a. Anything?
b. Something?
2. If Jesus has done anything for you, how would you describe it...?
a. More than you expected?
I. THE NARRATIVE
A. THE JOURNEY TO THE SEA OF GALILEE...
1. Jesus left the region of Tyre and Sidon - Mk 7:31
a. Where he had healed the daughter of the Syro-Phoenician
woman
b. A woman blessed for her faith - Mk 7:24-30
2. He traveled through the region of Decapolis - Mk 7:31
a. So called after ten cities in the area, mostly SE of the Sea
of Galilee
b. Damascus, Raphana, Hippos, Abila [or Canatha], Gadara,
Scythopolis, Pella, Dion, Gerasa, and Philadelphia [Amman]
c. Predominately Gentile and Hellenistic in their culture
d. Where the man healed of legions of demons proclaimed Christ
- Mk 5:20
3. Matthew's gospel adds a few details - Mt 15:29-31
a. Jesus went to a mountain and sat down
b. Many lame, blind, mute and maimed were brought and healed
c. The multitude marveled and glorified the God of Israel
(these are likely Gentiles)
B. JESUS HEALS A DEAF MUTE...
1. People bring a deaf mute to Jesus and beg Him to heal him - Mk 7:32
2. Aside from the multitude, Jesus begins the healing - Mk 7:33-34
a. Putting His fingers in the deaf mute's ears, spitting, and
touching his tongue
b. Looking to heaven, sighing, and saying "Ephphatha" (Aramaic
for "Be opened")
3. The healing is instantaneous - Mk 7:35
a. His ears are opened
b. He begins to speak plainly
C. JESUS' REQUEST AND THE CROWD'S RESPONSE...
1. He commanded them to tell no one, but they widely proclaim it
- Mk 7:36; cf. Mk 1:44-45
2. They are astonished, saying "He has done all things well" - Mk 7:37
II. SOME OBSERVATIONS
A. REGARDING THE HEALING...
1. Jesus may have been using sign language to explain what He was
doing
2. The fingers in the ears - "Something will be done for your
ears...and I will do it."
3. The touch of the tongue - "Something will be done for your
tongue...and I will do it."
4. The spit - His intention was to heal, as saliva was thought to
have medicinal properties
5. The look to heaven - indicating His help came from above
6. The sigh - the sympathizing Jesus, taking the man's condition
to heart - cf. Isa 53:4
William Hendriksen (Baker's New Testament Commentary)
B. REGARDING THE DECLARATION...
1. "He has done all things well"
a. He astonished those who saw His miracles - Mk 7:37
b. He astonished those who heard His teachings - Mk 1:22; 6:2
c. This is before His amazing death, resurrection, and
ascension to heaven!
2. Has Jesus done all things well for you?
a. Given you rest for your soul? - Mt 11:28-30
b. Saved you from you sins? - Mk 16:15-16
c. Given you the peace the world cannot give? - Jn 14:27
3. If not, why not?
a. Could it be for lack of faith? - cf. Mk 6:5-6
b. Could it be your heart is restricted? - cf. 2Co 6:11-13
1) The Corinthians restricted themselves from receiving
Paul's love
2) Might we be guilty of doing the same in receiving Jesus'
love and power?
4. As God has often asked His people:
a. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" - Gen 18:14
a. "Has the Lord's arm been shortened?" - Num 11:23
b. "Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem?" - Isa 50:2
c. "Or have I no power to deliver?" - Isa 50:2
d. "Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted?" - Mic 2:7
Think about these things, if your spiritual life is vapid!
CONCLUSION
1. Jesus has certainly done all things well...
a. "He changed sunset into sunrise." - Clement of Alexandria
b. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation..." - 2Co 5:17
2. But has He done all things well for you...?
a. If your spiritual life is insipid, remember His words to the
Laodiceans - Re 3:14-22
b. It is most likely you have not been following Jesus as fervently
as you should
"What good is having someone who can walk on water if you don't
follow in his footsteps?" - Author Unknown
Jesus, who has done all things well, stands ready to open your eyes to
see the beauty of His salvation, to open your mouth to proclaim the
glory of His redemption...!
August 30 AM
"OUR LIFE TOGETHER"
Using The Home To Build Fellowship
INTRODUCTION
1. Our previous study began to focus on the "application" side of "Our
Life Together"...
a. By observing how the Scriptures are filled with exhortations
b. Which taken to heart will nurture fellowship in the local church
2. We noticed one such example, the Epistle of James, where we found
admonitions...
a. On things to "avoid"
1) All filthiness and overflow of wickedness
2) Partiality
3) Misuse of the tongue
4) Selfishness
5) Speaking evil of one another
b. On things to "do"
1) View challenges as opportunities
2) Pray for wisdom
3) Maintain proper perspectives about our situations
4) Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath
5) Practice pure and undefiled religion
6) Demonstrate wisdom by your conduct
7) Pray for one another
8) Restore the erring
3. The Scriptures teach not only by "precept", but also by "example"...
a. And the example of the early church provides insight into ways
fellowship can be strengthened
b. One such example is their use of the "home"
c. I believe a study of the New Testament church shows that their
success in both evangelism and in building fellowship was partly
due to their use of the home
I. THE USE OF THE HOME BY THE EARLY CHURCH
A. HOMES WERE USED WITH MUCH FREQUENCY...
1. The church in Jerusalem, especially in times of persecution
- Ac 5:41-42; 12:5,12
2. Aquila and Priscilla often hosted the church in their home
- Ro 16:3-5; 1Co 16:19
3. Another example is Philemon - Phm 1-2
4. Paul utilized homes in his ministry, both at Ephesus and in
Rome - Ac 20:17-21; 28:30-31
B. BUT WITH TIME, THE USE OF THE HOME BEGAN TO DECLINE...
1. We know that "church buildings" began to be built as early as
the second century
2. When Constantine, emperor of Rome, was "converted" in 312
A.D....
a. He designated Christianity the "official religion" of the
empire
b. He gave many of the pagan temples to the Christians to use
as meeting places
3. Before long, people began to view the building as "the church"
a. Homes were not used as much as before
b. Most "religious activity" began to be centered around the
building
c. Such is the case today, where most "religious activity"
takes place at the church building
II. WHY USING THE HOME IS IMPORTANT TO FELLOWSHIP
A. BECAUSE OF THE LIMITATION INHERENT TO PUBLIC WORSHIP...
1. Public worship is certainly necessary and important
2. We have already seen that the "acts of worship" are designed
to nurture fellowship
3. But there are limits to the degree of fellowship we can have
during our public assemblies
a. Limits on "time"
1) A couple of hours a week do not provide much opportunity
to develop meaningful relationships between brethren
2) Especially since the time we actually spend talking to
one another is a few minutes before and after the
services
b. Limits on "intimacy"
1) Sheer numbers prevent us from spending much time with
everyone
2) We either spend a few minutes with a select few, or even
a smaller amount of time with all
If our "fellowship" is limited to what takes place at the
church building, what fellowship we have will be shallow at
best!
B. USING HOMES EXTEND OPPORTUNITY FOR FELLOWSHIP...
1. We have more "time" to visit, to talk, to study, to pray
2. The informal and personal atmosphere of the home allows for
more "intimacy", i.e...
a. To become better acquainted
b. To proceed beyond mere formalities, to where we can better
know and understand one another
3. Opportunities to ask questions, provide answers, study
together, are enhanced when we are willing to open our homes
to one another
III. SUGGESTIONS FOR USING THE HOME TO BUILD FELLOWSHIP
A. PRACTICE "HOSPITALITY"...
1. We are commanded to practice hospitality among brethren - 1 Pe 4:9
2. Certainly not all have the same ability to provide hospitality
a. Some may be able to have the entire congregation over at
one time
b. Others may only be able to have a family or two
c. Yet others may best provide hospitality by taking people
out to dinner
But to whatever degree we can, let us be fruitful in this
area - cf. 1Pe 4:10
3. Even if we engage in hospitality only on a social level, it
can help to increase levels of communication in which
spiritual fellowship can occur later
4. But consider using your home as place for...
a. Home Bible studies with new converts
b. On-going studies with other Christians
c. Periodic devotions, such as singings, prayer meetings, etc.
Remember the example of Aquila and Priscilla, who offered
the use of their home for the work of the church, wherever
they lived - cf. Ro 16:3-5; 1Co 16:19
B. ENGAGE IN "VISITATION"...
1. For "hospitality" to work, it must be a two-way street
a. We must be willing to accept invitations by others, and
visit them
b. Sometimes hospitality is not practiced, because people
won't accept invitations!
2. We should also make efforts to visit those who may have
special needs...
a. The sick (both at home and in the hospital)
b. Those new in the faith (or otherwise new members of the
congregation)
c. Those spiritually weak
Making ourselves available to be of service to those with
such needs is defined as "pure and undefiled religion"
- Jm 1:27
CONCLUSION
1. More could be said, but I hope it is evident that expedient use of
the home can greatly facilitate the sort of fellowship Christ
intends for His church...
a. A fellowship that is a rich one, primarily spiritual in nature
b. But one facilitated through practical means like "hospitality"
and "visitation"
2. Can we not see that "Our Life Together" needs to extend...
a. Beyond the walls of the church building?
b. Beyond the few hours we assemble together for public worship?
3. A final point to stimulate your thinking on these things...
a. I often ask a congregation: "We may be a friendly congregation,
but are we a hospitable congregation?"
b. The distinction should be evident, which is:
1) "Friendly" describes what takes place inside the church
building
2) "Hospitable" describes what goes on in our homes!
The Lord has blessed us all to various degrees with our homes...let's
be wise stewards and use them to the glory of God and the enrichment of
"Our Life Together"!
August 30 PM
"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"
Feeding The Four Thousand (8:1-10)
INTRODUCTION
1. During His earthly ministry, Jesus focused attention on the house of
Israel...
a. As He commanded when giving the Limited Commission - Mt 10:5-6
b. As He explained to the Syro-Phoenician woman - Mt 15:24
2. Even so, there were occasions when Gentiles benefited from His
physical presence...
a. The Syro-Phoenician woman's daughter healed - Mk 7:24-30
b. Healings in the area of Decapolis, including the deaf mute - Mt 15:29-31; Mk 7:31-37
c. Feeding of the four thousand - Mk 8:1-10
I. THE NARRATIVE
A. THE SETTING...
1. "In those days" - Mk 8:1
a. Connecting this miracle with those we've just studied - Mk 7:31-37; Mt 15:29-31
b. Placing it in the area of Decapolis, SE of the Sea of
Galilee - Mk 7:31
c. A prominently Gentile region, where Jesus had healed a
demoniac - Mk 5:1-13
d. Who had broadcast what Jesus did for him throughout
Decapolis - Mk 5:18-20
2. Other particulars - Mk 8:1-3
a. A great multitude, who had been with Jesus three days
b. In a wilderness region, without food, far from their homes
B. THE MIRACLE...
1. Prompted by Jesus' compassion - Mk 8:2-3
2. Unforeseen by Jesus' disciples - Mk 8:4
3. Using only seven loaves and a few small fish - Mk 8:5-7
4. Occurring after Jesus gave thanks for the bread, and blessed
the fish - Mk 8:6-7
5. With seven large baskets of leftover fragments - Mk 8:8
6. Feeding 4000 men, besides women and children - Mk 8:9; cf. Mt 15:38
II. SOME OBSERVATIONS
A. TWO MIRACLES COMPARED...
The 5000 The 4000
1. In Galilee 1. In Decapolis
2. Jews - cf. Jn 6:14-15 2. Gentiles (Decapolis)
- Mk 7:31; 8:1
3. With Jesus one day - Mk 6:35 3. With Jesus three days - Mk 8:2
4. Near villages - Mk 6:36 4. In wilderness - Mk 8:3-4
5. Five loaves, two fish - Mk 5:41 5. Seven loaves, few small
fish - Mk 8:5,7
6. 5000 men, plus women and 6. 4000 men, plus women and
children - Mt 14:21 children - Mt 15:38
7. Surplus = 12 hand baskets 7. Surplus = 7 large baskets *
- Mk 6:43 - Mk 8:8
* The large baskets were like hampers, large enough to hide in
- cf. Ac 9:25
B. THE SATISFYING POWER OF JESUS...
1. We see a picture of need - "nothing to eat"
2. We see a revelation of love - "I have compassion on the
multitude"
3. We see a consideration of grace - "if I send them away hungry
to their own houses, they will faint on the way"
4. We see a question of helplessness - "How can one satisfy these
people with bread here in the wilderness?"
5. We see a command requiring trust - "He commanded the multitude
to sit down on the ground"
6. We see a manifestation of power - "those who had eaten were
about four thousand"
7. We see a superabundance of supply - "they took up seven largef
baskets of leftover fragments"
From Handfuls On Purpose, Smith & Lee
C. NOT UNLIKE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST...
1. There is need - Ro 3:23
2. There is love - Ro 5:8
3. There is grace - Ro 6:23
4. There is helplessness - Ro 3:9
5. There is a command requiring trust - Ro 6:3; cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16
6. There is manifestation of power - Ro 6:4-7; 8:1-2,11-13
7. There is superabundance of supply - Ro 8:31-39; cf. Ep 3:20-21
He who fed thousands with bread then feeds millions with the
bread of life today!
CONCLUSION
1. The feeding of the four thousand was a miracle which...
a. Was quite different than feeding the five thousand
b. Foreshadowed the grace to be offered all men, both Jew and Gentile
2. May it serve to remind us concerning Jesus...
a. He knows our every need
b. He is touched by our infirmities
c. He is able to abundantly supply our need
As Paul wrote to his beloved brethren in the churches at Philippi and
Ephesus...
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in
glory by Christ Jesus." - Php 4:19
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all
that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen." - Ep 3:20-21
