Basics about Jesus

In this episode Brother Jonathan discusses some of the basic points about Jesus.

 

Remnant Bible Fellowship

S3EP4

Basics about Jesus

 

1. Did Jesus always know who He was?
   1. “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:46-50)
2. He came from the Father
   1. “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” (John 16:28)
   2. “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)

• He claimed a divine knowledge and fellowship
  1. “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” (Mat 11:27)
  2. “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:25)

1. He is a manifestation of the Father
   1. “Jesus saith 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; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.” (John 14:9-11)
   2. “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30)
      1. It’s been said by some that the first part of this statement (“I and my Father…”) refutes Sabellianism. Sabellianism is the teaching that Jesus’ nature is like God the Father’s but not the same as it. This was condemned as heresy by Christians early on.
      2. The latter part of this statement (“…are one.”) has been said to refute the teaching called Arianism. This is the idea that Jesus BECAME a god after a progression of increasing exaltation. He taught that Jesus was a created being and was only unique in that he was God’s greatest creation. Arius’ attack on the divinity of Christ is what led to the Council of Nicaea. This is still taught today through the Watchtower Society and the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
   3. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1Tim. 3:16)
   4. “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Col. 2:9)
      1. Newer Bible versions translate the Greek word underlying “Godhead” as “divine nature”. This is consistent with how the KJV translates the same Greek word elsewhere.
   5. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Mat. 1:23)
   6. “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 mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6)
   7. “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Col 1:15-17)
   8. “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” (Heb 1:3)
2. He assumed divine Qualities
   1. He came down from Heaven
      1. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38)
      2. “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (John 3:13)
   2. Omnipresence
      1. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mat. 18:20)
      2. “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” (John 1:45-49)
   3. Power to forgive sins.
      1. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” (Mark 2:5-12)
   4. Power to raise the dead
      1. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:54)
      2. He raised a girl who had just died (Mat. 9:25; Mk. 5:41; Lk. 8:54), a widow’s son who was about to be buried (Lk. 7:14), and a man who had been dead for four days already (John 11:43-44).
   5. His deity
      1. It was declared by angels:
         1. By Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-33)
         2. By Gabriel to Joseph (Mat. 1:20-23)

• By angels to some shepherds (Luke 2:8-11)

1. By angels to some women (Mat. 28:5-6)

1. It was declared by the Father
   1. At his baptism (Mat. 3:16-17)
   2. At his transfiguration (Mat. 17:5)

• Shortly before his passion (Jn. 12:27-28)

1. His deity was declared by demons.
   1. As he healed a possessed man (Mat. 8:28-29)
   2. As he healed a possessed man in Capernaum (Luke 4:33-34)

• As he healed many in Capernaum (Luke 4:41; Mark 3:11)

• The Humanity of Jesus – He was entirely man
  1. He had an earthly parent (Mary) (Luke 1:31)
  2. He had a human body (Mt. 26:12)
  3. He had a human soul (Jn. 12:27)
  4. He had a human spirit (Mk. 2:8; Lk. 23:46)
  5. He increased in wisdom and stature as He grew to adulthood (Lk. 2:52, 40)
     1. Though Jesus knew who He was he still chose to live as a human being. He submitted Himself to living as a human while still maintaining His profession of divinity. He was God manifested in the flesh who willing humbled Himself to live as a human.
        1. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and 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.” (Php 2:5-8)
     2. He asked questions (Lk. 2:46; 8:45)
     3. He learned obedience (Lk. 2:51)
     4. He looked like a man
        1. To the Samaritan woman (Jn. 4:9)
        2. To the Jews (Jn. 8:57; 10:33)

• To Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20:15)

1. He possessed flesh and blood (Jn. 6:51, 55)
2. He socialized (Jn. 2:1-2)
3. He prayed (Lk. 11:1)
4. He was tempted (Mt. 4:1)
5. He hungered (Mt. 4:2; 21:18)
6. He thirsted (Jn. 4:7; 19:28)
7. He ate food (Jn. 21:13-15; Lk. 24:41-43)
8. He became weary (Jn. 4:6)
9. He slept (Mt. 8:24)
10. He loved (Mk. 10:21)
11. He had compassion (Mt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; et al.)
12. He was angered and grieved (Mk. 3:5)
13. He wept (Jn. 11:35; Lk. 19:41)
14. He experienced joy (Lk. 10:21)
15. He possessed zeal (Jn. 2:17)
16. He became sorrowful (Mt. 26:37; Mk. 14:34)
17. He sang (Mt. 26:30)
18. He sweat and agonized (Lk. 22:44)
19. He was troubled (Jn. 11:33; 12:27; 13:21; et al.)
20. He bled (Jn. 19:34)
21. He died (Mt. 27:50)
22. He was buried (Mt. 27:59-60)

• Old Testament Prophecies
  1. Born of a Virgin
     1. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isa 7:14)
     2. “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Mat 1:22-23)
  2. He would be called “Emmanuel”. Names are very significant in prophecy because they reveal something.
     1. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isa 7:14)
     2. “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Mat 1:22-23)
  3. He would have a forerunner.
     1. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isa 40:3-5)
     2. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Mal 3:1)

• “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Mat 3:1-3) See also Luke 1:76-78; 3:3-6.

1. He would be born in Bethlehem.
   1. “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.” (Mic 5:2)
   2. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” (Mat 2:3-6) See also Luke 2:4-7.
2. He would be in Egypt for a time.
   1. “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” (Hos 11:1)
   2. “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, 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. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” (Mat 2:13-15)
3. He would heal many.
   1. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isa 53:4)
   2. “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.” (Mat 8:16-17)
4. To be rejected by his own.
   1. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isa 53:3)
   2. “I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.” (Psa 69:8)

• “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11) See also John 7:5.

1. To make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
   1. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” (Zec 9:9)
   2. “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.” (Mat 21:4-5)
2. To be the rejected cornerstone.
   1. “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Psa 118:22-23)
   2. “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” (Mat 21:42)

• “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.” (Act 4:10-11)

1. To be betrayed by his friend for thirty pieces of silver.
   1. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” (Psa 41:9)
   2. “For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.” (Psa 55:12-14)

• “And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.” (Zec 11:12-13)

1. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” (Mat 26:14-16)

1. His price money to be used to buy a potter’s field.
   1. “And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.” (Zec 11:12-13)
   2. “Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.” (Mat 27:3-10)
2. To be forsaken by his disciples.
   1. “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” (Zec 13:7)
   2. “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad… But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” (Mat 26:31, 56)
3. He will be counted with sinners in his death.
   1. “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isa 53:12)
   2. “Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.” (Mat 27:38)
4. To suffer the piercing of hands and feet.
   1. “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” (Psa 22:16)
   2. “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” (Zec 12:10)
5. He would be scourged and spat upon.
   1. “The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” (Isa 50:5-6)
   2. “Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.” (Mic 5:1)

• “Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,” (Mat 26:67)

1. “And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.” (Mark 15:16-20)

24. His garments to be parted and gambled for. Psalm 22:18 with Luke 23:34 and John 19:23-24.
25. To be surrounded and ridiculed by his enemies. Psalm 22:7-8 with Mat. 27:39-44 and Mark 15:29-32.
26. None of his bones would be broken. Psalm 34:20; Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12 with John 19:33-36.
27. To be buried with the rich. Isaiah 53:9 with Mat. 27:57-60.
28. To be raised from the dead. Psalm 16:10 with Mat. 28:2-8.
29. To Ascend to Heaven.
    1. “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” (Psa 24:7-10)
    2. “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.” (Isa 52:13)

• “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)

1. His Offices
   1. Prophet
      22. “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” (Deu 18:15-18) cf. Acts 3:22.
   2. High Priest
      1. “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” (Heb 3:1)
      2. “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:14-16)
   3. King
      1. “Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” (John 1:49)
      2. “On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.” (John 12:12-15)

• “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev 17:14)

Here's our new episode:

Beginning to talk about God

In this episode Brother Jonathan begins a series on basic doctrines.

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Beginning to talk about God

 

1. Introduction
   1. We’re going to be basing a series of Bible studies on what the early Christians believed were the most important aspects of doctrine. This is from the Nicene Creed of 325:
      1. “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible.”
      2. “And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father [the only-begotten; that is, of the essence of the Father, God of God,] Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father;”
      3. “By whom all things were made [both in heaven and on earth];”
      4. “Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down and was incarnate and was made man;”
      5. “He suffered, and the third day he rose again, ascended into heaven;”
      6. “From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.”
      7. “And in the Holy Ghost.”
      8. “[But those who say: 'There was a time when he was not;' and 'He was not before he was made;' and 'He was made out of nothing,' or 'He is of another substance' or 'essence,' or 'The Son of God is created,' or 'changeable,' or 'alterable'— they are condemned by the holy catholic and apostolic Church.]”
         1. It’s important to note that the word “catholic” did not always refer to Roman Catholicism. The word simply means “universal” or “common”. Its use before the formation and rise of Roman Catholicism was just referring to the “common faith” of Christianity.
      9. These points were emphasized by early Christians in creeds such as the Apostle’s Creed and a revised form of this one in Constantinople in 381. We’ll use the Nicene Creed of 325 as a basic outline. The points that are emphasized can be laid out very basically as:
         1. Biblical view of God the Father, Creator
         2. Biblical view of God the Son, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of God
         3. Jesus as Creator also—this we’ll include when we talk about the deity of Christ.
         4. An understanding of the reason for the incarnation—that God became a man.
         5. An understanding of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
         6. Biblical view of the second coming of Christ.
         7. Biblical view of the Holy Spirit
         8. An understanding of how changes in certain of these points makes one an apostate.
      10. Scholars have noted that Christians very early on were organizing basic doctrinal statements of faith that we call “creeds”. Scholars are growing in their conviction that one of the earliest is actually referred to by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:
          1. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” (1 Cor. 15:1-8)
          2. Again, we see the basic points that were being preached by the early Christians:
             1. Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures
             2. He was buried, and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures
             3. He was seen by:
                1. Cephas (Simon Peter)
                2. The Twelve
                3. Over 500 believers at once
                4. James, the brother of Jesus
                5. All the Apostles again
                6. Saul, who would be Paul
             4. There’s also an emphasis by Paul that if someone doesn’t continue to believe this then they have “believed in vain”. That is, it will not profit them at all because they did not continue to believe.
          3. I discuss the importance of this early creed in our episode on defending the resurrection of Christ. For the moment, I’ll mention that it’s important because it predates any New Testament scripture. This proves that the early Christians were preaching the same gospel that we have today right out of the gate. This refutes the notion that people began to “add to the legend” of Jesus over time. No. The early Christians preached the gospel and the deity of Christ right from the very beginning.
      11. So let’s begin by talking about God. Specifically we’re focusing on God the Father right now. Although, it’s obvious that the attributes and character of God are going to be consistent throughout the Trinity. We’ll focus on Jesus as the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity in separate episodes.
      12. We’re not doing in-depth critical or doctrinal studies here. We’re just going to be looking at scriptures and at times discussing some things. There are many good resources for this sort of thing and at times I’ll mention some of them.
   2. God the Father, Creator
      1. God is Spirit
         1. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
         2. “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” (Acts 17:24-25)
         3. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1Tim. 1:17) cf. Hebrews 11:27
         4. “And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice… Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,” (Deut. 4:11-12, 15-16)
      2. God is Eternal
         1. “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exo. 3:14)
         2. “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.” (Isa. 40:28)
         3. “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” (Isa. 44:6)
         4. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Psa. 90:2)
         5. Other verses: Jeremiah 10:10; Psalm 45:6; Psalm 145:13; Daniel 4:34.
      3. God is Self-existent and Self-sufficient
         1. “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exo. 3:14)
         2. “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isa. 66:1-2)
         3. “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” (Acts 17:24-25)
      4. God is Immutable – “unchanging”
         1. “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.” (Psa. 102:25-27)
         2. “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Mal. 3:6)
         3. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Num. 23:19)
         4. “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psa. 33:11)
         5. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (Jas. 1:17)
            1. “variableness” – there is no change in his understanding.
            2. “shadow of turning” – there is no fickleness in Him.
         6. God is Omnipotent – “all powerful”
            1. “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” (Jer. 32:17)
            2. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jer. 32:27)
            3. “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)
            4. “Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.” (Job 42:1-2)
            5. “For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” (Psa. 135:5-6)
            6. “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?” (Dan. 4:35)
         7. God is Omnipresent – “all present”
            1. “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” (1Ki. 8:27)
            2. “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psa. 139:7-10)
            3. “Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” (Jer. 23:23-24)
            4. “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:24-28)
            5. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:18-20)
         8. God is Omniscient – “all knowing”
            1. “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” (1Sam. 2:3)
            2. “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” (Dan. 2:20-22)
            3. “Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:16)
            4. “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” (Psa. 147:4-5)
            5. “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” (Psa. 139:1-4)
         9. God is Holy
            1. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” (Psa. 111:9)
            2. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isa. 57:15)
            3. “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isa. 6:1-3) cf. (Revelation 4:8)
            4. “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exo. 15:11)
            5. “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.” (Isa. 40:25)
         10. God is Righteous
             1. “Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.” (Psa. 7:9)
             2. “Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.” (Psa. 97:2)
             3. “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.” (Psa. 119:142)
             4. “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jer. 9:24)
             5. “But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.” (Isa. 5:16)
         11. God is True
             1. “But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.” (Jer. 10:10)
             2. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
             3. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” (Isa. 46:9-10)
             4. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” (Tit. 1:2)
         12. God is Just
             1. “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deut. 32:4)
             2. “Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.” (Isa. 45:21)
             3. “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” (Rev. 15:3)
             4. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Rom. 3:23-26)
         13. God is Love
             1. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” (2 Cor. 13:11)
             2. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1Jn. 4:8)
             3. “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)
             4. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
             5. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:4-7)
             6. “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” (Exo. 34:6-7)
         14. God is Merciful
             1. “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” (Psa. 145:8)
             2. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” (2 Cor. 1:3)
             3. “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (Jas 5:11)
             4. “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36)
             5. “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Psa. 103:10-14)
         15. God is Patient
             1. “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” (Psa. 145:8)
             2. “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (1Pet. 3:20)
             3. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2Pet. 3:9)
             4. “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4)
         16. God is Creator
             1. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1)
             2. “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” (Exo. 20:11)
             3. “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” (Heb. 3:4)
             4. “I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.” (Isa. 45:12)
             5. “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” (Isa. 45:18)
             6. “He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.” (Jer. 10:12)

• There is ONE God
  1. The Bible teaches “monotheism”. Coming from the Greek words “monos”, meaning “only, alone”, and “theos”, meaning, “god”. The emphasis is that there is only one entity in this class. There is only one entity that can refer to itself as “God”. This is different than the idea of “unitarianism” which denies the idea of the Trinity—that God is three-in-one—and necessarily denies the deity of Christ. (If there is only one God, and He is not three-in-one, then Jesus could not be called “God” or the “son of God”)
     1. Monotheism is a necessary biblical doctrine. If someone does not affirm monotheism, then they cannot be a Christian. They would be teaching “polytheism”, “many gods”. We will talk more about this when we talk about the Trinity. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deut. 6:4)
     2. “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:” (Mark 12:29)
     3. “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.” (Isa. 45:5-6)
     4. “That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.” (1Ki. 8:60)
  2. God has REVEALED Himself
     1. The God who created all things has REVEALED Himself, or, He has given us a “revelation” of Himself. The Bible lists several ways that God has given to men a knowledge of Himself. These can be considered under two categories: Special Revelation, and General Revelation.
     2. General Revelation
        1. Creation
           1. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” (Psa. 19:1-3)
           2. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Rom. 1:18-21)
        2. Conscience
           1. “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)” (Rom. 2:14-15)
        3. Special Revelation
           1. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” (Heb. 1:1-2)
              1. The Prophets
                 1. This would include the entire Old Testament. Christ Himself said that the entire Old Testament canon spoke of Him:
                    1. “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” (Luke 24:44)
                 2. Christ is the fulfillment of what God intended for the Law of Moses.
                    1. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Mat. 5:17-18)
                 3. The Son of God
                    1. All that the Apostles taught came, ultimately, from Jesus Himself. They were expounding and explaining the teachings of Jesus Christ. It was HIS doctrine they taught.
                       1. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Mat. 28:18-20)
                       2. “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:12-14)

• “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)

1. “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1Tim. 6:3-5)

1. He is the Father
   1. The Bible makes clear that God is the Father of Jesus of Nazareth. This is not meaning that God the Father came down and had sexual intercourse with Mary. That’s not what the Bible teaches. This idea is falsely promoted by some cults that try to slander Christianity. It simply means that Jesus of Nazareth’s birth was the direct result of a procreative act where the Holy Spirit “overshadowed” Mary (Matt. 1:18-20 and Luke 1:35). He is begotten, in that sense, by God the Father, through the Spirit, from Mary. It was a spiritual act that resulted in Jesus’ birth and not a physical one.
   2. Jesus and the Apostles regularly referred to God as His Father.
      1. “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
      2. “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)
      3. “I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.” (John 8:18)
      4. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” (Gal. 4:4)
      5. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” (1Jn. 4:14)

 

Here's our new episode:

Church Discipline

In this episode Brother Jonathan goes through the scriptures discussing what the New Testament says about church discipline.

 

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Church Discipline

 

1. Matthew 18:15-17
   1. (v.15) “if thy brother” – This is specifically addressed to be between brethren.
   2. “against thee” – You are the offended party.
   3. “go and tell…alone” – The first step is to go speak to the person privately.
   4. “if he shall…thou hast gained thy brother” – The assumption here is that the two are reconciled.
   5. (v.16) “But if he will not hear thee” – If he refuses to humble himself.
   6. “take with thee…may be established.” – It should NOT come down to hearsay, or ‘their word against your word.’
   7. (v.17) “And if he shall neglect to hear them” – If he again refuses to humble himself.
   8. “tell it to the church” – Then bring him before the fellowship.
      1. It is assumed that they will appear before the congregation.
   9. “But if he…hear the church” – If he still adamantly refuses to humble himself.
   10. “let him be…a publican” – “heathen man”, Gr. “ethnos”, i.e. “a Gentile”. A person who is not part of the family of God. They were no longer to be esteemed as a member of the body of Christ.
2. 1Corinthians 5
   1. (v.1) “It is reported commonly” – This was no secret matter.
   2. “ fornication” – Gr. “porneia” BDAG, “unlawful sexual intercourse, prostitution, unchastity, fornication”.
   3. “among you” – Gr. “en humin” – It is literally occurring “in their midst”.
   4. (v.2) “And y are puffed up” – “puffed up”, Gr. “phusioo” – BDAG, “to cause to have an exaggerated self-conception, puff-up, make proud”.
      1. They thought they were better than they were.
   5. “mourned” – Gr. “pentheo”, BDAG, “to experience sadness as the result of some condition or circumstance, be sad, grieve, mourn.”
   6. “that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” – “among” – BDAG, “pertaining to a position within a group, without focus on mediate position, among”.
      1. He was to lose his position among them.
   7. (v.3) “Judged” – Gr. “krino”, BDAG, “to come to a conclusion after a cognitive process, reach a decision, decide, propose, intend.”
      2. This is the same Greek word as the “judge not” of Matthew 7:1-2.
   8. (v.6) “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” - *Explain how leaven works*
      1. If there is a little sin in the congregation then it will spread.
   9. (v.7) “Purge out” – Gr. “ekkathairo”, BDAG, “To remove as unclean, clean out”
   10. “the old leaven” – They were to expel this man because of his current sin.
   11. “That ye may be a new lump” – They were to expel this man “in order that” they may be a new lump.
       1. As long as he remains in the congregation in his current state he will affect the rest of the congregation. They will no longer be considered as a holy congregation, i.e. “a new lump”.
   12. “as ye are unleavened” – That is, as being unleavened (without sin or reproach among them) that they may be holy unto the Lord.
   13. (v.9) “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:” – “company” – Gr. “sunanamignumi”, BDAG, “Mingle; associate with”
       1. They were commanded by Paul to not “associate with” or “mingle” fornicators. But he proceeds to clarify some things about this.
   14. “Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters” – Paul specifically tells them not to completely avoid the sinners of this world. He proceeds to tell why.
   15. “for then must ye needs go out of the world.” – The reason Paul gives us for not completely cutting off the lost sinners of this world is because we could never do this while alive in this world. Specifically, how can we fulfill the proclamation of the gospel if we never associate with the lost? We cannot shine a light in a dark world if we never encounter the world.
       1. Consider what Paul says here, “If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.” (1Cor. 10:27)
   16. “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” – Here then Paul makes a difference between the lost sinners and professing Christians who live in sin.
       1. “that is called” – Gr. “onomazo”, BDAG, “to give a name to, call, name; to pronounce a name or word, name a name, use a name/word; be known”.
       2. Given that it is assumed that this man will appear before the “church” it specifically applies to those who fellowship together. This is a brother who is fellowshipped with regularly within a congregation.
          1. Adam Clarke said, “You may transact your worldly concerns with a person that knows not God, and makes no profession of Christianity, whatever his moral character may be; but ye must not even thus far acknowledge a man professing Christianity, who is scandalous in his conduct. Let him have this extra mark of your abhorrence of all sin; and let the world see that the Church of God does not tolerate iniquity.”

• “not to eat” – To what extent should this separation go? One thing that we can be certain of, it does not in any way compromise another commandment of God.
  1. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matt. 5:44)
  2. If we are commanded to do good things to those who are open enemies of Christians then it is reasonable to assume that includes those who once were Christians but have been excommunicated.
     1. Albert Barnes said, “I am inclined to the opinion that the ordinary civilities of life may be shown to such persons; though certainly nothing that would seem to recognize them as Christians. But as neighbors and relatives; as those who may be in distress and want, we are assuredly not forbidden to show toward them the offices of kindness and compassion.”
  3. “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?” (1Cor. 5:12)
  4. “But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1Cor. 5:13)
• Romans 16:17-18
  1. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Rom. 16:17)
     1. “mark” – Gr. “skopeo”, BDAG, “to pay careful attention to, look (out) for, notice”.
     2. They “cause” divisions and offences.

• “divisions” – Gr. “dichostasia”, BDAG, “the state of being in factitious opposition, dissension”
  1. This word is used in Galatians 5:20 and translated “seditions”.

1. “offences” – Gr. “skandalon”, BDAG, “an action or circumstance that leads one to act contrary to a proper course of action or set of beliefs, temptation to sin, enticement.”
2. These are people who oppose right doctrine (specifically about salvation) and are influencing others toward the same end.
3. “avoid them” – Gr. “ekklino”, BDAG, “To keep away from, steer clear of”

1. “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom. 16:18)
   1. Paul said that these people are not those that serve God, and therefore, they are not brethren. They are leading people away from Christ. They are enemies of the gospel.
2. 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14
   1. “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” (2The. 3:6)
      1. “withdraw yourselves” – This likewise means to “avoid” them. (Gr. ‘stello’)
      2. “every brother” – Paul specifically says that this is a brother who is doing this. But there is a very specific practice that is addressed in this passage by Paul. He goes on to specify what it is:
         1. “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2The. 3:10-12)

• The problem was that some men were not working and were mooching off other people’s work. This is slothfulness and laziness. It is a reproach to the name of Christ.
  1. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1Ti 5:8)

1. “disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” – This is clarified by what Paul says next.

1. “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.” (2The. 3:14)
   9. “no company” – This is the same language as in 1 Corinthians 5:9.
   10. “that he may be ashamed” – This is the reason for the separation. It is to show that brother that he ought to be ashamed of his neglect of Paul’s commandment. He has brought a reproach on the name of Christ.
2. “Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2The. 3:15)
   1. In this specific case, laziness/slothfulness, it is not so bad as to say that he is not a brother. If it continues, and the man willfully rebels against the commandment, then it can proceed to him being an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5:8).
   2. Always remember, the point of this process is the restoration of the brother to fellowship with Christ and the body.
      1. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Gal 6:1)

• It is only when the man continually hardens his heart and refuses to submit to God, at the end of the process of discipline (Matthew 18:15-17), that he is esteemed to be an unbeliever. He has directly chosen to turn from following God.

1. 1 Timothy 6:3, 5
   1. “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;” (1Ti 6:3)
      1. The main point of Paul’s words are that these people are teaching in opposition to “the words of our Lord Jesus Christ”. They contradict Him. Jesus’ commandments lead to holiness. False teachers will lead to ungodliness. A good example of this is the false teaching of grace:
         1. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)
      2. “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1Ti 6:5)
         1. “supposing that gain is godliness” – This is a strong condemnation of the prosperity gospel preachers.
         2. “withdraw thyself” – Gr. “aphistemi”. We see again a commandment to withdraw and separate from these individuals.
      3. 2 Timothy 3:2-5
         1. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2Ti 3:2-5)
            1. “having a form of godliness” – They profess to be followers.
            2. “but denying the power thereof” – They do not truly possess the power of the spirit of God in themselves – no changed life. Again, this includes those who deny that Christians must live a different kind of lifestyle or seek to justify sin in the life of a professing Christian. “carnal Christians”
               1. It is dangerously close also to those who teach “cessationism”. These deny that the Spirit of God manifests in gifts of the Spirit anymore. This may be application though and not necessarily interpretation.

• “from such turn away” – Gr. “apotrepo”, BDAG, “purposely to avoid associating with someone, turn away from, avoid”.

• Titus 3:10-11
  1. “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” (Tit 3:10-11)
     1. “heretick” – Gr. “hairetikos”, BDAG, “pertaining to causing divisions, factitious, division-making”.
     2. Notice the process of discipline was followed through, “first and second admonition [warning]”.

• This is someone who teaches something contrary to the person of Christ, God, or about salvation.

• 2 John 10
  1. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2Jn 1:9-11)
     1. “transgresseth” – That is, they continue in sin. As addressed in the other passages.
     2. “abideth not in the doctrine [teachings] of Christ” – Similar to what Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:3.

• “hath not God” – John emphasized this very clearly in 1 John:
  1. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1Jn 2:3-6)
  2. “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1Jn 3:5-10)

1. Here in 2 John, he is simply stating this again. If a professing Christian does not continue in the teachings of Christ—assuming the correct disciplinary process has been followed—then he is to be esteemed to be a lost man. We are to separate from them.
2. John’s statement here, “receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds,” can be taken to mean the same thing essentially as what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5.

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