Daniel 9: 18. - O my God, inclinc thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
Philippians 3: 7, 8, 9. - But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Jude 20, 21. - But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. .
Romans 3: 24, 25, 26. - 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.
1 Corinthians 15: 55, 56, 57. - O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8: 26, 27. - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Luke 1: 3, 4. - It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus.
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
John 20: 30, 31. - And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
1 Timothy 4: 1, 2, 3. - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Revelation 22: 8, 9. - And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the savings of this book: worship God.
What lesson does this teach us?
That we can appeal to God in prayer on account of His mercies in the past.
To what does James most probably refer by the words "by
which ye are called" ?
To the solemn baptism " into the Name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
III. - An Unsafe Ground.
What does Daniel reject as a plea before God? " Our righteousnesses."
Why does he not venture to urge this plea?
He had already acknowledged that their sufferings were due to
their sins.
What great lesson does this teach us?
That no righteousness of ours can stand God's judgment.
IV. - A Better Foundation.
What does Daniel offer as a plea before God? " Thy great mercies."
What is meant by the word " mercies " ?
God's sense of deep compassion.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of
all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith:
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of
all things, and do count them but dung, that I may gain Christ,
and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the
law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith: - R.V.
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of
all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the
law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which
is from God by faith; - N.K.J.V.
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of
all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the
law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from
God that depends on faith. - E.S.V.
7 But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ’s sake.
8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),
9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.; - AMP.
I. - A Surrendered Gain.
Who wrote these words?
The apostle Paul.
To whom did he write them?
The Philippians.
What led up to these words?
His account of his Jewish privileges.
Why does he use the word " concision "?
To contrast the Jewish outward ceremony, which was now used in
opposition to the Gospel, with the true spiritual meaning of the
ancient God-given rite.
What warning is contained in this message?
That even a Divine institution, if perverted, may be a source of
spiritual danger.
How does our text begin? "But what things were gain to me."
What does he mean by speaking of his Jewish privileges as gain?
They were the things he set store by and which won for him the esteem of men
How does he now estimate them? "I counted loss."
What led to his change of mind?
His knowledge of Christ.
What resulted from his knowledge of Christ?
He suffered the loss of all things.
How does he show he did not regret the loss?
He says he counts them loss still.
What strong words does he add?
He counts them but dung.
What lesson is here enforced?
All earthly advantages are worthless compared to the knowledge of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
II. - A Super-eminent Blessing.
Why did Paul count all things loss? " For the excellency," etc.
What is meant by "excellency"?
That which stands above or surpasses all else.
How does Paul describe the Lord Jesus?
As " Christ Jesus my Lord."
Why does he speak of the Lord Jesus as his Lord?
To show how much he felt what he was saying and to emphasise
his personal relation to the Lord Jesus Christ.
What does the word " knowledge " as used here suggest?
A personal acquaintance.
Why did Paul throw away all things he formerly thought gain?
That he might win Christ.
What is R.V. for "win"?
"Gain."
What else did he desire? .
To be found in Him.
III. - A Distinctive Righteousness.
Why did he wish to be found in Him?
So that he might have Christ's righteousness.
With what does he contrast Christ's righteousness?
With his own.
How does he say he could lay claim to righteousness?
By the law.
What is meant by a righteousness of the law?
A righteousness that springs out of obedience to the law of God.
How is the righteousness which is of God secured?
Through the faith of Christ.
What is meant by " the righteousness of God "?
The righteousness which comes from God.
What is meant by " the righteousness which is of God by faith "?
That which is obtained by meahs of faith.
IV. - Error Condemned.
What does Paul here contrast?
His own righteousness and that which comes from God.
What had he previously said about his righteousness?
He was blameless.
What did he mean by saying he was blameless?
That judged by the standard around no one could charge him with
a fault in observing the duties of the law.
Yet when he came to know Christ how did he esteem this
perfection?
As dung.
What error is charged on Protestants by Romish controversialists?
That we teach man must sin.
Why is this charge laid against us?
To exalt the idea of men's righteousness and saintly excellencies.
In what are saintly excellencies usually made to consist?
In just such works of rigour and religious observance as Paul
describes.
Do we despise really holy works?
On no account: but we warn men not to depend on them as
satisfying God's holy demands.
How does Paul teach that human righteousness cannot-justify?
He says of himself, who was blameless, that he desired to gain God's
righteousness, in Christ and not in himself.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. - R.V.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. - N.K.J.V.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. - E.S.V.
But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; - AMP.
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.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, by his blood,
to shew his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in
the forbearance of God;
for the shewing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just,
and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus. - R.V.
Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith,
to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just
and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. - N.K.J.V.
And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.
This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just
and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. - E.S.V.
24 - [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
25 - Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.
26 - It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus. - AMP.
I. - A Free Justification.
What are the opening words of our text? " Being justified," etc.
What is meant by " justified"?
Accounted righteous, treated as though we had never sinned.
What word is added to justified? " Freely."
What is the meaning of the word "freely"?
As a free gift.
How is the idea of " freely" further emphasised?
The words " by His grace " are added.
What is meant by "grace"?
God's free unmerited favour.
What other words are used in connection with "being justified"? " Through the redemption."
What is the meaning of "redemption"?
A buying back.
Where does Paul place our redemption? " In Christ Jesus."
What is meant by " redemption that is in Christ Jesus "? (R.V.)
Ransom or freedom in connection with Jesus Christ.
II. - A Divine Propitiation.
How is this redemption further described? " A propitiation," ctc.
What is meant by "propitiation"?
That which enables God to deal favourably with the sinner.
What does Paul say about God's act in propitiation?
He set forth our Lord Jesus Christ as a propitiation.
What is meant by "set forth"?
Either (a) Purposed. See A.V. marg: "fore-ordained"; and R.V.
marg: "purposed"; or (b) declared, manifested.
How is the nature of " propitiation " further explained?
By the words, " In His blood."
What is meant by propitiation " in His blood " ?
That the death and bloodshedding of our Lord Jesus Christ provides
the means which enable God to look favourably on the sinner.
How is this propitiation secured?
Through faith.
III. - A Divine Object.
What great object had God in view in thus setting forth our Lord? " To declare," etc.
What is meant by declaring God's righteousness?
Making clear to all God's essential justice.
What special reason was there for making God's righteousness clear?
That past sins might be remitted.
What is the exact meaning of the word " remission " used here?
Passing over.
What difficulty was created by passing over these sins?
There was no revealed way of pardon.
Why do we say there was no revealed way of pardon?
Because the Old Testament sacrifices make no provision for sins
done with a high hand.
To what does Paul attribute the passing over of these sins?
The forbearance of God.
When does Paul say God's righteousness in forbearance was shown? " At this time."
To what time does he refer?
The time when our Lord was set forth as a propitiation.
IV. - A Double Consequence.
What two consequences follow this manifestation?
That God is seen both as just and as the Justifier.
What is meant by just and the Justifier?
God preserves His righteous character while finding a way to regard
the sinner as free from sin.
V. - Error Condemned.
What does Paul say in our texts concerning Justification?
We are justified freely by God's grace.
What is taught by the use of both these phrases?
That Justification springs from God's free favour and is given to
us without any merit on our part.
What means of Justification is mentioned in our text?
Faith.
What causes of Justification does the Church of Rome mention?
Faith, the turning and disposing of a man's own will, the sacraments.
What ground of justification is taught in the text?
The Propitiation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What ground of justification is taught in the Church of Rome?
The merits of Christ and the saints, and the good works of Christians
done in a state of grace.
Of what class of persons is God said to be the Justifier?
Believers, - " Of him who believeth in Jesus."
What may we conclude from the absence of any other condition?
That no other condition is required.
What other ground is offered for saying faith is sufficient?
He who believes establishes the fact that God is just in forgiving.
What is the great lesson of our text?
The only way to satisfy God's righteousness is to trust in the Son
of His appointment.
0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory ?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?
The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law:
but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - R.V.
"O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - N.K.J.V.
"O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - E.S.V.
55 - O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
56 - Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [upon the soul] through [the abuse of] the Law.
57 - But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. - AMP.
I. - Two Grave Questions.
Who wrote these words?
The apostle Paul.
To whom did he write them?
The Corinthians.
What led him to write on this subject?
Some of the Corinthians denied the Resurrection.
What relation do these words bear to the previous argument?
They form a triumphant conclusion to it.
What is the hope of the Christian?
That through our Lord Jesus Christ sin and death finally will be destroyed.
IV. - Error Condemned.
What is the Roman Catholic teaching on Purgatory?
The creed of Pius iv. says, " I stedfastly hold that there is a
Purgatory, and that the souls therein detained are helped by the
suffrages of the faithful." (Faa di Bruno, Catholic Belief, 31st
Edition, page 240.)
Why does Rome allege that souls are sent to Purgatory?
To make satisfaction for the temporal punishment due to sin.
What is meant by " temporal punishment" ?
Punishment for sin which lasts for a time only.
What power does this give to death and sin?
Power still to afflict us with the consequences of our wrong doing.
What does Paul teach in our text?
That the sting of sin is taken from death, and we have victory in death.
If the sting of death is taken away why do those who are true
Christians die?
Death is to them the final act in their purification.
When the change comes to the living, what happens?
They put on incorruption and immortality.
Wherein do those who die differ from them?
They are called to wait, with Christ, for the Resurrection.
How does Rome's teaching on Purgatory contradict our texts?
It suggests that death ushers us into a place of punishment, and
thus stings us by reason of our sin.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we
should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not
how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered;
and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. - R.V.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we
should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,
because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. - N.K.J.V.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit,
because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. - E.S.V.
26 - So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
27 - And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will. - AMP.
I. - An Aid to Prayer.
With what word does our text begin? "Likewise."
What is meant by. " likewise " ?
Similarly, "and in like manner" (R.V.).
What difficulty do we find in prayer? "We know not what we should pray for as we ought."
What is the reason of this difficulty?
Our infirmities.
What is meant by "infirmities" ?
Weakness, lack of power.
What great aid is here set forth? " The Spirit also helpeth," etc.
What is conveyed by the word used for helpeth?
That two help each other to bear a burden.
What does this teach us about the Holy Spirit?
He it is Who acts for us, and in us, enabling us to " pray as we
ought."
II. - An All Powerful Advocate.
What is the work here ascribed to the Spirit?
He " maketh intercession for us."
How does He make intercession?
By directing our prayers and aspirations into a right channel.
What is therefore the condition requisite for true prayer?
To be " in the Spirit."
How is the Spirit's intercession described? " With groanings which cannot be uttered."
What is meant by " groanings which cannot be uttered"?
Desires which pass the limit of conscious speech.
III. - A Harmony of Purpose.
Where are these unexpressed desires found?
In the heart.
To whom alone are they known?
To God.
How is God described in the text?
As " He that searcheth the hearts."
What are we told concerning God? .
He " knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit."
What does our church teach concerning the Holy Spirit?
Article v. says, "The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the; Ather-and
the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father
and the Son, very and eternal God."
What does our text say concerning the Holy Spirit? " He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
What is the nature of His intercession?
He creates in us a desire after God.
What is the difference between this intercession and that of our
Lord Jesus Christ?
Our Lord Jesus Christ intercedes for us with the Father.
The Holy Spirit intercedes in and through us.
What are the different objects of these intercessions?
Our Lord Jesus Christ's intercession secures our pardon and
acceptance, the Holy Spirit's intercession is a condition of our
progress in holiness.
What is the ground of the harmony between " He that searcheth
the hearts " and the Holy Spirit?
That the Spirit maketh intercession according to the will of God.
What is meant by according to the will of God?
In full accordance with God's nature and purpose.
What lesson does this teach us?
That a Divine Intercessor alone can interpret the mind of God
for us and make it effective in us.
IV. - Error Condemned.
What is the Roman doctrine of Intercession of Saints? " That the saints, reigning together with Christ are to be venerated
and invocated." (Creed of Pope Pius IV.)
On what grounds do Roman Catholics teach that it is good and
useful profitably to invoke the saints?
That " God confers on us many blessings through their merit and
favour." (Catechism of Council of Trent, New Edition, Duffy,
Dublin, 1867, Part iii: Chapter ii: Question xii: p. 317.)
To what class of persons is this invocation restricted?
To " the saints, reigning together with Christ."
Why is invocation restricted to them?
Because they alone are regarded as enjoying the presence of God
and having therefore power with Him. Others are suffering
in purgatory or fighting on earth. They are reigning.
On what grounds are the saints supposed to intercede?
On the ground of our Lord's merit and their own.
To what do we offer objection in this theory of invocation?
Both to the ground on which it is based, and to the alleged necessity of it.
What objection do we offer to the ground of it?
It assumes that God has regard to the merits of the Saints.
Why do we object to its alleged necessity?
Because we are assured that " the Spirit maketh intercession for us."
What does this teach us about the prayers of saints on earth?
They are efficacious because they are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Why do we not ask for similar prayers from departed saints?
Because we have no warrant from Holy Scripture that they can be
intercessors for us, or even hear us. (See below, page 526.)
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things
from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
It seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things
accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;
that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou
wast instructed. - R.V.
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things
from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,
that you may know the certainty of those things in which you
were instructed. - N.K.J.V.
It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely
for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. - E.S.V.
3 - It seemed good and desirable to me, [and so I have determined] also after having searched out diligently and followed all things closely and traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4 -[My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been orally instructed. - AMP.
I. - A Declaration of a Resolve.
Who wrote these words?
Luke.
To whom were they written?
Theophilus.
What title is given to Theophilus? " Most excellent."
To whom was this title, " Most excellent," given?
To those who occupied a position in the government of the country.
What does this teach us about the Gospel records?
That there were a number of written accounts before our present Gospels.
What makes this fact of great importance?
It shows us that the story of our Lord's life was taken from those
who "were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word."
II. - A Justification of a Resolve.
What claim does Luke make that justified his writings?
He had a perfect understanding of all things from the very first.
What is R.V. for "a perfect understanding," etc.? " Having traced the course of all things accurately from the first."
What does the Greek word used here mean?
To follow a thing " very closely."
What claim does Luke make for his record?
That he took pains to sift out the evidence.
What other word deepens this impression?
He says he wrote " in order."
What is meant by the words " in order " ?
In the proper relation one after another.
What confidence does this give us?
It shows that the Gospel story has been examined and tested by a
careful writer.
III. - A Definite Object in View.
How did Luke carry out his purpose?
By writing the Gospel.
How does he state the object he had in view? " That thou mightest know," etc.
What is the Greek word used for " instructed"?
The equivalent to catechised.
What does this tell us about Theophilus?
He had been instructed by teachers who taught by word of mouth.
How could Luke's writing give certainty?
It was a permanent record of carefully arranged facts.
What light does this throw upon the Bible?
It reveals God's purpose in giving it to us.
What is God's purpose in giving the Bible?
That we may surely know His will.
What is necessary if we are to know God's will certainly?
We must study it carefully.
What is the relation here given between teaching by word of mouth
and the reading of the Gospel?
The Gospel gives us certainty that what is taught is true.
What obligation does this lay on us?
To test all teaching by God's Holy Word.
IV. - Error Condemned.
In what does the Church of Rome place certainty?
In the living, speaking voice of the Church,
Where is that voice to be found?
In the reigning Pope.
When does the Pope give the real voice of the Church?
When he speaks ex cathedra.
What is meant by speaking " ex cathedra " ?
Speaking from St. Peter's Chair as Doctor and Pastor of all Christians.
What claim does Luke make to give certainty to his writing?
He traced all things from the beginning.
From whom did he get his information?
From the accounts of eye witnesses.
What result followed from reading his Gospel?
Theophilus had certainty.
If we read the same Gospel what result should follow?
We, too, should be certain.
Why does the Church of Rome think we cannot be sure?
She says we need an infallible interpreter.
How does the message to Theophilus correct that idea?
Theophilus was not himself infallible and yet he got certainty from Luke's record.
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which
are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which
are not written in this book:
but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name. - R.V.
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which
are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. - N.K.J.V.
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which
are not written in this book;
but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - E.S.V.
30 - There are also many other signs and miracles which Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples which are not written in this book.
31 - But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name [through Who He is]. - AMP.
I. - Selected Signs.
hat name is given to the works of Jesus? " Signs."
What is meant by a sign?
A work or act that teaches some lesson or signifies some truth.
How is the word " sign" frequently translated in the apostle John's Gospel?
Miracle.
What are the other words used in the New Testament for miracle?
Wonder, power, work.
Putting all these words together what do they teach us about a
miracle?
That it is an unusual event wrought by divine power and teaches
some great truth concerning the work of God.
By what word does John prefer to describe a miracle?
The word " sign."
Why does he prefer this word?
Because his object in writing was to show what was the nature
and object of our Lord's life and work.
What does he tell us first in our text about the signs that Jesus did?
That there were many others in addition to those recorded.
What may we learn from this fact?
That our Lord's recorded miracles are a selection giving definite
messages as to His nature and work.
Before whom were our Lord's signs performed?
Before the disciples.
What is the meaning of the word "disciple" ?
A learner.
Whnt does the fact that our Lord showed signs to them teach us?
That it is only as we learn of Jesus we understand His will.
Why did our Lord work His signs before His disciples?
In order that they might be true witnesses to the world of His power and love.
What is meant by the words " in this book" ?
In John's Gospel.
Where can we read of other signs done by Jesus?
In the other three Gospels.
What miracle is common to all four Gospels?
The feeding of the five thousand.
What other miracle is recorded in John and in some of the other Gospels?
Christ walking on the sea.
What may we learn from this peculiarity of John's Gospel?
That he was anxious to show our Lord's power over nature.
II. - With a Definite Object.
What does John say is his object in recording the signs? " That ye might believe," etc. '
What two titles does he here give to our Lord? " The Christ, the Son of God."
What is meant by "the Christ" ?
The Anointed of God, the Messiah.
What is the usual meaning that John attaches to the title
" Son of God " ?
The Being Who partakes of the fulness of the Father's nature.
What two truths are thus taught us by the miracles of Jesus?
That He is the appointed Saviour and Himself truly God.
III. - For a Blessed Result.
What does John invite us to do?
To believe " that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God."
What is meant by the word " believe " ?
To accept as true and repose confidence in any one or any thing.
What result follows from believing that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God?
Ye have life through His name.
Why does life come through believing in Jesus?
Because He is appointed of God to give life, and being God, He
is able to give it.
What does this teach us about the nature of our faith?
If it is a true faith it calls Jesus Lord.
What other objection can be made to these alleged miracles?
There is no evidence that can satisfy us they are genuine.
What does John declare about the signs he recorded?
They are sufficient to secure belief.
What does the Church of Rome teach about the New Testament?
That it must be supplemented by tradition.
What does John declare here concerning one of its books?
That there is material enough in it to secure eternal life to the believer.
What argument can we draw from this statement?
That if one book is sufficient there is abundance of provision in
the New Testament.
What other objection can be urged against tradition?
The early Christians did not depend on it.
What great truth therefore does our text teach?
That in John's Gospel alone there is sufficient to lead the
prayerful reader to living faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and
so to secure eternal life.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God
hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and
know the truth.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall
fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils,
through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God
created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe
and know the truth. - R.V.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will
depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God
created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. - N.K.J.V.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will
depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God
created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe
and know the truth. - E.S.V.
1. - But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach,
2. - Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized),
3. - Who forbid people to marry and [teach them] to abstain from [certain kinds of] foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and have [an increasingly clear] knowledge of the truth.; - AMP.
I. - A Definite Message.
How does our text begin? " Now the Spirit speaketh expressly."
Why is the word " now " put in?
To indicate a contrast with what has gone before.
What preceded the text? " Great is the mystery of godliness," etc.
What then is the argument here?
That notwithstanding abundant evidence there will be an abandonment of faith.
Who is stated by Paul to give this message? " The Spirit."
What is meant by the Spirit speaking?
That men were uttering these warnings under the direct guidance of the Spirit.
What does this teach us about the New Testament prophetic
message?
That it was recognised by the speakers and their hearers as coming
directly from God.
What word is added to emphasise the Spirit's message? " Expressly.""expressly" added?
To show that this is no mere inference but a plain statement.
What is meant by expressly?
Definitely, in so many words.
Why is the word "expressly added?
To show that this is no mere inference but a plain statement.
What does this tell us?
That departure from the faith was foreseen by God.
II. - For a Particular Age.
To what time does the Spirit refer? " The latter times."
What is meant by "the latter times"?
The days following on the apostolic message.
What mistake is likely to be made in thinking of the words "later times"?
The mistake of regarding them as referring wholly to the closing
days of our dispensation.
What led men to depart from the faith? " Giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils"
How is the character of the seducers given? " Speaking lies in hypocrisy," etc.
What is the R.V. for " speaking lies in hypocrisy"? " Through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies."
What is meant by "having their conscience seared"? " Branded in their own conscience." (R.V.)
What is the likely reference?
To the custom of branding criminals.
What is their peculiar hypocrisy?
A pretence of austerity covering an evil life.
What is the warning of the text?
That even persons knowing themselves to be hypocrites are capable
of leading astray others who listen.
What other solemn warning is given in the text?
That the source of such false teaching is in the suggestion of evil spirits.
IV. - Error Condemned.
To whom does the note in the Rhemish Testament refer these words?
To the Gnostics, Marcionites and the Encratites, the Manicheans and
other ancient heretics.
Who were these people?
Early heretics who regarded marriage as sinful and the use of flesh
meat as partaking of an evil spirit.
Why is the Church of Rome so anxious thus to fix the meaning
of the text?
Because she forbids marriage in certain cases, and commands to
abstain from meats.
What reply can be given to the Roman argument?
It was the existence of these extravagant sects that paved the way
for monasticism and clerical celibacy.
How did the early Church treat these heretics?
It condemned their teaching and exalted marriage as a provision of God.
What are we to say concerning fasting?
The Bible encourages fasting as a help to repentance, but never
makes distinctions between meats as such.
What can we say concerning the warning of our text?
That the origin of forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain
from meats is from evil spirits.
What attitude ought Christians to take?
To avoid all such errors and give these things the place God gives them.
What argument can be drawn from the close connection of these
regulations?
Paul could never speak of forbidding to marry as a doctrine of
devils and yet immediately before have allowed clergy to be
married, if he thought they as a class were forbidden to enter
into matrimony.
And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard
and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed
me these things.
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant,
and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this
book: worship God.
Other Versions' Translations of the Text.
And I John am he that heard and saw these things. And when I heard
and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed
me these things. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant
with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them which keep the words of this
book: worship God. - R.V.
Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw,
I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed
me these things. Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant,
and of your b brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." - N.K.J.V.
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard
and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed
them to me,
but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant
with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this
book. Worship God." - E.S.V.
8. - And I, John, am he who heard and witnessed these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell prostrate before the feet of the messenger (angel) who showed them to me, to worship him.
9. - But he said to me, Refrain! [You must not do that!] I am [only] a fellow servant along with yourself and with your brethren the prophets and with those who are mindful of and practice [the truths contained in] the messages of this book. Worship God! - AMP.
I. - The Speaker and His Testimony.
How does our text begin? " And I John, saw these things."
What is remarkable about the two rebukes?
The same reason is given in both.
What is the reason? " I am thy fellow-servant," etc.
Why did the angel speak of himself as a fellow-servant?
To show that he also was under the command of God.
What is the R.V.? "I am a fellow-servant with thee."
What is the point of saying "I am a fellow-servant with thee and
with thy brethren the prophets"?
To teach us that religious worship should not be offered from man
to man.
What three classes of servants are mentioned?
John, the prophets, and those who keep the sayings of this book.
What does this teach us?
That all holy persons who follow God are in the rank of servants.
What is meant by, "the sayings of this book"?
The actual words which compose it.
What words did the angel add that makes his meaning clear? " Worship God."
What great lesson is here taught?
All worship of a religious nature should be reserved for God and Him alone.
IV. - Error Condemned.
What proof is there that this text contradicts directly Rome's
teaching?
Half of it is quoted to support it.
In what books of instruction is half of this text found in support
of Angel-worship?
In Dr. Doyle's Abridgment of the Christian Doctrine and in
Keenan's Controversial Catechism.
What does Keenan say the words " I fell down to worship," etc:
mean?
By the word " adore "... is not meant the worship due to God
but a high degree of veneration, which may be given to God's
most exalted creatures.
What do modern Roman writers say?
That it is Divine worship that is here condemned.
What does this difference show?
That on an important point of Bible interpretation Roman divines
differ.
What makes this so serious?
They claim that the true interpretation is given to the Church.
What does the angel forbid?
Falling at his feet to worship him.
What shows that he forbad all religious worship?
The fact that he thought it sufficient to call himself a fellow-servant
in order to forbid external reverence.
What supports this interpretation ?
The fact that there is an unqualified direction to worship God.
What does this incident teach?
That the offering of any religious worship to angels is distinctly
forbidden.