Educational Experience as a Pastoral Leader

A look at Prov. 27:17 and Eph. 4:11-12.

King Solomon wrote concerning the importance of relationships and partnership when he stated, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Prov. 27:17 KJV). This particular verse “explains that people must not shy away from interaction with their peers since it is an education in itself. The “sharpening” can occur in any area in which people are engaged, be it business, intellectual, or physical competition” (Garrett, 2003, 220). The actual process of pastoral leadership is that of an educational experience for both the pastor and congregation to whom he pastors. This educational experience is one that has a threefold purpose based on Paul’s teachings in his epistle written to the Ephesians. Within this letter Paul address the four gifts of ministry listed in chapter four, the gifts of an apostle, a prophet, an evangelist, and a pastor/teacher (Eph. 4:11). The three purposes listed for the pastor are to train, to be a servant, and to be a builder of the saints. This process must be one that is lead by the pastor, but engaged by the congregation if a church is to be effective in this educational experience.

Leading as a Trainer

The first purpose given for this educational experience is that of “the perfecting of the saints” (Eph. 4:12a). In this first purpose the word perfecting” or katartizō (καταρτιζω) is used, which means “to equip for service” (Wuest, 1997). The educational experience that must exist between the pastor and congregation is that of equipping for the service of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God must be studied in-depth for the pastoral leader must know what the service of the kingdom is, in order to instruct others in this educational experience.
Pastoral leadership will only take place if you as the pastor educate yourself concerning the service of the kingdom. You must equip your congregation concerning the kingdom, but one important principle of teaching must be acknowledged by you. This principle is you should never teach anything that you have not mastered. If you have not studied the subject, observed the subject, and practiced the subject you should avoid teaching it. Here are a few questions that you must ask yourself as pastor:
1. Have I studied the service of the Kingdom in-depth?
2. Have I observed the service of the Kingdom in action?
3. Have I practiced the service of the Kingdom as a daily discipline in my life?

Leading as a Christian Servant

The second purpose given for this educational experience is that of “the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12b). This purpose builds on the prior, for the pastor is to educate the followers of Christ to perform this second purpose of the educational experience, which is to work. In this verse “the phrase “for the work of ministry [Christian service]” may be rendered “for the work people who follow Christ must do” or “in order to do what they should as believers” or “in order to help others as believers should”” is used to speak of the work of the ministry (Bratcher, 1993, 102).
As pastoral leaders it is crucial to practice what you preach. A leader is only effective if he has followers who follow what is displayed before them. A church is only effective when the purpose of the church is accomplished. Pastoral leaders lead by engaging this educational experience as a doer of the Word and not a speaker only. The followers engage this process when they follow the example of the pastor. Thus, the questions that must be asked are:
1. Pastor will you be satisfied with your congregation, if they become just like you?
2. What are you willing to do to see an effective church, for the effectiveness of your church rest upon you as the leader?
3. Are you a servant at heart (this is a preliminary question to be discussed at a later point within the book)?

Leading as a Builder

The third purpose for this educational experience of pastoral leadership is “the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12c). In this section of the verse, the Apostle Paul is stating that the educational purpose of the Pastor is to strengthen the congregation to whom his is appointed as shepherd over. In this verse Bratcher states,
"The clause in order to build up the body of Christ contains a type of mixed metaphor, since “building up” would refer primarily to construction, while the body of Christ is a group of people. The verbal phrase to build up can be translated in some languages by “caused to grow” or “caused to grow strong.” The whole purpose clause can be translated “in order to strengthen the body of Christ” or “in order to strengthen the believers as the body of Christs"" (Bratcher, 1993, 102-103).
This tells the pastor that their purpose in this educational experience with the congregation is to “build up” or strengthen the members of the church. But, what are the members to be strengthened within as believers. This question could be answered with this simple response: the Faith, doctrine, the Word, and spiritual disciplines.
As a pastoral leader the educational process continues as the pastor seeks to build the members up or strengthen them. The effectiveness of the church will always rest upon the strength of the pastor and of the members as a whole. However, the strength of the members will rest solely on the strength of the leadership. Two things that destroy the strength of a church are frequent pastoral changes and un-trained pastors. The frequency of pastoral changes within a church leaves a church without stability in the leadership position, thus, allowing instability among the members. The un-trained pastor leaves a church without strength or growth because of the inability to grow personally not only in spirit, but in knowledge and understanding. For a church to grow spiritually healthy a pastor must be well-trained. This is not speaking to seminary training, but to personal discipline to study and grow in knowledge. Churches are looking for meat, but too many pastors are trying to feed their congregation bread and crumbs, simply because that is all they have to offer.
Pastor, heed the Scripture when it states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). This verse is a clear instruction for studying the Word of God and being able “to equip,” “build up” or “strengthen” the member of the church. Thus as a pastoral leader seek to obey the Scripture by studying the Word. M. Dibelius and H. Conzelmann states, that this verse is great medicine as he gives three important things about this verse.
"This verse is the best medicine against the disease of ‘disputes about words’ is Timothy’s good conduct itself.” This good conduct included three features. First, Timothy was to make it his supreme ambition to obtain God’s approval (“Try hard to show yourself worthy of God’s approval,” NEB). Second, he was to be a workman with no reason to be ashamed. The term “workman” is frequently used in reference to an agricultural laborer (e.g., Jas 5:4), but here Paul used the term to describe a laborer for God. Paul was urging his Christian friend to work with such diligence that he would have no fear of shame for poor quality work. Third, this same workman (specifically, Timothy but by application today all believers) was to be accurate in delivering the message of truth. The truth is the gospel. Paul showed concern that Timothy would present the gospel without perverting or distorting it" (Lea, 2001, 214-215).
By following these verses the pastor will begin the most important journey to strengthening his congregation in the Faith, doctrine, the Word, and spiritual disciplines. As a pastor it is important to study, the following questions are important, for they seek to focus your attention on the need for leading as a builder.
1. As a pastor do you study the Scripture by using outside resources and commentaries?
2. As a pastor do you study theology as a means to interpret Scripture?
3. As a pastor who long do you spend each day in study and each week?
4. As a pastor do you feel you are feeding your flock?
5. How do you feel your spiritual growth would look like if you were setting under your leadership?


Bibliography

Bratcher, R. G., & Nida, E. A. (1993). A handbook on Paul's letter to the Ephesians. UBS handbook series; Helps for translators (102). New York: United Bible Societies.

Garrett, D. A. (2001). Vol. 14: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (220). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (2001). Vol. 34: 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (214–215). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.


Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader (Eph 4:11). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Living A Christian Life

Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:17-20

Commentary On Romans 12:1-2 and Ephesians 4:17-20

In the study of Romans 12:1-2 and Ephesians 4:17-20 it becomes clear that the Apostle Paul was teaching the concepts of living a Christian life. The process of living a Christian life first begins with faith in Jesus Christ and the sacrificial offering of Christ on Calvary. It was the blood of Christ that satisfies the wrath of God against sinful man. Therefore, upon the grounds that an individual has accepted Christ through faith Paul teaches that one must live a dedicated life to God and that one must not walk in sin any longer. The study of these two passages of Scripture teachs the principles of offering ourselves to God and walking in holiness before God.
Offering Ourselves to God In Dedication (Romans 12:1-2)
The Epistle to the Romans has often been divided at this point into two books or two divisions one which could be seen as a book of doctrinal theology (Rom. 1:1-11:36) and the other as practical theology (Rom. 12:1-16-27). The reasoning for this line of division is based upon the doctrinal studies of salvation as taught by the Apostle Paul in the first eleven chapters of the book such as regeneration, justification, sanctification, and much more. However; in chapters twelve through sixteen the Apostle Paul taught on subjects that such as one’s dedication to God, one being subject to earthly rulers, how one must love another and much more. Though this twelfth chapter is seen as the dividing line among the Epistle of Romans this passage could be taken into context when looking at the first line of verse one.
I urge you therefore, brethren,
The phrase “I urge you therefore, brethren” refers back to Rom. 11: 33-36 concerning the glory that is to be given to God. In verse thirty-six the statement is made “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” This tells us that all things in this earth were created for the purpose of glorying God. Therefore; as Paul begins to write verse one of chapter twelve he state how the child of God can glorify God. The child of God can glorify God through their dedication to him. It is this dedication that the child of God has to God that is the foundation for the other relationships that Paul speaks of throughout this last section or division within this Epistle to The Romans. This cry to the Christians in Rome to dedicate themselves to God was so important for the believer’s relationship not only with God but with others in this world that Paul urged or strongly commanded the believers, by coming alongside of them in the faith, to dedicate their selves to God.
by the mercies of God,
This phrase within the first verse refers back to the glorious salvation that has been given to those that will believe for as the book of Romans teaches God is gracious to give salvation to those that will place their faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:17; 5:1-6; 10:17). Paul therefore; is stating that urges or comes alongside of those that have experienced saving grace to live a dedicated life unto God. It must be noted that as MacArthur states it is only those that are saved or have experienced the mercies of God that can glorify God.
to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God,
For the believer in Jesus Christ, Paul states that the act of dedication to God is seen in one’s offering of self to God. The child of God is to offer themselves as a sacrifice to God which is living and holy. This picture of an offering is taken from the Old Testament offerings which are spoken of in the Law of Moses. However; in the New Testament or new covenant the living sacrifice of Christ was offered once for all (Jude 3). Wiersbe states that there are only two living sacrifices pictured in the Bible that of Isaac and Jesus Christ, both were living and willingly offered. However; it must be noted that God spared Isaac’s life, but Christ offered his life for all mankind. The lesson in this passage teaches that each believer must offer themselves to God as a living and holy sacrifice in order to glorify God with their lives.
which is your spiritual service of worship.
Paul in this thought is teaching the child of God that their worship to God is not concentrated on their sacrifice as noted in the Old Testament, but that their worship to God is now seen in light of the New Covenant. The New Covenant worship is seen in offering of one’s self in devotion. It is the devotion of one’s self to God that pleases the Father.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
Paul in this second verse is stating that the child of God is not to allow the world to pattern or pressure them into being like the world. The pressuring or changing influence of the world is from without or from outside sources. However; the changing power of God comes from within the individual so that the heart of mankind is changed and not the outside only. Wiersbe states that “If the world controls your thinking, you are a conformer; if God controls your thinking, you are a transformer.” It is the heart that God seeks to change and if he can change the heart he will renew one’s mind or it could be stated one’s “understanding, intellect, attitude, thought, and opinion.”


that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Paul tells the believer in Christ that the only way to fully glorify God is to offer one’s self to God and to surrender to God’s will. It is only in surrender of one’s will to the will of God that one can know or prove the will of God for their life. The test can only be passed when one surrenders to the will of God for their lives. It is through a devotional lifestyle that God’s will can be seen in one’s life and God truly be glorified.
Walking In Holiness Before God (Ephesians 4:17-20)
This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord,
Paul in this passage of Scripture refers back to the understanding that because the child of God has been saved, brought into the body of Christ, and called to holiness then they must follow the teachings that are given within this section of study. The Apostle stress the fact that every believer must live a life in agreement with the teachings of the following verses for he stated that he “affirms” in the NASB and that he “insist” in the NIV. It is necessary that the child of God live by these teachings which are listed below.
that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding,
Paul in this passage calls the believer in Christ to holiness or to a holy walk with the Lord. In the understanding of holiness, the concept of being separated or set apart is implied, therefore; when Paul address the Ephesians he tells those believers to separate themselves from the walk of the Gentiles. The city of Ephesus was known for her sinful ways which included temple prostitution, crime, immorality, idolatry, and every sin imaginable to mankind. The walk or the lifestyle of the Gentiles was one contrary to holiness in which God desires for his people. Therefore, as Paul taught in this passage it was necessary that the children of God walk no longer in the ways of the Gentiles for their lives were characterized by the darkness of sin and death.
excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;
Due to the characteristic of darkness the Gentiles were excluded or separated from God in their life. This could be better understood by saying that they failed to have a relationship with God because of two reasons: first, they were in ignorance and second, their hearts were hard toward God. MacArthur states that “Paul point in this passage is that ignorance and sin are inseparable. The ungodly my be “always learning,” but they are “never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:17).” It is the sinful man that will not come to know the truth of God’s saving grace. However; it is the hardness of mankind’s heart that keeps them from knowing the truth of God’s saving grace.
and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity and greediness.
Paul states in this passage that the sinful Gentiles have become calloused, which implies that their lives have become insensitive to the calling of God. The insensitivity of the sinful Gentiles leads Paul to state that they have allowed themselves to be given to a state of mind that is not concern about the consequences of their actions. Therefore, Paul teaches that because of their mind being set toward this darkened understanding they continue to practice sinful actions, however; the child of God cannot walk in such a manner any longer.

But you did not learn Christ this way,
The relationship that a believer is to have with God cannot be taught as the Gentile live and practice their daily lives. The walk of being a Christian can only be taught through the Word of God, which is truth. The sinful man cannot know the truth for if he was to know the truth it would set him free. The redeemed man can know the truth for he has been set free by God. The way to learn Christ is to walk in holiness and not in sinfulness.
The life of every believer must begin with salvation through faith, but there is more to the Christian life than just a profession of faith. A Christian life is one that is characterized by constant devotion to God. It is a life that is pictured as a living sacrifice in Romans 12:1-2 and as a life of holiness in Ephesians 4:17-20. The Christian life is different, the Christian life is fulfilling, the Christian life is costly, but above all the Christian life is worthy it all.

Bibliography


Anders, Max. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, & Colossians. Holman New Testament
Commentary. Max Anders (Gen. ed.). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers,

Boa, Kenneth &Kruidenier William. Romans. Holman New Testament Commentary. Max
Anders (Gen.ed.). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.

MacArthur, John. Ephesians. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago, IL: Moody
Publishers, 1986.

MacArthur, John. Romans 9-16. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago, IL:
Moody Publishers, 1994.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Right/Romans: A practical guide to discover how to be right with God,
yourself, others. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1981

The Roar That Must Shake The Church

Amos 1 - 2


Text: Amos 1:1-2; 2:13-16

The Roar That Must Shake The Church
Amos 1 – 2

Outline:
Introduction
A. The setting of the ministry of Amos
B. Amos the Prophet of God
C. The ROAR that must be heard
D. The shaking of the church

I. God’s Judgment Is Sure (Amos 1:3-2:5)
A. Judgment given to the just and unjust.
B. Judgment reaching the Boiling Point.
C. Judgment for sinful rebellion.

II. God’s Judgment Is Impartial (Amos 2:6-8)
A. The Judgment was for Israel
B. Judgment is not for everyone else
C. Israel’s actions of injustice

III. How Can We Neglect God? (Amos 2:9-12)
A. God defeated the Amorites
B. God delivered Israel from Egypt
C. God established Israel
D. God appointed spiritual leaders
Closing
God’s punishment for sin (Amos 2: 13-16)

Text: Amos 1:1-2; 2:13-16

Introduction:
The setting of the ministry of Amos was during the historical time of Uzziah king of Judah (783-742 B.C.) and Jeroboam king of Israel (786- 746 B.C.), and two years before the earthquake of Hazar (dated between 765 to 760 B.C.), which would make the dates of 767 to 762 B.C. as possible dates for Amos’ ministry. The setting of the Eighth Century B.C. in the Mid-East was drastically changing as the nations of Judah and Israel were allowed to experience prosperity and economic stability as a result of the power sift after Adad-Nirari III death in 783 B.C., the king of Assyria. It was during this time of peace and prosperity that the two nations of Judah and specifically Israel turned away from God. The Northern Kingdom, Israel, begin to set up places to worship in Bethel, Dan, Gilgal, and Beer-sheba, which were in opposition to the covenant that Israel had made with God. Because of such actions against God, judgment was inevitable.

Amos the Prophet of God was a herdmen of Tekoa, who’s name means “burden bearer.” As a prophet of God, Amos was given a message from God. A message that was weighty, for it concealed a message of judgment against Israel. Even though Amos was from Tekoa, a small town ten miles south of Jerusalem in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, he was burdened by the message against his sister nation Israel. The message that is applicable to the church today concerning the burden of Amos is seen in the action of Amos himself. The sheep breeder’s, “the herdmen ofTekoa”(v. 1), burden for Israel was fueled by his love God, which caused him to cross the boarder of Southern Judah and enter into Northern Israel and speak a message that God had placed upon his heart. The action of taking the step forward must be perceived by the church as a call to share the message of Christ and the coming judgment of Christ upon this earth. The question that must be asked and answered by the clergy and church today is, “Where are the people of burden?”

The ROAR that must be heard is one that can be compared to two different types of roars. The first roar is that roar of the lion that freezes its prey in its footsteps, for the roar is so close that nothing can be done to avoid the disaster. This roar means that God’s judgment was near upon the nation of Israel. The people to who hear this roar, should be alarmed by the sound, the message, thereof. However; just as Israel responded to the message of Amos, so does many within today’s society, but even sadder is the response of the church to such a roaring message.
The second roar is that roar of thunder that pronounces drought rather than its normal pronouncement of rain. Normally the sound of thunder announces the coming storm or rain that is needed. The roar of thunder within Amos’ message was one that did not announce the needed rain, but the coming drought. The nation has sinned against God, therefore; God upon Israel was handing down judgment. The nation of Israel would not respond to God, thus the judgment of God came in 722 B.C. at the hands of the Assyrians. The drought, destruction, and death of Israel as a nation was brought upon them, but the saddest point to acknowledge was that God had given them numerous warnings. Church it is time that the roaring from Zion be heard rather than to ignore it as Israel did many centuries ago.

The Shaking of the church must take place. In the introduction of this book the prophet wrote that the message was given “two years before the earthquake” (v.1). This reference can be backed by archeological evidence of a earthquake that took place at Hazor in 765 to 760 B.C. which falls within the time frame of the introduction found in verse one. Though the message of Amos was not responsible for the earthquake that followed two years later, some symbolism can be made by stating that such a message should shake the people of God to the very core of their beings. Just as natural earthquake sake the foundations, causes soundly structured buildings to crumble, the message of God must shake the stony heart to the point of being tender again. Oh, that the church would hear the roar that would shake their hearts again.

What Is The Message To Israel and The Church?

I. God’s Judgment Is Sure (1:3-2:5)

The Judgment of God is given to the just and unjust.
The Bible teaches that God is just and fair, not a respect of persons, but is equal and unbiased in his dealings with humanity. Though this point could be used to speak of the impartiality of God, it is used here to speak of the sure event, known as Judgment, that each individual will face at the point of death. The Bible teaches that it will rain upon the just and unjust alike, so must it be made mention of that the Judgment of God will rest upon the just and the unjust when this physical life is over. The only difference will rest in how you stand before him in Judgment for one will stand either as being unjust in their sins, or one will stand justified by Christ. The Bible makes the Judgment of God sure for all individual.

And as if is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the Judgment. --Hebrews 9:27

The Judgment of God will reach a boiling point.
Throughout the first and second chapters of Amos the phrase is used, “For three transgressions of…, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof.” This figure of speech meant that God’s patience had reached a limit. The patience of God has reached a boiling point with the seven nations that were listed before the nation of Israel. This point tells the reader that God is “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that nay should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9), however; the longsuffering of God is governed by his nature of being holy. The sins of Israel and all the seven nations listed before them were at the boiling point of God’s wrath and the roaring message of Amos was to alarm the people and call them to repentance. The society today must hear the message of God’s wrath and mercy, but the message is not only for the society at large. The message of Amos is to the church, who attends on Sunday’s in the house of God. Simple membership, attendance and tithe paying are not ticket out of God’s Judgment, for God’s Judgment will look upon the heart, not the outward appearance of man.

The Rebellion or sin of the nations.
These nations were the seven enemies of Israel. The goal of Amos was to stir the emotions of Israel up against their enemies. Therefore, Amos pronounced the judgments of God against the seven nations around Israel at the time.

1. The judgment of Damascus for military crimes.
2. The judgment of the Philistines for crimes in
commerce.
3. The judgment of Tyre for treaty breaking.
4. The judgment of Edom for family unfaithfulness.
5. The judgment of Ammon for treating captives
brutally.
6. The judgment of Moab for murder and crimes
against humanity.
7. The judgment of Judah for leaving the Law of
God.

Each of these nations were judged by God for their sinful rebellion against God. The transgressions mentioned throughout the famous phrase in chapters one and two speak of the transgressions of the nations. It was their transgression that caused the wrath of God to be poured out upon them. Today the world and church must hear the roar in Zion for God’s wrath will be poured out upon a transgressing people in a destructive manner. However, for the righteous the judgment of God will bring a reward of life eternal.

II. God’s Judgment Is Impartial (2:6-8)

A message from God.
Amos a prophet from Judah stood before Israel with a message from God. Seven judgments against Israel’s enemies had been pronounced, but the climax of the message was about to be delivered. The message of God was not for the seven prior nations mentioned, but for the eighth nation, Israel. It was Israel that God was going to judge for he is a impartial God. The word impartial means that God is fair, unbiased, and independent, which causes him to make precise and unbiased decisions in his judgments.

Judgment is not for everyone else, Judgment is for me!
The message of Judgment must be understood for it is judgment that is as inevitable as paying taxes, eating, and dying. The Christian and the sinner must stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, for II Corinthians 5:10 states,

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Israel’s actions of injustice before God and man.
It was the actions of Israel against mankind that caused them to be judged by God. For a sinful action against humanity is a sinful action against God. It is important that Christians pay close attention to how they treat their fellow brother and sister in Christ or even the sinner in the streets of our cities and towns. The actions of injustice can lead to a guilty verdict in God’s courtroom of justice. Below are the three judgments against Israel.
The judgment of selling human beings. God was judging the nation of Israel for selling human beings in one of two manners. The first could be seen in the area of justice or courtrooms, for it was here that judges were paid off to decided in court cases that sold the guiltless as a guilty person. The second arena in which this injustice took place was in the selling of salves instead of letting them go as commanded in the Law of Moses.
The judgment of stepping on the poor. God was judging Israel for allowing the rich and powerful to pervert the justice system in their favor. By perverting the justice system, the poor were being beaten legally out of their own positions and rights. God was angry with such injustice and polluted politics.
The judgment of Israel’s sexual sins. God was judging Israel for its years of sexual immorality, which was a common practice among pagan worshipers. The picture described in Amos was a sinful action of a father and son in having sexual relationships with the same woman. This was only one of many sexual perversions that were involved in the worship to Baal during the Old Testament times.
The judgment of Israel was one of transgression against God. The sins of injustice, law breaking, covenant breaking, and many others lead to judgment. No matter the severity of the transgression, all sin is equal in the sight of God and punishment will be the result of God’s judgment.

III. How Can We Neglect God (2:9-12)

God had defeated the Amorites, which had given access to the Promised Land.
This is listed first for God wanted Israel to remember that is was God who had given the land to them. It was not by their own hands, but by the hand of God that hey had been blessed. The children of Israel had wondered for forty years because the relied upon their own might, but it was in faith that God gave them the land. The people of Joshua’s day, as leader of Israel, placed their faith in God and trusted that God was able to deliver them. It was through faith in God that God delivered the enemies into the hands of Joshua and the Children of Israel.
It is important that the church of today remember where God has brought us from and remember how God gave the victory in the pass. The church must remember the pass, but must not allow the pass to possess their heart or time. The Lord has given us the blessings we experience today, but let us arise and look forward to the blessings that God has promised to us in the present and future. If we are going to go forward as a church in this twenty-first century we must not neglect God as so many are seeking to do in the post-modern era.

God had delivered Israel from Egypt, which represents freedom from bondage.
The Children of Israel had served over 400 years in Egypt, when Moses was called to be the deliver of his people. Moses was used by God to bring the people of Israel out of Egyptian Bondage, which represented spiritual bondage. The people of God were free and as a symbolic measure the people celebrate the Feast of Passover annually to celebrate the freedom from bondage that was given to Israel that night centuries ago.
God provided for mankind a second Passover when Jesus came to this earth to be crucified as a ransom for many. It was during this Passover that Christ shed his blood to be the covering atonement for all of mankind’s sins. Therefore, as the Bible teaches all who believe in Faith that Jesus, died, was buried, and rose again to forgive sins will be saved, thus the Passover. The church must never neglect God, for without the Passover, mankind would be presently be in a spiritual Egypt.
God had established Israel as a nation.
It was through the first two event that are mentioned that God established Israel as a nation. It was through the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt and the deliverance of Israel’s enemies that God provided the means to establish a nation. The Sovereignty of God was in order, for God’s plan was established. The plan to bless the world through the seed of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).
The church is also an established body that God has planed to use throughout the centuries. It is my opinion that God is not through with the church yet. Therefore; it is necessary that the church not neglect God for he seeks to use us today, in such a time as this.

God had appointed spiritual leaders, the Nazarites and the Prophets.
The spiritual leadership in Israel was seen by Amos as being the Nazarites and Prophets of God. The Nazarites were individuals to whom God called to be separated from the unclean and to refrain from strong drink and any defilement. By separating themselves unto God they were used by God to do great exploits for God, such as Samson (Judges 13-16). The Prophets of God were the messengers that God sent to the people with a Word from God, such as Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and many others, who proclaimed the judgments of God and the need to return to God. It was these two groups of individuals that Israel did not want to hear.
The message of roaring in Amos was one that the people of Israel needed to hear, but they were content in telling the prophets of God to be silent. Today within the society and the church the messengers of God are being told to be silent concerning the true message of God. Instead, many messengers are becoming individual who preach on prosperity, success, and never mention a need to return to God or about the consequences of continual rebellion against God. Oh, that minister would regain the backbone, wake up from their cowardly ways and stand as the mouthpiece of God to a lost and dying world and church.

The problem that faces the world and church today is one that is pictured in this quote which state,

Worldly minded people are uncomfortable around those who have a message from God and who model their lives after his character. They have only two options: (1) bring life into line with God’s message and God’s model or (2) bring the messengers and models into line with their twisted lives.

With such a option before the world, church, and even clergy, what will be the action that the church must take? What must we do in order to see our lives spared, churches restored, and our society saved? These are the questions that we must answer as a church and as individuals within the church. The roar is being sounded, the message is being preached, will the message be heard with open hearts or will it be heard just as it was in the day of Israel’s pronouncement of Judgment.

Closing:

God’s punishment for sin is sever, but mankind can not say God has not warned them, continually. (Amos 2: 13-16)


Bibliography

Butler, Trent C. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and
Micah. Holman Old Testament Commentary. Max Anders (Gen. Ed.). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2005.

Smith, Billy K. and Page, Frank S. Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah.
The New American Commentary: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture NIV Text. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995.

Smith, Daniel. How Does God Interact With Man?:A Study On
God’s Attributes. Charleston, MS: Library of Daniel Smith, 2009.

God's Way of Marriage

Eph. 5:31; Gen. 2:24

God’s Way of Marriage
Ephesians 5:31
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Introduction

This particular phrase or a form of it, is found in five passages throughout the Old and New Testaments
Gen. 2:24 “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Mt. 19:5| “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?”
Mk. 10:7 “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;”
MK. 10:8 “And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.”
I Cor. 6:16 “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.”

In Ephesians 5:31 the Apostle Paul is speaking to the body of Christ as well as to the husband and wife. The Old Testament foundation for this particular verse is found in Gen. 2:24. Within its original context the narrator of Genesis 2 describes how woman was taken from the side of man to be his companion. He then adds: ‘This is why a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’.

The Foundation of God’s Way of Marriage

1. God’s Way of Marriage encourages Companionship (Gen. 2:18-20)

The term companionship “is the association of a companion.” A companion is “someone who is associated with another or a person who is in a long-term relationship or in a intimate relationship with their partner.”
These verses imply that Adam was alone and that God did not find this to be good.
God’s concern is that man is “alone.” Whether the man felt his aloneness at first is not stated; only the divine viewpoint is given. God has created human life to have fellowship with him but also to be a social entity, building relationships with other human beings. “[Man] will not live until he loves, giving himself away to another on his own level.” Isolation is not the divine norm for human beings; community is the creation of God. The commissioning of man and woman to reign over the good land (1:28) involves procreation, and only together can they achieve their destiny.
Within these verses the thought of companionship arises to counteract the loneness that man would feel.
Marriage was created by God to eliminate the feelings of loneness
Companionship is also implied by the term “helper.”
She is called Adam’s “helper” (ʿēzer), which defines the role that the woman will play. In what way would Eve become a “helper” to the man? The term means “help” in the sense of aid and support and is used of the Lord’s aiding his people in the face of enemies (Pss 20:2 [3]; 121:1–2; 124:8). Moses spoke of God as his “helper” who delivered him from Pharaoh (Exod 18:4), and it is often associated with “shield” in describing God’s protective care of his people.

2. God’s Way of Marriage encourages Unity (Gen. 2:21-24)

Unity is implied by the concept of Woman being created by God out of the rib of man.
The woman was taken from the man’s side to show that she was of the same substance as the man and to underscore the unity of the human family, having one source. This is made clear by the man’s description of her: “Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (v. 23).
God’s Way of Marriage produces unity within the lives of those involved.
This unity is not merely sexual; it involves sharing spiritual, intellectual, and emotional dimensions as well. Jewish sentiment noted this: “Whoever has no wife exists without goodness, without a helpmate, without joy, without blessing, without atonement … without well-being, without a full life; … indeed, such a one reduces the representation of the divine image [on earth].”
The divine image on earth is found in the created bound of marriage.
The Husband and Wife are created to have equal rights in God’s Way of Marriage
The woman is deemed by the divine mind “a helper suitable for him.” “Suitable” (kěnegdô, lit., “like what is in front of him”) indicates a correspondence between the man and the woman. The focus is on the equality of the two in terms of their essential constitution. Man and woman share in the “human” sameness that cannot be found elsewhere in creation among the beasts. In every way the woman shares in the same features of personhood as does the man. In 1:26–28 this equality of the man and woman as image bearers has priority over their differences in sexual roles, although both were crucial to realizing the intended blessing.
Sin corrupted God’s Way of Marriage, but as Christians we can have a form of this God created marriage (Ephesians 5:22-29)

3. God’s Way of Marriage encourages Fellowship With God (Gen. 3:8)

From the very beginning God communed with the first man and woman in fellowship.
This speaks of the command to live in the garden and have dominion of the earth.
This speaks of the command to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
In the Garden this verse states, God walked with them.
The presence of the Lord among them.
In Ephesians 5: 22-23 the command is given in regards to the husband and wife being in fellowship with God.

4. God’s Way of Marriage encourages Heterosexual Relationships (Gen. 2:24)

As of a result of God’s Order of Creation the only Helpmate suitable for man is a woman.

As of a result of God’s Order of Creation the only Helpmate suitable for woman is a man.

God’s Word also teaches the principles of marriage being only for those of the opposite sex.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
The teachings regarding sin (Romans 1:26–29)
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

5. God’s Way of Marriage encourages Reproduction of Life (Gen. 1:26-28)

This point also teaches that marriage is for heterosexual relationship only, for only God’s way of marriage produces or reproduces life. God had never created anything that will not reproduce, for that was the command given to creation. (Gen. 1:11, 22, 28)

The command to Adam and Eve and to all of creation was to replenish the earth.

God created life and has set in motion the course of nature to reproduce life, but human life is only to be reproduced in the setting of marriage according to God’s way of Marriage, but as stated earlier sin has corrupted marriage.

Questions That Can Save Your Marriage

Text: Pss. 42:1-2; Rev. 2:4-5; Eph. 5:22-23, 31

Questions That Can Save Your Marriage and Help You Have
A Marriage Patterned After God’s Divine Plan


Text: Psalms 42:1-2; Rev. 2:4-5; Eph. 5:22-23, 31

Questions

1. Have You Faced the Myths of Marriage with Honesty?

Myths:
a. “We expect exactly the same thing from marriage.”
b. “Everything good in our marriage will get better.”
Seitter states, “Too many people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold.”
c. “Everything bad in my life will disappear.”
Tabor states, “Disappointment to a noble soul is like cold water to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.”
d. “My spouse will make me whole.”
John Fisher states, “The success of a marriage comes not in finding the “right” person, but in the ability of both partners to adjust to the real person they inevitably realize they married.”

Learn to be patient with your spouse and your marriage for “The bonds of matrimony
are like any other bonds, they mature slowly.”
Colossians 3:12–14
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.


2. Have You Developed the Habit of Happiness?

The Key to a happy marriage and an to “live happily ever after” is determined by your attitude. Not your spouses. Jesus in his teaching on conflict taught that you are to work on our self more than one anyone else, but we have our process all mixed up according to God’s plan.
Luke 6:41–42
41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
“Most negative people feel that they could be positive if they had a different job, lived in a better place, or married a different person. But happiness does not hinge on better circumstances. A person with bad attitudes will still be a person with bad attitudes, wherever and with whomever he or she lives.”

The keys to overcoming a negative attitude are:
1. Give yours self completely to Jesus
2. Learn to adjust to things out of your control
3. Lean to change your way of thinking, have a renewal of your mind or a turning of your mind. “bad news can be turned into good news”
a. Joseph
b. Job

Marriage has nothing to do with luck or hope, it has everything to do with will power and determination. If you want your marriage to make it, it will, but you must work at it daily.

3. Can You Say What You Mean and Understand What You Hear?
It has been said, “It is terrible to speak well and be wrong.”
Ephesians 4:29–32
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

James 1:19–21
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.


Rules of Successful Communication
1. Make “I” statements, not “You” statements.
2. Practice reflective listening.
3. Understand and accept the differences between men and women.
4. Apologize when necessary.
5. Communicate through touch.

4. Are You and Your Spouse Soul Mates?
Ephesian 5:31 states “And the two will become one flesh.”

It has been said of the married couple, “We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly embracing each other.”
Spiritual Intimacy: The Ultimate Meaning of Marriage

Finding God in your Marriage for Marriage Reveals:
1. God’s Faithfulness
2. God’s Forgiveness

Tending to the Soul of Your Marriage:
1. Worship
2. Service
3. Prayer

In Step With God

1 Thess. 1:1-10

In Step With God

The Question today is, “Am I In Step With God?”

1. To be in step with God I must put forth an effort, for I cannot expect that God has provided all without my effort of acceptance.
2. To be in step with God I must put forth and effort, but I must understand that God has provided all that is needed for salvation, thus I cannot save myself by works.
3. To be in step with God I must put forth and effort, by becoming the disciple that Christ has called me to be.
4. To be in step with God I must put forth and effort , to understand that God is in control, and I must be submissive to his will.
5. To be in step with God I must acknowledge two vital points, God is sovereign and I am a free moral agent, thus faith is required through obedience.

1 Thess. 1: 1-10

Theme of chapter one is that, “People who receive God’s call of grace are changed and strengthened by him to discipline their lives and become effective examples of the grace of Christ. Such Christians form God’s idea of a healthy, productive church.”

I. The Divine Work To Bring Man “In Step With God”
v.1 “Grace” and “Peace”

“Paul’s standard greeting, “grace and peace to you,” was loaded with reminders that our best health and riches are the personal, relational gifts from God himself. To this greeting, some early manuscripts add the phrase “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. “Grace” and “peace’ ” are gifts bestowed from the throne room of heaven. Grace is the unmerited favor of God upon which we are so dependent. Peace is a judicial statement related to our daily fellowship with God as well as our eternal standing. The conflict created through sin has been resolved through Jesus Christ, restoring the broken relationship between humankind and God, thereby granting peace and harmony. Shalom is the Hebrew counterpart of “peace,” meaning wholeness. Peace is a condition of completeness, a work totally finished through Christ, yet progressively realized.”
II. The Man’s Work To Bring Self “In Step With God”
v.3 Remembered for Three Reasons

“The people’s work produced by faith was commended first. Faith always leads to works. According to the apostle James, “faith without deeds is dead” (Jas. 2:26). But rather than debating the nuances of the lordship/salvation issue—whether a person can belong to Christ and do little, or how much believers should work for Christ—we should first be sure of our own hearts.
Second, their “labor” was prompted by love. Labor involves cost, fatigue, and exhaustion. Love here is the Greek word agape, meaning unselfish, sacrificial living for others. Love, along with faith, drives us in our faith.
Believers would do well to check their lives and schedules and notice what they do for others out of pure love. The church is not a club we join, a retirement plan we subscribe to, or a competition we enter to win a trophy. It is a family of love where we serve one another. This is possible only because of our relationship with God.
The third commendation given to the Thessalonians was for their endurance inspired by hope. This is not passive endurance, but heroic constancy, no matter what the obstacles. Hope always looks forward, beyond now, to a future. For the Thessalonians, as for all believers, hope rests in God’s promised eternity. And this assured future makes faith, work, suffering, and love possible Hope looks to something that is sure, but just not here yet. It is coming.”

III. The Divine Plan to bring man “In Step With God”
vv. 4-5 “The election of God” and the gospel “in power”

“The good news about God’s love and Christ’s transforming power through his death and resurrection is not a last-minute plan or knee-jerk reaction by God. It is part of a comprehensive strategy conceived before the earth’s creation (Eph. 1:4).
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”
It is worldwide and eternal (Isa. 49:6). It is from the center of God’s heart.
“And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salavation unto the end of the earth.”
1:4. The credit and gratitude for belonging eternally to God should be given to our Lord. His mercy and love come to us not because of who we are but because of the kind of person he is. Love and election always go together. He rescues those who will respond to his initiations of love and revelation (Eph. 1:4–5; 2 Thess. 2:13).
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”
“Be we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”

1:5. The gospel is “the power of God for … salvation” (Rom. 1:16). It comes from embracing Jesus, the centerpiece of the gospel. One evidence that salvation is entirely God’s work is the way in which it enters our lives, It comes not simply with words, but also with power.
The word power means the ability to do something. The gospel always comes with inherent power (Heb. 4:12; 1 Cor. 1:18),
“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner o the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
but its effect depends upon the hearer. There are those for whom the gospel is “simply words”—interesting, perhaps even disturbing—but that is all. The power of the gospel explodes, however, when the hearer allows its truth to penetrate the heart. The Holy Spirit empowers the message so that it comes alive; it stirs the spirit within; it brings conviction and change. God wants us to be his children.
The church is challenged to announce and model the good news for everyone. The rest of the paragraph shows that the Thessalonians were doing this.”

IV. The Development of Man to be “In Step With God”
vv. 6-7 “The Imitator Model”

“You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord. This pattern forms a great circle of discipleship and leadership which still applies today.”
“The Holy Spirit gave them the joy and ability to receive the full message of Christ and to follow him. Suffering and joy are almost always linked. It is the confirmation of John 15:18–21,
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.”
that those who follow Christ will suffer as Christ did. As Paul later wrote in his letter to the Philippians, there is fellowship in suffering for Christ, a fellowship with Christ himself (Phil. 3:10).
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
This brings a joy sustained by the Holy Spirit.”

vv. 8 “The Reputation Model”

“Paul next described the “reputation model” for the church—your faith in God has become known everywhere. The northern and southern provinces (Macedonia and Achaia) heard about the changes brought about by God in the hearts and actions of the believers in Thessalonica. Reports about their faith were being heard, often carried by unbelievers. As a result the Lord’s message rang out, was trumpeted throughout the region. It is a reminder that we have reputations that influence how others respond to our Lord. The vibrancy of our faith can spread the gospel and influence the reception which it receives beyond our area and region.”

V. The Divine Message to bring man “In Step With God”
vv.9-10 The Message of the Gospel
“We see at least these themes:
• Conversion. They turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.
• Future. We wait for his Son from heaven.
• Basis. The Son whom he raised from the dead, and his work for us.
• Judgment. There is a coming wrath to be avoided.”


Application Of The Passage:
1. Are you living in personal relationship with Christ?
2. Have you accepted the message of Christ?
3. Are you disciplining your life according to Word of God (work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope)?
4. Are you sharing the message with other?
5. Are you living out the Word daily?