ACTS 13-28 THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL TO THE “REMOTEST PART OF THE EARTH”

ACTS 13-28

THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL TO THE

“REMOTEST PART OF THE EARTH”

“to the churches of Galatia”

Galatians 1:2 Galatia = the large

Roman province. The SOUTH Galatian

theory. Paul entered this

region in Acts 13-14 on his 1st journey.

GALATIANS would be his first epistle and would be written about 48 A.D.

Galatia = smaller area in north-central Asia Minor where the ethnic Gauls had located.

The NORTH Galatian theory.

Paul did not enter this region until later. (journey?).

GALATIANS written much later (58?)

ROMAN PROVINCE-- “SOUTH GALATIAN”

THEORY

ETHNIC AREA---“NORTH

GALATIAN” THEORY

THE ORDER OF EVENTS(The writing of Galatians)

(1)Paul and Barnabas return from Jerusalem after the famine visit.

(2) They go on the First Journey which includes the region of Galatia.

(3) They return to Antioch and spend time there. While there they hear of problems in Galatia.

(4) GALATIANS is then written.(5) Judaizers come to Antioch and

dispute (15:1) with Paul and Barnabas.

(6) JERUSALEM COUNCIL IS CONVENED.

THE JERUSALEM COUNCILACTS 15

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COUNCIL.This is the first major DOCTRINAL

issue faced by the Church.This issue had the real potential of

dividing the Church.THE ISSUE FACED BY THE COUNCIL.Do Gentiles need to first keep the Law

(circumcision) in order to be saved by Jesus Christ?

THE JERUSALEM COUNCILACTS 15

THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVELaw Keeping + Faith in Jesus Christ = SPIRITUAL SALVATION

Faith in Christ = Salvation

THE APOSTLES’ PERSPECTIVEFaith in Jesus Christ + 0 = SALVATION

LAW

THE JERUSALEM COUNCILACTS 15

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COUNCIL.This is the first major DOCTRINAL

issue faced by the Church.This issue had the real potential of

dividing the Church.THE ISSUE FACED BY THE COUNCIL.Do Gentiles need to first keep the Law

(circumcision) in order to be saved by Jesus Christ?

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

(1)Biographical information on Paul(2)Justification by faith alone in

Christ alone.(3)End of the Mosaic Law Code as a

rule of life.(4)Holy Spirit’s role in sanctified

living, resulting in the “fruit of the Spirit”.

SALVATION---THEN AND NOW

• QUESTION: Were people in the O.T. times saved in same way or in a different way than in the N.T. and today?

• ANSWER: The way of salvation has always been the same.

THE NEED FOR

SALVATION

THE BASIS OF

SALVATION

WHAT IS REQUIRED

THE OBJECT OF

FAITH

THE CONTENT OF FAITH

IT IS THE SAMEBECAUSE ALL HAVE

SINNED

IT IS THE SAME.CHRIST’S BLOODTAKES SIN AWAY.

IT IS THE SAME.FAITH HAS ALWAYS

BEEN REQUIRED.

THE SAME…IN THEONLY TRUE GOD

WHO CAN JUSTIFY.

THIS WILL BE DIFFERENT IN EACH

DISPENSATION

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS

II. DOCTRINAL, 2:16-4:31

ABE.COVENANT

“PROMISE”

RATIFIED BY GOD IN GENESIS 15

CANNOT CHANGE THE PARTIES OR PROVISIONS OF A RATIFIED COVENANT

PROMISES FULFILLED INMESSIAH

MOSAICCOVENANT

AT 2ND COMING

A “TUTOR”

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THESSALONICA

CORINTH

PAUL WRITES 1 THESSALONIANS

1 THESSALONIANS: KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

3:1-6 and 4:1(1)Christians are exempt from the

wrath of God.(2)Principles for “success” in the

gospel ministry.(3)The Rapture: the sudden,

supernatural departure of the Church out of the world.

(4)The coming “day of the Lord”

THE WRATH OF GOD

NOTE: It is important to remember that this is the wrath of God and not the wrath of man or the wrath of Satan.

PRESENT WRATH(Revealed in God’s “active”and “passive” dealings with

man right now.

FUTURE WRATH“TRIBULATION”

(Revealed in some detail inRevelation 6-18 in His

judgments against the wicked)

4:13-17 – INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT THE RAPTURE

• “RAPTURE” is from the Latin word (rapturo) which is the translation of the Greek verb “caught up”. It refers to the sudden, supernatural catching up of believers by Christ.

• “SLEEP” is a euphemism referring to the death of a believer. It refers to the BODY of a believer and not his SOUL (i.e. his immaterial part).

• This section was written to correct their idea that dead Christians would miss the rapture.

BACKGROUND OF2 THESSALONIANS

WHEN TIMOTHY RETURNED FROM THESSALONICA (after taking 1 Thess.), HE INFORMED PAUL OF TWO MATTERS: (1) Doctrinal concerning the “day of the Lord” and (2) Practical concerning laziness/church discipline.

THIS SECOND LETTER WAS PROBABLY WRITTEN ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST ONE.

2 THESSALONIANSKEY CONTRIBUTIONS

(1)The fate of unbelievers.(2)The “day of the Lord”(3)The Antichrist(4)Church discipline

1 CORINTHIANSPaul’s Relationship with the

Church at Corinth CHURCH FOUNDED – 2nd JOURNEY(Paul spent 1½ years at Corinth)

On the 3rd JOURNEY, Paul was at Ephesus.APOLLOS went from Ephesus and ministered

at CORINTH. HE INFORMED PAUL OF IMMORALITY THERE

SOME OTHERNEGATIVE REPORTSABOUT THE CHURCH

CAME TO PAUL

PAUL WROTE A LETTER TO CORINTHABOUT IMMORALITY – 1 Corinthians 5:9

A LETTER ARRIVEDFROM CORINTH

WITH A VARIETY OFQUESTIONS

PAUL WROTE 1 CORINTHIANS

#1

#2

1 CORINTHIANSKEY CONTRIBUTIONS

(1)Superiority of God’s wisdom (seen in the Cross).

(2)The Spirit and the Truth of God.(3)The Judgment Seat of Christ.(4)Church discipline.(5)Morality and immorality(6)Principles related to “doubtful

things”.(7)Life in the gathered church: women,

Lord’s supper, spiritual gifts.(8)The truth of RESURRECTION.

Paul’s Relationship with Corinth CHURCH FOUNDED – 2nd JOURNEY(Paul spent 1½ years at Corinth)

On the 3rd JOURNEY, Paul was at Ephesus.APOLLOS went from Ephesus and ministered at CORINTH. HE INFORMED PAUL OF IMMORALITY IN THE CORINTHIAN

CHURCH.

SOME OTHER NEGATIVEREPORTS ABOUT THE CHURCH

CAME TO PAUL

PAUL WROTE A LETTER TO CORINTH ABOUTIMMORALITY – 1 Cor. 5:9 (Sent byTitus?)

A LETTER ARRIVED FROMCORINTH WITH VARIOUS

QUESTIONS

PAUL WROTE 1 CORINTHIANS PAUL, TITUS AND TIMOTHY GO AT VARIOUS TIMES

TO CORINTH PAUL RETURNS TO EPHESUS AND WRITES THE “SEVERE”

LETTER (2:3; 7:8)

PAUL WROTE 2 CORINTHIANS

#1

#2

#3

#4

2 CORINTHIANSKEY CONTRIBUTIONS

(1)The Gospel Ministry (2-6)(2)The New Covenant (3)(3)Life After Death (5, 12)(4)The Truth of Reconciliation (5)(5)The Matter of Giving (8, 9)(6)The Purpose of Authority (10-

13)

ROMANSKEY CONTRIBUTIONS

(1)The Completely Sinful Condition of Mankind. (1-3)

(2)The Completely Sufficient Work of Christ. (3-5)

(3)Justification by Faith Alone. (3-4)(4)The Spirit and Sanctification. (6-8)(5)The Nation of Israel. (9-11)(6)The Christian and Government. (13)(7)The Matter of Doubtful Things. (14)

GOD MAN FULL FELLOWSHIPSIN

REDEMPTION

PROPITIATION

GOD

REC0NCILIATION

MAN

JUSTIFIED

JUSTIFICATION is TO DECLARE RIGHTEOUS. (1) OUR SIN REMOVED; (2) HIS RIGHTEOUS BECOMES OURS.

MANKIND

THE COMPLETELY SINFUL CONDITION OF MANKIND

GOD’STRUTH

IDOLATRY MORALDECLINE

X

SUMMARY OF MAN’S SINFUL CONDITION

• ALL THE GENTILES ARE GUILTY. THEY LEFT GOD’S TRUTH AND WENT INTO IDOLATRY AND IMMORALITY.

• ALL THE JEWS ARE GUILTY. THEY KNEW GOD’S TRUTH AND YET DID THE SAME THINGS AS GENTILES.

• ALL MANKIND STANDS GUILTY. NO EXCEPTIONS SINCE SIN IS UNIVERSAL AND IT IS INTENSE.

• CONCLUSION: ALL PEOPLE ARE SINFUL WITH NO ABILITY TO SAVE THEMSELVES.

NEW SPIRITUAL POSITION: SET FREE BY JESUS

MASTERED BY SIN

RANSOM PRICE PAID.

REDEEMED.

OUR PRACTICE

A SLAVE OF SIN

A BONDSLAVE OF JESUS CHRIST

GOD AND THE NATION OF ISRAEL

CHAPTER 9 – ISRAEL’S PASTELECTED BY GOD

CHAPTER 10 – ISRAEL’S PRESENTREJECTED

CHAPTER 11 – ISRAEL’S FUTURERESTORED

GOD AND ISRAEL (11)The OLIVE TREE

• NATURAL BRANCHES = Israel. These were broken off and these will also be grafted back in (v.24)

• ROOT = The Abrahamic Covenant.• WILD BRANCES = The Gentiles.• Israel’s blindness is limited in EXTENT

and DURATION (“partial”-“until”-vs. 25).

• ALL Israel shall be saved when the Deliverer comes. Based on the Covenant.

THE JOURNEY TO ROME21:17-28:31

THE ARREST IN JERUSALEM, 21:17-36• Paul’s report of God’s work among

the gentiles brought joy.• Concerns were raised that Paul had

exceeded the verdict of the Council.• Paul is to “prove” to the Jews that he

is not speaking against Moses by taking a vow. Right in doing so?

• Went into the Temple; falsely accused of bringing a gentile into temple area by Jews from Asia (Ephesus?).

THE JOURNEY TO ROME21:17-28:31

THE DEFENSES OF THE APOSTLE PAUL (21:40-26:32)

BEFORE THE MOB IN THE TEMPLE-21:40-22:29

BEFORE THE GREAT SANHEDRIN – 22:30-23:10

BEFORE THE ROMAN GOVERNOR FELIX – 24:1-27

BEFORE THE ROMAN GOVERNOR FESUS – 25:1-12

BEFORE KING AGRIPPA II – 25:13-26:32

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JERUSALEM

ANTIPATRIS

CAESAREA

35 Miles; 470 soldiers

25 miles; foot soldiers return to Jerusalem

Acts 27:8-12

475 Miles; 13 days

3 months

18 months?

THE PRISON EPISTLESThe 4 letters written around 61-63

A.D. while Paul was under “house arrest” in Rome.

All 4 letters make reference to his imprisonment. (e.g. Philemon 1:1; Eph. 3:1; Col. 1:24; Phil. 1:7).

Onesimus and Tychicus were the letter carries of Eph., Col. and Philemon (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; P.1:10)

Philippians written last, since several journeys between Rome and Philippi are indicated; and release is anticipated.

THE PRISON EPISTLES

The Letter to PHILEMON(1)The concept of Substitution. Making payment for someone

else.(2) How to tactfully and graciously

deal with difficult situations.

THE PRISON EPISTLES

Key Contributions of EPHESIANS(1) The CHURCH universal: Christ

the Head and believers the Body.(2) Unity and Spiritual gifts.(3) Living as children of God.(4) Marriage(5) Spiritual Warfare

THE PRISON EPISTLES

Key Contributions of EPHESIANS(1) The CHURCH universal: Christ the

Head and believers the Body.Getting into the Body, the work of the

Trinity.Christ becomes the Head after the

resurrection and ascension. The “one new man”. Church is not

Israel.The “mystery”. Church not revealed in

the O.T.

HEAD

THE PRISON EPISTLES

Key Contributions of COLOSSIANS(1)The Deity of Jesus Christ.(2)The sufficiency of the work of

Christ.(3)The Christian life---seeking

things above.(4)The Church, the Body of Christ.(5)Life in the family.

THE PRISON EPISTLES

Key Contributions of PHILIPPIANS(1)Praise/thanksgiving in life, even

in difficult times.(2)Life after death for the believer.(3)Emphasis on working at unity

among believers.(4)Christ---His mind and His deity.(5)Insufficiency of personal

righteousness.

AFTER ACTS 28The Release of Paul

Release is implied in Acts 28:30 The case against Paul was weak since he was

being charge with a religious crime. Acts 24:6; 26:31-32

The absence of accusers. Acts 28:21 It is implied in the “Prison Epistles”;

Philemon 1:22; Phil. 1:23-26; 2:24. It is implied in the “Pastoral Epistles”. Eg.

Titus 1:5; 3:12; 1 Tim. 1:3; 3:14; 2 Tim. 4:12; 4:20.

Clement of Rome says that Paul went “to the extreme limit of the west”. Muratorian Fragment says Paul went to Rome.

AFTER ACTS 28A Possible Itinerary of Paul

(1)Paul hoped to go to Spain (Rom. 15:24).

(2)He changed plans and went east; (Phil. 1:23-26; 2:24; Philemon 1:22)

(3)Upon release he sent Timothy to Philippi. Phil. 2:23.

(4)Stopped by Crete on way to Asia Minor and Ephesus. Churches on Crete founded on this stopover.

(5)He visited Colossae (Philemon 1:22). (6)Timothy came to Ephesus and Paul

went to Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:3)

Colossae

1 Tim.

2 Timothy

Titus

PASTORAL EPISTLES: KEY SUBJECTS

How the local church is to operate Church leadership The role of women in the churchThe concern of false teachersThe need to be disciplined and

faithfulThe critical importance of the

scriptures

QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP• SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER:(1) THE DESIRE OF THE MAN—Is this something he

wishes to do?*A reluctant man will make a poor leader.*1 Tim. 3:1: “desire” = reaching after/seeking. A passion for the position (for good reasons and motives)

(2) THE STANDARD OF GOD—There is no other standard by which to evaluate.*We may use another standard, but this is the only one given by the Lord of the Church.

(3) THE EQUAL IMPORTANCE OF THE QUALIFICATIONS—No one is said to be more significant than another.*No statement such as “above all else a man must….”

(4) THE MATTER OF THE PRESENT MATURITY OF THE MAN—His past is not the issue…or else no man would be able to qualify.*If we look at the past on one issue, should we not do so on all of the qualifications?

PASTORAL EPISTLES: FALSE TEACHERS

THE ISSUE OF FALSE TEACHERS IN THE CHURCH. 1 TIMOTHY 4

False Teachers and their false teaching will increase in the end times. (4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1)

The origin of FT is actually demonic. (4:1) FT appear to be godly (4:2) False sanctification is an example of FT (4:3)2 TIMOTHY 3 FT love self, money and pleasure but not God.

(3:2) FT are not righteous on the inside. (3:3) FT are not to be tolerated. (3:5; Titus 1:10-11) FT deceive others and themselves. (3:13)

PASTORAL EPISTLES: INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES

2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 ALL SCRIPTURE IS “GOD BREATHED”…The

origin of scripture is God Himself. (Note: 2 Peter 1:21-22)

This points to the authority and inerrancy of the Bible.

THE SCRIPTURES ARE ALL THAT IS NEEDED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS. (Note 2 Peter 1:3)

This points to the sufficiency of the Bible.

BACKGROUND MATTERS OF HEBREWS: AUTHORSHIP

Hebrews 13:18-25 Hebrews probably is not an epistle (more

like a sermon) and it really is not “general epistle” (It is written to a specific group of people).

The Author of Hebrews:

PAUL IS THE AUTHOR. IT

SOUNDS LIKE PAUL, MUST BE PAUL. Eusibius,

Scofield Bible, etc.

NO. STYLE DIFFERS.J. Calvin,

M. Luther, etc

NOT PAUL, BUT THE AUTHOR IS FROM WITHIN PAUL’S CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE.

BACKGROUND MATTERS:THE RECIPIENTS

THE RECIPIENTS OF HEBREWS ARE BELIEVERS IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

(1) They are called “brethren” (e.g. 3:1, 12; 10:19; 13:22)

(2) The author knows these people (13:18-25) and identifies with them as fellow believers (e.g. 2:1,3; 3:14,19; 4:1-3; 6:9; 10:26,30,39; 12:28).

(3) They have believed (4:3; 10:39) and are told to do things that only believers can do; such as “hold fast” to their confidence (3:14; 4:14; 10:35-36); to serve God with reverential fear (12:28).

(4) They are never told to seek justification or to turn to Christ, but rather to “hang in there” (persevere in their faith in Jesus Messiah).

BACKGROUND MATTERS: THE REASON FOR WRITING HEBREWS

(1) WRITTEN TO BELIEVERS WHO HAD BEEN FAITHFUL TO CHRIST IN PAST TIMES OF PERSECUTION. (10:32-34)

(2) IN THE PASSING OF TIME THEY HAD GROWN DULL SPIRITUALLY AND HAD STOPPED MATURING. (5:11-13)

(3) PROBABLY TO AVOID FURTHER PERSECUTION AND TROUBLE SOME WERE BEGINNING TO RETREAT BACK INTO THE SAFETY OF JUDAISM.

THE PURPOSE OF HEBREWS

(4) THE AUTHOR REMINDED THESE FRIENDS AND CHALLENGED THEM.

Christ is superior to all.Christ is the King-Priest (Melchizedek)He is coming again to reign.There will be reward in His kingdom for

those who remain faithful to Him.So be like the faithful people (ch. 11)

and not like Esau (12:15-17).

BACKGROUND MATTERS:THE “WARNING” PASSAGES

THE 5 WARNING PASSAGES ARE 2:1-4; 3:7-4:13; 5:11-6:20; 10:26-39; 12:12-29.

The warnings are directed at true believers not “professed ones.”

There is a serious possibility of these people experiencing loss.

The passages are not warning about the loss of their justification since that is not the focus of Hebrews. (And it is against the biblical truth of ETERNAL SECURITY)

These passages are warning of the loss of reward in Messiah’s coming kingdom.

The author warns them not to trade future rewards for present comfort/convenience.

Galatia

1 & 2 PETER

1 PETER: OUR GREAT SALVATION 1:3-5 – Salvation a work of God.We are recipients of great mercy.We have a confident expectation that is real.Our hope rests in the certainty of Christ’s

resurrection.Our inheritance is: (1) not subject to decay; (2) free from any moral contaminants; (3) is permanently beautiful. 1:5 – “Protected” = a military term that

communicates the certainty of our salvation.

1:18-19 – The price paid for our redemption. 2:21-25 – Christ willingly died on the cross.

1 PETER: TRIALS1:6-7 – “trials” same as James 1:2. Trials are short lived. Trials are necessary. Trials bring distress. Trials endured bring reward.2:20-25 – Suffering is a part of life and Christ is

the suffering unfairly. But His suffering is also the great example of how God turns it into good.

4:12-13 – Terrible suffering (trials) are common. We must look beyond them to God’s guarantee of future blessing when Messiah comes.

1 PETER 1:13-16A Life that is Holy

“Therefore” – because you have this secure salvation.

“Gird your mind” = preparing for significant activity. (Careless thinking eventually leads to careless living).

“Keep sober” = be self-controlled and alert.

“Fix hope” = focused attention on our final salvation and future inheritance.

2 PETER Authorship has generated much

debate… “Simeon Peter” is the author.

2 Peter 3:1 would suggest that it is written to the recipients of 1 Peter.

Written from Rome?

2 PETER 1:16-21The Certainty of God’s Truth

THE APOSTOLIC MESSAGE Not deceptive ideas with no truth and

authority. Message is about Christ’s powerful

coming…ref. to His return. We were privileged to see this ahead of

time…Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-8) The 3 Apostles “saw” (fully awake) and they

“heard” with their ears (no inner voices speaking to them).

2 PETER 1:16-21The Certainty of God’s

TruthTHE PROPHETIC REVELATION Better than an eyewitness is the

OT prophetic revelation. (Because of the involvement of the Holy Spirit).

This revelation did not come about because of human initiative, but God directed the writing of Scripture.

John 16:7-8, 12-15

REVELATION

GOD’S TRUTH IS SUPERIOR TO ALL

THE SPIRIT, THE TRUTH AND THE PROPHETS

GOD

INSPIRATION

ILLUMINATION

2 PETER 1HOLY SPIRIT’S SUPERINTENDING OF AUTHORS

???

2 PETER 2KNOWLEDGE THAT IS FALSE

Some basic truths about False Teachers

• These are IN the church not outside of it.

• They subtly/deceptively bring in their false teachings.

• Their teachings are “destructive”; that is, ruinous to believers.

• They are the Church version of the false prophets in Israel.

THE END OF THE WORLD• 3:1-7 – • In contrast to the UNCLEAN false teachers, we have

the HOLY prophets and the words of THE SAVIOR which came through THE APOSTLES.

• Mockers (those who ridicule and diminish things of significance) will come with their mockings.

• They ridicule the idea of Jesus’ imminent coming.• Their “proof” is the uniform continuance of the

creation.• The fallacy: cataclysmic (supernatural) events do

take place…cf. the flood of Noah’s day.• Another one is coming…the end of the

universe….NOTE: the flood had to be worldwide for this illustration to make sense.

• Peter gives greater detail than Revelation about the end of the world/universe. 3:7, 10, 12

The Epistle of JUDE

JUDE was a half-brother of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 13:55).

This letter most likely written soon after 2 Peter. (68 AD?)

PURPOSE: Jude intended to write on the “common salvation” (main principles of the faith).

Under pressure, he changed his subject to write instead on the matter of FALSE TEACHERS and their false teaching.

The Epistle of JUDE

1:4 – Their presence in the Church They are subtle and deceptive (“crept in”). They are ungodly (have no real reverence or

place for God). They pervert God’s grace (proclaim a false

liberty). They pervert the doctrine of Christ.1:17-19 – Past warnings. Matt. 7:15-23; 13:24-26; 2 Peter 2:1-21;

Acts 20:28-30; 1 Tim. 4:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:1-5 These operate in the world’s wisdom which

brings divisions of all kinds in the Church.

The Epistle of JUDEOur Response: What Should We

Do? BE ATTENTIVE TO OURSELVES (20-21) Build yourself up in the Word of God. Pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourself in the love of God. Wait expectantly for the Lord’s return. BE ATTENTIVE TO OTHERS (22-23) Some need counsel. Some need salvation. Some need mercy. BE ASSURED OF VICTORY (24-25) We have confidence because of Jesus Christ.

We shall stand in glory because of Him.

The Epistle of JUDECharacteristics of False

Teachers

CAIN

BALAAM

KORAH

Gen. 4; Heb. 11:4 – He was a religiousman, but not a man of faith. Did not do

what God said. His was a man-madeapproach to God.

Numbers 22 – A man willing tocompromise the truth (revelation) ofGod for money. He loved money and

did great harm to God’s people. Numbers 16 – He challenged God’s

authority (Moses), clearly motivated byhis own personal desire for fame and

power.

The Epistle of JUDECharacteristics of False Teachers

HIDDEN ROCKS

WATERLESSCLOUDS

FRUITLESS TREES

WILDWAVES

WANDERING

STARS

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSETHEY ARE NOT EASILY IDENTIFIED.

THEY PROMISE TO MEET NEEDSAND REFRESH. THEY DON’T.

IN AUTUMN FRUIT IS EXPECTED.THESE BRING NO NOURISHMENT.

APPEAR FORMIDABLE AND SEEM TOHAVE POWER. NO REAL POWER.

BRILLIANTLY FLASH BUT NO HELPFUL LIGHT; SOON DISAPPEAR.

THE EPISTLES OF JOHN Written by the Apostle John, the last living

apostle of Jesus Christ. Written in the mid-80s A.D. 1 John – written to a group of churches to

encourage fellowship and warn of error. 2 John – written to a sister in Christ to

encourage her to hold on to the truth and watch out for false teachers.

3 John – written to Gaius to encourage him to keep living for Christ and to give help in dealing with Diotrophes an arrogant “church boss.”

THE EPISTLES OF JOHN2nd and 3rd John

• 2nd JOHN• The “elect lady” is

encouraged to:(1)Obey the truth(2)Watch out for

False Teachers…whose teachings can bring the loss of reward.

(3)Avoid fellowship with False Teachers

• 3rd JOHN• GAIUS: praised for

his hospitality.• DEMETRIUS: said to

be a good man.• DIOTROPHES: is

filled with self. He is guilty of (1) evil gossip, (2) defying John’s authority, (3) standing against those who recognize John’s authority.

THE EPISTLES OF JOHNThe Epistle of 1st John

1:1 – What they declared---the message about Life. (Jesus Christ provides “eternal life” and is “eternal life”-5:20).

1:3 – Why they declared it---to bring people to a place of fellowship with the Lord and others…in context, the apostles were the ones who declared the message about Christ.

1:2 – Parenthetical. How could mortal men be eyewitnesses of the Eternal Life? It was “manifested”: became visible…the Incarnation.

1:4 – Written to being a fullness of joy to the believer.

1:5 – The One we have fellowship with is “LIGHT.”-----“FELLOWSHIP” (koinonia) = the sharing of a

common life in Christ.

THE EPISTLES OF JOHNThe Epistle of 1st John

Verse The Claim Reality is Result

6

8

10

WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP

WE WALK INDARKNESS

WE LIE ANDDO NOT DOTHE TRUTH

WE ARE FREEFROM ALL SIN

WE LIVE INSELF-

DECEPTION

WE DO NOTPOSSESS

THE TRUTH IF WE DENY ASSIN WHAT GOD

SAYS IS SIN

GOD’S WORDIS THE ONLYSTANDARD

SAYING GOD IS A LIAR; WORD

NOT PART OF US

THE EPISTLE OF 1ST JOHNTHE WAY TO FELLOWSHIP:

(1) WALKING IN THE LIGHT (1:7) We are to conduct ourselves in the sphere

of “light”. This is the basis of ALL FELLOWSHIP with the Father.

Essentially it is to live in God’s presence via the Word and prayer.

We experience the ongoing cleansing of the blood of Christ.

(2) CONFESSING OF OUR SIN (1:9) “Confess” = to say the same thing God can be relied on (“faithful”) and He is

just or righteous (There is no compromise of His character when He forgives us.)

Our confessed sin is forgiven. Our forgotten sins are cleansed as well.

THE EPISTLE OF 1ST JOHN

2:7-11: LOVE THE BRETHREN. It is OLD because it was established at the

beginning of the Christian life and was part of the original truth of the Christian faith.

In is NEW in contrast with the old realm of darkness; that is the world system (which is passing away).

HATE is the opposite of love (doing what is best for others + an affection for them).

A Christian can have animosity and hate towards “HIS BROTHER” (no “professing believer” here).

What HATING does to the believer:(1) He lives in the realm of spiritual darkness and is out of touch with the “Light”….he becomes a ready tool of Satan.(2) He becomes spiritually disoriented…not seeing life clearly.(3) He will stumble in his walk becoming vulnerable to great failure. (Idea is “snared” by sin).

THE EPISTLE OF 1ST JOHNTHE GOAL OF FELLOWSHIP---KNOWING GOD (2:3-6)

OBEYING HIS COMMANDS. The issue here is NOT “saving” knowledge, but

experiential or “fellowship” knowledge. A believer may not “know” the Lord at the level of

communion and fellowship. Cf. John 14:7-9. A believer who does not obey His commands cannot

have an intimate knowledge of Him in spite of his claims.

A key passage: John 14:21, 23-24• Christ “discloses” Himself to the believer who: (1)

HAS and (2) KEEPS (same word as 1 John 2:3) His word.

• Keeping His word indicates a body of truth (cf. Matt. 28:20 where Christ used the same word regarding the instruction of new converts).

• In this context obedience is a test of discipleship not of saving faith.

• Obedience brings us to spiritual maturity…John is looking at another level of fellowship beyond 1:5-2:2.

THE EPISTLE OF 1ST JOHNTHE GOAL OF FELLOWSHIP---KNOWING GOD (2:3-

6) OBEYING HIS COMMANDS. The issue here is NOT “saving” knowledge,

but experiential or “fellowship” knowledge. “Keep” = to obey with an attitude of concern

for or attentiveness to God’s commands. This is the mark of an obedient disciple…one who has “fellowship knowledge” of God.

“In Him” = the abiding Master/disciple relationship.

The claim to “abide” is verified by keeping His word and thus being in a maturing love relationship with the Lord.

We then become more and more “Christ-like.”

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

1:19: OUTLINE AND OVERVIEW

I. THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN---THE PERSON OF CHRIST, 1:1-20 (PAST)

II. THE THINGS WHICH ARE---THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST, 2:1-3:22 (PRESENT)

III. THE THINGS WHICH SHALL TAKE PLACE AFTER THESE THINGS---THE PROGRAM OF CHRIST, 4:1-22:21 (FUTURE)

Church Age Trib. Mil. Eternity

IN HEAVEN--1 4-5 19-20

ON EARTH 2-3 6-19 20 21-22

Colossae Hierapolis

II. THE THINGS WHICH ARE, 2:1-3:21

VIEWS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES(1)HISTORICAL-PROPHETICAL --THE 7 CHURCHES WERE LITERAL CHURCHES

OF THE 1ST CENTURY---SELECTED AND PLACED IN THIS ORDER TO OUTLINE THE COURSE OF CHURCH HISTORY.

Eph.1st Cen.

Smy.2nd-4th

Perg.4th-Mid.

Thy.Mid.Age

Sard.To Mod

Phil.Modern

Laod.Modern--THE PROBLEM OF IMMANENCY.

--IS THIS A “WESTERN” VIEW?

THE SEVEN CHURCHES

(2) THE HISTORICAL-REPRESENTATIVE THESE CHURCHES DID EXIST IN THE 1ST

CENTURY AND WERE SELECTED BECAUSE THEY REPRESENT 7 BASIC SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS OF CHURCHES IN ANY AGE.

THE ORDER GIVEN (had to have some order) IS BASICALLY A GEOGRAPHICAL ONE.

EPHESUSSMYRNA

PERGAMUMTHYATIRA SARDIS

PHILADELPHIA LAODICEA

33 A.D. 2010 A.D.

THE 7 CHURCHES

THE FORMAT OF THE LETTERS SAME BASIC FORMAT (Exceptions in letters to

Smyrna, Philadelphia and Laodicea). SENT TO THE “ANGEL” OF THE CHURCH. Is this the

“pastor”? Is it a human messenger? Is it an “angel”?

THE SPIRIT AND THE CHURCHES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CHURCH BUT ALSO A WIDER

AUDIENCE…TO ALL LOCAL CHURCHES.

THE “OVERCOMER” FROM THE WORD NIKAW, WHICH MEANS TO

CONQUER OR PREVAIL. DOES THIS WORD REFER TO ALL BELIEVERS OR TO

VICTORIOUS BELIEVERS?

III. THE THINGS WHICH SHALL TAKE PLACE AFTER THESE THINGS.4:1-

22:21 • “AFTER THESE THINGS” (1:19; 4:1)• The phrase (“these things”) refers to

things related to the churches in chapter 2 and 3. “After” speaks of that which takes place following the events of the churches.

• This phrase is used twice in 4:1 and lets us know that there is an order of succession in John’s visions.

REVELATION 4 and 5THE SCENE IN HEAVEN

This scene and the Rapture. No direct reference to the

Rapture but several implications.

THE CHURCH AGE

AFTER THE THINGSOF THE CHURCH AGE

WOULD INDICATE THIS TIME IS OVER

4:1--“COME UP HERE”. (Rapture

symbolized?)

THE 24 ELDERS. (Represent the

Church?)

FROM THIS POINT ON THE CHURCH IS NEVER MENTIONED

AS BEING IN THE WORLD.

THE “THRONE”

• THRONE IS NOT LOOKING AT AN ORNATE CHAIR. IT STANDS FOR AUTHORITY.

• IT IS USED ABOUT 40 TIMES IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION.

• 3x FOR EVIL AUTHORITY (e.g. the throne of the Antichrist).

• 3x FOR DELEGATED AUTHORITY (e.g. the thrones of the elders)

• The remaining times for the sovereign authority of God.

IT IS DONE16:17

THE JUDGEMENTS OF REVELATION

SEALS

TRUMPETS

#7

#7B

OW

LS

1ST HALF 2ND HALF

SEC

ON

D C

OM

ING

OF C

HR

IST

10:11“PROPHESY AGAIN”

3 ½ YEARS 3 ½ YEARS

“AGAIN”

11 – THE 2 WITNESSES

12 – ISRAEL PERSECUTED

13 – THE ANTICHRIST

14 - ARMAGEDDON

REV. 6 (7) 8 9 15-16

THESCROLL

11:2-3

12:6,14

13:5

RAPTURE

#2 ANTICHRIST RULES AN11 NATION CONFEDERACY

(3 ½ YEARS)

ABOM.of DES.in Jeru.temple

#3 ANTICHRIST RULES THE WHOLE WORLD

(3 ½ YEARS)

JESUS

#4 LAKE OF FIRE

THE CAREER OF THE

ANTICHRIST

#1 A POLITICAL LEADER OF A

WESTERN NATION

REVELATION 13THE TWO BEASTS

1ST BEAST The “Antichrist” From a western

nation. Rules 11 nations. Power, authority

from Satan. Killed, returns to

life, rules world.

2nd BEAST Known as the false

prophet. 19:20 Subordinate to the

Antichrist. Religious leader. Miracle worker. Leads in worship of

AC and Satan. Leads in economic

system establishment by which mankind is controlled (666).

THE 2ND COMING OF CHRIST TO THE EARTH—Rev. 19

THE JUDGMENTSEAT OF CHRIST

19:8

MARRIAGE OFTHE LAMB-19:7

2n

d C

OM

ING

JUDGMENT OFANTICHRIST &

FALSE PROPHET

MARRIAGESUPPER-19:9

20:10-15THE FINAL JUDGMENTS

(1)SATAN’S JUDGMENT (20:10) His final judgment. Incarcerated

forever in the Lake of Fire.(2) OLD HEAVEN AND EARTH (20:11) The old vanishes completely. 2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12(3) GREAT WHITE THRONE (20:12-15) Two books: Book of Life and Books of

Deeds. Unsaved into Lake of Fire. Judged according to deeds---suggests

degrees/levels of punishment (Rom.2:5)

21:1-22:5 - THE ETERNAL STATE

• WHAT WILL BE PRESENT IN THE ETERNAL PHASE OF THE KINGDOM. (Count on it—21:5!)

(1) A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH “New” = speaks of something that is new or

recent and therefore superior to that which is old. (But not necessarily different)

No immense bodies of water. Water on the earth today is a reminder of the judgment of Noah’s flood. NO evidence of judgment in eternity.

(2) THE PRESENCE OF GOD God’s desire has been to restore fellowship. Full, unhindered fellowship with God will be

the experience of believers in the eternal kingdom.

Emphasis is on the GLORY OF GOD.

21:1-22:5 - THE ETERNAL STATE

(3) THE NEW JERUSALEM “holy” = clean 12 gates named after Israel’s tribes Thick/high wall emphasizes total

security that will be ours. No fear! It is a cube.

It has NO NEED for the sun/moon. Not saying those entities will not exist.

Apparently New Jerusalem is the focal point of life in the eternal kingdom.

1500 mi.

1500

1500

The Holy of Holieswhere God’s presencewas manifested, was

also a cube. 1 Kings 6:20

21:1-22:5 - THE ETERNAL STATE

(4) THE “WATER OF LIFE” Something available to believers. Has a life giving quality to it.(5) THE “TREE OF LIFE” Originally in the Garden of Eden. Perpetuates life.

21:1-22:5 - THE ETERNAL STATE

• WHAT WILL BE ABSENT FROM LIFE IN THE ETERNAL KINGDOM.

• There will be not a tear left…all are gone. Cf. Rev. 7:17.

• Sin brought all this into the world.(1) DEATH – separation of all kinds.(2) MOURNING – generally associated with

death in the scriptures.(3) CRYING – We cry for many reasons.(4) PAIN – Emphasis is on physical pain(5) THE CURSE – Placed judicially on the world

as a result of Adam’s sin. All of the results of the curse are fully removed (like death).

(6) LAKE OF FIRE – This place of final separation of the unbeliever is removed from the eternal kingdom.

22:6-21 - THE CONCLUSION

• 22:6-7 – The great importance of this book of Revelation.

• 22:18-11 – John’s testimony.• 22:12-20 – Jesus’ Testimony.• 22:21-22 – John’s response and

the final benediction.