Tragedy May be the Result? (Nehemiah 1:1-2 Part 3)

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.

Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”

THE STUDY:

             Today we are still looking at the first section of Nehemiah which is found in Chapters 1-3, specifically, the first category found in 1:1-11.

We find that in Nehemiah 1:1-3 the report of the situation. We read how Nehemiah is requesting information concerning Jerusalem and his countrymen. Why? Because he has a caring heart! Today, we will look at what Nehemiah learned in regard to Jerusalem and the Jews! Three words summarize the bad news: remnant, ruin, and reproach. Instead of a land inhabited by a great nation, only a remnant of people lived there; and they were in great affliction and struggling to survive. Instead of a magnificent city, Jerusalem was in ruins; and where there had once been great glory, there was now nothing but great reproach.

When we truly care about people, we want the facts, no matter how painful they may be. American historian Henry Adams said, “Practical politics consists in ignoring facts.” Aldous Huxley adds to the point by saying, “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” Closing our eyes and ears to the truth could be the first step toward tragedy for ourselves as well as for others.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that no matter how disheartening the news may be, a person with a caring heart desires to know the facts.

APPLICATION:

I am reminded of a story John Maxwell shared about a friend who was in the hospital and just found out he had cancer. His heart was heavy and his eyes filled with fear but John said a prayer that could have been considered inappropriate at the time. He prayed, “Lord, thank you for revealing this cancer to my friend so that now we know the illness and we can plan a course of action to defeat it. Amen.” This man may not have liked the news he just received but he would have wanted to know it now than later. Nehemiah was the same way. He wanted to know, as soon as possible, the information concerning his country and countrymen.

Are we like Nehemiah, anxious to know the truth about, even, the worst situations? Is our interest regarding the situation born out of concern or idle curiosity? When we read missionary prayer letters, the news in religious periodicals, or even our church’s ministry reports, do we want the facts, and do the facts burden us? Are we the kind of people who care enough to ask?^[2]

Today, I believe God wants to reveal truth; either to us or through us. Let’s not close our eyes or resist God’s leading. Tragedy may be the result. 

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Determined. “Be” Commentary Series (14–15). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Determined. “Be” Commentary Series (15). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Living the Truth! (Intro to Jude)

THE STUDY:

Jude is the only letter in the NT to be extensively incorporated into another (i.e., into 2 Peter). Indeed, 2 Peter is the earliest evidence for the existence of Jude. Jude was circulated as a separate book in Egypt and Italy by the end of the second century, for both Clement of Alexandria and Origen cite it (both lived in Egypt), and it was included in the Muratorian Canon (which was Italian).

Jude claims to be written by “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.” While the name Judah (the Hebrew form) or Judas (the Greek form) was extremely frequent in Jewish groups. Who could this person be? We know for sure who it could not be, namely Judas son of Simon Iscariot. A more realistic possibility would be the prophetic Judas Barsabbas, who, according to Luke (Acts 15:22, 27, 32), accompanied Silas in carrying the letter from the Apostolic Council. Another possibility would be that other Judas who was part of the Twelve. The most likely Judas being designated as the author of this letter is Judas the younger brother of Jesus.

Turning to the issue of addressees, then, we discover that Jude does not address a specific group. “Those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ” could designate any group of people committed to Jesus as Lord, whether they were Jewish or Gentile, whether they were Palestinian, Egyptian, or northern Mediterranean. These believers apparently respect James, since Jude identifies himself with respect to James rather than with respect to his own location or parentage.^[1]

Jude wrote with a heart of love and understanding, and with a note of concern and authority. He wanted to write on a joyful theme, “about the salvation we share” (Jude 3), but was compelled to write a much more somber epistle. His love for believers whom he saw endangered by encroaching adversaries moved him to turn from the more pleasant theme to sound a solemn warning. Jude wrote in a dynamic style, using many figures of speech (e.g., shepherds, clouds, and trees, v. 12; and waves and stars, v. 13).

The book is a solemn warning to Christians everywhere. Though its theme regarding apostasy was specifically directed to first-century Jewish Christians, its message is applicable to all Christians. All believers need to avoid the pitfalls of denying Christ’s lordship, promiscuously following the fleshly desires, rejecting authority, being divisive, and living for self.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that, just like all of the other authors of the N.T., Jude is writing with a love for the believers and a warning for those who have fallen from the truth of Christ.

CONCLUSION:

Through the years I have tried to be an expository preacher. Occasionally someone will come to take exception to something in the sermon. Believing that I have faithfully drawn the truth from the Word, I say, “Well, I suggest you take that up with the Lord. I didn’t say it of myself. I simply told you what God said in His Book.”

Jude, along with the rest of the authors found in the Bible, does nothing but reveal the truth of Christ. In that day and time, they did it by forms of writing letters, preaching, and living it. Today we are to do the same. Some are called to share the gospel by the gift of writing, some are to share by Preaching, but all are to live it. Let that be our prayer today, “Lord, help me to live the truth today!”

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Davids, P. H. (2006). The letters of 2 Peter and Jude. The Pillar New Testament commentary (18). Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.

^[2] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). Vol. 2: The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (918). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Don't Pursue It, Live It! (3 John 12)

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

THE STUDY:

 Demetrius was obviously one in whom the elder had confidence. He describes him as a good testimony from everyone. The words are an exaggeration, since Diotrephes’ group clearly did not share this view. The phrase, containing a perfect passive participle, suggests a life proven over time.

It is one thing to measure up well against the expectations of others. But to measure up well against the objective standard that speaks of the highest kind of character is noteworthy. John writes, we also speak well of Demetrius. By using we, John speaks for himself and all those allied with him. Three witnesses vouch for Demetrius—the church (community), the truth itself, and John. This lines up with the Torah requirement of Deut 19:15.

The elder’s preference for certain words shows up in this sentence. He uses forms of martyria (witness or testimony) three times, and alētheia (truth) twice. The assertion our testimony is true recalls John 19:35 and 21:24. Words declaring the truth of one’s testimony seem to have become standard among the churches of that day.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that one’s life is a proven testimony to the truth and can be lined up against those great witnesses of the past. We may not be a Mother Theresa but our life can be measured by the standard she set while serving God.

CONCLUSION:

 As a pastor I have had the privilege of knowing some great pillars of the church. They have been a blessing to me as well as those churches I have pastored. What I see happening, as time goes on, is those great pillars have entered in eternity and others have taken their place. They have been allowed to fill that role in the church because they have met the objective standard that speaks of the highest kind of character. They were compared to those saints of old.

I have never set out to be compared to those great saints of the church, but to be compared and looked at as “ONE” in my days to come would be a great testimony to the love, mercy, grace, and power of the Holy Spirit.

My prayer for you today is that you stay true to the faith. By doing so, one day you will be viewed as that pillar of the church. Don’t pursue it, LIVE IT! By living it you will be that standard in which others will be compared to.  

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (218). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

No Greater Joy! (3 John 4)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

THE STUDY:

John was extremely pleased—no greater joy —that his children were following the Christian path. To walk in the truth emphasizes both concepts to be believed and lifestyle to be practiced. The present participle translated are walking conveys the image of an ongoing journey.

The phrase my children identifies a close spiritual relationship between John and this community of faith. Perhaps Gaius and others had come to faith through John’s ministry. Perhaps his mentoring of these young Christians had established a family-like emotional attachment between them.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

We walk away this morning with the understanding that the concepts we believe in and the lifestyle we live will identify the truth to which we walk in. If it is a Christian faith that I believe in and a Christian lifestyle I practice then this is the truth to which myself as well as others will find great joy.

CONCLUSION:

  I preached a sermon last week entitled “Movement of God” in which I talked about expressing joy. The statement I made was to the fact that the joy that is described in the scriptures is not usually the joy that is defined by the world today. Our joy comes from the Lord! It is found in Christ!

You might think all the money, the nice cars, big houses, that perfect job, etc., will give you the joy you are missing in your heart. The truth of the matter is, you will only find that joy filled by Christ! There is no greater joy than what is found is Christ!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (207). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Walking in the Truth! (3 John 3)

For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.

THE STUDY:

Receiving word from Gaius had evoked great joy in John. The joy was first experienced upon the arrival of the brothers, who came as Gaius’ representatives. This in itself likely pleased John. Further, the message that Gaius and those with him persistently walk in the truth caused for more celebration. Their walking probably had in view both their adherence to the ethical truth of loving and the christological truth of believing.^[1]

I find great satisfaction in seeing, family members, friends, or just people in general “walking in the truth.” In reading this verse I can relate to Johns statement, “For I rejoice greatly”! It is a wonderful feeling to know, see or hear about those who are walking in Christ.

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that as believers in Christ we will have a natural desire to share our faith with others. In doing this we become spiritually connected and great joy comes as a result. To see someone grow in Christ has a twofold affect: on the person who received and the one who shared this truth.

CONCLUSION:

  Some of you will remember the scene from the movie “A Few Good Men.” The 1992 film stared Tom Cruise as a rookie military lawyer who has to defend a squad of marines accused of murder. They claimed they were acting on orders. Jack Nicholson plays a tough guy marine officer. One climactic scene has Nicholson on the stand being interrogated by the Cruise character. Cruise is getting nowhere and finally yells, “I want the truth!” The Jack Nicholson character shouts back. “You can’t handle the truth!"

We know, as believers, the truth is what will set us free. It is in this freedom we find our joy. Seeing others find this freedom as well causes us to rejoice. Let us walk in the truth today!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (207). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Truth sets free Love! (3 John 1)

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.    

          .

THE STUDY:

Like 2 John, this letter begins with the usual A to B greeting formula in which the author identifies himself as the elder. John addresses his letter to the beloved Gaius. The name Gaius is found in four other places in the NT, and in each case the one bearing this name is associated with the apostle Paul.^[1]

The elder describes Gaius as one whom I love in truth (en alētheia). This expression can be understood in two ways: (1) ‘in the truth’ (as in the NIV); or (2) ‘truly’. In the first case, the elder would be saying that he loves Gaius, who, like him, is ‘in the truth’, that is, is one who continues faithful to the truth concerning Jesus Christ as it was heard at the beginning. In the second case the elder would be simply saying that he ‘truly’ loves Gaius. The first option almost certainly reflects what John intended; for in v. 3 he mentions reports he has heard from others of how Gaius continues ‘to walk in the truth’.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away with the understanding that, just like developing a love for a friend, John had a love for Gaius. WHY? Because they had a commonality; JESUS! The truth concerning Christ is the seed that helps grow our love among believers.

CONCLUSION:

I remember being approached by a man after a Sunday morning service. He asks to speak to me alone. We sat down in my office and he started out the conversation with this statement, “I love Jesus, but I hate that woman!” (Referring to a lady of the church). I have to admit, there are not too many times I am at a loss for words but this was one of those times. I was so taken back by the thought that as a believer and lover of the truth someone could actually say “I hate someone!”

What brings us together as believers is the Love of Christ. It’s not just the love that he has for us that binds us but the Love we have for our brothers and sisters in Christ. The scripture is very clear, For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (I John 3:11) My prayer for us this morning is that we know the truth. Once we know IT, we will not be able to say, "I love Jesus but I hate that person." The truth is what will set us free to LOVE!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Kruse, C. G. (2000). The letters of John. The Pillar New Testament commentary (220). Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos.

^[2] Kruse, C. G. (2000). The letters of John. The Pillar New Testament commentary (220). Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos.

Walk this Way! (2 John 4)

I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.

THE STUDY:

          If we understand that John is writing to a (the) church then “your children” is referring to the congregation of that church. But, if we look at this literally, then John is referring to the children of “the lady.”

          That some were living in obedience to the truth may indicate that not all were. The phrase at least indicates that some were wavering. The community’s situation made it invalid to claim that “all your children” were “walking in truth.” Some scholars, however, contend that the phrase refers only to those whom the elder had met. It implies nothing about the obedience or lack thereof of others. But the elder’s wording seems to express a pastoral concern that some may shy away from the truth.

Their walking (in the present tense) depicts an ongoing and relational experience of truth. To walk in truth or “in the light” (1 John 1:7) is to walk in the character of God. Most often it symbolizes spiritual faithfulness (John 8:12; 12:35; 1 John 1:7; 2:6).^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We can walk away this morning with the understanding that it is not only a blessing to the individual who walks in the truth but also a blessing to those they come in contact with.

CONCLUSION:

          We will come in contact with people, throughout our lives, that brings us joy when we are around them. We wake up on certain days anticipating spending time with them. When we talk about them to others we cannot help but to have a smile on our face. The reason for this joy is based on something we have in common with them. Most of the time that commonality is Christ. John had a commonality with the reader, THE TRUTH! He liked being around them. You and I have a commonality with other believers today.

          The old adage “Birds of a feather flock together” was thought of as I studied this verse. Today, my encouragement is for us to make sure we are walking in the truth. Those who are also walking in the truth will be drawn toward us as we are drawn to them. In this time, we will receive strength and encouragement and they will obtain the same from us.  Remember, this walk with Jesus not only affects you but those around you as well.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (188). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Be the Truth! (2 John 1-3)

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

THE STUDY:

          In these three verses the word TRUTH is found 4 times! As I have mentioned before, one of the keys to studying God’s word is looking at repeated words in a certain passage. This morning we want to look at the word truth.

          The concept of “truth” (alētheia) appears more than two dozen times in the Gospel of John, twice as many as in the Synoptic Gospels combined. Truth is the most frequent key word in the letters.

In the Gospel of John truth can refer to content to be believed—“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (8:31–32; see vv 40–46). God’s “word is truth” (17:17).

But truth also assumes living in right relationship with “the only true God” (17:3). Jesus is truth incarnate as God’s revelation, and the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth” (14:17; 15:26; 16:13). The individual who receives God’s truth “lives by” it (3:21), worships “in spirit and truth,” and is sanctified by the truth (17:17).^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Trinity) is TRUTH. John states that his love, as well as others, is found in truth. This truth abides (remains) in them which is brought about by divine grace, mercy and peace.

CONCLUSION:

          Truth is the means by which Christians love one another (v 1). It also refers to content one knows. The truth is personified—it lives in Christians. Characteristics of God, grace, mercy and peace, are with us in truth (v 3). Also, truth is relational and progressive, something we can “walk” in (v 4).^[2]

          Let today be a day that truth is lived out by us as believers. Let people see that which lives inside us as we walk this pathway called TRUTH!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (68). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (186). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.