ACTS 13 -28 THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL

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

“to the churches of Galatia” Galatians 1: 2 Ø Galatia = the large Roman province. § The SOUTH Galatian theory. § Paul entered this region in Acts 13 -14 on his 1 st journey. § GALATIANS would be his first epistle and would be written about 48 A. D. Ø Galatia = smaller area in north-central Asia Minor where the ethnic Gauls had located. § The NORTHGalatian theory. § Paul did not enter this region until later. (journey? ). § GALATIANS written much later (58? )

ETHNIC AREA--“NORTH GALATIAN” THEORY ROMAN PROVINCE-“SOUTH 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 COUNCIL ACTS 15 v THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COUNCIL. Ø This is the first major DOCTRINAL issue faced by the Church. Ø This issue had the real potential of dividing the Church. v THE ISSUE FACED BY THE COUNCIL. Ø Do Gentiles need to first keep the Law (circumcision) in order to be saved by Jesus Christ?

THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL ACTS 15 ü THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE Law Keeping + Faith in Jesus Christ = SPIRITUAL SALVATION LAW Faith in Christ = Salvation ü THE APOSTLES’ PERSPECTIVE Faith in Jesus Christ + 0 = SALVATION

THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL ACTS 15 v THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COUNCIL. Ø This is the first major DOCTRINAL issue faced by the Church. Ø This issue had the real potential of dividing the Church. v THE ISSUE FACED BY THE COUNCIL. Ø 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 IT IS THE SAME BECAUSE ALL HAVE FOR SINNED SALVATION THE BASIS OF SALVATION IT IS THE SAME. CHRIST’S BLOOD TAKES SIN AWAY. WHAT IS REQUIRED IT IS THE SAME. FAITH HAS ALWAYS BEEN REQUIRED. THE SAME…IN THE ONLY TRUE GOD OBJECT OF WHO CAN JUSTIFY. FAITH THE CONTENT OF FAITH THIS WILL BE DIFFERENT IN EACH DISPENSATION

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS II. DOCTRINAL, 2: 16 -4: 31 ABE. COVENANT “PROMISE” MOSAIC COVENANT A “TUTOR” PROMISES FULFILLED IN MESSIAH AT 2 ND COMING RATIFIED BY CANNOT CHANGE THE GOD IN PARTIES OR PROVISIONS OF GENESIS 15 A RATIFIED COVENANT

Blank 7 THESSALONICA CORINTH PAUL WRITES 1 THESSALONIANS

1 THESSALONIANS: KEY CONTRIBUTIONS Ø 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 in Revelation 6 -18 in His judgments against the wicked)

4: 13 -17 – INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT THE RAPTURE • “RAPTURE”is from the Latin wordrapturo ( ) which is the translation of the Greek verb “caught up”. It refers to the sudden, supernatural catching up of believersby 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 OF 2 THESSALONIANS v WHEN TIMOTHY RETURNED FROM THESSALONICA (after taking 1 Thess. ), HE INFORMED PAUL OF TWO MATTERS: (1) Doctrinalconcerning the “day of the Lord” and (2) Practicalconcerning laziness/church discipline. v THIS SECOND LETTER WAS PROBABLY WRITTEN ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST ONE.

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

1 CORINTHIANS Paul’s Relationship with the Church at Corinth CHURCH FOUNDED – 2 nd JOURNEY (Paul spent 1½ years at Corinth) rd On the 3 JOURNEY, Paul was at Ephesus. APOLLOS went from Ephesus and ministered at CORINTH. HE INFORMED PAUL OF IMMORALITY THERE PAUL WROTE A LETTER TO CORINTH ABOUT IMMORALITY – 1 Corinthians 5: 9 SOME OTHER NEGATIVE REPORTS ABOUT THE CHURCH CAME TO PAUL #1 A LETTER ARRIVED FROM CORINTH WITH A VARIETY OF QUESTIONS PAUL WROTE 1 CORINTHIANS #2

1 CORINTHIANS KEY 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 – 2 nd JOURNEY (Paul spent 1½ years at Corinth) rd On the 3 JOURNEY, Paul was at Ephesus. APOLLOS went from Ephesus and ministered at CORINTH. HE INFORMED PAUL OF IMMORALITY IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH. PAUL WROTE A LETTER TO CORINTH ABOUT IMMORALITY – 1 Cor. 5: 9 (Sent by. Titus ? ) #1 SOME OTHER NEGATIVE A LETTER ARRIVED FROM REPORTS ABOUT THE CHURCH CORINTH WITH VARIOUS CAME TO PAUL QUESTIONS PAUL WROTE 1 CORINTHIANS #2 PAUL, TITUS AND TIMOTHY GO AT VARIOUS TIMES TO CORINTH PAUL RETURNS TO EPHESUS AND WRITES THE “SEVERE” #3 LETTER (2: 3; 7: 8) PAUL WROTE 2 CORINTHIANS #4

2 CORINTHIANS KEY CONTRIBUTIONS (1) The (2) The (3) Life (4) The (5) The (6) The Gospel Ministry (2 -6) New Covenant (3) After Death (5, 12) Truth of Reconciliation (5) Matter of Giving (8, 9) Purpose of Authority (10 -13)

ROMANS KEY 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)

MAN SIN FULL FELLOWSHIP GOD REDEMPTION REC 0 NCILIATION PROPITIATION GOD MAN JUSTIFIED JUSTIFICATIONis TO DECLARE RIGHTEOUS. (1) OUR SIN REMOVED; (2) HIS RIGHTEOUS BECOMES OURS.

THE COMPLETELY SINFUL CONDITION OF MANKIND GOD’S TRUTH X MORAL DECLINE MANKIND IDOLATRY

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 PAST ELECTED BY GOD CHAPTER 10 – ISRAEL’S PRESENT REJECTED CHAPTER 11 – ISRAEL’S FUTURE RESTORED

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 EXTENTand DURATION(“partial”-“until”- 25). vs. • ALL Israel shall be saved when the Deliverer comes. Based on the Covenant.

THE JOURNEY TO ROME 21: 17 -28: 31 v 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 ROME 21: 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

Blank 8 CAESAREA 25 miles; foot soldiers return to Jerusalem ANTIPATRIS 35 Miles; 470 soldiers JERUSALEM

18 months? 3 months Acts 27: 8 -12 475 Miles; 13 days

THE PRISON EPISTLES v The 4 letters written around 61 -63 A. D. while Paul was under “house arrest” in Rome. v All 4 letters make reference to his imprisonment. (e. g. Philemon 1: 1; Eph. 3: 1; Col. 1: 24; Phil. 1: 7). v Onesimus and Tychicuswere the letter carries of Eph. , Col. and Philemon (Eph. 6: 21; Col. 4: 7; P. 1: 10) v 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. Ø 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. v Getting into the Body, the work of the Trinity. HEAD v Christ becomes the Head after the resurrection and ascension. v The “one new man”. Church is not Israel. v The “mystery”. Church not revealed in the O. T.

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 28 The Release of Paul Ø Release is implied in Acts 28: 30 Ø The case against Paul was weak since he was being charge with a religious crime. Acts 24: 6; 26: 31 -32 Ø The absence of accusers. Acts 28: 21 Ø It is implied in the “Prison Epistles”; Philemon 1: 22 Phil. 1: 23 -26; 2: 24. Ø It is implied in the “Pastoral Epistles”. Titus Eg. 1: 5; 3: 12; 1 Tim. 1: 3; 3: 14; 2 Tim. 4: 12; 4: 20. Ø Clement of Rome says that Paul went “to the extreme limit of the west”. Muratorian Fragment says Paul went to Rome.

AFTER ACTS 28 A 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)

1 Tim. Colossae

2 Timothy Titus

PASTORAL EPISTLES: KEY SUBJECTS Ø How the local church is to operate § Church leadership § The role of women in the church Ø The concern of false teachers Ø The need to be disciplined and faithful Ø The 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 IMPORTANCEOF 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 Ø THE ISSUE OF FALSE TEACHERS IN THE CHURCH. 1 TIMOTHY 4 q False Teachers and their false teaching will increase i the end times. (4: 1; 2 Tim. 3: 1) q The origin of FT is actually demonic. (4: 1) q FT appear to be godly (4: 2) q False sanctification is an example of FT (4: 3) 2 TIMOTHY 3 q FT love self, money and pleasure but not God. (3: 2) q FT are not righteous on the inside. (3: 3) q FT are not to be tolerated. (3: 5; Titus 1: 10 -11) q FT deceive others and themselves. (3: 13)

PASTORAL EPISTLES: INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES Ø 2 TIMOTHY 3: 16 -17 q 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 q 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 q Hebrews 13: 18 -25 q 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). q 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 v (1) (2) (3) (4) THE RECIPIENTS OF HEBREWS ARE BELIEVERS IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. They are called “brethren”(e. g. 3: 1, 12; 10: 19; 13: 22) The author knows these people (13: 18 -25) and identifies with them fellow believers as (e. g. 2: 1, 3; 3: 14, 19; 4: 1 -3; 6: 9; 10: 26, 30, 39; 12: 28). 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: 3536); to serve God with reverential fear (12: 28). 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. Ø Christ is superior to all. Ø Christ is the King-Priest (Melchizedek) Ø He is coming again to reign. Ø There will be reward in His kingdom for those who remain faithful to Him. Ø So be like the faithful people ( 11) and ch. not like Esau (12: 15 -17).

BACKGROUND MATTERS: THE “WARNING” PASSAGES v THE 5 WARNING PASSAGES ARE 2: 1 -4; 3: 7 -4: 13; 5: 11 -6: 20; 10: 26 -39; 12: 12 -29. Ø The warnings are directed at true believers not “professed ones. ” Ø There is a serious possibility of these people experiencing loss. Ø 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) Ø These passages are warning of the loss of reward in Messiah’s coming kingdom. Ø The author warns them not to trade future rewards for present comfort/convenience.

1 & 2 PETER Galatia

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: TRIALS 1: 6 -7 – “trials” same as James 1: 2. Ø Trials are short lived. Ø Trials are necessary. Ø Trials bring distress. Ø 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 -16 A 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 -21 The Certainty of God’s Truth Ø 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 -21 The Certainty of God’s Truth Ø THE 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

GOD’S TRUTH IS SUPERIOR TO ALL THE SPIRIT, THE TRUTH AND THE PROPHETS GOD REV ELA TION 2 PETER 1 HOLY SPIRIT’S SUPERINTENDING OF AUTHORS INSPIRATION ? ? ? ILLUMINATION

2 PETER 2 KNOWLEDGE THAT IS FALSE Ø 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 Ø JUDE was a half-brother of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 13: 55). Ø This letter most likely written soon after 2 Peter. (68 AD? ) Ø PURPOSE: Jude intended to write on the “common salvation” (main principles of the faith). Ø 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 JUDE Our Response: What Should We Do ? v 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. v BE ATTENTIVE TO OTHERS (22 -23) § Some need counsel. § Some need salvation. § Some need mercy. v BE ASSURED OF VICTORY (24 -25) We have confidence because of Jesus Christ. We shall stand in glory because of Him.

The Epistle of JUDE Characteristics of False Teachers CAIN BALAAM KORAH Gen. 4; Heb. 11: 4 – He was a religious man, but not a man of faith. Did not do what God said. His was a man-made approach to God. Numbers 22 – A man willing to compromise the truth (revelation) of God for money. He loved money and did great harm to God’s people. Numbers 16 – He challenged God’s authority (Moses), clearly motivated by his own personal desire for fame and power.

The Epistle of JUDE Characteristics of False Teachers HIDDEN ROCKS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT EASILY IDENTIFIED. WATERLESS CLOUDS THEY PROMISE TO MEET NEEDS AND REFRESH. THEY DON’T. FRUITLESS TREES IN AUTUMN FRUIT IS EXPECTED. THESE BRING NO NOURISHMENT. WILD WAVES APPEAR FORMIDABLE AND SEEM TO HAVE POWER. NO REAL POWER. WANDERING STARS BRILLIANTLY FLASH BUT NO HELPFUL LIGHT; SOON DISAPPEAR.

THE EPISTLES OF JOHN v Written by the Apostle John, the last living apostle of Jesus Christ. v Written in the mid-80 s A. D. v 1 John – written to a group of churches to encourage fellowship and warn of error. v 2 John – written to a sister in Christ to encourage her to hold on to the truth and watch out for false teachers. v 3 John – written to. Gaius to encourage him to keep living for Christ and to give help in dealing with Diotrophesan arrogant “church boss. ”

THE EPISTLES OF JOHN 2 nd and 3 rd John 2 nd 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 • • • 3 rd 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 JOHN st The Epistle of 1 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- bring people to a place --to 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 JOHN st The Epistle of 1 John Verse 6 8 10 The Claim Reality is Result WE WALK IN DARKNESS WE LIE AND DO NOT DO THE TRUTH WE ARE FREE FROM ALL SIN WE LIVE IN SELFDECEPTION WE DO NOT POSSESS THE TRUTH IF WE DENY AS SIN WHAT GOD SAYS IS SIN GOD’S WORD IS THE ONLY STANDARD SAYING GOD IS A LIAR; WORD NOT PART OF US WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP

ST THE EPISTLE OF 1 JOHN (1) Ø Ø Ø (2) Ø Ø THE WAY TO FELLOWSHIP : WALKING IN THE LIGHT (1: 7) We are to conduct ourselves in the sphere of “light”. This is the basis of FELLOWSHIP ALL 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. 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.

ST THE EPISTLE OF 1 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).

ST THE EPISTLE OF 1 JOHN v Ø Ø • • THE 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 discipleshipnot of saving of faith. Obedience brings us to spiritual maturity John is looking at … another level of fellowship beyond 1: 5 -2: 2.

ST THE EPISTLE OF 1 JOHN v Ø Ø Ø THE 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: 122: 21 (FUTURE) IN HEAVEN--1 4 -5 Church Age ON EARTH 2 -3 19 -20 Trib. 6 -19 Mil. Eternity 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 1 ST CENTURY---SELECTED AND PLACED IN THIS ORDER TO OUTLINE THE COURSE OF CHURCH HISTORY. Eph. Smy. Perg. Thy. 1 st Cen. 2 nd-4 th 4 th-Mid. Age To Mod --THE PROBLEM OF IMMANENCY. --IS THIS A “WESTERN” VIEW? Sard. Phil. Laod. Modern

THE SEVEN CHURCHES (2) THE HISTORICAL-REPRESENTATIVE THESE CHURCHES DID EXIST IN THE ST CENTURY 1 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. EPHESUS SMYRNA PERGAMUM THYATIRA SARDIS PHILADELPHIA LAODICEA 33 A. D. 2010 A. D.

THE 7 CHURCHES v THE FORMAT OF THE LETTERS Ø SAME BASIC FORMAT (Exceptions in letters to Smyrna, Philadelphia and. Laodicea ). Ø SENT TO THE “ANGEL” OF THE CHURCH. Is this the “pastor”? Is it a human messenger? Is it an “angel”? v THE SPIRIT AND THE CHURCHES Ø FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CHURCH BUT ALSO A WIDER AUDIENCE…TO ALL LOCAL CHURCHES. v THE “OVERCOMER” Ø FROM THE WORD NIKAW, WHICH MEANS TO CONQUER OR PREVAIL. Ø 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 and 4: 1 lets us know that there is an order of succession in John’s visions.

REVELATION 4 and 5 THE SCENE IN HEAVEN This scene and the Rapture. Ø No direct reference to the Rapture but several implications. 4: 1 --“COME UP HERE”. (Rapture symbolized? ) THE CHURCH AGE AFTER THE THINGS OF THE CHURCH AGE WOULD INDICATE THIS TIME IS OVER THE 24 ELDERS. (Represent the Church? ) FROM THIS POINT ON THE CHURCH (ekklesia) 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. • 3 x FOR EVIL AUTHORITY (e. g. the throne of the Antichrist). • 3 x FOR DELEGATED AUTHORITY (e. g. the thrones of the elders) • The remaining times for the sovereign authority of God.

THE JUDGEMENTS OF REVELATION #7 TRUMPETS #7 BOWLS SECOND COMING OF CHRIST SEALS IT IS DONE 16: 17 1 ST HALF ND 2 HALF

10: 11 “PROPHESY AGAIN” REV. 6 (7) 3 ½ YEARS 8 9 15 -16 3 ½ YEARS “AGAIN” 11 – THE 2 WITNESSES 11: 2 -3 THE SCROLL 12 – ISRAEL PERSECUTED 12: 6, 14 13 – THE ANTICHRIST 14 - ARMAGEDDON 13: 5

THE CAREER OF THE ANTICHRIST JESUS ABOM. of DES. in Jeru. temple #2 ANTICHRIST RULES AN #3 ANTICHRIST RULES RAPTURE #1 11 NATION CONFEDERACY (3 ½ YEARS) THE WHOLE WORLD (3 ½ YEARS) A POLITICAL LEADER OF A WESTERN NATION #4 LAKE OF FIRE

REVELATION 13 THE TWO BEASTS v 1 ST BEAST Ø The “Antichrist” Ø From a western nation. Ø Rules 11 nations. Ø Power, authority from Satan. Ø Killed, returns to life, rules world. v 2 nd BEAST Ø Known as the false prophet. 19: 20 Ø Subordinate to the Antichrist. Ø Religious leader. Ø Miracle worker. Ø Leads in worship of AC and Satan. Ø Leads in economic system establishment by which mankind is controlled (666).

THE 2 ND COMING OF CHRIST TO THE EARTH—Rev. 19 MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB-19: 7 2 nd COMING THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST 19: 8 JUDGMENT OF ANTICHRIST & FALSE PROPHET MARRIAGE SUPPER-19: 9

20: 10 -15 THE FINAL JUDGMENTS (1) SATAN’S JUDGMENT (20: 10) Ø His final judgment. Incarcerated forever in the Lake of Fire. (2) OLD HEAVEN AND EARTH (20: 11) Ø The old vanishes completely. Ø 2 Peter 3: 7, 10, 12 (3) GREAT WHITE THRONE (20: 12 -15) Ø Two books: Book of Life and Books of Deeds. Unsaved into Lake of Fire. Ø Judged according to deeds---suggests degrees/levels of punishment (Rom. 2: 5)

21: 1 -22: 5 - THE ETERNAL STATE • (1) q q (2) q q q WHAT WILL BE PRESENT IN THE ETERNAL PHASE OF THE KINGDOM. (Count on it— 21: 5!) A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH “New” = speaks of something that is new or recent and therefore superior to that which is old. not (But 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. 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) q q q THE NEW JERUSALEM “holy” = clean 12 gates named after Israel’s tribes Thick/high wall emphasizes total security that will be ours. No fear! 1 q It is a cube. The Holy of Holies 15 1500 mi. 00 5 0 0 where God’s presence was manifested, was also a cube. 1 Kings 6: 20 q It has NO NEED for the sun/moon. Not saying those entities will not exist. q Apparently New Jerusalem is the focal point of life in the eternal kingdom.

21: 1 -22: 5 - THE ETERNAL STATE (4) THE “WATER OF LIFE” q Something available to believers. q Has a life giving quality to it. (5) THE “TREE OF LIFE” q Originally in the Garden of Eden. q Perpetuates life.

21: 1 -22: 5 - THE ETERNAL STATE • • • (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 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. DEATH – separation of all kinds. MOURNING – generally associated with death in the scriptures. CRYING – We cry for many reasons. PAIN – Emphasis is on physical pain 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). 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.