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In Proverbs 31 we find the prophecy of a virtuous woman. King Lemuel’s mother taught him what to look for in a woman. In order to make these things memorable, she made an acrostic with the Hebrew alphabet. There is no greater passage in all of the Bible where we find such a description of a godly woman. Let’s consider Her Price, Her Personality, Her Priorities and Her Praise.

1. Her Price

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

God attaches a high value to a virtuous woman. A virtuous woman is one who possesses moral excellence. She is both pure and chaste. She is moderate in her temperament and modest in her appearance. A virtuous woman has a love for and a fear of God. Her desire to live a life to the praise of Jesus Christ dictates how she behaves in all of her other relationships.

A quick survey of our society proves the rarity of such women. The virtuous woman maintains her purity even in the midst of a world which demeans and denigrates such virtue. She is a precious treasure, and as Proverbs 12:4 says,

Proverbs 12:4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…

2. Her Personality

a. She is Competent

Proverbs 31:16 She considereth (plans, thinks about) a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

The virtuous woman is both competent and capable. Here the woman in Proverbs 31 has the ability to reason through wise business transactions. She perceives that the purchase of this field would be a great benefit to her household. She buys it with her own money (earned from her home business of making sashes), and plants it herself. She is a woman that can be trusted with money. She uses her finances for the benefit of her family and not her own lusts.

b. She is Confident

Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

The virtuous woman possesses a quiet confidence. She strives to succeed in the role that God has given her as a wife and a mother. Her fear of God (v30) ensures that all the praise goes to Him for any success she experiences.

She is not pessimistic about her role as a godly woman. She recognizes Gods blessings on her life and the abilities that He has given her. She does not fear the future but rejoices to see it. She is prepared for the seasons to come and has ensured that her family is as well.
She exudes a quiet confidence. Her excellent character, her competence and her confidence are enveloped by an over arching meekness.

Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She has no need to prove her worth to others. As if to cast her pearls before swine. She has first submitted herself to the Lord and finds her satisfaction in Him, not in the acknowledgement or promotion of the world.

The book of Proverbs provides quite a contrast between the virtuous woman and those who possess no virtue. Consider the quiet confidence of the Proverbs 31 woman in contrast to these women:

Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

c. She is Compassionate

Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

The virtuous woman is a compassionate and a charitable woman. Her charity exists to the exclusion of covetousness. Charity and covetousness cannot dwell in the same heart.
She looks to the needs of others before she satisfies her personal wants.

d. She is Chaste

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Virtue and chastity are closely linked. The Proverbs 31 woman is a chaste woman. She has learned to convey her beauty and femininity without feeling the need to convey her sexuality. She remains pure in the midst of an impure culture. She is uninfluenced by societies distorted ideals for women. She seeks rather to conform to the Biblical model of a virtuous woman.

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

The virtuous woman understands that the clothing of a woman and the character of a woman are inextricably linked.

Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

Just as a harlot wears attire that reflects her impure and adulterous heart, the virtuous woman seeks to adorn herself with clothing that reflects her pure and chaste heart.

She understands that her dress should compliment her demeanour and not contradict it. Her fear of God and her desire to live a Godly life directly influences her dress. She desires that her appearance clearly reflects the holy character that she strives to possess.

1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

The main focus of the virtuous woman is her pure and godly heart. Her chaste behaviour will be the defining characteristic in her life, not her outward appearance.

e. She is Comforting

Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Proverbs 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

The husband of the virtuous woman has a heart that is at rest. He knows that she is not vindictive, she is not selfish, but she seeks only what is good and right. She actively pursues the wellbeing and comfort of her husband and her family. Her home is a haven and a joy to return to.

f. She is Creative

Proverbs 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

If needed, the virtuous woman finds creative ways to provide income for her home. She does not violate her first priority as a wife and mother, but through frugality and creativity finds opportunities to help provide for her home.

g. She is Conscientious

Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

The virtuous woman is a woman of physical strength. She is strong and healthy because she willingly works with her hands. She strengthens herself not for vain purposes, but as the result of a diligent effort to fulfill God’s role for her.

3. Her Priorities

Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

The virtuous woman seeks the success of her husband. By her diligent fulfillment of her role was wife and mother she enables her husband to excel in his calling. He is a successful man because she has chosen to be a successful wife and mother.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Her first priority is to please the Lord whom she fears. Next, as an act of worship towards her Saviour, she satisfies the exalted role that He has given her as a wife and mother.

The virtuous woman has a life which focuses on her household. She serves her household as if she is serving Christ. She is not susceptible to this worlds denigration of the stay-at-home mom but rather fulfills her position with a great sense of gravity and importance.

4. Her Praise

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

The virtuous woman finds satisfaction in knowing that she is pleasing her God. God blesses the virtuous woman with a husband and children that praise her. She does not have a drive to find personal satisfaction or fulfillment in the world but rather joys in the product of her work as a godly wife and mother.

Conclusion

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

The virtuous woman seeks to raise up daughters who are chaste and virtuous. She accepts the influential position as role model and desires to train up another generation of virtuous women.

Tags: chaste, proverbs 31, virtuous, woman
Posted in Meditations, The Family | No Comments »

Our entire series on Developing Renewed Relationships begins in chapter three of the book of Colossians. Let’s look again at this chapter to remind ourselves of the context of these studies.

• Col 3:1,2. Q. Because we are “risen with Christ”, what are we to seek? Where should our affections be?

• Col 3:17. Q. How are we to do all things?

In Colossians 3 Paul sets out to educate Christians about their new life in Christ. Because Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross for us and then rose again from the dead, he has successfully defeated the power of death, the devil and sin. Now that sin has been defeated it no longer has dominion over us. We are now free to live a life to the glory of God.

After Paul set forth this teaching in principle, he followed it by teaching the practical. He immediately began showing how setting our affections on things above (v2), mortifying the deeds of the flesh (v5,8-9) and putting on Christian character (v12-16) should directly influence our relationships. The first relationship he deals with is that of a wife to her husband.

• Colossians 3:18 Wives, ___________________ yourselves unto your own _____________________ as it is ________________________________.

For the remainder of this study we will examine the Biblical profile of a godly wife. First let’s look at the godly wife’s Authority

Her Authority

• Col 3:18. Q. A wife’s submission to her husband is “fit _______________
______________________”

• Eph 5:22. Q. How are wives to submit to their own husbands?

The word submission in this context means that a wife should willingly place herself under the leadership and headship of her husband. As we see in the verses listed above, this submission is first and foremost a submission to the Lord before it is a submission to her husband. We have already learned this very same principle in our studies on the government and our employers.

Whether it is a man submitting to the authority of his government or his employer, or a wife submitting herself to her husband, each of these is first an act of obedience and submission to the Lord and to the order of authority that he has ordained on earth.

This world has attacked each and every authority/submission relationship that the Lord has set up. Employees are encouraged to rebel against their employers by rabid unionism, citizens are encouraged to rebel against their government by social anarchists, and children are encouraged to undermine the authority of their parents by a spirit of rebellion. Satan has had a role in each of these perversions. It would be foolish to think that Satan would have left God’s greatest institution – the family, untouched. Indeed he hasn’t. The family has suffered tremendous attack at the hands of Satan by his influence in an ungodly culture. One of the greatest areas of attack has been the role of husbands and wives in the home, and the destruction of this authority/submission principle.

Many women shudder at the mention of the word “submission”, this is clear evidence that our culture has strayed away from God’s original design and has perverted it. In an effort to redeem God’s definition of the word, let’s look at some other examples where the principle is found.

• Eph 5:22-24. Q. What is the husband to the wife? ___________________

Q. What does Paul compare the husband/wife relationship to?

Q. Who’s example of submission (subjection) should the wife follow?

As Christians we are all submitted to the headship of Jesus Christ. Jesus showed the greatest love anyone could show by offering himself for the sins of the whole world. We submit to Him because he is our loving Lord and because God has set Him up as our Head.

Likewise men are to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Eph 5:25). And likewise, God has ordained that husbands be the head of their wives.

• 1 Cor 11:3. Q. Who is the head of man? ___________________.

Q. Who is the head of the woman? _____________________.

Q. Who is the head of Christ?____________________.

Many folks despise the word submission because they believe it means inferiority or subjugation. The fact is, God has designed an order of authority that exists even among equals. If a woman’s submission to her husband meant that she was inferior to Him, than it would also mean that Christ is inferior to God the Father, for he also submits to Him. Nowhere in the Bible is a man told to demand submission from his wife, nor is he told to make her to submit. This is completely contrary to the true definition of the word and violates the analogy which Paul paints of the church submitting to Christ and of Christ to God. Jesus has never forced the church to do anything, nor has God made Christ.

Submission is a voluntary act, carried out in a sincere spirit of respect for the one to whom we are submitting. A wife who submits herself to the headship of her husband begrudgingly is like the church who only obeys Christ with lip service. Neither of these is truly submitted.

God’s plan for the Christian wife is that she willingly place herself under the authority and leadership of her husband. Next of all let’s consider the wife’s Attachments.

Her Affections

By affections we mean those things which the wife is focused on or devoted to.

• Titus 2:4. Q. Older women are to teach the younger to be sober and to do what?

• Prov 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of ________________________.

• According to Titus 2:5, older women are to teach younger women to be discreet, chaste, __________________________________.

God’s design for the married woman is that she be devoted to her role as a wife and mother. It is no surprise that while God exalts the role of a stay-at-home mom, our society demeans it. Women are told today that self-fulfillment comes from outside of the home. That a sense of accomplishment cannot be found in her role as a wife and mother, but only as an independent woman in the working world. This is completely contrary to God’s design and to what he values.

• Psalms 113:9 He maketh the barren woman to ____________________, and to be a __________________________ of children. _________________
______________________________.

The woman who seeks fulfillment and satisfaction outside of her role as a wife and mother has missed God’s perfect will for her life. According to Psalm 113:9 God is to be praised because he allows women to keep house and to be the mother of children. • Contrariwise, what does Titus 2:5 tell us will happen if a woman is not a keeper at home or obedient to her own husband?

When a Christian woman finds herself attached to the things of this world, and pursuing priorities other than her husband and her children, her life does not praise God, but rather blasphemes his word. These are very strong words but they illustrate God’s strong desire that his pattern for the family, and specifically for the wife, be followed.

Next, let’s consider the godly wife and her Air. By “air” we mean her manner or demeanor.

Her Air

• Titus 2:5 To be __________________, __________________, keepers at home, ____________________, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Here in Titus 2:5 we find a list of qualities that older women are to teach to younger women. Let’s define these terms:

Discreet: A discreet woman is one who is not loud or stubborn (Prov 7:10,11). Having discretion means that she is not opinionated, and she knows the proper times and venues to express her opinions. This does not preclude her from being highly intelligent or of strong character, but this strength is under control and expressed using wisdom and discretion.

• Prov 11:22. Q. What is a woman who does not have discretion like?

• 1 Pet 3:4. Q. What does God deem to be of great price?

• Prov 31:26 She openeth her mouth with ____________________.

Chaste: To be chaste is to be innocent, modest and pure. The godly wife seeks to remain pure from the influences of this world. She is modest both in her dress and her demeanor. She does not crave attention, nor draw attention to herself. The wife who seeks to be chaste will dress in such a way that emphasizes her godly purity and not her sex appeal.

Don’t be fooled by those who would claim that to be modest is to be unfashionable or ugly. In Genesis 12:11 we are told that Sarah was a “fair woman to look upon” and then in 1 Peter 3:6 we see Sarah used as an example of a godly and submissive wife. Physical attractiveness and modesty are not mutually exclusive. Notwithstanding, in our oversexed society which emphasizes a woman’s body over of her character, the godly wife will find it difficult to find the middle ground between what is fashionable and what is modest. The important thing is that she always errs on the side of modesty and does not try to walk the line of fashion when it borders immodesty.

Good: The word here can also be translated “kind”. The godly wife is kindhearted. • Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the __________________________________________.

The godly wife is kind. She does not lose her temper with her husband or her children. Her children have come to realize that kindness is her “law”, and they will not hear her screaming or yelling in anger towards them.

As with all relationships, the key to a wife’s relationship with her husband is first her love for the Lord. She submits to her husband and delights in her family because it is God’s plan and purpose for her. To the extent that she refuses this role, is the extent to which she rebels against her God.

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In this week’s study we will examine the proper relationship that the Christian ought to have with his employer. • Alternate reading Colossians 3:22-25.

In this passage we do not find the terms employee or employer but rather servant and master. Although the servant/master relationship is in some respects very different from the employee/employer relationship that we are familiar with, there are enough similarities to make the principles found in scripture both valid and applicable to our modern work relationships. For the purposes of this study we will look at three Biblical principles that we ought to apply to our work relationships.

The Principle of Sovereignty

• Col 3:22. Q. We are told here to obey our employers in all things. According to the last two words of the verse, in what attitude are we to operate?

• Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as ____________________
__________________________________.

• Col 3:24. Q. According to this verse, whom do we serve?

In order to have a proper attitude toward our employment we must first realize that in all things that we do, we are servants of Jesus Christ. Whether we are employed in jobs which this world considers menial, or in jobs which this world admires, all things are to be done as if we are working for Jesus Christ himself. This is a universal principle that applies to all the relationships that we will study throughout this series.

• Col 3:24. Q. Who will we receive our reward from? _________________.

Many employees fight and vie for promotion and recognition, but this is not the way that a Christian employee should behave. We serve Jesus Christ as our master, knowing that it is from Jesus Christ that we will receive our ultimate reward.

• Psalm 75:6,7. Q. Where does our success and promotion come from?

• Ephesians 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, ___________
___________________________:

Jesus Christ is sovereign over all. All authority that is over us, is actually under Him! For this reason we respect and submit to earthly authorities knowing that ultimately He is our judge and our rewarder.

As Christians, it is tempting sometimes to divide life into the secular and the sacred. The fact is, if we apply the principle of God’s sovereignty to our work life then every place of employment becomes a place to serve God.

One of the ways that God has chosen for us to serve Him is by serving our earthly employers in such a way that He gets the most glory:

• 1 Timothy 6:1. Q. What is the result of an employee that dishonours his employer?

A man or woman who professes to be a Christian represents the name and doctrine of God. His attitude, actions and reactions will all be used to form an opinion of who God is in the minds of his employer and fellow employees. Bearing the name of Christ brings with it the tremendous responsibility of also bearing his character qualities (Gal 5:22-25). Where there is inconsistency between these things, the name of God and his doctrine can be blasphemed.

• Titus 2:9,10. Paul told Titus that as the result of a servants Godly behaviour he will adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. The idea here is that the Godly character and work ethic of the Christian employee will be so different from others that it will hang on him like the adorning of clothing.

Next of all, let’s consider The Principle of Steadfastness.

Steadfastness can be used to describe the Christian work ethic. Someone who is steadfast is faithful and determined. The Bible is very clear about God’s desire for Christians to be steadfast and determined in their work life.

• 2 Thess 3:10-12. Q. Who should work? What if they do not?

• 1 Tim 5:8. Q. What has the man who does not provide for his own house done? Who is he worse than?

_ Why do you think a Christian who does not provide for his home would be worse than an unbeliever?

Now look up Colossians 3:22,23 where we see a description of the Christian work ethic.

• Col 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with ______________________, as _______________________; but in __________________________ of ___________________, fearing God:

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it _____________________________, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Not with Eyeservice.

The idea here is that the employee should work diligently all the time and not simply when “the boss is watching”. The Christian has a Heavenly Father who is always watching and desires His children to work as to please him, and not as menpleasers.

In singleness of heart.

This means to work with sincerity. The Christian employee sincerely seeks to complete the work that he has been given to do. He is not duplicitous, that is, he is not two-faced or hypocritical. Ephesians 6:7 tells us to work with good will.

Do it heartily.

To work heartily means to give your all. We do not work half-heartedly, looking to cut corners or “just get by”. An employee who works heartily will be ambitious, energetic and thorough in completing the work that he has been given to do. Titus 2:10 tells us to serve with all good fidelity or faithfulness.

• Titus 2:9,10. Here God tells us that we are not to purloin. This is a word that we don’t use much anymore, it means to embezzle. Employees often help themselves to goods or supplies found at work, this is exactly what God is telling the Christian employee to avoid.

There is a clear, Biblical work ethic. God desires that all able-bodied men work. He also desires that the work which the Christian performs be exemplary, sincere and thorough.

_ How would a poor work ethic affect the Christian’s ability to witness to others in the workplace?

Lastly, let’s look at the Principle of Submission

The principle of submission goes beyond “doing what you are told”. God also requires us to display a submissive attitude.

Eph 6:5. Q. According to this verse we are to obey our employers with F__________ and T_____________________.

Like we learned in our lesson on The Christian and the Government, we are responsible to respect and submit to those authorities that God has set over us. In the workplace, this submission is shown by a respectful and reverential spirit.

• Titus 2:9. Q. According to this verse, what are we not to do again?

We are in a society where unions wield great power in the workplace. Oftentimes these unions promote a spirit of rebellion. They begrudgingly fulfill their obligations and hold a spirit of disdain for their employers. The Christian employee, whether a member of a union or not, is not to behave this way. The Bible says that we are obey our employer with a willing spirit and while not talking back. Half-hearted obedience is no obedience at all.

What about Bad Bosses?

Doubtless there are many Christians who are working under employers who are disrespectful, dishonest and ungodly. How do we react under these circumstances?

• 1 Peter 2:18. Q. What two types of employers should we submit to?

• 1 Peter 2:19. Q. What is thankworthy?

Q. What has the Christian in this verse suffered wrongfully for?

Maintaining a Godly testimony in our workplace may result in ridicule or grief. Jesus said in Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. When we decide to apply these principles to our work life, it will be so obvious that we are different because of our faith, that we may face opposition. Suffering for Christ’s sake in this way is both honorable and expected (John 15:20). When this opposition comes, it provides us with yet another opportunity to display the character qualities of Christ!

Unlike our parents, or even our government, the authority of our employer is one that we can change. If a Christian finds himself in a circumstance where his employer behaves himself in a grossly immoral or abusive way, then he can seek employment elsewhere, while maintaining a right and Godly testimony. Like all major decisions, this one should be made after much prayer.

Conclusion

Our relationship with God dictates that how we behave in all of our other relationships. In the workplace he desires us to submit to authority with a sincere and obedient attitude. By our Godly attitude and our Biblical work ethic others will see a difference. This affords an opportunity for us to witness and for God to be glorified.

Tags: employee, employer
Posted in Developing Renewed Relationships | No Comments »

So far in our studies concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, we have seen that he is pictured, and present in the Old Testament. This week we will see that there are many Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ.

• Matthew 5:17,18. What did Jesus say he would do concerning the law and prophets?

The birth, life, death, resurrection and eternal state of Christ are all fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies. For this reason, it is common to see the phrase “that it might be fulfilled” in connection with events in the life of the Lord Jesus. Immediately following the use of this phrase in the New Testament we generally read a quotation of an Old Testament prophecy that has been fulfilled by the life of Christ.

An example. • Matthew 1:18-23. According to verse 22, why did the events in the preceding verses take place?

Prophecies Concerning his Ministry

• Luke 4:16-21. When Jesus began his preaching ministry he stood in the synagogue and read from Isaiah 61:1,2. What did Jesus say in verse 21 concerning the passage in Isaiah?

Q. What 6 things did Isaiah 61:1,2 say that Jesus would do in his ministry?

1.	2,
3.	4.
5.	6.

Jesus, with a Jewish audience, claimed that this prophecy would be fulfilled by his life and ministry.

Q. Comparing the prophecy in Ps 78:2 with it’s fulfillment in Matt 13:34,35, what did the Old Testament say about the way in which Jesus would teach?

Jesus’ disciples were unaware that this passage spoke of Christ. They asked him in Matt 13:10 Why speakest thou unto them in parables? For the disicples, to walk side by side with Christ was to see the mysteries and vague prophecies of the Old Testament come to life, and be clarified as his life, ministry and very person fulfilled them.

Prophecies of His Birth

• Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a __________; Behold, a _________________ shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name ______________________.

The Jewish people were given this very peculiar prophecy 700 years before the birth of Christ. Immanuel means “God with us”, this was to be a title of Christ and not a proper name (see Isa 9:6). As we saw yesterday, this prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-23. Matthew 23 is a direct quotation of Isaiah 7:14.

Not only do we find a prophecy regarding the nature of his birth, but we also see a direct prophecy regarding the place of his birth. When the wise men inquired of Herod Where is he that that is born King of the Jews? The priests and scribes answered by quoting the prophet Micah. (Matt 2:2-6)

• Micah 5:2 But thou, ________________________ Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ________________ in Israel; whose goings forth have been from ______________________ from ____________________________.

It was this prophecy that sent the wisemen on their way to Bethlehem to worship Jesus. Herod was troubled at the prospects of the Jews following another King, so he set out to destroy every child two years and younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding coasts. Q. What does Matthew 2:17 say regarding this cruel decree? Jeremiah 31:15

At this time, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were no longer in Bethlehem, they were warned by an angel to flee into Egypt. Q. What do Matt 2:14, 15 indicate about this move? Hosea 11:1

Think • Discuss. How do you think John 3:16 relates to the verse below? What should have the titles at the end of this verse told the Jews about the Messiah? What did they overlook?

• Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a _________________ is______________, unto us a ________________ is ___________________; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

All throughout the narrative of the life of Christ we see the fulfillment of prophecy. It is no wonder that Jesus in Luke 24 was able to expound unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself!

Jesus – That Prophet

Did you know that the Bible not only contains prophecy regarding the birth of Christ, but also the ministry of his forerunner, John the Baptist?

When the priests and Levites came to John to inquire about his identity, he responded by quoting Isaiah 40:3.

Isaiah 40:3 – Prophecy	John 1:23 – John the Baptist
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.	He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

In seeking who John was, the Jews asked him in John 1:21 Art thou that prophet? John answered and said no. This seemingly vague reference to that prophet was not so vague to a student of the scriptures! They were right to be awaiting that prophet but were wrong in thinking it was John.

• Deut 18:18. Speaking to Moses, what did God say he would do for Israel?

It was the coming of this prophet, promised all the way back in Deut 18, which the Jews were referring to. They were unaware that Jesus Christ also fulfilled this prophecy. Although the priests and Levites did not make the connection, those who witnessed Christ’s miracles did:

• John 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth ____________________ that should come into the world.

Peter makes all of this very clear in • Acts 3:22, 23.

Q. From which people would God raise up this prophet?

Q. Who would this prophet be like?

Q. What would happen to those who did not listen to this prophet?

Think • Discuss. The Jews were given ample prophecy concerning the coming Messiah. Why do you think the Jews did not accept Christ as the Messiah? Why did they not make the connections between the prophecies and Christ as the fulfillment?

Jesus and His Suffering

There are two Old Testament chapters that seem to explicitly detail the suffering of Christ. Both Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 offer so many details fulfilled by Christ, that it leaves little doubt to the honest reader that they were divinely inspired prophecies regarding Jesus.

Read Isaiah 53, and consider how clearly it is reflected in the New Testament.

V1	Who has believed our report?	John 12:37-38, Rom 10:16
V3	Despised and rejected	Luke 17:25, John 1:10-11, 1 Peter 2:4
V4	He has borne our infirmities	1 Peter 2:24, Matt 8:16-17
V4	Considered smitten by God	Gal 3:13, Matt 27:38-44, Luke 23:35
V5	Wounded for our transgressions	Rom 4:25, 1 Pet 2:24
V5	We are healed by his stripes	1 Peter 2:24
V5	Jesus was scourged	Mark 15:15, Luke 22:63-65, John 19:1
V7	Silent before His accusers	Matt 26:62-63, 27:12-14, Mark 14:60-61, 15:3-15, John 19:9, Acts 8:32-35
V8	Christ died for our sins	1 Cor 15:3
V9	Died with the wicked	Mat 27:38, Mar 15:27,28, Luke 23:32-33
V9	Buried with the rich	Matt 27:57-60, Mark 15:43-46, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42
V9	Lived a sinless life	1 Peter 2:22, Heb 4:15
V10	Jesus was an offering for sin	1 Cor 15:3, Hebrews 10:12-14
V11	He would justify many	Acts 13:38-39, Rom 5:17-19
V12	He will be great	Matt 28:18, Luke 24:27
V12	Numbered with transgressors	Matt 27:38, Mark 15:27-28
V12	Made intercession for sinners	Luke 23:34, 39-43, Rom 8:34

Now read Psalm 22. What similarities to the New Testament do you see in the following verses?

Q. Verse 8:

Q. Verse 16:

Q. Verse 18:

Tomorrow we will look up a few more verses to conclude this study.

Review

When John protested at the idea of baptizing Jesus, why did Jesus say it must be done? (Mat 3:15)

When the band of soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter cut off one of their ears. For what reason does Jesus tell Peter to put away his sword (Matt 26:54)?

Write from memory what you think these Old Testament verses are referring to. For a real challenge, use your concordance to try to find their New Testament counterparts!

1. Zech 9:9

2. Psalm 41:9

3. Zech 11:12,13

4. Zech 12:10

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So far in our studies All About Jesus we have seen that he is pictured, present, and prophesied of in the Old Testament.  This week we will enter into the New Testament, where we will begin to look at the life of our Lord Jesus Christ as he walked here on earth.

The Biblical teaching of God the Son coming to earth in the flesh is what we call the incarnation.  This simply means “The act of clothing with flesh” [Webster 1828]. One of the clearest teachings of the incarnation can be found in John chapter 1.

• John 1:1 In the beginning was the ______________, and the Word was with God, and the _________________________.

Comparing this verse with its context, especially verse 14, we learn that the Word is a title given to the Lord Jesus Christ.

• John 1:14 And the _______________ was made _____________, and ____________ among us, (and we ______________ his glory, the glory as of the ________  _________________ of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Q. Why can we assume that John 1:14 is referring to Jesus Christ?

• 1 Tim 3:16. Q. Who was manifest in the flesh? ____________.

Q. By the description listed in the remainder of 1 Tim 3:16, who does this verse seem to refer to?

The Incarnation – An Essential Doctrine
Believing that Jesus Christ was in fact God robed in human flesh is not an optional doctrine for the Christian. • Look up 2 John 1:7,9.

Q. How does the Bible describe one who denies Jesus came in the flesh?

Q. Considering verse 9, do you think a belief that Jesus was God in the flesh is required for someone to be saved?

• 1 John 4:1-3. In these verses we are given a test for false prophets. How can we be sure that a spirit is NOT of God?

The Virgin Birth – God’s Means for the Incarnation

Essential to the incarnation of Jesus Christ, is the virgin birth.  In order for God the Son to manifest himself on earth, in human flesh, he could not have been born of both a human Mother and Father.

• Romans 5:12. Q. This verse, speaking of Adam, indicates that he brought ___  ___  ___ into the world.

Q. What passed upon all men as a result of sin? _______________.

Q. What other impact did Adam’s sin have on all people?

• 1 Cor 15:22. Q. What happens to all those in Adam? _______________.

All descendants of Adam since this first sin have been born spiritually dead and separated from God.  In order for Jesus Christ to be the sinless saviour of the world,  he could not be born as a direct descendant of Adam.  God, through the virgin Mary, provided Jesus a human body (Heb 10:5), yet prevented him from receiving only a fallen, fleshly nature by ensuring that Joseph was not the earthly father.

• Matthew 1:20. Q. How was Jesus conceived?_______________________.

• Isa 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:27, Q. Mary was a __________________

A sinless mother was not required for the incarnation to take place. Nor was Mary a perpetual virgin. Matthew 1:25 indicates Mary and Joseph consummated their marriage sometime after the birth of Christ. Matthew 13:55,56 indicates that Jesus had 4 brothers and at least 2 sisters.

The miracle of the virgin birth was that God interceded in the generations of man and produced a child that was not a partaker of Adam’s flesh.  Jesus was born not in the line of Adam, but as the progenitor of a new line of spiritual men and women.

• Look again at 1 Cor 15:22. In Adam all die, what happens to those in Christ?________________________.

• 2 Cor 5:17. What are those who are in Christ?____________________________.

The virgin birth was necessary for Jesus to be God incarnate. He was not born as a descendant of Adam, and through the new birth, allows us to escape the cursed line of Adam and enter into the line of Christ, as new spiritual creatures.

Reasons for the Incarnation

We have seen that a belief in the incarnation is essential for the Christian, and that the virgin birth was necessary for the incarnation to take place.  For the remainder of this study we will look at some reasons for the incarnation.

It was necessary to destroy Sin, Death and the Devil

The Devil
• Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of ___________ and _____________, he also himself likewise ___________________________________; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Q. According to that verse, for what purpose did Jesus become flesh?

• 1 John 3:8. According to this verse, why was Jesus manifested?

Sin
• Romans 8:3. Q. What did Jesus do in his flesh?

Death
• 1 Cor 15:54-57. Q. What will happen to death at the resurrection?

Q. According to v57, how have we obtained victory over death?

Although God can do anything, he has chosen to govern himself according to His law and justice.  Jesus took on flesh so that he could fulfill the law.  If Christ did not become flesh, he could not have satisfied the penalty which the law sought to exact on mankind. Because he came in the likeness of sinful flesh, he was able to destroy sin, death and the devil by overcoming them in the flesh.

It was necessary to fulfill God’s covenant with David

• Psalm 89:3,4. Q. What was God’s promise to King David?

•Acts 2:30. Q. Who did David know would sit on his throne?

God promised David that his throne would be built up to all generations and that the one who sat on that throne would be of his seed.  There was only one possible way for this covenant to be fulfilled and that was through the person of Jesus Christ, manifest in the flesh.

• Luke 2:4. Q. Who was Joseph descended from? ________________.

• Luke 1:32. Q. What did the angel tell Mary God would give to Jesus?

• Rom 1:3. Q. Whose seed was Jesus according to the flesh?___________

Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne of David and the only one who could fulfill God’s covenant with David.  He was born in the line of David (his seed), and through the resurrection of the dead, will reign forever.

The Incarnation was necessary for us to be redeemed.

• Gal 4:4. Q. How did God send forth his son?

• Gal 4:5. Q. For what reason did God send his Son in this manner?

When Adam sinned all flesh was cursed by God.  All men became lost and in need of redemption.  Jesus, as God in the flesh, was the only one who had the right and ability to redeem us from that curse.

• Galatians 3:13 Christ hath ___________________ us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…

It was necessary to make Christ our advocate.

• According Heb 2:17, why did Jesus become like his brethren?

• According Heb 2:18, what is Jesus able to do for us?

As our high priest Jesus intercedes on our behalf, is our advocate to the father, and helps us when we are tempted. (Succour means, help, aide or relieve).  The incarnation is essential to our Christian faith.  If Jesus did not come in the flesh, then we are still in our sins, death and the devil are undefeated, we have no advocate with the father, and we look forward to no resurrection! 1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

Review

1.    What does Incarnation mean?

2.    Why do you think the incarnation is an essential doctrine?

3.    Why was the virgin birth necessary?

4.    How many other children do we know Mary had? _________.

5.    What are some reasons for the Incarnation of Christ?

6.    Why do you think Jesus is referred to as the Last Adam in 1 Cor 15:45?

Tags: bethlehem, covenant, incarnation, jesus, redemption, virgin
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Last week we looked at the doctrine of the incarnation. That is, the fact that Jesus, as God, took on human flesh and dwelt on earth. In this study we will continue to consider this doctrine, specifically regarding the Lord jesus Christ and his human nature.

Like the doctrine of the trinity, men have tried diligently to explain the incarnation in a clear and concise manner, making it easily understood.  In this effort many false ideas have arisen, and sometimes, more confusion then clarity has been created.  The fact is, according to Isaiah 55:9, God’s thoughts and his ways are far above our ability to comprehend them.  He has allowed us to grasp many eternal truths, but some remain somewhat mysterious.

Although we may have to acknowledge that the mixture of deity and humanity at the incarnation is far above our ability to understand, one thing can be certain, the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus was both man and God at the same time.

• Phil 2:6-7.  Q. Who did Jesus claim to be equal to?___________.

Q. What was Jesus made in the likeness of? ________.

We refer often to Jesus as the Son of God, and rightfully so, since Jesus claimed to be eternal (John 8:58), to be one with the Father (John 10:30), and to be the image of the Father (John 12:45), but Jesus’ preferred title was “the Son of man”. This title, used by Jesus thirty times in the book of Matthewhew alone, refers to his humanity.

Although Jesus was fully God and fully man, he did not avail himself to his divine power in much of his earthly ministry.

• John 3:34. Q. What did God give Jesus not by measure? (that is, he gave it fully) ________________________.

• John 14:12. Q. What did Jesus say regarding his works?

Although fully divine, Jesus did not avail himself to his deity in much of his earthly ministry, choosing instead, as our example to use the power of the Holy Spirit.  Look up these verses and list characteristics of Jesus that reflect his humanity. Matthew 26:37, Luke 2:40, Luke 4:2, Luke 8:23, John 4:6

Jesus Our Example

One reason why it was absolutely necessary for Jesus Christ to be fully human was so that he could be our example.  Though he came to do far more than to set an example, it remains one purpose of the incarnation.

•1 Peter 2:21. Q. What did Jesus leave us? _______________________.

Q. What should we do with this example? _______________________.

Consider the following verses and indicate in what areas we are to follow Christ’s example.

• Matthew 6:9-13)  ________________________________________.

• Col 3:13  ___________________________________________.

• Matthew 20:27-28  _______________________________________.

• John 15:10  _________________________________________.

• Matthew 11:29  _________________________________________.

• 1Pet 1:15-16________________________________________.

• 1John 3:3  _________________________________________.

• Phil 2:5-8  _________________________________________.

Although there are certain aspects of Jesus’ life that we could never duplicate, the Bible is clear that we are to try to live like Jesus lived. We can forgive others, serve others, have a humble spirit, and practice obedience, holiness, and purity.  All these things reflect the human life of Jesus as he lived in the power of the Spirit. God has given us the same Spirit and desires us to become like Christ.

• Write out 1John 2:6 ____________________________________

________________________________________________________.

Some years ago, it became popular in Christian circles to ask, What would Jesus do? Although this is a valid question, we must be careful not to relegate the life of Jesus to that of  just an example. He is our example and so much more. Remember, it is only by our surrendering to His influence in our lives by His Holy Spirit that we can be like Him. He did not come simply to show us how to live, but to give us life! (John 10:10, Rom 5:10)

Jesus Our Kinsman Redeemer

As we stated in an earlier study, although God can do anything, he has chosen to govern himself according to his justice and his law.  One portion of the law that God demands be fulfilled is that of the Kinsman Redeemer. This law is found in • Leviticus 25:47-49.

v 47. Q. Why has the man in this verse sold himself?

v 48. Q. Who can redeem or “buy back” this man?

v 48. Q. Under what conditions could he redeem himself?

This man, due to his poverty has sold himself as a slave to his debtor.  Only a near of kin could pay the debt that this man could not pay.  Once this payment was made, this man was freed from his service to his debtor and is made free.

This is the exact position in which the lost sinner finds himself.

• Rom 7:14 …. I am carnal, ________________________.

All of mankind is spiritually bankrupt and sold under sin. As a result we find ourselves as servants of sin (Rom 6:6). We do not possess the means to redeem ourselves, as the cost is death in Hell (Rom 6:23).  Thankfully we can appeal to God’s law of the kinsman redeemer and seek one to deliver us from our servitude! • John 8:34-36.

v 34. Q. What is one who commits sin? ________________________.

v 36. Q. Who can make us free? _____________________________.

Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the kinsman redeemer when he took on human form. 1. He was able to pay the price (Rom 8:3), 2. He was willing to pay the price (Gal 1:4), 3. He himself was free (Heb 4:15), and lastly 4. He was our kinsman (Heb 2:17).

Had the incarnation not taken place, we would remain sold under sin.  From the first sin of Adam until the birth of Christ, there was never born one who could fulfill the requirements for redemption.  Jesus and he alone could be the kinsman redeemer, thus fulfilling God’s law and redeeming us from sin.

Think • Discuss Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Jesus Our High Priest

Lastly, let’s consider the role that the humanity of Christ played in his office as our high priest.

• Hebrews 2:17. Q. According to this verse, what did Jesus have to do before he could become our high priest?

• Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest _________________, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Before Jesus could become our high priest he had to become like us. Now let’s look at some of the duties he performs as our high priest.

• Hebrews 2:18. Q. What does our high priest do for us?

Q. How is it that he is now able to perform this duty?

• Hebrews 7:25. Q. As a high priest, what does Christ live to do for us?

• Hebrews 10:5, 10:10. Q. As a high priest, what has Jesus offered for us?

• Hebrews 4:15,16. Q. What can we now do, since He has become our high priest?

One duty of the Old Testament priest was to enter into the holy of holies within the tabernacle in order to offer sacrifice for the sins of the people once a year.  This sacrifice did not take away sin, but acted as a temporary covering. • Hebrews 9:11-14. Q. With what did our high priest enter the holy of holies in Heaven?

Q. What was our high priest able to obtain for us, with his blood?

Jesus is our example, our kinsman redeemer, and our high priest.  None of these things could have been possible had Jesus not taken on true humanity at Bethlehem.  Though we may not fully understand it, the Bible is clear, Jesus was fully human and fully divine.

Review

1. How is it possible that we could do works like Jesus did?

2. How could Jesus be our example if he was divine?

3. How is Jesus MORE than an example?

4. Which requirement of the law of the kinsman redeemer absolutely required that Jesus become man?

5. What are some advantages that we have since Jesus is our high priest?

Tags: flesh, God, high, holy spirit, humanity, incarnation, jesus, priest, redeemer
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This is the last in our series of three lessons regarding the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  As we learned in a previous study, a belief in the incarnation is absolutely necessary for the Christian. We’ve seen Biblical proof for the humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in this study we will examine the Biblical proof for his Deity.

The first proof that I would like to consider is that…

Jesus Claimed to be Divine

• John 5:23. Q. How did Jesus claim He should be honoured?

• John 10:30,31. Q. What did Jesus claim about He and the Father?

Q. Considering the Jews reaction, how did they interpret Jesus’ claim?

In John 5 we read about Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath at the pool of Bethesda. The Jews immediately began to accuse Jesus of not keeping the Sabbath.  • Q. How did Jesus answer them in John 5:17?

• John 5:18. Q. After hearing this response, the Jews “sought the more to kill Him”. Why?

If Jesus did not claim to be God, he could very easily have quelled the anger of the Jews by explaining what he really meant. The fact is, during his earthly ministry Jesus made it very clear that he was God in the flesh.  He even claimed one of the most revered names of God in the Old Testament for himself (John 8:58).

• John 14:7. Q. According to Jesus, if we know Him, whom also do we know?

• John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the ___________ which I had with thee ___________________.

• Read Phil 2:5-8. Write verse 6 below:

Jesus Is Worshiped

Next in our consideration of the deity of Jesus Christ we will look at the fact that Jesus Accepted Worship as God.

• Acts 10:25,26. Q. What did Peter do when Cornelius worshiped him?

• Rev 22:8,9. Q. Who did John attempt to worship? _________________.

Q. How did the angel react to this? Who did the angel tell John to worship?

From the above verses we see that it is God and God alone who deserves worship.  The Bible shows us that neither man, nor angels deserve or should accept worship.  With this in mind consider the following verses.

	Who worshiped?	Who was worshiped?
Matthew 2:11
Matthew 8:2
Matthew 9:18
Matthew 14:33
Matthew 15:25
Matthew 28:9
Matthew 28:17
Mark 5:6
Luke 24:52

Q. Did Jesus refuse worship in any of the above passages? _________.

• Exodus 34:14. Q. In your own words, what does this verse say?

The Bible is clear that Jesus never refused to be worshiped. In fact, the Bible teaches that the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ glorifies the Father.

• Phil 2:10 That at the __________________________ every knee should __________, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, ______________________________________________.

Jesus was more than a man.  He accepted worship because he deserved worship as the son of God! Think & Discuss. How can we worship Jesus in our own lives?

Jesus Possessed Divine Attributes

We have seen that Jesus claimed to be God and he accepted worship that is due only to God.  Next let’s look at the fact that Jesus Possessed Divine Attributes.

He is Eternal

• John 1:1,2 In the _________________ was the Word, and the Word was ____________________, and the Word ___________________.  The same was in the beginning with God.

• Hebrews 1:8 But unto the __________ he saith, Thy throne, O __________, is for ________  ______  ________: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

• Rev 1:8. Q. What conclusions do you draw regarding the nature of Jesus from this verse?

• Col 1:17. And he is ______________  _______   ______________.

• John 17:5. Q. Jesus existed “before _______   ________  _________.”

He is Unchanging

• Malachi 3:6, speaking of God the father says “I am the Lord, I ________________  ___________.

• Heb 13:8. Q. How does this verse compare with Malachi 3:6?

He is Omnipotent (All Powerful)

• Heb 1:3. Q. How are all things upheld?__________________________.

He is Omnipresent (Always Present)

• Matt 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, ___________________________________________.

• John 14:23. Q. How does this verse teach Jesus’ omnipresence?

• Matt 28:20. Q. Jesus said “I am with you ____________, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

These are but a few of the divine attributes exhibited by Christ during his earthly ministry. As a man Jesus did not always avail himself to his divine attributes, but as God he did always possess them. T•D. Why do you think Jesus did not always avail himself to his abilities as God?

Other Proofs of Christ’s Deity

Lastly, let’s consider three more Biblical proofs for the deity of Christ.

1. He Did Things Only God Can Do.

Write the action which Christ performed beside the verses below.

John 1:3, Col 1:16, Heb 1:10. _______________________________.

Heb 1:3, Col 1:17 ________________________________________.

John 10:28, John 17:2_____________________________________.

2. Old Testament Statements Regarding God are Ascribed to Him

By comparing the following passages you will see that Old Testament scriptures clearly referring to God are applied to Jesus in the New Testament.

• Psalm 102:24-27                Hebrews 1:8-12

Q. According to v24 in Psalms, who is the psalmist addressing?__________

Q. In Heb 1:8, who is this prophecy ascribed to? __________________

• Isaiah 40:3-4                      Matt 3:3, Luke 1:76

Q. How do these verses in Isaiah and Matthew prove that Jesus is God?

• Isaiah 8:13-14                    1 Peter 2:7,8

Q. Why does the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 8:13,14 prove that Jesus is God?

3. Divine Names are Given to Him

Find and write the divine names given to Jesus in the verses below.

• Acts 3:13   __________________________.       (21x’s)

• Acts 3:14   _____________________.     (4x’s)

• Matthew 14:23 _____________________.     (40x’s)

• 1 Cor 2:8   _____________________.     (2x’s)

• Matthew 1:23   _____________________.

• John 20:28 _____________________.

• Titus 2:13  _____________________.

Although men may argue or discuss the nature of Jesus, one thing is sure, the Word of God teaches clearly that Jesus claimed to be God, was worshiped as God, did things only God could do, fulfilled Old Testament scriptures regarding God, and was given titles only due God!

Jesus – God in the Flesh (His Deity)

1.    On multiple occasions the Jews sought to stone Jesus. If Jesus were not God in the flesh, how could he have easily prevented them from doing so?

2.    In your own words, what do you think worship means?

3.    In a practical sense, how can we worship Jesus?

4.    Which do you think best describes the nature of Jesus?

a.    On earth he was all man and part God

b.    On earth he laid aside his divine nature

c.    On earth he was all man and all God

d.    On earth he was all God and part man

5.    What are some consequences if Jesus was not God?

Tags: Deity, flesh, God, jesus
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In the last few lessons that we’ve completed, we dealt with the question of How Jesus Came.   We learned that he came to earth as fully human and as fully God.  This week we are going to consider one aspect of Why Jesus Came, that is, Jesus came to bring a new covenant.

Before we look at the new covenant, we should first look at a history of the old covenant.  The word covenant means a contract or league. It is the same word that is translated testament. We find the birth of the Old Testament or covenant in Gen 15:18 where God extended his promise to Abraham.

• Gen 17:7. The covenant which God made with Abraham was an _______________________ covenant. One aspect of this covenant is that He would be a _________ unto Abraham.  God promised Abraham that this covenant would pass from him to his next generation and so on.  It was an everlasting covenant.

Q. Who did God confirm this covenant to in • Gen 17:19,  Gen 28:13-16?

1. ___________________  2. ___________________

Jacob and his sons eventually settled in Egypt while Joseph was second in command.  Sometime after Joseph’s death, a new Pharaoh assumed power who did not know Joseph (Ex 1:8), the children of Jacob began to be oppressed and enslaved. At this time it is quite possible that the number of descendants of Jacob had reached over two million. In • Exodus 2:24 we read about this oppression:

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his _______________ with _____________, with _____________, and with __________.

It was the covenant which God made with Joseph’s great-grandfather Abraham that caused God to bring the children of Israel (Jacob) out of Egypt. Three months after their exodus from Egypt God called Moses into Mount Sinai, not to reconfirm his Covenant to Moses, but to make this covenant with all the people of Israel. The children of Israel would become a nation governed by this covenant.

• Ex 19:5,6. Q. What were the Israelites required to do in order to benefit from God’s covenant?

Q. What were some of the benefits of this covenant?

In the chapters following we read of many judgments which God would require the Israelites to abide by, and then in Ex 24:12 we read of a Law which God gave to Moses for Israel.  Moses wrote these laws on 2 tables of stone. According to Exodus 34:28, these Ten Commandments were also called the ____________ of the ______________________.

God’s promise to Israel, starting with Abraham is that he would be a God to them, and that they would be a peculiar treasure unto him….. above all people. As Israel would discover over the next one thousand years, fulfilling God’s requirements under this covenant was no easy task.

It was under this covenant that the Tabernacle was built.  A veil was erected shutting out anyone other than the high priest from entering into the direct presence of God.  A myriad of rules, regulations and rituals stood as roadblocks to an intimate relationship with a holy God.

The history of Israel attests to the grievous nature of this covenant.  Throughout the entire Old Testament we see a people trying and failing to satisfy the righteousness required by the law.  The fact remained that under this covenant, a sinful people and a holy God could never have full and complete fellowship.

So, how could a perfect God institute what appeared to an imperfect covenant with his people?  For the answer to this look up • Heb 10:1.

For the _________ having a __________________ of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, ___________________ with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually ________________________________________________

The fact is, God’s original covenant was never intended to make his people righteous, or holy, but to show them that they could not attain righteousness or holiness by their own works.  God’s first covenant was not imperfect or incomplete; it was simply a shadow of things to come.  As we will see for the remainder of this study, the Old Covenant was made to cause God’s people to realize their need for a savior.  They could never fulfill God’s requirements of righteousness by their own efforts (Ro 9:31,32).  This is a hard lesson for mankind to learn. But the Old Testament legal system was the perfect teacher.

• Galatians 3:24,25. Q. What was the law? _______________________.

Q. Why did man need a schoolmaster? ______________________________________.

Speaking of the priesthood under the Old Covenant, Hebrews 8:5 says:

• Heb 8:5 Who serve unto the ____________________ and ____________________ of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

God was very particular about the design of the tabernacle, why? Because it was modeled after the heavenly tabernacle.  The earthly system was an example and a picture of better things to come.

• Col 2:16, 17. Q. These verses mention some ordinances and laws.  According to verse 17, what were these things?

The concept of one dying as a sacrifice in order to atone for sin would have made no sense had God not illustrated it through the Law.  All of the Old Covenant was meant to teach and re-teach the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man.  It paved the way for the acceptance of a savior who could once and for all deliver man from his utter inability to please God. When the lesson of the Old Covenant was complete God sent his son made of a woman, made under the law (Gal 4:4), to usher in a new and better covenant for his people.

Many Jews understood the need for a savior and for a better covenant; they believed and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. On the other hand, many Jewish people did not grasp the lessons taught by the Old Covenant.  They were determined that they could attain righteousness by their own works and the outward ceremony of the Law.

• Rom 9:31. Q. What could Israel not attain through the law?

• Rom 9:32. Q. Why could Israel not attain righteousness?

• Rom 9:33. Q. Who do you think is the stumblingstone spoken of here?

Jesus Brings a New Covenant

• Mat 5:17. Q. What did Jesus come to do? _______________________.

Jesus did not come to destroy the old covenant.  He came to fulfill it.  All the types and pictures of the old covenant pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ. The New Testament did not destroy the Old Testament,  it was the Old Testament coming to fruition in the person of Jesus Christ.

• Mat 26:28 Q. At the last supper, what did Jesus call his blood?

• Heb 12:24 Q. What is Jesus the mediator of?

• Heb 10:29 Q. What is the blood of Christ called in this verse?

A New Covenant for All People

The concept of a new covenant should not have been entirely foreign to the Jews, since the Old Testament scripture prophesied of it (Jer 31:31-34). But still most Jews rejected Jesus Christ and this new covenant.  As a result the covenant was opened to the Gentiles.  Now all men everywhere are able to enter into this covenant with God by faith.

• Jer 31:31-34. Q. What would God make with Israel?________________

Q. v33. What 4 aspects of the new covenant are found in this verse?

1.                                                            2.

3.                                                          4.

Q. v34. Under this covenant, what would God do with sin and iniquity?

All the above aspects of the new covenant were made possible by the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He fulfilled all the requirements of the law by living a sinless and perfect life. It was his death on the cross and the shedding of his perfect blood that sealed the new covenant for us.  Man no longer has to attempt to keep the law, but rather to believe on Jesus Christ (the only one who could keep the law) for salvation.

The righteousness that God once demanded is now accomplished in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit when we come to Christ by faith.

• Rom 10:4. Q. What is Christ the end of? ________________ .

Q. What does Christ offer that the law could not?____________________.

Q. Who can have this righteousness?_____________________________.

• Rom 3:20-22. Q. What cannot happen by the deeds of the law?

Q. v 21 What type of righteousness is now manifest?__________________

Q. v 22 Who can have this righteousness? How?

• Rom 8:1-3. Q. What has made us free from the law?

Q. How did God overcome the weakness of the law?

Q. What is now fulfilled in those that walk in the spirit?

The New Covenant – By Grace Through Faith

• Galatians 2:16. Q. How is a man NOT justified?

Q. How IS a man justified?

• Galatians 3:13. Q. What has Christ redeemed us from?

As Christians we can be thankful that our relationship with God is not a legal relationship, but a love relationship.  When Jesus died on the cross, the Bible says Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. The veil, set up under the old covenant, which separated everyone except the high priest from the direct presence of God, was ripped in half.  T•D. What does this event mean for believers in Christ?

God the Father now accepts us on his Sons behalf.  Christ is acceptable in His sight.  When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour we are given his righteousness, and are thereby also accepted by the Father.  The rules, regulations and rituals of the Old Testament are done away with.

1.      Can you think of a denomination or religion that still seeks to keep the law?

2. Consider Gal 2:21.  If we continue to try to keep the law in order to find favour with God, what are we saying about Christ?

Conclusion

What is the new covenant? Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God gave himself a sacrifice for our sin (1 Pet 2:24).  He rose from the grave after three days and ascended into heaven where he presented his blood to the Father (Heb 9:24).  God accepted this perfect sacrifice and his blood made way for a new covenant (Heb 12:24).  Now, all those who come to Jesus Christ in faith, believing who he is and what he has done (Rom 10:9,10),  will receive the righteousness of God in the form of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13). God will claim all believers as his people (1 Pet 2:9), and he will be their God and Father (1 John 3:1, Gal 4:6).  Through this new covenant God has fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:33-34 I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. All holiness and righteousness is now attained through a life surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ as he influences us through his word and spirit (Heb 13:20,21).

Tags: covenant, jesus
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Last week we learned that Jesus Christ, through his life, death and resurrection has ushered in a New Covenant.  This covenant has freed us from the legal demands of the Old Covenant which were contrary to us (Col 2:14), and has opened the way of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  In our previous study we learned mainly about the theological aspects of the covenants, this week we will examine the practical aspects of the New Covenant, that is – through the new covenant we have a New Relationship.

Remember the main aspects of this new covenant as given in Jeremiah 31 and quoted twice in the book of Hebrews. Heb 10:16-17 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

First, we will consider the last phrase in the above passage, it indicates that this new relationship is a Fully Secure relationship.

• Heb 10:11-14. In these verses we see a contrast between the continual offering of sacrifices in the Old Testament with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.             Q. v12. How many sacrifices did Jesus offer for sins?_________.

Q. v12. For how long will this sacrifice be sufficient?___________.

Q. v14. Who has been perfected by his sacrifice?

The word sanctified means “to make holy or to set apart for a holy purpose”.  When we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour we become sanctified in Him. We are cleansed and set apart for his purpose (1 Cor 6:11). The word perfected in these verses means “consecrated or complete”.

Q. v14.  For how long will these people be perfected?_______________.

• Heb 10:10. Q. For how long are we sanctified by the offering of Christ?

Under this new covenant we are given eternal life which is eternally secure.  When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, believing that he is the Son of God and that he has given himself for us on the cross (1 Pet 2:24), we are perfected and sanctified forever.  Our salvation now rests in the unchanging person of Jesus Christ.  If we believe that salvation can be lost, then we must also believe that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was insufficient or dependent upon our own works (Heb 6:6, Gal 2:21).

Every Christian struggles with an inward conflict between the flesh and the spirit (Gal 5:17). This inward struggle should never be confused with a lack of salvation or losing our salvation.  The fact that the struggle exists in us is actually evidence that we are saved. (Rom 7:22-25, 1 John 1:8,9)

No Christian could serve God boldly and faithfully if He did not know with assurance that He were saved. The writer of Hebrews was making this very point in Hebrews 10.  In verses 10,14,17 we read about Christ’s sufficient sacrifce and the fact that we are sanctified forever.  Now look at the beneficial consequence of this fact in verse 19.

• Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, _________________ to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

It is because of the blood of Jesus that we can be assured of our salvation, and it is because we can be assured of our salvation that we can approach God with boldness.  Look at verse 22 to see this message reemphasized.

• Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in _______   _____________  ______   ____________…

Now look at verse 23, Q. What reason is given for holding fast the profession of our faith without wavering?

The fact that we can be assured of our salvation is a key benefit of the New Covenant and was mentioned all the way back in Jeremiah 31 where God said And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. God desires that his children have full assurance of their faith.  Without this assurance his people would lose their boldness, their desire to draw near to Him, and the perserverance to maintain unwavering faith. It is the suffiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the faithfulness of his promises that keeps us saved.  This is all made possible by the new covenant.

The Indwelling Holy Spirit

Although the assurance of our salvation is made possible by the new covenant,  in a real and practical sense it is accomplished by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Every Christian, upon salvation, is given the Holy Spirit to dwell within him.

• John 15:26, 16:7. Who did Jesus say he would send to earth?

After Jesus ascended into Heaven he sent the Holy Spirit to earth to dwell within all those who had accepted Him as their Lord and Saviour.

• 2 Tim 1:14. Q. According to Paul, where does the Holy Spirit dwell?

• Eph 1:12,13. Q. What happens after one believes in Jesus?

• Eph 4:30. Q. What has the Spirit done for us? For how long?

Unlike the Old Testament saints, the Holy Spirit dwells in us continually and until the day of redemption.  This is also a fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the New Testament.  It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit that God has fulfilled the words I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. We now have an intimacy with God that could never be accomplished before.  Consider a few of the benefits of the indwelling Spirit.

The Spirit Convicts us of Sin

• John 16:8 And when he is come, he will ____________________________, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

The Spirit Teaches and Helps us Remember God’s Truth

• John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall __________________all things, and bring all things to your _________________, whatsoever I have said unto you.

It is through the Holy Spirit that we can understand the Scripture.  Although it is possible for the Bible to be read like any other book, the Christian, indwelt by the Holy Spirit will learn spiritual truths and be changed by it’s transforming power. (1 Cor 2:13,14, Heb 4:12)

The Spirit Gives us Boldness to Witness

• Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive _______________, after that the __________  ____________ is come upon you: and ye shall be _______________ unto me…

The Spirit ___________________________________________________

• Romans 8:26. Q. Write above what you believe this verse teaches us about the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit Assures us of Our Salvation

• Romans 8:16. Q. What does the spirit bear witness of?

•1 John 3:24. Q. How can we know that God abides in us?

Q. Considering the last series of Bible studies we did based on Gal 5:22,23.  What else does the Holy Spirit do in us?

You may have filled in some of the above answers and found that you do not recognize these things in your life. The Bible teaches that it is possible to quench and grieve the Holy Spirit (1 Th 5:19, Eph 4:30).  When we live a life of unrepented sin, or where we do not avail ourselves to God’s tools for spiritual victory (the word of God, prayer, preaching, fellowship with Christians) then we grieve and quench the spirit.  His presence can be ignored and his influence diminished as we live a life unyielded to Him.

• Galatians 5:16 This I say then, _________________________, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

To experience the benefits of the indwelling Holy Spirit one must obey the word of God and seek to live for Christ.  This of course applies to those who know for sure that they have accepted Jesus Christ as the son of God, and are trusting his sacrifice on the cross for their salvation.

Lastly, let’s consider that the new relationship given us through the new covenant is a Father-Child Relationship.

• 2 Cor 6:17,18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a ________________ unto you, and ye shall be my ______ and ________________, saith the Lord Almighty.

• Gal 4:5-6. Q. What might we receive now that God has sent his Son?

• Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of _______________, whereby we cry, Abba, _______________.

• John 1:12. Q. What has God given to them that receive Christ?

Jesus taught us when we pray to address God as our Father (Mat 6:9).  Nowhere in the Old Testament except in Isaiah 9:6 where it is referring to the coming Christ, is God referred to as a Father in this sense.  This is a special, intimate relationship for all believers which has come as a result of the New Covenant.

As our Father we can approach him at any time and ask him anything (John 14:13,14). We can trust him to provide for us (Mat 7:8-11, Matt 6:31-33) and we can be sure that he will never leave us (Heb 13:5, Matt 28:20).

Because God is our Father and we are his children we now have claim to an eternal inheritance.

• Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an _______________________________________________.

As a child and an heir, we will one day inherit eternal life in heaven (Mat 19:29) and an eternal right to the new earth (Rev 21:21,24).  All of this is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s first covenant with Abraham (Gal 3:29). These are but a few of the benefits of God’s New Covenant. Let us learn to thank God for it!

Tags: assurance, boldness, indwelling, jesus, relationship, salvation, spirit, witness
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This week we are going to look at one more benefit of the Christian life which was accomplished by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In this study we will learn about Christian Liberty.

Liberty literally means freedom from restraint.  So what is it that the Christian has received freedom from?

Liberty – Freedom from the Law

• Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the ________________ wherewith Christ hath made us ____________, and be not entangled again with the ____________________________.

Apparently there were men in Galatia who were trying to convince the church that circumcision was necessary for the Christian.  Paul takes the occasion to remind the Galatians that they are no longer under the law (the yoke of bondage), but have been made free from the law by Christ.

• Rom 7:4. Q. How have we been made dead to the law?

When Christ died as our perfect sacrifice, he fulfilled the law. All the legal requirements of the Old Testament were satisfied by the life, death and resurrection of Christ.  As a result, those who believe in Christ are made free from the law.

• Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life ________________________hath made me ________________________ of sin and death.

Q. According to Rom 7:6, now that we have received this liberty, how are we to serve? How are we not to serve?

The relationship which Jesus has now given us is not a legal relationship but a love relationship.  The ceremonial and sacrificial laws of the Old Testament all pointed to the coming Messiah, when he came he fulfilled them and therefore did away with them. The moral laws are a different matter.

The moral law is not done away with.  Morality does not stem from the law, it stems from the person of God.  He is holy and the morality by which he demands man govern himself is a reflection of his holiness.

In our society we are seeing laws changed which once upheld moral principles. We believe that if we change the laws we are changing morality, this is not true. God’s moral laws are transcendant, they will always exist because they are rooted in his very person. God’s moral law does not evolve or change with society, it is firmly grounded in his unchanging character and taught in his word.

This new liberty does not free us from God’s morality, but it does change the method by which he chooses to accomplish it.  In the Old testament there was outward pressure from the law, in the New Testament there is inward pressure from the spirit.

The Holy Spirit – The Source of Liberty

• 2 Cor 3:17. Q. What is necessary for there to be liberty?

Look again at • Romans 8:2. Q. What has made us free from the law of sin and death?

• Write out Gal 5:18

The Christian has been freed from the bondage of the law, but this liberty does not mean that we are free to do whatever we want.  We are free from the law but have become servants of Christ.FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

• 2 Cor 5:14. Q. What should constrain (or restrict) us?

Q. How should we now live? Why?

The Christian, although free from the law, has entered into a new relationship which should govern his actions.  The motivation for Christian service should not be the fear of punishment, but should be the answer to Christ’s love for us.

Christian men and women have struggled with this truth since New Testament times. The temptation for man is to intermingle elements of legalism into this new love relationship.  For the Galatians, it was the practice of circumcision, for others it was the keeping of the Sabbath, for others still it was the dietary laws.  Man has always sought to add works to grace in order to satisfy their desire to be in control, and to feel as though they could satisfy God by their own actions. AND TO MEASURE Even some modern denominations seek to put a yoke of bondage on their followers by deemphasizing a life surrendered to the spirit and ephasizing outward rules, regulations and standards. This violates Christian liberty.

The Limits of Liberty

Liberty should not be used to indulge the flesh

• Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto __________________; only use not liberty for an ________________________________, but by love serve one another.

The word occasion used here means starting-point.  We should never use our Christian liberty has a platform or justification for indulging our flesh.

• Write out Rom 13:14

Although we are not legally required to do anything, a right relationship with God, a pure conscience, a proper testimony, and a right response to the substitutionary death of Christ beg us to live spiritual lives, unspotted by the flesh.

The liberty which we now have as Christians is not a license to do whatever we want, but it is the freedom to serve God by choice and out of our love for Him.

• John 14:15. Q. Under what condition does Jesus desire we keep his commandments?

• 1 John 5:2. Q. How do we know that we love the children of God?

Do you struggle with living a life surrendered to God?  According to scripture, this is not due to a lack of obedience or discipline, but to a lack of love.

Liberty should not be exercised when it harms weaker Christians

In 1 Corinthians 8 we learn that the church at Corinth had questions for Paul regarding the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. Paul indicated that  since these idols were not recognized as God and the eating of meat offered to them was not an act of worship, that the Christian had liberty to eat. Q. What limits did Paul recommend to the Corinthians regarding this liberty in 1 Cor 8:9?

• 1 Cor 8:9-13. Q. Who was Paul concerned for in these verses?

Q. According to verse 13, what was Paul willing to do in order to protect the weaker Christian?

Q. Was Paul required to make this decision? ___________.

Paul was willing to forego some of his Christian liberty in order to protect the weaker Christian.  Although he saw no direct command in scripture to avoid eating meat sacrificed to idols, he did not flaunt his Christian liberty and make it a subject of debate. At times,  we must recognize weaker Christians and out of a loving spirit be willing to sacrifice certain liberties in order to protect their spiritual walk.

• Romans 14:1-3. Q. Who did Paul tell the Romans to receive?

The weak Christian in this passage is one who has not availed himself to his Christian liberty.  Although the dietary laws were done away with by Christ, this Christian was uneasy with beginning a free and open diet.

Q. What attitude was the strong Christian to have toward the weak?

Q. What attitude was the weak Christian to have toward the strong?

Look now at • 1 Corinthians 10:23,24 where we see another example of a loving limitation of liberty.

Q. What things were lawful to Paul?________________.

Q. Although all things were lawful they were not __________________.

Expedient means “fit or suitable for a purpose”.  Just because Paul Knew he had liberty to practice somethings, he recognized that those things were not always helpful in reaching others for Christ.  For this reason, he was willing to abstain from them.

Q. Considering verse 24, with what attitude should we practice our liberty?

We should thank God for the new liberty that we have in Christ.  We are free from the bondage of the law. Our responsibility now is to live a spirit-controlled life where our Christian liberty is practiced in a way which always glorifies God.

Tags: holy spirit, liberty, weaker christians
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