Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The 2000 At Solomon’s Porch (3:1-4:4) - Part One
In our previous lesson, we considered the conversion of "The 3000 On Pentecost" precipitated by the outpouring of the Spirit - Ac 2:1-21. Peter had proclaimed the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus - Ac 2:22-36 - In which 3000 souls responded to the gospel commands to repent and be baptized - Ac 2:37-38. The next example of conversion in Acts is one often overlooked. Many charts listing examples of conversions in the Book of Acts do not include it. Perhaps because little is said about those converted, other than "many of those who heard the word believed" -Ac 4:4. But since our purpose includes looking at the sermons which led people to Christ, we should certainly consider Peter’s second gospel sermon, proclaimed on Solomon’s Porch in the temple court. A sermon that led 2000 more people to believe in Jesus Christ! - cf. Ac 4:4
As we did in the previous study, let’s begin with the background of the conversion. Peter and John were going into the temple - Ac 3:1 "The time of prayer was about three o'clock in the afternoon, and Peter and John were going into the temple." Christians had been gathering daily in the temple - Ac 2:46 "Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely," Peter and John arrived at the "hour of prayer, the ninth hour" (3 p.m.).
A man lame from birth had been healed - Ac 3:2-8. He was left daily at the gate of the temple called "Beautiful" - Ac 3:2-3 "A man who had been born lame was being carried to the temple door. Each day he was placed beside this door, known as the Beautiful Gate. He sat there and begged from the people who were going in. The man saw Peter and John entering the temple, and he asked them for money." He ask alms from the people entering the temple and had asked Peter and John for alms. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth - Ac 3:4-8 "But they looked straight at him and said, "Look up at us!" The man stared at them and thought he was going to get something. But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold! But I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, get up and start walking." Peter then took him by the right hand and helped him up. At once the man's feet and ankles became strong, and he jumped up and started walking. He went with Peter and John into the temple, walking and jumping and praising God." The lame man expected alms, but Peter offered him something much better than silver or gold! The miracle was immediate and total!
A crowd had gathered - Ac 3:9-11 "Everyone saw him walking around and praising God. They knew that he was the beggar who had been lying beside the Beautiful Gate, and they were completely surprised. They could not imagine what had happened to the man. While the man kept holding on to Peter and John, the whole crowd ran to them in amazement at the place known as Solomon's Porch." Drawn by the scene of the man walking, praising God; one they knew had been lame from birth - Ac 3:9-10. Amazed and wondering, they gathered in the porch called Solomon’s - Ac 3:11
The similarity to the events in Acts 2 should be apparent. A miraculous event occurs, it attracts the attention of the people. As before, Peter uses the opportunity to proclaim Jesus. Peter explains the true source of the miracle - Ac 3:12-16 "Peter saw that a crowd had gathered, and he said: Friends, why are you surprised at what has happened? Why are you staring at us? Do you think we have some power of our own? Do you think we were able to make this man walk because we are so religious? The God that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our other ancestors worshiped has brought honor to his Servant Jesus. He is the one you betrayed. You turned against him when he was being tried by Pilate, even though Pilate wanted to set him free. You rejected Jesus, who was holy and good. You asked for a murderer to be set free, and you killed the one who leads people to life. But God raised him from death, and all of us can tell you what he has done. You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching."
It was not by the power or godliness of Peter and John themselves, but it was through faith in the One whom they killed! God’s Servant, Jesus, whom the God of their fathers had glorified! Whom they had delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate! Calling Jesus God’s "Servant" may be an allusion to Isa 52:13 "The LORD says: My servant will succeed! He will be given great praise and the highest honors." and 53:12 "The LORD will reward him with honor and power for sacrificing his life. Others thought he was a sinner, but he suffered for our sins and asked God to forgive us."
The Holy One, The Just, The Prince of Life, whom they denied, asking for a murderer to be released in his stead! Whom God raised from the dead, as seen by witnesses! Calling Jesus by these terms emphasized His true person and power. It was through faith in His name that the lame man was healed; note it was Peter and John’s faith in Jesus, not the lame man’s faith. The lame man had not expected a miracle, but silver or gold. Peter acknowledges their ignorance, but still calls upon them to repent - Ac 3:17-26. He recognizes that they and their rulers acted in ignorance. That what happened was foretold through God’s prophets, fulfilling God’s predetermined plan - Ac 2:23 "God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross."
Yet ignorance is no excuse, so they must "repent and be converted" - Ac 3:19 "So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven." Several reasons to respond in this manner are given - Ac 3:19-26. That "your sins may be blotted out", alluding to the ancient practice of erasing mistakes made on papyrus, another way to describe the remission of sins through Jesus’ blood. That "times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord". Here is a positive counterpart to the remission of sins. God provides more than just remission of sins, but refreshment for our spirits. That God "may send Jesus Christ" (a reference to His second coming), who was preached to them before (via the prophets), whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things (of which the prophets of God had also spoken). As an example of the prophets who had spoken, Moses is quoted. Others since Samuel have likewise told of these days. They were "sons of the prophets, and of the covenant" God made with their fathers. A covenant made with Abraham, to bless the world in his seed. A promise fulfilled by God through His Servant Jesus, Whom He raised. Who was sent by God to bless them. To bless them by turning them away from their sins.
In looking at the response to Peter’s sermon we find a negative response by the religious leaders - Ac 4:1-3 "The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night." They were greatly disturbed, because in preaching Jesus, Peter preached the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees in particular denied the idea of a bodily resurrection - Ac 23:6-9. So they had Peter and John placed in custody for trial the next day.
There was also a positive response by many who heard - Ac 4:4 "But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about five thousand followers of the Lord." Many who heard the word "believed". As many as two thousand men accepted the preaching of Peter! The power of the gospel to convict the hearts of men continues to be seen, though with some the effect appears to be a hardening of their hearts. But as we focus on those who responded, what can we glean from this example of these conversions?
In Part 2 of this lesson we will do an analysis of the conversions this event and Peter’s preaching of the gospel message produced.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Conversions In The Book of Acts - Ib
The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) - Part Two
In the continuation of our lesson of the 3000 souls converted on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon an analysis of these conversions is in order. Let’s look at some observations in regard to the sermon and see if we can find an applicable lesson for us today.
Peter’s focus was on the Word, not the signs and wonders. His explanation of the miraculous, the sound of a rushing wind, the fiery tongues and each Apostles speaking a different language, was no more than a quotation from Joel. Having explained the miraculous, he directed their attention to Jesus. Peter’s theme was the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus’ life and death which they knew. It was His resurrection and exaltation to God’s right hand that he seeks to prove. Peter’s objective: for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Messiah (Christ).
The reaction of the people is noteworthy: "cut to the heart" (pricked, very disturbed, convicted, will be found in some other vbersions). This shows the power of God’s word to convict - Ro 1:16 "I am proud of the good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles." When convicted, or convinced of a truth not all people will respond in the same way. For example, when Stephen made his speech in front of the Jewish council they became angry - Ac 7:54 "When the council members heard Stephen's speech, they were angry and furious."
The reaction of the people on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon was "what shall we do?" is also noteworthy. Peter commanded them to "repent", which was what Jesus expected Him to say - Lk 24:46-47 "He told them: The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, (repent, JMN) in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter commanded them to "be baptized", which was also in keeping with what Jesus commanded the apostles - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"; Mk 16:15-16 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."
The purpose of their baptism was explained: "for the remission of sins". The identical phrase was used by Jesus in Mt 26:28 "This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven." His blood was shed for many "for the remission of sins". In both cases, the preposition "for" means "with a view toward, in order to". Jesus shed His blood in order to provide remission of sins. One is baptized in order to receive remission of sins (for in baptism we are baptized into Christ’s death - see. Ro 6:3-6)
Those who were baptized were promised "the gift of the Spirit". I take the gift to be the Spirit Himself - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God." Not something the Spirit gives (such as salvation or spiritual gifts), all who become Christians receive the Spirit - Ga 4:6 "Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father."; 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." The Spirit is therefore "the promise" referred to in verse 39, who was promised by the Father and received by Christ and who was poured out by Christ on the day of Pentecost - Ac 2:33 "Jesus was taken up to sit at the right side of God, and he was given the Holy Spirit, just as the Father had promised. Jesus is also the one who has given the Spirit to us, and that is what you are now seeing and hearing." Thus poured out, one can now receive the in "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Spirit" in baptism, resulting in justification - Ti 3:4-7 "God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life."
Those who were baptized were "added" to the church - Ac 2:41,47 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.", "Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." When one is baptized (i.e., saved), the Lord adds him or her to His church, which is His body - cf. 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." Baptism is therefore the "door" to the church (in the universal, not local) sense.
The lesson for us today is that when preaching, teaching or hearing the gospel message our focus should be on the death, burial, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ - 1 Co 2:1-2 "Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn't use big words or try to sound wise. In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross."; 15:1-4 "My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don't, your faith was all for nothing. I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say." The evidence we offer as support should be the testimony of Scripture (the Old Testament prophecies) and the testimony of the eyewitnesses (the apostles). Our goal is for people to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him to be the Messiah, God’s Anointed One. When people are convicted of sin, and ask "what shall we do?", we should reply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (though not specifically mentioned, it is assumed in the call to "know assuredly...") - Ac 16:30-31 "After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home."’ Repent of your sins - cf. Ac 17:30 "In the past, God forgave all this because people did not know what they were doing. But now he says that everyone everywhere must turn to him." and be baptized for the remission of sins - cf. Ac 10:48 "Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days."; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’ Along with remission of sins, we should tell of the promise of the Spirit. The Spirit’s role in the life of the Christian is important - 1 Co 6:11 "Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God's Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God."; Ro 8:13 "If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say "No" to your desires." While the role of the Spirit is often misunderstood, we should not hesitate to make mention of Him as a promise and gift to those who obey God! - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God."
With the first example of conversion, we find Peter faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world." To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47-48 "They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter also faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord to include baptism along with faith as a proper response to the gospel - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned." To make disciples by baptizing them - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"
Is this the gospel and response being proclaimed today? Some preach the gospel of health and wealth, with a focus on "signs" and "wonders", rather than on the death, resurrection and exaltation of Christ! Some would tell the lost to simply "say the sinner’s prayer", is that what Peter said? Those who presume to preach and teach in the name of Christ, should be careful to preach and teach as did His apostles; those who wish to respond to the grace of God in Christ, should be careful to respond as did those who heard the apostles preach! Have you responded to the preaching of the gospel in the same manner as did "The 3000 On Pentecost"? Remember...
"...those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)
If you have not responded to the gospel message as those 3000 souls on the Day of Pentecost as we have just examined, by all means please contact me directly at jnlnewsted@nts-online.net
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the continuation of our lesson of the 3000 souls converted on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon an analysis of these conversions is in order. Let’s look at some observations in regard to the sermon and see if we can find an applicable lesson for us today.
Peter’s focus was on the Word, not the signs and wonders. His explanation of the miraculous, the sound of a rushing wind, the fiery tongues and each Apostles speaking a different language, was no more than a quotation from Joel. Having explained the miraculous, he directed their attention to Jesus. Peter’s theme was the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus’ life and death which they knew. It was His resurrection and exaltation to God’s right hand that he seeks to prove. Peter’s objective: for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Messiah (Christ).
The reaction of the people is noteworthy: "cut to the heart" (pricked, very disturbed, convicted, will be found in some other vbersions). This shows the power of God’s word to convict - Ro 1:16 "I am proud of the good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles." When convicted, or convinced of a truth not all people will respond in the same way. For example, when Stephen made his speech in front of the Jewish council they became angry - Ac 7:54 "When the council members heard Stephen's speech, they were angry and furious."
The reaction of the people on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon was "what shall we do?" is also noteworthy. Peter commanded them to "repent", which was what Jesus expected Him to say - Lk 24:46-47 "He told them: The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, (repent, JMN) in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter commanded them to "be baptized", which was also in keeping with what Jesus commanded the apostles - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"; Mk 16:15-16 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."
The purpose of their baptism was explained: "for the remission of sins". The identical phrase was used by Jesus in Mt 26:28 "This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven." His blood was shed for many "for the remission of sins". In both cases, the preposition "for" means "with a view toward, in order to". Jesus shed His blood in order to provide remission of sins. One is baptized in order to receive remission of sins (for in baptism we are baptized into Christ’s death - see. Ro 6:3-6)
Those who were baptized were promised "the gift of the Spirit". I take the gift to be the Spirit Himself - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God." Not something the Spirit gives (such as salvation or spiritual gifts), all who become Christians receive the Spirit - Ga 4:6 "Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father."; 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." The Spirit is therefore "the promise" referred to in verse 39, who was promised by the Father and received by Christ and who was poured out by Christ on the day of Pentecost - Ac 2:33 "Jesus was taken up to sit at the right side of God, and he was given the Holy Spirit, just as the Father had promised. Jesus is also the one who has given the Spirit to us, and that is what you are now seeing and hearing." Thus poured out, one can now receive the in "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Spirit" in baptism, resulting in justification - Ti 3:4-7 "God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life."
Those who were baptized were "added" to the church - Ac 2:41,47 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.", "Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." When one is baptized (i.e., saved), the Lord adds him or her to His church, which is His body - cf. 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." Baptism is therefore the "door" to the church (in the universal, not local) sense.
The lesson for us today is that when preaching, teaching or hearing the gospel message our focus should be on the death, burial, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ - 1 Co 2:1-2 "Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn't use big words or try to sound wise. In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross."; 15:1-4 "My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don't, your faith was all for nothing. I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say." The evidence we offer as support should be the testimony of Scripture (the Old Testament prophecies) and the testimony of the eyewitnesses (the apostles). Our goal is for people to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him to be the Messiah, God’s Anointed One. When people are convicted of sin, and ask "what shall we do?", we should reply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (though not specifically mentioned, it is assumed in the call to "know assuredly...") - Ac 16:30-31 "After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home."’ Repent of your sins - cf. Ac 17:30 "In the past, God forgave all this because people did not know what they were doing. But now he says that everyone everywhere must turn to him." and be baptized for the remission of sins - cf. Ac 10:48 "Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days."; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’ Along with remission of sins, we should tell of the promise of the Spirit. The Spirit’s role in the life of the Christian is important - 1 Co 6:11 "Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God's Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God."; Ro 8:13 "If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say "No" to your desires." While the role of the Spirit is often misunderstood, we should not hesitate to make mention of Him as a promise and gift to those who obey God! - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God."
With the first example of conversion, we find Peter faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world." To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47-48 "They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter also faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord to include baptism along with faith as a proper response to the gospel - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned." To make disciples by baptizing them - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"
Is this the gospel and response being proclaimed today? Some preach the gospel of health and wealth, with a focus on "signs" and "wonders", rather than on the death, resurrection and exaltation of Christ! Some would tell the lost to simply "say the sinner’s prayer", is that what Peter said? Those who presume to preach and teach in the name of Christ, should be careful to preach and teach as did His apostles; those who wish to respond to the grace of God in Christ, should be careful to respond as did those who heard the apostles preach! Have you responded to the preaching of the gospel in the same manner as did "The 3000 On Pentecost"? Remember...
"...those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)
If you have not responded to the gospel message as those 3000 souls on the Day of Pentecost as we have just examined, by all means please contact me directly at jnlnewsted@nts-online.net
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Conversions In The Book of Acts - Ia
Having looked at the Gospels Answer to The Problem of Sin we now turn our attention to the Book of Acts where we will be examining the response to the gospel of Christ as it was preached.
Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) - Part One
The Book of Acts serves a unique role in the New Testament and the history of the church. It picks up where the gospels leave off, and serves as the backdrop for the epistles. It details the spread of the gospel, and expansion of the Lord’s church. It is the only record, inspired or otherwise, of the first thirty years of the church. Included in the historical record of Acts are many examples of conversions in which we find the apostles and other preachers leading people to Christ. In some cases we can read the very sermons used to proclaim the gospel. We also have descriptions of what people were told in order to receive God’s saving grace. The value of such examples of conversion cannot be overstated. For today we can hear or see many different "gospels" being proclaimed. Even when the gospel facts are faithfully proclaimed, sometimes people are told to respond in a manner not found in the New Testament. With the help of The Book of Acts, we can make sure that the gospel facts and commands are being faithfully proclaimed!
In this series, we shall examine a number of examples of conversions described in Acts noting the background of each conversion. We will be considering the sermons proclaimed and the responses to them along with analyzing the sermons and responses, seeking to glean the elements of the gospel message and what response to expect of those coming to Christ. In this study, we start with the first example of conversion, "The 3000 On Pentecost", as recorded in Acts 2.
As we begin, let’s do so with the background of the conversion. Please use an open Bible as all the scripture references will not be quoted here, but will only be noted. It was the Day of Pentecost, - Acts 2:1 "On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place." An annual Jewish feast, celebrated 50 days after the presentation of the first fruits. One in which Jews would travel from great distances to attend - Ac 2:5 "Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem."
The Holy Spirit fell on the Apostles - Ac 2:2-13, as promised by John and Jesus - Ac 1:4-5 "While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."; Lk 24:49 "I will send you the one my Father has promised, but you must stay in the city until you are given power from heaven." The Holy Spirit fell on the Apostles accompanied by audible and visual signs. A sound as of a mighty rushing wind - Ac 2:2 "Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting." There were divided tongues as of fire sitting upon each of them - Ac 2:3 "Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there." Enabling the apostles to speak in foreign languages - Ac 2:4-11. Every man heard them speak in his own language - Ac 2:6 "And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages.", 11 "Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done." Those who spoke were "Galileans" (Ac 2:7 "They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee?") suggests the apostles, for the apostles were from Galilee. Whereas the 120 disciples were from all over Palestine. The reaction of the crowd was mixed - Ac 2:12-13 "Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk."’ Some were amazed and perplexed, others mocked, accusing the apostles of being drunk.
Peter explains what is happening. - Ac 2:14-21. It was too early for them to be drunk - Ac 2:14-15 "Peter stood with the eleven apostles and spoke in a loud and clear voice to the crowd: Friends and everyone else living in Jerusalem, listen carefully to what I have to say! You are wrong to think that these people are drunk. After all, it is only nine o'clock in the morning." Rather, it was a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy - Ac 2:16-21, found in Joel 2:28-32 in which God promised to pour out of His Spirit on all flesh. So we find a large gathering of religious people initially drawn by the miraculous events which occurred this day in Jerusalem. Having explained the meaning of the events, Peter immediately proceeded with the first recorded gospel sermon.
Having looked at the background events, let’s now turn the sermon by Peter and the response as Jesus is proclaimed. Peter began with the life and miracles of Jesus, with which his audience was well acquainted - Ac 2:22 "Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this." He laid the blame of Jesus’ death at their feet, but said it was in keeping with God’s predetermined plan - Ac 2:23 "God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross." He declared that God raised Jesus from the dead, and provided three lines of evidence - Ac 2:24-35. The testimony of David - Ac 2:25-31 "What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me." My friends, it is right for me to speak to you about our ancestor David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is still here. But David was a prophet, and he knew that God had made a promise he would not break. He had told David that someone from his own family would someday be king. David knew this would happen, and so he told us that Christ would be raised to life. He said that God would not leave him in the grave or let his body decay." David had prophesied of the resurrection of God’s Anointed - Psa 16:8-11 "I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest. I am your chosen one. You won't leave me in the grave or let my body decay. You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful." David could not have been speaking of himself, but of Jesus. -- Thus, the testimony of Scripture.
The testimony of the twelve apostles - Ac 2:32 "All of us can tell you that God has raised Jesus to life!" The Apostles had to be eyewitnesses to qualify as apostles - Ac 1:21 "So we need someone else to help us tell others that Jesus has been raised from death. He must also be one of the men who was with us from the very beginning. He must have been with us from the time the Lord Jesus was baptized by John until the day he was taken to heaven." With twelve witnesses, the demands of Scripture were overwhelmingly met ("by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.") -- Thus, the testimony of eyewitnesses.
The testimony of the Spirit’s outpouring - Ac 3:33-35 "Jesus was taken up to sit at the right side of God, and he was given the Holy Spirit, just as the Father had promised. Jesus is also the one who has given the Spirit to us, and that is what you are now seeing and hearing. David didn't go up to heaven. So he wasn't talking about himself when he said, "The Lord told my Lord to sit at his right side, until he made my Lord's enemies into a footstool for him."’ The outpouring of the Spirit on that day, was evidence of Christ’s exaltation to the right hand of God and Christ receiving from the Father the promise of the Spirit. And so another prophecy of David was fulfilled - cf. Psa 110:1 "The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right side, until I make your enemies into a footstool for you."’ -- Thus, the testimony of the day’s events.
Finally, Peter reached the climax of his sermon - Ac 2:36 "Everyone in Israel should then know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, even though you put him to death on a cross." The Jesus they crucified, God had made "Lord" (Ruler of all - cf. Mt 28:18), "Christ" (The Anointed One prophesied in Scripture). This fact they were to "know assuredly", to understand, to accept as fact, to believe firmly.
In response to Peter’s sermon the listeners were convicted - Ac 2:37 "When the people heard this, they were very upset. They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Friends, what shall we do?"’ They were "pricked to the heart" (ASV, KJV). They asked "what shall we do?". Peter replied with commands and a promise - Ac 2:38-39 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live."’ The commands to repent (turn back to God) and be baptized for the remission of sins. The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, a promise for "as many as the Lord our God will call". Luke then summarized what followed. Peter continued to offer testimony and exhortation - Ac 2:40 "Peter told them many other things as well. Then he said, "I beg you to save yourselves from what will happen to all these evil people."’ Those who "gladly received his word were baptized" - Ac 2:41 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized." 3000 souls were "added" (later, we learn it was the Lord who was adding them to His church - Ac 2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." KJV) With this response to Peter’s sermon, the Lord’s church began in Jerusalem (Ac 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." KJV). It was an amazing day, in which 3000 souls responded to the gospel of Christ. What can be gleaned from this example of conversion?
In our next lesson we will do some analysis of the conversions and look at some observations regarding Peter’s sermon.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) - Part One
The Book of Acts serves a unique role in the New Testament and the history of the church. It picks up where the gospels leave off, and serves as the backdrop for the epistles. It details the spread of the gospel, and expansion of the Lord’s church. It is the only record, inspired or otherwise, of the first thirty years of the church. Included in the historical record of Acts are many examples of conversions in which we find the apostles and other preachers leading people to Christ. In some cases we can read the very sermons used to proclaim the gospel. We also have descriptions of what people were told in order to receive God’s saving grace. The value of such examples of conversion cannot be overstated. For today we can hear or see many different "gospels" being proclaimed. Even when the gospel facts are faithfully proclaimed, sometimes people are told to respond in a manner not found in the New Testament. With the help of The Book of Acts, we can make sure that the gospel facts and commands are being faithfully proclaimed!
In this series, we shall examine a number of examples of conversions described in Acts noting the background of each conversion. We will be considering the sermons proclaimed and the responses to them along with analyzing the sermons and responses, seeking to glean the elements of the gospel message and what response to expect of those coming to Christ. In this study, we start with the first example of conversion, "The 3000 On Pentecost", as recorded in Acts 2.
As we begin, let’s do so with the background of the conversion. Please use an open Bible as all the scripture references will not be quoted here, but will only be noted. It was the Day of Pentecost, - Acts 2:1 "On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place." An annual Jewish feast, celebrated 50 days after the presentation of the first fruits. One in which Jews would travel from great distances to attend - Ac 2:5 "Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem."
The Holy Spirit fell on the Apostles - Ac 2:2-13, as promised by John and Jesus - Ac 1:4-5 "While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."; Lk 24:49 "I will send you the one my Father has promised, but you must stay in the city until you are given power from heaven." The Holy Spirit fell on the Apostles accompanied by audible and visual signs. A sound as of a mighty rushing wind - Ac 2:2 "Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting." There were divided tongues as of fire sitting upon each of them - Ac 2:3 "Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there." Enabling the apostles to speak in foreign languages - Ac 2:4-11. Every man heard them speak in his own language - Ac 2:6 "And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages.", 11 "Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done." Those who spoke were "Galileans" (Ac 2:7 "They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee?") suggests the apostles, for the apostles were from Galilee. Whereas the 120 disciples were from all over Palestine. The reaction of the crowd was mixed - Ac 2:12-13 "Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk."’ Some were amazed and perplexed, others mocked, accusing the apostles of being drunk.
Peter explains what is happening. - Ac 2:14-21. It was too early for them to be drunk - Ac 2:14-15 "Peter stood with the eleven apostles and spoke in a loud and clear voice to the crowd: Friends and everyone else living in Jerusalem, listen carefully to what I have to say! You are wrong to think that these people are drunk. After all, it is only nine o'clock in the morning." Rather, it was a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy - Ac 2:16-21, found in Joel 2:28-32 in which God promised to pour out of His Spirit on all flesh. So we find a large gathering of religious people initially drawn by the miraculous events which occurred this day in Jerusalem. Having explained the meaning of the events, Peter immediately proceeded with the first recorded gospel sermon.
Having looked at the background events, let’s now turn the sermon by Peter and the response as Jesus is proclaimed. Peter began with the life and miracles of Jesus, with which his audience was well acquainted - Ac 2:22 "Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this." He laid the blame of Jesus’ death at their feet, but said it was in keeping with God’s predetermined plan - Ac 2:23 "God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross." He declared that God raised Jesus from the dead, and provided three lines of evidence - Ac 2:24-35. The testimony of David - Ac 2:25-31 "What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me." My friends, it is right for me to speak to you about our ancestor David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is still here. But David was a prophet, and he knew that God had made a promise he would not break. He had told David that someone from his own family would someday be king. David knew this would happen, and so he told us that Christ would be raised to life. He said that God would not leave him in the grave or let his body decay." David had prophesied of the resurrection of God’s Anointed - Psa 16:8-11 "I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest. I am your chosen one. You won't leave me in the grave or let my body decay. You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful." David could not have been speaking of himself, but of Jesus. -- Thus, the testimony of Scripture.
The testimony of the twelve apostles - Ac 2:32 "All of us can tell you that God has raised Jesus to life!" The Apostles had to be eyewitnesses to qualify as apostles - Ac 1:21 "So we need someone else to help us tell others that Jesus has been raised from death. He must also be one of the men who was with us from the very beginning. He must have been with us from the time the Lord Jesus was baptized by John until the day he was taken to heaven." With twelve witnesses, the demands of Scripture were overwhelmingly met ("by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.") -- Thus, the testimony of eyewitnesses.
The testimony of the Spirit’s outpouring - Ac 3:33-35 "Jesus was taken up to sit at the right side of God, and he was given the Holy Spirit, just as the Father had promised. Jesus is also the one who has given the Spirit to us, and that is what you are now seeing and hearing. David didn't go up to heaven. So he wasn't talking about himself when he said, "The Lord told my Lord to sit at his right side, until he made my Lord's enemies into a footstool for him."’ The outpouring of the Spirit on that day, was evidence of Christ’s exaltation to the right hand of God and Christ receiving from the Father the promise of the Spirit. And so another prophecy of David was fulfilled - cf. Psa 110:1 "The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right side, until I make your enemies into a footstool for you."’ -- Thus, the testimony of the day’s events.
Finally, Peter reached the climax of his sermon - Ac 2:36 "Everyone in Israel should then know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, even though you put him to death on a cross." The Jesus they crucified, God had made "Lord" (Ruler of all - cf. Mt 28:18), "Christ" (The Anointed One prophesied in Scripture). This fact they were to "know assuredly", to understand, to accept as fact, to believe firmly.
In response to Peter’s sermon the listeners were convicted - Ac 2:37 "When the people heard this, they were very upset. They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Friends, what shall we do?"’ They were "pricked to the heart" (ASV, KJV). They asked "what shall we do?". Peter replied with commands and a promise - Ac 2:38-39 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live."’ The commands to repent (turn back to God) and be baptized for the remission of sins. The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, a promise for "as many as the Lord our God will call". Luke then summarized what followed. Peter continued to offer testimony and exhortation - Ac 2:40 "Peter told them many other things as well. Then he said, "I beg you to save yourselves from what will happen to all these evil people."’ Those who "gladly received his word were baptized" - Ac 2:41 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized." 3000 souls were "added" (later, we learn it was the Lord who was adding them to His church - Ac 2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." KJV) With this response to Peter’s sermon, the Lord’s church began in Jerusalem (Ac 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." KJV). It was an amazing day, in which 3000 souls responded to the gospel of Christ. What can be gleaned from this example of conversion?
In our next lesson we will do some analysis of the conversions and look at some observations regarding Peter’s sermon.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, April 09, 2006
The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part Two
The Gospel Of Christ And The Problem Of Sin
The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part Two
(The Gift Of Eternal Life)
No matter what the result of sin, the promise of eternal life more than makes up for it! The gospel promises even now "Eternal Life". John speaks of this "life" as a present possession in 1 Jn 5:11-13 "God has also said that he gave us eternal life and that this life comes to us from his Son. And so, if we have God's Son, we have this life. But if we don't have the Son, we don't have this life. All of you have faith in the Son of God, and I have written to let you know that you have eternal life." This is "eternal life" in the sense of knowing God and Jesus in a special way, having fellowship with them - Jn 17:3 "Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent."; 1 Jn 5:20 "We know that Jesus Christ the Son of God has come and has shown us the true God. And because of Jesus, we now belong to the true God who gives eternal life." With this type of "eternal life" one is no longer "dead in sin"; one is no longer "separated from God". The emphasis is on the quality of life, not quantity - Jn 10:10 "A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest." "Eternal life" in this sense begins when we rise from the watery grave of baptism. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Ro 6:4. This is because in baptism our sins are forgiven by the blood of Christ - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit"; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’ We enter into a new relationship with God, having put on Christ - Ga 3:26-27 "All of you are God's children because of your faith in Christ Jesus. And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes." We who were once dead "spiritually", are now "made alive"! - Ep 2:1 "In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God.", 4-9 "But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you. God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about."
The gospel promises "the hope of the resurrection". Jesus spoke of this "hope" in Jn 5:28-29 "Don't be surprised! The time will come when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of Man, and they will come out of their graves. Everyone who has done good things will rise to life, but everyone who has done evil things will rise and be condemned." Paul wrote of this wonderful "hope" in 1 Co 15:20-23 "But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns.", 50-58 "My friends, I want you to know that our bodies of flesh and blood will decay. This means that they cannot share in God's kingdom, which lasts forever. I will explain a mystery to you. Not every one of us will die, but we will all be changed. It will happen suddenly, quicker than the blink of an eye. At the sound of the last trumpet the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so that we will never die again. Our dead and decaying bodies will be changed into bodies that won't die or decay. The bodies we now have are weak and can die. But they will be changed into bodies that are eternal. Then the Scriptures will come true, "Death has lost the battle! Where is its victory? Where is its sting?" Sin is what gives death its sting, and the Law is the power behind sin. But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile." This hope of the resurrection we have is based upon our conviction that Jesus Himself was raised from the dead - 1 Pe 1:3 "Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on." With such hope, "physical" death has lost much of its sting - 1 Th 4:13-18 "My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won't grieve over them and be like people who don't have any hope. We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died. Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won't go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died. With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God's trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. Encourage each other with these words."
The gospel promises "the hope of eternal life." In this sense, "eternal life" is still a future promise (and not a present possession). Jesus spoke of "eternal life" in this sense, in Mt 25:46 "Then Jesus said, "Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life."’; Mk 10:29-30 "Jesus told him: You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or land for me and for the good news will be rewarded. In this world they will be given a hundred times as many houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and pieces of land, though they will also be mistreated. And in the world to come, they will have eternal life." Paul spoke of "eternal life" as a future hope in 2 Ti 1:1 "From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus. God himself chose me to be an apostle, and he gave me the promised life that Jesus Christ makes possible."; Ti 1:2 "Then they will have the hope of eternal life that God promised long ago. And God never tells a lie!" This "eternal life", which is yet to be realized by those who are in Christ comes after one has:
Been set free from sin (which occurs in baptism - Ro 6:3-7)
Becomes a slave to God (which occurs when we present our selves as servants of righteousness - Ro 6:17-19)
Produced the fruit of holiness - Ro 6:22
Note carefully what Paul says: "...and the end everlasting life." Everlasting life comes at "the end" of a life that has borne fruit unto holiness! It is a gift, yes (Ro 6:23), but in the text Paul is speaking about a gift that one receives at "the end" of the Christian's faithful life! Comes after the resurrection and judgment - Mt 25:31-34,46. Comes to those who patiently do the will of God! - Ro 2:4-7. Offers honor, peace and glory to those who receive it - Ro 2:8-11. Is beautifully described by the apostle John in Re 21:1-7; 22:1-5.
This is how the gospel addresses the result of sin; in response to:
"spiritual death" (where our sins separate us from God) there is "eternal life" (in the sense of knowing the Lord, which begins at one's conversion).
"physical death", there is "the resurrection from the dead" (which occurs at the coming of Christ)
The "second death" (eternal separation from God), there is "eternal life" (in the sense of eternity with God and Christ, which begins after the Judgment)
Thus the gospel of Christ effectively deals with the result of sin!
I hope that we better understand the wonderful grace of Christ; why Paul calls it "the gospel of the grace of God" (Ac 20:24). Even the commands to be obeyed involve God's grace: We must believe in Christ, if we are to stop the love of sin; yet by grace God's Word produces such faith! - Ro 10:17 "No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ." We must repent, if we are to end the practice of sin; yet it is God's goodness (i.e., by grace) which leads us to repentance - Ro 2:4 "You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don't you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?" We must be baptized into Christ, if we are to change the state of sin; yet, even in this, it is by grace (for God is the one who is at work in cleansing our sins and regenerating us anew) - Co 2:12 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death." How much more are the promises of the gospel indicative of God's marvelous grace! The remission of sins removes the guilt of sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome the power of sin. Eternal life is God's gracious gift in response to the result of sin. Have you accepted the grace of God by obeying the gospel of Christ? If not, may the words of Paul encourage you do so today.
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. - 2 Co 6:1-2
If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. May God be with you!
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part Two
(The Gift Of Eternal Life)
No matter what the result of sin, the promise of eternal life more than makes up for it! The gospel promises even now "Eternal Life". John speaks of this "life" as a present possession in 1 Jn 5:11-13 "God has also said that he gave us eternal life and that this life comes to us from his Son. And so, if we have God's Son, we have this life. But if we don't have the Son, we don't have this life. All of you have faith in the Son of God, and I have written to let you know that you have eternal life." This is "eternal life" in the sense of knowing God and Jesus in a special way, having fellowship with them - Jn 17:3 "Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent."; 1 Jn 5:20 "We know that Jesus Christ the Son of God has come and has shown us the true God. And because of Jesus, we now belong to the true God who gives eternal life." With this type of "eternal life" one is no longer "dead in sin"; one is no longer "separated from God". The emphasis is on the quality of life, not quantity - Jn 10:10 "A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest." "Eternal life" in this sense begins when we rise from the watery grave of baptism. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Ro 6:4. This is because in baptism our sins are forgiven by the blood of Christ - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit"; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’ We enter into a new relationship with God, having put on Christ - Ga 3:26-27 "All of you are God's children because of your faith in Christ Jesus. And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes." We who were once dead "spiritually", are now "made alive"! - Ep 2:1 "In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God.", 4-9 "But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you. God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about."
The gospel promises "the hope of the resurrection". Jesus spoke of this "hope" in Jn 5:28-29 "Don't be surprised! The time will come when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of Man, and they will come out of their graves. Everyone who has done good things will rise to life, but everyone who has done evil things will rise and be condemned." Paul wrote of this wonderful "hope" in 1 Co 15:20-23 "But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns.", 50-58 "My friends, I want you to know that our bodies of flesh and blood will decay. This means that they cannot share in God's kingdom, which lasts forever. I will explain a mystery to you. Not every one of us will die, but we will all be changed. It will happen suddenly, quicker than the blink of an eye. At the sound of the last trumpet the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so that we will never die again. Our dead and decaying bodies will be changed into bodies that won't die or decay. The bodies we now have are weak and can die. But they will be changed into bodies that are eternal. Then the Scriptures will come true, "Death has lost the battle! Where is its victory? Where is its sting?" Sin is what gives death its sting, and the Law is the power behind sin. But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile." This hope of the resurrection we have is based upon our conviction that Jesus Himself was raised from the dead - 1 Pe 1:3 "Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on." With such hope, "physical" death has lost much of its sting - 1 Th 4:13-18 "My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won't grieve over them and be like people who don't have any hope. We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died. Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won't go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died. With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God's trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. Encourage each other with these words."
The gospel promises "the hope of eternal life." In this sense, "eternal life" is still a future promise (and not a present possession). Jesus spoke of "eternal life" in this sense, in Mt 25:46 "Then Jesus said, "Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life."’; Mk 10:29-30 "Jesus told him: You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or land for me and for the good news will be rewarded. In this world they will be given a hundred times as many houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and pieces of land, though they will also be mistreated. And in the world to come, they will have eternal life." Paul spoke of "eternal life" as a future hope in 2 Ti 1:1 "From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus. God himself chose me to be an apostle, and he gave me the promised life that Jesus Christ makes possible."; Ti 1:2 "Then they will have the hope of eternal life that God promised long ago. And God never tells a lie!" This "eternal life", which is yet to be realized by those who are in Christ comes after one has:
Been set free from sin (which occurs in baptism - Ro 6:3-7)
Becomes a slave to God (which occurs when we present our selves as servants of righteousness - Ro 6:17-19)
Produced the fruit of holiness - Ro 6:22
Note carefully what Paul says: "...and the end everlasting life." Everlasting life comes at "the end" of a life that has borne fruit unto holiness! It is a gift, yes (Ro 6:23), but in the text Paul is speaking about a gift that one receives at "the end" of the Christian's faithful life! Comes after the resurrection and judgment - Mt 25:31-34,46. Comes to those who patiently do the will of God! - Ro 2:4-7. Offers honor, peace and glory to those who receive it - Ro 2:8-11. Is beautifully described by the apostle John in Re 21:1-7; 22:1-5.
This is how the gospel addresses the result of sin; in response to:
"spiritual death" (where our sins separate us from God) there is "eternal life" (in the sense of knowing the Lord, which begins at one's conversion).
"physical death", there is "the resurrection from the dead" (which occurs at the coming of Christ)
The "second death" (eternal separation from God), there is "eternal life" (in the sense of eternity with God and Christ, which begins after the Judgment)
Thus the gospel of Christ effectively deals with the result of sin!
I hope that we better understand the wonderful grace of Christ; why Paul calls it "the gospel of the grace of God" (Ac 20:24). Even the commands to be obeyed involve God's grace: We must believe in Christ, if we are to stop the love of sin; yet by grace God's Word produces such faith! - Ro 10:17 "No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ." We must repent, if we are to end the practice of sin; yet it is God's goodness (i.e., by grace) which leads us to repentance - Ro 2:4 "You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don't you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?" We must be baptized into Christ, if we are to change the state of sin; yet, even in this, it is by grace (for God is the one who is at work in cleansing our sins and regenerating us anew) - Co 2:12 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death." How much more are the promises of the gospel indicative of God's marvelous grace! The remission of sins removes the guilt of sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome the power of sin. Eternal life is God's gracious gift in response to the result of sin. Have you accepted the grace of God by obeying the gospel of Christ? If not, may the words of Paul encourage you do so today.
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. - 2 Co 6:1-2
If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. May God be with you!
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
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Sunday, April 02, 2006
The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part One
The Gospel Of Christ And The Problem Of Sin
The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part One
(The Gift Of Eternal Life)
The purpose in this series of lessons has been to help us understand and appreciate how the
gospel of Christ is indeed God's power to save us - Ro 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith." (ASV) We have examined various aspects of the problem of sin, and then how the gospel of Christ with its commands and promises effectively addresses the problem of sin. To summarize thus far...
When the command to believe is obeyed, the love of sin is addressed. When the command to repent is obeyed, the practice of sin is dealt with. When the command to be baptized is submitted to, the state of sin is changed. When we have obeyed these commands, we receive wonderful promises...
Remission of sins , which removes the guilt of sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to deal with the power of sin. In this final lesson, we shall examine another promise which deals with the result of sin: the promise of eternal life - Ro 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (ASV)
In the first lesson, we touched briefly on the result of sin; we shall now examine it more carefully by looking at the "result" of sin. One result of sin is "spiritual death". The death referred to by God when He warned Adam & Eve - Gen 2:15-17 "The LORD God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it. But the LORD told him, "You may eat fruit from any tree in the garden, except the one that has the power to let you know the difference between right and wrong. If you eat any fruit from that tree, you will die before the day is over!"’ Note: "...for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (KJV) They did not die "physically" in the day they ate of the forbidden fruit, but they did die "spiritually" in that day. "Spiritual" death is "separation from God". Death of any sort involves the idea of "separation". Just as physical death is the separation of body and spirit - Ja 2:26 "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead." (ASV) "Spiritual" death is what occurs when all sin - Ro 5:12 "Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die." It occurs when we reach that "age of accountability" where we know the difference between right and wrong, and then violate God's law - Ro 7:9 "Before I knew about the Law, I was alive. But as soon as I heard that command, sin came to life," This is the "death" referred to in Ep 2:1-3 "In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else." All who are outside of Christ are "dead in sin" Those who are "dead in sin" are separated from God and all the blessings that would otherwise come from a union with Him - Isa 59:1-2 "The LORD hasn't lost his powerful strength; he can still hear and answer prayers. Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That's why he doesn't answer your prayers or let you see his face."
Another result of sin is "physical death." Because of their sin, Adam and Even lost access to the "tree of life" - Gen 3:22-24 "The LORD said, "These people now know the difference between right and wrong, just as we do. But they must not be allowed to eat fruit from the tree that lets them live forever." So the LORD God sent them out of the Garden of Eden, where they would have to work the ground from which the man had been made. Then God put winged creatures at the entrance to the garden and a flaming, flashing sword to guard the way to the life-giving tree." Because access to the "tree of life" was lost, all mankind is subject to "physical" death
- "in Adam all die" (1 Co 15:22a)
The final result of sin is the "second death". This death is referred to in Re 21:8 "But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death." This "death" involves eternal separation from God! This "death" Jesus often spoke of and warned about - Mt 10:28 "Don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell."; 25:41-46 "Then the king will say to those on his left, "Get away from me! You are under God's curse. Go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels! I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat, and I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me." Then the people will ask, "Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?" The king will say to them, "Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me." Then Jesus said, "Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life."’ Truly, in more than one sense, "the wages of sin is death" (Ro 6:23); but the same can be said about "the gift of eternal life"!
The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part One
(The Gift Of Eternal Life)
The purpose in this series of lessons has been to help us understand and appreciate how the
gospel of Christ is indeed God's power to save us - Ro 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith." (ASV) We have examined various aspects of the problem of sin, and then how the gospel of Christ with its commands and promises effectively addresses the problem of sin. To summarize thus far...
When the command to believe is obeyed, the love of sin is addressed. When the command to repent is obeyed, the practice of sin is dealt with. When the command to be baptized is submitted to, the state of sin is changed. When we have obeyed these commands, we receive wonderful promises...
Remission of sins , which removes the guilt of sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to deal with the power of sin. In this final lesson, we shall examine another promise which deals with the result of sin: the promise of eternal life - Ro 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (ASV)
In the first lesson, we touched briefly on the result of sin; we shall now examine it more carefully by looking at the "result" of sin. One result of sin is "spiritual death". The death referred to by God when He warned Adam & Eve - Gen 2:15-17 "The LORD God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it. But the LORD told him, "You may eat fruit from any tree in the garden, except the one that has the power to let you know the difference between right and wrong. If you eat any fruit from that tree, you will die before the day is over!"’ Note: "...for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (KJV) They did not die "physically" in the day they ate of the forbidden fruit, but they did die "spiritually" in that day. "Spiritual" death is "separation from God". Death of any sort involves the idea of "separation". Just as physical death is the separation of body and spirit - Ja 2:26 "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead." (ASV) "Spiritual" death is what occurs when all sin - Ro 5:12 "Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die." It occurs when we reach that "age of accountability" where we know the difference between right and wrong, and then violate God's law - Ro 7:9 "Before I knew about the Law, I was alive. But as soon as I heard that command, sin came to life," This is the "death" referred to in Ep 2:1-3 "In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else." All who are outside of Christ are "dead in sin" Those who are "dead in sin" are separated from God and all the blessings that would otherwise come from a union with Him - Isa 59:1-2 "The LORD hasn't lost his powerful strength; he can still hear and answer prayers. Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That's why he doesn't answer your prayers or let you see his face."
Another result of sin is "physical death." Because of their sin, Adam and Even lost access to the "tree of life" - Gen 3:22-24 "The LORD said, "These people now know the difference between right and wrong, just as we do. But they must not be allowed to eat fruit from the tree that lets them live forever." So the LORD God sent them out of the Garden of Eden, where they would have to work the ground from which the man had been made. Then God put winged creatures at the entrance to the garden and a flaming, flashing sword to guard the way to the life-giving tree." Because access to the "tree of life" was lost, all mankind is subject to "physical" death
- "in Adam all die" (1 Co 15:22a)
The final result of sin is the "second death". This death is referred to in Re 21:8 "But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death." This "death" involves eternal separation from God! This "death" Jesus often spoke of and warned about - Mt 10:28 "Don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell."; 25:41-46 "Then the king will say to those on his left, "Get away from me! You are under God's curse. Go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels! I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat, and I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me." Then the people will ask, "Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?" The king will say to them, "Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me." Then Jesus said, "Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life."’ Truly, in more than one sense, "the wages of sin is death" (Ro 6:23); but the same can be said about "the gift of eternal life"!
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