The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • To Live is Christ

    “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
    Philippians 1:21

    Paul wrote a letter to Philemon. Philemon was a Christian and a fellow laborer with Paul and Timothy. “Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints” (Philemon 1:5). Philemon was a faithful Christian, and Paul acknowledged the love and faith revealed in his life. Paul prayed for him. “6. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother” (Philemon 1:6-7). Paul specifically wrote Philemon of the importance not only telling of others of his faith in Christ, but he also encouraged him to live a life of faith. By living a life that pleased Christ, he was to understand that it encouraged other believers. This is important for Christians to recognize today, too.

    Previously, Paul had written words of encouragement to help the church at Philippi to live more Christ-like. These words are just as important for Christians, today. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment” (Philippians 1:9). Christians are called to love fellow Believers. However, it is important to understand a few things. The following definitions will help understand what Paul was trying to help them understand.

    • Knowledge means “the knowledge which enables one to avoid error.”
    • Judgment means “knowledge based upon experience; to become cognizant of; experiential knowledge which is or becomes naturally manifold.”

    It is important to avoid error, and often times that comes from becoming aware of situations. He wanted them to know God’s Word and become Christ-like enough to be able to avoid certain things.

    In these things, Paul wanted them to continue growing as they had. Why? “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10).

    • Approve means “to put to the proof, or examine by examining and judging; to distinguish.” 
    • Sincere means “to discern.”

    Paul wanted the Christians at Philippi to recognize the things that really mattered “things that are excellent.” By knowing them, they would be able to live more Christ-like, self-checking and discerning right from wrong, without failing. Because Paul loved them, he wanted to encourage and teach them. Each Christian is called to continue to grow in Christ.

    Paul understood that the people at Philippi were concerned for Paul and his safety. The things that had happened to Paul, although they appeared to be bad, Paul understood that they were actually good. Remember when Paul was in Philippi: he cast a spirit of divination out of a young girl, healing her, and it cost him a beating and imprisonment. Nevertheless, that imprisonment, dealt with in the right spirit, was beneficial for a man and his family who came to know Jesus. Because Paul and Silas praised God through song, and the jailer heard, they were able to be a witness to him. Once the jailer heard about Jesus, he was saved and his house. Paul wanted the Philippians to recall this event. “12. But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14. And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14). As we have learned, that was not the only time Paul was beaten or imprisoned. However, any thing that happened to Paul that the world would call “bad” or “unlucky,” God used it to further the Gospel message in the way Paul responded in each situation. Instead of becoming afraid of what man could, or would, do to him, he became bolder in speaking out for Jesus – “without fear.”

    Paul was a mighty example. Read what he not only believed, but also lived: “20. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). Instead of choosing what he wanted for his life, he chose to live his life for Jesus.

    Have you chosen to live for Christ, that in nothing you shall be ashamed?

  • The Work of Faith

    “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
    Philippians 1:6

    First Thessalonians was written to the church at Thessalonica, which Paul established on his second missionary journey (see Acts 17). There had been an uprising incited by Jews who rejected the teaching of Jesus, and Paul and Silas were sent away by night – keeping them safe. Although they had not been in Thessalonica long, enough people believed when they heard the Gospel message preached, and a church was established.

    Paul recognized their “work of faith” as he wrote to this church. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). It would be good to remember what Jesus had told the people when they asked him what work they must do. “28. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29. Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:28-29). That One whom God sent is Jesus. Our only work of salvation is to believe in Jesus, whom God sent. Once you believe in Jesus by faith, He will be with you, helping you – always. Paul also wrote about this in his letter to the Philippians. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).  In this verse, recognize that the “good work in you” refers to what Jesus had explained. It is faith (belief) in Jesus. It is referred to as our only work for salvation. But if you noticed, Paul also commended their “labour of love.” This tells of how they revealed their love for Christ by obeying His Word and becoming more like Him. Read how this is revealed in the book of James. “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18).  Faith and works go hand in hand to reveal Jesus to the lost world. It is important to understand that believing in Jesus is vital, but it is just as important to put the principles of God’s Word into action in one’s life. It is then that God is able to work, and the world will see what God has done in the heart.

    This faith and labor of love led them to the “patience of hope” that was revealed in them. In each chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul reminded them of that hope – as they waited for the return of Jesus to take them home to heaven.

    Paul also had an important message for them. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Paul declared that they (Paul, Silas, and Timothy) had preached the Gospel message of Jesus. Remember that Gospel message they preached: “1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved …3. … how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Paul recognized that this Gospel message had come to the people in Thessalonica not “in word only.” Sure, they heard the words of the Gospel message, but Paul wanted them to understand something else. Those words came to them in “power, and in the Holy Ghost.” To understand this better, see the following. “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). One is “called” by the conviction by the Holy Spirit of sin in one’s heart after hearing that Gospel message. What one does with that call (that conviction) is up to the individual. Some repent (have a change of heart and mind about sin, turning away from that sin toward Christ). Remember that is our only “work” for salvation. Others refuse that call (that conviction), choosing instead to continue on the path that leads away from a changed life in Christ. Each person has to make that choice. However, when one responds to that call, there is a specific power revealed. Read what Paul wrote about it. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The Gospel message of Christ is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes. It is then that one is able to live a Christ-like life – which is what Paul, Silas, and Timothy had done.

    Have you believed, by faith, in Jesus which is the power of God unto salvation, enabling you to live a Christ-like life?

    How to be Saved

  • The Christian’s Goal

    I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
    Philippians 3:14

    Paul, the Apostle, lived as a mighty example of a Christ-like life. He had once tried serving a religion, but when he met Jesus, he understood the uselessness of it (see Philippians 3:1-10).            

    Although Paul was not perfect, he understood that the goal of his life was to follow Jesus – wherever that may lead him (remember, he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi from prison!). “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12). Paul understood something very important that Christians today should understand, too. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). John wrote, understanding that without God loving us first, we could never love Him. Do you remember how God revealed His love to us? “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be the “propitiation for our sins.” This means that Jesus became the atoning sacrifice that God demanded for my sin, taking away my penalty of death – for Jesus died for me. Because of that, Paul declared, “I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” When Paul relinquished his will, trusting Christ, Paul had been saved. He then belonged to Jesus. However, living here on earth, he still lived in his physical body, in a world of sin. Nevertheless, Paul understood that by following after the things of Christ, he was becoming more like Christ. Because of that, Paul wanted to “apprehend” a Christ-like life. Moreover, one day Paul would be in heaven with Jesus, perfect in every way.

    Paul used a race to help understand something one cannot physically see. The Christian life is a spiritual one, and you cannot see the spirit. However, one can see the results of living a Christ-like life, and that is what Paul wanted Christians to understand. Just as in a race, one must focus the eyes upon the goal, the finish line, without looking back. “13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Each Christian is to strive to know God by understanding and living a Christ-like life.    

    How can a Christian who lives in this world possibly reach for and live a Christ-like life? Remember back to what Paul already told them in Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” No one can do it unless that Christian has the mind of Christ. Being like Jesus must be the goal in a Christian’s life. “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:15). Perfect means “full-grown in the knowledge of the truth in comparison to the babes in Christ.” Another way to understand it is that there are mature Christians who know and understand God’s Word. Be thus minded means “to think or sense mentally one and the same thing; as in ‘the same mind be in you as in Christ.’” Paul was setting himself up as an example of one who had learned to have the mind of Christ. The Christians were to follow his example, and any other who lived the same – and God would reveal the right Christian lifestyle example to follow. “16. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Philippians 3:16-17). Paul lived his Christian life becoming more like Christ. He was a great example to follow. Part of their Christian duty was to recognize fellow Christians who were striving to become more Christ-like, because they could be examples as well.

    However, Paul parenthetically gave an important warning. “18. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” (Philippians 3:18-19). There are many who do not strive to be Christ-like, and instead become enemies of the cross. They were to recognize true followers of Christ, following them, and remember the enemies Paul warned them to avoid – those who mind earthly things.

    Paul reminded them of something important. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Although we live here on this earth now, Paul wanted them to remember that a Christian’s home (the word conversation means “citizenship”) is (and one day will forever be) in heaven with Jesus. We are to look for Jesus, the Saviour, who will return for us one day.

    Do you have the mind of Christ, which enables you to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?

  • Work out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

    “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
    Philippians 2:12

    Paul wrote the book of Philippians to a church he had established on his second missionary journey while accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and Luke (see Acts 16). Paul rejoiced after hearing about the church at Philippi and the growth they had experienced, encouraging them to continue growing in Christ. They were to live every part of their lives pleasing to God. A very important part of that was to learn to have the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Paul took them to the ultimate example for every Christian: Jesus.

    Read the example of Jesus looking upon the need of sinful man instead of Himself. “6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 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, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6-11).

    Jesus, God, laid down his glory to become in the likeness of man, humbling himself to the death upon the cross for the sins of all mankind. By doing this, anyone has the opportunity to be saved from the penalty of sin – if one would only “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” There has never, nor will ever be, a greater selfless act than Jesus’ death upon the cross. Because of Jesus’ obedience to His Father, God, He was lifted up by God, Himself, who “highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” 

    Paul believed that the Christians at Philippi needed to be reminded of what Jesus did for them. Paul wanted the Believers to understand the seriousness of the Christian life, and the diligence it takes to live it. Although they had listened to Paul and followed his instructions, it was extremely important that they understood why they were to do the things he had taught them to do. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). This verse does not mean that you “work” for your salvation. The words work out means “to accomplish; finish; toil; commit.” Christians are to allow the salvation (that they already have because of Jesus) to be manifested (revealed by how they live Christ-like) in the expression of this new life. It is the actualization of what one already possesses! Christians need to live Christ-like for their own benefit and to encourage non-Believers to want what they have through Christ. See how it is further explained in the following verse. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). All Christians have to “earnestly contend for the faith” which reveals to us that each one must work diligently to accomplish a faithful Christian life.

    What do we understand happens when a Christian works diligently to live a Christ-like life, even through many times of testing? “7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9). Christians understand that at the end of our time here on this earth, we are to desire to be found unto “praise and honour and glory” when we see Jesus.

    Would they have to do all of this work on their own? “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God promises that He will work in our lives, helping us to do what is right and pleasing to Him. When you read “both to will,” it is letting us know that it is to be our desire to do what God expects of us. When you read “and to do,” we understand that we are to actually complete what God wants us to accomplish. Once Christians remember that our life is no longer our own, for we have been bought with a price (see 1 Corinthians 6:20), and remember what it was Jesus did to purchase each Christian’s salvation, Christians are to want to live a life pleasing Him.

    Have you learned to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, understanding God will help you?

  • Lesson 13: Remembering the Old Testament

    Key Verse

    Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

    —Psalm 40:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. We are to recognize that this verse is referring to Jesus who was to come. That is what the “volume of the book” is written about – Jesus. From the beginning all of the way through the Bible, we are to recognize that it is all and completely about Jesus. Remember that God promised immediately after man sinned, that Jesus would come (see Genesis 3:15). Throughout the Old Testament, God continued to remind His people – until Jesus was born on earth in the New Testament timeframe. That is why we are studying the Bible through from beginning to the end. It will be then that we can recognize that it was Jesus who was to come – for in the volume of the book (the Bible) it is written of Him.

    Emphasis: Through this study, we are to recognize that the Bible is about Jesus from beginning to end. In addition, we are to understand that the Bible teaches that we must know Jesus, and we are to obey God’s Word.

    Lesson Summary: This lesson is an opportune time to review what we have learned about the Old Testament. Use the following pages (and the charts in the front of your book) to remember what each book is about, and its’ placement in history. Be encouraged to recall as much information as possible. Most importantly, make sure you understand the flow of the history. As we learned of the failure of God’s people, be sure you understand that it was to help reveal the great need for Jesus. That is what the whole Bible is about: the need of a perfect propitiation for sinful man, which could only be met in Jesus – promised from Genesis 3:15. We today, are to recognize the need to have Jesus in our heart, believe in Him, and then obey God’s Word.    

    Remember that all of the Personal Books, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets took place in the books of Genesis through Esther. We have tried to study them in historical order to understand the Old Testament even better. Once again, hold the Old Testament books from Genesis through Esther, helping you understand that all of the rest of the books left in the Old Testament take place within that group (timeframe).

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 13 in full

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 13 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 13 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, here are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember.

    We cut apart and glued the Old Testament Bible Bookshelf (found in the Children’s Worksheets) to help us remember the divisions and books.

  • Righteousness and Salvation

    “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
    Ephesians 6:10

    In this world, one only needs to look around to see just how prevalent sin has become. This sin is what separates man from the perfect and righteous God. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). However, instead of man wanting to reestablish the broken relationship, that separation from God, man’s tendency is to continue in that sin. “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.” (Isaiah 59:7).

    Paul understood this, for he was one who recognized he was a sinner separated from God (“… that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” 1 Timothy 1:15b). In that recognition that he was a sinner, he wanted all people to understand they were in the same condition in which he found himself. “10. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. …18. There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:10-18). But more than that, he wanted all to recognize that God knew, and He had made a provision to restore that broken relationship.

    Man needed an intercessor (a mediator between a sinful man and a Holy God). In order to be worthy, the intercessor had to be perfect, sinless, enabling Him to redeem man from the condemnation of sin – death. God sent His only Son into the world to pay the penalty for man’s sin. In the book of Isaiah, God told the people what He would do. “16. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. 17. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke … 19. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. 20. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 59:16-20). Jesus, the Redeemer, came. He became the intercessor, bringing salvation by His righteousness. With that, when the enemy comes, there is a standard that is lifted up against him. It is Jesus, the Redeemer. He came – just as God declared He would. “4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) … 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9).

    However, sin reigns in this world. Paul wrote important words to the churches in Ephesus. “10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:10-12). Paul warned that Christians are in a battle – but it is not “against flesh and blood.” Paul told specifically who and what the battle would be fought against: the devil and his demons who rule in this world.

    How can Christian’s possibly stand against the “wiles of the devil” (wiles means “to work by method; connected with evil doing; to deceive, beguile”). Because of the previous picture that we read of the righteousness and salvation that Jesus took upon Himself (see Isaiah 59:16-17), we can understand even better what Paul taught. He gave us this same reference (of armament) to understand what is available to Christians as we learn to stand becoming zealous against sin in our day. We are in a battle, and we must be prepared to withstand. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). The Christian’s armor:“14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).The final action Paul taught Christians should take as we stand against the “wiles of the devil” is Prayer. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). These are necessary to withstand in these wicked days.

    Have you trusted in Jesus’ righteousness, having His salvation?

    Have you taken up the Christian’s Armor, enabling you to withstand in this evil day?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 12: Jesus in the Old Testament: The Promised One and His Messenger

    Key Verse

    John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

    —John 1:15

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Understand that “John” in this verse, is John the Baptist (whom we will learn about in this lesson). His job was to tell the people that God sent Jesus – the Promised One that the people had been told God would send. Jesus, who came after John (for John prepared the way for Him), really was before John (remember – Jesus is God who has always been here. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This may be difficult to comprehend. Recognize that Jesus is the Word).

    Emphasis: We are to recognize that Jesus is the One promised from the beginning, and to remember that Jesus came to turn our hearts to God. We are faithfully to go to church, for that is where we learn more about Jesus and how to obey His commands.

    Lesson Summary: In our next lesson as we end our study of the Old Testament, we will recognize that God’s people seemed unable consistently to live according to God’s Word. God had to keep sending men to remind them. With that understanding, we find that the Old Testament closed with a curse. Nevertheless, the promise of One to set man free from that curse was found throughout the Old Testament. In this lesson, we will remember, again, that God always keeps His promises.

    In Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, we read of a promise God made to His people to send a messenger who would prepare the way for Jesus (see Malachi 3:1-3). In this lesson, we will learn that messenger was John the Baptist (see Matthew 11:14: “And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come”). He did the job God sent Him to do:  he prepared the way for Jesus.

    When Jesus came, He came to the Temple – just as God had promised. We will see that Jesus’ parents took Him to the Temple first, but as he grew, Jesus spent much time in the Temple and even the synagogues (where the worship and instruction of God took place). When He went, some people believed, but some did not. Nevertheless, Jesus never stopped going to the synagogues or the Temple. We will learn, by Jesus’ example, the importance for us to go to church today: for that is where the worship and instruction of God continues to take place.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea for this lesson to help them remember.

    As we remembered Jesus was the Promised One from the beginning, we made a nativity craft to help us remember.

  • A Heart Lifted up to Destruction

    “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
    1 Corinthians 10:12

    King Uzziah was a great and mighty king in Judah. He fortified the city of Jerusalem and became famous throughout the land. See how he is described in Second Chronicles. “4. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did. 5. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:4-5). Notice the important part of this verse – as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

    Nevertheless, we see a great tragedy in his life. We can understand that King Uzziah forgot to seek the Lord, pleasing himself instead of God. As we continue, remember, “God made him to prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:5b). “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense” (2 Chronicles 26:16). We read that when King Uzziah was strong, his heart was lifted up. Notice it also tells us in the same verse (2 Chronicles 26:16), that was what led to his destruction. When his heart was lifted up, it caused him to “transgress against the LORD his God.”

    Toward the beginning of King Uzziah’s life, he did something good in his life, the principle of which we can read in the following verse. “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). Nevertheless, we also see how he failed. He transgressed. When he was confronted with his sin, King Uzziah refused to repent and return to God. Read what he should have done in the following verses. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Instead of forsaking the wrong he was about to do, he did what he wanted – and God struck him with leprosy until his death. 

    Even today, we are warned not to think of ourselves better than we ought. “For I say … to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think …” (Romans 12:3). Remember, once King Uzziah’s heart was strong and lifted up, he thought more of himself than he should have – trying to do the job that was only for the priest. It was then that God struck him with leprosy. Uzziah could not have fallen any further than to lose his position as king, separated from all of his people, while he was still alive. He had to spend the rest of his life, estranged as a leper, with his son judging God’s people because Uzziah could no longer function as the reigning king.

    What does the Bible say about pride? Does God like man to become proud? “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off” (Psalm 138:6). See also: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). 

    If one does become proud, what usually happens? See what Jesus said in Matthew 23:12: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” How about the following verse? “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). More often than not, the proud person will fall flat on their face.

    As long as King Uzziah sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. The same is true for Christians today. Instead of having to rely upon men like Zechariah (the prophet), we have the Word of God recorded by men of God through the centuries – the Bible. We have it readily available – if we will only seek God and His Word. See the following words of encouragement for any who are not sure what God wants for His people. “11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD …” (Jeremiah 29:11-14a). While King Uzziah sought God, God blessed. When he forgot God, God dealt with him.

    Do you seek after God, understanding God will deal with you if your pride causes you to walk contrary to Him?

  • Lesson 11: Malachi: The Last Warning

    Key Verse

    For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

    —Psalm 5:4

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. We are to remember that God does not like sin, and sin cannot stand in God’s presence. For that reason, God continually sent prophets to warn His people when they disobeyed God’s commands. In this lesson, will learn about the last prophet God sent to His people in the Old Testament – the final warning before a four hundred year silence of no new word from God to His people.  

    Emphasis: Christians are not to practice a religion as the priests in Malachi’s day were doing, but to live obeying God’s Word. Although going to church is very important (as we have learned), it is most important to live according to God’s Word. We should also have Christian friends to encourage us, and we should encourage them

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned the condition of God’s people when Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem. God’s people, including the priests, had fallen deeply into sin. Nehemiah once again corrected the sin and prayed. 

    God sent Malachi with a message for His people, beginning with the priests who were just practicing a religion and not serving God according to His Word. The priests, and then the people, had fallen into sin once again. As we will learn, Malachi dealt with many of the same sins that Nehemiah dealt with in the lives of God’s people. Malachi was the last voice to God’s people before about four hundred years of silence. 

    God had Malachi remind the Jews of the great love God had for His people. The memory of Jacob and Esau was recalled – the love of Jacob and the hatred for Esau. Jacob loved and sought after the things of God, and Esau hated and despised the people and things of God. Yet, God’s people were not living as His people – for they sinned and did not even recognize how great their sin had become. God had a poignant question for them. “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? …” (Malachi 1:6). The people needed Malachi to show them how far from God they had fallen. Nevertheless, a few people still feared God. God saw that they encouraged each other often. God knew them and wrote them in a special book of remembrance. Remember, God knows the heart. 

    We will not only learn of the condition of God’s people and the words of correction, but the promises of which God reminded His people – especially the promise of the Promised One, Jesus.  

    Malachi was not only the last prophet call to God’s people before the four hundred years of silence, but also that call ended with a promise of a curse.

    We will learn a few details of the four hundred years of silence that came after Malachi, discovering some of the changes that took place among God’s people.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to reinforce this lesson.

    We made a “Book of Remembrance” to help us understand the importance of fearing the Lord and thinking upon Him.

  • The True Gospel Message

    “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
    Galatians 1:8

    Apostle Paul, the great missionary had not given his life to please men (see Galatians 1:10-12). He was not teaching a “feel good” doctrine, or a comfortable non-confrontational Gospel. Paul had given his life to be the “servant of Christ.” In that, he could only faithfully teach the truth of the Gospel message that salvation is only by faith in Jesus. He then presented his case (see Galatians 1:10-24).

    Paul understood the Law of Moses for he had been trained in that Law; taught to obey that Law. Because of Paul’s belief in that Old Testament Law, when he heard of the growing church of God, he persecuted it – believing it to be wrong. He even excelled in his position within that religious system. But then Jesus called upon Paul’s heart, and by His grace, Paul was saved. Although Paul knew and understood the Old Testament, when Jesus called upon his heart, he recognized that there was more for him to learn – something he had missed. He had not recognized that the Law and all of the Old Testament pointed to Jesus. He understood something very important. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). He understood that obeying the Law could not save him. Only faith in Jesus could save him. He believed in Jesus and became a new person.

    Paul defended that life-changing Gospel to the Churches at Galatia (which he had planted as a missionary). Paul wrote to them when he heard that they had forgotten that salvation is by faith. Instead, the people had become legalistic – placing themselves back into obedience of the Old Testament Law. Paul was shocked. “6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-8). Paul revealed that some teachers, those who had come in and taught them, had perverted the Gospel of Christ. Pervert means “in a bad sense, to turn into something else; to change for the worse.” It was not another gospel; it was completely false – for they had changed the Gospel message. The Gospel message can be presented in different ways, but the basis can never be changed, or altered. Paul warned that if anyone preached something other than Jesus saves by grace, they were to “let him be accursed.” Accursed means “given up to the curse and destruction; not punishment intended as discipline, but given over to divine condemnation (declared guilty and doomed to punishment).”  

    Paul continued, in his frustration, over their quick reception of wrong teaching from a false teacher. Read what had happened. “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage” (Galatians 2:4). False brethren means “those who had outwardly become members of the church, sharing in fellowship, but inwardly they were not Christians, having no right to be counted as brothers – for they were missing the kinship of spiritual life.” These “false brethren” had come into the church. They had brought in doctrines that were intended to destroy the Gospel message along with those who preached the Gospel truth. Those false teachers entered into the church spreading legalism (obeying the Law), opposing the freedom from the confines of the Law that Jesus brought.

    But does that mean the Law is unnecessary? Remember the purpose of the Law: “19. … all the world may become guilty before God. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:19b-20). The Law came to reveal sin, not to save man from sin. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16). Man can only be saved by faith in Jesus who fulfilled the Law, purchasing man’s freedom from the confines of the law. Paul reminded them of this freedom. Remember what Paul wrote in Romans about Jesus delivering Christians from the Law. “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:6). Christians are to live a new life in newness of spirit – not the confines of the Law. Paul emphasized that because we have God’s Spirit, we are to live our lives unto God.

    Have you believed the true Gospel message of Jesus through faith, and that it is not of works?

    How to be Saved