The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Doctrine

  • Women Teachers

    “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

    Acts 17:11

    There seems to be a genuine question: can women teach in the church?

    Consider the following thoughts, and do what Paul challenged the Bereans to do: “11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few” (Acts 17:11-12).

    The book of 1 Corinthians was written to a church Paul had established in a very pagan city. The people who lived in Corinth were immoral and worshiped a pagan goddess. Paul wrote to the church to teach the new Christians that they needed to forsake their former lifestyles and understand how to function orderly within the church. The natural man does not operate the same way as the spiritual man. Paul taught them of the order in the homes and the order in the church. There are many spiritual gifts, and the members of a church have different gifts. Christians are to function together using those gifts as the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12). One of the gifts that was obviously used improperly was the gift of tongues. It was causing much confusion in the church, so Paul dealt with it. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul encouraged them to use their spiritual gifts properly. None of the gifts were to bring attention to that individual, but all attention is to be given to the Lord. “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret” (1 Corinthians 14:27). When someone spoke in a unknown tongue (tongue means “by implication a language (specifically one naturally unacquired)”), there was to be an interpreter present “But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God” (1 Corinthians 14:28). Let him keep silence means “to keep silent; hold peace.” The overall point was to eliminate the confusion of unintelligent utterances and too many speaking at once. Instead it was to be one by one (see 1 Corinthians 14:29-32). “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Knowing that the position of the elder (pastor), deacons and leaders in the churches are to be men helps in the understanding of the following verse: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law” (1 Corinthians 14:34). This is quite a favorite verse for some people! However, consider a couple of things. First, the reference is to the confusion that had entered the church in the form of tongues (which included the men being told to keep silent as well! See verse 27-28). Second, no one addresses the second part of that verse: “but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law” (1 Corinthians 14:34b). If you go back and read 1 Corinthians 11:1-17, you can understand that Paul was correcting the error for the way men and women had been praying or prophesying. Prophesying and prophesieth means “to declare truths through the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit whether by prediction or not.” The men and women in 1 Corinthians were declaring truths, however they were not doing it under obedience to the way God wanted it done in the churches (women were to be submissive and under the authority of their husbands). So, when you put these verses all together, you find that men and women are both able to teach (or prophecy: “to declare truths through the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit”), however if it is not done correctly, both are told to keep silent. Because of the order of the family and the church that Paul taught (especially in Corinth), we can understand that when a wife does not understand what is happening or taught in a church service, she is to ask her husband at home – not publicly address the issue in church. Addressing them in a public forum at church will most likely cause more problems. This is what Paul was addressing: the confusion in the church. Note the following: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) was writing that this is not anyone’s opinion. This is the commandments of the Lord. If someone does not like this? “ But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:38). Man here means “someone, anyone, a certain one.” Ignorant means “to know clearly, it means to be mistaken, misunderstood” translated as unknown in other verses.

    In Titus, Paul not only wrote about the duties of pastors, in chapter two he began with what must be taught to Christians in general. “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Sound means “of doctrine, meaning sound doctrine; true, pure, uncorrupted.” Doctrine means “the thing taught, instruction, precept, as coming from God meaning divine teaching.” The integrity of the Gospel message and the Christian lifestyle must be kept true. Paul also taught the basics of Christian behaviors, beginning with the“aged men” (see Titus 2:2):(note some definitions to help understand in [ ] after some words):

    • “That the aged men be sober, [Sober means “to be temperate; self-controlled; sober-minded; watchful; circumspect.”]
    • grave, [Grave means “to worship; venerable; reverend; reputable; dignified. That which is derived from a higher citizenship, a heavenly one, which is the possession of all believers: a majestic and awe-inspiring quality which does not repel but rather invites and attracts.”]
    • temperate, [Temperate means “discreet; sober; of a sound mind; self-disciplined in one’s freedom; self-restrained in all passions and desires.”]
    • sound in faith, [Sound in faith means “of persons meaning firm, pure in respect to Christian doctrine and life.”]
    • in charity, [Charity means “love; affectionate regard; goodwill; benevolence.”]
    • in patience.” [Patience means “the patience God bestows as in the patience as a quality of mind; the bearing of evils, and suffering with tranquil mind.”]

    It is important to understand how the aged men were to behave, for these things are also required behavior of the “aged women” (see Titus 2:3). Notice that the following list is a continuation of the listing for the aged men (as indicated by the word “likewise”: (note some definitions to help understand in [ ] after some words):

    • “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, [As becometh holiness means “such as becomes sacred persons; venerable; meaning to act like a sacred person.”]
    • not false accusers, [False accusers means “one who falsely accuses and divides people with any reason; an accuser; a slanderer.”]
    • not given to much wine, [Given to much wine means “it implies not a dependence upon, or becoming bondage to fermented drink. The drinking of wine, though not forbidden by Scripture (although drunkenness is), it is to be avoided in the presence of weaker brothers who might be influenced to partake against their consciences (see Romans 14:21).”]
    • teachers of good things;” [teachers of good things means “a teacher of the right.”]

    Notice that the aged women not only have the duty to perform the things listed for the aged men, and also the things in Titus 2:3, but they are obligated to live these things out in their lives enabling them to do the following. The aged woman (not necessarily an age in years, but in wisdom according to God’s Word) must not only know the doctrines of the faith, but the instructions found within the Word of God. These are the good and right things that must be taught to the younger women, enabling them to fulfill their proper duties as Christians, wives, and mothers. If one has not learned the doctrines of the faith and the instructions in the Bible, they will be ill-equipped to live an enabled life to be good wives and mothers (which are addressed in (Titus 2:4-6). Especially note how Titus 2:4 begins: “4. That they may teach the young women to be sober, [Teach the young women to be sober means “to teach young women to be sober-minded; to discipline, train, to think and act soberly, discreetly, and in moderation; to correct and teach; the young women are to be taught to ‘voluntarily place limitations upon their own freedoms’.”] Christian women need to be taught that they are just as important to God as anyone else (see Galatians 3:28), but God has a specific job for them (just as any other Christian: see Ephesians 2:10). Nowhere does this exclude teaching other women or encouraging them in the Lord.

    Titus 2:5-6 continues to reference the behavior with one’s own husband and children. When Paul speaks of submissiveness by a woman, it is always on the part of a wife to her own husband: as in 1 Timothy 2: “11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:11-12). Silence means “stillness, that is, desistance from bustle or language: – quietness, silence.” The man means “a man (properly as an individual male): husband.” Once again, this is in reference to a woman, in quietness, learning from her husband as she is under his authority (per the curse in Genesis 3:16-17). Probably the most difficult thing for a woman is to recognize that God expects them to “voluntarily place limitations upon their own freedoms”. If women would do this one thing that God requires, the feminist movement would die overnight.

    Christians are encouraged to do the following: “16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17).

    Now, as to what the Bible warns to anyone who desires to be a teacher of the Word of God: “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). Masters means “a teacher; an instructor.” Take note that teachers will receive the greater condemnation. Condemnation means “the result of a decision; the execution or judgment, punishment.” Each teacher of God’s Word will be held more accountable for what they teach. However, God has enabled and even called some people to teach the Word of God. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). One must live their faith “with meekness of wisdom” before one considers doing anything else.

    Have you chosen to receive the word with all readiness of mind, and search the Scriptures daily finding the will of God for your life?

  • Christians who Endure Troubles and Sufferings

    “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
    Acts 8:4

    Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed him. He was the first person who was killed because he believed in, and preached, Jesus. It was at the time of his death that we were also introduced to one of the religious men present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

    “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). Recognize that this incident was the catalyst for a great persecution against the church. After learning of Stephen’s death, people became afraid. Because of this fear, many of the people scattered abroad. Did you notice to whom the persecution was initially directed? The church. And they scattered abroad. The people of the church who scattered were new Believers. They had just believed upon Jesus a short time before, and they were just beginning to learn and grow in this new life. These new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). When Stephen was killed, many fled Jerusalem. What did the Apostles do? They stayed in Jerusalem. It would be later that the persecution would come directly to them. They stayed in Jerusalem, available, where the people could find them.

    Some people remained in Jerusalem, mourning the death of Stephen. Because “Saul was consenting unto his death,” read his response to this new “church” that was being formulated. “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). We read that Saul “made havock” of the church. Made havock means “destruction; to ravage, waste; to disgrace as by insult; treat with indignity; injure or destroy.” Saul entered into houses and took men and women to prison – all because they belonged to the church.

    There is something very important that Christians today can learn from this event. Who is the enemy of a Christian? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil (Satan) is the enemy. We can read from this verse that he attacks and wants to destroy Christians. Our adversary, the devil, will attack all Christians. And he uses people to do his job. Remember that in the early establishment of the church, the first persecution was directed at one (Stephen) who was vocal, teaching Jesus aloud to the religious leaders. Stephen was physically silenced. Next, the persecution was against the church. This was all new. They had just experienced the most wonderful event in their lives. They had believed in Jesus, who had died for their sin paying their debt. They had experienced what we can now read in the following verse: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am sure that they had not expected this great persecution! We can read of a warning that was later written to the leaders of the church: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).

    It is easy to see an event, like the death of Stephen, as tragic. And it was! He was a great man of God who did much good for the church in his short ministry. In addition, the persecution of the church was a terrible event, for people were imprisoned because they believed in Jesus. However, in hindsight, we can see much good that came from the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the early church. The church that was in Jerusalem began to scatter abroad – throughout Judea and Samaria. Do you remember what Jesus wanted the Believers to do? “… And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). Thus far, the church was growing in Jerusalem. Once this started, the people began to scatter. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). As they scattered abroad, they began to spread the Gospel message everywhere, all because of the persecution that came after the tragic death of Stephen. Where did they go? The persecuted church “… all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria …” (Acts 8:1b). Now that persecution had begun, God’s Word was spreading specifically into the areas into which God had told His people to spread the Gospel message.

    Read some encouraging Words that Christians need to understand if, or when, we face persecution: “10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:9-12). Did you notice why Christians are to understand why we must endure troubles and sufferings? So that people could “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.”

    Do you live a Christian life enduring, so others may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus?

  • A Very Important Message

    “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”
    Acts 2:42

    Shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter preached the Gospel message of Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem. One reason was because they had rejected Jesus, crucifying Him, and many of them had witnessed that crucifixion. They were guilty for His death. “23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it (Acts 2:23-24). Holden means “to use strength to hold or retain.” When Jesus could not be held by death, He took the power of death that had previously been held by the devil, Satan. See the following verse to understand this: “… that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14b). Understand that death could not hold Jesus, for he conquered it. Jesus gave the power of life to any who would believe in Him. 

    Peter continued to explain to the people that because Jesus could not “be holden of it”, Jesus rose from the dead. And the people to whom Peter was preaching, were witnesses of that fact: “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:32). What were they to do with that information? “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). All of the house of Israel should have recognized that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus was the Savior of the world. After hearing that Jesus had died, was buried, and raised again – conquering death once and for all, the people were brought to a time of decision. Those people were given the choice to believe or reject.

    How did they respond? “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were “pricked in their heart.” Pricked means “greatly pained or deeply moved.” It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this “conviction” (which means “found guilty of an offense”). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. “38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means “to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God “called” them. Call means “God’s call through the Gospel message.” 

    The Gospel message is very simple: when one hears, feels the conviction (that “call”), then one must just believe. In other words, simply believe and receive without question. Jesus spent much of His ministry calling people to a time of decision – to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. When Peter preached to the people, he preached the same message: God must call the individual’s heart, and that individual must repent, believing in Jesus. Then it is important to reveal to others just what God did (a testimony) by being baptized before witnesses. What did the people do once they understood? Those who believed and responded to God’s call were baptized, and there were three thousand people who believed! 

    What they did next was very important. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Once there has been such a change in one’s heart and life, it is important to learn how to live this new life. Continued stedfastly means “faithfulness and steadfastness in the outgoings of the Christian life – especially in prayer.” They understood that learning from the Apostles was important (doctrine means “the teaching of the Apostles” and we now find it in our Bible). These new Believers not only learned the doctrine, but fellowshipped together. This is something important that Christians should do even today: read their Bible, learn from Bible teachers who know God’s Word, and fellowship with other Believers as opposed to the lost world who have not given their hearts and lives to Jesus. Next, read of the blessing for those who not only believed, but also shared the Gospel message with others. “… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b).

    Have you been called to repent from your sin and believe in Jesus?

    Have you shared the Gospel message with others?

    How to be Saved

  • Thoroughly Furnished

    “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
    2 Timothy 3:17

    After learning of Paul and his missionary journeys in the book of Acts, we can read the letters he wrote to the Gentile churches – many of which he started while on those missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts. When we study these letters, we begin to recognize a pattern that develops. This pattern is revealed in an important verse found in Second Timothy. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).  Look at this verse more in depth by using the following definitions to help in the understanding of it: 

    • Scripture means “every part of the whole and all of it together; that which has been written once and for all and constitutes the final authority of God’s revelation.”
    • Given by inspiration of God means “prompted by God; divinely inspired; appears only in 2 Timothy 3:16.”
    • Profitable means “to be useful, profitable, or advantageous.”
    • Doctrine means “teaching or instruction with the meaning of warning.”
    • Reproof means “to convict; in the sense of refutation of adversaries; not merely the charge on the basis of which one is convicted, but the manifestation of the truth of that charge and the results to be reaped; the acknowledgement of its truth on the part of the accused.”
    • Correction means “to set right again; to correct or make straight.”
    • Instruction means “to instruct; rectification; including discipline.”

    Recognize that this verse cites the four benefits (profitableness) of the Word of God: doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction. The different parts of this verse reveal that each of these components are interdependent and are all necessary in the process of sanctification of a Christian’s life. First, the Word of God is presented as doctrine or instruction as in authoritative teaching. Then as truth, which is ethically persuasive, convincing one of error. Next, it places that person in a correct moral position, which allows one to be brought to the final place where that one can be provided the discipline, chastisement, or training needed to bring about righteousness. This verse summarizes the third division of the New Testament:  Romans – 2 Thessalonians. It is with this insight that Paul spent much of his time writing to the new churches, so that they would know how to become righteous.

    Remember theses letters of Paul that are important for each Christian to study:

    • Romans: the teaching of doctrine,
    • 1 and 2 Corinthians: reproof for failure to live right,
    • Galatians: correction, rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church,
    • Ephesians: the revealing of deeper doctrinal truths intended for growing Christians,
    • Philippians: reproof for wrong living, the rectifying of a potential problem,
    • Colossians: correction to rectify wrong doctrine,
    • 1 and 2 Thessalonians: the teaching of doctrine and instructions.   

    Did you notice the pattern of how these books, or letters, can be used as doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction? As we read about the churches as they received these letters from Paul, some of them immediately put into practice what was taught therein. When that happened, we read that Paul received encouraging words about the growth of the churches. After reading theses letters (books), can you recognize the different stages of implementation each one was designed to teach? Remember, that these books (letters) are for Christians to use even today. Remember what the very next verse in Second Timothy says. “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17). The words throughly furnished means “to equip fully; completely.” This is the purpose of God’s Word. To equip Christians completely to be able to do what God wants us to do.

    Do you read understanding that all Scripture, when it is implemented into one’s life, will furnish you unto all good works?

  • Lesson 6 (Lesson 45): Psalms 107-150: Book 5

    Key Verse

    “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”  II Timothy 3:16

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever tried to play a game with someone without reading the instructions.  Could the game be played?  Was there arguing over unknown rules?  Was it a peaceful game? Or was there much disagreeing going on?  Was it a good game?  Could there be a winner?  Was it any fun?  Living a Christian life without reading the “rules” is impossible to do.  Do you know what the rules are? (God’s Word.)  Read today’s memory verse together with your class.  Help them understand it using the following definitions.

    inspiration of God: breathed by God; divinely inspired

    profitable: helpful; useful; advantageous

    doctrine: instruction in the sense of a warning

    reproof: learning to refute (defeat or overthrow) adversaries (enemies)

    correction: set right; correct

    instruction: setting right that which is wrong

    Notice that this verse builds upon itself in its instruction.  They are interdependent (mutually dependent) upon each other.  First we see it is a doctrine (used for instruction or warning), then as truth (knowing the truth convincing us of error), correction (morally correct), and instruction (we see discipline to lead us to righteousness.)  Keep this in mind as we study the final book of the Psalms today.

    Summary:  Today we continue with the second of the Personal books, Psalms.  Remember that the Psalms is broken up into 5 books.  We will look at book five of the Psalms (chapters 107-150) today, comparing them to the book of Deuteronomy.  If you remember, the main theme of Deuteronomy was the second giving of the Law to the new generation and teaching the people of God’s Word.  They were then prepared to continue walking with God into the Promised Land.

    Deuteronomy is a book that began by looking back at what God had done for His people.  The rest of the book is looking forward to what God would do.  Throughout the entire book, it showed the faithfulness of God and revealed that God loved his people.  Moses warned the people not to forget the words of God’s law.

    Today we will compare the remembrance in Deuteronomy (remembering what God had done and the importance of the Words He had given His people), to the fifth book of the Psalms.  We will see that Psalms 107-150 is mainly about the importance of God’s Word (Psalm 119 is a praise of God’s Word).

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Remember what God has done, and then understand the importance of God’s Word.  After this, we learn the importance of walking with God, and we can praise Him with our whole heart.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 45 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 45 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I found a sticker sheet for Psalm 119:105.  They were to put the correct sticker on the correct foot putting the verse in the correct order.  We then read it together.  Be sure they understand the verse and the importance of allowing God’s Word (the Bible) to guide them in their daily lives.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.