This study will be like putting together a puzzle with many pieces. Each piece is like an individual scripture in the book, that you are so focused on getting it right, in the right place. You don’t see the big picture until the puzzle in complete and you step back. We will look at the book of Deuteronomy not as individual verses, but as scenes and concepts as a whole, seeing what the whole message of the book is about.
In describing Lot the Apostle Peter said how God, “7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,” (2 Peter 2:7-9).
In this lesson we will consider how Lot, being a man who did make mistakes, could be considered “righteous”. We’ll look at the biblical definition or what a righteous person is and other examples we can learn from and make application in our own lives. Consider Solomon wrote, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are [e]safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Let’s study the scripture together and see what God wants from us in the way of righteousness.
owing the Word of God anywhere has potential to draw the lost to Christ. Certainly the word of God is the power of God unto salvation, and Christians are called to sow, and water and to wait and watch God bring forth the increase. There are many examples in the scriptures of sowers and of the results. Thessalonica is one great example.
In this lesson we learn how king Rehoboam took counsel from two, opposing parties, the counselors his father Solomon had, and from his own friends. Reading 1 Kings 12 we soon learn two major things. One, who told the truth and who lied, and second the two attitudes concerning governing people. Then we read on into chapter 13 and learn of another liar that caused the death of a man of God. We must decide are we going to listen to man, or God? Are we focused on physical, or spiritual things.
WHOSE NAME IS PROMINANT WHERE YOU WORSHIP? “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
Paul makes it clear that we must grow up in Christ. He wrote, “11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” (Ephesians 4:11-13).
We are given these “people” to equip us for the work of the ministry. To edify, literally means to build up. As we study this subject this will become clear. We cannot become Christians and then stagnate–we must keep growing in our understanding to a perfect man, the the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
I am truly baffled by the 32 thousand plus denominations who are often contradictory to one another. More amazing is that they are all contradictory to God’s word. That may seem like strong language but, it is true. Even more is that Jesus taught only one way, one truth (John 14:6), and Paul the Lord’s ambassador did exactly the same. In Ephesians chapter 4 Paul wrote of the critical and absolute seven ones. They are as follows: “4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in [a]you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Did you see that? (1) One body, (2) One Spirit, (3) One hope of your calling, (4) One Lord, (5) One faith, (6) One baptism and (7) One God and Father of all.
Why are there so many conflicting, confusing teachings? Simple. Because there are so many religious leaders who think they are the one–and they are not!
JESUS MUST OF THOUGHT THAT UNITY WAS OF THE UPMOST IMPORTANCE.
JESUS FORETOLD OF UNITY…He spoke of there being one flock and one Shepherd – John 10:16.
JESUS PRAYED FOR UNITY…He prayed fervently that His believers be one – John 17:20-23 “20
JESUS DIED FOR UNITY…His death on the cross broke the wall of division – Ephesians 2:13-16
In the first three chapters the Apostle Paul taught us who we are in Christ, saints in Christ, chosen by God, predestined for adoption, redeemed by the blood of Christ and God’s own inheritance. As such the eyes of your heart have been opened. You who were once dead in your trespasses and sins—God has made alive…made you for good works.
Now here at chapter 4 Paul shifted the focus from who we are to how we are to live as His children. “I, therefore, the prisoner [a]of the Lord, [b]beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3).
Now, listen on as we begin to learn how God wants us to be transformed. . .
Question: Is tithing is required of the church? Tithing is “tenthing” or giving of ten percent (10%). Tithing did take place under the old covenant. But, some carelessly handle the Word of God and apply these Old Testament examples to the New Testament Church. We now are living under the law of Christ (Heb. 9:16-17), we are no longer under the schoolmaster (Gal. 3:25), hence we are no longer under the old law which has been nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14). Paul says “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col 3:17), that is by the authority of Christ.
Where in the new covenant does God bind tithing? He didn’t!