A Guide to Correct Living: Desires Phil. 1:19-26

This was last night's Bible Study. I thought it went very well.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. (Break 1)

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. (Break 2)

25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. (Break 3)

Break 1
What is “this?” – Paul’s present sufferings at the hands of the believer’s and government.

What will help deliver him from these things? The believer’s prayers and the Spirit’s supply.

When was the last time you prayed for a fellow believer who you knew was struggling?
Let’s stop right now and pray for someone you know is struggling.

Paul’s hope (desire) was revealed in two ways:

1. That he would not be ashamed. (Paul’s heritage (what he leaves behind))

2. That Christ would be magnified in his body. (Paul’s actions while being in temptations and trials)

“Does Christ need to be magnified? After all, how can a mere human being ever magnify the Son of God? Well, the stars are much bigger than the telescope, and yet the telescope magnifies them and brings them closer. The believer’s body is to be a telescope that brings Jesus Christ close to people. To the average person, Christ is a misty figure in history who lived centuries ago. But as the unsaved watch the believer go through a crisis, they can see Jesus magnified and brought much closer.”– Warren Wiersbe

“The believer’s body is a ‘lens’ that makes a ‘little Christ’ look very big, and a ‘distant Christ’ come very close.” – Warren Wiersbe

Our lives should magnify God whether we are alive or dead. How do you want to be remembered?

Break 2

What s something you are passionate (have a strong desire) about?

Would this desire be enough to stay alive for? Would it be enough to die for?

Now, put it into this sentence: But if I am to live on for ______, this would mean _________ for me.

What would be the benefit for you, others, or Christ if you chose this?

Break 3

Now, are you confident in your greatest desire? Are you sure this is what would drive you?

Now, let’s change gears for the ending.

Would you being present here be any better for someone or would you being in heaven be better for someone?

Would you be in heaven? Remember, Paul is contemplating this because he is in jail awaiting a sentence on a life or death conviction.

Are you walking with Christ in such a way that people desire you to come to them?

A Guide to Correct Living: Preach the Word Phil. 1:12-18

This is from two weeks ago on Wednesday Night. The first week I had no typed notes, just hand written.

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me (Break 1) have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; (Break 2) 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Break 3)

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. (Break 4) 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. (Break 5)

Break 1:

Who was Paul talking to? Brethren (the saints at Philippi, overseers and deacons)

What has happened to Paul? He’s imprisoned. Acts 21-28 give account of all that Paul had went through: imprisonment, harassment, threats against his life, shipwreck and false accusations.

Our own trials fail in comparison to Paul’s but we do face trials, most of which are inward. We struggle within ourselves of importance, adequateness, and fear. These are not marks of ones who are empowered by the Spirit but are led by the Devil. The Holy Spirit is powerful and not fearful. If we have Christ, we are powerful and can overcome trials through the power of Christ in us.

Break 2:

The Furtherance of the gospel? What does that mean?

How can trials further the gospel?

When the gospel progresses through trials to who is this revealed and to what does it reveal? It is revealed to the Palace Guard and everyone else. To what does it reveal? It reveals that the chains that Paul bears are those of being in Christ.

Reference: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away and behold, all things are new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

When people hear your speech or see your life, do they see someone whose “chains are in Christ?”

Break 3

Why is it that most and not all of these brethren, are more bold to speak?

Where do you fall? Are you of the most? Or the others?

Many things give us boldness to speak.

Let’s look at a few examples:

1. 2009 Alabama wins National Championship…Alabama fans become extremely bold

2. 2010 Auburn wins National Championship… Auburn fans become extremely bold

Now, most of us in here can say that we did become bolder in speaking up about our teams after such impressive seasons and victories. Now, Think of Jesus!! Jesus didn’t win a game for a season but defeated death, hell and the grave for an eternity!! Where is our boldness?!? We Must Preach the Word!!

Break 4

2 Types of Preachers: 1. Selfish Preacher 2. Selfless Preacher

1. Selfish Preachers: Preach out of…

a. Envy – 5355 – phtonos (fthon’-os) – jealousy.
Ref: Romans 1:29; 1 Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:3; James 4:5

b. Strife – 2054 – eris – quarrels
Ref: Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Timothy 6:4

c. Selfish Ambition

2. Selfless Preachers: Preach out of…

a. Good will – 2107 – eudokia (yoo-dok-ee-ah) – purpose
Ref: Luke 2:14

b. Love – 26 – agape – affection
Ref: John 5:42; John 13:35; Romans 5:5

Break 5

So, what do you do about these two types of Preachers? Rejoice!!

Why would you rejoice? What should keep someone from stopping them?

Are they theologically preaching something wrong? Are they teaching against the apostles teachings or Christ’s teachings?

Paul recognizes their hearts intent but God’s Word is God’s Word regardless of the tool being used to distribute it or the motive in which that tool is distributing it. It is the Word of God.

Now, if it were being twisted and abused; yes, stop it but if it is an inward problem with the speaker and not the outward proclamation, let them continue.

Preach Christ! Do not preach you, or anything else; Preach Christ!

Salvation

I was blessed to come across Adrian Rogers' podcast the other day and have started receiving them on a regular basis. I would recommend subscribing if you have itunes.

I thought the passage he preached through was excellent and was very helpful in being able to explain salvation. Romans 10: 1-13

The title to his sermon was "The Simplicity of Salvation."

Dr. Rogers says, "Jesus came not as a great philosopher, educator, economist or social worker; Jesus came as Savior. Man's greatest need is to have our sins covered, forgiven, and to be reconciled to God."

So many times we, as preachers and communicators of the gospel, try to portray Christ as one of these aforementioned characters. Christ is Lord and Savior. It is quite simple so simple it is confusing to the intellectual. That is part of the mystery of salvation. While trying to put some form of science to Christ we must remember that Christ is the One who formed science. He is the creator and sustainer of all things visible and invisible.

Dr. Rogers points out that God desired for the religious to be saved. Religious being the Jews and Pharisees. Many people are religious. Religious wears with it many masks. Dr. Rogers put it somewhat this way in that if we were as righteous as the Pharisees our sanctuaries would be full on Sundays, tithing would be 100% and everyone would outwardly be very religious but inwardly very lost. Works do not bring salvation, works reveal salvation.

In conclusion, I must encourage you to listen to this sermon. Very good and easy to understand. Have a blessed day.

Launching Out to the Other Side

This month God has brought me to an idea driven through the book of Luke of "Launch." Each week we are looking into different aspects of launching out.

Last week we looked at Luke chapter 5 vs. 1-8. We can get six life lessons from this passage of scripture.
1. Being in the presence of the teaching of Christ is not enough. v.1,2
2. Being in the boat with Christ is not enough. v.3
3. Nothing is enough without Christ v.5a
4. Being obedient to Christ and his commands is enough v. 4,5b
5. Obedience to Christ brings more than enough v.6,7
6. Jesus Christ is enough v.8

The greatest point of this passage is that Jesus Christ and obedience to his will is primary for the believer.

This week we continued in the thought of "Launch" with Launching out to the other side. Many times we find ourselves in an A.D.D. kinda of state. We sometimes listen on the front end but never carry anything to completion. It is vitally important and eternally determining where Christ is in your life. As we look into God's word this week we see five points of what it takes to launch out to the other side.

1. Launching Out takes Christ being in the boat. v.22a
Number one we must realize that Christ comes into our boat. He changes everything. He comes into our lives and the positions change. Where was before is not where I am right now. I have to move over, step aside and get out of the way so Christ can come into my boat. Sometimes this makes me uncomfortable because my boat is small. My boat is my boat. My boat is controlled and directed by me. My boat is my boat until Christ steps in.

2. Launching Out takes Christ giving the direction. v.22b
We no longer have control. We no longer determine our boats path. We didn't really have much control before he came in anyway. We really had no idea why we were in the boat except that we were just making it day to day. Now, Christ steps in; He makes a statement or commands, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now, Christ is in the boat. Christ has made his command or request. Now, do we obey? What's on this other side anyway? What's makes him so knowledgeable about where to go? Let's look at it from this perspective. If I were in a high school or college marching band and I had no band instructor to layout beforehand where each instrument player were to walk or where each accessory were to be placed, would I have any clue as to where to go? How would I refrain from running all over my other band members? I wouldn't, because this is my path. I charted this for me, by me and for my joy. But, life is not about me or you, it is about Christ and his plan. Christ knew what was on the other side of the lake. Christ knew that he had a purpose to get to the other side with you and me and those disciples. Christ knows the direction for which all should go.

3. Launching Out takes Christ being our Refuge. v.23,24
Let me say that if you don't have somewhere to run before you run, you run aimlessly. If you are in danger and are running to get to a safe place but don't know of one, you run aimlessly but, if you know where to run when danger surrounds you, you run purposefully. You want to get where things are safe. You want to get to the one in whom you can be comforted, protected and kept from all harm. I can't help but think of the movie, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings." Frodo, Sam, Mary and Pippen are running from the Horsemen of Sauramon. Frodo has the ring and they jump over this small ledge and scurry underneath it. Underneath the lesge there are worms, snails, bugs, snakes, spiders and many other creepy crawlers but the primary one they are evading is the Horseman. They pull in tight to one another, trying not to breath, move or make a sound. The wraith gets off his horse and peers over the edge but to no avail does he see the frightened runners. He leaves, frustrated because in their refuge, they were safe. When Satan comes at us, much like the Horsemen or the storm, Christ is our refuge. BUT, if he is not in our boats, we have nothing to run to, we run aimlessly. When the disciples called on Christ to save them, He awoke and spoke and everything was alright.

4. Launching Out takes Christ's discipline. v.25a
It's interesting to note that Christ knew where he wanted them to go, he got into the boat and took a nap. Christ knew, as God, what was coming for his disciples. He knew that He had something important to accomplish on the other side. Sometimes, we forget who Christ is and what he has done and can do. Colossians tells us that through him, for him and by him all things were created both visible and invisible. We get so caught up in the visible that we forget the invisible qualities of Christ are beyond our finite minds. We lose sight, heart and faith from time to time because we take our eyes off the unseen, the eternal, and focus them on the seen, the perishing. Christ wants us to have superhuman vision that focuses on the unseen. Faith. For it is by grace, through FAITH, that you are saved...Where is your Faith?

5. Launching Out takes an awe-inspiring reality of Christ. v.25b
When was the last time you were just in awe over what Christ has done or was doing? I got to watch the beginning of the VT and Boise St. game the other night and man was I in awe of the uniforms both teams were wearing (I liked VT's better). I got on facebook and updated my status to reflect my awe of the uniforms. I sought out the nike pro combat uniforms webpage and posted a link of it on the facebook page. We need to have that same awe of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. He has done way more than any uniform or Alabama, Auburn or sports team has done or will do. Sometimes, we need to have a fear or God and ask, "Who can this be? For He commands the wind and the waves, and they obey him?" How marvelous and awesome! I like the song by David Phelps which sings, "Even the wind and the waves obey, why can't I? Why can't I? Where is my faith? Is it lost at sea? Lord help me to be, like the wind and the waves." Let us be like the wind and the waves, obedient to the Master of the sea. We must have Jesus Christ in our boats!

Reply or use as you see fit.
In Christ Alone,
Blake Prater

Useless Arguments = False Teachers

As we continued our Wednesday night Bible study through 2 Timothy we concluded the portion in which Paul challenges Timothy personally to where Paul challenges Timothy to challenge the congregation.

We moved from the thoughts of 2 Timothy 2:10-13 to 14-21.

If we die with Him, we live with Him; if we endure, we will reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He will deny us and if we are faithless...He Remains Faithful.

I though about these scriptures for some time. Read it slowly and think about the promises and the faithfulness of God. Every one of these is a promise whether we want to accept it or not. It is wonderful to think of how if we die with Him we live with Him or if we endure we will reign but when it comes to denying him, He Will Deny Us. That is an eye-opening thought and truth. How often do we deny Christ not just as Lord and Savior but we deny Him the glory and honor because we do not take the opportunities to share, serve and go as he calls us to. Then, if we are faithless (not believing in Him, in his accomplished work in and through the cross, in Him as Sovereign and not trusting Him in all things) He Remains Faithful. I am reassured of this when I read Hebrews 6:16-19. God is faithful, so faithful that He cannot deny himself.

Paul then challenges Timothy to challenge the church.

Just like then we still have issues of people starting quarrels about words. Paul tells Timothy that all it does is start trouble, especially in the church. So Paul tells Timothy to tell the faithful men, whom he entrusted with Paul's teaching in the first chapter, to be diligent and study so he and the men may show themselves approved before the Lord.

When I am bring introduced to someone new or someone who is an important person, there are expectations of the one bring presented. In most situations one would shower, shave, put on some nice clothes or buy new ones, clean up the car (if riding in it), comb your hair or get a haircut, brush your teeth (which should be normal) and be on time. When we are presented before someone we want to give a very good first impression but the first impression should be who we are, not just a one-time polished up version. God desires us to be diligent (careful and industrious, prompt, earnest and making the effort) so we can come before Him unashamedly. We need to be pure in heart so we can come unashamedly and come accurately handling the word of truth. That means we don't take one verse and manipulate it to say what we want it to say. We must read and teach from context not from one verse. One verse teaching can become dangerous.

Paul continues with the challenge against empty talk. Paul says it will lead to further ungodliness. The phrasing here brings to my mind that there are times when we think things but do not say or act upon them. We may be thinking ungodly things but when we speaking on them it causes further ungodliness and affects more than just us and our relationship with God it affects others and their walk with God.

I thought the reference to that ungodly talk spreading like gangrene a very potent and accurate description of useless and empty chatter. Gangrene is the decay of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply. When someone is filling the church with something of than the lifeblood and truth of Jesus Christ it begins the "spiritual" formation of gangrene. Gangrene spreads, causes discoloration, gives a foul smell and causes a loss of feeling in the area. How true it is when this invades the body of Christ. False teaching spreads, it causes off-color remarks, the people are not longer a sweet savor in the nostril of the Lord and the people become apathetic or divisive.

So how do you treat gangrene? You amputate the body part, find and remove the dead tissue or improve the blood supply to the area among other things.

So, take this with you today. Evaluate teaching and compare it with God's word. Will people occasionally say the wrong things, yeah and it may be unintentional but we must encourage them and love them. Later on Paul tells us to gently correct those in opposition. Let's be gentle, loving, patient and kind.

To God be the Glory,
Blake Prater

Selfishness or Selflessness

On Wednesday nights, with my young men, we have been studying 2 Timothy. We are brought to a place where Paul is expecting death and writing back to encourage Timothy to retain to sound teaching and defend the gospel.

How often do we think of others when we ourselves are struggling?
Would we take the time to hand-write a letter of encouragement to a brother that is being overwhelmed by a discouraging situation or person?

I think, if we are honest, we would not do those things because we are selfish people. We are a people, most of the time, that dominate their own minds with no intention of allowing anything to alter our personal desires. In most cases they are immediate gratification desires that work to please no one other than ourselves. We may tag Jesus on there to make ourselves feel good about the decision to which we took no time to pray or meditate over. I think this first chapter of 2 Timothy is a call to the people of God to quit looking at our own situation for a time and look at others and consider them. Just like Hebrews 10:23-25 states, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the gathering together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another all the more as we see the Day approaching. Philippians 2:4 also states, "Let each of you not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Paul writes to Timothy interested in him and in his ministry to the people in Ephesus.

How may times are we truly interested in other people's ministries?
An when we are, is the interest generated out of good intentions or out of selfishness?

Paul was sincerely and genuinely interested in Timothy's ministry as is revealed by Paul's referring to him as his "beloved son/child."

Paul reminds Timothy of his calling.
Paul commends Timothy's upbringing by his faithful grandmother and mother.
Paul encourages Timothy to use his gift.

Paul then dives off into a deep thought on the importance of not being ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed by:
1. Sharing in the sufferings
2. Knowing who saves and calls
3. Knowing salvation is not based on works
4. Knowing salvation is by God's purpose and grace
5. Knowing salvation is all through Jesus and his coming
6. Knowing Jesus abolished death, brought life and immortality

Paul then says because of his lack of shame, the manifest presence of God on earth and Jesus' calling on his life he has been appointed as preacher, apostle and teacher.
Paul even notes that this is why he suffers. Think of this, Paul was the man, to the Pharisees, when he was Saul. Saul was zealous to cast out, kill and throw in prison anyone who spoke or taught about Jesus then miraculously Jesus reveals himself to Saul on the road to Damascus and everything changes. Saul becomes Paul and begins sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone.

Saul was the "LeBron James" of Pharisees!

Just think of the response... the Miami Heat! But really, he just totally swapped in a matter of moments, Saul is Paul and is telling about the greatness of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul suffered most definitely.

But Paul says, "I'm not ashamed". Paul says, "I know who I believe in!"

But Paul was also disowned by his own people. Paul says that all in Asia turned away from him as did two guys whose momma gave them terrible names, "Phygelus and Hermogenes." Paul was letting Timothy know, "Hey man, not everybody is going to understand what you are doing. Many may, in the beginning but when its not their way you will be able to see it."

Paul also encourages Timothy in that of the life of Onesiphorus. Paul says that "On" is a great man to be commended for his faithfulness, his eagerness, his helpfulness and his friendship.

To close, I think we all need to find that someone or be that someone who mentors in the discipleship of Christ. Paul took Timothy a young man whose Dad is understood as a non-believing Greek, and loved him, encouraged him, wrote to him and discipled him. Today, we too can be a Paul to a Timothy. Let's do it.

Blake Prater

Witnessing...

So, we go to camp and Tim challenges us to witness. To live Christ in our friendships, lifestyle and words and we should but who in the Bible can we look to to see a correct way?

Jesus, Peter, Stephen and Philip

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

I was reading my morning devotion aloud to my son, Brogan and asked him to define witness. I loved his response so much that I am using it in my teaching this Wednesday.

Brogan defined witness as: seeing it, experiencing it and telling it.

Profound from an 8yr. old.

1 John 1:1-3: That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the words of life - the life that was made manifest and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - that which we have seen and heard, we proclaim also to you, so that, you may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Notice all the "seeing", "experiencing", and "telling" that was going on in these verses. This is to witness and be a witness.

Note and read these scripture accounts of witnessing:
Matthew 19:16-22
Acts 3
Acts 4
Acts 6:8,15; 7:1-53
Acts 8:4,5

You must understand, not everyone will receive salvation. Even people Jesus witnessed to did not follow him.

Some good tools for witnessing are:
The Way of the Master
The Roman Road
The Hand Witnessing Tool

May God Bless and Go with you,
Blake Prater