1 John 4.13-21 Notes

Intro
Read chapter 4 in groups. 
How many times do you see the word? 
What does it mean in this chapter?  (one sentence)

13 By this we know [PrAI] that we abide [PrAI] in Him, and He in us, 
because He has given [PerAI] us of His Spirit.  


What does it mean "of" [ek] His Spirit?
"The genitive of his Spirit here, like the phrase in 3:24, probably reflects a partitive nuance, so that the author portrays God as ‘apportioning’ his Spirit to individual believers. This leads to the important observation that the author is not particularly interested in emphasizing (1) the ongoing interior witness of the Holy Spirit (which is what the passage is often understood to mean) but is emphasizing (2) the fact that God has given the Spirit to believers, and it is this fact that gives believers assurance of their relationship to God. In other words, it is the fact that the Holy Spirit has been given to believers, rather than the ongoing interior testimony of the Holy Spirit within the believer, which is the primary source of the believer’s assurance."  --NET Bible study notes


It is God's action (not our own) here that gives comfort.
I. Our Confession
14 And we have seen [PerMI]  and testify [PerMI] that 
the Father has sent [PerAI] the Son as Savior σωτήρ of the world.  

• Who is the "we": John and Apostles or John and the recipient?  
• "The primary reference of "we" in 4:14 ("we have beheld") is apostolic; fwe if any of the readers would have viewed Jesus in his earthly days."  --Yarbrough in BECNT
• These wording reminds us of 1 John 1.3 seen (handled, eyewitness) and declared.

15 Whoever confesses ὁμολογέω [AorASub] that Jesus is the Son of God, 
God abides [PrAI] in him, and he in God.  

• The verb is in the aorist tense, making the act of confession a definite one, and the classification, constative aorist, speaking of the fact that that confession is a life-time confession, and represents the sustained attitude of the heart.   --Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader
• The effect of the is statement is to affirm that "fellowship with God depends on the historical fact of the incarnation..."  --Yarbrough in BECNT  

A. The Father sent the Son
Note that this statement is distinctively Trinitarian.
Note that it reinforces the character of the Father to sent His son and the character of the Son who came from the Father.
 
B. The Son is the savior of the world
John 4.41
40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word. 
42 Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

• "In this context the expression 'Savior of the world' carries the sense that Jesus is the Saviour of the Samaritans as well as Jews."
• Here is 1 John the emphasis seems to be on the fact that the whole world had sinned needed a savior. 

C. Jesus is the Son of God


What does it mean to confess Jesus is the Son of God?  Note these contrating "confessions:
1. The demons know Jesus is the Son of God: “Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God’” (Mark 3:11).
2. Thomas testified after Jesus rose from the dead: “ Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." 
So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." 
26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." 
28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" 
29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."  (John 20:24-31).                   ---Gotquestions.org









II. Our confidence
16 And we have known and believed [PerAI] the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides μένω [PerAI] in love abides μένω [PerAI] in God, and God in him.  

• Note whose love it is being talked about here, God's.
• God is love:  This is a key statement in this section that gives application meaning to the statement that Jesus is sent by the Father (who is love), is the savior of the world, and is the Son of God (who is love).  If we believe that God is love, it will affect what it means to abide in Him.
• "The effect of 4:16 is to ground the Christiological affirmation of 4:15 in the eternal divine character of the Father and to pave the way for the commendation of love that is set forth in 4:17-21."   --

1. Boldness before God

• Christ is my propitiation.  I am not earning God's favor. 
• " When Christ died on the cross he took the guilt of our sins on Himself and restored a relationship to God and made God favorable to us again by offering Himself.  That's what it means when it says He is a propitiation.  God was angry, but because Christ offered Himself He is now for you.  God is for you."  --Jim Johnston (8.11.13PM)
• This love is His work in me.

• 1 John 2. 28  And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 
• 1 John 3.21  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

 17 Love has been perfected [PerPI] among us in this: 
that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; 
because as He is, so are we in this world.  

• perfected  Strong's G5048 - teleioō: to complete; to bring to the end (goal) proposed; to accomplish
•  Notice the passive voice.  It is not our effort of perfecting some kind feelings of love in ourselves.
• It is God's love accomplishing it's work in me.
•  
• Strong's G3954 - parrēsia: freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech
• "Happy they who shall have holy boldness before the Judge at that day, who shall be able to lift up their heads, and to look him in the face, as knowing he is their friend and advocate."    --Matthew Henry
• "He is in heaven representing us before the Father, and we are on earth representing Him before sinful men. As long as He is there in heaven, we have nothing to fear. Do we do as good a job here on earth as He does in glory?"  ---Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament  

18 There is no fear in love; 
but perfect love casts [PrAI] out fear, because fear involves torment. 
But he who fears [PrMPart] has not been made perfect [PerPI] in love.  







John is not rejecting the concept of the fear of the Lord.
The same fear of the Lord that causes the demons to dread and tremble, gives strong confidence to believer for who Christ is a propitiation.
Pro. 14.26-27
In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
 
2. Love for God
19 We love [PrAI] Him because He first loved [AorAI] us.  
comp. vr. 10 -  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

Closed fist - open hand illustration 
Which hand is ready to give. 
Before God's love does its work in our life,
we are closed up
             inward focused
             acting only in self-interest
             fearful
 When we get a sense of
             Christ being the savior of the world,  me and the person next to me
             God's love for me before I had any love for Him
             Christ becoming the propitiation for me, 
             God is for me
             and I the open generosity of His love for me is perfected
Then I am able to open up in love toward Him. 
             Mared by my foibles and hurts, but growing and being completed.
 

20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates [PrASub] his brother, he is a liar; 
for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, 
how can [PrMI] he love God whom he has not seen?  

 
"To live up above with the saints that we love, oh, that will be glory!
  To live down below with the saints that we know, oh, that's another story."

21 And this commandment we have from Him: 
that he who loves God must love his brother also.

In what sense can you command someone to love another?  Love is something you DO.
Illustration of Daughn's challenge at the men's retreat?  

Application for parents:  
Why do your children need to obey and reverence you? To practice to do the same for God.
Why do your children need to learn to obey others.  To start learning how to love God.

Uzziah

http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/charts/Institution%20of%20the%20Gebirah.htm 

 Uzziah
Text: 2 Kings 15:13, 30, 32, 34;  2 Chronicles 26

• Built Elath (Eloth) and restored it to Judah
• 16 years old, reigned 52 years
•  Sought God in the days of Zechariah
• Made war against the Philistines, Ammonites brought tribute
• Reinforced Jerusalem's walls, built towars and wells in desert, had an army 307K, made devices to shoot arrows and stones
• v. 16  but when he was strong...
• entered into the temple to burn incense
• Priest Azariah and withstood him and leprosy broke out on his forehead
• dwelt in an isolated house
• Jotham was over the kings house, judging people of Judah
• Isaiah, Hosea, Amos, Zechariah mention him

WORD:
1. ID/CR  (4)  What was the summary of Uzziah's life?  How did Amaziah follow the Lord?
2. ID:  (5)  What was the key to his prosperity?
3. CR:  (6-15)  What were Uzziah's key accomplishments?
4. CR:  (17-18)  Why was it wrong for Uzziah to burn incense in the Temple?
5. ID/WS: (16)  What caused Uzziah to be so presumptuous (lifted up)?

WALK:
1. What makes you feel "lifted up?"
2. Why does a sense of well being sometimes cause us to be less careful be presumptuous?
3.

NOTES:

Joash & Amaziah

Joash

Text

(2 Kings 11-12; 2 Chron.24)

WORD

1.      ID: (2 Chron. 23)  How would you describe Jehoiada?

2.      ID: (2 Chron. 24.2) What was the key to Joash doing right?

3.      ID: (2 Chron. 24.9-10) Why did the people rejoice?

4.      ID: (2 Chron. 24.17, 19) Who did Josh listen to? 

5.      (2 Chron. 24.21-22)  What made the stoning of Zechariah so agregious?  Why was his response appropriate?  Or was it?

WALK

·         What kinds of things are you joyful about giving money to?

·         Do you have a “Jehoiada” in your life to influence you?

·         Are you a “Hehoiada” in anybody’s life?

·         Who are the “leaders of Judah” in your life who would give you unwise council?

·         How well do you respond to correction?  What are some truths or Scriptures that remind us how or why we should heed correction?

NOTES:

Probably the most notable thing about Joash is how pliable he was.  He went with the flow spiritually and did not seem to have the heart, discernment, or loyalty to say on the right way.  In the background is the example of Jehoiada who had the wisdom and courage to make good things happen and be a strong positive influence in other’s lives.   One of the things to think about is who we are and will listen to us.  Another is our response when we take a wrong turn.  Do we listen up or shut them up?

Amaziah

Text:  (2 Kings 14; 15.1-5; 2 Chron. 25)

·         Mom: Jehoaddan of Jerusalem

·         25.2 Did right but not with a loyal heart

·         Executed his father’s murders, but not their children because of what the Bible said.

·         Hired Israelite soldiers to help attack Edom, but did not use them.

·         Conquered Edom, and worshipped their Gods.

·         Israel raided towns in Judah.

·         Amaziah foolishly challenged Joash, king of Israel to a fight  (25.20) and was defeated.

·         Hunted down and assassinated after reigning 29 years.

 WORD:

1.      (2 Chron 25.2)  What does this mean? Give examples from Amaziah’s life that illustrate it.

2.      (2 Chron 25.8-10, 13)  What did it cost Amaziah to obey God’s prophet?

3.      IVPBBC has an interesting note about the custom of worshiping the gods of the defeated nation.

4.      ID: (2 Chr. 25.15-16) How did Amaziah respond to God’s correction?

5.      ID: (2 Chr. 25.20)  Was Judah defeated because it was wrong for Amaziah to challenge Jehoash, king of Israel?

WALK:

1. What was the key turning point in Amaziah’s life?  Has your life had key turning points?
2. Have you ever had a preacher’s sermon or brother’s admonition convict you and make you mad?  3. How do we prepare our hearts to accept correction?
4. What are things (or people) that compete with the Lord for your loyalties?
NOTES:

The big puzzle for me in the life of Amaziah is how he does the right thing is 2 Chr. 25.6-10 (with the warning about God’s power to help and overthrow) and then starts worshiping the god’s of Edom and rejects the prophet in 25.7.

Rehoboam’s mother

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament

12:13. Rehoboam’s mother. Since Solomon is known to have married women from many countries, including Ammon (see 1 Kings 11:1), it is not unusual that Rehoboam’s mother, Naamah, should be an Ammonite. Her marriage would most likely represent a political alliance between the two countries. The practice of regularly naming the mother of the kings of Judah may indicate that the office of queen mother was significant (see comment on 1 Kings 2:19).      

2:19. queen mother’s throne. There were three different types of queens in the ancient world. The most familiar to our way of thinking is one who is the primary wife of the king (e.g., Queen Esther). While sometimes these royal consorts were little more than ornamentation, in other contexts (such as among the Hittites of the second millennium) they served as royal deputies with extensive power (compare the role of Jezebel in Ahab’s court). A second type is the wife (or mother) of the king who accedes to the throne after his death and rules in his place (e.g., Athaliah of Judah, Hatshepsut of Egypt). The third is the queen mother whose royal husband has died but who continues to exert significant political influence over the new king, her son (e.g., Sammuramat of Assyria, Maacah of Judah, see 1 Kings 15:13). That is the role depicted for Bathsheba here. The extent to which the queen mother exercised a significant or powerful role in judicial, economic or social matters would have depended on the personality of the individual. The fact that the mother is named for nearly every king of Judah (though not for kings of Israel) suggests that the role of queen mother was an important one throughout the Davidic monarchy.

--Victor Harold Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas and John H. Walton, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, electronic ed.,  (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).

Divided Kingdon

http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/charts/Institution%20of%20the%20Gebirah.htm

Rehoboam: 1 Kings 12.1-25; 14.21-31; 2 Chronicles 10-12

2 Chronicles
11.17  The righteous who came from the north strengthened the kingdom for three years.
11.18  The "then" here is ominous word as it introduces the taking of wives which seem to foreshadow the end.
12.1  It may be instructive to note that after he had strengthened the kingdom, he forsook the the law of the Lord. Tragically and predicably all Israel (I am not sure why "Israel" instead of Judah and Benjamin) followed him.
1 Kings 14.21 - J's mother was an Amonitess.  Did that have anything to do with his turn to the sins of v. 23?)
12.2  in the fifth year... So, presumably it was two years of wickedness before God's hand of punishment.
12.5 Shemaiah the prophet...
12.6  the leaders and their king...   The king does not act alone.
12.6  God is just...  "Just" is a good word to do a word study on.
12.8  that they may distinguish...  This reinforces God's control and purpose.
12.12  When he humbled himself...  "Humbled" is another good word to look up.  What did J do when he humbled himself.  Was it just a change of heart?  Did he fast or put on sack clothe and ashes?
12.14  This seems to be the key to his repeated failures.  What does it mean to prepare your heart to seek the Lord.

Abijam: 1 Kings 15:1-8; 2 Chronicles 12.16-14.1
1 Kings 
15.3  walked in the sins...was not loyal to the Lord...
15.4b-5  David did what was right... except in the matter of Uriah...  1. This is a very strong commendation of David's life.  2. It is interesting that it was the matter with Uriah, not Bathsheba.  3.  It is interesting that this is the only thing that writer felt was worth mentioning.
2 Chronicles 
13.10 The commentary on Abijam in 1 Kings 15.3 stands is stark contrast to his claims to have the Lord as his God while in contrast to Jeroboam who established the calf worship.  
What did Abijam assert to document his rightness before God?
He was not like the north who had...
   13.7  rebelled against "David"
   13.9  cast out the priests
He would be favored by God because...
   13.10  The priests operated in Judah...
   13.11  The Temple was in operation...  Claims the sacrifices as a sign of rightness.
   13.12  God was their head...
   What did God think of those references?  
13.14  They cried out to God when surounded by Jeroboam's army.
13.22  and his sayings...  I wonder what it was that Abijam had to say.

Asa: 1 Kings 15.9-
1 Kings 
15.11  And he did what was right...  
15.12  banished the cultic prostitutes and removed his father's idols.
15.13  Maachah  his grandmother...  God was more important than even grandma.

Randie Grantham's Notes on Baptism and Lord's Supper for the TBC Carpenter Flock 130721

 Ordinances of Christ

“Baptism and the Lord’s Supper”

7/13/13

Introduction

One of my first memories as a Christian was my baptism.  It took place in a small backyard pool.  The believer’s that were around the pool were part of the small church that the Lord had brought me into fellowship.  I cannot remember all of the things the man that led me to the Lord said that day, but I do remember the incredible joy that followed with tears as I gave my testimony.  I will never forget that day. 

I am sure each of you has a similar experience of your own.  It is special and it is personal, although done publicly.  It is something that you will never forget as well.

It was then also that I learned to love the Lord’s Supper.  The small fellowship that I attended had a separate part of the Sunday meeting for worship centered on the Lord’s Supper.

Both of these topics are dear to my heart.

Today we study the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord Supper.  These are the only two rites that the Lord has specifically given us to do.  The former is done once and the latter repeatedly throughout the life of the believer. 

Differences in thought on how these two are applied and what effect they have on the believer and the church are among the main doctrines that separate Protestants and Catholics, and even divisions amongst protestant churches.

With the 15 minutes allotted for each ordinance, it will be impossible to exhaustively study all aspects concerning them and/or contrast differing stances on the subjects.  My desire is to spend time on why these ordinances are important to us as believers.  I will also touch upon some common questions that parents have concerning their kids and baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

There is a very strong devotional aspect of these ordinances that can often be overlooked in light of the other issues concerning them.  These are worshipful experiences returned with blessing from the Lord in the joy of Christ and our new life in Him. 

·       Focus of the ordinances

o       Both Baptism and the Lord’s Supper focus on these things

§        The Person of the Lord

§        His finished work

§        Our union with Him

o       There are no more important or precious truths than these

§        This was Paul’s attitude

·        2Cor2:2 “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

·        No high thought, vain philosophy, or moving speech can top the measure of the Person or the selfless act of our loving Savior

o       No coincidence that one is to be observed just after conversion and the other repeatedly throughout our lives

Baptism

·                                 Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

o        By immersion is the testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, Jesus Christ

o        Symbolizing (or representing) the believer’s union with his Savior in death to sin and resurrection to a new life.

o        It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible body of Christ

·                                 Acts 8:36-39 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" ³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. ³⁹ And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

·                                 Romans 6:3-6 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

·        Which Baptism?

o       Multiple spoken of in the NT

§        Baptism of repentance (John’s) – John 1:31

·        Water baptism rite that John implemented to prepare hearts for the Lord

§        Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Christ’s) – John 1:33

·        The sealing of the believer with the Holy Spirit at the moment of regeneration

§        Believer’s Baptism

·        The Baptism commanded by the Lord as a part of the Great Commission

·        Matt 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

·        What is Believer’s Baptism

o       The physical act of a new believer being immersed in water by another believer in accordance with the Lord’s command

o       Baptizo – plunge, dip, immerse

§         Acts 8:36-39 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" ³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he  baptized him. ³⁹ And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

·        What does it represent?

o       Our Union with Christ’s Finished Work

§        The act of being put under the water represents the act of being put to death, as Christ was put to death for our sins

§        The act of coming out of the water represents His resurrection to life

§        Our baptism symbolizes the reality of our union with Christ in His death to sin and resurrection to new life

§        Romans 6:3-6 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

§        “For Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” (1Pet3:18)

o       Our Faith

§        WWT- By immersion is the testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

§        Indeed it is Believer’s baptism.  By taking part in this ceremony, the believer publicly proclaims his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work

·        Why?

o       Why are we to do this and why is this so important, especially to the one being baptized

o       It is a tangible beginning

§        It is a memory that should not be forgotten

·        It is a clear point of discarding the old and beginning a new life in union with Christ

o       It is an act of obedience

§        As followers of our Lord, our first calling after conversion should be to act in obedience to our Savior’s command

§        Baptism is the way I believe the Lord ordained for us to begin an obedient life to Him

o       Identification

§        This act publicly testifies to the new believers identification as one of the church

§        WWT - It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible body of Christ

o       It honors our Lord and His work (Worshipful)

§        Our newness of life is hid in Christ and His finished work

o       Grace

§        What it is not

·        Not regeneration – it is not required for new life

o       God’s word (1Pet 1:23)

o       Not plus works (Eph 2:8-9)

·        Not admittance to the church or church fellowship – it is the Holy Spirit which causes the union of the saints

o       Eph 4:3

o       Churches may use baptism as admittance rituals into their body, but it is our link with the Spirit and His link with others and most importantly the Head that makes us part of the church

·        Not receiving of the Holy Spirit

o       Biblically the Spirit came at various time sometimes before baptism, immediately after, and sometime much later in Acts

o       Paul wrote the Ephesians that it was linked to belief in God’s truth

§        Eph 1:13-14  “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, the praise of His glory.”

o       What it is

§        Blessing and joy that comes from the Lord when acting in accordance with His will

·        Who responsibility is it?

o       Ours

§        Note the Lord’s command is for us -“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

§        It is our responsibility to enable and perform the rite.

§        The who is not spelled out

·        It is TBC’s position that a pastor perform the baptism

o       For a child especially, this is important

o       It is an opportunity for the child to discuss his faith with someone other than their parents

o       It should not be withheld if a child truly believes

o       I baptized all of my children

§        My children had to speak with two elders/mature Christian men other than myself before they were allowed to be baptized

§        Not prescribed

o       The New Believer

§        I asked to be baptized

§        The Ethiopian Eunuch asked if he could be baptized

§        My children

·        were informed that baptism was their responsibility and that it was my rule that they could not take the Lord’s Supper before being baptized

·        I told them that I would arrange things, but they would have to meet my requirements.

·        Where?

o       Wherever there is water enough for immersion

§        Eunuch – water

§        Sea – (med. Phillip)

§        River – the Lord, John

§        Baptistry

§        Swimming Pool – where I was baptized

·        Aaron Marler

§        Large Bath Tub or Jacuzzi

·        When and In Front of Who?

o       Immediately

§        Scriptural evidence is -  as soon as possible (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:36, Acts 10:47 ….)

§        I cannot think of one conversion in the Scriptures where the baptism was delayed

§        Issues such as reception into a body and communion would not be an issue if baptism occurred immediately

§        Remember, it is the sealing of the Holy Spirit at conversion that makes us one with the body of Christ

o       In front of whom

§        Examples from the Bible

·        Large numbers of new believers – large numbers of Christian’s witness (Jerusalem)

·        Large numbers of new believers – one Christian- likely large non-Christian crowd (Phillip in Samaria)

·         One new believer – one Christian (Phillip/Eunuch) – unbelieving entourage

§        It is a heart-warming reminder for the church

§        It is a visual testimonial of the gospel to the lost

§        Again the main focus is the one being baptized – we should be sensitive to that fact

·     The Lord’s Supper

We teach that the Lord's Supper is

1.  The commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes.

2.   Should always be preceded by solemn self-examination.

3 We also teach that while the elements of communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ

4. The Lord's Supper is a communion with the risen Christ, who is fellowshipping with His people

^·          Mark 14:22-24 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." ²³ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. ²⁴ And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

¹ Matthew 28.18-20; 1 Corinthians 11.23-25;   ² Acts 8:36-39    ³ Romans 6:3-6    ⁴ 1 Corinthians 12:13    ⁵ 1 Corinthians 11:26-28    ⁶ Mark 14:22-24     ⁷ 1 Corinthians 10:16

Introduction

Baptism is once for all.  The Lord’s Supper is a recurring ordinance that is done repeatedly throughout our Christian lives.  There are many things that we do as believers, but I believe this act is amongst the most important.  We are a forgetful people and bad things happen when we forget.  We forget who we are, who we were, and most importantly who the Lord is and His importance to us.  Also, it is very easy to forget that we are a family and that our relationships are important.  The Lord has wisely implemented a feast of remembrance to keep us on track.

Luke 22:19-20 “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”

1 Corinthians 11:26-28 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. ²⁷ Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

·        What is it?

o       Physically taking of the bread and cup in accordance with the Lords command

·        What Does it represent?

o       The bread represents His body given for us (broken – like the bread)

§        Matt 26:26, 1Cor11:26

§        Pictures of Christ’s physical death and His sacrifice are throughout the Scriptures

·        A sinless body like the unleavened bread of the Passover meal broken and offered so that we might never spiritually hunger again

·        By His stripes we are healed (matza cracker)

·        His earthly body was given so that His Spiritual body the church might have life

·        His very visage marred to the point of being unrecognizable, so that we might be the known of God

·        His body that became sin (a curse) on the cross, that a blessing might be given to us

·        The Carpenter’s hands nailed to the tree, to build His Church

·        The holy body hung between two thieves, so that he could steal us away from the grave

·        The bruised of God brings forth the pleasure of God

·        The spotless perfect lamb of God sacrificed for guilty vile sinners

·        So many more

o       The wine represents His blood

§        Expressly stated it is the sign of the new covenant that exists for all believers

·        Hebrews 8:10-12 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying ‘Know the Lord’ for all shall know  Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more. “

·        Like most covenants it must be sealed with blood

·        For without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sins

·        Lev 17:11 ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls;  for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’

·        Christ’s blood was innocent  - Judas

·        Propitiating, redeeming, justifying, reconciling – Paul

o       Rom 3:24-25, Rom 5:9, Eph 2:13-16

·        Precious – Peter (1Pet1:19)

·        Sufficient and Final – writer of Hebrews (9:13,14, 24-28)

·        Cleansing  and Conquering – John – 1John1:7, Rev 12:11

·        Why?

o       Remembrance

§        The Lord Jesus Christ is the Center of our existence

§        His work on the cross is central to our new life found in Him

§        In particular we remember the Lord’s death, or His sacrifice on our behalf that makes all aspects of our new life possible

§        Other remembrances that foreshadow the Lord’s Supper

·        Passover (Ex 12)

o       Commemorates the death angle passing over the Children of Israel resulting in the freedom from Egypt to be remembered once a year

o       The blood of a sacrificed lamb painted on the doorpost was the sign for the angel to passover that house

o       Celebrated just prior to the Christ’s institution of His supper

o       Lord

§        He is our Pascal lamb

§        He was offered for us and through His shed blood we have newness of life

§        Death has no sting because the Lord tasted death for us

·        Israelites crossing into the promised land (Josh 3 & 4)

o       Stones from the center of the Jordan were stacked together in Gilgal to remind of their entrance into the Promised Land

o       They were there to remind the people that God had gone first and pave the way for the Israelites

o       It was for the people to tell their children and remember what God had done for them

o       Lord

§        As the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Lord has paved the way for us to enter heaven

§        It is a great opportunity for ministering to our children the story of God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death and resurrection

§        Proclamation

·        Like believer’s baptism we are making a statement when we take the Lord’s supper

·        We proclaim the Lord’s death and all it entails

·        Vines “The acts of breaking the bread and drinking the cup constitute a silent proclamation of the fact, significance and efficacy of the Lord’s death. 

o       “No gospel like this feast, Spread for us, Lord by thee; No prophet nor evangelist, preach the glad news so free.”

o        

o       Where?

§        No restrictions

§        The Acts 2 church broke bread house to house (Act 2:46)

§        Likely done as part of a communal meal initially

o       When?

§        No restrictions

§        As often as you do this.

§        It is clear from Acts and 1 Corinthians that it was a very regular occurrence

§        It along with prayer are called the fellowship of the apostles and was regularly practiced

o       Who?

§        It is a family meal – for believers only

§        The taking of the emblems have no significance to an unbeliever

§        Our taking together symbolizes the bread and blood of Christ – something that we all share in common

§        All who are truly born of God may partake, no restrictions

§        Children and the Lord’s Supper

·        If a child is old enough to be saved and baptized, then he is old enough to take communion

·        The child must be taught what the Lord Supper means and the warnings

§        Discipline issues

o       How?

§        We are warned to take the emblems in a worth manner

§        The symbology is one of unity – disunity can bring judgment from God

§        Some were sick and ill because they were not doing so in Corinth

§        1Cor11:27 “Whoever eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the body.”

·        The “worthy manner” seems to mean a clear conscience before God concerning our relationship to Him and others. 

·        It is incumbent upon the individual to search himself “examine ourselves; none of us can know the heart of another.

·        It is our responsibility to confess our sins one to another and to God and reconcile before partaking

·        The problem at Corinth seemed to be divisiveness and inconsiderate behavior on the part of the brethren.

·        It is a solemn communal meal and should not be taken lightly –

o       our very lives are on the line

o       This is why the elders and pastor’s warn

o       Do not take of it if there is an issue that needs resolving

·        Unity amongst each other should reflect the unity of the Spirit

·        It is incumbent upon parents; especially Dad’s to monitor their younger children.  It is completely OK in my book for a parent to forbid a child from taking the elements the parent believes the child is not behaving in a worthy manner

·        Will, my 15 year old, withheld a few weeks ago…I asked him what was wrong…he said that something needed to be handled…the next Lord’s Supper he partook.

·        Conclusion

o       Baptism is done once at the beginning of our faith walk proclaiming our union and faith in Christ

o       The Lord’s Supper is done often throughout our earthly lives – repeatedly

o       Ephesian Church left their first love

o       Then what – is the Lord’s return

§        These are symbols of the real

§        One day we will be with the real

§        Christ and His works will stand forever

§        We will no longer need to proclaim them because we will be with Him

§        Maranatha Lord Jesus!