Class lesson March 12, 2017

Andy Andrews - 50 Famous Parental Sayings

Click Here to Watch

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

When we’re children, we make a list of things we’ll never do when we “get big.” For example: “When I’m a parent, I’ll never tell my kids, ‘Because I said so.’” Then we grow up and have kids. And somewhere along the way, we say to them, “Because I said so!” 

This cycle may be mildly embarrassing, but it highlights a foundational truth of life: some people have the authority to make things happen just by saying so. Parents are a good example. But God is the best example. 

God spoke, and creation happened. Jesus spoke, and Lazarus was raised from the dead. Jesus spoke on another occasion, and a man was healed—without Jesus even being present.

Let’s look deeper at that last event. As we’ll see from the text, what impressed Jesus in this story was the faith of a centurion: a man who believed a sick servant would be healed simply because Jesus said so. That’s the key to true faith; it’s believing Jesus can do what He says He can do—and that should give us great hope.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Matthew 8:5-7 

5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.” 7 He said to him, “Am I to come and heal him?” 

From our perspective, there’s nothing really strange about this encounter. Who wouldn’t go to Jesus for help? Yet in the ancient world, this conversation would have been shocking for several reasons: 

• The man wasn’t Jewish. He was Roman. 

• He was a centurion, responsible for 80-100 soldiers in an army occupying a conquered territory. 

• Most of the time, Jewish people and Roman soldiers avoided contact with each other. Even if they weren’t openly hostile, they certainly didn’t ask each other for help. 

The soldier was desperate to get Jesus’ attention. He was willing to do anything to find a way to save his servant. For His part, Jesus was equally willing to cross ethnic or national lines if it meant helping someone. Yes, the gospel was delivered first to the Jews. But Jesus had ultimately come to save the whole world. 

Another surprising moment in this story came when Jesus told the centurion He would go to his home. In that day, it was considered unclean for a Jew to enter the house of a Gentile. However, Jesus wasn’t worried about appearances. In fact, Jesus later taught that it’s what’s inside a person that makes him or her clean or unclean, not any outside circumstances (see Matt. 15:16-20). 

Jesus was willing to honor the centurion by going to his home. If you want a one-sentence explanation of the Incarnation, that’s it. Through Jesus, God told a desperate world, “I’ll come to your house, and I’ll bring healing and hope with Me.”

Matthew 8:8-9 

8 “Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 

The centurion was grateful for Jesus’ attention, but he was also troubled that Jesus wanted to come to his house. What was the problem? This man knew who and what he was: “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” He was surely aware of the impropriety of a Jewish man—and a rabbi no less—coming into the “unclean” home of a Gentile. Perhaps he even sensed his own sinfulness in coming before such a righteous person as Jesus. 

The centurion probably felt his unworthiness in another way. He had authority, but only so much, and only what had been conveyed to him. He’d likely seen greater authority displayed on the battlefield through generals and proconsuls, but Jesus’ authority went beyond even that. Jesus was different. Jesus had true authority, and the centurion likely felt unworthy to have Him in his house. 

Still, the centurion understood something crucial about authority. He was used to giving orders and being obeyed, and somehow he knew that all Jesus had to do was say the word to make something happen. Jesus had that kind of authority. 

Throughout His ministry, people tried to comprehend the nature and extent of Jesus’ authority: 

• Shortly before this encounter with the centurion, Jesus preached what we call the Sermon on the Mount. When He finished, “the crowds were astonished at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes” (Matt. 7:28-29).

• Early in his ministry, Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, and the people who witnessed the event “were all amazed” at His authority (Mark 1:23-30). 

• After Jesus cleansed the temple, the religious leaders wanted to know who had given Him the authority to do such things (see Matt. 21:23-27). 

• The first thing Jesus told His disciples as He gave them the Great Commission was, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18). 

Jesus didn’t need to make the trip to the centurion’s home. He had all the authority He needed to heal the servant right where He was.

Matthew 8:10-13 

10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith. 11 I tell you that many will come from east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that very moment. 

Here’s the irony of this moment: a Gentile centurion, not the Jewish religious leaders, recognized the limitless nature of Jesus’ authority. A non-believer actually believed more than those on the inside.

In affirming the centurion’s faith, Jesus presented a wonderful picture of the all-embracing nature of faith and grace. People will come from every race, ethnicity, language, and nation to join in the feast celebrating the saving grace of Jesus the Messiah. These people, so very different at first glance, will all have one thing in common: faith in Jesus. Amazingly, it’s “the sons of the kingdom”— the very ones you would expect to be at the table—who will be thrown out as party crashers. With no faith, they have no place at the table. Not only are they thrown out of the party, they are thrown away from God’s presence. 

The obvious question is, “Do we have faith in Jesus like the centurion?” We say we have faith, but if that’s true, why do so many of us live our lives in defeat and frustration? I think it’s because we lack confidence. 

Let me explain what I mean. Hebrews 11 begins with these words: “Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen” (v. 1). Faith is more than wishful thinking. It’s the firm conviction that Jesus Christ is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. When we hold this conviction with confidence, it changes the way we live. Because Christ says He can forgive our sins and restore meaning to our lives, we believe Him. Consequently, we live in the joy of His forgiveness and the passion of His purpose. 

The trouble comes when we say we have faith, yet we fail to live with that level of confidence. We all make important choices each day, but what guides those choices? Is it fear of the world’s opinion? Is it trust in what we see? Or is it confidence that Jesus can do what He said He could do? 

Let’s trust the authority of Jesus and place our faith in Him. The centurion trusted Jesus’ word because he understood how authority worked. He trusted in Jesus and His ability to heal. As a result, he found hope for his servant and hope for himself. 

We can have that same hope, as well. It comes through faith— through confidence that Jesus can do what He says He can do.

LIVE IT OUT

How will you express your faith in Christ this week? Consider the following options: 

• Review the Word. One way to see God’s power and ability to work on your behalf is to see how He worked in the Scriptures. Look at the accounts of several heroes from the Old Testament and review what God did in their lives. 

• Review your past. Make a list of the major events in your life in recent years. Use that list to build your faith by praying through the different ways He has worked on your behalf. 

• Take a leap. Ask God to include you in something huge for His kingdom. Ask to be part of something that is “Godsized”—something that can only be explained by the fact that He is at work. 

God has the authority to say “Because I said so” in all spheres of life. He has the authority to bless your life with hope and joy. Embrace that truth by confidently seeking Him in faith.

Teacher Notes

The 10 Red Sea Rules from last week.

Victorious Hope

An interview was conducted 20 years ago, at Ali’s residence for "Young Muslim" magazine. It all started with an innocent question: You have beaten some of the toughest men in the world in the ring. What scares you the most?

Ali: Pointed to his wife while everyone laughed. 

Lonnie Ali: Come on, Muhammad, joking aside, tell them what really scares you.

Ali: Said … “Nothing.”

Lonnie Ali: Nothing on this earth maybe, but ... tell them Muhammad. And then there is a long pause. 

Ali: Then says … “Not going to heaven.” (Everyone there became silent. His sister Lonnie Ali had tears flowing down her cheeks. Others present were also shaken and silent. A few wiping their eyes. Then Malik Mujahid broke the silence, and patting Muhammad Ali on his arm…said: "No, Insha Allah, (if Allah wills it) you will enter Jannah (Islamic concept of paradise) because you have helped so many people."

Ali: Turned his face towards Malik Mujahid, looking at him as though asking: Are you sure? Are you sure about yourself?

Malik Mujahid: "The Mumin (faithful Muslim) lives between hope and fear."

 

Wow...what kind of Hope is that?? 

This is NOT a Victorious Hope!

The Christian lives between hope and faith!

When we come to Jesus in faith, we find hope.

In our lesson this morning, an unusual person comes to Jesus for hope and receives it because of his amazing faith.

Matthew 8:5-7 

5 When He entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.” 7 He said to him, “Am I to come and heal him?” 

What is unusual about a centurion coming to Jesus for help?

• He wasn’t Jewish. He was Roman. He was a centurion, responsible for 80-100 soldiers in an army occupying a conquered territory. Most of the time, Jewish people and Roman soldiers avoided contact with each other. They certainly didn’t ask each other for help.
• Note that at no time did the centurion actually ask Jesus to heal the servant. He came to Jesus with a report of his servant’s suffering, but stopped short of making any request for healing. Why? He was trying to assess the Lord’s will in the matter, awaiting His response to the crisis at hand. He was hesitant of how Jesus would respond to the request of a non-Jew, especially since he was a soldier in the Roman army. Maybe he wondered whether Jesus would even consider taking the time to help a mere servant. 

What’s Jesus’ response?

• Without hesitation, Jesus voluntarily offered to the centurion, “I will come and heal him” (Matt. 8:7). There was no more question whether it was the Lord’s will to heal the servant. Not only was Jesus willing, but by his own suggestion, was ready to go out of his way to the centurion’s home to perform the healing. 

What can we learn from the way the centurion approach Jesus for help? 

• The centurion came “pleading with Him” how do you typically approach God for help or even in your prayers? 
• Why do we sometimes come to Jesus as a last resort? We feel that we are “unclean” or undeserving we can approach Jesus. We are impatient … don’t want to wait. God is less tangible than a doctor or a person we talk to. We are not convinced that God understands or that God has the power to intervene we like to handle things on our own. We don’t want to “owe” someone or be in their debt for their help. Don’t like to do the asking … not a good communicator. I might see it as a sign of weakness.

Why was it surprising that Jesus said He would go to the centurion’s home? 

• It was considered unclean for a Jew to enter the house of a Gentile. However, Jesus wasn’t worried about appearances. In fact, Jesus later taught that it’s what’s inside a person that makes him or her clean or unclean, not any outside circumstances (see Matt. 15:16-20). Jesus was willing to honor the centurion by going to his home. 

How is this statement an explanation of the Incarnation?

• If you want a one-sentence explanation of the Incarnation: Through Jesus, God told a desperate world, “I’ll come to your house, and I’ll bring healing and hope with Me.”

Point: Jesus is willing to give us Hope.

Jesus is willing to give us hope in our time of need. He is approachable during our time of need and we need to take our concerns for others to the Lord not as a last resort but as a first response. Jesus is moved and this is important, by our compassionate intercession for others in dire situations.

Matthew 8:8-9 

8 “Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 

Why was the centurion troubled that Jesus wanted to come to his house? What was the problem?

• He was surely aware of the impropriety of a Jewish man—and a rabbi no less—coming into the “unclean” home of a Gentile. Perhaps he even sensed his own sinfulness in coming before such a righteous person as Jesus. The centurion probably felt his unworthiness in another way. He had authority, but only so much, and only what had been conveyed to him. He’d likely seen greater authority displayed on the battlefield through generals, but Jesus’ authority went beyond even that. Jesus was different. Jesus had true authority, and the centurion likely felt unworthy to have Him in his house. 

What connection did the centurion make between authority and faith? 

• He understood the principles of authority. It requires an understanding of the principles of authority in order to understand the elements of faith. 
• Power, or the authority of God in force, in operation, in manifestation. 
• Self-working, or dominion. When someone has dominion, it means he can act on his own.
• The centurion understood something crucial about authority. He was used to giving orders and being obeyed, and somehow, he knew that all Jesus had to do was say the word to make something happen. Jesus had that kind of authority. 
• Early in his ministry, Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, and the people who witnessed the event “were all amazed” at His authority (Mark 1:23-30). After Jesus cleansed the temple, the religious leaders wanted to know who had given Him the authority to do such things (see Matt. 21:23-27). The first thing Jesus told His disciples as He gave them the Great Commission was, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18). Jesus didn’t need to make the trip to the centurion’s home. He had all the authority He needed to heal the servant right where He was.

What was so great about the centurion's faith? 

• Believing Jesus can do what He says He can do. “Because I said so!” Highlights a foundational truth of life: some people have the authority to make things happen just by saying so. Parents are a good example. But God is the best example. God spoke, and creation happened. Jesus spoke, and Lazarus was raised from the dead. Jesus speaks here and heals a man without even being there. 
• There is something unusual and exceptional that we can notice right away about the Roman officer – his concerned about his slave. In those days, a slave was nothing. An owner could do whatever he wanted with a slave without having to give an account. You can treat him like a piece of property. If he is good, you keep him. If he is not good, you get rid of him. This slave, being sick with palsy, would have been completely useless to the centurion. It would have been much less trouble to ignore him and let him die. And yet, the master did not reject the slave. The centurion took care of the sick slave because he loved him. Notice that this is the only recorded time that a person came to Jesus on behalf of a slave. We normally see parents bringing their children, or friends bringing friends. But this soldier brought his servant. This slave should have been meaningless to him. Yet he cared enough for him that he wanted him to be healed by Jesus. We can say that this centurion is an exceptionally loving and caring person and this moved Jesus.
• In this story, faith is described as an absolute practical reliance on Jesus’ power. Notice these words: ‘Just say a word.’ The centurion believed not only in the power and authority of Jesus’ word, but also that Jesus’ presence was not required for healing. It only takes a word from Jesus and the problem will be solved. 

What keeps people from having this kind of faith that God can meet our needs?

• Ignorance … my problem is too small for God. Lack of faith … my problem is too big for God. Pride … I can take care of myself. Lack of knowledge, understanding of God’s attributes … omnipotence, omniscience, love, wisdom, righteousness/justice, etc

How can we become more convinced of the authority and lordship of Jesus during crises?

• We must have input into our minds of these truths … you have to be reading and applying God’s Word. Learn to trust God on daily basis. Make a practice of seeing God at work, attributing to Him the solutions to your problems.

Point: Jesus has the authority to give us Hope.

Jesus meets us at our point of need even if we see ourselves as unworthy of His attention. In truth, no one is worthy of the compassionate response of Jesus, but then He never acts on the basis of who we are but on who He is. Because Jesus has unequaled, unmatched authority over all others, situations, and things, we can find hope in Him.

Matthew 8:10-13 

10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith. 11 I tell you that many will come from east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that very moment. 

Why was Jesus amazed? 

• A Gentile centurion, not the Jewish religious leaders, recognized the limitless nature of Jesus’ authority. A non-believer actually believed more than those on the inside. He had more faith than anyone in Israel.
• Jesus is amazed at the centurion’s faith. It is a strong word used of Jesus only here and in Mark 6:6 where it was used because of the lack of faith among the Jewish people (He is amazed because of their unbelief). 

What is the relationship between having hope and having faith?

• Hope is trusting in something or someone that will make it happen. 
• Faith is trusting in God, in what He says, in His power and authority and love to make it happen in His time and His way. Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”

Jesus Christ asked a question in Luke 18:8: “when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” The fact that He even had to ask is a good indication that faith will be scarce at the time of His return; it always has been.

WHAT IS FAITH?

Faith is defined in the first verse of the faith chapter of the Bible, Hebrews 11: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The Greek word for faith means persuasion, conviction of religious truth, conviction of the truthfulness of God, or reliance on God. It comes from the meaning to convince, to assent to evidence or authority, or to rely on by inward certainty.

Faith is an assurance that we will receive the things for which we hope, and it supports the knowledge that we will receive them. The Bible has promises for blessings in this life if we obey God, and it also contains promises for eternal life in the kingdom of God. Faith is the assurance that we will receive those promises.

Faith is also the evidence or proof of what we cannot see or what we have not seen yet. By faith we know that God made the universe, although we cannot see God and we were not present at the creation. Faith is the evidence or proof that God exists, and it is also the evidence that He will keep His promises, even though we have not seen those promises yet.

Jesus makes a remarkable prediction. What was it and what did He mean by it?

• He draws a contrast between Jews and Gentiles. Many “from the east and the west” – that is, from non-Jewish nations – would be welcomed into God’s kingdom. Many “children of the kingdom” (Israelites) would be cast into hell. Our national or ethnic heritage will not determine where we spend eternity. That depends strictly on our faith in Jesus (Eph. 2:8-9). We may be surprised at who gets into heaven and who does not.

How can we know we have a faith in Jesus like that of the centurion? 

• We say we have faith, but if that’s true? Are we confident? Are we sure? Let me explain what I mean. Hebrews 11 begins with these words: “Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen” (v. 1). Faith is more than wishful thinking. It’s the firm conviction that Jesus Christ is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. The centurion trusted Jesus’ word because he understood how authority worked. He trusted in Jesus and His ability to heal. As a result, he found hope for his servant and hope for himself. We can have that same hope, as well. It comes through faith—confidence that Jesus can do what He says He can do. 

Point: Faith in Jesus brings Hope.

The Lord commends and honors our faith in Him. The kingdom is prepared for those who place their faith in Christ. Those who presume on the Lord, rest on their own merit, and claim their own rights to the kingdom shall be cast out and suffer the pain of eternal separation from the presence of God. Faith in Christ leads us to hope in Him.

Remember that “great faith” is not something that we generate from within ourselves. Great faith is faith in a Great God … faith is only as effective as the object of our faith … Jesus!

Close: The Lord who gave hope to the centurion and his servant is the same Lord who can give us hope in our greatest hour of need. 

Remember there were two criminals crucified with Jesus, one on each side. Jesus gave each of them the choice and hope of salvation, the same choice He gives us. He’s not going to force us to love Him. He’s not going to force us to trust Him, and He’s not going to force us to accept Heaven. There were two responses. One criminal rejected Jesus, and the other accepted Him in faith. We make the same choice.

The greatest HOPE we can have is knowing for sure that we have been saved? How do you know you’re going to Heaven when you die? How can you be certain? 

• Your assurance is not by your works, is not by your feelings, because feelings come and go. Your assurance of salvation is the promise of God’s Word. If God says it, that settles it, because God cannot lie. You can trust the promise of God’s Word. 
• Remember Young Christian held a key called “Promise” that would open any lock in Doubting Castle.

Jesus tells the one criminal that accepted Him, “I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43b NLT). Your assurance of salvation is the same: God’s promise that you will be in Heaven with Him one day if you believe in faith.

Jesus gives us four characteristics of salvation that we can believe:

1. He said “today.” Salvation is immediate. The moment you ask Jesus Christ to save you, it is done. 

2. Salvation is certain. “Today you will.” Not “You might,” not “I hope.” Not “Let Me think about it.” When God says, “You will,” you will. When you accept Christ, you can be certain of your salvation.

3. Salvation is a relationship. “You will be with Me.” Salvation is not a religion. It’s not rules or regulations or rituals. That relationship doesn’t begin when you get to Heaven. It begins here on Earth. God made you for a relationship with Him!

4. Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” Heaven is a real place, and it is forever.

How will you express your faith in Christ this week? Consider the following options: 

• Review the Word – why? One way to see God’s power and ability to work on your behalf is to see how He worked in the Scriptures. Look at the accounts of others and review what God did in their lives. 
• Review your past. List the major events in your life in recent years. Use that list to build your faith by praying through the different ways He has worked on your behalf. 
• Take a leap. Ask God to include you in something huge for His kingdom. Something that can only be explained by the fact that He is at work. 

John Piper once quoted Billy Graham, saying, "God will not reward fruitfulness, He will reward faithfulness." The centurion was faith-full. I want to be like him when I grow up.

The story of the healing of the centurion’s servant in Luke 7 ends with a remarkable statement by Jesus: “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

What was so great about the centurion’s faith? 

I think the answer lies in the contrast between the statement of the Jewish elders (vv. 4-5) and that of the centurion himself (vv. 6-8).

This centurion, evidently a generous man and a good citizen, was able to convince some Jewish elders to speak to Jesus on his behalf. So, as Luke records it.

When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”

The Jewish elders were impressed by him. “Jesus, he is worthy of Your attention. He deserves to have You help him. He is a good man. He loves God’s people. He gives back to the community. He helped build the synagogue!” Even in those days I guess making a contribution to a building fund was a good way to win friends and influence people.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t say anything, but He does go with them.

And now the story takes a twist. Jesus never makes it to the centurion’s house; He is stopped in the street. And there a new set of messengers approach Him – friends of the man. They deliver a message from the centurion, and it is quite different from the message the centurion himself sent.

“Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, for I do not deserve to have You come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You.”

There’s quite a difference between “Lord, this man deserves to have You do this…” and “Lord…I do not deserve to have You come under my roof.” The elders were praising his worth, and he is denying it. He continues, “But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go’, and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

The centurion, by implication, has just made a very strong confession of faith in Christ. When he says, “But say the word, and my servant will be healed,” He recognizes that Jesus’ word is as good as His deed; more than that, he knows that Jesus can accomplish whatever He pleases, just by saying the word. The centurion is saying that whatever Jesus says, will come to pass. Who has that kind of power? There is only One.

Whenever I read this story and hear the confession of the centurion, I think of Isaiah 55:10-11 

As the rain and the snow

come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

“But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” This is a confession of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Only God could provide what the centurion was asking for.

What’s interesting about this story is that the centurion says this at a time when the disciples still don’t understand who Jesus is. They weren’t quite sure what to make of Him at this point. They knew He was special – obviously, they were following Him around – but they didn’t realize He was divine. It is not until two chapters later that Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah of God.

It is truly amazing that this Roman officer – a pagan – has a better sense of who Jesus is than the religious people. The Jewish elders haven’t figured it out. The Pharisees and teachers of the law haven’t figured it out. It’s this foreigner who has to teach them a lesson in faith.

And so, it is very fitting then that Jesus says at this point, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” He has been spending all His time with the people of God, and yet none of them have recognized Him as the Son of God. They question Him, they argue with Him, they reject Him…but this non-religious soldier recognizes Him and shows great faith in Him.

And the greatness of his faith is found precisely in the fact that he trusts not in his own worth, but in the power of God’s Word.

The elders say, “he deserves it”; the man says, “I don’t deserve it, but say the word”; And Jesus says, “now that’s faith!”

The feet of faith walk forward believing God is, “and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in its highest form removes all worldly shackles and just rests in the truth that if it is His will, there is nothing that can hinder God from performing a miracle in one’s life. Ethnicity, background, and prestige all fall away in the eyes of our Savior whose only view is that of an opened heart filled with belief.

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan 

New Series Begins March 5, 2017

These are the days of “not yet.” 

Those of us who follow Christ live in an uncomfortable reality. God has given us many great promises in Christ Jesus, but we’ve not yet experienced them all. Not yet. 

• Christ promised He would return—but not yet. 

• Jesus will ultimately make everything right—but not yet. 

• Christ promised to redeem our lives and welcome us into His glorious kingdom—but not yet. 

As we live in this “in between” reality of life, it’s easy to forget that the story—God’s great story of redemption—has a happy ending. Whenever we read the headlines or watch the news on TV, we sometimes wonder how things will turn out. We forget the war already has been won. The future isn’t in doubt. 

What all of this means on a practical level is that we can live in our present circumstances, whatever they are, with a joyful confidence because we know Christ has already secured our victory. We can have courage in our obedience, enthusiasm in our evangelism, mercy in our forgiveness, and determination in our discipleship. 

We can live each day with joy because we have victory. We are confident Jesus will finish what He has started in the whole world—and in us.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

I have a curious habit: I read the last paragraph of a book first. If it’s a mystery, I want to know “whodunit.” If it’s a thriller, I want to see the climatic ending right away. If the author is stating an argument, I want to read her concluding thoughts. 

When I know the ending, I enjoy the experience of reading the book much more. 

The Book of Revelation offers a similar experience. On the Isle of Patmos, the apostle John had an incredible vision that became the Book of Revelation. This last book of the Bible presents a grand and glorious picture—a victorious picture—of Christ. 

In this vision of the future, Christ is shown as victorious in every way, and history flows to that moment when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 

In other words, we know how the story ends. Therefore, we can live our lives in a much deeper and fuller way. We can live with confidence.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Revelation 1:12-16 

12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool — white as snow — and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. 

The Book of Revelation was written during a time when the early church experienced intense persecution. To endure this hardship, John wanted to be sure the early Christians didn’t lose confidence in the truth of the gospel. Yes, the Scriptures tell us that Christ came, He lived a sinless life among us, He died for us, and He was resurrected. But there’s more! This same Christ now reigns over God’s kingdom forever. 

As John worshiped, he was lifted high enough to see over the horizon of time and catch a glimpse of the One who reigns over history. And what he saw was an incredible vision of Christ: 

• He was dressed in a long robe with a gold sash. Both rulers and Jewish high priests wore long robes. A gold sash indicated high rank and wealth. 

• His head and hair were white like wool and white as snow. White hair was viewed with respect, dignity, and honor. It symbolized experience and wisdom (see Prov. 16:31). 

• His eyes were like a fiery flame. This emphasizes Christ’s penetrating vision and His ability to judge perfectly. 

• His feet were like fine bronze. This emphasizes Christ’s purity, strength, and glory.

• His voice like the sound of cascading waters. When Christ speaks, His words are felt as much as they are heard, just like the way the roar of a waterfall vibrates your chest when you stand next to it. 

• He had seven stars in His right hand. The right hand represented authority and power (see Ps. 110:1; Matt. 26:64), and the seven stars were “the angels of the seven churches” (Rev. 1:20). The victorious Christ is in control of the churches. 

• He had a sharp double-edged sword coming from His mouth. Even today, we often refer to “the sword of justice.” This is an image of Christ’s judicial authority. 

• His face was shining like the sun at midday. This might have reminded John of seeing Jesus at His transfiguration (see Matt. 17:2). His glory is obvious.

Revelation 1:17-18 

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 18 and the Living One. I was dead, but look — I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” 

Being human like us, John couldn’t comprehend the vision before him, and he “fell at his feet like a dead man.” 

This wasn’t the first time John had experienced a sight like this. On another occasion, he—along with Peter and James—saw Jesus transformed into His glory in front of them. And their response at that time was similar to John’s reaction in this passage: “they fell face-down and were terrified” (Matt. 17:6).

I love Jesus’ response on both occasions. In Matthew 17:7, Jesus touched them, and said, “Get up; don’t be afraid.” In Revelation 1:17, Jesus “laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid!’” 

Because of what Christ has done for us, we don’t need to be afraid. Jesus described Himself as “the Living One.” He died in our place, choosing to accept the punishment for our sin. Yet Jesus didn’t stay dead. God the Father put His seal of approval on what Jesus did by raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus is now alive, never to die again. 

• “Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living” (Rom. 14:9). 

• “He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church” (Eph. 1:19b-21). 

We need not fear death because Jesus conquered death for us—His church. His death was for us, and His resurrection was for us. 

Think about what that meant for the churches being persecuted. Roman authorities told the earliest Christians that Caesar was on the throne and reigned as a god. To the Romans, Jesus was just another dead prophet who would soon be forgotten. But now John brought the message of Christ’s resurrection and all it entailed: Jesus, whose power called the universe into being and whose authority will one day redeem our broken world, is alive and exalted over all.

Revelation 1:19-20 

19 “Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” 

John was commanded to write to the seven churches represented by the golden lampstands. With these seven churches were seven stars in Jesus’ right hand; Jesus called those “the angels of the seven churches.” I believe these were most likely the pastors of these congregations—leaders who were under growing pressure and persecution from the Roman government in an effort to silence their witness. 

Don’t miss the truth that the pastors of the churches were held in the palm of Jesus’ right hand. In the same way, remember that John saw Jesus walking “among the lampstands” (v. 13), meaning that Jesus is in the midst of His church. Jesus was (and still is) in control! 

John wrote the Book of Revelation so that the church would know Jesus reigns—so that we could live in the confidence that Christ has already won the victory over sin and the corruption of this world. Love triumphs over hate. Good defeats evil. Most importantly, Jesus will bring all His children home to be with Him. No power will ever separate us from Him (see Rom. 8:38-39). 

Sadly, most of us live as if the battle is still in doubt—as if we think Jesus is going to win, but we aren’t entirely sure. As a result, we never fully commit to Christ. We’re always hedging our bets and holding back on our full commitment to His kingdom. 

It doesn’t have to be that way. We can be bold and confident now. Jesus has won; His enemies are defeated. Therefore, live boldly for Christ and don’t let those already defeated by Christ intimidate you any longer. Jesus is our Victor, and we can live every day in joyful confidence of His victory.

LIVE IT OUT

Jesus is Lord, and He has already won the battle for you future. Consider the following options for responding to these truths in the days to come: 

• Trust. Examine your life for areas where you retain control. Trust Christ to lead you in those areas. Trust Him as Lord. 

• Encourage. If you have friends who are discouraged because of circumstances, pray for them. Share what you’ve gained from this study and help them see that Jesus is present and has authority over all things. 

• Stand. Be bold and confident in those places where your faith in Christ is challenged or ridiculed. Choose to take a stand for His victory at home, at work, in your neighborhood, and so on. 

What a privilege to know the end of our stories! As disciples of Jesus, we can peek at the back of the book and see that Christ will be victorious—that He is already victorious. Be confident in that victory as you follow Him each day.

Teacher Notes

Pilgrim's Progress: Young Christian's journey to the Celestial City.

At one point on their pilgrimage, Christian and his companion Hopeful stepped aside from the true Way, into By-Path-Meadow, because it looked easier and seemed to be going in the same direction as the Way. Soon they realized their mistake and began the journey back towards the Way. As they traveled, they slept one night on the grounds of a castle, but it turned out that this was Doubting-Castle, owned by Giant Despair. When the giant found them, he threw them into his dark and nasty dungeon, and they suffered terribly, from capture on Wednesday until escape on Sunday. 

On Thursday, at the suggestion of his wife, Diffidence, Giant Despair beat them severely and mercilessly. On Friday, he told them to kill themselves since there was no hope for them. On Saturday, angered that they had not committed suicide, he showed them the bones of those he had previously murdered by tearing them to pieces. He assured them that their end would come soon in the same manner. Then he beat them again.

At midnight on Saturday, despite their wounds, Christian and Hopeful began to pray (like Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25), and they continued this prayer throughout the night. Then we read of the amazing escape: “Now a little before it was Day, good Christian, as one half amazed, broke out in this passionate speech; ‘What a fool,’ said he, ‘am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty? For I have a key in my pocket, called Promise, that will I am persuaded open any lock in Doubting-Castle.’ And, using the key, Christian and Hopeful escaped.”

These are the days of “not yet.”  How do we live victoriously in the “in between”?

And what about the “in betweens” in the “in between”?

This we’ll be discussing over the next 6-weeks. 

• Where we find hope in the "in between"?
• How do we battle the sins we face in the "in between" reality of life?
• How can I have a victorious "in between" faith? 
• How can I have victory over the fears of my "in between" life?

Today we begin with the end of the STORY... that Jesus Christ is the victorious LORD of all. ​ 

What is Ash Wednesday?

• Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Its official name is “Day of Ashes,” so called because of the practice of rubbing ashes on one’s forehead in the sign of a cross. Since it is exactly 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter Sunday, it will always fall on a Wednesday—there cannot be an “Ash Thursday” or “Ash Monday.” The Bible never mentions Ash Wednesday—for that matter, it never mentions Lent. Lent is intended to be a time of self-denial, moderation, fasting, and the forsaking of sinful activities and habits. Ash Wednesday commences this period of spiritual discipline. Ash Wednesday and Lent are observed by most Catholics and some Protestant denominations. The modern tradition of rubbing a cross on a person’s forehead supposedly identifies that person with Jesus Christ. 

Should a Christian observe Ash Wednesday?

• Since the Bible nowhere explicitly commands or condemns such a practice, Christians are at liberty to prayerfully decide whether or not to observe Ash Wednesday. If a Christian decides to observe Ash Wednesday and/or Lent, it is important to have a biblical perspective. Jesus warned us against making a show of our fasting: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18). We must not allow spiritual discipline to become spiritual pride.

Ash Wednesday/Lent is the life we live in the “in between”.

• It is a good thing to repent of sinful activities, but that’s something Christians should do every day, not just during Lent. It’s a good thing to clearly identify oneself as a Christian, but, again, this should be an everyday identification. And it is good to remember that no ritual can make one’s heart right with God.
• Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent - a time in the Christian calendar that eventually leads to Holy Week, or the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. It lasts 40 days and emphasizes repentance, confession and fasting.

Jesus, Our Victor: Revelation 1:12-20

The Book of Revelation was written during a time when the early church experienced intense persecution. To endure this hardship, John wanted to be sure the early Christians didn’t lose confidence in the truth of the gospel. Yes, the Scriptures tell us that Christ came, He lived a sinless life among us, He died for us, and He was resurrected. But there’s more! This same Christ now reigns over God’s kingdom forever. It represents the end of the story, we know how it will all end.

As John worshiped, he was lifted high enough to see over the horizon of time and catch a glimpse of the One who reigns over history. And what he saw was an incredible vision of Christ! 

Revelation 1:12-20

12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool — white as snow — and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 18 and the Living One. I was dead, but look — I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” 19 “Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

Why is it important for our lives that Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades?

• Possessing the “keys of death” means that the risen Christ has control and authority over death. In John 10:17–18, Jesus says, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” When Jesus died, He died according to His own timing, when He “gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead (Mark 15:44). Jesus, who has the authority over death, had the unique power to give up His spirit and to rise from the dead. Moreover, He has the authority to release His followers from death in order that they may be with Him forever.
• Eternal life through Jesus Christ is the blessed assurance John describes in 1 John 5:6–13. Jesus having the keys of death means He has the power to release from death those who receive the gift of salvation He offers.

What happens in our lives as we become more and more confident in Christ’s victory?

• We learn that Jesus was (and still is) in control!
• Jesus is our Victor, and we can live every day (the in between) in joyful confidence of His victory. 

Our series for the next 6 weeks is on how we are to live victoriously in the “in between” reality of life. We also have “in betweens” in the “in between”. I’m talking about the struggles and trials we face in life – with each of them we are looking and waiting for a way out or an end to what we face.

How does knowing the end of the story help you with the “in between”?

We can live in our present circumstances, whatever they are, with a joyful confidence because we know Christ has already secured our victory. We can have courage in our obedience, enthusiasm in our evangelism, mercy in our forgiveness, and determination in our discipleship. 

We can live each day with joy because we have victory. We are confident Jesus will finish what He has started in the whole world—and in us.

The 40 years in the wilderness for the Israelites on their way to the Promise Land is symbolic for our journey, our “in between” too. So, there are some Red Sea Rules I would like to give you today that will be helpful to our 6-week journey to living victoriously in the “in between”.

The Red Sea Rules: The Same God Who Led You In Will Lead You Out

1. Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Exodus 14:1-2 Begin to look at whatever circumstance we face in the “in between” period in this way - I am here: by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, and for His time. Ask yourself, haven’t I witnessed God’s power in the past? Haven’t I experienced His forgiveness before? Haven’t I experienced and felt His presence in other circumstances? How would you answer that? Point: He who has carried you this far isn’t going to drop you now.

2. Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief. Exodus 14:3-4 This begins with asking the right question. When we are in the “in betweens” of the “in between” and we become overwhelmed, instead of asking, “How can I get out of this mess?” try asking, “How can God be glorified in this situation?” “If only we could look upon a difficult crisis as an occasion of bringing out, on our behalf, the sufficiency of divine grace, it would enable us to preserve the balance of our souls and to glorify God, even in the deepest waters. – C. H. Mackintosh

3. Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. Exodus 14:5-9 Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The great tyrant has not forgotten you and he designs your capture and re-enslavement.” Satan doesn’t surrender his prey without a fight. He comes racing after the converted soul, seeking to discourage you and to defeat you. He pursues you with the intensity of Pharaoh.

4. Pray! Exodus 14:10 Some of our “in between” situations offer us just two options – we can either panic or pray. Many of us choose to panic, like the Israelites by the Red Sea or the disciples on the Sea of Galilee. The Lord has spent years trying to show us that prayer is the means by which we can, if we choose, stay even-tempered, self-possessed, cool-headed, and strong-spirited, even in a crisis. Matthew Henry said, “Their fear set them a praying, and that was a good effect of it. God brings us into straits that He may bring us to our knees. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT

5. Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. It’s the hardest part of the “in between” this whole idea of waiting. Would you agree? J. Hudson Taylor once said, “I am waiting on Thee, Lord, to open a way.” Moses said to the people: “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” – Exodus 14:13-14 This is what the biblical phrase “waiting on the Lord” is all about: committing our Red Sea situations to Him in prayer, trusting Him, and waiting for Him to work. If you’re in a difficult place right now, perhaps you need to leave it in His hands for a while. He alone can storm the impregnable, devise the improbable, and perform the impossible. He alone can part the waters.

6. When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. In the next verse of Exodus 14:15 it says, “The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me?” Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” I have found that as we go as far as we can, God often opens up the rest of the way. How it pays to take one step at a time with God! – Isobel Kuhn. In a poem, entitled Moment by Moment, by Daniel Whittle he says, “Never a trial that He is not there, never a burden that He does not bear, never a sorrow that He does not share, moment by moment, we’re under His care.”

7. Envision God’s enveloping presence. Exodus 14:19-20 Always look for God’s presence in your trial. Psalm 139:5-6 David says, “I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too – your measuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful – I can’t take it all in! (The Message)

8. Trust God to deliver in His own unique way. Exodus 14:21-22, Psalm 50:15 says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. But does He still? Does He deliver from financial woes? Marital problems? Emotional confusion? Harm and danger? Self-destructive habits? Disease? Yes, He does! But we must have God’s perspective on deliverance, for He doesn’t always view things as we do. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” We must view God’s deliverance not by emotional reflex, human standards, or even common sense – but by biblical truth.

9. View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. Exodus 14:30-31 J. Hudson Taylor said, “I know He tries me only to increase my faith.” Lord, increase our faith. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. I have often said this prayer, knowing that faith isn’t something I can muster up at will; it must be given by God and developed according to the processes He has ordained. He is, after all, a God who grows things.

10. Don’t forget to praise Him. Exodus 15:1-2 Charles Spurgeon says to, “Wash your face every morning in a bath of praise.” So whether you are on the upper side or the underside of the storm, whether you are on the east bank or the west bank of the Red Sea, God will make a way. And when He does, don’t forget to praise Him.

Conclusion: "And, using the key, Christian and Hopeful escaped.”

What does this “key called Promise” mean to you and me today in the “in between”? 

• The most striking part of the story is where Christian realizes that he had the key all the time! There was no need for them to have spent even one hour in the dungeon. Sadly, Christian had forgotten that he had the key in his possession. What was the key? Well, it was the key called “Promise,” and because he had this key, there was no need to be in Doubting-Castle as a prisoner of Giant Despair. In modern language, Christian had in his possession all of the promises of God, and therefore he had no need to be a captive to despair. Christian ought to have trusted in God and His promises. Had he done so, he would not have been the prisoner of doubt and despair.

Are you going through a time of doubt or despair? Have you become a prisoner of these enemies of God and the Gospel? If you are a Christian, the wonderful truth is that you already have in your possession all that is necessary for your deliverance — you need to trust in the promises of God.

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan