Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Introductory thoughts

• The Hebrew writer (c.66-68 AD) urges his readers not to be drawn away from Christ to Judaism.
• To this end, the writer makes an extended comparison -- the new is better than the old; Christianity is better than Judaism.
• The Hebrew writer thinks many Christians can't handle meaty teaching; for them, it's all milk (Heb 5:11-14). Which kind of Bible student am I going to be? Which word describes the maturity of my faith and teaching, meaty or milky?
• Consider the Latin adjectives super, superior, supremus (positive, comparative, and superlative forms). Nothing is higher than supreme.

Christ is superior in many ways:

• Prophets
• Angels
• Moses
• Joshua
• Sabbath
• High priest
• Covenant
• Tabernacle
• Sacrifices

Yet Christ is beyond superior; he's supreme!

• Eternal (1:2, 7:18, etc -- present at creation, and remains forever).
• Divine ruler (1:3, 12:2 -- as he sits at the right hand of the Father).
• Above the angels -- divine (1:6 -- if he's worshiped by the angels, then he's above their level; he's not a mere man, nor an angel, but God).
• God (1:8 -- Christ is addressed "Your throne, O God...").
• Incarnate God (2:14 -- he came to share in our humanity [the incarnation], which means he was no mere enlightened human teacher, but divine).
• Great Shepherd (13:20 -- but the Lord is our Shepherd, as in Psalm 23, hence Jesus Christ is God).
• To Him be glory forever (13:21 -- again, suggesting his deity).

Supremacy: illustrations

• Einstein superior to Newton, who was superior to the ancient Greeks... but only God is supreme.
• An athlete batting 400 is superior the one batting 200, but who bats 1000? No one could possibly be better.
• A trillion (1,000,000,000,000) is much greater than a million (1,000,000), but ∞ (100000000000...0000 ad infinitum) is supreme!

Conclusion

• Christ is not only superior; he is supreme.
• He is supreme because he is God.
• And since he is God, he deserves our worship.
• May this insight inspire us today!

Further study

• Back from the Edge: A Study of Hebrews (10 lessons, audio).
• Perseverance: Hanging on to Jesus Through Hebrews (John Oakes, 8 hours audio with 44 pages of notes + PowerPoint)
• AIM Exposition of Hebrews (12 lessons, DVD), to be published Spring 2014 by IPI.

Next up: 1-2 Peter -- In His Steps.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Introduction

• Grace from start to finish (vv.3, 25).
• Christ was gracious, and this motivated others to change. (See John 4, John 8, Luke 19...)
• Paul had clearly learned from his Lord.

The situation

• Onesimus is Philemon's runaway slave.
• He had become a Christian through Paul's influence, while Paul was in prison.
• Paul -- in the presence of the other leaders and the entire church -- wishes to persuade Philemon to receive Onesimus back:
  • As a brother in full fellowship,
  • Without holding his debts (petty theft?) against him, and
  • Granting him release from his servitude.
• Col 4:9 -- Was the letter delivered by Onesimus himself?
• OT background: Deut 23:15 -- the runaway was not to be returned.
• For more on slavery and the Bible, please listen to the podcast on this topic.

Personal challenges (esp. for leaders)

• Firm yet gentle influence
• Transparency of the process
• Respect for all persons
• Reaching out in all circumstances (e.g. in prison) Col 4:2-6
• Since we all hope to receive grace, let's show it to others!

Next podcast: Jesus Christ: Not just Superior, but Supreme

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Introduction

• Isn't this theme in most of the NT books? Yes; it occurs in the majority of them.
• 7 consecutive chapters on return of Christ.
• Issues surrounding the 2 Thessalonian letters are closely related. And seem to be the most urgent issues in each, and certainly in the 2nd letter.
• Thessalonica
  • Acts 17. But reading this background doesn't add so much to our understanding of the doctrinal concerns of 1-2 Thessalonians.
  • Situation of 1-2 Thess. Paul had preached that Messiah had to suffer and rise (vv.2-3), and that loyalty to him was above that owed to Caesar (v.7).
  • Paul's first three letters: Gal (48), 1 Thess (50), 2 Thess (50/51). And 2 Thess 3:17 suggests possible previous letters.
• Theme
  • What we learn is not only that he's coming back. That we already know. There's more. (Although still I admit that you can find my topic in several NT books.)
  • In 1 Thessalonians, Paul instructs the Thessalonians about the return of Christ, countering the notion that only those still alive at the end of the world will be saved.
  • In 2 Thessalonians, apparently some have misunderstood Paul to have been urging them to quit their jobs (see 2 Thess 3) and loiter around until the Lord returned. He tells these people, "Get back to work!"

Thessalonian Texts

• 1 Thess 1:9-10 -- Christ's ("second") coming from heaven. (The first coming is the incarnation.)
• 1 Thess 2:19-20 -- When the Lord returns, believers will be together.
• 1 Thess 3:11-13 -- We are to live blameless and holy lives.
• 1 Thess 4:13-18
  • Some grieving in misunderstanding.
  • No "hope" => resurrection
  • Dead in Christ will rise. Not lost to God.
  • We will join them. Not lost to God or to us!
  • Rapture? Escorting Lord to earth or is this a flight from the earth, by the traditional understanding of John 14?
• 2 Thess 1:6-10
  • Vindication of saints
  • Punishment of enemies
• 2 Thess 2:1-10
  • A false apostolic letter or report has been circulating.
  • He has not come back yet! Nor should we evade the responsibilities of life in order to wait for his imminent return (see 3:6-15).
  • Certain events must take place first. This passage is (I admit) difficult to interpret.
  • Don't be impressed by interpretations, or even miracles, that contradict this teaching.
  • Many Bible readers in our generation have been misled, too; they are focusing on signs and wonders and the end of the world, but have failed to be truly prepared in holiness.
• 1 Thess 5:1-11
  • Another misunderstanding: the business of predicting. This is fruitless!
  • Be ready, be alert (awake).
  • God's plan is that those who sleep (the dead) together with those who are awake (living) may enjoy fellowship with him.
  • The Day of the Lord will be terrible if we aren't striving to live holy lives. See Amos 5:18ff.

Summary

• He's coming back, and we'd better be ready!
• We are to be vigilant: not by analyzing current events, tracking global weather, or scrutinizing the prophecies, but by living alert Christian lives.
• He expects holiness. (See also 2 Peter 3.)
• He will bring final redemption, and justice. We must offer to Him a vigilant holiness. Which is why he looks for alert, not sleepy, followers.
• For more on the afterlife and the end times, listen to the lessons in the Last Things series at this website.

Next: The Pastoral Epistles: Christ Our Gracious Guide

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Introduction

• Philippians is an extremely christocentric document
  • It is often commented that the theme of Philippians is joy – I count 14 or 15 instances of this word, or the idea—but I’m not so sure.
  • Look at how many times Christ is mentioned (whichever word or phrased is use in referring to Him).  This seems to be the true theme.
• Every chapter exalts Christ.
  • All things through Him, and All needs supplied (4).
  • All things are as nothing, compared to his incomparable and surpassing greatness (3).
  • Carmen Christi [the Song of Christ] (2)
  • Live / exalt 1:21.
• 1:21 is our theme verse.

Overview of chapter 1

• Die—Praetorian guard knew Paul's confidence
• Gain—the other option
• Fruitful labor
• Rrogress and joy (for the saved)
• Knowledge of Christ spread

Why the pull in two directions?

• I haven’t met many brothers or sisters who feel torn.
• Perhaps it’s because Paul had such an impact and he know his Lord so well.
• We have little impact, and we don't know the one we say we worship.

To live is Christ… but is it?

• Notice that Paul writes, “For to me…” This is his determination, his steadfast decision.
• What excites me the most?
  • Career advancement
  • Relationship with spouse
  • Sporting glory
  • Material things
  • Education?
• Or is it Christ?
  • So much that I live with an unusual passion for Him on a daily basis?
  • So much that whenever and wherever he is preached, and by whomever, regardless of the character or even doctrinal soundness of the preacher, I genuinely rejoice?
  • So much that I evaluate my life in terms of Christ, rejecting the norms and values and accolades of the world?

Conclusion

• "To live is gain, to die is Christ." -- wouldn't that also be true?
• But again, in the simplicity of paradise, and worship of One God (without worldly distractions or competition), and freedom from opposition, resentment, misrepresentation... to die is gain (even if he must wait for heaven at the judgment day). So Paul put it just the right way.
• Paul teaches us so much about Christ. Of course—he was an inspired apostle, infused with by Spirit of Christ and led into all truth by Him!

Next time: 1-2 Thessalonians--He's Coming Back!

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Appreciate the fact that Christ is Lord on not just a local or global level, but on a cosmic level! Listen to Ephesians & Colossians: The Cosmic Christ (11 minutes).

Scriptures in this lesson:

• Eph 1:22-23
• Eph 3:8-11
• Col 1:15-20
• Col 2:9-10
• Recommended: Steve Kinnard, Jesus Unequaled: An Exposition of Colossians (IPI, 2013).

Cosmic Christ manifest in 5 areas:

• Creator: not just involved as the means or as an assistant, but as the agent.
• Sustainer
• Redeemer: reconciliation earth / heaven
• Full deity: not just an enlightened human, mystical guru, or wise rabbi. God in nature (lesson 1)
• All authority: hence Lord

Application:

1. Created the world, will preside over the new creation, makes us new creations.
   1. When we are flat
   2. When we need a spark of inspiration
   3. When we doubt we can change
2. Can sustain us when we are tiring
   1. Isaiah 40.
   2. Need to schedule the Lord or the world will press in
3. Redeemer
   1. Ongoing cleansing (1 Jn 1)
   2. Confidence that comes with cleansing
4. Deity should affect us in many areas:
   1. Appreciate Jesus Christ as our Savior
   2. Conviction about the uniqueness of Christianity on the spectrum of world religions
   3. Extra alert while we sing hymns to Christ
5. All authority
   1. We won't challenge his authority over our lives: allow him to sit on the throne of my heart-- but first self must get out of the way
   2. Won't doubt his power
   3. Will obey his commissions:
      1. To share the good news
      2. To bless the poor
      3. To live fruitful lives, ready at his service

Next: Philippians: To Live is Christ

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Lesson 13, 1-2  Corinthians: Christ's Humility Amidst Suffering (13 minutes), explores Jesus' humility and gentleness even in the midst of severe pain and suffering.

Background:

• Paul penned 4 Corinthians letters (1 Corinthians 1:1, 5:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 7:8), c.53-55 AD.
• Clement of Rome wrote to the Corinthians c.95 AD, urging them to remain unified. The younger leaders had risen up against their elders -- redolent of the old troubles (1 Corinthians 1, 3...).
• In 2 Corinthians, Paul's authority is under attack. He does not defend his ministry with credentials or a resume. Rather, as he argues, the true mark of leadership is suffering.
• It may seem easy enough to be loving when life is easy and events are calm, but how about when we are under pressure? At such times, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 takes on new meaning.

Challenge questions:

• What am I like when I'm in physical or emotional pain? Do I still put others first?
• If I had been the one on the cross, how would I have related to the soldiers? the criminals? the religious leaders who put me there? my friends who had abandoned me?
• When I'm tired, hungry, etc., do I become rude, demanding, grouchy, or self-focused?
• What parts of the day ahead of me are likeliest to strain my goodwill -- to tempt me to forget humility? Thinking about Christ, may I be prepared for what comes.

Next lesson: Ephesians & Colossians -- The Cosmic Christ.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Listen to Romans & Galatians: Baptized into Death (15 minutes).

Background

• Galatians (48 AD): Judaizers teaching that circumcision must precede baptism.
• Council of Jerusalem (49 AD): The apostles and elders reject this teaching (Acts 15).
• Romans (55 AD): Paul, in elaborating on the gospel for the benefit of a Christian community he had never visited, inoculates them against the heresy of the Judaizers (the circumcision party). Rome was by far the largest city in the empire, and would obviously play a crucial role in the future unity of the Christian movement.

Scriptures carrying the theme of baptism into death / death to self:

• Romans 6:1-7 -- Baptism is a participation in death, burial, and resurrection Christ -- the point of rebirth.
• Romans 6:6 -- "Crucifixion" in baptism.
• Galatians 2:20 -- "Crucified with Christ" is connected with a life of faith.
• Galatians 5:24 -- The key to living in the Spirit (5:22-23), instead of the flesh (5:19-21).
• Galatians 6:14 -- We are called to die to the world.
• Colossians 2:12, 2:20, 3:1-3, 3:5 -- Here we find similar linkages between baptism, death to the old life, and ongoing determination to put to death our flesh ("sinful nature," NIV).
• 1 Peter 2:24 -- This is not referring to conversion, though the thoughts are similar. Dying to sin in 1 Peter is a lifestyle decision; death to sin in Romans 6 is an aspect of conversion, something God accomplishes. Death to sin is not the same thing as repentance. Repentance initially precedes baptism; death to sin begins in baptism.

Summary:

• Baptism into Christ connects us with the power of His death and resurrection.
• Baptism is a kind of crucifixion (Romans 6:6).
• Because you have died, continue to stay dead!

Next time:  1-2 Corinthians: Humility amidst Suffering

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Our 11th lesson in the series CHRIST THROUGH THE AGES asks us to read between the lines in James. To what sort of life are we being called? Since as Christ-followers we are all urged to lead a life of Christ likeness, it is fair to regard the intense spiritual qualities enjoined on us in James as an upward call to embrace the life of Christ.

Are you ready for a challenge today? Listen to James: Jesus, our Wisdom from Above (10 minutes).

In this lesson:

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, the famous Ode to Love, is essentially a description of Christ -- of God! (Christ is patient, Christ is kind...)
• Similarly, throughout James we find many aspects of Christ's character
• 1 – perseverance, patience, obedience
  • James 2 – fairness, love, compassion for needy
  • James 4 – pure motives, etc…
  • James 5 – faithful prayer, etc…
  • James 3 – control of the tongue...
• Our focus: 3:13-18
  • Apparently some teachers are not controlling their tongues (3:1-12), and this has led to some degree of spiritual chaos in the community.
  • Unlike the false teacher, whose "falseness" originates from within, the godly teacher emulates Christ.
  • Whereas the "wisdom" of the false teacher comes from below, true heavenly wisdom comes from above.
  • This wisdom manifests itself in sevenfold virtue.
  • Does this describe me? Does this passage sum up the kind of Christian teacher I long to be?

Next lesson: Romans & Galatians: Baptized into Death

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Listen to the 10th podcast in the series (11 minutes), John: The (Heavenly) Word in (Human) Flesh.

Emphasized in this podcast:

• 90% of John’s material is unique, and mainly set in Jerusalem, as opposed to Galilee.
• Unlike the Synoptics, John is not structured around the Caesarea-Jerusalem trek following Peter’s confession (Mark 8).
• Emphasizes Jesus’ incarnation: humanity.
• Antitheses: simple yet effective use of paired opposites, combined with physical and spiritual levels (and frequent misunderstanding).
• Has the most universal focus of the four gospels.
• Triple-7 (7 signs, 7 confessions, 7 I AM statements). (More on this in the Worship podcast series.)
• Humanity: fatigue 4:6; anguish 12:27, 13:21; weeping 11:33-35; irritation 2:4; friends 11:11.

A study of John 11:1-35

• Jesus has friends, and he spends time with them.
• Jesus is affected by the emotions of others (Mary, Martha, the crowd).
• Jesus loves Lazarus, in a way he did not love others. Like us, he is closer to some persons than to others.
• Jesus is seized with emotion ("Jesus wept"), and this was obvious to others.
• Jesus shows us how to be human.

Questions

• Am I aware of the differences among the four Gospels?
• Do I grasp the message of John's gospel?
• Do I lean towards conceiving of Christ as more and Angel or more as a human? Do I have a balanced Christology?
• Have I ever been taught that the body is somehow unnecessary, or even unspiritual?
• Am I attempting to imitate Jesus, as an example of the perfect human?

Next:  Jesus in James: Wisdom from Above.