Introduction

There are a thousand different strategies from a thousand different denominations all advocating some unique selling proposition that the church MUST consider TODAY! It’s not only confusing, but it’s often at odds with the simple instruction provided in the Word of God.

The great Easter Egg drop of 2014. 7,000 candy-filled plastic eggs were dropped from a helicopter.

“You may ask, well, what does dropping an egg from a helicopter have to do with the resurrection? Uh, Absolutely nothing. It’s just fun.”1

Sums up the logic of the average church today. Church is all about entertainment.

What you win them with, you win them to.

Probably why they dropped 15,000 eggs the following year.

Titus is a manual for the local church.

Read Titus 1:1-4

What makes a church and how are members to act?

Context

Written by Paul from Macedonia during 4MJ (AD 61-63). Paul wants Titus to complete his ministry in Crete (1:5), then visit him upon the arrival of his replacement (3:12). He expects the congregation to hear the letter (3:15).

Titus instructed to appoint qualified leadership, teach a foundation of doctrinal knowledge, and provide an explanation of proper Christian conduct.

Contexts: Church > Home > World.2

Titus is theological and ethical instruction for every church in every age.

Not both-and, but cause-and-effect relationship.

Obedience is the natural response to right doctrine which is to be taught and preserved by qualified leadership. Whenever there is a breakdown in one category, the other categories are certain to be weakened as well.

Moral separation from the world is one of the great themes of Scripture (Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:26).

Moral compromise is often preceded by doctrinal confusion which is often preceded by unqualified leadership (or at least, uninvolved leadership). Therefore, training up qualified leadership is the starting point > doctrinal instruction > moral integrity.

Oftentimes, the church reverses this order and focuses on the symptoms of moral disobedience without ever addressing the deeper rooted problems of poor theology and leadership. Indeed, knowing who you are in Christ > moral freedom.

With this context in mind let’s consider Paul’s greeting…

Paul (1-3)

1 Paul’s apostolic calling was to support the faith and knowledge of God’s elect, those chosen by God (1 Cor. 1:26-31). How?

The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word, by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.3

The Spirit of Christ works through the ordinary means of grace (Word, Sacraments, and Prayer).

2 Increasing their hope of eternal life based upon God’s promise before times eternal (2 Tim. 1:9). Ponder that!

3 This promise had been revealed through the preaching of his word, which Paul was entrusted with.

In other words, Paul fulfilled his apostolic calling by preaching God’s promises to God’s elect.

Exemplary leadership places a heavy emphasis upon discipleship. Notice Paul’s focus upon people, specifically God’s elect, rather than programs.

Church Leadership should learn from Paul’s…

Christ-like humility (slave) and authority (apostle, 1a).

Desire to increase the congregation’s faith, knowledge, godliness, and hope (1b-2).

Commitment to preaching the word that Christ had entrusted to him (3). He explains his calling in terms of equipping the saints, NOT transforming the culture.

We should also consider the recipient…

Titus (4)

Titus is not mentioned in Acts, but still in close relationship with Paul.

Titus was a Gentile Christian, probably converted under Paul’s ministry. Paul refused to have Titus circumcised (Gal. 2:1-3).

He seems to have traveled with him on all but Paul’s first missionary journey. He had an extensive ministry in Corinth (mentioned 9x). Paul seems to have used him similarly in Crete (1:5) and Dalmat

Introduction

Jesus begins his public ministry with great reception, then faces intense challenge upon returning to the place of his upbringing, Nazareth.

Read Luke 4:14-30

Previously, Jesus went from affirmation > temptation, now he experiences acclamation > Persecution.

This is the second time Jesus found himself staring down from a dizzying height. He escaped 1x through overcoming the devil’s temptation. The 2x he was indeed protected from harm.

It seems like an overreaction from the crowd doesn’t it? What did Jesus say that offended them to such a degree that they sought to kill him?

Big Idea:

The Acclamation of Jesus (14-15)

The same Spirit that empowered Jesus for ministry at his baptism, strengthened him to withstand Satan’s temptation, and now continues to fill him in his teaching ministry.

His fame is beginning to precede him. As Jews hear him teaching, they praise his teaching to others.

John’s spirit-empowered preaching foreshadowed the greater preaching of Jesus. Yet, the same people who were amazed by his preaching would go on to reject him. It’s not enough to be enamored with Jesus, if we aren’t transformed by the same Spirit that empowered him.

Do you merely know about Jesus?

It’s good to praise Jesus, but it’s even better that we listen to him. Where do we go to do that? We listen to his word. We hear it in the place where his people gather. Jesus honored the public gathering of God’s people by attending the synagogue every Sabbath.

Acclamation > …

The Proclamation of Jesus (16-21)

Jesus went to the synagogue every Sabbath, implying he taught there regularly.

He unrolls the scroll of Isaiah to declare his mission as the Messiah with the Spirit’s anointing for gospel proclamation.

Surprisingly, Jesus ends the quote before the section on judgment of nations.

It’s hard to fathom what it would’ve been like sitting in the synagogue and hearing Jesus highlight the role of the Messianic prophet/servant then boldly declare its fulfillment in their hearing. He would have followed the reading with his own explanation and teaching which Luke does not record fully.

Expecting a political (not spiritual) Messiah. What about us? Liberation theology = political agenda. Quote = spiritual and physical implications for individuals, not structures.

Good news for poor

Liberator of captives & oppressed

Healer of blind

Hughes Those most in need of mercy and grace often know it the least.

Instead of reception…

The Rejection of Jesus (22-30)

All the people who heard him spoke well of him. Amazement > doubt > rejection.

Jesus doesn’t take their flattery. He knows their hearts are not ready to receive him as their Messiah. The examples from Elijah and Elisha reveal the people’s rejection of God’s prophets.

Examples from era of apostasy:

Elijah rescued a Gentile widow from Sidon, even though there were many widows in Israel suffering from the famine.

Elisha rescued a Gentile leper from Syria (a commander of an enemy army), even though there were many lepers in Israel.

God is rescuing the wrong people!

God’s grace is held out to anyone. There are no ethnic, social, or economic barriers to enter the Kingdom of God. This is the shocking message Jesus declared which upset the Israelites.

They were amazed by Jesus, but unfazed by his message.

What is your response to the message of Jesus?

Conclusion

Do you believe him or reject him?

The Acclamation of Jesus (14-15)

The Proclamation of Jesus (16-21)

The Rejection of Jesus (22-30)

For Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus, ministry success looked like a lot of rejection from the people. That doesn’t mean we start off attempting to offend our audience, but it does mean that we should not be surprised by slow/no/declining growth. Where the gospel is truly preached it will be both accepted and rejected.

Christ delivered physically and spiritually.

Have you recognized your spiritual poverty and cried out to Christ for deliverance?

The post The Rejection of Jesus (Luke 4:14-30) appeared first on Grace Presb

Introduction

We have spent the past six months looking at a book that contains many things that are difficult to understand. It’s a book you should continue to read and meditate upon. It’s truths are appropriate for all ages, but especially postmodern Westerners.

12:8 summarizes the Preacher’s thoughts. If Ecclesiastes ended at 12:8, our interpretation would have been different.

Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Ryken If there is no God, then there is no Judge. If there is no Judge, then there will be no Final Judgment. If there is no Final Judgment, there is no ultimate meaning to life. Nothing matters.

Apart from God, life is empty and joyless. This concluding passage gives the perspective that has only been hinted at before.

Moreover, people don’t fear God!

Key verse = 13. Fearing God (6x in Ecclesiastes) > keeping his commandments.

Truth transforms those who fear God and keep his commandments.

Truth Worth Writing About (9-10)

The unnamed editor that compiled the Preacher’s teaching only added his own words in a few places (1:1-2; 7:27; 12:9-14).

The Preacher was not only wise, but good at studying and arranging his understanding in a manner that was helpful to his readers.

Beyond that he was good at articulating his wisdom into distilled proverbs; joyful truths that could be understood, remembered, and easily applied.

There are those who write for the eyes. There are those who write for the ears. But treasure the words of those who write for the heart. The one capable of moving you is one who has himself been moved by his study. There is a palpable difference between the person who can write a stylish sentence for your eyes, and the person who delivers truth to your heart. The first wows, the latter transforms.

Augustine I count myself one of the number of those who write as they learn and learn as they write.

The Preacher taught through his writing. He pondered, studied, then wrote what he learned. Writing was learning.

Jesus, himself, never wrote anything. Yet, it’s true, everything contained in this book is Christ’s word to you. It’s only through the work Christ accomplished and the Spirit that he supplies that any of it penetrates your heart.

Writing > …

Truth Worth Reading About (11-12)

The Preacher’s wise words have been like…

Goads Pointed instruments used to prod animals. They painfully keep the animal focused on the subject at hand.

Nails Possibly tent pegs, but most likely a nail attached to the end of the goad inducing action.

The idea is that the truth will prick our conscience resulting in action.

However, we should be aware that not all books will produce this kind of result.

The point is to emphasize the author of Scripture as our primary “Shepherd”. The Bible is one book you should never stop reading. In fact, it’s a collection of 66 books by about 40 writers, who were all inspired by one divine Author (2 Tim. 3:16).

Youth pastor teaching inspiration.2 Circled with one chair in the middle for blindfolded person. Felt silly until a new girl sat down,

“I’m so miserable, I don’t know if I can stand my life anymore.” > No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13)

“Nobody cares about me.” > I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you (Jer. 31:3).

“You do not understand…” (kicked out last night) > I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).

“Why doesn’t God really talk to me that way?” He does!

The imagery ultimately finds fulfillment in our Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). He continues to lead as we read his word.

Writing > Reading > …

Truth Worth Teaching About (13-14)

The purpose of mankind:

Fearing God (3:14; 5:7; 8:12). This could summarize all of the Bible’s wisdom literature. It is a fundamental aspect of true worship that ri

e filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Introduction

Jesus has been empowered by the Holy Spirit for the ministry he is about to begin. The baptism was followed by a genealogy that concludes significantly (3:38). He wasn’t an alien (part God, part man). His temptation confirms his humanity.

Great Privilege > Great Trial.

Read Luke 4:1-13

Docestism = Jesus merely seemed human.

If Jesus was going to suffer and obey in our place, his temptation had to be as real as ours. He couldn’t divinely dismiss each threat, or he certainly would have.

Jesus Christ overcame temptation by the power of the Holy Spirit and application of God’s word.

Tempted to Relieve His Hunger (1-4)

Filled > Led by Holy Spirit (purpose), tempted by devil (blame). “Wilderness”/“Forty” = Identifies with God’s people (2nd Adam).

Jesus, unlike Adam, was in the wilderness, alone, and hungry. Tempted to use divine privilege. Would physical needs trump spiritual obedience? Jesus cites Deut. 8:3.

Satan’s temptations come when we’re least ready, when we’re exhausted and hungry.

Rom. 5:3 How do you relieve your own suffering? Do you fall for the enemies deceptive tricks? He always offers shortcuts = empty promises that have no lasting or transformation power.

Will you respond like the 1st/2nd Adam?

Do physical needs trump spiritual obedience? Not an easy question to answer. How often have you neglected the ordinary means of grace in order to “recover” from a long and difficult day? Instead of prayer, we often choose ice cream. Instead of worship, we choose entertainment.

From relieving suffering to…

Tempted to Receive His Authority (5-8)

Could the devil offer this to Jesus? The devil = “the ruler of this world” (3x in John; similar in Paul 2x), but he never had ultimate authority. Another matter of trust. Jesus cites Deut. again.

Jesus’ future reign depended on him defeating his enemies.

God had already promised all authority to be given to His Son (Psalm 2:8-11). Satan was offering him a shortcut to that reward. Cruel cross or idolatry? The dragon in Rev. 13:2 gives authority and power to the antichrist. Satan was essentially tempting Christ to become the Antichrist.

This was no easy temptation to resist.

Hughes If we embrace the logic of Jesus’ refusal to take the easy way, we will see that taking the path of least resistance, to follow comfortable expediency, is idolatry – it is worshiping a false God.

James 4:7 Resisting requires energy.

Hunger > Authority > …

Tempted to Reveal His Power (9-13)

The devil mimics Jesus’ high regard of scripture, quoting from Psalm 91:11-12. Essentially, the devil questions whether God will keep his promise to protect his Son.

NBC It would in fact have been an act of unbelief; people don’t test somebody in whom they have complete trust, especially when that person is God (Dt. 6:16). To have yielded to the suggestion would have been in effect to doubt that he was really God’s Son and that his Father was trustworthy.

The devil temporarily departs, but the “opportune time” never came!

Jesus Christ overcame temptation by the power of the Holy Spirit and application of God’s word.

Because Jesus Christ had victory over every temptation, he can sympathize with us in our weakness (Heb. 4:15).

Our cry for deliverance from temptation, is accompanied by Christ’s sympathetic intercession.

All glory to Christ!

Conclusion

Tempted to Relieve His Hunger (1-4)

Tempted to Receive His Authority (5-8)

Tempted to Reveal His Power (9-13)

Do you notice the parallels to the temptations of Adam and the wilderness generation?

NBC Where Israel in the desert distrusted and disobeyed God (Dt. 6–8), its Messiah was trusting and obedient.

Jesus believed the promises of God. He quotes from Moses’ recapitulation of the law to the wilderness generation. Jesus succeeded where they failed, just as he succeeded where Adam failed.

Do you know God’s word when facing temptation? Do you trust God’s word when facing temptation?

The post The Temptation

Introduction

As the Preacher draws towards his closing, he turns his attention to his young listeners. Maybe much of what he has said has gone over their heads or was difficult for them to see its application. But, he wants to ensure they hear him at this point. Children, do I have your attention?

Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8

Here’s another call to enjoy life, but it’s couched in the reality of aging and death.

How do we deal with growing old? Mid-life crisis? Anti-aging cream can only hide the process for so long. At some point, we have to face the music. Taking a realistic view of life teaches us to appreciate the Giver of life.

We could summarize all of Scripture as God helping his people to remember what he has done for them (Num. 15:39).

Experiencing true joy in life begins with remembering your Creator.

Enjoy Bright Days While You Are Young (11:7-10)

7-8 Enjoy the pleasant sunlight! Sun is good for you (not cruel). Rejoice all your life, but remember that many dark days exist.

Dorie’s earliest memories taking care of younger sister. Mom would hug Marie ignoring Dorie.

I was only six, but I knew deep pain. We often went to bed hungry. But the pain of an empty stomach was more bearable than the emotional hurt of rejection and hatred. I was never held, touched, or cuddled. I knew I was different, ugly, and a burden to my mother.1

For some of you, the sad reality is that dark days are what you remember most vividly. Don’t let the dark days of your past define how you live in the present!

9 Rejoice in your youth. Your heart should cheer you up, not bring despair. Do what you enjoy, but know that God will judge.

10 Get rid of anxiety and let go of pain. Not “get over it.” Too young for sadness.

Children, do you understand this? You are not too young or too naïve to hear this.

But, maybe even more important than the instruction, is ensuring that you feel free to be young here? Side Note: Shushing children is a good problem to have!

Enjoying life requires…

Remember Your Creator As You Age (12:1-4)

Who made you? God. Not only the first children’s catechism question, but a concept to remember throughout life.

1-2 While you are young and haven’t experienced the adversity and darkness of the aging process.

3-4 A metaphor for aging, bodily decay: Guardians = hands (tremble). Strong men = legs (bend). Grinding = teeth (few). Windows = Eyes (dim). When people remain indoors, hearing fades, and sleep is fitful.

This is poetry. It’s meant to move you with its use of language. Use your imagination and think about the effects of growing old. Aging tends to decrease your appreciation of life. You will not be able to do then, what you can do now.

But when you remember your Creator in your youth, you learn to enjoy life more. Instead of looking back with regret, you will rest in the promise of Isaiah 46:3-4.

So continue to enjoy life by remembering your Creator. Remember God while…

your minds are young

your memories are strong

your skin is soft and unblemished

your regrets are few

your talents are raw

your dreams are big

If you can remember your Creator now, when you are older, your decaying body will remind you of the years of strain and toil that the Lord has brought you through.

An aspect of remembering involves looking forward…

Prepare For Death While You Can (12:5-8)

Still metaphorical language, but topic > death.

5 Death brings corruption and mourning. Fear of heights increase, hair turns white, walking becomes awkward, and aphrodisiacs fail.

6 Broken (3x) lamp/well = Death

7 Death returns a body to the earth and a spirit to God. Finally, life after death is alluded to, but the details are left vague.

8 Final occurrence of “It’s all vanity!” (Inclusio 1:2)

Greidanus The English pastor/poet John Donne (1572–1631) bought a coffin and placed it in his bedroom. Occasionally he would sleep in his coffin “as a reminder of his mortality and of the life of sin he had renounced.”

Although Donne’s approach was a bit morbid and eccentric, the pri

Introduction

Luke slowly, but steadily building toward the ministry of Jesus. His desire to provide an orderly account has led him to emphasize the empowering of the Holy Spirit at the start of his ministry. Now Luke wants to ensure his readers realize the origin and purpose of his ministry.

Read Luke 3:23-38

The age of 30 is significant:

It is when priests were allowed to work in the tabernacle (Num. 4:3, 47).

Joseph became second in Egypt (Gen. 41:46).

David became King (2 Sam. 5:4).

“as was supposed” > Joseph was legal father, not biological.

Comparison With Matthew (Matt. 1:1-16)

Similarities:

Both begin with Joseph

Both include Shealtiel and Zerubbabel

Identical between David and Abraham

Differences:

Luke reverses order

Matthew > Abraham (Jewish), Luke > Adam (Gentiles)

Matthew skips more generations

Almost entirely disagree between Joseph and David (majority of list).

Joseph’s Father = Jacob/Heli

Everyone between Joseph and David had two names.

Joseph’s mother had two husbands.

Matthew gives the royal line while Luke gives the genetic line.

Luke gave the genealogy of Mary.

If Mary had no brothers, the custom would have been for her father, Heli, to adopt Joseph after their marriage.

Hendriksen:

“Joseph” not “Mary”!

View appeared 1800. Lightfoot quotes rabbinical writers (hostile to Christianity) referring to Mary as “the daughter of Heli”.

Jews didn’t trace mother’s genealogies.

Jesus was Joseph’s heir.

Davidic descent of Joseph (1:27).

Not improbable to trace same source from two routes.

Difficult to be certain…

The Son of Adam

We know little beyond names.

27 Zerubbabel, Governor of Jerusalem in 538 BC (Ezra 3).

31 Nathan (Matthew has Solomon). The Davidic connection is key.

32 Jesse (1 Sam. 16; Isa. 11).

34 Abrahamic line.

35-36 Names found: 1 Chron. 1-2; Gen. 5, 11.

Some value family history more than others. The Western world is mostly indifferent about the names of ancestors.

Tracing the family line often reveals names we wish weren’t listed. But, we don’t get to decide our family.

However, Jesus, being the second person of the Trinity, was in control…

The church is made up of all kinds of people, with all kinds of family histories that trace back in every direction. But all of them return to Adam. We all have a common problem that can only be solved in Christ.

Not only was Jesus a Son of Adam…

The Son of God

The genealogy of Jesus closes here in a way that is unique in all of Scripture. Nowhere else in the Old Testament or New Testament (not even in rabbinic texts!), does the name of God appear in the genealogy. In one sense, it’s true of all.

1 Cor. 15:22, 45 Adam brought sin into the world, but Christ brings life. The first Adam became a living being, but the last Adam gives life. Christ offers eternal life to all who repent and believe.

Rom. 5:17 Death > Life. All that Adam lost, Christ has won!

Christ alone can bring true reconciliation. Through Christ we can be reconciled to God. But we are also reconciled to one another through Christ (Eph. 2:11-22). No only have we been “brought near by the blood of Christ” (13), but Gentiles are no longer “strangers and aliens” (19).

In…

Conclusion

Comparison With Matthew Why would Luke place Jesus’ genealogy here? Matthew begins with it. Luke’s purpose seems to be to connect Jesus’ Messianic calling with the beginning of his ministry.

The Son of Adam Jesus became man. He took on flesh. God was born into the lineage of fallen mankind in order to redeem us. The Second Adam represents all mankind without distinction.

The Son of God Only Jesus could bring reconciliation between God and man.

Jesus became the second Adam to satisfy the requirements that the first Adam failed to keep.

Do you trust in his finished work?

The post The Genealogy of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:23-38) appeared first on Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction

The Preacher continues his study of wisdom, specifically economic wisdom, which will be followed by another commendation of joy next week.

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

In the past 20 years we’ve witnessed to of the biggest financial disasters in our nation’s history. We saw the dotcom crash of 2000 and the housing market collapse of 2008. In both cases, the market was saturated with inflated prices creating a bubble of instability. If we were anything like the generation that survived the depression, we would take the little money we have left and put it in the safest possible location, only to be touched in an emergency.

But the Preacher encourages perseverance. Life remains filled with mysteries and uncertainties, but the sovereignty of God gives us the assurance we need that He will keep his promises. How we face those uncertainties determines whether we have any wisdom.

Take wisely calculated risks for God!

Invest Wisely (1-2)

The benefits of business and the advantages of having good business sense.

1 Not expecting us to get excited about soggy bread. Probably refers to food trade. The point is to take the risk of sending out bread in order to receive a good return.

2 It’s also a wise practice to diversify your portfolio of investments. This offsets the risk taken.

So the advice is essentially to make wise investments.

Have you played the stock market game www.howthemarketworks.com? Involve the family. It can be fun to try to figure out which stocks will go up based upon our current economy and the announcements companies make regarding their earning reports, etc. The goal is always to buy low and sell high. Spending money on stocks is a risk. And most experts recommend diversifying your portfolio. If one stock tanks, hopefully, your other stocks will provide stability.

Of course, the Preacher is stating a principle that has a broader application than our finances. In fact, our greatest investments cost more than our money. They cost our time and affection. Take wisely calculated risks for God!

The wisest investment of all is one you can’t lose (Matt. 6:19-21).

Jim Elliot He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

However, investing wisely takes patience and perseverance…

Don’t Be Lazy (3-4)

3 We can predict what will happen in nature. Clouds inform us if rain is coming. The direction of an objects fall determines where it will land.

4 Seems to discourage laziness based upon watching the weather. Lazy people are really skilled at finding excuses to get out of their work. “It looks a bit too windy to sow today.” Or, “I’ll have to reap when the sky clears up.”

The Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30).

The lazy servant is rebuked even though he didn’t lose anything. He gave back exactly what he received. That’s better than most people today who live on debt. We seem to be worse than the wicked servant when it comes to stewarding our resources. Here, the wicked servant was rebuked for doing nothing with the talent he had received. He was punished for being lazy and unambitious.

Although, the Preacher & Jesus use financial examples, the principles are universal.

The storms in our lives leave some paralyzed with fear. For others, they provide another reason to procrastinate. Either way, the work is neglected.

Disciples are called to make wisely calculated risks for God-daily (Luke 9:23-24).

Keller The essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less.

Laziness and…

Ignorance Is No Excuse (5-6)

“You do not know” (4x in 2, 5, 6).

5 You don’t know how life forms in the womb. The double meaning of רוּחַ as spirit/wind (cf v4, John 3). How personhood is formed. There are mysteries in creation because there are mysteries in the Creator.

6 Because you can’t know the outcome, you must continue to take risks which will increase your odds of success. Not knowing encourages risk!

Humans make new discoveries every day which ultimatel

Introduction

The church rapidly grew from a group of 120 (1:15) > 10,000+ within Jerusalem. Before it spread beyond (8:1), leadership and structure were established.

Read Acts 6:1-7

The growth of the church is a good thing, but it brings new challenges. Prior to this passage, the church had withstood persecution and moral corruption. Now, we see how they fight the threat of division.

The selection of these seven men will prove to be instrumental in the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem (fulfilling 1:8).

As the church grows, so does its need for leadership and structure.

The Complaint (1)

Despite the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira and the persecution of the Sanhedrin, the church grew > growing pains.

The Hellenists complained that their widows were being slighted in the “distribution” (2:44-47; 4:32-37).

“Complaint” = Israel’s wilderness murmuring (LXX), which likely implies negative connotations regarding their attitudes.

Two Kinds of Tension:

Ethnic

Hellenists = Greek-speaking Jews returned from diaspora (10-20% of the population). Immigrants.

Hebrews = Hebrew/Aramaic-speaking natives of Palestine.

Paul rebuked Peter for refusing to eat with Gentiles (Gal. 2:11-14).

Administrative

Organization, misplaced names, loosely defined qualifications, etc.

Similar tensions exist in our church.

These tensions are common enough, but how are they dealt with?

The Solution (2-4)

A congregational meeting to choose seven qualified candidates for the work.

Was serving tables beneath the apostles’ calling?

Qualifications:

Reputation

Full of the Spirit

Full of wisdom.

Calling, not preference.

The complaint appears to be valid since no challenge.

Role of the “distribution” not minimized, sought to give greater attention. But their calling was primarily prayer and preaching.

From this, the PCA tasks the congregation with election of officers (Elders and Deacons).

Elder = authority (doctrine & discipline)

Deacon = service (finances & mercy)

Paul emphasizes prayer (1 Tim. 2) and preaching (2 Tim. 4:2). Administration and mercy must be handled by others.

The solution involves the selection of qualified servants.

The Selection (5-6)

The whole church was in agreement that the best use of the apostles’ time was praying and preaching.

Commissioning for official role (Num. 27:18, 23). The laying on of hands was symbolic of his authority.

Because of the close connection between “diakonein” (to serve) and “diakonos” (servant) many, myself included, see these men as the first ordained deacons.

All seven men had Greek names indicating an intentional selection of leaders from the portion of the church that raised the complaint.

Qualifications were spiritual, not financial (cf. 1 Tim. 3:8-12).

The selection was plural, not singular.

With the seven servants in place, the church continued to grow.

The Result (7)

Because the apostles did not neglect the preaching of the word of God, it increased. Adding leadership and structure to the church for equipping and edification does not inhibit evangelism, but it serves to encourage and support it.

The obedient priests were probably not a part of the Sanhedrin, but the common priests (est. 18,000).

If our desire is to see the word of God and the number of disciples increasing—and it should be—then we must find ways to guard the pastor’s time to focus on praying and preaching. It means I personally need to keep this text in mind whenever I think about adding another event to our calendar.

Conclusion

The apostles upheld the primacy of their own calling as ministers of the word and invited others to take up a new calling that involved serving widows. The roles of both the apostles and deacons were affirmed.

Jesus Christ is the subject of our preaching, the One who grants access to the Father in our prayers, the source of the Church’s spiritual authority, as well as the prime example of a qualified servant (Phil. 2:5-11). As members of his body, we serve one another by taking up this important task of c

Introduction

What’s the point of living? The Preacher has been breaking down the most common cultural strongholds: the pursuit of a comprehensive knowledge, the indulgence of worldly pleasures, and a general sense of self-sufficiency.

In the Preacher’s study of wisdom he has come to the consistent conclusion that life is filled with frustration. It would be easy to see him as a hopeless fatalist, but he has challenged us to enjoy life despite the existence of injustice and unpredictability.

Read Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:20

There are simply too many examples of modern politicians and celebrity personalities who have ended their careers due to foolish words and actions. New scandals headline the news daily.

Wisdom is lacking and hardly even desired by contemporary culture. But how often do wechoose foolishness instead wisdom?

Key Words: “Wisdom/wise” (11x). “Fool/folly/foolishness” (9x).

True wisdom teaches us to treasure what is better.

Examples of Wisdom (9:13-10:4)

Military:

13-16 A poor wise man delivered his little city from the attack of a great king.

September 1529, Ottoman Empire (100yrs conquest, Hungary) attacked Vienna. Wilhelm von Roggendorf, commanded 20,000 farmers, peasants, civilians, and European mercenaries with 75 artillery against 100,000 Ottomans with 500 artillery.

Ottomans attacked while digging tunnels.

Alongside Roggendorf, a wise 70y/o German mercenary, named Niklas Graf Salm placed bowls of water and dried peas around the walls. When digging Ottomans were near, the floating peas would vibrate > ripples alerted the Viennese who would locate and destroy the mines.

Wisdom > might even though no one remembered this man.

17-18 Quiet > shouting, wisdom > weapons though a sinner can do great harm.

Folly:

1-3 One foolish word, decision, pleasure can ruin everything. Right = Good, Left = Bad. Proverbs 12:23.

4 Who knew that “stay calm and carry on” was biblical?

True wisdom teaches us to treasure what is better.

The wise lean right (withstanding temptation, desiring sanctification and discipleship).

The wise think on “good” things (Philippians 4:8). Thoughts > Words.

But one foolish slip-up can ruin lives.

We must look to a wisdom that is superior to human understanding. Only wisdom that comes from above can save us.

Folly returns anger for anger. But Christ teaches us by example (1 Peter 2:23).

Wisdom > Evil

Examples of Evil (10:5-11)

5-7 It is an evil when the foolish are exalted and the rich/royalty are humbled. But how did this come about? A ruler’s error.

Evil extends beyond politics:

8 When the hunter becomes the prey.

9 Work related injuries.

Wisdom helps:

10 A dull ax requires more strength.

Peterson Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.

11 Snakes sometimes bite before being charmed. Patience required.

Matthew 7:24-27

Notice the same fate occurs to both the wise man and the foolish man, just as the Preacher has noted before. The fool’s house was likely built faster, maybe it was even more extravagant. He was probably throwing parties while the wise man was meticulously preparing his foundation around the rocks.

The same storm came upon both houses, but only the house on the rock survived.

The wise man prepared for disaster.

One foolish decision creates chain-reaction:

One night of self-medicate with drugs/alcohol > addiction.

One click on tempting advertisement > hours of sexual lust.

One angry word > outburst of physical/emotional abuse.

True wisdom teaches us to treasure what is better.

Instead of wine, Jesus chose prayer.

Instead of sinful lust, Jesus craved genuine communion.

Instead of anger, Jesus chose compassion.

Disaster falls upon the fool who hears Christ’s words, but ignores them.

Actions > words

Examples of Foolishness (10:12-20)

12-14 A fool is destroyed by his words.

15 A fool can’t fight his way out of a paper bag.

16 Woe to those living under foolish rulers.

Ryken A notable example from European history is Charles XII, who became the king of Sweden when he was only a teen