Study Notes Ed Underwood

Ephesians: Our Riches in Christ “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

The thirteen Pauline Epistles develop the foundational truths of Christianity introduced in the Gospels. Paul wrote nine letters to churches and four to individuals. He writes from the perspective of the Apostle to the Gentiles, church-planter, pastor, and friend. His letters contain instructions, exhortations, and corrections that were real-time—messages to real people, gathered in real churches, with real problems as they endeavored to follow Christ and make a difference in their world. One consistent theme undergirds all of Paul’s teaching—the reality of every believer’s position in Christ.

No epistle emphasizes that core truth more than Ephesians. His phrase “in Christ” (or its equivalent) occurs about thirty-five times, far more than in any other New Testament book. And no church was richer in Christ than the privileged Ephesians. Paul had visited Ephesus at the end of his 2nd missionary journey where he left his dynamic church planting couple, Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:18-21). The city was one of the most important economic and religious cities in the Roman Empire.

So, on his 3rd, the Apostle Paul headquartered there for nearly three years in AD 53-56 (Acts 19:20:30), and revival broke out in the entire province. About five years later, during his first imprisonment in Rome, Paul sent this letter, along with Colossians and Philemon.

Ephesians is to Colossians what Romans is to Galatians, “a fuller treatment of the same general theme in a more detached and impersonal manner (Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary, p. 34). Romans and Galatians focus on salvation; Ephesians and Colossians focus on the church. Ephesians is Paul’s most definitive letter on the body of Christ, the New Testament church. It is the Holy Spirit’s exposition of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” In six chapters Paul presents the church as God’s mystery now revealed in all its glory, richly blessed to prevail against God’s enemies as never before.

We know from Revelation 2, that the Ephesian church would forsake their first love—Jesus Christ. It may be that the Apostle was already concerned that they were becoming complacent in their love for the Savior whose work had opened the heavens for blessing. So, Paul wrote this letter that “focuses on what God did through the historical work of Jesus Christ and does through His Spirit today, in order to build his new society in the midst of the old.” (John Stott, The Message of Ephesians, p. 24).

Possessing ultimate spiritual wealth, the Ephesians were beginning to live like spiritual paupers, and consequently falling out of love with the Lord Jesus. Their founding pastor and Apostle sends this letter from prison in Rome. His purpose seems clear—to shock them out of the dangerous spiritual complacency

Ephesians tells Christians that God’s action in bringing salvation to the world centers on the local church and its members obeying Christ’s command to love one another as He uses them to defeat His enemies.

I. Use your blessings in Christ by pursuing your destiny in Christ.

1. Prologue: Remember your riches in Christ! (1:1-2:7)

   1. Praise God for your blessings and pray for an even deep understanding of your riches in Christ.

   2. Always keep in mind that you were sinners, but are now saints saved by grace to be seated in heaven.

2. Theme: Fulfill your destiny in Christ—saved by grace to serve by grace! (2:8-10) 1. Which is yours only by grace (2:8-9)

  Remember your riches in Christ!

2. Which is yours to glorify His work(2:10)

C. Body: Live up to your calling in Christ—help build God’s glorious church (2:11-6:20).

1. By understanding the church’s glorious role on earth, place in history, and significance in the plan of God (2:11-3:21).

2. By living lives which glorify God in the church—single-minded, submissive and strong (4:1- 6:20)

D. Epilogue: Paul assures his friends of Tychusis’ upcoming visit with news from Rome (6:21-24).

II. EPHESIANS AND YOU: When Jesus told Peter, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18), he had you and your community of faith in mind! What a glorious destiny.

1. Have you forgotten your riches in Christ? Rekindle your love for Christ by meditating on your riches in Him so that you will pursue your destiny in Him. “Ephesians reveals that the church is part of God’s eternal plan, and it grows as a result of God’s power working through believers’ lives, overcoming their spiritual resources.” (Tom Constable, Ephesians, p. 6)

2. Have you forgotten the place of your local church in history? Rekindle your love for the Bride of Christ by meditating on its calling as the only hope for this wicked world. “Ephesians is ultimately about how God has powerfully equipped the church to experience the blessing in Christ by creating a new community that is able to honor God and resist the forces of evil. No longer does one’s Jewish or Gentile identity dominate. They are part of a new reconciled community, a reconciliation that involves not only God but also one another. All enablement in this new sacred community is rooted in what the exalted Christ had provided for His people. That is why believers can have hope, since they have begun participation in a wealth of benefits distributed from heaven. The church’s members are citizens raised and seated with Jesus in a heavenly citizenship, though they represent Him now as light on the earth, fully enabled for the task. In all of this, God is taking steps toward the ultimate summation of all things in Christ.” (Darrell Bock, A Biblical Theology of the New Testament, p. 319).

3. Remembrance Meditations: Because of Christ’s work on the Cross ...

   ... I am a radically gifted person with a radically eternal purpose in life living in a radically significant community.

   ... I have received the only hope in this world to become the world’s only hope in history.

   ... I am one of the most privileged persons in history serving God in the most privileged community in history.

Study Notes Ed Underwood

Galatians Free at Last! “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, NASB).

The thirteen Pauline Epistles develop the foundational truths of Christianity introduced in the Gospels. Paul wrote nine letters to churches and four to individuals. He writes from the perspective of the Apostle to the Gentiles, church-planter, pastor, and friend. His letters contain instructions, exhortations, and corrections that were real-time—messages to real people, gathered in real churches, with real problems as they endeavored to follow Christ and make a difference in their world. One consistent theme undergirds all of Paul’s teaching—the reality of every believer’s position in Christ.

In 49 AD a delegation of Judean religious teachers came to the predominately Gentile church at Syrian Antioch and started teaching the Christians that those who were not circumcised as followers of the law of Moses could not be saved from their sin by simple belief in Jesus (Acts 15:1). They were part of a worldwide conspiracy to undermine the Gospel of grace sending emissaries of the lie to the daughter churches planted by the church at Antioch (Acts 15:23).

The most vulnerable to the lie were the fledgling assemblies of the Roman province of Galatia. Paul and Barnabas had planted these churches on their first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). One historian describes the inhabitants of Galatia: “Fickleness is the term used to express their temperament. Their religious tendencies were marked by passion, ritualism, and mysticism.” (Lightfoot, The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians)

Paul’s response is swift and strong. He will not tolerate this false gospel—that works are essential to salvation—to take root in the lives of these new Christians and churches.

And neither should we.

On the eve of the Jerusalem Council, Paul writes his most passionate letter, reminding the church of the real basis of our salvation:

Galatians is the Magna Carta of Christian liberty, settling the issue of the Gospel: Salvation is by grace, through faith, plus nothing!

I. The language and message of Galatians has been setting Christians free since it was written.

A. Impact of Galatians on church history: Religious people have always mistrusted grace and the gospel. Galatians stands against the lie of grace plus works.

1. Early Church: The Book of Acts records the necessary separation of Christianity from Judaism. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, “no doubt was one of the greatest forces” in that separation. (Merrill C. Tenney, Galatians)

2. Reformation: Galatians catalyzed the Reformation more than any other book of the Bible. Tenney calls it “the cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation.” G.G. Findlay writes, “Martin Luther put it to his lips as a trumpet to blow the reveille of the Reformation (The Epistle to the Galatians, p. 3). Luther so loved the Book of Galatians that he called it “his wife”. “The Epistle to the Galatians,” he wrote in his commentary, “is my epistle. To it I am as it were in wedlock. It is my Katherine.”

3. Today: The gospel of grace is under siege again. This little book insists that the church not add works to grace.

We are justified by faith in Christ because Christ was faithful!

1. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to set Christians free of the yoke of slavery to works-righteousness by defending his apostleship, his grace-plus-nothing message, and the freedom his message releases in Christians.

   1. The message of the gospel was at stake: Judaizers were teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved.

   2. The health of the churches in Galatia was at stake: These false teachers were confusing Gentile believers everywhere and their lie was beginning to influence the fledgling churches of Galatia.

   3. The future of the church was at stake: Christian liberty—which grows out of justification by faith, is essential to the survival and influence of Christians and Christianity.

2. Outline: Righteousness is and always has been by grace through faith. Embrace faith, because the gospel and your freedom in Christ are at stake.

   1. Introduction:ThisisalettersocriticalthatPauldispenseswiththeusualnicetiesandgetsright to it: Are you Galatians nuts? Why are you deserting the grace and the gospel of Christ? (1:1-10)

   2. DefenseoftheMessengerofGrace:Pauldefendshisapostleshipbyprovingthatmessengersof grace-righteousness are the true messengers of Christ and noting that the message of the gospel is at stake (1:11-2:21).

   3. Defense of the Message of Grace: Paul teaches what justification by faith means, and why it is true (3:1-4:31).

3. Defense of Freedom in Christ: Paul demonstrates that the full experience and demonstration of the new creation in Christ can only come by grace through faith (5:1-6:10).

D. Conclusion: Paul closes his letter as powerfully as he opened it by exposing the evil motives of the false teachers and comparing these with his pure motives (6:11-18).

II. Galatians settles it! Deliverance from sin and righteousness comes only by grace through faith, not by following the Law or any set of religious rules and regulations.

1. Have you settled it in your own life? Or are you insisting that God count some of your good works as reasons to accept you as righteous?

2. Have you settled it in your view of others? Or are you insisting that God count some of the good works you feel must accompany faith before He accepts others who don’t measure up to your standards?

3. Legalism is adding works to grace. What legalistic influences from your home or church of origin still haunt you as you struggle with being free in Christ?

4. How do you really feel about Paul’s message in Galatians where he puts grace in your face? Do you, as Martin Luther, rejoice in the Book? Or do you remain suspicious of all this talk about grace and freedom?

Study Notes Ed Underwood 2 Corinthians Triumph in Trials

“For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ.” (Paul to the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

The thirteen Pauline Epistles develop the foundational truths of Christianity introduced in the Gospels. Paul wrote nine letters to churches and four to individuals. He writes from the perspective of the Apostle to the Gentiles, church-planter, pastor, and friend. His letters contain instructions, exhortations, and corrections that were real-time—messages to real people, gathered in real churches, with real problems as they endeavored to follow Christ and make a difference in their world. One consistent theme undergirds all of Paul’s teaching—the reality of every believer’s position in Christ.

Corinth was one of the most influential cities in the Roman Empire and the capital of the province of Achaia. The “Las Vegas” of the Empire, Corinth was a wealthy and debauched place inviting all to come and taste the pleasures of the hundreds of temple prostitutes at the Temple of Aphrodite. The city prospered on commerce, entertainment, vice, and corruption. Corinth had gained such a reputation for sexual depravity that Aristophanes had coined the verb korinthiazo = to act like a Corinthian, i.e., to commit fornication.

Paul planted a church there on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-7). He taught the Word of God in the city for eighteen months, and recruited Apollos from Ephesus to replace him as pastor of the Church in Corinth. About five years later during his third missionary journey, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus to address problems in and answer questions from the Corinthian church. He sent Timothy to Corinth and expected him to return with a report (1 Corinthians 16:10-11). Timothy brought back the distressing news that false teachers were stirring up opposition to Paul and his teaching. So Paul made a hurried and painful visit to Corinth to stand against these enemies of the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:1; 12:14; 13:1-2). When he returned to Ephesus, Paul wrote a sorrowful letter, asking the congregation to discipline the leader of the opposition (2:1-11; 7:8). Titus carried this letter to Corinth, and Paul went to Macedonia to meet with Titus on his return trip (2:12-13; 7:5-16). There in Macedonia Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, and sent it with Titus and another brother in Christ (8:16-24). Finally, Paul made his last recorded trip to Corinth (Acts 20:1-3), an extended stay that allowed him to write his masterpiece, the Book of Romans.

Paul’s Corinthian Interactions (from Tom Constable) Plants the “former Response First “painful “severe Second Anticipated church letter” to Paul Corinthians visit” letter” Corinthians visit

Second Corinthians is the most personal of Paul’s letter to churches. If Romans reveals his mind, 2 Corinthians reveals his heart. The first seven chapters express his joy over the good report that the church had responded to his exhortation to remember the centrality of Christ. He then devotes chapters 8 and 9 to the principles guiding his request that they give to the work of Christ. Finally, in chapters 10-13, Paul speaks to the remnants of the opposition by defending his apostleship. No more realistic presentation of the cost of disciplemaking exists in the New Testament. And no more majestic presentation of the power of the gospel of the New Covenant can be found:

Paul’s overwhelming concern in this letter was to oppose the influence of false teachers who were telling Christians that righteousness was by works. As he makes the gospel sparkling clear, he reveals some of the deepest practical truths about the glorious struggle of serving Christ in this fallen world.

I. INTRODUCTION (1:1-11): Paul thanks God for the comfort that is ours during suffering because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians: The magnitude of the privilege of serving Christ eclipses the pain.

II. PAUL EXPLAINS HIS MINISTRY TO THOSE WHO STOOD AGAINST THE LIES ABOUT HIM (1:12-7:16): Paul didn’t delay his planned visit to Corinth because he was afraid of his enemies but to give the church ample time to repent. He goes on to demonstrate the superiority of the New Covenant, who Satan opposes the gospel, and how that opposition brings not only suffering today, but the prospect of rewards from Christ in the future. It’s a great privilege to be an ambassador for Christ that requires separation from the sin of our culture. Finally, Paul thanks the Corinthians for the good news of Titus’ report of their repentance.

III. PAUL EXPLAINS NEW TESTAMENT STEWARDSHIP (8:1-9:15): This is the longest and most complete discussion of the principles and practice of giving of our money in the New Testament. The example is the Philippians selfless, courageous, and sacrificial giving. The application is Paul’s insistence that the privileged and wealthy Corinthians keep their promise to give generously. The promise is that God reward generous and sacrificial giving in the name of His Son.

IV.PAUL EXPLAINS HIS DEFENSE OF HIS APOSTLESHIP (10:1-13:10): To the rebellious minority still resisting his authority, Paul presents his impeccable credentials. His meekness does not mean weakness but sensitivity and servanthood. His knowledge, integrity, resumé, sufferings, miraculous visions and works measure up to any of the Apostles. And they better get that right, because he’s coming, and he’s bringing his apostolic authority with him!

V. CONCLUSION (13:11-14) Paul exhorts, encourages, and greets the assembly at Corinth.

2 CORINTHIANS AND YOU: If you’re considering following Christ as His devoted disciple (and you should!), Second Corinthians will calibrate your expectations. From this letter you will discover the two overarching truths all who serve Christ by pouring into others know learn: The expectation of suffering and the anticipation of glory. If you’re willing to pay the price of suffering for Christ, God will give you a front row seat to see His glorious power working in this world.

Don’t underestimate the pain of ministering in the name of Christ!

1. Expecttrialsandtribulations—2Corinthians4:8-1511:16-33. 2. Expectopposition—2Corinthians11:1-15. 3. ExpectSatanicattack—2Corinthians4:1-7. 4. Expecttohavetogiveyourmoneyandaskforthemoneyofothers—2Corinthians8-9. 5. Expecttobemisunderstoodandfalselyaccused—2Corinthians10:1-18.

Don’t underestimate the privilege of ministering in the name of Christ!

1. Experiencethewonderofbeingusedtochangelives—2Corinthians3:1-5.

2. KnowthatyouareministersofanawesomelyNewCovenant—2Corinthians3:6-18.

3. Experience the power of Christ pulsating through your body, this “container”—2 Corinthians 4:1-8.

4. ExperiencetheexhilarationoflivingbyfaithasanambassadorofChrist—2Corinthians5:1-21.

5. AnticipateyourrewardatChrist’sjudgmentseat—2Corinthians5:9-11.

Christ: “Jesus Christ is presented as the believer’s comfort (1:5), triumph (2:14), Lord (4:5), light (4:6),

judge (5:10), reconciliation (5:19), substitute (5:21), gift (9:15), owner (10:7), and power (12:9).”

–Kenneth Boa

Study Notes Ed Underwood

1 Corinthians You Were Bought with a Price—Live Like It! “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own. For you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.”

(Paul to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The thirteen Pauline Epistles develop the foundational truths of Christianity introduced in the Gospels. Paul wrote nine letters to churches and four to individuals. He writes from the perspective of the Apostle to the Gentiles, church-planter, pastor, and friend. His letters contain instructions, exhortations, and corrections that were real-time—messages to real people, gathered in real churches, with real problems as they endeavored to follow Christ and make a difference in their world. One consistent theme undergirds all of Paul’s teaching—the reality of every believer’s position in Christ.

Corinth was one of the most influential cities in the Roman Empire and the capital of the province of Achaia. The “Las Vegas” of the Empire, Corinth was a wealthy and debauched place inviting all to come and taste the pleasures of the hundreds of temple prostitutes at the Temple of Aphrodite. The city prospered on commerce, entertainment, vice, and corruption. Corinth had gained such a reputation for sexual depravity that Aristophanes had coined the verb korinthiazo = to act like a Corinthian, i.e., to commit fornication.

Paul planted a church there on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-7). He taught the Word of God in the city for eighteen months, and recruited Apollos from Ephesus to replace him as pastor of the Church in Corinth. About five years later during his third missionary journey, the disquieting news that the Corinthian church was tolerating immorality reached Paul at his headquarters in Ephesus. He responded with a touch letter that was not preserved by God (5:9). Then he heard from “Chloe’s people” that factions had developed (1:11). He had also received a letter from Corinth asking for his apostolic guidance in matters (7:1). This prompted the letter we know today as 1 Corinthians. “These two epistles constitute the most telling condemnation of arrogance, self-promotion, boasting, and self-confidence in the Pauline corpus; conversely, they describe in practical terms the nature of Christian life and witness, emphasizing service, self-denial, purity, and weakness as the matrix in which God displays his strength. Perhaps the high-water mark is the emphasis on love as 'the most excellent way' (1 Cor. 12:31—13:13) all Christians must pursue.” (Donald A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo, An Introduction to the New Testament, p 451)

Paul’s introduction hints at the purpose of his letter, “To the church of God that is in Corinth” (1:2). The community of faith (the church) was losing the battle against the culture of its surrounding community (Corinth). The Corinthian believers were failing at their assignment to influence their culture because they had forgotten their resources in Christ. Paul’s message to them comes from his pastor’s heart. He’s not afraid to reprimand them as he calls them to remember who they are and, more importantly, to whom they belong—Jesus Christ:

The problems in the Corinthian church prompted Paul to offer them practical guidance that God preserved in the canon of Scripture so that we too could learn how to face the same problems today. Most of the problems in Corinth had to do with immature excesses.

I. INTRODUCTION (1:1-9): Paul reminds the Corinthian believers of their sufficiency in Christ. They lack nothing they need to accomplish their God-given mission.

II. STOP FIGHTING! (1:10-4:21): In the name of loyalty they were sinning the sin of divisiveness. Devotion to leaders was superseding their devotion to Christ. False pride and self-centered behaviors were ruining their witness to their culture and exposing their immaturity. They should worship only Christ, not His under-shepherds who are merely His servants.

1 Corinthians: Use your resources in Christ to reach your culture for Him! III. STOP FORNICATING AND SUING ONE ANOTHER! (5:1-6:20): In the name of love they were tolerating incest! Paul demands church discipline to encourage the offender to repent. In the name of self-protection they were suing one another in secular courts. Paul tells them to first try to work it out in the assembly under the guidance of spiritual authority.

IV. NOW, CONCERNING YOUR QUESTIONS... (7:1-16:24): In some of the most practical chapters of the New Testament, Paul answers the Corinthians’ questions concerning marriage, liberty, public worship, the resurrection, and giving.

V. CONCLUSION (16:5-24) Paul greets and encourages specific friends in the church at Corinth.

1 CORINTHIANS AND YOU: The “spirit” of the city of Corinth had invaded the church at Corinth. The primary way this manifested was in self-centered behaviors that led to excesses—in devotion to human leaders, in tolerance of immorality, in suing one another, in divorce, in selfish expressions of spiritual gifts, Christian freedom and worship, and in confusion over the resurrection. The core issue, however, was that the church at Corinth had forgotten its uniqueness. “The church of God is a community of people who share the life of God, are under the governing will of God, and cooperate in the work of God.” (Constable, 1 Corinthians)

Church, rethink your position, power, and purpose on earth!

1. You do not belong to yourself, but to Christ  -1Corinthians6:19-20.

2. You have the capacity to resist temptation and overcome trials -1Corinthians10:12-13.

3. You are part of one community that shares the life of one Lord, the power of one Spirit, and called to one purpose - 1 Corinthians 12.

4. You are held accountable to a new law, the law of love - 1Corinthians13.

5. You have a new power, resurrection power - 1Corinthians15.

1 Corinthians and Worship: All of the problems and issues in the church at Corinth manifested at their remembrance of Christ at His table. Paul dealt with this rigorously for the sake of the Savior’s reputation and the well being of the saints.

Authentic expressions of worship occur in assemblies where believers love one another selflessly and intentionally.

--The Corinthians were abusing one another rather than regarding one another. The rich were living selfishly, even and especially at their Lord’s Supper. Also, the church had divided along schisms—groups that disregarded other groups or strata in society.

Authentic expressions of worship occur in assemblies where believers love the Lord Jesus by displaying His glory in the way they treat one another and remember His work often.

--The Corinthians were abusing the Lord by making the meal and their personal groups more important than proclaiming His death and displaying His love for one another.

Christ: The Corinthians are clamoring for meaning and power, but they need to understand that Jesus meets their every need.

Study Notes Ed Underwood

Romans: Give it your all!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes ... For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. (Romans 1:16-17)

Strategic—necessary or important to the initiation, conduct, or completion of a strategic plan; of great importance within an integrated whole or to a planned effect. God’s wise plan for building the church is a simple strategy—save the lost and build the saved among all the nations.

God uses strategic Christians to execute the plan—those willing to give it their all to reach the world for Jesus Christ. He places these believers in strategic churches with great potential to bring revival that will literally turn entire cities and cultures to His Son.

In the first one hundred years of Christianity there was no more strategic community of believers than those living in Rome. “All roads lead to Rome” was a reminder that the city of Rome was the cultural, commercial, and political center of the Empire.

To this young church Paul writes his most thorough treatise on Christianity. His purpose is clear—to call them to a life of commitment by giving their all to God (Romans 12:1-2). His motivation is also clear—to encourage them to make this radical but reasonable decision because they are overwhelmed by God’s mercy. For eleven chapters the Apostle of grace exalts the mercies of God. “God’s righteousness is revealed in His mercies to all who believe,” writes Paul. “So I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, it has the power to deliver believers from the wrath of God and set them on a path of faith that will radically transform their lives.”

He speaks from his own experience. Since he met Christ on the road to Damascus he found he could do the will of God with a free spontaneity and overwhelming joy he had never known under the law. “He knew himself accepted by God. Blessed with a new power within, and called to a service which for ever thereafter gave zest and purpose to life” (F. F. Bruce). By exalting God’s grace and mercies he had become a strategic, radically committed follower of Christ. And so, to these well-placed believers in Rome he exalts God’s mercy and grace.

The lesson to Christians of every generation is clear:

Strategic, radically committed Christians exalt the mercies of God!

By comparing the history of the church at Rome with Paul’s letter to the Romans we appreciate the need to exalt the grace and mercies of God if we want to grow strategic, radically committed Christians.

I. Paul’s most complete treatise on Christianity calls the strategic believers at Rome to a life radically committed to God.

A. God had given the Romans believers a unique strategic opportunity to spread the Gospel.

1. TheRomansaretheonlyEuropeanslistedinthe“PentecostalCongregation”(Acts2:10).

2. Romans among the 3,000 converts took the Gospel back to Rome and many believers from all parts of the Empire migrated to the capital city.

3. ChristiansweregrowinginRomethroughseveralhousechurches(Romans1:7,tosaintsatRome rather than the church at Rome; 16:5, one of these churches met in the home of Priscilla and Aquila).

4. RomewasamagnetthatdrewpeoplefromallovertheEmpire(Phoebe,16:1-2).

B. Paul appreciated the strategic importance of Rome.

1. He dedicates three months of “down time” in Corinth (16:1-2) as he closes his third missionary journey and prepares to go to Jerusalem with a love gift (15:25-27).

2. HehaddesperatelydesiredtogotoRomeforyears(1:8-16;15:22-24).

3. SoheseizestheopportunitytosendalettertoRomewithPhoebe(16:1-2).

4. Hebegsthesestrategicbelieversto“giveittheirall”forthesakeoftheGospel(12:1-2).

II. Paul devotes eleven chapters to carefully detailing how the righteousness of God is seen in His mercies to believers. Then, he devotes four chapters exhorting believers to exalt God’s mercies by giving their lives to Him as an act of worship.

A. Believers should never be ashamed of the delivering power of the Gospel that reveals the righteousness of God in everyone who believes (1:16-17).

1. The Gospel delivers believers from the penalty of sin. Justification by faith—every believer is declared righteous the moment they believe (Chapters 1-4).

2. The Gospel delivers believers from the power of sin. Sanctified by faith—every believer who relies on God’s Spirit will live righteously (Chapters 5-8).

3. TheGospel’spromisesarethepromisesofacovenant-keepingGod(God’sfaithfulnesstoIsrael, Chapters 9-11).

B. Therefore, the only reasonable decision is to give Christ your life as an act of worship (Chapters 12- 16).

III. Romans and You! Give your life to God in response to His mercies (Romans 12:1-2).

1. On the basis of God’s mercies, believers are urged to present themselves to God because such response is intelligent worship (Romans 12:1).

2. The believer’s commitment of worship is maintained by a transformation, which comes through renewal of the mind in order to demonstrate God’s will in life experience (Romans 12:2).

Can a single decision change a Christian’s life? I think it can!

In fact, I believe there is one decision that the Book of Romans urges every Christian to make. A decision so significant and with such potential to transform and bless that Paul devotes eleven chapters preparing us to consider this decision!

Romans 12:1-2 invites individual believers who have read this great treatise on the mercies of God to respond in a way that pleases God and maximizes the experience of their so great salvation. It is a commitment to God separate from the decision to put your faith in Christ, and it moves the Christian into a new experience of devotion and intimacy with Christ. The choice we are asked to make is to present our lives to God: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

The why is Romans 1-11. We make the logical decision to worship God by giving Him our life because of His mercy to sinners—mercy motivates! The what is outlined in 12:3-15:13—count the cost! When you give your life to God, He asks you to do the same thing He asked His Son to do—give your life to others.

Study Notes Ed Underwood

Acts of the Apostles Against All Odds!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Luke’s sequel to his gospel, the Book of Acts, begins where he left off—the ascension of Christ. The emphasis is different. The Gospel of Luke stresses the work of Christ while He walked on earth; Acts highlights the work of Jesus done by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.

Without Acts we would have no record of the beginning and growth of the early church. Luke traces the birth and expansion of the church to strengthen the faith of Theophilus, a fellow Christian who may have helped finance Luke’s missionary and writing ministry (Luke 1:1-4). The Holy Spirit had a much broader audience in mind—the church of Christ throughout the age of grace. Luke’s selective but accurate history of the first 30 years of the church answers Theophilus’s questions in a way that is timeless:

- What about the coming of the Holy Spirit? - What was the ministry of the Apostles? - How did the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the rest of the world? - How did Christianity become a world religion rather than a Jewish sect?

Throughout his account Luke presents Christianity as an irresistible force in the face of great opposition and persecution. Nothing can stop the work of Christ by the Spirit through His church. Gloriously more than a splinter group of Judaism, the church will inherit Messiah’s kingdom. Until then, He will be about His Father’s business, calling people to Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation who will worship Him in His coming kingdom:

God loves giving His people victory against all odds!

Surprisingly, the people He used and is using are terribly flawed. Only their faith in Christ and His ability to work through them by His Spirit can explain the history of the church that is still being written today.

I. Against all odds, the Lord Jesus built His church (Matthew 16:18).

1. Luke-Acts is written to teach Theophilus and the church an accurate but selective history of the church (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-2).

   1. Luke, a companion of Paul (“we” sections,16:10-40; 20:5-28:31) and careful researcher of eyewitness accounts (Paul, Mark, James and others), wrote the Book of Acts in AD 60-62, during Paul’s imprisonment at Ceasarea and Rome (before the death of Paul in 66-68 and the burning of Rome in 64 which were not reported).

   2. Luke provides the only sequel to the history of the life of Christ recording the works or acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles. Acts emphasizes the ministries of Peter and Paul over a period of about 30 years, beginning with the Lord’s ascension in AD 33 and ending with Paul’s two-year Roman house arrest from AD 60-62.

2. Luke-Acts is written to strengthen the faith of Theophilus and the church by demonstrating the powerful work of Christ to establish His church in the world now and His Kingdom in the future.

   1. The two structural keys to Acts —theme verse and panels or “progress reports”—present the church as an irresistible force in the face of overwhelming opposition and persecution.

a. The theme verse (Acts 1:8) anticipates a report of the growth of Christianity.

b. The progress reports confirm what the theme verse anticipated (2:47; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31).

2. The prophetic “bookends” to Acts — 1:6 and 28:31 — anticipate God’s objective to include a population of Jews and Gentiles in His Son’s millennial kingdom.

a. Kingdom of God occurs 32X in Luke and 6X in Acts and is alluded to over 20X in Acts.

b. The church of this age is presented as the heir of the kingdom.

B. Luke-Acts is written to emphasize the power of God in the lives of ordinary people who believe their extraordinary God.

1. Acts begins with the disciples still seeking an earthly kingdom now, forgetting the lessons of the upper room (1:6).

2. Acts transparently reports Paul’s shady past and impulsive beginning, Peter’s legalistic struggles, the first church fight and the council to settle the dissension, Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement and parting of ways, and the realities of ministering in the name of Jesus—the pain of separation and persecution.

II. Against all odds, the Lord Jesus is still building His church (Matthew 16:18).

1. The church is still an irresistible force on earth.

2. The church is still the steward of the kingdom message and the heir of the kingdom!

3. God is still empowering ordinary people to live extraordinary lives.

4. The church is still reaching populations of Jews and Gentiles during this age to worship Christ in the age to come!

“The divine choice displays the divine wisdom. Though we might have imagined that men of education, wealth, or influence would be needed for the worldwide mission of the church, the divine choice centered on eleven unlearned and little-esteemed Galilean fishermen. It is not our qualifications for the work of God which matter, but whether or not we choose to do it. The worldwide spread and the centuries-long continuance of their work is the evidence of divine choice. Their fruit has remained because their mission originated in the divine choice. Whatever is of human origin withers (Isaiah 40:6,7) but that which is of God endures forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14).”

--Zane Hodges, Acts 1:2, Greek 319 Class notes.

III. Acts and You: There is nothing God cannot do and no one God cannot use to do it. Do you think of yourself and your church community as people chosen by God to reach future worshipers of Christ in His Kingdom? Why or why not?

1. In what ways do you identify with the people of the early church?

2. What about their experience excites you? Intimidates you?Humbles you? Scares you? Helps you?

The Gospels

Jesus: King, Servant, Son of Man, Son of God

“But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” ―John 20:31

THINKING ABOUT THE TRUTH

Even in Hub groups that have been together for a long time, it is amazing how few opportunities we have to share how we came to Christ.

How did you come to Christ? What were the circumstances, people, beliefs that led you to Christ? What is your Gospel story?

REVIEWING THE TRUTH 1. What has stood out to you about our study in the Gospels? Observations? Questions? Insights?

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Received by

Picture of Christ

Highlights of the Gospel

View of the Apostle

Theme Verse

Jewish Christians King of Israel

Long Discourses

Romans Suffering Servant

Miracles

Mark relied on Peter

Mark 10:45

Greeks Son of Man

Parables

Luke relied on Paul

Luke 19:10

All mankind

Son of God

Personal interviews

John (eyewitness)

John 20:31

Matthew (eyewitness)

Matt 16:16

Read Matthew 16:13-17

2. What’s the difference between the people’s estimation of Jesus’ identity and the disciples?

Read Mark 10:42-45

3. According to Mark, what is Jesus asking us to follow Him in?

Read Luke 19:1-10

4. According to Luke, who are the “lost”? What has the Son of Man come to do?

Read John 20:28-31

5. Why did John write his Gospel? How can it be true that “belief” is the only criteria for eternal life?

WORKING AND PRAYING THE TRUTH INTO LIFE (30 Minutes)

King of Israel Suffering-Servant Son of Man Son of God

6. As we go to prayer, which title/truth about Christ (from above) do you feel needs to be paramount in your heart and circumstances tonight?

What is it about that truth you are clinging to?

Prayer Time

• Please pray for the Men’s Weekend (May 17-19).

• Pray for God’s powerful movement in the hearts of our men.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Title/Truth of Christ

I. Logos as God and Man (1:1-18)

III. Son of God’s ministry to His disciples (13:1-17:26)

II. Signs of the Son of God (1:19-12:50)

Washing of the disciples’ feet (13:1-17) Prediction of betrayal (13:18-30) New Commandment & prediction of denials (13:31-38) Comfort and instruction: heaven, the Way, sending of the Spirit (14:1-31) Vine & branches (15:1-17) Hatred of the world (15:18-16:4) Work of the Holy Spirit (16:5-16) Sorrow to joy: He has overcome the world (16:17-33) Jesus’ prayer for Himself (17:1-5) Jesus’ prayer for His Disciples (17:6-19) Jesus’ prayer for all believers (17: 20-26)

John the Baptist’s witness: Denial of being the Christ & affirmation that Jesus is the One (1:19-34) First Disciples—James, John, Phillip, & Nathanael (1:35-51)

Sign 1: Water to Wine (2:1-12) Cleansing of the Temple (2:13-25) What do the signs show: Jesus & Nicodemus (3:1-21) John the Baptist: “He must increase” (3:22-36) Jesus and the Samaritan Women (4:1-42)

Sign 2: Healing the Officer’s Son (4:43-54) Sign 3: Sabbath Healing Controversy (5:1-18)

IV. Son of God’s suffering, death, & resurrection (18-20)

Sabbath Defense: Son does nothing on His Own (5:19-47) Sign 4: Feeding 5 thousand (6:1-15)

Arrest of Jesus (18:1-11) Trials before the High Priests: Annas/Peter’s denial Caiaphas/Peter’s denials (18:12-27) Trial before Pilate (18:28-40) Insistence of crucifixion by the crowd (19:1-16) Crucifixion of Jesus (19:17-27) Death of Jesus: “It is finished” & fulfilled (19:28-37) Burial of Jesus (19:38-42) Empty tomb (20:1-9) Appearance to Mary Magdalene (20:10-18) Appearance to His disciples (20:19-23) Appearance to Thomas (20:24-29)

Sign 5: Jesus walks on water (6:16-21) Bread of Life (Manna/flesh and blood of the Son of Man) (6:22-59) Reaction: Rejection and confession (6:60-71) Teaching, Unbelief, and offer of Living Water (7:1-52) Women caught in adultery (7:53-8:11) Light of the World: Sent from the Father, children of Abraham, devil, Son of God’s preexistence (8:12-59)

Sign 6: Blind Man Healed & Controversy (9:1-41) Good Shepherd (10:1-21) Jewish rejection: Jesus’ claim of unity with the Father (10:22-42)

Purpose of the Gospel — “That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God...and may have life in His name.” (20:30-31)

Sign 7: Raising of Lazarus and Unbelief (11:1-54) Anointing at Bethany (11:55-12:8) Triumphal Entry (12:9-19) Warning: Son of Man will be lifted up (12:20-50)

Appearance by the sea (21:1-14) Reinstatement of Peter: Threefold commission/prediction of Peter’s death, etc. (21:15-24)

Outline of John

V. Appearance and reinstatement of Peter (21)

*Much of this is adapted from Wallace and Bock’s outlines on the Gospel of John (bible.org & Jesus according to Scripture)

Sign 3 Sign 4 Sign 5 Sign 6 Sign 7

4) I am the good shepherd (10:11, 14)

Before Abraham was, I AM

Exodus 3:14

Sabbath Healing (5:1-18)

3) I am the door of the sheepfold (10:7, 9)

John 5:18

Feeding 5000 (6:1-15)

John 8:58

Explicit claim to Deity

Jesus walks on water (6:16-21)

5) I am the resurrection and the life (11: 25)

John 10:30

The Father and I are one

Unity of essence. We are the same!

Blind Man Healed (9:1-41)

6) I am the way, the truth and the life (14:6)

My Lord and my God!

Thomas’ response to the resurrected Christ

Raising of Lazarus(11:1- 54)

John 20:28

Gospel of John

The apostle John makes it abundantly clear what the purpose of his Gospel is, “But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). The synoptic Gospels describe an “earth up” view, the Gospel of John describes a “heaven down” view. Matthew, Mark and Luke progressively reveal Christ as the Son of God, John affirms the deity of Christ at the very onset in verse 1, “the Word was fully God” and at the very end with Thomas’ proclamation “My Lord and My God” (20:28) and in all the space between (5:18, 8:58-59, 10:30-39, etc.). The first half of the Gospel highlights 7 miraculous “signs” of Jesus’ authority and relationship to the Father (4:48, 5:36, 7:31, 9:16, 12:27-30) that move some to belief, but others to rejection. Jesus’ audience is in- vited to “believe” (100x) in the Son of God for eternal life over and over (1:12, 3:15-18,36, 5:24, 6:47, 7:38, 8:24, 11:25, 12:36,46-47, 14:1, 19:7, 20:29).

Scattered throughout the Gospel is the powerful theme of the Son of God coming to represent, replace, and complete the Jewish institutions and sacred symbols: Jesus is the real temple (2:21), His flesh and blood is the real manna from heaven (6:32, 35), He is the light of the world (8:12), the Good Shepherd (10:11), the resurrection and the life (11:25), the way, the truth, and the life (14:6), and the true vine (15:1). Jesus is the perfect Son, with all of the authority and power from the Father (“sent by the Father” 45x), to fulfill the timely plan (2:4, 7:6, 30, 8:20, 12:23, 13;1, 17:1, 19:28) to save the world from our sins (4:42, 12:32, 13:1, 17:1, 19:28). The religious leaders believed they had the authority of Moses, yet Christ explains how Moses condemns the religious establishment and testified of Christ (5:45-47). Not even Rome had authority over Jesus (19:10-11), it was the Father who empowered the Son with authority (3:35, 5:27) where as Jesus proclaims, I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it back again (10:18). Jesus’ mission, according to John, was very simple—Jesus was sent by the Father to save the world, whoever believed in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (3:16). Now this is eternal life– that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent (17:3).

7 Signs of the Son of God

Son of God’s “I Am” statements

“The Word was fully God!”

Sign 1 Sign 2

Water to Wine (2:1-12)

1) I am the bread of life (6:35, 41, 48, 51) 2) I am the light of the world (8:12)

John 1:1

The Word was fully God

John’s genealogy traces back to eternity

Healing the Officer’s Son (4:43-54)

Making himself equal with God.

Calling God His Father

7) I am the true vine (15:1, 5)

—Luke’s purpose (1:1-4)—”orderly account” for Theophilus “so that you may know for certain the things you were taught”

John’s Mission —”Preaching a bap- tism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (3:3)

4:18-19, 21 & Isaiah 61:1-2--The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to pro- claim the year of the Lord's fa- vor....Today this Scripture has been fulfilled even as you heard it being read.

“Now when the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set out resolutely to go to Jerusalem.” (9:51)

“It is impossible that a prophet should be killed outside Jerusalem” (13:33)

—“Son of Man” (25x in Luke) Describing Jesus as perfect represen- tation of humanity & King Dan. 7:14—To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eter- nal and will not pass away. His king- dom will not be destroyed.

“The crooked will be made straight, and the rough ways will be made smooth, and all humanity will see the salvation of God” (Isaiah 40:3-5, 3:5-6)

“Father, Lord of heaven and earth, be- cause you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and re- vealed them to little children. Yes, Fa- ther, for this was your gracious

Weeping over Jerusalem—“If you had only known on this day, even you, the things that make for peace!” (19:42) Temple—“you have turned it into a den of robbers!” (19:46)

Gabriel’s testimony in 1:32-33—He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and his kingdom will never end. Simeon’s testimony 2:30-32—For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.

Baptism—”You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight” (3:22)

Demonized healing (demon—“You are—the Holy One of God” [4:34]) and again demonized healing (demon— “You are the Son of God!” [4:41]).

Zacchaeus (19:9) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (19:10)

“What authority are you doing these things?” (20:2)

& temptation

Genealogy traced back to Adam (Jesus’ qualifications as Son of Man)

“Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness” (11:39) “You load people down with burdens difficult to bear, yet you yourselves re- fuse to touch the burdens with even on of your fingers!” (11:46)

Jesus rejected as prophet (revealer of God’s kingdom) (4:24, 7:16, 39, 13:33, 16:31, 20:13)

Temptation—40 days of temptation and victory over Satan (c.f. 10:18, 11:18, 13:16, 22:3, 31)

Purpose to “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God” (4:43, 8:1, 16:16)

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?” (20:17)

Gospel of Luke

The Purpose of Luke is to give an “orderly account” (1:1-4) of the Son of Man’s loving march towards Jerusalem as He “breaks-in,” reverses and defeats sin and Satan’s rule, and initiates God’s program and rule by redeeming humanity through the Cross. Jesus has come to “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God” (4:43, 8:1, 16:16). Jesus identifies Himself in Luke 4 as the Isaiah 61 Messiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke describes the love of God in action as Jesus releases the most shocking cap- tives. The good news of the kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is urged to enter it (16:16, 17:21), the “stronger man” has come (11:20-22), and Christ has defeated the power/ authority of Satan (22:53). Jesus’ teaching and miracles are visible signs of God’s “rule” over the realm of Satan that will be in full force in the future—the culmination of the Kingdom is when vic- tory is complete and King Jesus sets up His physical kingdom (21:5-38). To the surprise of the Jews, not only is salvation a present reality by faith in Christ (5:20, 7:9, 50, 8:48, 17:19, etc.), but Christ is establishing a community from all the nations (2:10,32, 3:8, 13:29, 20:17, 24:47, etc). Luke continues to develop this theme in his second volume, the Book of Acts, where the universal Gospel is taken to the “uttermost part of the world” (Acts 1:8).

Ch. 1-2 Birth of John & Christ

Ch. 3-4:13 John’s Mission, baptism

Ch. 4:14-9:50 Ministry in Galilee

Ch. 9:51-19:27 Galilee to Jerusalem

Ch. 19:28-24:53 Jerusalem

Ch. 5 Eating with Sinners—I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (5:32))

Ch. 23-24: Pilate/Herod/Barabbas Crucifixion, Burial, Resurrection

Rejection in Nazareth (4:22-30)

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it” (9:24). Count the costs (14:25- 35)—it will cost you everything to be Jesus’disciple.Noservantcanserve two masters (16:13).

“Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance fortheforgivenessofsinswouldbe proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (24:46-47)

New patch can’t be added to the old (thegoodnewsofthekingdomcan’tbe added to the religion of Jesus’ day {5:36-38}).

will.” (10:21)

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (19:38, Psalm 118:26)

John the Baptist

Disciples/Followers of Christ

Religious Leaders

Captives that Jesus released

Forerunner before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah (1:17, 75-76), the kingdom of God is at hand!

Peter, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (5:8)

Abrahamic pedigree means nothing (3:8) Filled with mindless rage (6:11)

Healing of a demonized man (4:35, 9:42), Peter’s mother-in-law (4:39), the sick, diseased and demonized (4:40), Lepers (5:13, 17:13), the Paralytic (5:24), the man with a withered hand (6:10), Centurion’s Slave (7:10), Resurrecting of the Widow’s son (7:15), Legion (8:29), Bleeding Woman (8:44), Jairus’ daughter (8:55), Woman disabled for 18 years (13:12), man with dropsy (14:4), blind man (18:42).

John’s disciples—“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for an- other?” (7:20)

Sending the 12 with kingdom power (9:1)

“John doesn’t drink and you call him a demon and I do drink and you call me a drunk and a friend of sinners” (7:33-34)

Welcomes, eats and loves sinners (5:30, 32, 6:32- 34, 7:34, 13:2, 15:1-2)

Humility leads to Kingdom living (6:20-42, 14:11, 18:14, 22:26) Opportunity to know the secrets of the kingdom of God (8:10)

Jesus casting out demons by the power of Satan (11:18) “It is impossible that a prophet should be killed outside Jerusalem” (13:33)

Sending of the 72—“say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come on you!’”

Calling of Levi, the tax collector (5:27), “Sinful” Women who washed Jesus feet (7:38)— Forgiven much, Love much!,

Peter’s confession—“The Christ of God!” (9:20) Transfiguration (9:29)

“He should know this women who is touching him, that she is a sinner” (7:39)

“The tax collector, however, stood far off and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am!' ... For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. (18:13-14)

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For there is more to life than food, and more to the body than clothing. Instead pursue God’s kingdom and these things will be given to you as well.” (12:22-23, 31)

“Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness” (11:39)

Zacchaeus (19:9)—For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (19:10)

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it” (9:24)

Weeping over Jerusalem—“If you had only known on this day, even you, the things that make for peace!” (19:42)

—Children (insignificant in Jesus’ society)—“for the kingdom of God belongs to such as “these” (18:16)

Count the costs (14:25-35)—it will cost you every- thing to be Jesus’ disciple.

Temple—“you have turned it into a den of rob- bers!” (19:46)

—“Then people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and take their places at the banquet table in the kingdom of God” (13:29)

No servant can serve two masters (16:13)

“What authority are you doing these things?” (20:2)

Main Characters in Luke

“Although they see they may not see, and al- though they hear they may not understand” (8:10)

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (15:2)

“You load people down with burdens difficult to bear, yet you yourselves refuse to touch the bur- dens with even on of your fingers!” (11:46)

Criminal on the cross—“Remember me when you come in your kingdom...I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (23:42-43)

Jesus rejected as prophet (revealer of God’s king- dom) (4:24, 7:16, 39, 13:33, 16:31, 20:13)

—When you host the meal—invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. (14:13, 21)

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?” (20:17)

—“And repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (24:46-47)

Type of Savior who leaves 99 to look for the one, who receives the prodigal son back (15:1-32)

Study Notes Ed Underwood Mark Follow Jesus; Serve Others

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Jesus Christ, Mark 10:45)

The four Gospels are corresponding accounts that provide a complex portrait of the person and work, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel, Savior of the world, and Son of God. These historical books encompass about 46% of the New Testament. Though they were not the first books written, the early church placed the Gospels at the beginning of the New Testament because they are the bedrock upon which the book of Acts and the Epistles are constructed.

The Gospels are written as biographies with a purpose. They are thematic portraits of the life of Christ focusing on the brief public ministry of the Son of God. Each author selects distinctive events and teachings of the Lord Jesus to present a purposefully skewed account to accomplish their purpose:

Matthew, a Jew, writes to persuade His countrymen that Christ is their King. Frequently quoting from the Old Testament Scriptures, he argues that Jesus of Nazareth “fulfills what was written.” His birth, life, death, and His resurrection leave only one possible conclusion: Jesus is the Messiah of Israel.

Mark seeks to reach the Roman mindset and presents Jesus as the Servant who came to “give His life as a ransom for many. He begins by serving the masses, but as He is being rejected and His departure grows near, He concentrates on serving His disciples and equipping them to serve others in His name.

Luke focuses on the Greek way of thinking, revealing Christ as the Perfect Man. Dr. Luke highlights the human side of Jesus, describing Him as the one who came to earth “to seek and save that which was lost.”

John writes to everyone, regardless of culture. He selects seven miracles and arranges them carefully to persuade his readers to believe in Jesus as the Son of God who will give them eternal life.

Mark is the shortest and simplest of the four Gospels. It gives the reader a vivid, compelling account of the life of Christ. With no editorial comments, Mark lets the narrative tell the story: Jesus is a Servant, constantly on the move and the pace is exhausting. He never rests, never ignores a hurting heart, and never avoids controversy, opposition, or danger. He just keeps moving and serving toward His reason for coming to earth—to suffer and die for the sin of the world.

Those who follow Him on the path of serving and suffering are often confused and exhausted, but always marveling at the wonder of being close to Him. Amazed at His words and works, His compassion and strength, they come to understand what all of us realize as we read on: Following Jesus is extremely difficult, but eternally rewarding.

Mark began by citing Isaiah, who predicted the Servant of God (1:3; cf. Isaiah 40:3). He ends with the Servant suffering on the Cross, and the implications of that event on the lives of His followers. Jesus came to serve God and others by providing salvation through self-sacrifice. Mark is the Gospel that most portrays Christ as the Son who became the Servant of the Lord Paul describes in Philippians 2:5-11. John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas and disciple of Peter, records the life of Christ from the eyewitness stories of Peter. “Mark’s story of Jesus is one of swift action and high drama. Only twice, in chapters 4 and 13, does Jesus pause to deliver extended discourses.” (J. D. Kingsbury, Conflict in Mark: Jesus, Authorities, Disciples, p. 1):

The pace of the Book is as exhausting as the pace of life for a devoted follower of Christ. The adverb euthys, translated “immediately,” occurs 41 times!

I. PROLOGUE: PREP ARA TION OF THE SERV ANT (1:1-13): Mark’ s dramatic introduction of Jesus of Nazareth sets the tone for the rest of the book. Prophecies from Malachi and Isaiah identifying John the Baptizer as Messiah’s forerunner, established Jesus’ credentials as the Christ (Messiah).

Mark: All who follow the Suffering Servant must be prepared to suffer and serve—

to lay down their lives and serve others in His name!

II. THE SERVANT’S GALILEAN MINISTRY (1:14-8:30): His work in Galilee stirs up the religious authorities. Two series of confrontations with Jewish leaders reveal their hard hearts (2:1-3:20). The first time around, they decide to kill Him (3:6); the second time, they accuse Him of relying on Satan instead of God (3:22).

Three events—the charge by the religious authorities that His powers come from Satan, His rejection at Nazareth, and the murder of John the Baptizer—precipitate a great transition in the ministry of Jesus. His primary focus from this point forward is His twelve disciples. Just one year from His crucifixion, Jesus devotes six months to an intense training of the Twelve—teaching and demonstrating that He is the Son of God—as He withdraws away from the hostility of the Jewish authorities, the domain of Herod Antipas, and the fickle masses (3:23-8:22).

The great transition in Mark’s narrative follows the re-teaching of the answer to the question, “Who is Jesus?” until finally Peter answers correctly for the Twelve, “You are the Christ!” (8:30) After Peter’s declaration, the disciples will learn what kind of Messiah He is as they follow Him to Jerusalem, where they will witness His crucifixion and resurrection.

III. THE SERVANT’S JUDEAN MINISTRY (8:31-16:8): Jesus’ movement to the cross dominates the second half of Mark’s Gospel. From the time they leave the north, Jesus and His disciples were “on the way” to Jerusalem (9:33; 10:32). Mark bookends this section with two separate healings of a blind man—the first in Bethsaida on the north shore of Galilee (8:22-26), the second in Jericho, just before He enters Jerusalem for the last time (10:46-52). Mark’s careful placing of these miracles demonstrates that Jesus was endeavoring to open His disciples’ eyes to the truth of the necessity of the cross and suffering. All who follow the Suffering Servant must be prepared to lay down their lives and serve others in His name.

Over a third of the book is devoted to the eight days following their arrival in Judea on the Sunday before His resurrection—from His entry into Jerusalem (11:1-11) to Christ’s resurrection (16:1-8). Monday through Thursday Jesus cleared the Temple, exposed the hypocrisy of Israel’s leaders, received Mary of Bethany’s worship, predicted His desertion and betrayal, instituted the Lord’s Supper, prayed in the garden, and was arrested and condemned by the Sanhedrin.

But only the Roman authority, Pilate, could execute anyone. On Friday morning, Jesus stood trial before Pilate. By 9:00 AM, after being scourged and mocked, the process of His crucifixion began—the Son of God was nailed to a cross between two thieving insurrectionists. He was guilty of being “The King of the Jews.” For six hours, Jesus suffered on the cross, the last three being accompanied by miraculous events. Then, at 3:00 PM, Jesus died, and was buried in a nearby tomb.

The foundational truth of Christianity is the Gospel: Christ died for our sins and arose. But too many Christians underestimate the mighty work of Jesus on the Cross. He not only paid the penalty for our sin, He made a way for us to overcome the power of sin!

MARK AND YOU: When reading Mark, keep in mind the author and the audience. John Mark was a privileged young man who failed miserably in his early Christian life. He abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Years later, he writes his Gospel from Rome, primarily to Roman Christians living in a proud and powerful culture.

Remember that Mark is stressing sacrifice and service from a heart that grew up in privilege and to a people who dominated the world.

Remember that Mark is stressing suffering from a heart that tried to avoid it and to a people who were facing persecution

Remember that Mark doesn’t try to hide the faults and weaknesses of Jesus’ followers.

Remember that Mark learned his lessons on suffering and servanthood the hard way—through disappointing those he admired in Christ when he decided that following Christ was too costly.

Messiah: Mark portrays Jesus as an active, compassionate, and obedient Servant of God. Christ is

constantly moving toward the goal of laying down His life for others!