The Temptation (4:1-11)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 8: The Temptations)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him…

The Economic Temptation
~ The bread was a sign of God’s provision
~ The ‘way of the world’ was tax, tax & tax
~ Jesus lived in a culture obsessed with failing finances
~ Jesus’ rejection shows His upside-down approach
~ Jesus focused on spiritual food (He was the true bread)

The Religious Temptation
~ The Temple was the place of God’s presence
~ The ‘way of the world’ was institutional religion
~ Jesus lived in a culture obsessed with failing faith
~ Jesus’ rejection shows His upside-down approach
~ Jesus focused on relationship (He was the true temple)

The Political Temptation
~ The mountains were places of God’s power
~ The ‘way of the world’ was violence & force
~ Jesus lived in a culture obsessed with failing freedom
~ Jesus’ rejection shows His upside-down approach
~ Jesus focused on suffering (He was the true king)

The Paychecks/Fortune Temptation
The Prestige/Fame Tempation
The Power/Force Temptation

Next Week: The Calling (Matthew 4:12-25)

The Trinity (3:13-17)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 7: The Trinity)

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased

1. ‘Trinity’ is not a word found in the Bible

2. The Bible is clear that there is 1 God
* Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 44:8

3. The Bible is clear that the Father is God

4. The Bible is clear that Jesus is God
* He was prophesied as God (Isaiah 9:6)
* He was named ‘Immanuel’ (Matt 1:23)
* He accepted worship (Matt 14:33)
* John called Him God (John 1:1, 14)
* Thomas called Him God (Jn 20:28-29)

5. The Bible is clear that the Spirit is God
* He is spoken of as a Person, not a force
* He is equated with God


Summary: Matthew 3:16-17, Galatians 4:6


How is the concept sometimes distorted?



Why is the Trinity doctrine important?
1. Because it is the truth about God
2. Because it communicates full salvation
3. Because it shows the value of relationship

How are we to understand the Trinity?
* Each of these illustrations has pros & cons

1. Man (father, son, husband)
2. Egg (shell, white, yolk)
3. Water (liquid, solid, gas)
4. Triangle (3 equal sides, 1 shape)
5. Tree (root, trunk, branches)
6. Light (sun, rays, heat)
7. Pendulum (pivot, rod, bob)
8. Lemonade (sugar, water, lemon juice)

Next Week: Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)

The Optional Holiness Error (1:5-7, 2:3-6)

Early Errors
A Study of 1st John

The “Optional Holiness” Error

Definition:
This is the belief that extra-ordinary holiness is only intended for certain kinds of Christians.

What message did John wish to proclaim? (1:5)
- If you could only say 1 thing about God, what would you communicate?
- John, here, is proclaiming God's holiness

In what way is God light? (1:5)
Literal? Appearance? Seems to be talking about 100% righteousness

How easy is it to claim fellowship with God? (1:6)
Simple. Might even benefit you in the here and now.

What is a hypocrite? (1:6, 2:4)
Exactly what's stated here. Talk a high standard, live a lowly life.

What does this have to do with fellowship? (1:7)
Breaks down church fellowship, attractiveness

What purifies us? (1:7)
Blood of Christ. Perfection is found in repentance

How much can we be purified from? (1:7)
"All" sin, all kinds, all degrees

How can we know we are God’s people? (2:3, 5-6)
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe

What is the result of true obedience? (2:5)
God's love is made complete in you

What is the standard for Christians? (2:6)
Jesus, 100% righteousness

Next Week:
The Denial of Sin Error (1:8-2:2)

The Head Knowledge Error (1:3-4)

The “Head Knowledge” Error

3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.

Definition:
This is the belief that being a Christian is simply a mental agreement with a set of orthodox doctrines.
* This is a very popular error today (early church --> constatine --> radicals)

What was the purpose of John’s proclamation?
- relationship (fellowship with God and men)

What is the basis of Christian fellowship?
- "in Christ" part of the kingdom, radically different counter culture

What is the result of this fellowship?
- joy

Do some treat the good news as mere information?
- yes, just news, info

Is knowledge w/o relationship worthwhile?
- it might be neat, but its lonely (kelly c. story)

Is there significant joy in the accumulation of info?
- we are designed for relationship (includes info, but its better)


Next Week:
The Optional Holiness Error (1:5-7, 2:3-11)

Judges 16

Samson's non-exemplary life continues at the beginning of chapter 16 as he sees and sleeps with a prostitute in the Philistine city of Gaza. Recognizing his arrival, the Philistines seek to trap Samson the next morning before the city gates are opened. But Samson surprises them by getting up in the middle of the night and ripping through the city gates and carrying them uphill away from the city!

Later, Samson falls in love with a woman named Delilah. The Philistines offer Delilah a hefty sum if she will identify and provide them with the secret to Samson's strength (one doubts, here, that Samson was an incredibly strong looking man, otherwise his strength would have been no secret). Delilah attempts to get the secret, but Samson tricks her 3 times. But upon insisting that Samson doesn't truly love her unless he tells her the truth, Samson finally does give away the fact that the secret of his strength is found in his long hair (or, more accurately, his dedication to God). This time Delilah could tell it was the whole truth. She informed the mob. Samson had no idea that the strength had left him. The Philistine's finally had their arch-enemy. They gouged out his eyes and shackled him. We are given a glimmer of hope in verse 22 when it says his hair began to grow back.

Next, we find the Philistines celebrating their victory and attributing it to the sea-god Dagon. They decided to make Samson, now handicapped, provide the 'entertainment.' In the midst of mockery, Samson prayed that God would strenghten him one more time and allow him to triumph over his enemies. He pulled down 2 columns and collapsed the place of assembly, killing himself and thousands of Philistines. This devestation allowed Samson's family to retreive the body and bury him amongst relatives.

Radical Reformation

The 95 Theses (Luther, 1517)
Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.
In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Repentance
1. Repentance is vital
2. Repentance must include inward and outward change
3. Without change, the penalty is still in affect
4. There is no repentance after death
5. Every Christian has the right to forgiveness
6. True repentane seeks discipline/correction

The authority of the Pope
1. The Pope can’t forgive sins. He may only declare sins forgiven
2. The Pope has no more ‘general’ power than a Bishop has ‘specific’
3. The Pope has not led the church to proper understanding
4. The Pope should be willing to give some of his own money
5. The Pope allows more emphasis on pardons than the Gospel
6. If the Pope can grant salvation to the dead, why not for free?
7. Why doesn’t the Pope use his own money to build his church?

The usefulness of indulgences
1. The ‘selling’ of indulgancces makes no Scriptural sense
2. People are being deceived by the promise of spiritual security
3. It is fleshly to teach that financial offering earns forgiveness
4. Any who believe they are saved by a letter are condemned
5. The selling of indulgances works against true repentance



To repress these arguments and scruples of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the Church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies, and to make Christians unhappy


Schleitheim Confession (Anabaptist, 1527)

Baptism
Baptism is for believers and follows teaching on repentance, belief in the atonement, and commitment to follow Christ. Infant baptism is unbiblical.

Ban
Any baptized brother or sister who sins shall be twice warned privately and then publicly prior to the Lord’s Supper. If unrepentant, the person should be excluded from the community of faith.

Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is only for baptized believers

Separation
Christians must separate from all things carnal including the compromised Roman Catholic Church and the less-compromised Protestant Church.

Shepherds
Shepherds should be selected and supported by the local congregation of believers. He should read and teach Scripture, oversee church discipline, pray for the congregation, and officiate the Lord’s Supper.

Violence
The sword is commonplace outside the Kingdom, but within the Kingdom the sword shall not be found. It is not to be used for defense or dispute. Christians should not seek public office.

Oaths
All swearing is forbidden.

Congregational Order
 Meet at least 3-4 times each week to learn from the teachings of Christ and His Apostles and to encourage one another
 The reading shall be done together. The one to whom God has given the best understanding shall then explain it. Private devotions shall be done daily.
 The meeting shall be orderly.
 Observation of sin in a brother or sister shall be confronted privately.
 No brother shall be in need. The congregation should hold all things in common.
 All gluttony shall be avoided. Eating shall be kept to a minimum.
 Observe the Lord’s Supper at each meal/gathering


Radical People

Transitional Anabaptists
Erasmus The Protestant Catholic
Luther The Catholic Protestant
Karlstadt The Radical Protestant
Zwingli The Protestant Radical

Swiss Anabaptists
Castelberger Radical Small Group leader
Manz Radical Hebrew scholar
Grebel Radical Greek scholar
Blaurock Radical Baptism volunteer
Reublin Radical small-town preacher
Hubmaier Radical Reformation writer
Sattler Radical Confessor
RESULT Shleitheim  Brethren

South German/Moravian Anabaptists
Muntzer Radical Revolutionary
Hut Radical Revolutionary
Denck Radical Mysticism
Marpeck Radical Mediator
Wiedemann Radical Refugee leader
Hutter Radical Refugee leader
RESULT Shared pot  Hutterites

Low Country Anabaptists
Hoffmann Radical Apocalypticist
Matthijs Radical City-Ruler
Joris Radical Spiritualist
Simons Radical Reformer
RESULT Pacifism  Mennonites


Radical Issues

Separation of Church & State
Did ancient Israel have a separation of church/state?
Were early Christians connected to the state?
Was Constantine’s establishment of Christianity good?
Why did the radicals want separation of church/state?
What is the purpose of the 1st Amendment?
How should Christians view their relationship to the state?


Believer’s Baptism & Spiritual Communion
What is baptism all about in the Bible?
Does the Bible give examples of infant baptism?
How did infant baptism develop in church history?
Why were the radicals against instant baptism?
In what way is God present during holy communion?
How often should we partake in communion?


Community of Goods
Was there a common pot in ancient Israel?
What kinds of laws did God give to protect the poor?
What was Jesus’ example when it comes to economics?
Did the New Testament church practice a common pot?
Is there a difference b/w Acts 2:44-45 and socialism?
Is Acts 2:44-45 a model for contemporary Christianity?


Pacifism
What are the different forms of pacifism?
Was ancient Israel a pacifist nation?
Was Jesus a pacifist? If so, in what sense?
Were the early Christians pacifists?
Why did the radicals take this position?
How should contemporary Christians view war?

Judges 13-15

The story of Samson

Here, the cycle of Judges continues, with 1 unmentioned element

1. Israel does evil (13:1a)
2. Lord delivers them into eyes of Philistines (13:1b)
3. NO MENTION OF CRY FOR HELP
4. Lord raises up a deliverer (13:2-5)

Like so many heroes of the Bible, this deliver comes through an interesting birth narrative. His father (Manoah) and mother had been unable to have children. The angel of the Lord, however, appeared to the mother and said she would, indeed, conceive. She was told to drink no wine and to refrain from unclean food. Her son was to be a Nazarite (no haircuts, fermented drink, unclean stuff), set apart to God from birth. The angel of the Lord said that the boy would "begin the deliverance" of Israel from the Philistines. This phrase is interesting in light of the fact that Samson doesn't actually seemed to have accomplished much in these regards. Most of his actions did involve the destruction of Philistines, but usually for personal vengeance.

The mother told Manoah about the visit (not understanding that it was the Angel of the Lord. Manoah prayed that the man would return to give further instruction on how to raise the boy. The man appeared again to the woman. She went and got Manoah. But the angel of the Lord gave no further information. He simply repeated His previous revelation. Upon further discussion, the Angel revealed something more of His true identity (saying His name was 'beyond understanding' or 'wonderful'). His departure, through a flame toward the heavens, made sure that this was a heavenly messenger and not a merely human prophet. Manoah was afraid (b/c they have seen God), but his wife calmed his fears, recognizing that God would not have appeared to them and made these statements if His intention was simply to kill them. She later gave birth to Samson and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him.

It is difficult to determine why we are told the story of Samson. He doesn't seem to be a role model (even still, he IS mentioned in Hebrews 11). He doesn't even seem to truly help his people. But I do think there is an important lesson that he learned from God through the events of these chapters. If Samson was going to accomplish his mission from God, he'd first have to have the same distaste for God's enemies that God had. In this light, the story we're given in chapter 14 comes to light.

Samson wanted to marry a Philistine woman (he literally wanted to sleep with the enemy!). His parents (probably in light of the previous revelation) were displeased by this. But Samson insisted. Verse 4 is intriguing, stating that this desire of Samson's was from the Lord. On the way to Timnah (where the woman lived), the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson so that he could kill an attacking lion. Later, Samson found bees & honey in the carcass of the lion, and ate. He used this event to give the people of Timnah a riddle while awaiting the wedding day.

When the people could not solve the riddle, they convinced the bride to get the answer out of Samson. Her persistence paid off and Samson gave her the answer. He lost the bet and had to fulfill his end of the terms: 30 sets of clothes for the 30 men he'd made the bet with. But, in anger, Samson killed 30 Philistines and took their clothes (instead of getting them at his own expense) to give to the men. He then left Timnah in anger. Now Samson is angry with the Philistines.

But Samson's anger against God's enemies subsided and he returned to claim his bride. But the woman's father had given the bride to another man, thinking that Samson would not return. The father offered another daughter, but Samson's anger re-emerged. He caught 300 foxes, tied them tail to tail, set them on fire, and burned the fields of his enemies. When the Philistines realized Samson's reason for doing this, they put the woman and her father to death. But this simply made Samson more upset! He attacked and slaughtered many of them. He then went to live in a cave.

But now the Philistines were mad and wanted to arrest Samson. The Israelites agreed to deliver Samson into their hands, but the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power and he broke the restraints, found a jawbone of a donkey, and struck down a thousand men with it. God provided him with water after the victory.

This gruesome storyline, then, reveals the rising conflict b/w the Philistines and Samson. What started out as a friendly relationship (inter-marriage) ends in intense antagonism.

Manologues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0uM8O8iwBA&feature=channel_page

The Faith vs. Science Error (1:1-2)

Early Errors
A Study of 1st John

Intro:
Author- Anonymous, widely considered the disciple John
Style- Perhaps more of a sermon than a letter
Recipients- Believers, perhaps confused (5:13)
Occasion- False teaching was present (2:26, 3:7, 4:1)

In other words, they had been infiltrated with errors. In this series, we will discuss a variety of errors that existed in John's day and/or exist in our day.

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.


What does ‘the beginning’ refer to?
- Most likely the beginning of Jesus' ministry (Lk 1:3, Jn 15:27, Acts 1:22)

Who is this ‘we’?
- Most likely the Apostles, elders

Why is John emphasizing the senses?
- He's demonstrating that Christianity is a real, tangible, earthy faith

What does the ‘Word of life’ refer to?
- Jesus Christ (John 1, 14:6)

Are their testimonies reliable?
- They were present with Jesus and willing to die

Why was this worth proclaiming?
- God had visited and showed the way to eternal life


The “Faith vs. Science” Error

Definition:
This is the belief that faith & science are at odds with one another. Once one is chosen, the other becomes unnecessary.


Are faith & science really at odds?
- Ask Bacon, Kepler, Pascal, Faraday, Morse, Pasteur, Newton
- They are only at odds when mis-defined
- Faith is not blind trust that goes against the evidence
- Faith is active obedience that goes along with the evidence
- Science is not a philosophy of naturalism
- Science is the observation of information


Why did some believe they were enemies?
- It's a modern myth developed my naturalists and atheists
- The enlightenment cast them as enemies in their 'story'
- Ie. Galileo is portrayed as a scientist attacked by the church
- In reality, both Copernicus & Galileo were more fearful of their colleagues


Does this error exist in our culture?
- Certainly, we see it everyday among the skeptics/atheists


Does this error exist in our churches?
- Yes, and sometimes the reverse (Christian animosity toward true science)


Is Christian faith unreasonable?
- Certainly not. It asks to be investigated (1 Cor. 15:6, Sir William Ramsey)

John the Baptist (3:1-12)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 6: John the Baptist)

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

1. JOHN’S MISSION (3:1-3)
~ Fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 4:5
~ His mission was to prepare hearts for Christ
~ How should we echo John’s mission?


2. JOHN’S MANNER (3:4-6)
~ Living conditions, food, clothing, etc
~ His manner provoked people’s attention
~ How should we echo John’s manner?


3. JOHN’S MESSAGE (3:7-10)
~ Specific instructions (Luke 3:10-14, 19)
~ His message was bold and relevant
~ How should we echo John’s message?


4. JOHN’S MINISTRY (3:11-12)
~ Refused to accept the glory (John 3:28-30)
~ His ministry was Christ-centered
~ How should we echo John’s ministry?

Judges 10-12

This section is bookended by 5 judges of little consequence

Tola- saved Israel, led for 23 years
Jair- Led Israel 22 years, had 30 sons on 30 donkeys over 30 towns

Ibzan- 30 sons and 30 daughters (all married outside clan), led 7 years
Elon- Led Israel 10 years
Abdon- 40 sons and 30 grandsons who rode 70 donkeys, led Israel 8 years

Between these bookends is the story of Jephthah

The beginning of the story of Jephthah demonstrates the consistent pattern of the book of Judges

1. Israel does evil (10:6a)
2. God angrily punishes (10:6b-9)
3. Israel cries for help (10:10-16a)
4. God agrees to rescue (10:16b)

Interestingly, stage 3 in this cycle, here, is more complex than normal. Israel's initial cry falls on unwilling ears (11-14). It is only after their cry of repentance is deepened that God can no longer bear their ministry. The deepened repentance is marked by confession (15a), submission (15b), and removal of idols (16a).

This sets the stage for Jephthah as Israel's next judge. He was originally ex-communicated by his brothers b/c he was the son of a prostitute. But when times became tough, the Israelites wanted Jephthah to return, seemingly because of his noted skills as a warrior. Jephthah, then, is able to understand God's perspective. The people only want him when they are in obvious desperate need (11:7). The people claim that if he rescues them they will make him their permanent leader, but he doubts their promise (11:9).

Upon agreement to return, Jephthah attempts to resolve the Ammonite issue through peace rather than war. He corresponds with the Ammonite king, arguing against his military action on the grouds that:

1. Gilead was never the king's land in the first place, Israel took it from the Amorites.
2. Israel's God had given them the land
3. Israel had possessed the land uncontested for 300 years

The king of Ammon, however, paid no attention to the message Jephthah sent him. So often, in this world, attempts to accomplish things peacefully fail. This is a world of war.

Next, Jephthah prepares for military action. In doing so, he makes a foolish vow that whatever comes out of the door of his house after his victory, he will consecrate and/or sacrifice to the Lord. I write "and/or" because there is debate on this point. It turns out that Jephthah's only daughter is the first to come out the door. 2 understandings of this emerge:

1. "AND" Jephthah had promised to consecrate AND sacrifice whatever or whoever came out first. Unfortunately, it was his only daughter. She was subsequently sacrificed.

2. "OR" Jephthah had promised to consecrate OR sacrifice whatever or whoever came out first. Unfortunately, it was his only daughter. She was subsequently consecrated.

I favor the 2nd view. "Or" is a legitimate translation of v. 31 and makes more sense of the remainder of the passage. The young girl did not mourn her death, but her virginity. The heartbreak need not refer to death, but to the fact that Jephthah's family line would not continue.

Chapter 12 begins with another episode of Ephraimite disappointment. They seem to think they were not invited to participate in Jephthah's victory. He suggests they were invited but did not show up. Whatever the reality, Jephthah attacked and destroys many Ephraimites. Though the situation is similar to that experienced by Gideon (8:1), Jephthah's response is much different. The Ephraimites can not even escape Jephthah's attack b/c they are easily identified by their inability to pronounce the word "Shibboleth" instead rendering it "Sibboleth."

In all, Jephthah only led Israel for 6 years before dying and being buried in a town in Gilead.