What Jesus Said on the Cross #1 - The Week Before

 Today, we’ll begin a brand-new study. The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross.   These seven sayings reveal different aspects of Jesus' final hours:

• Forgiveness (1)
• Salvation (2)
• Love and care for others (3)
• The depth of His suffering (4)
• His true humanity (5)
• The completion of His redemptive work (6)
• Trust in the Father (7)

These things speak about what we understand about Jesus’ final suffering and death, but I think they also speak about who Jesus was.  As Christians, we should endeavor to be Christ-like.  We should also develop these qualities in our own lives.

First, let’s set out the list of the seven things Jesus actually said on the cross:

(Luke 23:34)

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.

(Luke 23:43)

And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

(John 19:26-27)

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

(Mark 15:34)

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

(John 19:28)

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"

(John 19:30)

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

(Luk 23:46)

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.' " Having said this, He breathed His last.

The Events That Led to the Cross!

Most of today’s study is going to be background about Jesus’ last week; the things led to the crucifixion, and then next week we will begin to look in depth into the things He said and what they mean for us.  So, let’s look at what has happened up to this point:

5 days before Crucifixion Jesus enters into Jerusalem.  (We call this Palm Sunday).  It is called that because of this moment:

(Luke 19:32-38)

So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" And they said, "The Lord has need of him." Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: " 'BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

This is interesting, they are making a political statement here.  What they are doing is looking at Jesus as a political king.  They’ve misinterpreted the scriptures and prophecies of Jesus thinking that He’s come to free them from the oppression of Rome. We can see that in John’s description of what was happening:

(John 12:13)

took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' The King of Israel!"

The KING OF ISRAEL! 

The reaction of the people frightened the Pharisees, who were the political leaders of the Jews at the time, as well as the religious leaders.  They were afraid of losing their power. 

There were other things that happened, as well.  Jesus turned over the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple courtyard. Declaring:

(Luk 19:45-46)

Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a 'DEN OF THIEVES.' "

The sacrifices in the Temple had become business.  The moneychangers had lost sight of worshipping God through the Temple rituals and saw it as a way to make money.  They even cheated and the people and participated in usury. (Loaning money at inflated interest rates…Like gangsters do today.) 

Jesus also taught daily in the Temple and people came to hear Him and were attentive to His words:

(Luk 19:47-48)

And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.

The Pharisees became envious because the people were turning to Jesus and away from them and their leadership.  So, they plotted to kill Jesus.

(Mat 26:3-5)

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."

This takes us up to Thursday night.  On Thursday night Jesus and the disciples ate their last supper together. There were some significant events that took place during that gathering.

1.       The Washing of the Disciples’ feet.

(John 13:3-5)

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

(John 13:12-15)

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

In this, Jesus demonstrates His divinity for us.  He knows He is from God. But He is also showing His disciples that they should be servants of other in all Humility. This is also a message for us.

2.      Judas’ Betrayal

Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him.

(John 13:25-27)

Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

(Matthew 26:14-16)

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Thirty pieces of sliver was considered to be the price of a slave under Mosaic law.  But it is a little deeper than that, it is the compensation to be given for the death of a slave.

(Exodus 21:32)

If the ox gores a male or female servant, he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

This price is also a fulfillment of prophecy in Zechariah.  You can see that in Zech 11The rejected shepherd.

3.      Jesus’ Arrest and Trial

Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  In that prayer He spoke to God about what was to happen.  Look at what He said:

(Matthew 26:39-44)

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Jesus shows us something powerful here.  It is in his petition to God.

"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

We are taught here to put God’s Will above our own. Following this Jesus is arrested and taken before the High Priest Caiaphas.  He’s tried and the delivered to Pontius the next morning.  But Pilate wanted to avoid controversy and when he learned 6hat Jesus was from Galilee he sent him to Herod.  But Jesus wouldn’t speak to Herod, so He was sent back to Pilate.

(Mark 15:2)

Then Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" He answered and said to him,  "It is as you say."

Remember in the beginning of all of this the people waved palm fronds saying “Hosanna, The King of Israel.”  After this though they chanted, “Crucify Him.” “We have no king but Caesar!” 

Pilate tried to release Him but the people chose Barabbas. 

(Matthew 27:17-18)

Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

(Matthew 27:21-22)

The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!" Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!"

(Matthew 27:24-26)

When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children." Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

That brings us to the crucifixion.  And we will begin next week to look at the things spoken by Jesus on the cross.  As you can see There are a number of lessons here for us.  Maybe in another study we will break this whole thing down and examine more closely.  I wanted you to see what the climate was when Jesus spoke the things He spoke.

 

 

 

 

Habits Of Faith #7 - Prayer

The Habit of Prayer is absolutely essential.  If you study Jesus’ life you will see that prayer was one of His highest priorities.  He spoke about prayer And He set an example of prayer.  He never taught His disciples how to preach – but He taught them to pray.

J. Oswald Chambers – “Prayer does not fit us for greater works; prayer is the greater work.”

No matter what a privilege prayer is, we will not grow unless we plan to pray.  We don’t naturally drift into disciplined prayer.  There are so many roadblocks and distractions from prayer that if were not intentional about prayer, we may never pray.  Payer is a habit that must be contended for.  Satan will do all that he can to hinder prayer. 

“The devil is aware that one hour of close fellowship, of hearty converse with God in prayer, is able to pull down what he hath been contriving and building many a year.” – John Flavel

The habit of prayer is one of the surest marks of a true Christian.  George Herbert called prayer, “the souls’ blood absolutely necessary for life”.

When a baby is born, the first thing they look for is for the baby to breathe.  That is the first sign of life.  The fist act of men and women, when they are born again should be praying.  It should naturally flow.  Richard Baxter said, “Prayer is the breath of the new creature.”

Prayer is first and foremost about a relationship with God.

Paul’s First Statement of Prayer – Relationship

(Ephesians 1:15-21)

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

His prayer for the people of Ephesus is that they would know God better; that they would have a greater revelation of God than they have ever had before.  At this time, the people are facing persecution and oppression.  They’re separated from family members because of their declaration of faith.  Paul’s prayer isn’t for a new government or a solution to their problems, but instead a deeper revelation of their relationship with God. So, the key isn’t to pray to escape whatever hardship you’re facing, but to know God better in the hardship.

It is a greater revelation of God that leads us into a deeper relationship with Him.

(Ephesians 1:17). 

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

It’s knowing God, learning something about God; that He sent Jesus to die for you.  Prayer is simply a communication in response to that revelation.  If you find out that He loves you, that He died for you, then don’t you want to communicate with Him that you want that love and forgiveness in your life?  That, simply, is prayer.  It is communication in response to revelation to Him.

God wants a relationship with us. Think about what that means.  He wants you to know Him.  To pour your heart out to Him; to share your deepest thoughts. 

If you have a relationship with another person and aren’t willing to be vulnerable and open with them that isn’t a very deep relationship, is it?  God wants that deep kind of relationship with us. 

He sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sin, in order to restore the relationship broken by our sin; to purchase us back and deliver us from the bondage of sin and fear.

(Romans 8:15)

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

We are no longer slaves to the fear, we’re children of God.  It is the highest privilege and honor that we can speak to our creator.  We can cry out to Him AND He will hear it!    

“To see the law by Christ fulfilled and hear His pardoning voice transforms a slave into a child and duty into choice.”  - William Cowper

Prayer is not some dreadful duty, it is the highest privilege we can choose.  When you understand that prayer is the greatest means of establishing and building a relationship with God you should be inspired to pray.  When prayer becomes a duty it’s because revelation is lacking.

“Prayer is not like carpentry or cookery; it is the active exercise of a personal relationship, a kind of friendship, with the living God and His Son Jesus Christ…” – D.A. Carson

 

Paul’s Closing Statement of Prayer - Warfare

 (Ephesians 1:19-21)

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Paul is beginning to transition from talking about prayer in the context of our relationship with God.  He is beginning to talk about that relationship in the context of God’s absolute dominion.  Our relationship is with the most powerful being in the universe.  He wants us to know that God isn’t a small God.  That we don’t pray hoping God CAN help us, but he wants us to know that we are in a relationship with the most powerful being in the universe.

When you pray, you’re not just speaking to a company president, or a political leader, or even the most powerful man in the world.  All of these people have limited power.  When you pray you’re speaking with the most powerful person in the universe – AND HE HEARS YOU AND RESPONDS!

Leader Feedback:  Have you ever cried out to God for something impossible and God responded?

We are connected though prayer to POWER!

At the end of the book of Ephesians Paul begins to bring a revelation of prayer as warfare.  

(Ephesians 6:10-20)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

According to Paul, here, the whole universe is a spiritual battleground. 

He says,”

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We don’t always have to contend with attacks from other people, we also have to contend with attacks from spiritual forces that are fighting against God and we, who represent Him.  We all know from experience that there is an active power of evil in this world.

As he’s writing this letter to the Ephesians, Paul is chained to a Roman soldier.  As he’s contemplating this spiritual battle, he sees the soldier and his armor and sees an illustration of what he’s been thinking.  He sees the armor that this soldier is wearing and thinks we have armor too.  Only our armor is spiritual.

The Belt of Truth – We can hang our sword that and it gives us freedom of movement.  We have freedom in truth

The Breastplate of Righteousness – The soldiers breastplate protects from attacks on the heart.  When we are clothed in righteousness, we are impregnable (too strong to be penetrated.).  Someone once said, “Words are no defense against accusations, but a good life is.”

Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace – When you put on shoes you are prepared to go out to battle.  Ready to bring it wherever God wants to go, ready to do whatever God is asking us to do.

The Shield of Faith – Roman soldiers had a two-part shield a hardwood overlaid with a soft wood.  When fiery darts (arrows) hit the shield, they would immediately be quenched. We have the shield of faith that can deal with the fiery darts of temptation.  When we walk close to Christ, we are safe from temptation.

The Helmet of Salvation –Salvation is the forgiveness that He gives us for the sins of the past and strength to conquer sin in the future.  The devil attacks us with doubts of our salvation, and condemnation.  He wants to drag our focus to the here and now, rather than our eternal salvation.  When you are fully confident that Jesus has saved you, and not that it was something you did, then your mind is protected with a helmet of salvation.

The Sword of the Spirit Which is the Word of God – A sword is both a defensive weapon and an offensive one.  It not only protects us from sin and temptation, but it can be used to attack the sins of the world. One man said, “We can never win God’s battle without God’s book.”

Prayer brings the entire armor of God together.  Prayer is the thing that holds the armor together and the thing that holds life together. 

(Ephesians 6:18)

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

We need to learn to pray at all times.

David gives us a good example:

Psalms 3: David prays when he’s in danger.  (Psalm 3:1-4)

Psalm 4: David prays before he goes to bed. (Psalm 4:7-8)

Psalm 5:  David prays at the beginning of the day. (Psalm 5:3)

Psalm 6:  David prays for mercy because he’s guilt of something. (Psalm 6:1)

Psalm 7:  David prays because he’s being attacked. (Psalm 7:1)

Psalm 8:  David prays because he’s so impressed with creation. (Psalm8:1)

Psalm 9:  David prays because he’s so full of joy. (Psalm 9:1-2)

Psalm 10:  David prays because God seems so far away.

Pray at all times on all occasions we need to be praying.  Usually, we treat God like we treat our doctor we don’t go to see him unless something is wrong; when we need something. But we need to see something and that is that we need God every second of every day.  So, if we only go to Him when we need Him, we should find ourselves in prayer on every occasion.

 

Habits of Faith #6 - Gratitude

 “Gratitude is foundational to healthy faith!  It is the ingredient that changes everything and I believe it is the thread that should be woven through every fabric our being if we’re going to have a healthy faith.” – Ps. Garett King

“Gratitude is an offering, precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and not be poorer, but richer for having made it.” – A. W. Tozer

(Psalms 100:1-5). 

A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful.

Sonja Lyubomirsky in her book, The How of Happiness, performed a thought experiment on what determines happiness. 

Most people would think that circumstances would most likely determine happiness, but according to Lyumbomirsky, Genetics (A disposition toward happiness passed to us by our parents) accounts for 50% of what makes us happy.  Life circumstances (Outside influences on our lives) accounts or only 10% of what determines happiness. Intentional activities (Our thoughts and actions – our attitude) account for 40% of what determines happiness.

“What we believe would make a huge difference in our lives, actually, according to scientific research, makes only a small difference, while we overlook the true sources of personal happiness and well-being.” – Sonja Lyumbomirsky

By studying happy people Lyumbomirsky compiled a list of Habits consistently found in people who are considered happy:

1.        They practice gratitude

2.         They practice optimism

3.                They are physically active. 

It’s not surprising that more optimism, more gratitude and even more physical activity can lead to greater happiness.

(Romans 12:2)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Think about this:  Our sinful nature has been passed to us by our parents.  If genetics accounts for 50% of what makes us happy.  That sinful nature is redeemed by salvation. In addition, our thoughts and actions are renewed, (made new) which accounts for 40% of our happiness.  If you do the math, this makes it possible for a committed Christian to be able to make use of 90% of what makes us happy.  So, the 10% that comes from our circumstances should be irrelevant in the eyes of a believer. So, whatever circumstances we’re going through shouldn’t affect our gratitude.  In any circumstance we have the ability to rejoice in Christ. 

“It’s not happy people who are thankful; it’s thankful people who are happy. – Janice Kaplan author, The Gratitude Diaries

The Bible commands us to rejoice in our circumstances:

(Deuteronomy 26:11)

So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you.

(Psalm 5:11)

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.

But that can never happen unless gratitude pervades every aspect of our lives.

(Psalm 100:4)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

The key or the password to enter into His gates is thanksgiving (gratitude). 

Paul writes from prison, to declare to the church in Philippi 

(Philippians 4:4).  

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 

The word gratitude has all three tenses associated with it.  There’s always something to be grateful for:  Something God did; something God is doing; and something God will possibly do in the future.

Why Aren’t We More Grateful

If we know that the key to a happy life is gratitude then why aren’t we all living a life saturated with gratitude. Here are some key reasons:

1.        The Mentality of Entitlement – Seems to be the spirit of our age.  Free this, free that – It’s my right as an American.  I’m Entitled.  Pastor Alfredo Barron as he was being made an American Citizen was overwhelmed by the thought that he was about to become an American citizen and partake in freedoms that, in his words, “to which I shed not one drop of blood to gain these freedoms that are now being freely given to me.” He was grateful that he was being given this freedom and didn’t have to pay for it.  Gratitude!

The same is true of our salvation.  We didn’t shed one drop of blood for Salvation, but so many look at our salvation as an entitlement. We take it for granted. Look at the Price that was paid for it.

(Matthew 27:27-31)

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

(Mark 15:33-37)

Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, "Look, He is calling for Elijah!" Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down." And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

Crucifixion is the most brutal form of execution created by man.  He suffered that for us!

2.       A Bad Memory About the Good Things – Sometimes we can forget the bad and remember the good, or we can forget the good and remember the bad.  It depends on your thinking.  This is why Gratitude has to be a habit, you can’t be passive with it.

God warned the Israelites about this.

(Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.' "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Remember the Lord your God…gives you the ability to produce wealth.  It’s not howe good a businessman you have taught yourself to be, it is God who gives you wealth!

James said every good thing comes from God. 

(James 1:17)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Everything we have is a gift from God but without the habit of gratitude we can forget that.

(Psalm 100:3)

Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Reminding us that He is God, we are not God.  Gratitude is an expression of your dependence on God.

Ingratitude is a sin. 

(Psalm 106:6-7)

We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, We have done wickedly. Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.

What did they do wrong?  They forgot.  They forgot all that God had done to bring them out of Egypt.  They forgot that God had delivered the.  They forgot that God had mercy on them.

(Romans 1:21)

because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Iniquity flows from the thankless heart.  Ingratitude is a root of all sin.

“Sin is cosmic ingratitude.  It gives the delusion that you have the ability to conduct and hold your life together.” – Tim Keller

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Three spiritual imperatives.  Three things that affect your attitude and reflect your concept of God.  We are commanded:

1.       Rejoice always – Can you, have you always lived this out?  The only way to rejoice always is by the grace of God.  In bad times only by His grace can we rejoice.

2.       Pray without ceasing – How do we do that in our modern world?  Prayer is the means by which we rejoice, a continual conversation with God.

3.       In Everything give thanks – In Everything?  Even the bad stuff?  If we don’t have that habit of gratitude, it’s easy for our prayer lives to become nothing buy grumbling and complaining.

The habit of gratitude guards your prayer life.  It is the thing that allows you to face the difficulties and disappointments of life.

Jonah runs from God’s calling to Nineveh.  God stops him with a storm.  The sailors throw him into the sea and fish swallows him.  While he is in the belly of the fish Jonah begins to pray.  Look at his prayer:

(Jonah 2:9) 

But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD."

He is giving God thanks for deliverance while he’s still in the belly of the fish.

How could he give thanks while he’s stillin  the belly of the fish?  Because he knows that he would have drowned had God not sent the fish.  God delivered him from drowning by interceding with the fish.  So, he knows that God will deliver him from the fish also.  So, he is able to thank Him by faith.  That faith is expressed by gratitude.

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
^13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Good advice.  Developing an active habit of praise is essential for a committed Christian.

Habits of Faith #5 - Scripture Memory

 (Psalms 1:1-3)

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

(Joshua 1:8-9)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

(John 1:1-5)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

(John 1:14)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

(Revelation 19:11-16)

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

This is the God we serve. 

In the last class we discussed the study of the Word of God; reading and meditating on the scriptures.  This class we will discuss the “Habit of Scripture Memory.”  Why is it important to memorize God’s word? When we practice this habit of scripture memory the word is embedded in our spirits.  We become ambassadors, representatives of Christ.

When we memorize the Word, we not only know God but we can live like Christ. We Can exhibit grace, mercy, love, wisdom, truth and comfort as God’s ambassadors.

Scripture memory takes effort.  It requires discipline.  It requires an understanding of the God we serve.  We serve the Living Word made flesh; that is the premise of the Word of God. 

The habits of Faith in this series are tools to open awareness of God’s presence in our life so we can become more like Christ.

[Scriptural] memorization is fundamental to spiritual formation; the process whereby the innermost being takes on the quality and character of Jesus, Himself.  – Pastor Warner

Understanding the God of the Living Word

(John 1:1-3)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

In the beginning was the Word the Word was with God and the Word was God.…

Look at the genealogies.  Matthew goes all the way back to Abraham to show the Jewish Messiah.  Luke goes all the way back to Adam which shows the Savior of mankind.  But in this scripture, John goes all the way back to the beginning.  “In the beginning WAS the Word. It shows that Jesus isn’t a created being.  He was always there, there is no time in eternity when Jesus wasn’t.

Jesus is the Living Word, (Logos).  The Word becomes Flesh…God comes to man!  He makes the bridge to mankind. 

The Word was God, the Father was no more or no less divine than Jesus.  They were/are coequal.  This is the God of the Word. 

Jesus is the Word, the creative power.  In Genesis, when God said, “Let there be light”…when He said “Let there be animals and birds of the air…” He spoke life into existence.

The Bible is a book.  It is a physical thing, bindings, cover, and pages.  It is JUST a book.  What counts is what’s inside the book.  The words, the scriptures are the living Word.  The living Word is what counts and this is what we need to extract from the Bible.

(John 1:4-5)

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

…the darkness did not comprehend it.  Darkness has no place.

In the Word is life, and that life was the light of men.  But as we have a sinful nature that darkness dwell in us.  In darkness we can’t understand the spiritual things.  The light brings understanding.  The Word brings light and understanding.

Illustration:  As a young man I lived near some old coal mines.  We would go down into those mines, marking which way we went so we could find our way out.  When we had gone in a certain distance we would stop and turn off our flashlights.  The cave became so dark that you could feel the darkness on your face.  There was absolutely no light in that place.  I gripped my flashlight so that I wouldn’t drop it.  If it rolled away, I’d never find it and never find my way out of there.  But there is a law of light.  If you turn on a light in that darkness, the darkness is dispelled.  Darkness cannot exist when there is light.

(John 1:14)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

He dwelt among us!  He came down from Heaven and became the tabernacle of God.  In the Old Testament the tabernacle was the place where the presence of God resides.  Now Jesus comes down and He has become the living tabernacle on the earth.

Why Should We Memorize Scripture?

Jesus memorized scripture.  In fact, He quoted 24 books of the Old Testament.  In addition to Jesus’ example, the Bible also commands us. Jesus memorized scripture to have something in a time of need.

In Matthew 4 Jesus is tempted by the Devil three times and what did He say each time? “It is written…” He quoted scripture.

1.        The Devil tells Him to turn stone into bread.  Jesus answered “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God

(Deuteronomy 8:3)

So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.

2.       The Devil says throw yourself off the temple, the angels will take care of you. Jesus answers, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”

(Deuteronomy 6:16)

"You shall not tempt the LORD your God as you tempted Him in Massah.

3.       The Devil takes Him up to the highest mountain and shows Him the wealth of the world, and promises them to Him if Jesus will worship him.  Jesus answered, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone you will worship.”

(Deuteronomy 6:13-14)

You shall fear the LORD your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you

In Matthew 22 the Pharisees ask Him what is the greatest commandment?  Jesus answers with, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

(Deuteronomy 6:5)

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Scripture Memory:

(Proverbs 7:1-3)

 My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Psalms 119:11 (MSG)
^119:11 I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt.

When we bank something, we deposit it for a future withdrawal.  That’s scripture memory!  We bank the Word of God, so that we can draw on it when we need it.  If we believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, why wouldn’t we spend more time digging into it and memorizing it.

Because the devil distracts, discourages, defeats and deceives us.  He understands the power of us knowing and being able to call on scripture, and wants us to remain ignorant of God’s Word, so that we may be defeated and destroyed by sin.

(2Timothy 3:16-17)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

“That the man of God will be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 Benefits of Memorizing Scripture

1.        They strengthen my faith and make God’s Word readily available.

You can easily take the Word of God wherever you go.  If you have scripture memorized you have the Word of God, to witness, to encourage and to strengthen yourself and others.

2.       Helps me to see things the way God see them.

When we have scripture embedded in our spirit, we can see the world the way Jesus sees the world.  We can view people in the same way God views people.

3.       Guards my mind and helps me to overcome temptation and sin. 

What do we use to overcome sin and temptation?  Intellect? Education? Willpower?  It should be the “Sword of the Spirit,” which is the Word of God.  The enemy is trying to get you to believe a lie about God and/or yourself.  Knowing the Word of God helps defeat that strategy of Satan.

4.       Provides a Biblical Framework for Christian living. 

It is a basis for living our lives in a Godly manner.

5.       It’s helpful in Evangelism.

An example is the “Roman Road.”

(Romans 3:23)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

(Romans 5:8)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 6:23)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 10:9)

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

6.       Ministering to others in a time of need.

Comforting others, helping them through hardship and difficulty.  It provides inner peace and changes our state of mind so that we can respond like Jesus.

(Philippians 4:4-5)

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

(Philippians 4:8-9)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

“Meditate on these things…The God of Peace will be with you.” 

In these times we have so many tools to study the word of God.  Computers, all of those things that make it quick to study.  Before all of these things, study was in books.  You had to dig and search and read and take in the scripture.  It was like a fine meal, that takes time to prepare.  You can savor every flavor in the dish.  Using the computer is like a microwave meal.  It’s quick, and it’s easy.  You can get the job done, but often you miss the finer details of the food you’ve prepared. 

Memorization of the scriptures forces you to slow down and meditate on the scripture, so you can understand God’s Word and apply it to your life.  So, you can use it to help others in their timer of need. Finally, it can be a guardrail in our lives to keep us from the abyss of sin and on the narrow road.

Habits of Faith #4 - Bible Study

 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NKJV)

^3:15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Bible is Amazing

Personal Bible Study cannot be stressed enough!  It’s the Bible:  It’s 66 books, 40+ authors took 1,500 years to write. The Bible is a book but it’s also a “living spirit.” Let’s look at what Paul is saying in verse 16:

¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,

What does he mean by that? 

(Psalm 119:97-98)

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me.

(Psalm 119:105-106)  

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments.

In Psalm 119 all of these writers are talking about The Word of God. They’re talking about the Old Testament.  Paul is talking about the Old Testament…about the law.  They weren’t talking about the New Testament, because it hadn’t been written yet.  They were meditating on the Old Testament.

(Psalm 119:103)

How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

(“sweeter than honey in my mouth”) There is a Jewish tradition that as children were being taught to study the Torah, a bit of honey would be spread on a page, so that they could lick it off.  This was to illustrate that the Word of God is sweeter than honey.

The Bible is a book of miracles; the Bible itself is a miracle.

In 1924, Charles Mallory, a mountaineer and early explorer of Mount Everest, was asked the question, “Why do you want to climb Everest?”  His answer was, “Because it’s there!”  The Word of God can never be exhausted.  The Word of God speaks to human nature, not just in the past but today. So, when some people are asked why they study the Bible, they will answer in the same way Mallory did…because it’s there.

The Bible is timeless! In the year 367 the Bishop of Alexandria wrote a letter to the other churches.  In that letter he mentions the 27 books of the New Testament…The reason that’s important is because those 27 books are the same 27 books we read today.  The Word of God has not changed and it can apply to life in the 21^st century as it did in the 3^rd century.

The Bible’s Foundation

(Psalm 89:14)

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.

What is the foundation of the Bible? It’s the Old Testament; it’s the Jewish Bible.  The temple was destroyed 40 years after Jesus died.  So, the Jewish experience changed from a location (the Temple) to a religion based on words.  It went from the Temple to the synagogue, from the priests in the temple to a rabbi (teacher).  As a result, the Jews created what we recognize as modern religion, based on the written scriptures. The 24 books of the Jewish Bible (Torah) are the same as the 39 books of the Protestant Bible.  The same information but organized in a different way.  Example, the Jews have the Book of Samuel.  We have the same book but have broken it up into 2 parts, 1^st and 2^nd Samuel. 1930 years of shared canon. (Canon means reed, used to measure.  In this case the measure or study of the Old Testament.) All of this is to say That what we study to day is ancient and unchanged from those days.  God has not changed from ancient times to now.

(Malachi 3:6)

"For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

   If God hasn’t changed it’s safe to say that His Word and His commands haven’t changed either.

The Bible IS the Word of God

All scripture is indeed God-breathed. 

(2 Timothy 3:16)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

So Paul is talking to Timothy about the Old Testament.  Paul is saying that these Christians were living out the Old Testament as they were living IN the New. They adhere to the Old as they live in the new.

(Matthew 24:35)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Illustration:  I was once asked to show someone where it says in the NEW TESTAMENT that we should tithe.  Obviously, he was looking for an out to tithing.  But what did Jesus say?

(Matthew 5:17)

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

Basically, I didn’t come to change the law or the words of the prophets I came to fulfill them.  So, we are still subject to Old Testament commands, like tithing, or obeying the 10 commandments.

The Old Testament is the foundation as we live out the New Testament.

(2 Timothy 4:13)

Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

He’s talking about the scriptures (the scrolls).  He’s telling Timothy that those things are important to him. He’s speaking to us as well.

It’s important to study our Bibles. It’s important to gain understanding of what the Bibles says to us in 21^st century.  The Bible is still all the things Paul said.  It’s profitable for doctrine (a proper understanding of God’s words and commands), reproof (conviction of sin), correction, and instruction in righteousness (living a Christian lifestyle.)

There is treasure hidden in the Bible. 

(Matthew 13:44). 

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The question is what do we do with that treasure when we find it. Do we go back to it.  Do we allow that treasure to be hidden in our hearts, where we can return to it over and over?  To lock it into our lives, and become a part of who we are?  Do we use it for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness?

(John 20:22) “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

Paul said:  Amplified Version

2 Timothy 3:16 (AMP)
^3:16 Every Scripture is God-breathed…

While the Old Testament is the foundation of the Bible, the New Testaament is equally important for us to study.  In it we find the words and teachings of Jesus written by eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry.  The things He did, the words He spoke. (The Gospels)  The Book of Acts shows us the Christian lifestyle. In the epistles we can see applications of Jesus’ teachings, and application of Old Testament stories.  Finally, in Revelation the prophecy of the last days is revealed. 

How Can the Bible help You?

Let me show you how the Bible can help us:

 Scripture Protects us. 

 (Ephesians 6:17)

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

 The word of God is like a sword.  It is both a defensive weapon and an offensive weapon.  We can use the Word of God to protect us against the assaults of Satan:

 (Luke 4:1-4)

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD.' "

So here the devil tries to tempt Jesus to put His flesh before the things of God.  Jesus tells Him that IT IS WRITTEN – man doesn’t live by bread alone BUT by every WORD of GOD!  The Word of God is the key to LIFE.

(Luke 4:5-8)

Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND HIM ONLY YOU SHALL SERVE.' "

Now, the devil tries to tempt Him with wealth and power.  You can have everything the world has to offer if you worship me.  You can be a king and not have to suffer.  It’s a shortcut to your kingdom.  Jesus answers “IT IS WRIITEN,” and quotes the scriptures to Him.

(Luke 4:9-12)

Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: 'HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, TO KEEP YOU,' and, 'IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU DASH YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.' " And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'YOU SHALL NOT TEMPT THE LORD YOUR GOD.' "

Now the devil tries to trick him by quoting scripture out of context.  He tries to get Him to sin through presumption.  I know what God will do.  That makes a situation where you are making your will God’s will.  But Jesus knows the written word of God and again uses it to defeat the temptation.  Then this happens:

(Luke 4:13)

Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

The devil retreats from Him until He can catch Him off guard.  If you want protection from temptation and sin STUDY the Word of God.

You can defend yourself against his attacks by ruminating on the word of God.  To ruminate means to bring up and chew over again.  Like Cows do.  They eat some grass and then they bring it up again and chew it over again.  That’s called chewing their cud.  We can do that by reading our Bible in the morning and then throughout the day, meditating on what we read.  This helps us to avoid temptations.  We can also bring up verses that help us to turn back temptation.

Finally, what is the best way to study the Bible?  The best way to study is the way that you will actually do.  It’s like exercising, what’s the best workout?  My doctor tells me that the best workout for me is one that I’ll do.  He didn’t say running, or weight lifting or Pilates or whatever.  He said which one will you do?  Do that one.  It doesn’t do me any good to choose a workout method, if I won’t ever do it.

The main point is to have a regular, consistent time spent studying the word of God.  Time where you can read and ruminate on God’s Word.  Think about the meaning, apply it to your life, honestly.  (Does what I’m reading expose some sin in my life?  Does it convict me?) If so, then change according to God’s word.