West Loop's Flexible Internship (John 21:19, 22): Follow Me

John 21:18-25; Key Verse: Jn 21:19b, 22b

"Then he (Jesus) said to him (Peter), 'Follow me!'” "You must follow me."

Twice in the Gospels, Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me": First, when Jesus first met Peter three years earlier (Mt 4:19; Mk 1:17); second, after his Passion (Jn 21:19, 22). To Peter, following Jesus involved martyrdom (Jn 21:18-19). To John, following Jesus involved living to a ripe old age and writing John's Gospel (Jn 21:22-23). Following Jesus took quite different paths for both of Jesus' disciples.

How do we Christians follow Jesus today? This is a proposal for a flexible internship/mentorship program initiated at the level of a local church community, such as West Loop Church, which may help us lay the ground work for a Christ follower to follow Jesus all the days of our lives.

Before Believing Vs. After Believing (John 20:1-31)

John 20:1-31; Key Verse: Jn 20:31

"...that you may believe...and...have life in his name."

Questions: What is the difference between before and after one believes? Are you truly a believer?

Last week, from Jn 19:1-42, we examined Pilate's words of mockery and ridicule when he said of Jesus, "Behold, the man" (Jn 19:5). After being flogged, spit at, struck in the face, and humiliated, Jesus appeared like a beaten man, yet he was a real man, in contrast to counterfeit men like Pilate and the religious leaders. Jesus the man, had supreme power but abnegated it (he had nothing to prove), while counterfeit men, who were conferred with power, embellished it and abused it to cause the death of Jesus, which is the greatest injustice ever perpetrated by man. When we behold the man Jesus Christ who died brutally in our place, strangely our hearts are warmed and inclined toward the God who loves us at great cost to himself. Today's text, Jn 20:1-31 records what happened after Jesus rose from the dead.

Jesus promises the believer a life that is abundant and full (Jn 10:10b). In Jn 20:1-29, we meet those who are transitioning from before believing into true believers: Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Thomas. Let us consider the process of believing in two parts:

I. Before Believing (Jn 20:1-15; 19; 24-25): The dawning light is approaching.

1. Clueless from not understanding Scripture (Peter and John): Before believing, Scripture will not be understood (Jn 20:9).
   
2. Sorrow (Mary): Before believing, our "attachments" blind us from seeing Jesus (Jn 20:14).
   
3. Fear (the disciples): Before believing, our undying desire to be the "greatest" binds us in fear (Jn 20:19).
   
4. Doubt (Thomas): Before believing, our skepticism and unreasonable demands keep us in doubt (Jn 20:25).
   
(Transition) The process of believing (Jn 20:16; 19-20; 26-27): Meeting Jesus who rose from the dead.


II. After Believing (Jn 20:17-18; 21-23; 28-31): Your grief will turn to joy (Jn 16:20).

1. Purpose: After believing, sorrow and despondency is transformed to excitement and purpose (Jn 20:17-18).
   
2. Peace: After believing, fear vanishes and is replaced by a peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7).
   
3. Commissioning/Calling: After believing, we have the conviction of receiving a commissioning from Jesus (Jn 20:21).
4. Confession: After believing we confess from our hearts that Jesus is our Lord and God (Jn 20:28).
5. Blessedness: After believing, we experience the blessedness of being accepted by God in spite of ourselves (Jn 20:29).
6. Life: After believing, we live the life that is truly life (Jn 20:31; 10:10b).
I. Before Believing (Jn 20:1-15; 19; 24-25)

Grave clothes present but no body. Mary, along with other women (Mt 28:1; Mk 16:1-2; Lk 24:1), went to the tomb early Sun morning with the intention of anointing Jesus' dead body (Mk 16:1; Lk 24:1). When she saw the stone removed from the entrance she assumed that it was stolen by grave robbers (cf. Mt 28:11-15), a common crime. She ran to tell Peter and John (Jn 20:1-2), who themselves ran to the tomb with John outrunning Peter probably because he was younger (Jn 20:3-4). John looked in and saw the strips of linen lying there but hesitated to go in, while Peter went in and saw the strips of linen as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head, with the cloth folded up by itself, separate from the linen (Jn 20:5-7). Jesus' resurrection body apparently passed through his grave-clothes, in much the same way that he later appeared in a locked room (Jn 20:19, 26). The neat appearance of what was observed was not the scene of a body being stolen. The fact that two men saw it (Jn 20:8) makes their evidence admissible in a Jewish court (Dt 19:15).

Clueless: The disciples saw the empty tomb and could not understand Scripture. When John finally went into the tomb to look, he saw (the neat linen grave clothes with no body) and believed (Jn 20:8). What he and Peter believed was not that Jesus had risen from the dead (Jn 20:9), but that the linen grave clothes were there without the corpse, and that the tomb was empty. That they did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead (Jn 20:9) proves that the disciples did not fabricate a story to fit their preconceived notions of what was predicted. Rather, they were confronted with certain facts, which they were initially unable to relate to Scripture. Only later, aided by the Spirit (Jn 14:26; 16:13), were they able to do so. Before meeting Jesus and without the Spirit's illumination, even the privileged disciples who spent three years with Jesus were unable to understand what the Scripture plainly said. Before believing, Scripture will not be understood.

Sorrow: Crying over her loss. The disciples went back to where they were staying (Jn 20:10), but "Mary stood outside the tomb crying" (Jn 20:11). While weeping, she bent over and looked into the tomb and "saw two angels in white seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot" (Jn 20:12). When asked why she was crying, she said, “They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him” (Jn 20:13). "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus" (Jn 20:14). Jesus asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him” (Jn 20:15). Jesus' two rhetorical questions suggests that it was a mild rebuke for she had no reason to cry, and that she should reflect on the kind of Messiah she was expecting. Is she looking for a dead or living Messiah? Mary's sorrow and tears over losing good Jesus blinded her from recognizing Jesus. Jesus also said, “Do not hold on to me..." (Jn 20:17a). Before believing, our "attachments" blind us from seeing Jesus. What might you not want to let go of? Past sin? Past practices, traditions, experiences?

Fear. On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:19) Why were the disciples filled with fear? It was because their human hopes were unfulfilled. Their nationalistic hope was that Jesus would have redeemed Israel (Lk 24:21; Ac 1:5). Their personal hope was to be the greatest (Mt 18:1; Mk 9:34; Lk 22:24). Before believing, our undying desire to be the greatest, binds us in fear--the fear that others will have a bigger piece of the pie.

Doubt. Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:24-25). In his previous appearances (Jn 11:16; 14:5) Thomas has been less a doubter than a loyal but pessimistic and perhaps somewhat obtuse disciple (which may be why I like him!). Despite the excited testimony of all the other 10 disciples, Thomas remains unconvinced. He demands not only a palpable sign but the most personal and concrete evidence that the person whom he knew had been killed in a specific fashion had indeed been raised from the dead. Before believing, our skepticism and unreasonable demands keeps us in doubt and limbo.

(Transition) The Process of Believing (Jn 20:16; 19-20; 26-28)

Hearing our shepherd's voice. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Whatever the cause of her blindness, the single word "Mary," spoken as Jesus had always uttered it, was enough to remove it, and Mary recognizes the voice of Jesus (Jn 10:3-4). Anguish and despair are instantly swallowed up by astonishment and delight. She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Knowing that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead. On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord (Jn 20:19-20).

Being loved and embraced in spite of our unreasonable demands. A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:26-28)

II. After Believing (Jn 20:17-18; 21-23; 28-31)

What happens after one believes? What are the results of being a believer? Jesus said, "your grief will turn to joy" (Jn 16:20).

Purpose. Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her” (Jn 20:17-18). When blinded by her sorrow, Mary was crying and weeping over losing good Jesus, and desperate to cling to her past recollection of Jesus. But after believing that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead, life and excitement replaced her sorrow. Jesus became a man of sorrows and carried her sorrows (Isa 53:3-4), so that she can be a woman of joy and purpose. By believing, she was transformed from a woman of sorrow to a woman of purpose with a clear excited testimony, "I have seen the Lord!" After believing, sorrow is transformed to joy and purpose.

Peace. Twice, Jesus said, "Peace be with you" (Jn 20:19,21). The Hebrew is "shalom aleichem." This was surely a welcomed greeting from Jesus, since the disciples may have expected a rebuke for having abandoned him at the time of his arrest, trial and crucifixion. "Shalom" has the comprehensive meaning of completeness, wholeness, security, peace, both with God and people. Before the cross, Jesus had promised to give to his disciples his peace (Jn 14:27; 16:33). Now after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus fulfills his promise. When they saw that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead, they rejoiced (Jn 20:20). After believing, fear is replaced with a peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). In contrast, living with anxiety is like living as an unbeliever.

Commissioning/Calling. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (Jn 20:21-23). Each of the Four Gospels includes a commission from the risen Jesus (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18; Lk 24:44-53). These verses serve as the Johannine "Great Commission."


• Jesus, the Sent One (Jn 3:16-17) has now become the Sender, commissioning his followers to serve as his messengers and representatives (Jn 17:18). All three persons of the Godhead are involved in this commissioning: as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus sends his disciples (Jn 20:21b), equipping them with the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22). Our key verse, Jn 20:31 explains that Christians are commissioned not just to help people to believe, but to understand that by believing they may have and live the life that God intended for them, a life that is abundant and full.
  
• When Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” it is best understood as a foretaste of what would happen when the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost (Ac 2:1-4). This does not mean that the Holy Spirit had no presence in the disciples’ lives prior to this point. The gift of the Holy Spirit suggests that He is essential for the performance of the task given to the disciples.
  
• Forgiving sins (Jn 20:23) is not that individual Christians or churches have authority on their own to forgive or not forgive people, but rather that as the church proclaims the gospel message of forgiveness of sins in the power of the Holy Spirit, it proclaims that those who believe in Jesus have their sins forgiven, and that those who do not believe in him do not have their sins forgiven.
How do you know that you are truly a believer? After believing, one has the conviction of receiving a commissioning from Jesus. Are you living randomly without much thought or reflection, or are you living your life in an intentional way because you have received a royal commissioning?

Confession. When Thomas felt Jesus' love and embrace of his unreasonable demand and skepticism (Jn 20:27), he was so overcome with awe and reverence that he immediately uttered his confession: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) The speed with which Thomas' pessimistic unbelief was transformed into joyful faith is consistent with the experience of the other witnesses (Jn 20:16, 20). This is probably the clearest and simplest confession of the deity of Christ to be found in the NT. The two highest words, "Lord" (Gk. Kyrios; and used in the Greek translation of the OT for the divine name "Yahweh"), and "God" (Gk. Theos) are used together and addressed to Jesus in recognition of His glory. Thomas’s statement is a clear confession of his newly found faith in Jesus as his Lord and God. John’s entire purpose in writing this book is that all readers come to confess Jesus as their Lord and God in the same way that Thomas did. Jesus accepts this worship without hesitation. After believing we confess from our hearts that Jesus is our Lord and God.

Blessedness. Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn 20:29; also 1 Pet 1:8-9). The first part is a confirmation and commendation of Thomas' faith; it is not depreciated, but rather his step of faith that led to his unrestrained confession. The second part is a beatitude, where Jesus pronounces a blessing on the coming-to-faith of those who cannot see but who will believe through the word of believers (Jn 17:20).. John's Gospel reports only one other beatitude (Jn 13:17), and like most beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12), both strike a note of admonition. The word "blessed" (makarios) does not simply declare "happy" to those who meet the conditions, but pronounces them accepted by God. After believing, we experience the blessedness of being accepted/approved by God in spite of ourselves.

Life. "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (Jn 20:30-31). Here John states plainly that he composed his book with one explicit purpose--that you may believe. In these verses, John’s purpose statement and conclusion of the Gospel rehearse the major themes of the Gospel:

• the Christ (Jn 1:41).
• Son of God (Jn 1:34).
• believe (Jn 1:1:12-13).
• life (Jn 1:4; 3:15-16; 6:35; 11:25; 14:6; 17:3).

John's primary purpose is evangelism. This not only expresses the purpose of the book, but is the shortest summary of Johannine theology. The stated goal "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God" is interpreted by some commentators to mean that John the Evangelist intends by his book to establish the faith of Christians, rather than to bring non-Christians to faith. But other commentators argue that John's primary purpose is evangelism. Surely, both views are "right." Throughout the history of the church this Gospel has served not only as a means for reaching unbelievers but as a means for instructing, edifying and comforting believers.

The greatest sign. It is possible that (miraculous) signs refers only to the miracles reported in John 2-12. But John placed his conclusion here eight chapters later, and after the farewell Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) and after Jesus' arrest, trial, death and resurrection (John 18-20). This suggests that the greatest sign of them all is the death, resurrection and exaltation of the incarnate Word, the significance of which has been carefully set forth in the farewell discourse.

Believing is not an end in itself. John writes his Gospel so that we may believe certain propositional truths, especially the truth about who Jesus is (Jn 20:31). But such faith is not an end in itself. It is directed toward the goal of personal, eschatological salvation: "that by believing you may have life in his name" As has been so throughout church history, this is still the purpose of this book today, and at the heart of the Christian mission (Jn 20:21).

After believing (in who Jesus is and what Jesus did on the Cross), we live and experience the life that is truly life.

Conclusion: Before believing, Peter and John were clueless, Mary was sorrowful, the disciples were fearful and Thomas was a doubter. But after meeting Jesus personally and believing, their lives were transformed forever. Their grief was turned to joy. As a result of meeting the risen Jesus, they began to live the life that is truly life. As a result of meeting Jesus, they became believers whose lives can never ever be the same again. Are you a believer?

Questions:

1. On Sun morning, why did Mary go to the tomb (Mk 16:1; Lk 24:1)? What did she notice (Jn 20:1; Mt 28:2)? Do (Jn 20:2a)? Conclude (Jn 20:2b; Mt 28:11-15)? What did Peter and John do? See (Jn 20:3-7)? Believe? Not understand (Jn 20:8-9; Lk 24:26-27, 44-47)? What do you learn about the disciples (Jn 20:19)?
   
2. Why did Mary stay at the tomb (Jn 20:10-13, 15b)? Not recognize Jesus (Jn 20:14)? What is implied by Jesus' question (Jn 20:15a)? How did Mary recognize Jesus (Jn 20:16)? What does Jesus' message mean (Jn 20:17; 1:14; 17:5)? How was Mary changed (Jn 20:18)?
   
3. What does Jesus' appearance to his disciples behind locked doors tell about him (Jn 20:19, 26; 21:9; Lk 24:39; 41-43; 1 Cor 15:42-44)? Why did he show them his hands and side (Jn 20:20a)? How did they respond (Jn 20:20b)?
4. How was his greeting more than a greeting (Jn 20:19b, 21a; 14:26; 16:33; Rom 5:1; Eph 2:14-17)? What did Jesus commission them to do (Jn 20:21b-23; 17:18; Mt 28:19-20; Lk 24:47)? How might this Johannine "Great Commission" be the mission of the church?
   
5. What was Thomas' "unreasonable" demand (Jn 20:24-25)? How did Jesus comply and instruct him (Jn 20:26-27; 2 Tim 2:13)? What is the meaning of Thomas' confession (Jn 20:28; 1:1, 18)? Who are the blessed (Jn 20:29; 1 Pet 1:8; 2 Cor 5:7)?
6. From John's purpose statement (Jn 20:30-31), what are the signs? The major themes in John's Gospel (Jn 1:12-13, 41, 49; 3:16; 17:3)? What might be the greatest sign of all?

Reference:

Carson, D.A. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1991. IV. Jesus' Self-Disclosure in His Cross and Exaltation (Jn 13:1-20:31), F. The Resurrection of Jesus (Jn 20:1-31). 631-663.

A Real Man Vs. Counterfeit Men (John 19:1-42)

John 19:1-42; Key Verse: Jn 19:5b, 14b

"Behold the man!" "Behold your king!" (ESV)

What is a real man like? Why and for whom did Jesus die? This sober text that covers Jesus' trial, crucifixion, death and burial can be divided into three parts:

1. Who Jesus is (Jn 19:1-16, 19-22): Man and King.
2. How Jesus died and Why (Jn 19:17-42): The King crucified, pierced and buried. He died for God.
3. What Jesus accomplished: Life through his death (Jn 1:4; 6:35; 11:25; 14:6).

My Kingdom Is Not Of This World (John 18:1-40)

John 18:1-40; Key Verse: Jn 18:36a

"Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world...'"

Overview of John 18:1-40:

1. The Kingdom of The World (Jn 18:1-32, 39-40; 19:1-42): Injustice. Darkness. Perishing.
   

• Betrayal (Jn 18:1-3).
• Arrest (Jn 18:4-12).
• Trial (Jn 18:13-14; 19-24; 28-32).
• Cowardice (Jn 18:15-18; 25-27).
• Compromise (Jn 18:39-40).
• Condemnation (Jn 19:1-16).
• Crucifixion (Jn 19:17-42).

2. Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World (Jn 18:33-38): Righteousness. Light. Eternal.

• Kingship (Jn 18:33-36).
• Truth (Jn 18:37-38).

Jesus' Prayer (John 17:1-26)

John 17:1-26; Key Verses: Jn 17:24

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am..."

There are three words that may help us "balance our Christian lives" ("Ortho" in Greek means "right," "correct," "true," or "straight."):

• orthodoxy (right or correct beliefs/doctrines/theory/opinion).
• orthopraxy (right or correct practices/action/activity)
• orthopathy, (right or correct suffering/emotions/passions).

This may be like saying that we Christians need to get at least three things right: God, our life, and our emotions. Among the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12), we might add "Blessed are the balanced." In Jesus' magisterial prayer we see Jesus expressing the full range of his orthodoxy, orthopraxy and orthopathy.

Your Grief Will Turn To Joy (John 16:1-33)

John 16:1-33; Key Verse: Jn 16:20b

"...your grief will turn to joy."

To preach about the Holy Spirit is quite enigmatic and confounding. My first title for this sermon was "The Holy Spirit Convicts and Guides" with Jn 16:8,13 as key verses. Next was "The Holy Spirit is Fully God, Yet Distinctly Different from God the Father and God the Son." But this title is clearly too long and cumbersome. Finally I settled on "Your Grief Will Turn To Joy," with Jn 16:20b as the key verse. My theme and thesis is that authentic Christian life, which is the work of the Holy Spirit, must have grief because of our sins, and it must have joy because of the marvelous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

True Christians Bear Fruit (John 15:1-27)

John 15:1-27; Key Verse: John 15:8

"...that you bear much fruit."

Are you remaining in Jesus? Bearing fruit? What are the fruit that God was us to bear? How do we Christians bear fruit? Consider this: Christian life is not activity without dependency, or inactivity with dependency, but activity with dependency simultaneously.

John chaps. 13-17 is known as Jesus' Upper Room discourse, where Jesus shares his most intimate thoughts with those he loves. The cross was only one day away. Within hours, Jesus would be betrayed, arrested, falsely tried, beaten, tortured and hanging on the cross abandoned. In less than 24 hours, he would be dead and buried. These were the last words the disciples would hear Jesus say to them before he died. {John 1-12 center on the rejection of Jesus by the world and by his own people/nation (Jn 1:10-11). John 13-17 center on those who received him (Jn 1:12).}

Believe in Jesus (John 14:1-31)

John 14:1-31; Key Verse: Jn 14:1  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."
Do you have any sense of unease as you face the new year 2013? What do you do when you are troubled and distressed? How do you overcome and navigate the difficulties, complexities, hardships and sheer unpredictability of life? We shall consider these questions as we learn how Jesus helped and comforted his disciples who were at the end of their rope and were seemingly inconsolable. The scene is the upper room where the disciples had gathered with Jesus before he was arrested. Judas had been dismissed (Jn 13:30) and Jesus began his address to the remaining 11, explaining that he would soon leave them (Jn 13:33,36). The disciples were bewildered, troubled, confused and filled with uncertainty, anxiety and trepidation (Jn 14:1a). Their world was about to be shattered and coming apart at the seams. Anticipating their devastation, Jesus spoke to comfort them.

Pit to Pinnacle; Prisoner to Prime Minister (Gen 41:1-57)

Genesis 41:1-57; Key Verse: Gen 41:28

"God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do."

Do you sense that God is actively yet silently working in you when your life seems to be "getting worse"? Joseph's life clearly got worse and worse for 13 years from Genesis 37-40. Yet, our God--the God of mystery and sovereignty--displays his perfect providence in the evolving story of Joseph's life. The theme of "The Hidden God" seems quite appropriate, as God allowed Joseph's life to go from bad to worse, even though he is "innocent." So far we have considered:

What is God's Love Like? (John 13:1-38)

John 13:1-38; Key Verse: Jn 13:15

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

How is God's love expressed? The theme of my sermon is: "God's love is to show you what you should do." God's love is not just a good romantic feeling in our heart. Rather, God's love through Christ has real practical expression in our life. The five parts of this sermon are:

1. The Manner of Love (Jn 13:1-5)...is foot washing. How Jesus showed us his love.
2. The Necessity of Love (Jn 13:6-11)...is cleansing. Why Jesus has to "wash" us.
3. The Imperative of Love (Jn 13:12-17)...is to do as Jesus did. What Jesus wants us to do.
4. The Pain of Love (Jn 13:18-30)...is to love a betrayer. When love cuts to the heart.
5. The Glory of Love (Jn 13:31-38)...is to love God. Who love is ultimately directed toward.

Prepared By Providence In Prison; The "Hidden" God, Part IV (Gen 40:1-23)

Genesis 40:1-23; Key Verse: 40:23

"The chief cupbearer...did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."

Prepared by Providence in Pharaoh's Prison. A nice title with alliteration is "(Joseph) Prepared by Providence in Pharaoh's Prison." Defining providence, the Westminster Larger Catechism says, “God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful, preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.” The important words are "'preserving' and 'governing' all his creatures and all their actions." The providence of God is something that governs all the actions of men, even their thoughts.  Acts 17:18 says, "In him we live and move and have our being." Dt 30:20 says, "For the Lord is your life." Job 12:10 says, "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Dan 5:23 says, "God...holds in his hand your life and all your ways." Do you learn to see the God of providence in the details of your daily lives, especially when you confront disappointments?

The "Hidden" God, Part III: Joseph's Temptation (Gen 39:1-23)

Genesis 39:1-23; Key Verse: Gen 39:2a, 21a

"The Lord was with Joseph..."

David Patraeus, an American hero. This past week, David Patraeus, the head of the CIA, a 4 star general, a Ph.D. in international relations, and an American hero, resigned because he had an affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell, a 40 y/o wife with 2 children. Patraeus, 60 y/o (1952), has been married for 38 years (1974) and has 2 children. To his credit, and for national security reasons, he publicly acknowledged his affair and released a statement to Central Intelligence Agency employees on Nov 9: "I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours.” Nonetheless, he faced a sexual temptation common to many a man and woman through out history, and he succumbed to it. It was a temptation that Joseph encountered in today's text.

Man Schemes, God Reigns (Gen 38:1-30) (The "Hidden" God, Part II)

Genesis 38:1-30; Key Verse: Gen 38:26,27

"'She is more righteous than I...' When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb."

Where is God when evil prevails? Today's text graphically depicts the utter sinfulness of sinful man in Judah and his 2 sons (Gen 38:1-11). Yet God, who seems to be hidden, works things out behind the scenes according to his sovereign will and purpose (Gen 38:25-30). Thus, the title of my sermon is "Man Schemes, God Reigns" (The "Hidden" God, Part II). Last week, from Gen 37:2-36, we studied the "hidden" God in Joseph's suffereing. Today, from Gen 38:1-30, we study the "hidden" God in Judah's sin in 4 parts:

1. Man Schemes (Gen 38:1-11): The wages of sin.
2. God Reigns (Gen 38:12-24, 25-30): The faithfulness of God.
3. The Ultimate Tamar
4. (5 Practical Applications.)

THE "HIDDEN" GOD (Where Is God When It Hurts?) (Gen 37:2-36)

Genesis 37:2-36; Key Verse: Gen 37:23,24

"...they stripped him of his robe...and threw him into the cistern."

Where is God when it hurts? 3 years ago, Arthur preached this Tim Keller sermon, The Hiddenness of God, on Nov 30, 2009. I am doing so again (with a shorter title "The 'Hidden' God"), because it deals with a problem very common to all men. The problem is best framed as a question: Where is God when it hurts so bad? The past 3 weeks (including today), we examined 3 key issues from Genesis that universally affects all people:

See God Face to Face (Gen 32:22-32)

Genesis 32:22-32; Key Verse: Gen 32:30

"I saw God face to face..."

Do you see God face to face? Is God real to you? After a mystery man struggled and wrestled with Jacob all night, Jacob said, "I saw God face to face..." In this text, we see how we may each have a real personal face to face encounter with God. Rhoel previously preached on this passage with the title, Meeting God Personally (12/27/2009). Yet, this perennial text is so good to study again and again from different angles. {Tim Keller gave 4 sermons with these titles: Jacob and the Wrestler (1996); A Con Artist's Struggle (1997); The Fight of Your Life (2001); Jacob's Prayer for Joy (2007).}

Christian, Listen Up! (Rev 2:1-3:22)

Revelation 2:1-3:22; Key Verse Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:6, 13, 22

"He who has an ear, let him (Whoever has ears, let them) hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (1984, 2011 NIV).

All human beings suffer from a selective hearing disorder. No one ever forgets a pretty girl saying to them, "You're cute." But when our boss calls us into his office to chew us out, we tune him out and don't hear well. We also have selective spiritual hearing disorder. No Christian ever dislikes hearing, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num 6:24-26). But will we listen if God says, as he does to the church in Laodicea, "...because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. ...you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Rev 3:16,17)? To stress the utmost importance of listening to the Spirit, Jesus repeats 7 times to the 7 churches the exact same plea: "He who has an ear, let him (Whoever has ears, let them) hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1-20)

Revelation 1:1-20; Key Verse: Rev 1:1a, 5b-6

"The revelation from (of) Jesus Christ...To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."

Suffering in life is often unbearable. Suffering as a Christian is often not any easier. Where and how can we truly find comfort when we suffer? Rev 1:1-20 gives us the ultimate answer. (Since this is an extremely long post, just skip to the last paragraph before the references to get a short 1 sentence answer! Then when you have some time, study and meditate on what is in between.)

What Is Heaven Like? (Revelation 21-22)

Revelation 21:1-22:5; Key Verse: 21:5

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”

Everything new. Every human being needs to experience newness of life. If not, we become like Cain, a restless wanderer (Gen 4:12-14). Mick Jagger sang, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." No matter what we do or don't do, we feel restless without any lasting satisfaction. That's why God gives us promise after promise of:

• a new heart and a new spirit (Eze 36:26),
• being new (2 Cor 5:17),
• renewal (Mt 19:28),
• refreshment (Acts 3:19),
• transformation (2 Cor 3:18), etc.

Our renewal and complete transformation (glorification) will happen at the end of the ages when Jesus returns, and we see him face to face (Rev 22:4). We see this best in the last 2 chapters of the Bible in Revelation 21-22.

Heaven. Revelation is about the triumph of God over the forces of evil through Jesus' victory over Satan culminating in a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1). The ultimate triumph and hope of God's people is heaven referred to > 500 times in Scripture; Revelation about 50 times. What is heaven like? The last 2 chapters of the Bible gives what may be the best description, though deeply symbol laden with imagery derived from the OT (though the OT is not directly quoted). Think of heaven in 3 ways:

1. What is New (Rev 21:1-8).
2. What is Missing (Rev 21:9-27; 22:1-5).
3. What is Ultimate (Rev 22:4-5).
   

I. What Is New (Rev 21:1-8)

• A new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1; Gen 1:1).
• Because of sin, our world is cursed (Gen 3:14-19). The 1st heaven and the 1st earth, the old order was "subjected to frustration" (Rom 8:20), "in bondage to decay" (Rom 8:21) and "groaning as in the pains of childbirth" (Rom 8:22).
  
• Isa 65:17-19 - “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more."
• Isa 66:22 - “'As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,' declares the Lord, 'so will your name and descendants endure'"
• 2 Pet 3:13 - "But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."
• The Holy City, the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:2a, 10-11) is the church redeemed by Christ. She will no longer be trampled by the nations. She is a cube city, like the Most Holy Place in the OT sanctuary (1 Ki 6:20; Eze 41:4). 12,000 stadia, or 1,500 miles, or 2,200 km (Rev 21:15-17), a city of pure gold (Rev 21:18,21). The brilliance of the new Jerusalem is like the most precious costly stones (Rev 21:11, 19-21).
  
• Consummation: Union of Christ with his people
1. A beautiful bride (Rev 21:2b), the wife of the Lamb (Rev 21:9). Through Jesus' atoning death, God regards His redeemed people as his lovely and precious bride. Isa 62:5: "As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."
2. God dwelling with men (Rev 21:3,7). The greatest blessing of heaven will be unhindered fellowship with God. The goal of God’s covenant, “God with us” (Isa 7:14; Mt 1:23), foreshadowed in the OT tabernacle and temple, will be achieved. Gen 17:7-8: "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” Lev 26:11-12: "I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people." Jer 31:33: "'This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,' declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.'"
3. Thirst quenched (5-6) from the water of life (Rev 22:1-3, 17). The "spring of the water of life" is the throne of God and the Lamb (Rev 22:1), a throne of grace (Heb 4:16) because here the thirsty drink without payment, by God’s free gift (Isa 55:1). This recalls Eden before the fall (Gen 2:8-10), and Ezekiel’s vision of a future glorious temple (Ez 47:1-12; Zech 14:8). Isa 49:10, 55:1: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." Jn 6:35: "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
   
4. The ungodly banished (Rev 21:8, 22:11,15). Those who renounce faith do so because of cowardice or compromise with idolatry or sensuality. "Believers" fall away when their faith is challenged by hardship or difficulty. 1 Cor 6:9-10: "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." There is no evidence in the Bible (or in life) that there is ever any change of heart of those in hell (Rev 22:11; Lk 16:19-31).
   

II. What Is Absent/Missing (Rev 21:9-27; 22:1-5)

• No sea (Rev 21:1c). This refers to the source of earthly rebellion, chaos, and danger—the sea from which the beast emerged (Rev 13:1; Dan 7:3). This symbolic (or literal) source of rebellion will no longer threaten creation’s perfection. Isa 57:20: "But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'”

• No tears (Rev 7:17; Isa 65:19), no death (Isa 25:8), no mourning, no crying, no pain (Rev 21:4).
• No temple (Rev 21:22). Jesus himself is the tent and the temple in which God lives among his people (Jn 1:14; 2:19-21).
  
• No sun and moon (Rev 21:23).
• No impurity (Rev 21:27).
• No curse (Rev 22:3).
• No night (Rev 22:5).

III. What Is Ultimate (Rev 22:4-5): Seeing God’s face

• When Moses asked to see God's face, God said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exo 33:20).

We long to see loved ones whom we miss after they die. Or as we die we remember our most cherished and beloved ones. As with many men, I love the ultra violent movie 300 where 300 Spartans stood their ground against an unending multitude of Persian troops. As the King of Sparta died in a hail of arrows, he said, "My queen, my wife, my love." It is a moving and romantic scene. But it is bittersweet because of the final parting of lovers through death. So it is with Romeo and Juliet. We human beings all long for a satisfaction through a love that knows no end.

On that day those who have persevered in faith will be fulfilled. It is our dearest and deepest longing to see God face to face, and to see Him look upon us with eyes of deep love and affection. It will be the greatest blessing of the age to come, as God looks upon his people with favor and delight. This is free and without cost to us. But it was not without cost to God. To look upon us God would have to look away from His Son on the cross though he cried out in agony of soul (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34; Ps 22:1). God had to forsake his Son, so that he will not forsake us. God would "hate" his Son on the cross, so that He could love us. God forsook his Son so that He could usher in for us a new heaven and a new earth, which will be forever.

References:

1. Carson, D.A. The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God's Story. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker, 2010, 213-224. (Video, 2009. Home At Last: The Spectacular God at Center, 2012)
   
2. Morris, Leon, The Book of Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1987, 235-250.
3. MacArthur, John. Revelation: Because The Time Is Near (MacArthur Bible Studies). Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007, 313-328.
4. ESV Study Bible (http://esvstudybible.org/).
   

Salvation: Past, Present, Future

How glorious it is that though totally undeserving, God saves us by his grace (Eph 2:8-9) and mercy (Tit 3:5) alone.

Because of God's saving grace to us we can reflect with joy and thanksgiving all our days upon our salvation in manifold ways--in past, present and future tenses:

1. Past (Tit 3:4-5; Rom 1:16, 8:24, 10:10; Eph 2:8; 2 Tim 1:9; Acts 16:31).
2. Present (Phil 2:12; 1 Cor 1:18, 15:2; Rom 5:9).
3. Future (2 Tim 4:18; Phil 3:20; Rom 5:9; 1 Th 5:8; Heb 9:28).

The Tenses Of Salvation
Salvation 3-fold: Past, Present, Future
Salvation A Past, Present and Future Reality

Do You See God? (Isaiah 6:1-7)

Isaiah 6:1-7; Key Verse: Isa 6:1,5

"I have seen the Lord...my eyes have seen the King, the Lord God Almighty."

When Isaiah saw God, his life would never be the same again. Let us examine who this God is whom Isaiah saw and what the result is of seeing God. Briefly, our God is holy, and when we see him, we will experience a revival in our soul that will last for an eternity.

Grace Before Obedience (Exodus 19:1-6)

Exodus 19:1-6; Key Verse: Ex 19:4b-5a

"I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me..."

Mt 28:19, 1 Pet 2:9, and Ex 19:4-6 are significant signature verses that have driven UBF over the past half century, especially the phrase "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Ex 19:6). Ex 19:1-6 shows that--in the history of God's people and God's work in the Bible--grace always precedes and comes before obedience (to the Law) and mission. Today's sermon has 3 parts, which necessarily stresses the importance of the order. In his BST Commentary on The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage, Alec Motyer, OT scholar, says that this order is crucial to our understanding of the Bible:

1. The saving acts of the Lord.
2. Our responsive obedience.
3. The blessing that comes from obedience.
   

Nothing must upset this sequence. Stated differently, this biblical "spiritual order" is:

1. Grace (Ex 19:1-4): How God saves us.
2. Obedience (Ex 19:5): Our response to grace is obedience to the Law.
3. Mission (Ex 19:6): The blessing and reward of obedience (and punishment for disobedience).

He Saved Us Because of His Mercy (Titus 3:1-15)

Titus 3:1-15; Key Verse: Tit 3:5,8

"...he saved us ... because of his mercy ... stress these things, so that (we) may be careful to ... (do) what is good."

Because of his mercy, God saves us to do what is good. Do you comprehend the depth of God's mercy, so that your life overflows with doing what is good? A classical hymn (1958) says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days, all the days of my life." This is the happy testimony of every Christian who has ever tasted the mercy and grace of God.

Good works is a major theme or topic of the Pastoral Epistles, in particular Titus. Gordon Fee says (1, 2 Timothy, Titus, The New International Biblical Commentary, 1984), "The dominant theme in Titus ... is good works ... that is, exemplary Christian behavior, and that for the sake of outsiders" and "in contrast to the false teachers." It is "the recurring theme of the entire letter."

However, our good works or goodness always follows our realization of God's goodness, mercy and grace; our goodness is never the basis of God's goodness to us. (The BCD of teaching the Bible.)

Grace: The Key That Unlocks the Bible (Titus 2:11-15)

Titus 2:11-15; Key Verse: 2:11

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."

Just how important is grace? Grace (charis) occurs 156 times in the N.T. J.I. Packer, the well respected British theologian and author, says, "In the New Testament, ‘grace' is a word of central importance - the keyword, in fact, of Christianity. The thought of grace is the key that unlocks the New Testament; and it is the only key that does so. However well we may know the New Testament, we cannot get inside its meaning till we know something of what grace is."

Whether we realize it or not, the entire Bible centers on grace and reveals grace, for grace is the way our God operates. But grace is counter-intuitive to all human beings including Christians, who function on the basis of the law, which is blessing and reward based on merit, not grace.

Make The Teaching About God Our Savior Attractive (Titus 2:1-10)

Titus 2:1-10; Key Verse: 2:10b

"...in every way...make the teaching about God our Savior attractive."

Does the way you live your Christian life make the teaching about God our Savior attractive? That's a tough question! What's the deal about beauty and attractiveness anyway?

All human beings without exception are wired to be attracted to something that is beautiful (and repulsed by something that is ugly). That is why if anyone finds pornography attractive, they are often unable, by an act of the will, to simply resist looking at it. If someone feels attracted to someone else, they can't stop thinking about that person. Or if we see an attractive person, it may be hard not to do a double take, and to think of delightful ways of engaging that person. God has wired us to be attracted to beauty. On the other hand, if we see an unattractive person, we might do our best not to end up in a conversation or interaction with them. That, sadly and truly, is how we (fallen) humans are.

The Role of Preaching (Bible Teaching) in the Church (Tit 1:3,9-16)

Titus 1:3,9-16; Key Verse: Tit 1:9

"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

Two words/phrases are repeated in this short letter of Titus:

• "sound doctrine" (Tit 1:9; 2:1), "sound in (the) faith" (Tit 1:13, 2:2) (4 times), and
• "loves/do(ing)/teach what(ever) is good" (Tit 1:8, 16; 2:3,7,14; 3:1,8,14) (8 times).

"Sound" means to be in good health. "Good" has the meaning of excellence and beauty (genuine, noble, praiseworthy, etc). Surely there is only One who is sound, and excellent, and with exquisite beauty. It is the Lord (Ps 27:4; Isa 33:17). How do we come to know what is sound and good? It is through the preaching and teaching of the Word, which is the theme today.

An Elder/Leader Must Be Blameless (Titus 1:5-9)

Titus 1:5-9; Key Verse: Tit 1:6 (Watch Video of Sermon) (25 min)

"An elder must be blameless..." ("above reproach")

This text is about the prime attribute of an elder/leader/overseer/pastor of the church, which is "blameless," (NIV) or "above reproach" (ESV). But "blameless" should surely also be the chief characteristic of any and every genuine sincere Christian.

God Makes Known His Word Through Preaching (Titus 1:1-4)

Titus 1:1-4; Key Verse: 1:3

"...and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior" (NIV, 2011).

Paul wrote Titus during a 4th missionary journey (A.D. 62-64) not recorded in Acts. He instructed Titus in how to lead the churches in Crete. Tit 3:8, a key verse of Titus, says, "...those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." The theme of Titus is the inseparable link between faith and life, principle and practice.