Wednesday, October 28, 2015
The Letter of Paul to the Romans Ch 1 Session 2
Session # 1.1 Pg.1
Opening prayer:
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the letter of Paul to The Romans, The word of God.. In Jesus Name we pray Amen
This is session 2 of our study and will complete the first chapter of Romans. We have been introduced to Paul, And to the Roman Church and its ethnic makeup. And we have some lead ins as to what Paul hopes to accomplish with his letter.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs. 1:7). Paul perfectly displays the opposite of this Psalm in these verses when he describes how low mankind’s morality has fallen. We neither fear God nor do we have a proper understanding of what God desires of us. We live in a fallen world.
Many of the Jews in Jesus' day used the Septuagint as their Bible. Quite naturally, the early Christians also used the Septuagint in their meetings and for personal reading; and many of the New Testament apostles quoted it when they wrote the Gospels and Epistles in Greek.
So through the Septuagint mankind actually did have a working knowledge of God and there was plenty to read of what the bible says about God and sin, but the early church did not know the deeper truth of how to respond to it.
The Gospels were yet to be written. And a study of the Gospel of Christ was a matter of what people had experienced or heard. And so Paul was hoping to bring to the church in Rome, a better understanding of the word of God, and to convict them of their sinful ways, and to bring them the message of salvation.
If one is humble and contrite when approaching the matter of learning the will of God one can expect to be helped by the one promised by Jesus, “The Holy Spirit” who will give us help with a proper understanding and a clear view of the will of God for our lives. These verses from Paul are very critical of mankind, but they represent his view of how far the morality of man has drifted from the laws of God.
Romans 1:18-32, God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Pg.2
Discussion
Paul is telling us in these verses, that all of mankind needs the gospel of Jesus Christ, This is reflected in the lives of so many who don’t know God, or do not know the message of Jesus, and so many who do not want to know it, and even those who do know it and will not respond to it. And like the Roman church, there are those who call themselves Christian yet have only a minimum knowledge of God, and how a Christian is to live.
We all need to hear the gospel message. If left alone, man will often stray from a life of obedience to God, then quickly begin to pursue his own desires. Just as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, could have enjoyed a perfect existence in fellowship with God, But instead chose not to obey God, we too have the same penchant for serving self.
Our modern, high tech, super sophisticated world tends to reject God’s word, and substitute social emancipation from God as a desirable condition. Society has devised a life pattern which has relegated God to what it deems a more controllable position. We have built our own golden calves, our possessions, and our comforts. Our time is our own and we allot some of it to God. We worship in our own way, a way which soothes our conscience, and answers our need. We have even learned to do what we have termed “good” but in Isaiah 64:6 the prophet tells it like it is.
Questions
Q.1 What are your feelings about the words of Paul in these verses to the Roman church?
Q.2 Which, if any of these criticisms can be applied to our society today?
Q.3 Paul writes in verse 23 about images, what do you think he was referring to?
Q.4 In vs 25 Paul says,“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie”, What does this mean?
Scripture continued
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Discussion
In verses 26-32 we have Paul’s assessment of how bad things in that society had become. Mankind had been given over to sexual immorality, to the lowest form of debauchery. And to make matters even worse, these sinful acts were being further magnified by glorifying the committing of them. They began to accept the matter of immorality as a preference as long as it didn’t affect anyone else. But God was affected, He was taking notice of it. And as is happening even in our day, in that day they choose to ignore Gods law because it reminded them of their sins. But God says Woe unto those who commit such acts. (Isaiah. 5: 18-23).
Pg.3
Questions
Q.1 What was the consensus about sexual immorality in Paul’s day? Is it the same in our day?
Q.2 A list of sins, but no mention of theft, fraud, slothfulness, or lying? Are there others?
Q.3 In vs. 26 - 28 the phrase “God gave them over” what meaning does that convey to us?
Q.4 How should the Christian feel about men marrying men and women marrying women ?
Q.5 Are Christians to honor such matters when it becomes law? Psalm 1:1-6, Rom.13:1-5
Q.6 What usually happens when one begins to practice sinful and corrupt acts?
Commentary:
Sexual immorality and idolatry are problematic for society today and have been such since the first century. God never intended such for man, read Jeremiah 29: 11 this scripture tells us what God wanted for all mankind.
Paul tells us in these verses that God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts, to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another, to shameful lusts, to a depraved mind, and that God’s wrath is revealed as He hands men over to evil.
Homosexuality, debauchery, murder, theft, idol worship, and all manner of evil is not the stuff of which life is supposed to consist. Paul says that these are a sign of a sick and failing society. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah had descended into a sinful and immoral state and were destroyed by God because of their immorality, we as a society are choosing to accept such things as simply how things are in our world today. And as Paul tells us in vs.32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Questions
Everyone is guaranteed the right to the freedom of expression, and to live the lifestyle and make the life choices they prefer. It seems to be a very non restrictive, free and unjudgmental world we live in today. But there is a Judgment day coming.
1. What is it about creation that helps us understand God's eternal power and divine nature?
2. Some religions exclude the worship of Jesus, What are the Christian’s feelings about this?
3. What does it say about people who have no regard for God’s creation but worship idols?
4. Paul is referring to idolatry, are there modern applications for the same teaching?
5. Paul says homosexuality is the result of idolatry, does this relate to our society today?
6. What bible was available to the Roman church?
7. In the list of sins, does Paul refer to any of these "sins" as being more evil than the others?
Closing Prayer:
Gracious God, thank you for approving and accepting your people, those who pay attention to your word, because of what Jesus did for them Give us the wisdom and strength to pursue, approve and do only what pleases you. Now we offer up those who are on our hearts, whose names are on our lips who need your healing touch__________. We pray that you will impart to them your comfort and healing touch, that they might be more able to endure and prevail over their illness. These things we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Pg.4
Scripture readings
Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Isaiah 5:18-23 Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes, 19 to those who say, "Let God hurry; let him hasten his work so we may see it. The plan of the Holy One of Israel-- let it approach, let it come into view, so we may know it." 20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. 22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent
Isaiah 10:1-3 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. 3 What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches.
Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; ...
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Romans 13:1-5 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Pg.5
Meditation:
Gentile sins are Paul’s focus in Romans 1:18–32, as seen in his references to the worship of idols and homosexuality. However, not all Gentiles in the first-century Roman Empire worshiped graven images or engaged in homosexual acts. Some were God-fearers, Gentiles who were attracted to Jewish monotheism and ethics, and who followed the Lord of Israel except for being circumcised. There were also what we might call “virtuous pagans,” Gentiles who had no particular affection for Yahweh but were essentially monotheistic and strove to live ethically responsible lives.
Romans 1:29–32 gives the other ethical consequences that flow from humanity’s rejection of God. Paul does not give us every possible way that human beings can commit sin.. Some among the sons and daughters of Adam take their sins to the utmost conclusion in things such as murder and ruthlessness, while some merely gossip on occasion or mildly disobey their parents—transgressions that seem insignificant if we believe God grades on a curve. Either way, human beings outside the covenant community of Israel are in the worst predicament imaginable. Today’s passage has Gentiles in mind primarily, but it ultimately describes the condition of everyone who is not in Christ by faith alone.
Human beings might consider the most “minor” sin is evidence that at a fundamental level, we do not want the Lord involved with what we do or say or think. Unless and until we are convinced of that truth, we will not see our need for the gospel and the fact that it is only by grace alone that we can be saved. Paul wrote that people made a horrible trade: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:25). They traded worship of God for worship of things. They chose worshiping and serving created things rather than the Creator, but really they were just being foolish. Their choices showed their futile and darkened thinking. The thing in which they find their highest love and joy and hope. People love their families, their careers, their stuff, their hobbies or themselves more than God. Not much has changed since this was first written. Today, people still choose to worship the things that they have created instead of our Creator.
From the last verse of our reading for today, we see that we have a huge problem with that. We know God’s righteous decrees. Yet, we choose to do and accept so many things that fly in the face of God’s law and commandments. Since we’ve accepted and done so many of those things, will God accept and approve us? We don’t have what it takes to meet with God’s approval – There is no eternity that will be pleasing to anyone if Jesus is not in it. Have you been convicted of your sin and your need for Christ?
Thankfully, God’s acceptance of us doesn’t depend on us, but on him. If we fast-forward a few chapters in the letter to the Romans, Paul gives us great comfort. He tells us that Jesus “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25). Jesus gave up his life and died for our sins. God accepted Jesus’ payment for our sins. And God declared you not guilty when he raised Jesus from the dead. God accepts and approves of you because of Jesus.
Then there is the matter of Paul’s telling us that even in our present sinful state, that our faith, and being justified by the Grace of God is actually a profound truth and that our believing in God, and our promised salvation by Jesus Christ, will save us if we repent and choose to live a Godly and repentant life. When that truth finally is brought home to us, and our promised Holy Spirit is allowed to influence our lives and the choices we make, we will submit our wills to the path of life that God has willed for us. Amen
Monday, October 19, 2015
The Letter of Paul to The Romans Ch1 Session 1
This is the first in the series of studies in Romans, We begin with a brief description of Pauls relationship with the Roman Church at the time of his epistle to them. The fact is, Paol had only hear some reports and descriptions of the Roman Church. He had never been in Rome Paul’s relationship with the Roman Church at the time of his letter had not yet occurred. Below are some of the details of the time and conditions
Session one begins.
Rome was the most important city in the world at the time of Pauls writing of his letter. He had not visited Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul wrote this epistle to the Roman Church
1. About 30 A.D.. The first Christian church began in Jerusalem, on the day called Pentecost. On that day, Peter preached to many visitors to Jerusalem. Among them were ‘visitors from Rome, both Jews and Gentiles who believed the Jewish religion. Some of these were probably among the 3000 that became Christians (Acts 2:9-11; 2:41). They carried the gospel to Rome.
2. 49 A.D.. The Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. There had been some trouble among the Jews. A Roman called Suetonius wrote that someone called ‘Chrestus’ had caused the trouble. Chrestus may have been a Jew who caused the trouble. But ‘Chrestus’ may be the same as ‘Christus’ (that is, Christ). Jews opposed those who preached the message about Christ. So the trouble might have begun at that time.
3. 57 A.D.. Paul probably wrote this letter about 57 A.D.. He had not yet visited Rome. But he knew many people in the church at Rome. Many Gentile as well as Jewish Christians were already members of the church there. In his letter, Paul says that Gentile Christians must not consider themselves more important than the Jewish Christian brothers (Romans 11:18-20).
4. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome were probably Christians before they met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). They probably returned to Rome, after they worked in Corinth and Ephesus. Christians used to gather in their home, (Romans 16:3-5).
Opening prayer: Session # 1 Pg.1
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Bless us now with understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Romans 1:1-17 Paul’s salutation and introduction
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God--
2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures
3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,
4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Discussion
When writing letters in our day and time, one immediately addresses the party to whom the letter is to be sent, then a salutation, then the subject matter. In those days, It was the practice when writing to someone to first tell them who it is writing to them. Paul then sets out the privilege of Christians; they are beloved of God, and are members of that body which is beloved. He states the duty of Christians; to be holy, hereunto are they called, called to be saints. These the apostle saluted, by wishing them grace to sanctify their souls, and peace to comfort their hearts, as springing from the free mercy of God. And reminding them that they too are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Q. 1 When meeting someone for the first time, or addressing them by letter for the first time what are some of the things that one hopes to accomplish?
Scripture continued
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--
12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
Discussion
Paul then touches briefly on their faith and how he is constantly remembering them in his prayers and how he hopes to be coming to them soon. And how he hopes to impart to them some spiritual gift, which will encourage them, and himself as well. This is Pauls way of saying to them that he already has heard good things and hopes to add to their spiritual growth.
Q. 2 What are some ways to build good relationships that Paul uses in his salutation?
Scripture continued Pg.2
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.
Discussion
Here Paul tells them he is obligated, (called and set apart by Jesus) to bring them his gospel message. We should readily impart to others that which God has entrusted to us, rejoicing to make others joyful, especially taking pleasure in communing with those who believe the same things with us. If redeemed by the blood, and converted by the grace of the Lord Jesus, we are altogether his; and for his sake we are debtors to all men, to do all the good we can. Such services are our duty. Paul was given this charge by Jesus and Jesus gave the same charge to all His disciples. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation". To the wise and to the foolish alike (what does that mean)? To the Greeks and non Greeks. (Non Greeks were called barbarians by the Greeks).
Q.3 I am not ashamed of the gospel, What did this mean to Paul, and what does it mean to us today?
Q.4 What messages do we derive from these verses 13-17 ?
Commentary:
When Paul wrote his letter to Christians at Rome, he was communicating with a firmly established collection of believers. It is generally agreed that non-apostolic Jewish Christians brought the faith of Christ to Rome in the early decades of the church.. Although there were many sects, cults, and beliefs in other gods of all types, and various types of religions in Rome at that time, the teachings of Jesus had begun to spread. The church that received Paul’s letter in the late 50’s met in small groups around the city but maintained communication and held onto a common identity and mission. And “Followers of The Way” began to grow in number and although being severely persecuted, they were steadily growing.
In vs 1:5 Paul tells us the goal of his apostleship: "We have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations Romans is about the people groups who don’t yet believe on Christ. Who are not justified and not yet sanctified and therefore will not be glorified if they are not reached with the gospel. This is crucial to see in our pluralistic time. Christianity calls for faith and allegiance from every people and every nation. Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings, and there is no other name under heaven by which all men must be saved. The message of Romans is not just one way of salvation among many. It is the only way of salvation, because Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God and the author of our salvation.
Q.5 How should those of the Christian Faith view other faiths
Q.6 How are Christians received around the world?
Pg.3
So it is utterly crucial that we understand the universal claims of the mighty and merciful message of Romans. We are not dealing here with a human opinion, or a human philosophy, or a self-improvement program, or a tribal religion, or something parochial and limited. We are dealing here with the true news that the one and only God has acted uniquely in history to save the eternal souls of all people by sending his one and only Son to die for sinners and rise again. To reject this news is to perish.
Q.7 How do you feel about that last sentence? Q.8 What is the Christians response to those who do not believe Jesus is Lord?
So Paul states his point in Romans 1:16-17 and then explains and applies it in the rest of the letter. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’" First, Paul says that his message – his gospel – is mighty and merciful to save: it is the power of God unto salvation. And this salvation is through faith. The power of the gospel to save penetrates to our souls with faith in Jesus Christ.
Q.9 What do you feel best represents the power of the Gospel?
Then in verse 17 he explains why the gospel has this power: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed." The gospel has the power to save those who trust Christ because it reveals the righteousness of God.
Q.10 What does that mean?
Questions for discussion
1. Paul had not yet visited Rome and met the Christians he's writing to. Who do you feel led these people to Christ? Is there Biblical evidence?
2. Why do you think Paul is so specific about who Jesus is if he's writing to Christians?
3. What is the evidence Paul cites for Jesus to be the Son of God?
4. What do you feel Paul means by using the term "saints"? How does it differ from the modern idea that Christians have of saints, today?
5. In verse 12, Paul, though an Apostle seems to be placing himself, as an equal to the Roman believers. How does this compare to the behavior of Christian leaders, today?
6. What do you feel Paul means by the term Gentiles?
7. In verse 16, what does Paul say is required for someone to receive salvation?
8. What other phrases come to mind as to our salvation?
9. Why do you feel Paul said, "first for the Jew, then for the Gentile"?
10, What do you feel is meant by the phrase, "The righteous will live by faith"? Is Paul expanding the meaning in any way?
Meditation: Pg.4
All believers have been called by God to a specific task and given certain gifts for ministry. The question for us is whether we feel driven to fulfill this vocation and use the gifts that the Lord has given us. Unfortunately, we sometimes find well-meaning Christians in our day opposing the concepts of duty and delight. It is a mistake, many of these individuals tell us, to ever conceive of ourselves as having a duty to the Lord. In fact, if we do anything out of a sense of duty and not because we eagerly want to do it, our actions are completely worthless.
Of course, God finds our works more pleasing when our whole heart is in it. However, if we sharply oppose duty and delight, we run the risk of making people think that the Lord’s commands become optional. Scripture is quite clear that although delighting in one’s duty is the goal, our Creator still expects us to fulfill His demands even when we would rather do something else. The story of Jonah, who took no delight in his duty but whom God forced to go to Nineveh anyway, perfectly exemplifies this principle.
We do well to remember that the Bible never places duty and delight in opposition. By God’s grace and power, we can find our duties delightful and we can delight in the opportunity to do our duties. Paul certainly experienced his duty in this way. As he continues his opening message to the Romans in today’s passage, he notes that he is under the obligation to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and that it is a task he is eager to accomplish (Rom. 1:14–15). In fact, he was so committed to this mission that he could say, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16b). But this was not a burden that he found onerous. By the Lord’s grace, Paul found this mandate to be a delight, viewing his preaching as a means by which he could worship God and show his thankfulness for his salvation.
Paul explains that his obligation is to “Greeks and to barbarians … to the wise and to the foolish” (Rom. 1:14), indicating the comprehensive nature of his mission to the nations.. The Greeks were wise, having produced some of the most noteworthy philosophers and finest art, and the barbarians (gentiles) were foolish, not being known for their contributions to mankind. Though ancient peoples made such differentiations, Paul and the God he served do not. The gospel is for all people without distinction. And as Christians we are called, (duty bound) to respond to God's call as was Paul, to spread the word of salvation to all who will listen. It is God's will that not only that we become children of God by knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as our savior, but having been sanctified as such, we are to do good works (1 Peter 2:15).
Closing Prayer
Dear God We thank you for Your Son Jesus, We know we need Your guidance and direction for our lives, we need to understand that it is not what we worship that saves us, but it is who we worship and in whom our faith is built around that will bring us out of the chaos that we experience day by day in this world. Be with those of our group who are suffering illness or infirmity_______________Be with those whom we have spoken Lord, and with those remaining in our hearts concern, bring them your strength and give them peace as they battle for their health and well being. Now be with us as we leave this place and bring us again to study Your word next week. We pray this in Jesus name Amen
Session one begins.
Rome was the most important city in the world at the time of Pauls writing of his letter. He had not visited Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul wrote this epistle to the Roman Church
1. About 30 A.D.. The first Christian church began in Jerusalem, on the day called Pentecost. On that day, Peter preached to many visitors to Jerusalem. Among them were ‘visitors from Rome, both Jews and Gentiles who believed the Jewish religion. Some of these were probably among the 3000 that became Christians (Acts 2:9-11; 2:41). They carried the gospel to Rome.
2. 49 A.D.. The Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. There had been some trouble among the Jews. A Roman called Suetonius wrote that someone called ‘Chrestus’ had caused the trouble. Chrestus may have been a Jew who caused the trouble. But ‘Chrestus’ may be the same as ‘Christus’ (that is, Christ). Jews opposed those who preached the message about Christ. So the trouble might have begun at that time.
3. 57 A.D.. Paul probably wrote this letter about 57 A.D.. He had not yet visited Rome. But he knew many people in the church at Rome. Many Gentile as well as Jewish Christians were already members of the church there. In his letter, Paul says that Gentile Christians must not consider themselves more important than the Jewish Christian brothers (Romans 11:18-20).
4. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome were probably Christians before they met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). They probably returned to Rome, after they worked in Corinth and Ephesus. Christians used to gather in their home, (Romans 16:3-5).
Opening prayer: Session # 1 Pg.1
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Bless us now with understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Romans 1:1-17 Paul’s salutation and introduction
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God--
2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures
3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,
4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Discussion
When writing letters in our day and time, one immediately addresses the party to whom the letter is to be sent, then a salutation, then the subject matter. In those days, It was the practice when writing to someone to first tell them who it is writing to them. Paul then sets out the privilege of Christians; they are beloved of God, and are members of that body which is beloved. He states the duty of Christians; to be holy, hereunto are they called, called to be saints. These the apostle saluted, by wishing them grace to sanctify their souls, and peace to comfort their hearts, as springing from the free mercy of God. And reminding them that they too are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Q. 1 When meeting someone for the first time, or addressing them by letter for the first time what are some of the things that one hopes to accomplish?
Scripture continued
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--
12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
Discussion
Paul then touches briefly on their faith and how he is constantly remembering them in his prayers and how he hopes to be coming to them soon. And how he hopes to impart to them some spiritual gift, which will encourage them, and himself as well. This is Pauls way of saying to them that he already has heard good things and hopes to add to their spiritual growth.
Q. 2 What are some ways to build good relationships that Paul uses in his salutation?
Scripture continued Pg.2
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.
Discussion
Here Paul tells them he is obligated, (called and set apart by Jesus) to bring them his gospel message. We should readily impart to others that which God has entrusted to us, rejoicing to make others joyful, especially taking pleasure in communing with those who believe the same things with us. If redeemed by the blood, and converted by the grace of the Lord Jesus, we are altogether his; and for his sake we are debtors to all men, to do all the good we can. Such services are our duty. Paul was given this charge by Jesus and Jesus gave the same charge to all His disciples. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation". To the wise and to the foolish alike (what does that mean)? To the Greeks and non Greeks. (Non Greeks were called barbarians by the Greeks).
Q.3 I am not ashamed of the gospel, What did this mean to Paul, and what does it mean to us today?
Q.4 What messages do we derive from these verses 13-17 ?
Commentary:
When Paul wrote his letter to Christians at Rome, he was communicating with a firmly established collection of believers. It is generally agreed that non-apostolic Jewish Christians brought the faith of Christ to Rome in the early decades of the church.. Although there were many sects, cults, and beliefs in other gods of all types, and various types of religions in Rome at that time, the teachings of Jesus had begun to spread. The church that received Paul’s letter in the late 50’s met in small groups around the city but maintained communication and held onto a common identity and mission. And “Followers of The Way” began to grow in number and although being severely persecuted, they were steadily growing.
In vs 1:5 Paul tells us the goal of his apostleship: "We have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations Romans is about the people groups who don’t yet believe on Christ. Who are not justified and not yet sanctified and therefore will not be glorified if they are not reached with the gospel. This is crucial to see in our pluralistic time. Christianity calls for faith and allegiance from every people and every nation. Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings, and there is no other name under heaven by which all men must be saved. The message of Romans is not just one way of salvation among many. It is the only way of salvation, because Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God and the author of our salvation.
Q.5 How should those of the Christian Faith view other faiths
Q.6 How are Christians received around the world?
Pg.3
So it is utterly crucial that we understand the universal claims of the mighty and merciful message of Romans. We are not dealing here with a human opinion, or a human philosophy, or a self-improvement program, or a tribal religion, or something parochial and limited. We are dealing here with the true news that the one and only God has acted uniquely in history to save the eternal souls of all people by sending his one and only Son to die for sinners and rise again. To reject this news is to perish.
Q.7 How do you feel about that last sentence? Q.8 What is the Christians response to those who do not believe Jesus is Lord?
So Paul states his point in Romans 1:16-17 and then explains and applies it in the rest of the letter. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’" First, Paul says that his message – his gospel – is mighty and merciful to save: it is the power of God unto salvation. And this salvation is through faith. The power of the gospel to save penetrates to our souls with faith in Jesus Christ.
Q.9 What do you feel best represents the power of the Gospel?
Then in verse 17 he explains why the gospel has this power: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed." The gospel has the power to save those who trust Christ because it reveals the righteousness of God.
Q.10 What does that mean?
Questions for discussion
1. Paul had not yet visited Rome and met the Christians he's writing to. Who do you feel led these people to Christ? Is there Biblical evidence?
2. Why do you think Paul is so specific about who Jesus is if he's writing to Christians?
3. What is the evidence Paul cites for Jesus to be the Son of God?
4. What do you feel Paul means by using the term "saints"? How does it differ from the modern idea that Christians have of saints, today?
5. In verse 12, Paul, though an Apostle seems to be placing himself, as an equal to the Roman believers. How does this compare to the behavior of Christian leaders, today?
6. What do you feel Paul means by the term Gentiles?
7. In verse 16, what does Paul say is required for someone to receive salvation?
8. What other phrases come to mind as to our salvation?
9. Why do you feel Paul said, "first for the Jew, then for the Gentile"?
10, What do you feel is meant by the phrase, "The righteous will live by faith"? Is Paul expanding the meaning in any way?
Meditation: Pg.4
All believers have been called by God to a specific task and given certain gifts for ministry. The question for us is whether we feel driven to fulfill this vocation and use the gifts that the Lord has given us. Unfortunately, we sometimes find well-meaning Christians in our day opposing the concepts of duty and delight. It is a mistake, many of these individuals tell us, to ever conceive of ourselves as having a duty to the Lord. In fact, if we do anything out of a sense of duty and not because we eagerly want to do it, our actions are completely worthless.
Of course, God finds our works more pleasing when our whole heart is in it. However, if we sharply oppose duty and delight, we run the risk of making people think that the Lord’s commands become optional. Scripture is quite clear that although delighting in one’s duty is the goal, our Creator still expects us to fulfill His demands even when we would rather do something else. The story of Jonah, who took no delight in his duty but whom God forced to go to Nineveh anyway, perfectly exemplifies this principle.
We do well to remember that the Bible never places duty and delight in opposition. By God’s grace and power, we can find our duties delightful and we can delight in the opportunity to do our duties. Paul certainly experienced his duty in this way. As he continues his opening message to the Romans in today’s passage, he notes that he is under the obligation to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and that it is a task he is eager to accomplish (Rom. 1:14–15). In fact, he was so committed to this mission that he could say, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16b). But this was not a burden that he found onerous. By the Lord’s grace, Paul found this mandate to be a delight, viewing his preaching as a means by which he could worship God and show his thankfulness for his salvation.
Paul explains that his obligation is to “Greeks and to barbarians … to the wise and to the foolish” (Rom. 1:14), indicating the comprehensive nature of his mission to the nations.. The Greeks were wise, having produced some of the most noteworthy philosophers and finest art, and the barbarians (gentiles) were foolish, not being known for their contributions to mankind. Though ancient peoples made such differentiations, Paul and the God he served do not. The gospel is for all people without distinction. And as Christians we are called, (duty bound) to respond to God's call as was Paul, to spread the word of salvation to all who will listen. It is God's will that not only that we become children of God by knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as our savior, but having been sanctified as such, we are to do good works (1 Peter 2:15).
Closing Prayer
Dear God We thank you for Your Son Jesus, We know we need Your guidance and direction for our lives, we need to understand that it is not what we worship that saves us, but it is who we worship and in whom our faith is built around that will bring us out of the chaos that we experience day by day in this world. Be with those of our group who are suffering illness or infirmity_______________Be with those whom we have spoken Lord, and with those remaining in our hearts concern, bring them your strength and give them peace as they battle for their health and well being. Now be with us as we leave this place and bring us again to study Your word next week. We pray this in Jesus name Amen
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Beginning the study of Romans- A 32 week study
A Study of The Book of Romans
Paul’s relationship with the Roman Church at the time of his letter
Rome was the most important city in the world at the time of Paul's writing of his letter. He had not visited Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul wrote this epistle to the Roman Church
1. About 30 A.D.. The first Christian church began in Jerusalem, on the day called Pentecost. On that day, Peter preached to many visitors to Jerusalem. Among them were ‘visitors from Rome, both Jews and Gentiles who believed the Jewish religion. Some of these were probably among the 3000 that became Christians (Acts 2:9-11; 2:41). They carried the gospel to Rome.
2. 49 A.D.. The Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. There had been some trouble among the Jews. A Roman called Suetonius wrote that someone called ‘Chrestus’ had caused the trouble. Chrestus may have been a Jew who caused the trouble. But ‘Chrestus’ may be the same as ‘Christus’ (that is, Christ). Jews opposed those who preached the message about Christ. So the trouble might have begun at that time.
3. 57 A.D.. Paul probably wrote this letter about 57 A.D.. He had not yet visited Rome. But he knew many people in the church at Rome. Many Gentile as well as Jewish Christians were already members of the church there. In his letter, Paul says that Gentile Christians must not consider themselves more important than the Jewish Christian brothers (Romans 11:18-20).
4. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome were probably Christians before they met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). They probably returned to Rome, after they worked in Corinth and Ephesus. Christians used to gather in their home, (Romans 16:3-5).
The book of Romans is a Pauline Epistle. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans about 56-57 A.D. The book of Romans reveals the answers to important questions and supplies information on many topics, such as salvation, the sovereignty of God, judgment, spiritual growth, and the righteousness of God. Many scholars also describe it as The Gospel and the Righteousness of God, which can be received only by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.
The focus of the “righteousness of God” is foundational throughout the book of Romans. Paul reiterates this so that the reader may realize that salvation cannot be attained through man’s good deeds but only through faith in God’s righteousness: One cannot repair a relationship with God through good deeds; this is only accomplished through faith in the perfect and finished work of Jesus Christ.
• In chapters 1-8, Paul explains the fundamentals and foundations of the Christian faith. This is the Gospel Message, which all believers are commanded to share with the entire world. Paul teaches about the sinful nature of all men in the eyes of God, justification by faith in Jesus Christ, freedom from sin, and victory in Christ.
• Chapters 9-11, Paul explains God’s sovereignty over salvation. He also spells out how an individual may come into a right relationship with God: "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." (10:13). Place your faith and trust only in what Jesus Christ has already done on the cross and make Him the Master of your life and trust He raised Himself from the grave conquering death. His promise is "You will be saved''.
• In chapters 12-16, Paul gives instructions for all Christians about how to live a holy lifestyle. In the beginning of chapter 12 he writes, “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice”, and “Do not be conformed to this world” (vs. 1-2). Much of the errors and trials that Paul dealt with in his “Epistles”, were because the believers had conformed their lives to the world and not to God.
· Practical Application: The Book of Romans makes it clear that there is nothing we can do
to save ourselves. Every “good” deed we have ever done is as a filthy rag before God. So dead in our trespasses and sins are we that only the grace and mercy of God can save us. God expressed that grace and mercy by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place. When we turn our lives over to Christ, we are no longer controlled by our sin nature, but we are controlled by the Spirit. If we make confession that Jesus is Lord, and believe that He is raised from the dead, we are saved, born again. We need to live our lives offered to God as a living sacrifice to Him. Worship of the God who saved us should be our highest desire. Perhaps the best application of Romans would be to apply Romans 1:16 and not be ashamed of the gospel. Instead, let us all be faithful in proclaiming it!
The following are some key verses from Romans
Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of every one who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
Romans 3:9-11, “What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.’”
Romans 3:21, “But now a righteousness from God apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and Prophets testify.”
Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 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 8:9, “You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:37-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship.”
Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Romans 16:17, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
For each of the 16 chapters of Romans our study plan will consist of one or more sessions for each chapter.
My recommendations are that you read the chapter for each study session a day or two before we do the study. However we will have the scripture print out as well, included with each study. We will have no Study on this Wednesday the 14th of October. We will begin the new study the next week, on the 21st of October with a study of Romans, chapter one, vs 1-17, this will be a two part study.
Paul’s relationship with the Roman Church at the time of his letter
Rome was the most important city in the world at the time of Paul's writing of his letter. He had not visited Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul wrote this epistle to the Roman Church
1. About 30 A.D.. The first Christian church began in Jerusalem, on the day called Pentecost. On that day, Peter preached to many visitors to Jerusalem. Among them were ‘visitors from Rome, both Jews and Gentiles who believed the Jewish religion. Some of these were probably among the 3000 that became Christians (Acts 2:9-11; 2:41). They carried the gospel to Rome.
2. 49 A.D.. The Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. There had been some trouble among the Jews. A Roman called Suetonius wrote that someone called ‘Chrestus’ had caused the trouble. Chrestus may have been a Jew who caused the trouble. But ‘Chrestus’ may be the same as ‘Christus’ (that is, Christ). Jews opposed those who preached the message about Christ. So the trouble might have begun at that time.
3. 57 A.D.. Paul probably wrote this letter about 57 A.D.. He had not yet visited Rome. But he knew many people in the church at Rome. Many Gentile as well as Jewish Christians were already members of the church there. In his letter, Paul says that Gentile Christians must not consider themselves more important than the Jewish Christian brothers (Romans 11:18-20).
4. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome were probably Christians before they met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). They probably returned to Rome, after they worked in Corinth and Ephesus. Christians used to gather in their home, (Romans 16:3-5).
The book of Romans is a Pauline Epistle. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans about 56-57 A.D. The book of Romans reveals the answers to important questions and supplies information on many topics, such as salvation, the sovereignty of God, judgment, spiritual growth, and the righteousness of God. Many scholars also describe it as The Gospel and the Righteousness of God, which can be received only by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.
The focus of the “righteousness of God” is foundational throughout the book of Romans. Paul reiterates this so that the reader may realize that salvation cannot be attained through man’s good deeds but only through faith in God’s righteousness: One cannot repair a relationship with God through good deeds; this is only accomplished through faith in the perfect and finished work of Jesus Christ.
• In chapters 1-8, Paul explains the fundamentals and foundations of the Christian faith. This is the Gospel Message, which all believers are commanded to share with the entire world. Paul teaches about the sinful nature of all men in the eyes of God, justification by faith in Jesus Christ, freedom from sin, and victory in Christ.
• Chapters 9-11, Paul explains God’s sovereignty over salvation. He also spells out how an individual may come into a right relationship with God: "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." (10:13). Place your faith and trust only in what Jesus Christ has already done on the cross and make Him the Master of your life and trust He raised Himself from the grave conquering death. His promise is "You will be saved''.
• In chapters 12-16, Paul gives instructions for all Christians about how to live a holy lifestyle. In the beginning of chapter 12 he writes, “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice”, and “Do not be conformed to this world” (vs. 1-2). Much of the errors and trials that Paul dealt with in his “Epistles”, were because the believers had conformed their lives to the world and not to God.
· Practical Application: The Book of Romans makes it clear that there is nothing we can do
to save ourselves. Every “good” deed we have ever done is as a filthy rag before God. So dead in our trespasses and sins are we that only the grace and mercy of God can save us. God expressed that grace and mercy by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place. When we turn our lives over to Christ, we are no longer controlled by our sin nature, but we are controlled by the Spirit. If we make confession that Jesus is Lord, and believe that He is raised from the dead, we are saved, born again. We need to live our lives offered to God as a living sacrifice to Him. Worship of the God who saved us should be our highest desire. Perhaps the best application of Romans would be to apply Romans 1:16 and not be ashamed of the gospel. Instead, let us all be faithful in proclaiming it!
The following are some key verses from Romans
Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of every one who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
Romans 3:9-11, “What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.’”
Romans 3:21, “But now a righteousness from God apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and Prophets testify.”
Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 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 8:9, “You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:37-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship.”
Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Romans 16:17, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
For each of the 16 chapters of Romans our study plan will consist of one or more sessions for each chapter.
My recommendations are that you read the chapter for each study session a day or two before we do the study. However we will have the scripture print out as well, included with each study. We will have no Study on this Wednesday the 14th of October. We will begin the new study the next week, on the 21st of October with a study of Romans, chapter one, vs 1-17, this will be a two part study.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
The Parable of The Vine and The Branches
Pg.1
Opening Prayer:
Father God as we come to this the last of our studies of the parables of Jesus we ask that you guide our thoughts and words that we may speak nothing here tonight which is contrary to your will, and that each of us will learn that which you have purposed for our understanding from this study tonight. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we ask that you share our blessing with them, and bring them back into our midst when next we meet. And now bless this the study of the words of Jesus to our understanding. In Jesus name we pray Amen.
The Parable of The Vine And The Branches
This discourse takes place just after Jesus and his disciples have had their last supper, and after Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples. Then after Judas had been identified as his betrayer, and had left the group, Jesus is addressing only his disciples in the last things. Jesus begins to speak comforting words to them about his leaving, and then returning. He has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, to help them continue their mission, and who will remain with them and within them. He will teach them everything and make them remember everything Jesus taught. This promise of the Holy Spirit then is followed by our scripture.
When we started this study of the parables of Jesus, we started with The parable of the Householder, one who has been prepared for almost any circumstance that may occur, wisdom from experience, and knowledge acquired throughout life’s learning and preparation for both new things which we are to encounter, and the old things with which we find some comfort.
In that study, I am reminded of my Grandmother, a woman of infinite resources, and a wealth of experience. There was no circumstance that could come upon us as a family that she was not prepared to meet, and to lead us through. To her there were no surprises, she had been through it all, including the depression, and she had the resource and determination to see her family through anything that could happen. And she was in full control at all times.
Now we come to this the last parable which Jesus will speak, and by now, having studied all the parables Jesus Spoke, and having learned that every word which proceeds from the mouth of Jesus is a learning experience We find ourselves as disciples, learning these last things about Jesus and our relationship with him. In this study, I picture sitting in the presence of Jesus clinging to every word, as if each word were a living experience to be savored, a moment in time set aside just so I might learn these last things that Jesus is teaching.
Scripture reading
Joh 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Pg.2
This parable is a perfect allegorical comparison of Jesus as the vine, God as the vinedresser, and we as the branches bearing the fruit that the vinedresser expects to harvest. In these verses we learn that those branches bearing no fruit are to be cut off, and those bearing fruit will be pruned to bear more fruit. And further we learn that we cannot do this on our own, but we must remain in perfect harmony with Jesus, the vine. And should that not be the case, we will become useless, wither and be thrown into the fire and burned.
Verse 1, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
Jesus begins his discourse identifying himself as the "true vine" and his Father as the caring gardener. The word "true" has important links with the scriptures. Israel is called the "true vine" Jeremiah 2: 21 But Jesus is in fact emphasizing that he is the reality of which the Vine of Israel is but a type, and it must remain in him to be useful and produce fruit . In light of this it is worth reflecting on Isaiah 5: 1 — 7, and Ezekiel 15: 1 — 8 God expects more from his vineyard than sticks, dry leaves and wood which is of no value except to be burned.
Q.1 Why is Jesus calling himself the true vine, what distinction is he making?
Q.2 Do we have such false representation in the church today?
Verse 2, He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
The vine is constantly watched by the caring gardener who cuts away branches which do not bear fruit. He does this for the sake of those that do bear fruit, to strengthen them and help them to be more fruitful. Jesus is stating in no uncertain terms, the displeasure of the Father towards faithless followers. The church is filled with disciples who work for a season and then quit. God will not continue to watch over those, but will continue to work with those who remain in his service, even helping them improve their own work to be more fruitful.
Q.1 What meaning is conveyed to us by the cutting off of the branches bearing no fruit?
Q.2 In Jesus’ day he was sorely disappointed with the Jews, Does this parable reflect that feeling? Q.3 Would this parable have any comparisons for our nation ?
Verse 3, You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
In Verse 3. This brief statement, "You have already been trimmed and cleaned up through the power of my word". What word? All that Jesus has taught about Israel's history and prophetic insight and through his teaching in parables, has taken root in them. They have welcomed his word, which has become part of them. This is in reference to those disciples who remain steadfast even through hard times. Remember, one of the disciples did not remain in him, and became his betrayer.
Q.1 How does this verse have any meaning for us today?
Q.2 What comparison is expressed with this verse?
Pg.3
Verse 4, Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
The branch can receive no nourishment from the vine unless there is intimate and unencumbered contact between them. The supreme condition of fruitfulness, is abiding in Jesus; as the branches draw nourishment from the vine, so believers must derive their strength, wisdom, holiness and power from their Lord.
Q.1 How is this to be best accomplished?
Q.2 What is there that could interrupt this closeness?
Verse 5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Again he says, "I am the vine", but adds the reassuring phrase "you are the branches". The early Church, looking back realized that the presence of a traitor was not allowed to weaken the rest. At a certain moment he was removed so that the other branches could grow even stronger. So the "true vine" is sending out new branches. You are those branches Jesus says. This is a very special moment to ponder. But what is the fruit Jesus is talking about? The fruit of the beatitudes: humility, true sorrow, meekness, striving for purity of heart, enduring persecution and injustice for his sake.
Q.1 What is meant by the phrase “apart from me you can do nothing”?
Q.2 How does that apply to our living in the world day by day?
Verse 6, If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
And now another warning: abide or depart! Jesus is saying this to show how strongly his Father disapproves of branches which soak up the living sap and grow fat on it without giving fruit in return. There is absolutely no place for them!
Q.1 Where in our day to day experience does this apply?
Q.2 Where in our faith life does this apply?
Verses 7, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. Vs.8, This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"Ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." Why should Christ's words abiding in us be the ground of this particular promise? Evidently for this reason: the more the words of Christ abide in us by our receiving them in implicit faith, and appropriating them, the more the mind of Christ will be in us; for the words of Christ convey the mind of Christ, and the more we have of the mind of Christ the more we shall fall in with the will and purposes of God: and so our desires will be expressed in prayer to God for what He is most disposed to grant. The words of Christ abiding within us will inspire us to pray for what He wills, and what He wills His Father approves, and will bring about.
Q.1 What is meant by this vs. 7?
Q.1 Where in our faith life does this apply?
Scripture readings:
Jeremiah 2:21 I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?
Isaiah 5:1-5 I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. 2 He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. 3 "Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? 5 Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. 6 I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it.
Ezekiel 15:1-8 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest? 3 Is wood ever taken from it to make anything useful? Do they make pegs from it to hang things on? 4 And after it is thrown on the fire as fuel and the fire burns both ends and chars the middle, is it then useful for anything? 5 If it was not useful for anything when it was whole, how much less can it be made into something useful when the fire has burned it and it is charred? 6 "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem. 7 I will set my face against them. Although they have come out of the fire, the fire will yet consume them. And when I set my face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. 8 I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the Sovereign LORD."
Meditation:
How truly rich in meaning is this image chosen by Jesus to help us understand who he is and how we are totally dependent upon Him for life eternal and fruitfulness of that life. We have heard this Gospel many times, and we are again and again taught its central truth, that life comes to us only through Christ who is the vine. He is the vine and we are his branches. How marvelous all this is we only gradually come to appreciate by much reflection and prayer.
It is clear to faith that Jesus is the supernaturally fertile vine planted by the Father in this world. Faith teaches us that we are the recreated branches who have been grafted onto Him by workers in the vineyard of the Father, the Apostles of Jesus and their successors. In the great vineyards of this world, the skilled vine tenders are often descendents of generations of skilled workers, and this pattern holds true in the Father’s vineyard as well. Skills and tools (the sacraments) are handed down. Our vinedressers too graft branches onto the one great vine who is Christ, the source of their life, and these workers assure that it gets the care that helps these new branches to take root in the vine and grow and flourish.
What modern genetic discovery confirms in terms of the parable is that the great fruit produced from the grafting of Jesus onto the root of Israel is from the vine which is Jesus Himself. He is the great vine that has been introduced by the Father into His vineyard of humanity; He is the true source of a wine that Israel could never produce, the richest of wines because it brings eternal life and joy to the heart of men.
But the next grafting is what involves us, the branch that is grafted on to the vine of Jesus who was planted in the root of Israel. The Father, indeed the Trinity, produced the first grafting, while the Apostles are privileged to graft us onto Christ. But we ourselves do not produce the genetic richness of the vine as the vine did to the root plant. All the richness of life and fruitfulness comes to us through the vine. And yet, and this is extremely important, we actually do produce the fruit, but a fruit whose richness is ultimately produced from the vine and its life flowing through us. We are the branches who produce the fruit.
And another aspect of this truth is that not all branches produce the same quantity or quality of fruit. That’s true in the natural vineyards as well. But here again the abundance really depends not on ourselves alone, but on the Father, the Master vine grower Himself who knows just what each branch needs to flourish. Jesus tells us this at the beginning of this Gospel passage: my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. God actually “prunes” us, and this pruning is inevitably painful for the branch.
And here again the modern science of winemaking is enlightening. For modern winemaking teaches us that just the proper degree of “stress” has to be produced in the vines and branches to bring out the best wine and greatest abundance. Too much stress, and the branch withers; just enough stress tolerated, and the branch explodes in fruitfulness. This too confirms a spiritual truth; that nothing truly spiritually great is ever produced in this fallen world without passing the stress test of the Cross.
How loving then is the true vine Master toward His vine and His (Christ’s) branches; and how richly this divine parable can enlighten us regarding both the true source of eternal life and the role of the Cross in enriching our lives. The next time you are suffering anything, meditate on this rich parable and trust that great stress, when transformed by God, can be a source of a richer life and richer fruit. If we just allow the Vine Master to do his work, this stress will pass and will produce much fruit for us and for the world around us. He knows what we are made of, each of us individually. He knows and He cares and He will never allows any of us to be stressed beyond the power of his grace to heal us and he will help us to produce an abundant fruit, thirty, sixty and a hundred fold. Jesus promised this, and His promises never fail.
Closing Prayer:
Dear God of our salvation, we offer our thanks for your allowing us these few minutes of study in your word, and we ask that you help us to manifest these words of Jesus into the fruit of our branches, that we may glorify You Oh God and Your Son our Lord Jesus in all that we do and say. Be with those of our acquaintance who are suffering illness and infirmity____________-
We ask that you grant your strength and comfort to those mentioned and for those who care for them, give them your blessing and Your healing touch. We pray in the name of Jesus Ame
Opening Prayer:
Father God as we come to this the last of our studies of the parables of Jesus we ask that you guide our thoughts and words that we may speak nothing here tonight which is contrary to your will, and that each of us will learn that which you have purposed for our understanding from this study tonight. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we ask that you share our blessing with them, and bring them back into our midst when next we meet. And now bless this the study of the words of Jesus to our understanding. In Jesus name we pray Amen.
The Parable of The Vine And The Branches
This discourse takes place just after Jesus and his disciples have had their last supper, and after Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples. Then after Judas had been identified as his betrayer, and had left the group, Jesus is addressing only his disciples in the last things. Jesus begins to speak comforting words to them about his leaving, and then returning. He has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, to help them continue their mission, and who will remain with them and within them. He will teach them everything and make them remember everything Jesus taught. This promise of the Holy Spirit then is followed by our scripture.
When we started this study of the parables of Jesus, we started with The parable of the Householder, one who has been prepared for almost any circumstance that may occur, wisdom from experience, and knowledge acquired throughout life’s learning and preparation for both new things which we are to encounter, and the old things with which we find some comfort.
In that study, I am reminded of my Grandmother, a woman of infinite resources, and a wealth of experience. There was no circumstance that could come upon us as a family that she was not prepared to meet, and to lead us through. To her there were no surprises, she had been through it all, including the depression, and she had the resource and determination to see her family through anything that could happen. And she was in full control at all times.
Now we come to this the last parable which Jesus will speak, and by now, having studied all the parables Jesus Spoke, and having learned that every word which proceeds from the mouth of Jesus is a learning experience We find ourselves as disciples, learning these last things about Jesus and our relationship with him. In this study, I picture sitting in the presence of Jesus clinging to every word, as if each word were a living experience to be savored, a moment in time set aside just so I might learn these last things that Jesus is teaching.
Scripture reading
Joh 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Pg.2
This parable is a perfect allegorical comparison of Jesus as the vine, God as the vinedresser, and we as the branches bearing the fruit that the vinedresser expects to harvest. In these verses we learn that those branches bearing no fruit are to be cut off, and those bearing fruit will be pruned to bear more fruit. And further we learn that we cannot do this on our own, but we must remain in perfect harmony with Jesus, the vine. And should that not be the case, we will become useless, wither and be thrown into the fire and burned.
Verse 1, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
Jesus begins his discourse identifying himself as the "true vine" and his Father as the caring gardener. The word "true" has important links with the scriptures. Israel is called the "true vine" Jeremiah 2: 21 But Jesus is in fact emphasizing that he is the reality of which the Vine of Israel is but a type, and it must remain in him to be useful and produce fruit . In light of this it is worth reflecting on Isaiah 5: 1 — 7, and Ezekiel 15: 1 — 8 God expects more from his vineyard than sticks, dry leaves and wood which is of no value except to be burned.
Q.1 Why is Jesus calling himself the true vine, what distinction is he making?
Q.2 Do we have such false representation in the church today?
Verse 2, He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
The vine is constantly watched by the caring gardener who cuts away branches which do not bear fruit. He does this for the sake of those that do bear fruit, to strengthen them and help them to be more fruitful. Jesus is stating in no uncertain terms, the displeasure of the Father towards faithless followers. The church is filled with disciples who work for a season and then quit. God will not continue to watch over those, but will continue to work with those who remain in his service, even helping them improve their own work to be more fruitful.
Q.1 What meaning is conveyed to us by the cutting off of the branches bearing no fruit?
Q.2 In Jesus’ day he was sorely disappointed with the Jews, Does this parable reflect that feeling? Q.3 Would this parable have any comparisons for our nation ?
Verse 3, You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
In Verse 3. This brief statement, "You have already been trimmed and cleaned up through the power of my word". What word? All that Jesus has taught about Israel's history and prophetic insight and through his teaching in parables, has taken root in them. They have welcomed his word, which has become part of them. This is in reference to those disciples who remain steadfast even through hard times. Remember, one of the disciples did not remain in him, and became his betrayer.
Q.1 How does this verse have any meaning for us today?
Q.2 What comparison is expressed with this verse?
Pg.3
Verse 4, Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
The branch can receive no nourishment from the vine unless there is intimate and unencumbered contact between them. The supreme condition of fruitfulness, is abiding in Jesus; as the branches draw nourishment from the vine, so believers must derive their strength, wisdom, holiness and power from their Lord.
Q.1 How is this to be best accomplished?
Q.2 What is there that could interrupt this closeness?
Verse 5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Again he says, "I am the vine", but adds the reassuring phrase "you are the branches". The early Church, looking back realized that the presence of a traitor was not allowed to weaken the rest. At a certain moment he was removed so that the other branches could grow even stronger. So the "true vine" is sending out new branches. You are those branches Jesus says. This is a very special moment to ponder. But what is the fruit Jesus is talking about? The fruit of the beatitudes: humility, true sorrow, meekness, striving for purity of heart, enduring persecution and injustice for his sake.
Q.1 What is meant by the phrase “apart from me you can do nothing”?
Q.2 How does that apply to our living in the world day by day?
Verse 6, If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
And now another warning: abide or depart! Jesus is saying this to show how strongly his Father disapproves of branches which soak up the living sap and grow fat on it without giving fruit in return. There is absolutely no place for them!
Q.1 Where in our day to day experience does this apply?
Q.2 Where in our faith life does this apply?
Verses 7, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. Vs.8, This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"Ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." Why should Christ's words abiding in us be the ground of this particular promise? Evidently for this reason: the more the words of Christ abide in us by our receiving them in implicit faith, and appropriating them, the more the mind of Christ will be in us; for the words of Christ convey the mind of Christ, and the more we have of the mind of Christ the more we shall fall in with the will and purposes of God: and so our desires will be expressed in prayer to God for what He is most disposed to grant. The words of Christ abiding within us will inspire us to pray for what He wills, and what He wills His Father approves, and will bring about.
Q.1 What is meant by this vs. 7?
Q.1 Where in our faith life does this apply?
Scripture readings:
Jeremiah 2:21 I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?
Isaiah 5:1-5 I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. 2 He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. 3 "Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? 5 Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. 6 I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it.
Ezekiel 15:1-8 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest? 3 Is wood ever taken from it to make anything useful? Do they make pegs from it to hang things on? 4 And after it is thrown on the fire as fuel and the fire burns both ends and chars the middle, is it then useful for anything? 5 If it was not useful for anything when it was whole, how much less can it be made into something useful when the fire has burned it and it is charred? 6 "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem. 7 I will set my face against them. Although they have come out of the fire, the fire will yet consume them. And when I set my face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. 8 I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the Sovereign LORD."
Meditation:
How truly rich in meaning is this image chosen by Jesus to help us understand who he is and how we are totally dependent upon Him for life eternal and fruitfulness of that life. We have heard this Gospel many times, and we are again and again taught its central truth, that life comes to us only through Christ who is the vine. He is the vine and we are his branches. How marvelous all this is we only gradually come to appreciate by much reflection and prayer.
It is clear to faith that Jesus is the supernaturally fertile vine planted by the Father in this world. Faith teaches us that we are the recreated branches who have been grafted onto Him by workers in the vineyard of the Father, the Apostles of Jesus and their successors. In the great vineyards of this world, the skilled vine tenders are often descendents of generations of skilled workers, and this pattern holds true in the Father’s vineyard as well. Skills and tools (the sacraments) are handed down. Our vinedressers too graft branches onto the one great vine who is Christ, the source of their life, and these workers assure that it gets the care that helps these new branches to take root in the vine and grow and flourish.
What modern genetic discovery confirms in terms of the parable is that the great fruit produced from the grafting of Jesus onto the root of Israel is from the vine which is Jesus Himself. He is the great vine that has been introduced by the Father into His vineyard of humanity; He is the true source of a wine that Israel could never produce, the richest of wines because it brings eternal life and joy to the heart of men.
But the next grafting is what involves us, the branch that is grafted on to the vine of Jesus who was planted in the root of Israel. The Father, indeed the Trinity, produced the first grafting, while the Apostles are privileged to graft us onto Christ. But we ourselves do not produce the genetic richness of the vine as the vine did to the root plant. All the richness of life and fruitfulness comes to us through the vine. And yet, and this is extremely important, we actually do produce the fruit, but a fruit whose richness is ultimately produced from the vine and its life flowing through us. We are the branches who produce the fruit.
And another aspect of this truth is that not all branches produce the same quantity or quality of fruit. That’s true in the natural vineyards as well. But here again the abundance really depends not on ourselves alone, but on the Father, the Master vine grower Himself who knows just what each branch needs to flourish. Jesus tells us this at the beginning of this Gospel passage: my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. God actually “prunes” us, and this pruning is inevitably painful for the branch.
And here again the modern science of winemaking is enlightening. For modern winemaking teaches us that just the proper degree of “stress” has to be produced in the vines and branches to bring out the best wine and greatest abundance. Too much stress, and the branch withers; just enough stress tolerated, and the branch explodes in fruitfulness. This too confirms a spiritual truth; that nothing truly spiritually great is ever produced in this fallen world without passing the stress test of the Cross.
How loving then is the true vine Master toward His vine and His (Christ’s) branches; and how richly this divine parable can enlighten us regarding both the true source of eternal life and the role of the Cross in enriching our lives. The next time you are suffering anything, meditate on this rich parable and trust that great stress, when transformed by God, can be a source of a richer life and richer fruit. If we just allow the Vine Master to do his work, this stress will pass and will produce much fruit for us and for the world around us. He knows what we are made of, each of us individually. He knows and He cares and He will never allows any of us to be stressed beyond the power of his grace to heal us and he will help us to produce an abundant fruit, thirty, sixty and a hundred fold. Jesus promised this, and His promises never fail.
Closing Prayer:
Dear God of our salvation, we offer our thanks for your allowing us these few minutes of study in your word, and we ask that you help us to manifest these words of Jesus into the fruit of our branches, that we may glorify You Oh God and Your Son our Lord Jesus in all that we do and say. Be with those of our acquaintance who are suffering illness and infirmity____________-
We ask that you grant your strength and comfort to those mentioned and for those who care for them, give them your blessing and Your healing touch. We pray in the name of Jesus Ame
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