1st John1 session 1

                                          The Johannine Community
                                 an introduction to 1st John, 1, 2, & 3
The issue of the setting of the Fourth Gospel is really a kind of condensed history of a particular Christian community in the first century. The best efforts to reconstruct that history result in at least a three-stage view.
At the first stage, the Johannine community constituted a part of a Jewish synagogue. That is, the earliest Johannine Christians were Jewish Christians who believed that the Christian faith was continuous with the Jewish faith and who were content to live within the context of a Jewish community. At this first stage we may suppose that their beliefs were not radically different from Jewish beliefs. Their view of Jesus was that he was the Messiah who had come and then promised to return to fulfill the hopes of the Jews as well as the Christians.
The second stage of this history brought the split between the Christians and the Jews of the synagogue. It appears that the Johannine community experienced an expulsion from their religious home in the synagogue for at least two reasons.
First, their increasingly successful missionary efforts among their colleagues in the synagogue began to pose a threat to the leadership of the synagogue, and an earlier emphasis on what the two groups had in common was steadily giving way to an emphasis on the differences. Involved in this may also have been the effective missionary work of the Johannine Christians among Samaritans (Jn 4).
The second reason for the expulsion was the destruction of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans in A. D. 70 and the resulting crisis of faith. The destruction of the temple brought a kind of identity crisis for the Jews－what is Judaism without a center of sacrificial worship?－and may have resulted in purging sympathizers of Jesus of Nazareth from some synagogues. (In three places in the Gospel the expulsion of the Christians from the synagogue is echoed－Jn 9:22; 12:42; 16:2). This informal and localized expulsion of the Christians (like those remembered in the narratives of Acts, e.g., 19:8f.) was possibly (later) formalized and made a common practice by the Council of Jamnia (ca. 90 A. D.).
This expulsion had a mighty effect on the Christian community, producing a trauma of faith of major proportions. It was amid this crisis that the fourth evangelist gathered the traditions of the community and interpreted them so as to address the needs of the newly isolated community. It was then that the major themes of the Gospel took shape, providing the Johannine Christians with assurance and confidence in the midst of the uncertainty of their recent experience of deprivation. Furthermore, it was in the subsequent, and perhaps violent, debate with the members of the synagogue that the Gospel found its setting (e.g., Jn 16:2).
The third stage of the history of the community was close to, if not identical with, the setting for the publication of 1 John. While the crisis of the expulsion from the synagogue had been resolved and the community was an independent Christian body, there appeared some internal conflicts over the interpretation of the original Gospel of John in general, and proper belief and practice in particular. Moreover, relationships with other Christian communities had become important (cf. Jn. 21). Certain additions to the Gospel appear to address this situation.(1)
                                                        A study of 1st John
                                                          Opening Prayer
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. 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 these letters of The apostle John,The word of God.

                                                       About the author
Most bible scholars believe that the author of these letters also wrote the Gospel of John.  John, the son of Zebedee, we believe  is  the author of these Johannine epistles. In addition, the epistles themselves imply an apostolic author because of the many passages alluding to an eyewitness account of Jesus’ ministry. John, the son of Zebedee, was one of the most important leaders in the early church. He planted several churches in and around the city of Ephesus. It is likely that his letters are addressed to these churches and were written shortly before he was exiled to Patmos where he received a special revelation from Jesus Christ. Tradition has John eventually being freed from Patmos and returning to Ephesus, overseeing the churches there until his death.

                                          1st John 1:  1-4  The Incarnate Word
1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2  (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
                                                          Discussion
John makes a strong declaration of the eternity of Jesus Christ, stating that  Christ was with God from the beginning and it was Gods plan that  Jesus came to bring us into fellowship with God by God's soverign plan for our salvation
Then one of the reasons John gives for writing this epistle is so that our joy may be complete.  Happiness is no more than a temporary state of being which is directly related to our circumstances. Joy in the Lord is a constant, based on the relationship we have as His children, and is not affected by our circumstances.
                                                             Questions
1.  In verse 1...Why is it important to understand why John is describing Jesus in such terms  ?                                                                                                                                                                                2.  In verses 2& 3 ,John says who Jesus is, what do you see in his words?                                                                                                                                                                                            3.  What is there in these first four verses that Christians can look to with confidence?                                                                                                                                                                                          4.  “that your joy may be made full”What does John mean by these words?

                                            1st John 1:  5-10  God is light
5  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not live out the truth: 7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
                                                     Discussion                                                                                                                                                                  In these verses John describes God as light in a philosophical and moral sense. He is complete with no trace of darkness. Given that light is a synonym for truth and goodness, and darkness is given to mean that which is untrue, foreboding and evil.  ( the dark side)
Given that God will never allow evil to come into his presence The blood of Jesus Christ is continually cleansing us from all sin so that we have a path,to the light, (the truth) of God's Holiness,  a way in which God can look upon us and see us as Christ's righteousness. Such is a necessary part of God's plan of salvation because of man's sinful nature, which is dominated by the body's needs and appetites, and our superficial righteousness. We have to struggle to keep our desire to serve self, under control of the Spirit, in everything we do, say, think, and feel.  Until we are under the influence of the Cross of Christ, accepting God's plan for our salvation, being led by the Holy Spirit, provided as our "helper" we cannot have fellowship with God and all the blessings that God has in store for us in the Heavenly realm.  It actually is a struggle to resist the urge to let the things of this world dominate our very existence. Our rescue is in God's promise. John 3:16-21
                                                              Questions                                                                                                                                                 1. In verse 5 John says that God is light, please explain that in more detail.                                                         2. Define “fellowship,” and tell with whom we have fellowship if we accept the evidence.                        3. What must one do to have fellowship with God & His people ?                                                     4. Jesus died because of our sin, and as Christians we know that as truth, why then do we continue to sin?                                                                                                                                                   5.  Will we be saved only on the basis of our sinlessly perfect life?






                                                   Scripture reference
John 3:16-21; For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life  17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19  This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

                                                              Closing Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for Jesus our savior. We pray for the need in our life to love and be loved in Christian fellowship. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Give us the wisdom and desire to seek the truth and walk in the light of Your word for our life. 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.

                                                  1st John1 Meditation
John was the last living apostle, the only one who wasn't martyred for Christ. The heresy of gnosticism was gaining a foothold in the Church when John wrote this letter. John sought to correct the heresy by emphasizing the deity of Jesus Christ in his writings.
John wrote his epistle in order to provide assurance for these early Christians, explaining that they in fact were true Christians. The false teachers left  these new Christians with confusion and doubt about their faith. John wrote to help assure them of their salvation. This letter was not only heard, it was also lived in the person of Jesus Christ.
                                               The Johannine Community
                                           An introduction to 1st John, 1, 2, & 3
The issue of the setting of the Fourth Gospel is really a kind of condensed history of a particular Christian community in the first century. The best efforts to reconstruct that history result in at least a three-stage view.
At the first stage, the Johannine community constituted a part of a Jewish synagogue. That is, the earliest Johannine Christians were Jewish Christians who believed that the Christian faith was continuous with the Jewish faith and who were content to live within the context of a Jewish community. At this first stage we may suppose that their beliefs were not radically different from Jewish beliefs. Their view of Jesus was that he was the Messiah who had come and then promised to return to fulfill the hopes of the Jews as well as the Christians.
The second stage of this history brought the split between the Christians and the Jews of the synagogue. It appears that the Johannine community experienced an expulsion from their religious home in the synagogue for at least two reasons.
First, their increasingly successful missionary efforts among their colleagues in the synagogue began to pose a threat to the leadership of the synagogue, and an earlier emphasis on what the two groups had in common was steadily giving way to an emphasis on the differences. Involved in this may also have been the effective missionary work of the Johannine Christians among Samaritans (Jn 4).
The second reason for the expulsion was the destruction of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans in A. D. 70 and the resulting crisis of faith. The destruction of the temple brought a kind of identity crisis for the Jews－what is Judaism without a center of sacrificial worship?－and may have resulted in purging sympathizers of Jesus of Nazareth from some synagogues. (In three places in the Gospel the expulsion of the Christians from the synagogue is echoed－Jn 9:22; 12:42; 16:2). This informal and localized expulsion of the Christians (like those remembered in the narratives of Acts, e.g., 19:8f.) was possibly (later) formalized and made a common practice by the Council of Jamnia (ca. 90 A. D.).
This expulsion had a mighty effect on the Christian community, producing a trauma of faith of major proportions. It was amid this crisis that the fourth evangelist gathered the traditions of the community and interpreted them so as to address the needs of the newly isolated community. It was then that the major themes of the Gospel took shape, providing the Johannine Christians with assurance and confidence in the midst of the uncertainty of their recent experience of deprivation. Furthermore, it was in the subsequent, and perhaps violent, debate with the members of the synagogue that the Gospel found its setting (e.g., Jn 16:2).
The third stage of the history of the community was close to, if not identical with, the setting for the publication of 1 John. While the crisis of the expulsion from the synagogue had been resolved and the community was an independent Christian body, there appeared some internal conflicts over the interpretation of the original Gospel of John in general, and proper belief and practice in particular. Moreover, relationships with other Christian communities had become important (cf. Jn. 21). Certain additions to the Gospel appear to address this situation.(1)

Paul's Letter to the Romans Ch.16 session 27

Opening Prayer; Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. 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 words of Paul as he addresses those Christians in Rome.  In Jesus Name Amen                                        
                    Romans  16:1-16 …. Introductions, Commendations
Rom 16:1  I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2  I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. 3  Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4  They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5  Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6  Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7  Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8  Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9  Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.10  Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11  Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12  Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13  Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14  Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.15  Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them. 16  Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
                                                        Discussion
Paul sends many personal salutations. We see how touchingly his heart dwells upon all the details of service to those who had rendered it. He who by grace had searched into all the counsels of God, remembered all that these humble Christians and these devoted women had done for him and for the Lord.
The absence of titles in the naming of these, his friends in Christ reveals that many Roman Christians were not a part of the upper class, but were slaves, and ordinary people. God invites those whom the world would regard as the unlikeliest of people into His kingdom, and what He prizes is the humble, repentant, and faithful heart, the true believer.
We also find in this list of greetings a reminder of how the church is to function. From day one, the work of Christ’s church has been done only through the contributions of all its members. No one person, not even an Apostle, can do all that is necessary for the church to function well. In fact, Paul’s greetings show us how the Apostle relied on the hospitality and labor of others to get his job done. Christians form one body that is healthy only when all members use their gifts to serve the Lord and one another.
                                                                Questions
1. What are some of the common characteristics of the people the Romans were to greet.
2. Using their characteristics as a guide, can we list some of our own?
3. What is the one character trait of all those listed that forms a unifying bond ?
4. What is there about question 3 that reminds us of Our own church. Advent?
5. When it says to greet one another with a holy kiss how can we apply that today?
                                            Rom 16: 17-27… A Warning
17  I urge you, brothers and sisters, 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.
18  For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.19  Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.20  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 21  Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. 22  I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23  Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. 25  Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26  but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith--27  to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
                                                            Discussion
Paul’s warning about false teachers shows us how to identify them through signs other than the falsehood of the teaching itself. The first sign the Apostle gives is that false teachers serve “their own appetites.” Literally, Paul says the teachers serve their bellies. He refers here, by way of metaphor, to a lifestyle that reflects indulgence and egocentrism. Christian teachers are not prohibited from enjoying nice things, but they are prohibited from living ostentatiously—from making their paycheck their chief end in their labor. As Paul teaches elsewhere, men fit to fill the office of elder will not be lovers of money (1 Tim.3:1-7).
The second sign of false teachers is “smooth talk and flattery.” This does not mean that pastors and teachers may not have gentle speech that people find pleasing. What the Apostle condemns is dishonest speech that is hidden by flattering comments and words that praise people for the sake of their approval and not because there is genuine sentiment behind it.
We are to be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle expects from God, is victory over Satan. This includes all designs and devices of Satan against souls, to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?
That which establishes souls, is, the plain preaching of Jesus Christ. And the gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and disputed about, but to be submitted to. The obedience of faith is that obedience which is paid to the word of faith, and which comes by the grace of faith. Remembering that we are called to the obedience of faith, and that every degree of wisdom is from the only wise God, we should, by word and deed, render glory to him through Jesus Christ; that so the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be with us for ever.
                                                               Questions
1. What does Paul say about divisive and deceptive Church members?
2. How does one recognize divisive and deceptive persons?
3. What do you feel it means to be wise about what is good but innocent about what is evil?
4. Paul refers to a long hidden mystery, what do you think that could be?
                                           
                                                            Scripture References
1Timothy 3:1-7  Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2  Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3  not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4  He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5  (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6  He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7  He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace.

 
Closing Prayer; Father God,  be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We thank you Lord for the teachings of your apostle Paul, and we pray that you will impart to our hearts, those things from this study that you would have us learn. 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.



























                                                       Meditation
Paul's letter to the Roman Church from the first word to the last, is to the benefit of all who read it, all who apply it to the living of their life. It is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, what it does for the individual who accepts it what it means for the individual, what it means for the world,  how it is understood, and how it applies to life day by day. The Gospel is the answer to the world’s real problem!  Sin!  None of the things of sin existed before the Fall. All sin of every description came into the world as a result of the Fall.  And the gospel is the only thing that can really solve the sin problem! The Gospel can atone for sin, forgive sin, remove sin, cancel sin’s debt, and then it can transform the sinner into a holy man or woman of God. Then it takes that one through every obstacle encountered throughout this life, all the way into the very presence of our holy and glorious God to dwell in His presence forever. How do we do that?  Christ is the answer.
The book of Romans is the ultimate revelation of what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about, to whom it applies, what it can do for the individual, what it can do for a church, and what it can do for the world.  There is but one solution to the unrighteousness that makes us deserving of judgment, and that is the righteousness of another. This righteousness is received by faith alone. Nothing one can do will meet God’s perfect standard, and only the perfect obedience of Jesus, who lived to make us righteous and died to bear the wrath we have merited, preserving the Lord’s justice, can give us peace with our Maker. How do we do that? Christ is the answer.
We have also here a precious and most perfect rule for our walk, namely, to be simple concerning evil, and wise unto that which is good. Christianity alone could have given such a rule; for it provides a walk that is positively good, and wisdom to walk in it. As Christians we may be simple concerning evil. What a deliverance! While the man of the world must needs acquaint himself with evil, in order to avoid it in this world of artifice, snares and entrapments, he must corrupt his mind, accustom himself to think of evil, in order not to be persuaded by it. But soon there should be entire deliverance, soon should Satan be trodden under their feet. How is this accomplished?Christ is the answer.
So, it is Paul who explains to us, if one is not in Christ today, there is the need for the Gospel. The Good News is that God has sent His Son to die and atone for our sin, and credit His perfect righteousness to our account. Believe in the gospel of Christ! Trust Him! Surrender to Him! Begin to walk in communion with Him! That is the first thing one must do to find real meaning in this life. Anything one can do to appreciate and enjoy this life apart from Christ is only fooling themselves. The world holds out many promises, great riches, material attractions, great power, long life, great accomplishments, and much more, but if there is not Christ in every promise of it, then it is a false hope. How do we discern these things? Christ is the answer.
In Paul’s letters we learn that we begin the Christian life by believing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then every advance we make in this life is enhanced by believing what the gospel purposes for mankind. Acting on that belief we begin to understand what it is that God has purposed for His creation. We learn also that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. And because we are in Christ, we have a new power, the power of the Holy Spirit. God has not left us all alone to try to overcome our bent to sinning. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in our mortal bodies. By the power of the Spirit one can put to death the deeds of the body. God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel. What that means is that you can count on this gospel of God-given righteousness from the moment you begin to believe, until you take your last breath of faith and awake in the presence of God! Paul reminds us, that as Christians we should apply the gospel to all aspects of our life, all the time. In every thought , word, and deed,  and we will come to know this one thing. Christ is the answer.

Paul's Letter to the Romans Ch.15 session 26

                                                                                                                                                   Pg.1
Opening Prayer. Father God, open our minds and hearts to the words of Paul to the Church in Rome may we indeed be filled with the desire to know more and become intimate with the blessings of life that you have given to us through your word. May our thoughts words and deeds be acceptable in thy sight and our study of  Your word become a guide for our understanding of your will for our lives. Bless those of our group that are not here tonight, we pray that you will share our blessing with them. Lead us now as we study Your word, In Jesus name Amen.
                         Rom 15:14-22   I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.                      
 14, I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another, 15  Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16  to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17  Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.18  I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done--19  by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20  It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21  Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." 22  This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

                                                                    Discussion
Paul was persuaded that the Roman Christians were filled with a kind and affectionate spirit, as well as with knowledge. He had written to remind them of their duties and their dangers, because God had appointed him the minister of Christ to the Gentiles. Paul preached to them; but what made them sacrifices to God, was, their sanctification; not his work, but the work of the Holy Spirit.  The conversion of souls pertains unto God; therefore it is the matter of Paul's glorying, not the things of the flesh. But though a great preacher, he could not make one soul obedient, further than the Spirit of God accompanied his labors. He principally sought the good of those that sat in darkness.
Paul's one ambition was to present the Gentiles as a sacrificial offering to God. All this was due to Christ working through the Apostle. Anything that was not wrought through the power of the indwelling Christ was not worth recounting. The work which really told was not what Paul did for Christ, but what Christ did through Paul. It is noticeable how careful Paul was to break new ground. This is especially characteristic of all the best and highest forms of work. It is a poor and mean church which recruits itself from the labors of others, but has no power to secure converts from the world. Whatever good we do, it is Christ who does it by us. Although it may be delivered to our ears by a familiar voice, it will  nonetheless fail to take root and grow except it be imparted to us through Jesus Christ.
                                                       Questions
1. Why did Paul feel it necessary to write this letter?
2. Do we as Gentile Christians in our world today need reminding of our duties and dangers?
3. Paul preached the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles but to whom did he give the glory for it?
4. What are your feelings about how the gospel is delivered in our churches today?

                                                   The Things of Christ                                                           Pg.2
As with all Paul’s epistles to the churches, his purpose in writing was to proclaim the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ by teaching doctrine and to edify and encourage the believers who would receive his letter. The apostle sought the things of Christ more than his own will, and would not leave his work of planting churches to go to Rome. It concerns all to do that first which is most needful. And in this chapter we read why he did not yet go to Rome.

                                          Rom 15:23-33  Shared blessings    
Rom 15:23  But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 4  I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25  Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord's people there. 26  For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem. 27  They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28  So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29  I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. 30  I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31  Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there, 32  so that I may come to you with joy, by God's will, and in your company be refreshed. 33  The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

                                                               Discussion
 It is expected from all Christians, that they should promote every good work, especially seeking the work of the conversion of souls. As did Paul, so  does the dedicated Christian believer quickly find that the love of the Spirit is a very special relationship.  It encourages the confidence with which we may commit ourselves to His prompting to do the things of Christ.
 Thus it was Paul's charge to deliver the message of the Gospel to all the churches. And of particular concern to Paul were those to whom this letter was written—those in Rome who were “loved by God and called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). Because he himself was a Roman citizen, he had a unique passion for those in the assembly of believers in Rome. Since he had not, to this point, visited the church in Rome, this letter would serve as his introduction to them. But his visit with them must wait, as there was the contribution from Macedonia and Achaia that he was to deliver to the church in Jerusalem before he was to go to Rome.
  In any endeavor where the things of Christ are manifest, it is to the Christian's best interest to undertake such matters before any consideration of a personal nature.  Let us be earnest in prayer with and for each other, that for Christ's sake, and by the love of the Holy Spirit, great blessings may come upon the souls of Christians, and the labors of our ministers who devote themselves to the spread of God's word.
                                                         Questions
1. What was the reason Paul wanted to visit the church in Rome?
2. What was Paul’s reason for not going directly to visit the church in Rome?
3. Considering these two questions, 1 &2 what is today's Christian to draw from them?
4.  Is there a preference to be considered when we do the things of Christ?

                                                                                                                                                       Pg.3
                                            Meditation; The Things of Christ
The thought that there is a special place in this world (paradise), where one can go to rest and recuperate is a thought that is given to all who struggle in this world, with the ways of this world. Actually there are those places, and many people find them, but do they really answer the desire of mankind to have perfection in an imperfect world. At best maybe a few moments of peace and quiet. Real rest for the soul is found only through Christ.
Charismatic leaders seize opportunities to draw people to their own agenda or their own cultic beliefs, but can do so only when the truth of the gospel is not fully known. To some perhaps, that equals nirvana. Is that really what one wants out of this life? Is that what the Christian seeks? In the Christian context, that place is Heaven on earth. It is in fact the doing of the things of Christ, doing the will of God. In any endeavor where the things of Christ are manifest, it is to the Christian's best interest to seek to know the will of God, and then to follow up with the doing of it. That does not evoke thoughts of retiring in paradise.
 The letters of Paul are a great example of doing the things of Christ. Paul's love for the Lord, combined with his appreciation for the grace he has received, shapes his entire world view.  And as committed true believers when we find ourselves engaged in those things that pertain to God, we cannot help but react as Paul did.  When there is an opportunity to teach the truths of the Gospel, Paul could not help but provide instruction.  When we respond to something that we firmly believe and something in which we have confidence, we often respond with passion.  When Paul engages in matters of the faith, those things which pertain to God, “The things of Christ” we see a combination of excitement, passion, enthusiasm, and glorious expressions of God's love.  In this same way, all Christians can "glory" through Jesus Christ in matters of the faith as they indeed, are the light of the world, sharing the things of Christ. This is what Christians are commanded by Jesus Christ to do.
The spread of the gospel to new places is the fundamental mission of the Church. Many churches today do not share Paul's missionary zeal, but would rather keep the gospel within the walls of the church facility that serves as the home for their fellowship. Thankfully, there are many others who have a vision that reaches beyond themselves.  These latter people of faith understand that Christians are to be fishers of men. The church that is obedient to the Lordship of Christ is one that has a missionary zeal, utilizing its gifts and resources to extend the gospel of peace to those in their community, their region, and throughout the world. Our church, Advent Presbyterian Church, is driven by the desire “to cause God great joy by sharing his love with others as we have experienced it in Jesus Christ”.  Advent does this by sharing the “Things of Christ in the many mission fields where Advent works, and in our worship.
Paul's is a tremendous example of one who had a faith in God to the point that he was a bold witness for Christ wherever he went. Many Christians today answer the call to boldly witness  in many different places in our world. Yet still there is a desperate need to be bold witnesses right where we live. The opportunities are boundless, and as Christians our charge is to do the things of Christ. To God be the glory, Amen.

Closing Prayer: Father God,  be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. ____________Give those mentioned here tonight the strength and comfort to endure, and continue to watch over each of us as we strive to live a just and righteous life.. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN

Paul's Letter to the Romans Ch.15 Session 25

                                                                                                                                                       Pg.1
Opening Prayer
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study.  Help us to realize that we are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
                                           
                                                What is a Gentile Christian to do?
The beginning of the 15th chapter finds us still needing to adjust our attitude and conduct towards the less fortunate in our midst, and the weak in the faith. To offer our help and encouragement.
Paul writes  that everything in the Scripture, meaning what we call the Old Testament, was written to instruct us in the Christian hope. Throughout the Old Testament we see God’s faithfulness in spite of man’s sin. We see the saints going through times of suffering and discouragement. We see the saints exiled to the wilderness, with no apparent future. But we also see that in time, God brings them back for greater service than before. The kingdom of God never shrinks; it may flow underground for a season, but it always emerges mightier than before. God is not going to be the loser in history. Thus, with the encouragements of the Scripture before us (Old and New Testaments), we should have hope. And following God’s example, we should encourage one another

                                          Romans 15: 1-6 what have we learned?
1. We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2  Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.3  For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6  so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                               Discussion
It shall ever be, that our wealth, our time, and our effort be devoted to family and friends and those of like mind who have the same desires, hopes and needs as do we. We are drawn to those who think, act and live much the same as ourselves. But there is a distinct difference that separates us as Christians, from the secular world, and that is the fact that as Christians it is incumbent upon each of us to care about and offer support to the weak in the faith, and the downtrodden, the struggling believer and the disadvantaged in our midst, to help them grow stronger and more positive, and to offer them what we can to help them in their plight . That is what Jesus did.
What we have learned up to this point in our faith as Christians, should give us encouragement to make the effort , for in so doing we are spreading the message of the gospel and adding to our numbers which is helping fulfill the charge that Jesus Christ gave the disciples. (Matthew 28:19)  These words of Christ's are the charge to every individual who would call themselves Christian, so that we would indeed glorify God with our effort, and with all our heart, mind and soul.


                                                                                                                                                                            Pg.2
                                                               Questions
1. How might a Christian come to bear with the failings of the weak? And what does it involve?
2. How can one be an encourager for a neighbor, for a friend, for a Christian worker?                         3. How would that same principle apply, ( question 2), to someone we do not even know?
3. What are some of the ways that offering encouragement can actually make one dependent?
4. Name some of the matters in the secular world that should concern Christians?
5. What do you feel is the overarching principle of the above verses?
                                                                                                                                                   
                                           Why are we to do it ?
Here Paul is telling the Roman Church  that Christ’s work brings together Jew and Gentile as one people deeply grateful for their redemption. Because salvation comes to the Gentiles through the Jewish people on account of Christ, Jesus also became a servant in order that the Gentiles would glorify God for His mercy in saving them from their sins as well. (Galatians 3:13).   As Christ welcomes us, so does God the Father welcome us, and we are thereby responsible to welcome all who profess faith in Jesus Christ. What about those who do not profess that faith?

                     Romans 15: 7-13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
7  Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8  For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9  and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name." 10  Again, it says, "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people." 11  And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him."12  And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope." 13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

                                                         What would Jesus do ?                                                                                                                                  
 Jesus receives without distinction or exception all who repent and believe in Him alone. He does not turn away those who are spiritually immature, and His love for mature believers is not greater than His love for those who are babes in Christ. Nor does He reject those who do not yet fully understand the extent of their freedom in Him. If Jesus Christ can accept with open arms those who are misguided about matters not essential to salvation, we must do the same.  Christ died for the lost sinners of the world, and rose again to serve the purposes of God in bringing salvation to all of mankind, not just a chosen few. (John 3:16) is the proof of that.

                                             What did God do ?
 Of the many promises God made to His people Israel, none is more apropos for what Paul was writing here than God’s promise to Abraham. In Genesis 22:18, God told Abraham, “Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.” This was a promise God made before the Jewish people even became a people. It was long before their exodus from Egypt, before God giving the Law, and before any of the kings.  God’s great plan to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and death caused by Adam and Eve was to reach out in love to the whole world through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus came so that people may receive mercy. Because of God’s great mercy, the appropriate response to this is to rejoice and praise God.

                                                                                                                                                     Pg.3
                                                   Questions
1. How is it that Jesus became a servant to save the gentiles, what did he do to exemplify that?
2. Do we foresee a day when Jews and Gentiles will really be united in one body?
3. How did it happen that the work of Christ blessed both the Gentiles and the Jews?
4. In today's liberated  society do you see a general criticism of the Christian faith?
5. Is the Belief that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation a biased arrogance of Christians?
                                                                                                                                                         
                                                   Scripture References
 Mat thew 28:19  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 3:13  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole." 14  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit

Closing Prayer. Father God, we thank you for the gift of Your Son Jesus, the Strong Deliverer of our salvation and for the Holy Spirit our Helper who leads us in our struggle against sin. We pray that You will enhance our desire and ability to learn more of what we can become by following the teachings of Jesus and through the study of Your word as given to us in the gospel. We pray now for Your comfort and healing to be upon those who are suffering from health or other issues in this



























                                                                                                                                                                                    Pg.4
                                                     Meditation
We have studied, and actually put into practice that believers are to receive one another even when they disagree on minor issues, because God in Christ has received believers in the faith even though they are not all of the same accord on all issues. In Romans 15:8-12, Paul makes relevant the justification for Christians to welcome one another by reminding the Church of God’s purpose to bring Jews and Gentiles together in worship under the cross of Jesus Christ, his life death and resurrection, for the purpose of salvation to all who will repent of their sins and come to him.
 Paul looks back to the patriarchs, stating that Christ came as a servant to the people to confirm the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In stating that Jesus was a servant to Jews, not as a slave but as a savior, one who serves each in his great love for all. His point is that the Son of God came to meet the needs of His people, to serve them at the deepest level possible in saving them from sin. Not Just the Jews, but all of mankind.
What were the promises given to the patriarchs? Gen 12:1  The LORD had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. 2  "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. All of these were given with the intention that Abraham’s family would become a blessing to all the families of the earth.
By coming to meet the needs of the Jews for salvation, Jesus confirmed that Abraham’s family according to the flesh blesses the whole world, for salvation for the Gentiles comes through the Jewish Messiah born to the Jewish people.
Christ came to meet the needs of all people,  to humble Himself and give His life, to rescue us from the curse of sin bound to us by Satan's lies. He did this to serve as the answer to God's will that all who call upon His Son for their salvation, and accept  the sacrifice that Christ has made for our sake will be saved. Which means that as Christians, followers of Christ, we are to welcome all who trust in Christ alone no matter their background. Jesus has made the necessary sacrifice, His work is finished, He has confirmed the promises of God and therefore we are to bond with all Christians of every nationality, with a unity that is grounded in the truth of our Lord’s love for all mankind, and His gift of eternal life to all who share that faith as True Believers.
Praise be to God the father of all creation.