The Gospels: God Speaks in His Son Matthew – Mark – Luke - John

The Gospels: God Speaks in His Son

Matthew – Mark – Luke - John

Need- To reveal Jesus as the Savior of the world. Man is in need of a

Savior.

Content- The way of salvation. (John 3:16)

Method- The Incarnation.

Response- Receive Christ for Salvation.

Christ’s teachings clarified the past.

"You have heard it said … But I say to you …”

The Content

The way of salvation (John 3:16)

Much of Jesus teaching was about Himself.

I am He … the Messiah - Jn. 4:26

I am the Bread of Life - Jn. 6:35

I am the Door - Jn. 10:9

I am the Good Shepherd – Jn.10

I am the Son of God - Jn. 10:36

I am the Resurrection and Life - Jn. 11:25

I am the Way, Truth, Life - Jn. 14:6

Before Abraham was I AM - Jn. 8:58

I am with you always - Mt. 28:20

Christ’s Teaching

Jesus never once said,

“thus saith the LORD,” which was the highest thing a man or prophet of God

could say.

If they were wrong they were stoned!

Instead, Jesus said …

“but I say unto you.”

The Value of Christ’s Teaching:

No man ever spoke like this man (Jn.7:46)

My words shall not pass away (Lk.21:33)

The words I speak unto you are spirit and life (Jn.6:63)

If a man keep my word, he shall never see death (8:51)

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them, shall be likened unto a wise man

(Mt.7:24)

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away (Mt. 24:35)

He that hears my word and believes Him that sent me, has eternal life, and comes not into

judgment, but has passed out of death into life (Jn.5:24)

This is My Son … hear ye Him (Lk.9:35)

Christ’s Teaching about HimselfChrist’s Teaching about Himself

Before Abraham was, I am (Jn.8:58)Before Abraham was, I am (Jn.8:58)

I and the Father are One (Jn.10:30)I and the Father are One (Jn.10:30)

He that has seen Me, has seen the Father (Jn.14:9)He that has seen Me, has seen the Father (Jn.14:9)

No man has ascended into heaven, No man has ascended into heaven, but He that descended out of heaven … (Jn.3:13) but He that descended out of heaven … (Jn.3:13)

……I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it power to lay it down, and I have power to take it

again. again.

(John 10:17-18)(John 10:17-18)

Christ’s Teaching about HimselfChrist’s Teaching about Himself

I came forth and am come from God I came forth and am come from God (Jn.8:42)(Jn.8:42)

The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the

Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in

like manner. like manner. (Jn.5:19)(Jn.5:19)

The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment

to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they

honor the Father. honor the Father. (Jn.5:22)(Jn.5:22)

The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will

hear His voice and come forth hear His voice and come forth (Jn.5:28-29) (Jn.5:28-29)

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have

eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (Jn.5:39)(Jn.5:39)

Christ’s Teaching on GodGod is Spirit (Jn.4:24)

Neither does any man know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son wills to reveal Him (Mt.11:27)

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great

and first commandment (Mt.22:37)

Therefore does the Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I may take it again (Jn.10:17)

He that has seen Me, has seen the Father (Jn.14:9)

Your heavenly Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him (Mt.6:8)

I came out from the Father, and am come into the world; I leave the world, and go unto the Father (Jn.16:28)

Christ’s Teaching on the SpiritIf I by the Spirit of God cast out devils, then is the

kingdom of God come upon you (Mt.12:28)

You shall receive power when the Holy Ghost is come upon you (Acts 1:8)

Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (Jn.3:5)

He that believes on Me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake He of the Spirit (Jn.7:37)

The Father shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth (Jn.14:16)

The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit … He shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said

unto you (Jn.14:25)

He will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (Jn.16:8)

Christ’s Teaching on Angels

You shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (Jn.1:51)

His angels shall gather out of His Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity, and shall

cast them into the furnace of fire (Mt.13:39-42)

He shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds (Mt.24:31)

When they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as angels in heaven

(Mk.12:25)

There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents (Lk.15:10)

Christ’s Teaching on Satan and DemonsWhen an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and when he finds none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I

came. (Luke 11:24)

When any one hears the word of the Kingdom, then comes the evil one, and snatches away that which has been

sown in his heart (Mt.13:19)

The tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy that sowed them is the devil (Mt.13:39)

Lead us not into temptation … deliver us from evil (Mt.6:13)

I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven (Lk.10:18)

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat (Lk.22:31)

Your father the devil, he was a murderer from the beginning … he is a liar, and the father thereof (Jn.8:44)

… he hath nothing in Me (Jn.14:30)

Christ’s Teaching about Man

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Mt.4:4)

No man can serve two masters … you cannot serve God and mammon (Mt.6:24)

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children (Mt.7:11)

For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings:

these are the things which defile the man (Mt.15:20)

What shall a man give in exchange for his life (16:26)

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (Jn.3:3)

No man can come to Me, except the Father which sent Me draw him (Jn.6:44)

Christ’s Teaching on Sin

The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sin (Mt.9:6)

Blasphemy against Holy Spirit is an eternal sin (Mk.3:29)

Every one that commits sin is the servant of sin (Jn.8:34)

Blood of the covenant shed for remission of sins (Mt.26:28)

When Holy Spirit is come, He will convict the world of

sin… of sin because they believe not on Me (Jn.16:9)

Christ’s Teaching on Salvation

God is seeking faith in Him.

Thy faith has saved thee; go in peace (Lk.7:50)

Daughter, thy faith has made thee whole (Lk.8:48)

Fear not; only believe, and she shall be whole (8:50)

Arise, go thy way: thy faith has made thee whole (17:19)

Receive thy sight: thy faith has made thee whole (17:42)

Today is salvation come to this house…The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost

(Lk.19:9,10)

Christ’s Coming Is The Crisis Event

For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then shall He render unto every

man according to his deeds (Mt.16:27)

Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing-floor; and He will gather His wheat into

the garner, but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire (Mt.3:12)

I appoint unto you a Kingdom, even as My Father appointed unto Me, that you may eat and drink at My

table in My Kingdom; and you shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Lk.22:29)

Christ Instituted ObedienceBe subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake

…as sent by Him (1Pe.2:13,14)

Wives be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord … as the church is subject to Christ, so let

wives also be to their husbands (Eph.5:22)

Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother (Eph.6:1-3)

Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters … not with eye-service …but in singleness of heart,

fearing the Lord (Col.3:22)

Know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord … esteem them highly in love (1Th.5:12)

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor (1Tim.5:17)

Leading Captive Every Thought …Into the obedience of the Christ (2Cor.10:5).

Never think independently of Christ.

Accept God’s thoughts.

Rebellion is to behave against God’s revealed will:

Whether it is right in the sight of God

to hearken unto you rather than unto God,

judge ye (Acts 4:19).

The Method - -The Incarnation

At this point in the history of redemption, God doesn’t speak

through a man

He becomes a man to demonstrate and speak the truth to man.

This is called the Incarnation.

Theo-anthropos (God/man)

John 1:14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among

us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and

truth.

Philippians 2:5-11Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God,did not consider it robbery to be equal with

God,but made Himself of no reputation … coming in

the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even

the death of the cross.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name … Jesus

Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What does this Method have to do with us?

The Incarnational MethodIs

The Missionary Model.

We are“Living Epistles.”

Known and ReadBy

All Men!

People will know Christ through our life and our words

How do we relate to other culturesHow do we relate to other cultureswith values and lifestyles different than with values and lifestyles different than

ours?ours?

Jesus is God’s Model for Human Relationships • Jesus came Humbly (Lk.2:7) “a manger in

swaddlings”• Jesus became a Learner (Lk.2:46) “listening &

asking”• Jesus had an Attitude (Phil.2:5-7) “form of a servant”• Jesus left an Example (1Pet.2:21) “suffered for us”

Jesus lived both In and Above Culture:

Love your neighbor as yourself (Mt.22:39) Love God with all your heart (Mt.22:37)

The Response Required

-Receive Christ for salvation.

To know God and possess eternal life, we must receive and

follow Him (John 1:12-13).

“But to as many as received Him, He gave the right to become sons of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but born of God.”

Our Response Includes:

1. Continuing in His Word (Jn 8:31) "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

2. Loving as He Loved (Jn 13:34-35) “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you.”

3.Taking Up Our Cross (Lk 9:23) "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Our Response Includes:

4.Bearing Fruit (John 15:8) “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

5.Putting Christ Above Relationships "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

NeedNeed-- To reveal Jesus as the Savior of To reveal Jesus as the Savior of the world. Man is in need of a the world. Man is in need of a

Savior.Savior.

ContentContent-- The way of salvationThe way of salvation(John 3:16)(John 3:16)

MethodMethod-- The Incarnation The Incarnation

ResponseResponse-- Receive Christ for Receive Christ for Salvation.Salvation.

The New Covenant Secured

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat;

this is My body."

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

John 19:30

The New Covenant The New Covenant SecuredSecured

Paul reiterates the account given in the Paul reiterates the account given in the GospelsGospels

1Cor. 11:23-261Cor. 11:23-26

… …The Lord Jesus on the same night in which The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”remembrance of Me.”

The New Covenant The New Covenant SecuredSecuredHebrews 9:15 Hebrews 9:15

He is the Mediator of the new covenant, He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the by means of death, for the

redemption of the transgressions under the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who first covenant, that those who

are called may receive the promise of are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. the eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 12:24 Hebrews 12:24 (We have come to) Jesus the Mediator of the (We have come to) Jesus the Mediator of the

new covenant, and to the blood of sprinklingnew covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling

Epistles(The sixth major time God spoke)

Romans – JudeJesus said that the Holy Spirit

“ shall lead you into all truth”God is concerned with developing the life of the

believer. He desires that the believer grow into maturity.

The Epistles are written in a personal letter format, explaining the Christian life and responsibilities.

Christ’s teachings are seed thoughts for the Epistles.

For An Example of Jesus’ Seed Thoughts

(Compare John 15:12 with 1Corinthians 13:1-7)

The Seed-Thought Principle:This is My commandment, that you love one another

as I have loved you. John 15:12

The Specific Full Meaning:“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy;

love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked,

thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all

things, endures all things.Love never fails.”

The Historical background for the Epistles is the book of Acts:

Acts proclaims Jesus – Epistles explain Jesus. Judea-Samaria-World The Christian Life

How the Epistles are organized:

Doctrine first – then Experience (Ephesians 1-3) (Ephesians 4-6)

(Romans 1-11) (Romans 12-16)

EpistlesEpistles

Need – To know our provision in Christ Need – To know our provision in Christ

and how to live according to it.and how to live according to it.

Content – Life is “Content – Life is “in Christ.in Christ.””

Method – Personal Letters to “living epistles”.Method – Personal Letters to “living epistles”.

Response – Appropriate Christ by Faith.Response – Appropriate Christ by Faith.

KnowKnow who you arewho you are - - BeBe who you arewho you are! !

The Need The epistles were written to

those who:

Heard the gospel and believed unto salvation “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom

also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13)

Were filled with the Spirit “…who is the guarantee of our inheritance

until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13b-14) and had the

gifts of the Spirit “So that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians

1:7)

Were witnessing in power “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but

also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”

(1 Thessalonians 1:8)

The Need is twofold:

1. We need to understand the essential nature of salvation, to know our provision in Christ.

2. We need to know how to work it out in life and service, how to possess

and use our provision in Christ.

The Epistles are written in a personal letter format, explaining the Christian life and

responsibilities.

The Content

The foundational concept of the Epistles is that salvation is anchored in a relationship

with a risen Savior. Life is in Christ, not in us.

The source of this new life is not in the believer, as he might naturally think, but is in Jesus Christ. The believer must learn that he/she is united with Him.

Romans 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another--to Him who was

raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

The Content

“In Christ” is found throughout Paul’s Epistles. This is used to capture the truth of

our union with Christ.

In Christ we are…

Justified

• By the Grace of God. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ” (Tit.3:7).

• By the Blood of Jesus. “Being now justified by His blood” (Ro.5:9).

• By Faith. “Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Ro.5:1).

in Christ we are…

RegeneratedThe new birth is a divine regeneration. We

are literally made alive spiritually by the Spirit of God. God also imparts to us

a new nature and thus we are a new creation in Christ.

According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing

of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5

in Christ we are…

Adopted

• Huiothesia means to be placed in the position of an adult son.

Galatians 4:4-7 God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under

the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And

because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if

a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Ephes. 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus

Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

In Christ we are…

Sanctified

Sanctification: to be set apart unto God.

We are set apart positional.

Hebrews 10:10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ

once for all.

We are to be set apart practically

1Thes. 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to

possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

Philip. 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it

until the day of Jesus Christ;

The Believer is United With ChristAs Adam and his descendants, so Christ and

His descendants, are united.

As a husband and wife, as a vine and its branches,

as a head and the body, and as a building and its foundation,

we are in union with Him.

The Content of the Epistles is about who and what Christ is and who and what we are in

Christ.

All things are

of Him, through Him, to Him (Rom 11:30)

RomansRomans

Romans explores the significance of Romans explores the significance of Christ’s sacrificial death revealing Christ’s sacrificial death revealing that a believer in Christ is declared to that a believer in Christ is declared to be righteous by faithbe righteous by faith

Sanctification by faith in Christ, Sanctification by faith in Christ, through the indwelling Spirit.through the indwelling Spirit.

Application by dedicating your heart Application by dedicating your heart and life to God’s service.and life to God’s service.

1 Corinthians1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians reveals the problems 1 Corinthians reveals the problems pressures and struggles of Church pressures and struggles of Church called out of a pagan society.called out of a pagan society.

The book proclaims the relevance of The book proclaims the relevance of Christ Jesus to every area of the Christ Jesus to every area of the believers life.believers life.

2 Corinthians2 Corinthians

This is a follow up letter in response This is a follow up letter in response to the obedience of the people to his to the obedience of the people to his first letter.first letter.

Paul wrote this letter to express his Paul wrote this letter to express his thankfulness of the repentant majority thankfulness of the repentant majority and to appeal to the rebellious and to appeal to the rebellious minority to accept his authority.minority to accept his authority.

Christ is revealed here as the Christ is revealed here as the believers sufficiency.believers sufficiency.

GalatiansGalatians

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a vigorous attack against a works vigorous attack against a works based righteousness and a defense based righteousness and a defense of justification by faith.of justification by faith.

Christ has freed the believer from Christ has freed the believer from the curse of the law and sin; and has the curse of the law and sin; and has placed him in a position of liberty.placed him in a position of liberty.

EphesiansEphesians

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians Paul’s letter to the Ephesians focuses on the believers Spiritual focuses on the believers Spiritual bank account which is filled with bank account which is filled with every spiritual blessing in the every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.heavenly places.

Every Spiritual blessing is available Every Spiritual blessing is available In Christ.In Christ.

PhilippiansPhilippians

In Christ unity and Joy are possible! In Christ unity and Joy are possible! With Christ as our model of humility With Christ as our model of humility and service, we can enjoy a oneness and service, we can enjoy a oneness of purpose, attitude and goal. of purpose, attitude and goal.

I can do all things through Christ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.who strengthens me.

ColossiansColossians

The purpose of the book is to show The purpose of the book is to show that Christ is preeminent-first and that Christ is preeminent-first and foremost in everything- and that the foremost in everything- and that the Christian life should reflect that Christian life should reflect that priority.priority.

Christ is the head of the body.Christ is the head of the body.

1 Thessalonians1 Thessalonians

Paul encourages the Thessalonians Paul encourages the Thessalonians to excel in their new found faith. He to excel in their new found faith. He encourages them to increase in their encourages them to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always.pray, and give thanks always.

Christ shall return suddenly for His Christ shall return suddenly for His Church.Church.

2 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians

He begins this letter by commending He begins this letter by commending the believers on their faithfulness in the believers on their faithfulness in the midst of persecution. He then the midst of persecution. He then deals with the misunderstanding deals with the misunderstanding spawned by false teacher regarding spawned by false teacher regarding the coming Day of the Lord.the coming Day of the Lord.

1&2 Timothy1&2 Timothy

Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, writes to the younger pastor Timothy who is writes to the younger pastor Timothy who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the Church at Ephesus. He instructs Timothy Church at Ephesus. He instructs Timothy how he is to conduct himself as a Pastor. how he is to conduct himself as a Pastor. Fight the good fight of faith.Fight the good fight of faith.

Christ came into the world to save sinners Christ came into the world to save sinners and is the mediator between God and man.and is the mediator between God and man.

Jesus has abolished death and has brought Jesus has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the life and immortality to light through the gospel.gospel.

TitusTitus

Paul wrote to Titus to set in order the Paul wrote to Titus to set in order the things that are lacking in in the church things that are lacking in in the church that was in Crete, and appoint elders that was in Crete, and appoint elders in every city. Much of the letter deals in every city. Much of the letter deals with the conduct of the ruling elders.with the conduct of the ruling elders.

Jesus gave Himself for us, that He Jesus gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. special people, zealous for good works.

PhilemonPhilemon

Paul writes a postcard to Philemon, his Paul writes a postcard to Philemon, his beloved brother and fellow worker on beloved brother and fellow worker on behalf of Onesimus-a runaway slave behalf of Onesimus-a runaway slave once belonging to Philemon. Paul asks once belonging to Philemon. Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back Philemon to receive Onesimus back with gentleness and brotherly kindness.with gentleness and brotherly kindness.

The forgiveness that the believer finds The forgiveness that the believer finds in Christ is beautifully portrayed by in Christ is beautifully portrayed by analogy in Philemon.analogy in Philemon.

HebrewsHebrews

(Author unknown)(Author unknown)

The writer exhorts the Jewish The writer exhorts the Jewish believers to go on to perfection in believers to go on to perfection in Christ and not to turn back to the Christ and not to turn back to the sacrificial system. sacrificial system.

Christ is superior to the Judaic Christ is superior to the Judaic system.system.

JamesJames

Through this epistle to the Jewish Through this epistle to the Jewish believers, James integrates true faith believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith must by stressing that true faith must manifest itself in works of faith. manifest itself in works of faith. Faith must inspire action.Faith must inspire action.

Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is predominant in James the Mount is predominant in James thinking.thinking.

1 Peter.1 Peter.

Peter writes to Jewish believers who are Peter writes to Jewish believers who are struggling in the midst of persecution. struggling in the midst of persecution. He encourages them to conduct He encourages them to conduct themselves courageously for the Person themselves courageously for the Person and the program of Christ. Having been and the program of Christ. Having been born again they are to imitate the Holy born again they are to imitate the Holy One who has called them.One who has called them.

Christ: the believers example and hope Christ: the believers example and hope in times of suffering.in times of suffering.

2 Peter2 Peter

This epistle is written to warn This epistle is written to warn believers about the false teachers believers about the false teachers who are pedaling damaging doctrine. who are pedaling damaging doctrine. Peter warns the believers to be on Peter warns the believers to be on their guard so that they will not be their guard so that they will not be led away with the error of the wicked.led away with the error of the wicked.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the source of The Lord Jesus Christ is the source of knowledge and power for spiritual knowledge and power for spiritual maturity.maturity.

1 John1 John

Johm writes this letter to encourage Johm writes this letter to encourage believers in their fellowship with the believers in their fellowship with the God of light, love, and life. In order God of light, love, and life. In order to enjoy the availability of our to enjoy the availability of our fellowship with God we are to walk fellowship with God we are to walk in the light as He is in the light.in the light as He is in the light.

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

2 John2 John

John writes to remind his readers to John writes to remind his readers to continue in the truth, and to walk in continue in the truth, and to walk in obedience to God’s command to love obedience to God’s command to love one another.one another.

Christ’s doctrine must be obeyed.Christ’s doctrine must be obeyed.

3 John3 John

Continue to have fellowship with Continue to have fellowship with believers and care for our fellow believers and care for our fellow workers in the faith.workers in the faith.

JudeJude

Contend for the faith. The epistle is Contend for the faith. The epistle is concerned with the threat of concerned with the threat of heretical teachers within the church.heretical teachers within the church.

We are preserved in Christ.We are preserved in Christ. Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to

keep you from stumbling, and to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless Before the present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding presence of His glory with exceeding joy,joy,

Revelation

Christ in Future GloryThe Millennial Reign of Righteousness

and Universal Peace.

The Final Judgment when the sea and Hades give up their dead for eternal

punishment.

The Final Kingdom when Christ subjects all things that God may be all in all.

The New Creation, New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem.

“Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

The Method

Personal letters to “living epistles.”

Explanatory letters developing truths that are part of the life in Christ.

God is concerned with developing the life of the believer, and growth into

maturity.

This method trains the minds and hearts so that truth becomes our

own.

The Method

Letters involve an orderly thought process that invites you to “think with” someone rather

than a simple authoritative announcement.

A simple authoritative announcement, like the Prophets gave, may settle a particular issue, but may not necessarily train their minds and renew their thought processes by making it

their very own truth.

If we live in the Spirit we are to also walk by the Spirit.

The Response Required

Appropriate Christ by Faith.

1.Realize by revelation all you have and are in Christ.

2.Reckon to be true all that you are and have in Christ.

3.Receive, and rest in all you have and are in Christ.

Abide In HimAbide In Him

““He that says he abides in him ought himself He that says he abides in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked” also to walk even as he walked” (1Jn.2:6).(1Jn.2:6).

God expects us to abide in Him so that the life God expects us to abide in Him so that the life of the Vine will be manifest in the branch. If of the Vine will be manifest in the branch. If we abide in Him and His Word, then He will we abide in Him and His Word, then He will

abide in us. abide in us.

Part of our response is to stop expecting Part of our response is to stop expecting “ “usus” and start expecting “” and start expecting “ChristChrist.”.”

EpistlesEpistles

Need – To know our provision in Christ Need – To know our provision in Christ and how to live according to it.and how to live according to it.

Content – Life is “Content – Life is “in Christ.in Christ.””

Method – Personal Letters to “living epistles”.Method – Personal Letters to “living epistles”.

Response – Appropriate Christ by Faith.Response – Appropriate Christ by Faith.

KnowKnow who you arewho you are - - BeBe who you arewho you are! !

New Covenant ExplainedNew Covenant Explained

Hebrews 8:1-2Hebrews 8:1-2

Now this is the main point of the things we are Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the seated at the right hand of the throne of the

Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle sanctuary and of the true tabernacle

which the Lord erected, which the Lord erected,

and not man. and not man.


Hebrews 9:11-15 Hebrews 9:11-15

Christ came as High Priest of the good things to Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect come, with the greater and more perfect

tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained

eternal redemption.eternal redemption.



For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse

your conscience from dead works to serve the your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?living God?

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption covenant, by means of death, for the redemption

of the transgressions under the first covenant, of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the that those who are called may receive the

promise of the eternal inheritance. promise of the eternal inheritance.

What is the relationship of the church What is the relationship of the church to the new covenant? to the new covenant?

Ephesians 2 Ephesians 2

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the

Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- that at that Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the time you were without Christ, being aliens from the

commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God covenants of promise, having no hope and without God

in the world. in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christbeen brought near by the blood of Christ. .

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and Father. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and

foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, members of the household of God,

We (gentiles) who are like a wild olive tree have We (gentiles) who are like a wild olive tree have been grafted into the cultivated olive tree (Israel)been grafted into the cultivated olive tree (Israel)

Romans 11:17-19 Romans 11:17-19

Some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a Some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the

olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were

broken off that I might be grafted in." broken off that I might be grafted in."

Romans 11:23-24 Romans 11:23-24

You were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, You were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive

tree…tree…

New Covenant ExplainedNew Covenant ExplainedHebrews 7:18-19 Hebrews 7:18-19

For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and commandment because of its weakness and

unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through

which we draw near to God. which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:22 Hebrews 7:22 By so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better By so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better

covenant. covenant.

Hebrews 8:6-7 Hebrews 8:6-7 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry,

inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. For if that first covenant was established on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought had been faultless, then no place would have been sought

for a second. for a second.



But He, because He continues forever, has an But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make God through Him, since He always lives to make

intercession for them. For such a High Priest intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless,

undefiled, separate from sinners, and has undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; become higher than the heavens;


Now may the God of peace who brought up our Now may the God of peace who brought up our

Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of

the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting

covenant, make you complete in every good work to covenant, make you complete in every good work to

do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in

His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory

forever and ever. Amen. forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21Hebrews 13:20-21

Documents

The Gospels: God Speaks in His Son Matthew – Mark – Luke - John