Lesson: SEPARATING THE GOSPEL FROM THE HEBREWS’ TRADITION
TEXT: Mark 7:1-4
MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 15:3
Jesus replied, ‘And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (NIV)
INTRODUCTION:
Efforts must be made consistently in our time toward making sure the love of God embedded in the Gospel of His Holy One, Jesus, His Christ, for His humanity is preserved, lest, it be debased by the traditions of the first people (the Israel of the flesh) to whom it was first preached for lack of our divine scrutiny. Jesus and the message of God’s reconciliation of His divine creation to Himself called ‘Gospel’ or ‘Good News’ to the believers was not and will not be against the customs and/or traditions of any people which do not run counter to the decent and endearing teachings of Christ – a simple-to-be-applied Faith though not for simpletons. The Apostles were Hebrews who had received traditions (particular ways of doing things) both from God and their ancestors/elders before the teachings of God’s new government under Jesus came. Just as the Romans who colonized them then allowed them to used their moral traditions for decision making among them unless in civil issues, God likewise expected them to use what was given them before Christ’s advent for the well-being of each other.
OBJECTIVE: At the end of the lesson, the audience should be able to see the difference between the Gospel of Christ, spiritual from heaven, and the Hebrews’ traditions and/or customs which are of this world and which are not part of the Gospel from above in many circumstances but are both found on the pages of the Bible. (cf. Heb.9:1,8)
PRESENTATION:
Step I: HEBREWS’ TRADITION EXHIBITED IN
PUBLIC RELIGIOUS MINISTRY
Nu.4:37-39; Luke 3:23)
(a) Jesus had known God’s will as at age twelve since He taught the elders He found in the Temple (Luke 2:40-50).
i. But His custom or tradition kept Him till He was thirty. (See Nu.4:39).
ii. Teachers of His Faith MUST note that this information is not part of the Gospel that is mandatory for salvation of the soul.
Step II: HEBREWS’ TRADITION EXHIBITED IN JESUS’ BAPTISM (cf. Matt. 15:1-2; 1Pet.3:21)
(a) The Jews (Semites) had many types of ritual washings from their traditions and/or ancestors including water baptism. (our text)
(b) Jesus never baptized with water to confess sin like the others but to identify with the extant people’s traditions (See Matt. 3:13-15).
(c) Again, the above is not a part of the Gospel unless we choose to adopt this custom of the Jews.
Step III: HEBREWS’ TRADITION EXHIBITED IN FASTING
(a) In the Hebrews’ tradition, any serious religious deal started with a fast (so, the Holy Spirit encouraged Jesus to undergo so that He will not be suspicious and scare
His subjects. (see Matt. 4:1-2; Mark 1:12-13)
(b) That is why the Holy Spirit has not made it mandatory to Christians today.
i. One may choose to fast or not for one’s spiritual revival.
Step IV: HEBREWS’ TRADITION EXHIBITED IN GENDER VARIANCE
(a) In the Hebrews’ customs, only men of military age (20 years and above) were counted during census (cf. Ex.12:37; 38:24-26; Matt. 14:19-21).
i. These were those mandated to appear with offerings. (see Deut.16:16-17)
(b) This tradition could not permit even Jesus’ mother (Mary) to share her experience with her Son while alive with her in Church gatherings as a member of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1:12,14).
(c) The four daughters of Evangelist Philip that prophesied could only be active because persecution had driven them out from the Jewish territories to Caesarea (See Acts 21:8,9)
(d) Many Gentiles’ Proselytes adopted this tradition through the reading of the Hebrews’ Scriptures in Synagogues built in their cities (cf. Acts 15:21; John 7:34-35).
i. In Achaia (Corinth) 1Cor. 14:34-35, and Asia Minor (Ephesus) 1Tim.1:3; 2:11-15, this Hebrews’ custom was adopted.
ii. In the Gentiles’ Province of Galatia, however, this tradition of the Hebrews was not adopted (see Gal, 3:26-28.).
– Read also “11 Cor. 5:16” to see the sole celestial focus of the new life in Christ.
– Such was an opportunity for Apostle Paul to separate what is binding for believers and what is not.
Step V: HEBREWS’ TRADITION EXHIBITED IN LANGUAGE AND AUDIENCE
(a) The first preachers preached the Gospel to various people and groups with the aim of winning them to the faith of Jesus (cf. 1Cor. 9:24-26; John 20:30-31).
i. The writer of Matthew uses ‘The Kingdom of Heaven’ because of Jewish audience at heart acknowledging their reluctance in the mention of divine names since seeing themselves as ‘men of unclean lips’. (cf. Matt. 13:33).
ii. Although the colonizers’ official language was “Latin”, they (Romans) allowed them (Jews) to use their native Hebrew and the Babylonian Aramaic learnt during their years in captivity (cf. John 19:20).
iii. Howbeit, the writer of Luke used ‘The Kingdom of God’ on the same parable because he was writing to a Gentile convert (See Luke 13:20-21).
iv. Matthew and Luke have done a similar thing on baptism though it seems Matthew wrote much later because of the phrase, ‘to this day’ (See Acts 2:38, 41; Matt. 28:18-20; 27:7-8; 28: 15)
v. In preaching to the Jews, the first preachers would start from Abraham because, they assumed, their audience
were familiar with the Hebrew history (cf. Acts 13:14-17).
vi. This pattern was, however, not followed when preaching to Gentiles (cf. Acts 17:16-31).
vi. Given the type of audience, Jesus’ baptism of ‘Acts 1:4-5’ does not correspond with that of ‘Matt.3:7-12’.
– Because in the audience of ‘Acts 1:4-5’, the unbelieving Scribes and Pharisees are not present, the word, “fire” is missing unlike in ‘Matt. 3:7-12’ in which there was an audience with believers and unbelievers blended together.
– Mark took time to translate and explain the meanings of every Hebrew word and activity to his Gentile audience (Mark 5:41; 7:11,34; 2:26; 14:12; 15:42).
CONCLUSION:
Where the Gospel is a Good News of man’s return to God’s Paradise (The Garden of Eden) lost through the disobedience of the first Adam and regained through our faith in the death, burial, resurrection, ascension of Christ, the faithful and obedient last Adam, and His promised return to ultimately save us, (the basic elements in the Gospel), those who first benefited were met living in their peculiar ways called customs and/or traditions (cf. Rom.14:1-8). The preaching of Christ brings the above one hope which pricks unbelievers into believing to thereafter live looking up to Jesus Christ the Beginner and Finisher of the Faith. That should be the paramount reason of going to Christ through His teachings and the traditions and/or customs of men (Hebrews’ inclusive) to serve as possible means or platforms.
EVALUATION:
1. Where was the center of indoctrination of the Gentiles on the Hebrews’ tradition?
2. Why would Jesus not continue in His public ministry immediately after His encounter with the Jewish teachers in the temple at age twelve?
3. Which law in Israel hinders us from hearing Mary’s voice in the Church in Jerusalem?
4. Anyone may or may not adopt the Hebrews’ customs: water or ceremonial baptism, women silence, fasting, language, public ministry age, etc. Explain.
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray for revelation into the preparatory work of those God sent before Christ and how that is different from the substantial work of Christ, the One for Whom they prepared. (cf. John 10:1-10)
THE USEFULNESS OF THE OLD COVENANT (TRADITION) SCRIPTURES EXCEPT IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
Lesson: THE USEFULNESS OF THE OLD COVENANT (TRADITION) SCRIPTURES EXCEPT IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
MEMORY VERSE: 11Cor. 3:15
TEXT: 11 Tim. 3:14-17
Even to this day when Moses (Law of Moses) is read, a veil covers their hearts (NIV)
INTRODUCTION:
The first or Old Covenant (constitution) of God to His creation was active until a new and better one replaced it (See Heb. 7:18-19; 8:7-8). The beliefs and teachings of Christ (the covenant He mediates Matt. 26:27-28; Heb.9:15-22) which focus is on the blessings from the heavens before manifestation on earth cannot be combined with the provisions of the old covenant which focused on elemental (physical) blessings and worship rituals (cf. Eph. 1:3-4: Heb.8:13; 9:1, 8; 11Cor.4:17-18; 5:7). Just as the flesh disagrees with the spirit perpetually (Gal. 5:17), that is how Christ has taught about the Old and New Covenants (Mark 2:18-22).
The Old Covenant writings are useful in a number of ways. For instance, it brought all mankind into condemnation (since no one could keep it flawlessly) so that all may be humbled to receive God’s only solution to mankind which is Christ (cf. Rom. 11:32; 8:20-23).
OBJECTIVE: Let’s segment our lesson into its usefulness and its failure for more understanding.
PRESENTATION:
Step I: SOME USEFULNESS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES
(a) As a shadow of the reality in Christ, it speeds understanding of God’s loving and glorious will for us before even the foundation of the earth (cf. 11Tim. 3:14-17; Col. 2:16-19; Eph. 1:3-4, 8-10).
(b) It serves as a sketch showing God’s plan and execution of our salvation in Christ which was a mystery to first generation hearers (cf. Eph. 3:8-11; 1Pet. 1:10-12).
(c) God’s dealing with those who obeyed and/or disobeyed under the Old Covenant regime are moral lessons for us under Christ today (1Cor. 10:6, 11; Heb. 2:1-4; Ex.23:20-24).
(d) By it, we know what was just for our knowledge and what now is for our consumption. For instance, Moses, the bearer of the old system provided for evil recompense (See Lev. 24:19-20), whereas Jesus Christ, the Bearer of the present regime, has stopped under His Covenant arrangement (See Matt. 5:38-43).
Step II: THE AREA OF THE FIRST COVENANT’S
FAILURE FOR CHRIST’S CHURCH
– What The Church Doctrine Is Not About.
(a) It is not about law keeping but problem solving (cf. Matt.19:16-22).
(b) It is not about punishment but correction (cf. John 8:1-11).
(c) It is not about sacrifice but relief (mercy) (Matt. 12:1-8; Hosea 6:6).
(d) It is not about physical blessing but spiritual (cf. Eph.1:3-4; 11Cor. 4:17-18).
(e) It is not about physical quantity or quality of giving but the intentions (motives) and knowledge of the truth about God. (Hosea 6:6b).
(f) It is not about temporal solution but eternal endurance. (cf. 11 Pet.3:10-13).
(g) It is not about talk but power (authority) (cf. 1Cor. 4:18-19; Matt. 7:28-29; 6:7).
(h) It is not about the shadow but the real (cf. Col. 2:16-19).
(i) It is not about satisfying men but God (cf. Num. 30:2; Matt. 5:33-37).
CONCLUSION:
The Old Covenant, according to God’s foreknowledge, killed Jesus in His bid to save His race in the flesh (Israel) and by extension, the Gentiles (Greeks) (Rom. 1:16-17; John 10:16). If anything is for doctrine, it means it is for practice. If the Christians are living sacrifices, (cf. Rom. 12:1,2) it means, in context, a contrast to the dead animals’ sacrifices of the Old regime. Then, the provision for dead animals’ sacrifices of the Old Covenant must be different from that of the living sacrifices of this new regime under Christ. (See this change provided for in ‘7:11-14’). May God grant you understanding into what is written here now and always. Amen (11 Tim. 2:7).
EVALUATION:
1. Mention any three benefits under Jesus’ Covenant that are not achievable under Moses’ regime.
2. Mention two benefits under the First Covenant that are facilitators to understanding the message of salvation
in Christ.
3. What passage(s) of the Bible speaks clearly that the First Covenant has been replaced by a superior and better one?
4. “The New Covenant is about need-meeting as the Old Covenant was about fault-finding.” Why?
For more on the subject, Click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
PRAYER: Thank God for the lesson and pray for grace of revelation for Christians, especially leaders, to know how to divide between what is for our knowledge in the past and what is for our consumption in the present to eternity in the Scripture. (cf. 2Tim.2:15)
GOD’S WORD AS A TRADITION TO HIS CREATION
Lesson: GOD’S WORD AS A TRADITION TO HIS CREATION
TEXT: Job 38:4-15 MEMORY VERSE: Acts 4:24
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord, they said, You made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.’ (NIV).
INTRODUCTION:
All creation has received instructions from its creator making them not able to exist independently of their Creator’s wishes. They are governed by laws (traditions) immutable by any other. Reading ‘Job 38 – 40’ and seeing how God interacts with Job, we can be sure everything which has breath of life is regulated by its Maker without which they cannot exist. Terrestrial or land creatures (vegetation, animal and man); those in the air (fowls) as well as creatures in water (aquatic) must obey God their Creator in order to survive.
OBJECTIVE: To see how every life (tangible and intangible) receives instructions from the Creator for reproduction and smooth running of Jehovah’s universe for His people’s good.
PRESENTATION:
Step I: SEA (AQUATIC) CREATURES OBEY JEHOVAH
(a) They must produce according to their kind (Job 38:8- 11; Gen. 1:11-12, 21,24,25).
i. This divine creation of life-forms has led to rest the theory of evolution or adaptation.
ii. Man is regulated also to bring forth children “in his likeness’ (cf. Gen. 5:3).
– In the face of this, the theory of evolution ceases to hold water or make sense in any
way. It cannot exist vis-à-vis.
(b) The rivers overstep their bounds through instructions from their Maker (Job 38:8-11).
i. Therefore, they do not destroy any from which they are forbidden, giving credence to God’s Word, “who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” (1Pet. 3:13 -NIV).
ii. God’s life is in everything for the good of His own even as Christ is before all things for the good of the Church (Christians) (cf. Eph. 4:6; Col. 1:17).
Step II: THE ANIMAL KINGDOM OBEYS JEHOVAH
(a) Everything about animals – their births, life cycles and customized attributes show, unarguably, that they are obeying the laid down natural traditions (cf. Job 39:1-2, 5,9, 13,17-19,26; 40:15-16; 41:1-2).
(b) There is no way any God’s creature can harm a Christian in whom Christ lives and timelessly regulates for the good of His own. IMPOSSIBLE! Let God be God and man, man (ibid).
(c) Humans, even at the embryonic state, are seen by God (cf. Psalm 139:13-16) just as Jeremiah was known before he was formed in his mother’s womb (See Jere.1:5).
Step III: THE EARTH STAYS WHERE GOD HAS KEPT IT
(a) According to Scripture, God hangs the earth upon nothing (See Job 26:7).
(b) He is the only One able to ‘command I the morning’ – Job 38:12).
c) The astronomical (about the stars) life is given and regulated by Him (See Job 38:31-33).
(d) Divine tradition also governs the clouds, light, snow, dew, rain, hail and lightning. (See Job 38:13-38)
CONCLUSION:
God can instruct everything, including angels, to work for our good even as He originally intended (cf. Rom. 8:28-29). But He has placed a habitual condition on our part which is to make the right choice of obedience to His will for Him to allow that favour continually. If we are willing and obedient, God is always willing to regulate His creation for our good since such was the rationale for creating those things ab initio. Everything, He made for us and made us for His fellowship. We are His co-workers (See 1Cor. 3:9). ALLELUIA! Someone Praise our Lord!
EVALUATION:
1. What condition in God’s arrangement renders the theory of evolution illogical?
2. What is the cardinal reason for God to regulate His creation?
3. What is the foundation upon which the earth stands?
4. What condition disposes us favourable for blessing before God?
For more on the subject, Click here, here, here, here, and here.
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and command THE HEAVENS to always be subject to HEAVEN for the good of the saints in Christ.
THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION AS A LAW
Lesson: THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION AS A LAW
TEXT: Rom. 8:1-8
MEMORY VERSE: Gal. 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (NIV)
INTRODUCTION:
Webster’s New International Dictionary (3rd edition) defines ‘law’ as ‘a divine commandment or a revelation of the will of God and a rule of right living and good conduct especially when conceived as having the sanction of God’s will, of conscience or the moral nature or of natural justice.’ The old Hebrew verb, ‘yarah’ related to the noun. ‘torah’ which is the word for ‘law’ is primarily translated to mean ‘direct’, ‘teach’, and ‘instruct’. In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the verb, ‘nemo’ meaning ‘deal out’ or ‘distribute’ is translated ‘law’. ‘Isa. 33:22’, designates the Almighty God as the ‘Supreme Lawgiver and Source of law’. He is the Sovereign and delegating authority (cf. Rev. 6:10; Luke 2:29) without Whose permission no authority can be exercised (cf. Rom. 13:1) and Who establishes His throne on righteousness and justice (cf. Psalm 97:1-2):
Angels, Satan and creation are subject to God’s law (cf. Heb. 1:7, 14; Job 1:12; 2:6; Jude 9). Law as additionally defined by Webster is ‘the observed regularity of nature.’ This bespeaks the natural order as also being regulated by God. The Christian tradition is also the ‘Law of Christ’ (See Gal. 6:2) as well as ‘the Law of the Spirit’ (See Rom. 8:2, 4. 7).
OBJECTIVE: To see the Christian service as a statutory service regulated by law; the Christians being the subjects under this service and Jesus, the Christ as Head of administration.
PRESENTATION:
Step I: THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE IS CIVIL
(a) It is civil because it is regulated with the ‘Law of Christ’ or the ‘New Covenant’ (constitution) inaugurated with His life (blood) (See our memory verse, Matt. 26:28 and John 13:34-35).
(b) It is civil also because its overall aim is geared towards the well-being of fellow person and does not carry carnal arms.
i. But it is also an armed administration with spiritual weapons for the security of the faithful citizenry (cf. 2Tim. 4:16-18; 11Cor. 10:3-6).
Step II: CHRISTIANS AS SUBJECTS (CITIZENS) IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST
(a) With God through Christ directly responsible for the legislative and judicial functions of Christ’s service, Christians who are expected to keep those laws are the citizens in the kingdom of Christ (cf. Luke 6:46; Matt. 19:28).
(b) Christians as subjects of Christ’s kingdom are also expected to expand this service (government) through preaching and observing all that Christ teaches (cf. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Step III: JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT
(a) With the inauguration of a constitution and subjects to obey, there is surely a statutory institution (government) in place (cf. Matt. 6:10; Luke 17:20-21)
(b) In the American College Dictionary edited by C.L. Barnlart, 1966, a ‘law’ is defined as ‘any written or positive rule, or collection of rules prescribed under the authority of the state or nation.’
i. Similarly, under the authority of heaven, God has supervised, through His Spirit, the writing of positive and eternal laws thereby endorsing the government or kingdom of Christ in heaven, earth, under the earth and wherever living beings exist. (cf. Acts 17:30-31).
(c) Therefore, Jesus is God’s Christ to rule over all things God made – visible and invisible. (cf. Col. 1:15-20)
CONCLUSION:
Since the duty of any government is to restrain with laws the actions of people in communities, societies and states, the Church, which is also a community of believers in Christ is the kingdom or government of Christ on earth. Jesus, Christ is the head of the government because it is run through His Covenant or law or constitution inaugurated with His life blood to stand forever without any more amendment. We are part of this government only in obeying what He has taught to us through His original Apostles’ teachings as recorded in the Scriptures (cf. John 17:14, 20, 21; 1John 1:1-4; 4:6; Acts
2:42). Will you empty yourself to be filled with His eternal treasure and get qualified to be a part of the divine regime? May His grace in His message enable you. Amen!
EVALUATION:
1. Why is the Christian service a civil service?
2. What makes the Church a government?
3. How are we sure the Kingdom of Christ (Jehovah) is present with us as we speak?
4. With regards to creation, how does the Webster’s Third New International Dictionary define ‘law’?
5. What qualifies Jesus as the Chief Judge of all that God made?
Want to read more on this ‘Christian Tradition’ theme? Click here, here, here, here and here.
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and ask Jehovah for ability to maintain our stance in whatever circumstance as Christ’s followers and as those so bonded.
THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION AS THE SPIRIT OF LOVE
Lesson: THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION AS THE SPIRIT OF LOVE
TEXT: John 13:33-35
MEMORY VERSE: 1John 5:2
This is how we know that we are the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands.” (NIV)
INTRODUCTION:
The teachings of Christ here-in-after referred to as the Christian tradition, is a spirit – the spirit of love. If the Gospel of Christ arrives Nigeria and discovers that scarcity of gas threatens to wipe them out, the love in it will build a gas refinery for them. If that same Gospel, thereafter, moves to Cameroun through Nigerian Evangelists and there, scarcity of kerosene threatens to wipe out that population, building a gas refinery in that country, just as was done in Nigeria, will not be any Gospel or Good News to them since the love of God for them will not be revealed there-in. Their problem will persist. The right thing to be done would be to forget about what was done and how it was done in Nigeria to unveil God’s love – building a gas refinery – and build a kerosene refinery to address their need. This is where the Gospel of Christ is different from the traditions of men in that it is need-oriented. This is the spirit of love for which the Gospel of Christ is known and basically, the desire to bless others.
OBJECTIVE: To see and apply some attributes of love as are found in “1Cor. 13” popularly called “the love chapter book” and how to walk in love.
PRESENTATION
Step I: KEY VERSES FROM THE LOVE CHAPTER
(1COR. 13:4-7)
(a) “Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud, It is not rude: it is not self-seeking; it is not angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects; always trusts; always hopes; always perseveres.”
i. Words primarily used in old Hebrew to denote love are “a.hav” (verb) and “a.havah” (noun) and in the Christian Greek Scriptures, “a.ga’pe” and “phi.lia” are forms of words employed. The Ġreek, “phi.lia” meaning “love between the
sexes’ is less used.
ii. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, “love can be known only from the actions it prompts.”
iii. Again, in comparing the verb “phi.leo” with “a.gapao”, Vine comments that the former almost represents tender affection forgetting the real object of living (cf. John 12:25) while the latter, on the contrary, takes into account the true interest of living as in “1Pet. 3:10”.
(b) As the Christian tradition is that spirit of love (cf. John 6:63), God is also that spirit of love (cf. John 4:24: 1John 4:16b).
Step II: HOW TO WALK IN LOVE
(a) Aside from love carrying the substance to be fond of something, there are attachments of sentiments and feelings whether in “phileo” or “agapao”
I. “agapao” is wider and more expansive than “phileo” taking into account the judgment of all actions by the creator as a matter of principle (cf. Jam. 2:12).
(b) Agape, being guided and controlled by principle, at times, may not be concerned with fondness as it will not rejoice in wrongs (See 1Cor. 13:6).
(c) God the Father is the perfect example of love.
i. “The Father loves (‘agapai’ the Son.”) (cf. John 3:35)
ii. “The Father loves (‘philei’ – has affection) for the Son.” (John 5:20)
iii. “He that loves (‘agapon’) Me will be loved
(‘agapesothesetai’) by My Father and I will love (‘agapeo’) him”, Jesus says. (cf. John 14:21).
(d) Lovers or worshippers of the Father are required to love and worship the Son as well (cf. John 5:22-23: 21: 15- 17).
(e) Working in love (agape) toward others is difficult especially where feelings of affection and fondness are not forthcoming since we, as Christians, are, in such
circumstances, still expected, through compassion and sincere concern, to work for the welfare of fellow persons (cf. Rom. 5:7-8).
i. The philia love Jesus spoke against is that
recorded in “Luke 6:32-34” where one only loves (agapate) those who love him.
ii. Demas, Paul spoke of, as deserting him because he loves (agapesas) the present world system (2Tim. 4:10).
ii. In John 3:19″, Jesus says unbelievers love (egapesan) darkness rather than light because darkness will cover their wicked deeds.
(a) Because God has shown and established His own love (agapen) in the sending of Jesus (cf. Rom. 5:8-10),
Jesus, too, has commanded that we love (agapate) our enemies (See Matt. 5:44).
CONCLUSION:
The Gospel of love comes from God Who is love (cf. John 4:8,16). God is metaphorically designated as love but not the abstract quality since He is a Person that has eyes, hands, heart, etc. All there is visible and invisible He made, including His faithful Son, Jesus, when the need arose, has He given to us out of love to exemplify Himself as a model Lover. Love is a fruit of God’s Spirit (See Ġal. 5:22) abused by our first parents Adam and Eve when they refused to keep God’s commandment. Today, it behooves us to choose to be guided by the tradition (teachings) of Christ so that we can give the love of Christ a place in our hearts. It is our duty to allow the present truth of God’s love we now know to thrive even though that can upset our previous beliefs received from our believing and unbelieving ancestors before now.
For more on this theme, Click here, here, here and here.
EVALUATION:
1. How can we love fellow persons while still obeying “Heb. 1:9” and “Psalm 45:7”?
2. What does it mean not to love the world and the things there-in as commanded in”1John 2:15-16″?
3. That God accepts the traditions of men is evident in such traditions having what basically?
4. Which is the expansive type of love with wider benefit coverage?
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray that God increase in our hearts His love for Him (in quitting sin) and one another (in constantly desiring to help) for whom Jesus died which is the very essence of the Gospel of Christ.
THE COMMUNION, AN ITEM OF THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
Lesson: THE COMMUNION, AN ITEM OF
THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
TEXT: 1Cor. 10:15-18
MEMORY VERSE: 1Cor. 11:26
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup. you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (RSV)
INTRODUCTION:
The word, “communion” is an abstract or spiritual noun and can only be illustrated with a material representation. For instance, the bread and wine are the visible representations of the invisible communion. Before a physical bread and wine harmonize with the spiritual reality of an invisible communion, it has to be understood figuratively. Bread (old Hebrew – ‘le’chem’ and Greek – ‘artos’) was common and remained a staple diet to the Jews and others in antiquity – the Israelites, the Greeks, the Romans and the Egyptians. Even in the present Middle East, other food stuffs are of secondary importance compared with bread. The Scripture seems to speak of “bread” as food in general (see Gen.3:19; Matt. 6:11; Eccle.10:19).
OBJECTIVE: In this lesson, we want to see the following:
1. The rationale for its recommendation by Jesus.
2. Its application to the Christian Faith.
3. As a practical to the theory of preaching Christ and
4. The authorized candidates and its timing of observance.
PRESENTATION:
Step I: THE RATIONALE FOR ITS RECOMMENDATION BY JESUS
(a) Contrary to the perspective of Solomon that a feast is made for laughter and wine for merry (Eccl. 10:19a), this communion feast of bread and wine is for sober reflection.
b) It (as the ceremonial water baptism) does not first have effect outwardly. It is not just a physical ritual. Beyond that, it reminds man of his direct contact or reunion with his God through the atonement of Christ (cf. 1Pet. 3:21: Matt. 26:26-28).
i. It commemorates, instructs, Inspires, assures as well as place a responsibility in the believers’ minds of a renewed partnership with our Father in heaven for the wellbeing of His mankind (cf. 1Cor. 3:9)
i. It provides believers with the consciousness of grace (not law) which converted the individual from carnality to now focus on what method there is best suitable to adopt in order that the best of Jehovah’s loving impact be expressed and felt by the neighbourhood (Tit. 2:11-14).
Step II: THE LORD’S SUPPER’S APPLICATION TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
(a) Although we are saved through Christ’s teachings, His atonement is the reason and serves as the very reason commemorating His death gains greater significance before God than His birth.
i. He commands, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (1Cor. 11:25).
(b) Jesus, symbolically as the bread of life, has been broken (slaughtered) in order that it becomes possible to be shared to all spiritually hungry.
i. He said He is the life giving bread God has sent from heaven to the world (see John 6:33) first in WORD form to FLESH form (cf. John 1:1, 14) and this, we have believed.
Step III: IT IS THE PRACTICAL OF THE THEORY OF PREACHING CHRIST
(a) As the Holy Spirit reminds us, Christians, of our oneness with Christ and one another, that is how the one kind of bread ąnd wine taken to remember Jesus’ atonement for us reminds us to work for the good of each other to the glory of God in Christ (see our text).
i. It serves to remind adherents that they are brothers and sisters under Jehovah’s Fatherhood and Christ’s Lordship making them closer than they used to be as the first Christians exemplified.
(b) As a practical of the theory of preaching the love of God in Christ for mankind, Christians’ interdependence is reinforced for the good of each other.
(c) It also reminds the Christians of their status in society as God’s light to banish ignorance in peoples’ hearts and as His salt to preserve God’s love from moral corruption (see Mat. 5:13-16).
(d) It teaches us to number our days thereby always reflecting soberly on how best to live and to die to glorify the One Who lives in us (cf. 1John 4:4; Gal. 2:20; Col.1:27).
Step IV: AUTHORIZED COMMUNICANTS AND TIMING OF OBSERVANCE
(a) The early Christians first finished their love feast (physical meal) before commemoration of the Lord’s death in communion (a spiritual meal) (cf. Jude 12; Acts 2:42,46).
b) This, later, was abused as in Corinth that the materially wealthy Christians would have a faction for merry making and sometimes got drunk before the actual
Lord’s Supper.
i. This was an unworthy manner because they created divisions (walls, denominations) in the body of Christ and also partook with the spirit of drunkenness (1 Cor. 11:17-22, 29).
c) Nobody is worthy (not guilty) to partake of the body and blood of Christ. As a matter of fact, all of us are not worthy.
i. The Corinthian Christians were unworthy because of their ACTIONS; not their PERSONS.
ii. But we who sincerely appreciate the essence of Christ’s atoning sacrifice are worthy. Conversely. those who preferred themselves worthy to others are most likely to be the self-righteous and, thus, unworthy.
III. “It is possible for an unworthy person to partake worthily,” someone has said. This is similar to how the Apostle Paul, through humility, saw himself “the chief of sinners” (see 1Tim. 1:15).
iv. The timing for observing the communion is not regulated. It’s optional in the phrase, “as often as” as in our memory verse.
– The feast Jesus and His original Apostles commemorated had a deliverance background.
– It was to remind the Jews of their material deliverance from Egyptian bondage done annually.
– Therefore, to stick to that background would make communion of the Christian saints to be observed yearly. But we had since left that old system.
v. The technicality in the observance of the feast is not as significant as the consciousness of the crucifixion and the aftermath divine lifestyle.
CONCLUSION:
Communion of the saints with Christ and one another is a practical illustrating the verbal and/or theory of preaching the salvation of mankind through the sole and exhaustible atonement of Christ. If people were not barred from receiving it when it was preached in a theory form, they should equally not be barred from receiving when it is being shared practically in the communion bread and wine in keeping with “1Cor. 11:28-31”. So, closed communion should only be preferable in the midst of believers who are still in infancy like the Corinthians above. But everyone must be encouraged to walk towards perfection-the divine standard (cf. Matt. 5:48).
EVALUATION:
1. What kind of meal is the Lord’s Supper?
2. What makes a meal the Christian communion?
3. Why were the Corinthians partaking in it unworthily?
4. What is the divine timing for observance of the Lord’s Supper?
For more on the theme, ‘Christian Tradition’,Click here, here and here
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray that the oneness of all believers in Christ advocated and emphasized by Christ be reinforced in the communion of the saints.
PLATFORMS FOR EXPRESSION OF HUMAN TRADITIONS
Lesson: PLATFORMS FOR EXPRESSION OF MEN’S TRADITIONS
TEXT: 1Cor. 11:1-2, 23(RSV)
MEMORY VERSE: 1Cor. 11:2
“I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the TRADITIONS even as I have delivered them to you. (RSV)
INTRODUCTION:
Platforms here-in-after referred is simply opportunity or window for people’s particular ways of life to be exhibited. It
bothers on the items on which these particular traits are noticed: such things as manner of greetings, eating habits, dressing patterns, etc. by which a community of people is recognized.
Both the old regime of Moses in the Laws received at Sanai and the new and final regime of Jesus are replete with circumstances by which we recognize what were the various traditions and/or customs of various people.
OBJECTIVE: At the end d of the lesson, we should be able to see hairstyle and dressing codes, leadership principles, worship patterns, marriage administrations, burial traditions, language and ceremonial days as some of the many platforms or opportunities for expressing men’s customs.
PRESENTATION:
Step I: HAIRSTYLES/DRESSING CODES AS PLATFORMS FOR EXPRESSING SOME TRADITIONS OF THE CORINTHIANS
(a) Hairstyle was an identity of pagan worship custom in Corinth (cf. 1Cor. 11:4-14).
i. The Christians there, after conversion through Paul’s preaching, wrote asking how the worshippers of the “god of Aphrodite,” (god of love) whose temple servants (prostitutes) were identified according to their hairstyle, would keep their hair now as Christians (see 1Cor. 7:1).
ii. The Holy Spirit through Paul told them never to let such tradition before their conversion become a subject of contention (cf. 1Cor. 11:16) since it applies only to them with whom such custom is bound; not in the Christian Faith generally (cf. also Rom.14:5).
(b) What is cardinal here to note is that Paul recommends for modification (for it to run without friction with
the tradition of Christ) and not to be discontinued.
(c) Head covering was a tradition given to the Hebrews and adopted by many in ancient times as a sign of subjection, on the part of a woman, to her husband and for acknowledgement of God’s presence via elect angels.
I. It also encouraged delectable outlook for the husband’s pleasure.
(d) The husband, on the other hand, was not to cover his head in his acknowledgement of Christ’s headship of him.
(e) Every custom has a design in dressing that separates the males from the females which we should see as a fundamental human right and honourable.
STEP II: LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES/WORSHIP
PATTERNS AS PLATFORMS FOR EXPRESSING HUMAN TRADITIONS
1. In Asia Minor (Ephesus 1Tim. 1:3; 2:11-15) and Achaia (Corinth – 1Cor. 14:34-35) where Jewish custom of women’s silence in public meetings was adopted through Synagogue ministrations, (cf. John 7:35; Acts 15:21)
Paul agreed to the tradition of the elders advising women never to struggle to occupy leadership positions in their assemblies.
i. The status quo, Paul accepted for peace to reign in the Christian brotherhood (cf. Rom. 14:13, 19; 1Pet. 3:10-12).
b) In the Province of Galatia, however, the situation was different. There was no observance of such mores as were in Ephesus and Corinth.
i. So, Paul said that (in Christ or by His faith), there is no gender distinction, nationality and professional disparities (See Gal. 3:26-28; Rom.1:14).
– No religious distinction as Jews and
Gentiles.
– No socio-cultural distinction as Greeks and Barbarians
– No economic and political distinctions as
slaves and non-slaves.
– No gender and human distinction as male and female.
ii. In Christ, Paul emphasizes that what matters is spiritual talents’ endowment and the people’s endorsement to determine who leads.
III. This principles apply in all things whatsoever that the Christian community sees honourable and engages in.
a) Enough of our brandishing this Hebrew custom of women’s silence in public assemblies to the suffocation of endowed divine talents as though Christ had ordered so.
i. If any group adopts it, it should be for that group. Let others be who do not subscribe to it (See Rom. 14:14b).
2. The Jews engaged in many customary practices as items for worship (See Mark 7:1-5). It is okay by them and between them alone and God.
(a) What was not clear enough to them was the inability to see those rituals as only binding on them (cf. Rom 14:22; Mark 7:5).
b) Where the Gospel of Christ remains a TRADITION, patterns of administering it must not be made TRADITIONAL. The method has to be TRANSITIONAL depending on grace, divine supplies and needs.
Step 111: MARRIAGE ADMINISTRATIONS AND BURIAL RITES AS PLATFORMS FOR EXPRESSING MEN’S TRADITIONS
1. The Hebrews’ traditional rites were enough to make people couples: Jesus’ presence in one of such marriages in Cana (John 2:1-10) suggests divine endorsement.
(a) Our traditional marriage rites are also enough for God’s endorsement if we settle for our own and stop the adoption of foreign traditions which are equal before God, even those of the Hebrews found in Bible.
(b) marriage is only honourable in God’s sight because it is done so spiritually. (cf. Heb.13:4).
i. It is the spiritual hand of God that unites them through sex after men had witnessed the performance of the traditional marital rites (cf. 1Cor. 6:13-16). God can accept this anywhere.
(c) Parents/guardians and Ministers of the Gospel (Christians) have the duty to advise, encourage, pray for and support the marriage partners.
2. Burial rites in God’s mind were to be as simple as possible so as not to lead people into idolatry which is fellowship, for any reason whatsoever, with invisible beings rather than God through Christ (cf. Jesus’ burial style for adoption – John 19:38-42),
i. We know that fellowship is in giving and taking and, in the case of worship, honour.(a) Despite Jesus dying sinless as the Son of God, His body was neither mummified (embalmed), flown to His hometown, Nazareth, nor was there any form of economic wastages in the name of a befitting burial.
i. l am yet to be convinced what should account for saddling someone with the responsibility of ringing bell on the day a Christian corpse is to be interred.
ii. Is it to honour the spirit of the dead person? If it is, then, all of us must rise up to stamp out from among us since that is idolatry in Scripture.
iii. These days, there’s an initiation of another pattern of idolatry expressed in the throwing of caskets around in the fictitious belief that the dead person is happy for a befitting burial and dancing.
iv. How about the drink offerings in libation and the needless throwing of sand into the grave first by Church leaders before others?
– When did God asked that such Scripture as “to the sand, you will go, the place from which you came” be demonstrated?
Step IV: LANGUAGE AND CEREMONIAL DAYS AS PLATFORMS FOR EXPRESSING HUMAN TRADITION
1. There are economic ceremonial days/months/years fixed by community leaders in which community lands are cultivated; their palm plantations harvested; etc.
(a) Christian tradition is not against such practices unless the people’s continued learning modifies due to innovations.
i. There are many well to do graduates today who were trained with money from such sources. May such people-centred and beneficial traditions continue, brethren.
(b) It is the same way the Jewish Christians observed many Sabbaths before and after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension without being condemned. (cf. Col. 2:16-17; Acts 21:17-25).
2. Greek language unified the various arms of government in New Testament times although Latin was the official language not popularly used (Acts 22:37; Jn.19:20).
a) Similarly, Aramaic language (the official language of the Babylonians which the Hebrews learned during their seventy (70) years in captivity) gave some listening grace to the Hebrew crowd to give more
attention to Paul (See Acts 21:40-22:2).
(b) Understood language as a medium of communication normally unites a people together for achievement of their set goals without friction (cf. Gen. 11:5-7).
CONCLUSION:
Whatsoever brings any people together when practiced soon becomes a tradition and/or custom.
EVALUATION:
1. Mention any two features of people’s tradition as a mark of their identity.
2. If the Christian Faith is a tradition, what differentiates it from other traditions?
3. “If any tradition honours the spirit of the dead or any invisible being other than God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, it is idolatry.” Discuss.
PRAYER: Thank God for the lesson and pray against all forms of malice and that the “the golden rule” of ‘Matt.7:12’ take a centre stage in us in every transaction.
TRADITION, A MEANS OF UNIFYING PEOPLE
Lesson: TRADITION, A MEANS OF UNIFYING PEOPLE
TEXT: Mark 7::1-7
MEMORY VERSE: Mark 7:3
The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.” (NIV)
INTRODUCTION:
People get along because of what they believe in common or that for which they have agreed to work together. This is a unifying force and serves as a means of admitting others into their fold. This is what obtains whether in thinly or densely populated people as an identifiable or particular way of life. Not all belonging to a people group have been so biologically. Some submit to indoctrinations of such identity convincingly enough for such status to be granted them by the heritage owners (cf. Hebrew Proselytes Acts 2:5).
OBJECTIVE: This lesson is for our knowledge of how various traditional mores of various people serve as unifying force that binds such people to continue as one indivisible people or union.
PRESENTATION:
Step I: BUSINESS INTEREST AND RELIGIOUS TRADITION OF THE GODDESS “ARTEMIS” BROUGHT SOME PEOPLE IN EPHESUS TOGETHER
(a) Demetrius, the silversmith, took advantage of what the traditional belief of the Ephesians was for his business interest (See Acts 19:23-27, 35-41).
i. There is a lesson here that what God has made us to be must not be concealed.
ii. Peter, by inspiration, admonishes us to be always ready to give a defense of why we live the life of Christ even though tough (See 1 Pet. 3:13-15).
STEP Il: THE TRADITION OF MOSES (THE TORAH) AND THAT OF THE ELDERS (THE TALMUD) UNIFIED THE PEOPLE AGAINST JESUS
(a) The people of Jesus’ day declared their allegiance to Moses because of what God handed down to them through him (cf. John 9:27-29).
i. This is a reference to the instructions of life Moses collected at Horeb (Mount Sanai in Arabia) (See Gal. 4:21-31).
ii. This is in line with Jesus’ enquiry in “Luke 6:46” to ascertain the justification for men to declare Him as Lord with mouth without concomitant obedience with daily living.
STEP IlI: THE BELIEFS OF THE SADDUCEES UNIFIED THEM (Acts 23:8)
(a) At any level, what it is that a people take as their tradition or belief must unite them.
(b) In the Scripture above, the Sadducees accepted and defended anyone who agreed with them that there is neither resurrection, spirit nor angel.
i. Whether or not this was correct united them which is the goal of every tradition.
ii. Every people must know their right to their tradition provided such tradition does not run counter to the tradition of Christ.
CONCLUSION:
Any tradition – whether political, social, economic or worship (religious), primarily becomes meaningful to those binding themselves with such tradition. It is their fundamental human right anyway. The next in importance for such people to be mindful of is divine endorsement without which their continued existence will be threatened (cf. Acts 17:24-28). Men may misunderstand us with regards to our way of life (customs and/or tradition) (cf. Rom. 14:22). But we must be sure they do not run counter to our Creator’s order.
EVALUATION:
1. How was it possible for the people of Jesus’ day to follow Moses who was not among them but reject Jesus Who was living with them?
2. Tradition is a people’s fundamental human right unless … (complete).
3. It is only God-ordained traditions and/or customs that can unite subjects. (True or False)
4. “Those who practice their customs and/or traditions in secret are both cowards and sinners.” Why?
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray for the love of
Christ to permeate the hearts of men always as guide to
every thought and action.
For terms’ definition, read the previous lesson here.
Customs And Traditions
Lesson: “CUSTOM” AND “TRADITION” USED INTERCHANGEABLY IN SCRIPTURE
TEXT: Matt. 15:1-9
MEMORYVERSE: Matt. 15:8-9
These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”(NIV)
INTRODUCTION
The semantics of the words “tradition” and “custom” is similar and can give the same result in application. This calls for no need to attempt to distinguish between them. Instead, efforts should be tailored towards how they are applied among various people groups who are entitled to live their lives in such a way that maximizes their God-given potentials without friction with other individuals or groups whose traditions or customs may be dissimilar.
OBJECTIVE: In our lesson today, may we see some synonyms to the words “tradition” and “custom” separately and how the application of their meanings among a people group would result to no friction.
PRESENTATION:
Step 1: SYNONYMS (0THER WORDS) FOR “TRADITION”
(a) According to United States’ Thesaurus Dictionary, the synonyms for “tradition” are cụstom, ritual, habit, convention, belief, folklore, practice and institution.
i. Its opposite is “innovation” or ‘contemporary’.
(b) Jesus answering the Pharisees about the Jewish tradition, referred earlier to it in verse nine of our text as “commandments of men” (KJV) and as “rules taught by men” (NIV).
i. The words, “commandments” and “rules’ herein used are similar to “beliefs”, “customs”. “conventions” and “practice”
Step II: SYNONYMS (OTHER WORDS) FOR “CUSTOM”
(a) The United States’ Thesaurus Dictionary posits that tradition, convention, routine, practice, habit, ritual, institution, norm and pattern are some words similar in meaning to “custom”.
(b) The conventional manner a people are known for doing a particular thing is such people’s tradition and/or custom.
i. In John 2:6″, “the manner of the purifying of the Jews” (KJV) and “the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing” (NIV) can also be understood as “according to their custom and tradition”
ii. Here, we see that the marriage in the clan of Cana in the Province of Galilee above which Jesus, His mother and disciples attended was traditional but God-ordained and sufficed for legalizing the union of those concerned.
– We should similarly allow marriages conducted under our various traditions and/or customs stand independently to
count for accepting our intending couples.
Step 111: TRADITION OR CUSTOM AS DOCTRINE
(a) In beliefs, traditions and customs of a people may differ but not in practice.
i. They are indoctrinations of unification of
adherents for everyday life (cf. John 9:27-29).
(b) They are words (documented or not) which, when practiced, identify origin and heritage of a people (cf. Luke 2:1-4).
CONCLUSION:
Traditions and/or customs of people are indoctrinations which benefits can primarily be best explained by
adherents and have to be maintained and propagated among them for posterity. A people’s traditions (customs) are always all-inclusive in the affairs of those with whom they (the traditions) are bound.
EVALUATION:
1. Why should the words, “tradition” and “custom” be used interchangeably?
2. What are three words which meanings are synonymous with “custom” and “tradition”?
3. Why should tradition and/or custom of a people be jealously observed?
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray for sincere faith in Christ among all those who Confess Jesus as Lord and Christ.
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE EARTH
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE EARTH
Great child of God, READ AND REAP continues its flashback on The Kingdom of God God bless us together for continually searching Scriptures as workmen always rightly dividing (interpreting) God’s word as He commands.
Theme: KINGDOM OF GOD
Lesson: THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE EARTH
Text: Acts 17:16,22-31 Memory Verse: Matt. 16:23
Objective:
The intended outcome of our lesson will be to approve from Scriptures how nothing can take place in the earth (from humans and other creatures) without spiritual endorsement and consequent enforcement from the heavens.
Introduction:
Running the earth is an administration to be carried out by the Owner or by one authorized by the Owner. The Scripture reveals that Jehovah God is the Maker, Owner and Keeper of the earth. (See Gen. 1:1,2) Later writers God used also confirm the status quo. (Our lead text) Our lead text also tells us that the Maker is an invisible being (Spirit) that we must not confuse for visible images. (Acts 17:29) In order to maintain the earth, He resides in the visible representations of the invisible realities in His heavens. (cf. Gen. 2:4,5 where all things were created in the heavens but were never visible on earth because there was no rain and husbandmen) All that He made that understand Him as Spirit must seek Him in His nature (spirit) or they cannot see or understand how He runs His earth. (See Gal. 5:24,25; 2Cor.5:6,7,16,17)
Presentation:
Step1: GOOD OR HOLY SPIRIT FEATURES IN HIS ADHERENTS
a) Jehovah was speaking through Peter just before Satan spoke through him also. (Our Memory Verse)
i. The good spirit is determined by the good and welfare intentions shown.
– that is whether it agrees with God’s written will – cf. Matt. 15:2,3; 22:29.
– that is whether it releases benefits to the neighborhood – cf. 1Jn.3:16-19; 4:20,21.
b) Any beneficial directive in Scripture should be seen as spoken by God through the human vessels He chooses and not by the human vessels. (cf. 2Cor.4:7)
i. It is not Peter or Paul saying, but Jehovah saying through them.
Step2: BAD OR EVIL SPIRIT FEATURES IN HIS ADHERENTS
a) Whether a good Spirit (God) or a bad spirit (Satan) backs any phenomenon, it cannot manifest in the earth without King Jesus’ approval. (See Matt. 16:13-23)
b) Thanks to God that Jesus defeated God’s opposition leader (Satan) and took the final authority (key) from him. (cf. Eph. 4:7,8; Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 2:15)
i. Nothing manifests or fails to manifest on earth from the heavens without King Jesus’ approval. Hallelujah! (ibid)
For more information on “DEFENDING OUR GOD-GIVEN CROWN” Click here
and “FEATURES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD” here
Evaluation:
1. When men witness for Christ, who do you see talking?
2. State two ways to determine a good or Holy Spirit.
3. Why are all things possible with God?
4. When did Jesus finally defeat God’s opposition leader – Satan?
5. “Nothing manifests or fails to manifest on earth without King Jesus’ approval.” Explain
This takes us to the last lesson on the theme. May God’s Spirit provide the needed details. 🙏
Michael James Ekperikpe (MSN)
