Advent Week 1: Hope

HOPE IN CHRIST!

The Light of Hope

ADVENT: It’s all about getting ready for; then celebrating the birth of Christ [Jesus of nazareth] Advent = Arrival. The Messiah, Jesus Christ has made one arrival…He will make another. The traditional celebration of Advent focuses on the first & second coming of Christ! Advent started in the late 5th century as a series of fasts to prepare for Christmas. Advent liturgy is found in the late 6th century Homilies of Pope Gregory The Great. By the late 8th century the term ‘Advent’ we used and celebrated around Europe. In the 14th century it becomes the custom to celebrate Advent the five weeks before Christmas [not tied to dates] The five weeks correspond to five themes: HOPE / JOY / FAITH / LOVE / PEACE

TODAY WE BEGIN WITH HOPE! Multiple dimensions of Hope! Hope prior to the Advent of the Messiah: The Jews placed their hope in Messiah. Hope Now for a life transformed by Messiah: Christ followers have Hope in HIM! Hope for the return of Messiah and eternity with Him: Our Hope: Eternity With Christ!

We need hope…real hope, not the false hope found in this world [money, politics, career]. Real hope is found in the truth about and a relationship with OUR CREATOR. Part of discovering real hope [JESUS CHRIST] recognizing this world is hopeless, apart from God and the Messiah Jesus Christ! OUR HOPE IS IN A PERSON!

For us it begins with THE PROMISE OF HOPE! That the people of God had through His prophets. God had promised them A Messiah, A Deliverer, A Savior. Our 1st Scripture today is a passage about this future hope. For them and US.

Understanding Biblical Prophecy is challenging; Some parts are for the people then, some are for future readers, some are for both…

Isaiah 9:2-7 NLT

2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

  • The people who walk in darkness & live in a land of deep dark [can’t avoid it]
  • The light is sent for those who inhabit a world where darkness rules [You & me]
  • God planned [from the beginning] to shine the light…to oppose the darkness

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. ~ John 1:1-5 [CSB]

THE HOPE OF LIGHT OVERCOMING DARKNESS

Why was Christmas fixed by the church on December 25th? Around but not on the darkest day of the year…replacing Roman festivities?.. That date was tied to the idea of LIGHT breaking through darkness: it’s a big deal!!! Let’s make the most of these 5 weeks [ADVENT] to prepare our hearts to celebrate!

3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.

  • The Nation of Israel = God’s People
  • The Nation of Israel received from God security, purpose, justice, mercy, love
  • Somewhat match the themes of advent: Hope, Joy, Faith, Love & Peace
  • God is going to include everyone else in the blessing of being HIS
  • It is going to be ‘As Good as it Gets’…[Life & Death] Winning @ Harvest & War

4 For You will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when You destroyed the army of Midian.

  • Why is everyone going to celebrate full out?
  • The destruction of the army of Midian was carried out by Gideon & 300 men
  • Gideon, the ultimate underdog
  • God delivered all of His People [at the time] with that victory
  • There was no way that 300 men could do what happened, ONLY GOD could
  • God’s people have hope in the God of Gideon to do what only HE can do

5 The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

  • The things of war will no longer have use [future / 2nd coming]
  • The fire is God creating a new heaven and a new earth when christ returns

Things present & future we can place our HOPE in…but who can make this happen?

6 For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  • A child…who’s child? A Son…who’s son?
  • He will be in total control…because He is God
  • The Man of God known as Isaiah tells us about Him, His Place & Name
  • Wonderful Counselor: The bringer of all wisdom [Holy Spirit]
  • Mighty God: Creator / Ruler of The Universe
  • Everlasting Father: Eternal Love, the unconditional love of a parent. [Father]
  • Prince of Peace: The bringer of true peace [right relationship with God] [Son]

7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

  • The never ending part begins with the SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST
  • Christ is full of Grace & Truth = Fairness & Justice
  • The continuing of what God showed shadows of thru David [human element]
  • This last line is amazing! That is a ‘Power Title’ /
  • He can make it happen…He is absolutely committed to making it happen

God made it happen…He sent His only Son [Christ Jesus] Because He has come we have HOPE FOR TODAY! Jesus proclaimed it Himself!

Isiah 61:1 [CJB]

The Spirit of The Lord God is upon me, because The Lord has anointed Me

to announce good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim freedom to the captives, to let out into light those bound in the dark.

  • Christ is both the announcer and enactor of ‘THE GOOD NEWS’ [Messiah]
  • HIS Mission: Freedom, Healing & Release from the power of SIN aka Darkness
  • Christ came to offers this to YOU… NOW! TODAY!
  • He came to release YOU from a dungeon of sin & shame
  • He came to heal your broken heart and bring you the good news about eternity

We have Hope for Today… We also have HOPE FOR ETERNITY!

“However, those the Father has given Me will come to Me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent Me, not to do My own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given Me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.” ~ Jesus The Christ @ John 6:37-38 [NLT]

“He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” ~ Jesus The Christ @ John 12:45-47 [NASB]

Jesus Christ wants to give you hope! Hope for this life and eternity!

Make The Most of the Gift of Hope

Hope is a person [Jesus]! Is He fully born in YOU?

Hope is available today! Will YOU let God’s light free & heal YOU?

Hope for eternity is in Christ! Will YOU trust Him for all things?

Doing Advent Right

Put all of your HOPE in Christ

Let the JOY of The Lord flow

Take some real steps of FAITH

Make room in your life for LOVE

Bask in a place of PEACE with God

/by

1st Timothy Pt. 11: Guard the Deposit

1 Timothy 6:11-21 (ESV)

The text this morning is meant to pump us up. It is the end of Paul’s letter, and he wants to leave Timothy with a sense of encouragement and purpose. 

The series title has been “cultural foundations of Christ’s church”. So hopefully you could answer the question, what is church culture founded on?

Paul tells us the purpose of his letter in chapter 3, which is “so you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God.” How should the church operate?

Our text today, Paul comes back around to the same themes he started it with. In chapter 1, the takeaways were (3): everything comes from God, the church should watch out for destructive teaching, and Christians should be prepared to endure for the faith, to run a hard race.

11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

•       The context of this verse is directly following the love of money, that is what Paul is commanding Timothy flee from.
•       True ministry, not false teaching, will NOT be centered around riches and greed. He says as much by calling Timothy a “man of God”.

13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

•       We get a nice big beautiful run on sentence. I didn’t want to break it up, but let’s pull out some of the key points. Paul commands Timothy to keep his word, to keep the commandment until Jesus returns. 
•       vs 13 Paul calls out Jesus’ confession as an example for us. Look at John 18:37
o       37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 
•       The confession of Jesus is that his life’s purpose is to bear witness to the truth. That should be our similar confession!
•       Ultimately, I think this passage is best seen in the context of what motivates a Christian leader. It is not the riches and material gain that false teachers seek. It is the reality of eternity.

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

•       Do not “set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches”. This point is central. The pitfall of riches is that they delude us into trusting that we are in control. The desire of riches is to think that we’ll have more control over our lives if we could just have more money.
•       To stand with confidence on the things in the life is a fool’s errand. It can all disappear very quickly. Look at the number of celebrities who have had their lives ruined, sometimes rightfully so, because of horrific things they’ve done. Or someone like Muhammed Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time but 3 years after he retired was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The riches of the world are uncertain.

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
Grace be with you. 

•       The Lord has entrusted a great treasure in us, and we are to watch out over it. That treasure is the gospel. We have been given new life and the church is built of people who use it!
•       Do you know someone who has gone astray? It seldom starts where it ends. It ends with rejection of the true gospel. But it may start with only a small disagreement over doctrine, or a rejection of a certain part of scripture. Eventually that can and does grow until a shipwreck has been made of your faith. 

Before we finish this series let’s revisit some of the main takeaways. What does this church need to know?

Takeaways
There are serious standards for leaders.
–       We read in chapter 3 the qualifications for deacons and elders

Everyone has a role to play
–       Chapters 3 and 5 talk about the roles of church members and leaders. 

The church is entrusted with the gospel. 
–       Chapters 1, 4 and 6 all mention the hope that we uniquely have in Jesus.

The church prays for her leaders.
–       We saw in chapter 2 that the church needs be praying for our leaders. 

The church should be known for riches of good works, not material riches.
–       We saw this in chapter 2 and throughout chapter 6.
–       Do not adorn yourself with wealth but with good works. 

Thankfully this is not a moving target. Our culture is built on scripture, not the prevailing sentiments of the day.

Application

Everything comes from the Lord. How can we be reminded of God’s providence? 
–       What are things you take for granted? 
–       What things do you think you can do on your own? That you’re in charge of?
–       What ways can we demonstrate our dependance on God?

How are you engaging in spiritual training?
–       Do you spend time preparing for the hard spiritual work ahead? 
–       Am I spending time and energy to get ready to fight the good fight?

How am I growing? 
–       Are you in a different place spiritually than you were 6 months ago? 
–       it would be weird to see a Christian sitting in the same pew, not developing.

How do my desires for how church is to run align with the bible?
–       Are your desires based on personal preference? Something you think should be allowed? Or based on what the Bible says.

Sneak preview ahead in to 2 Timothy 2:2 “entrust [what you have heard from me] to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”.

/by

1st Timothy Pt. 10: Leadership Standards

1st Timothy 6:2b-10 [ESV]

The making of a Biblical Church leader takes time…and focus… and humility and trust in God’s Word and in God’s people…God has given those who He calls to lead HIS people clear standards, in both the Old Testament and in the writing of the New Testament, by which to live and to govern the church. Thank God for standards!

A part of any people’s culture are the standards to which their leaders are held accountable to. Integrity. Character. Contentment. New Testament Church leaders are called to a high standard!

2b. Teach and urge these things.

  • This is regarding what he has written so far…
  • It is also about what he is going to close up this letter with [Character]

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.

  • A different doctrine = A different Gospel
  • Sound doctrine = the VERIFIED words of our Lord
  • Teaching that accords with godliness = Old Testament Scriptures

He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

  • This paragraph is about those who disagree with the teachings of Christ
  • This is describing such people who claim special knowledge, or the secret…
  • They pray on lost people by fostering emotional upheaval: ‘stirring the pot’
  • This is the ‘Religious Scam Artist’…One Big Confidence Con [The Sting]

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

  • There is a way for religion to be of great gain: Faith that produces contentment!
  • “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” ~ Job @ Job 1:21 [ESV]
  • When your hope is set on the next world. you don’t need stuff in this world
  • Righteousness that is fully experienced makes for material contentment
  • GOSPEL OPERTUNITY!!!

9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

  • In contrast: those who desire wealth over all else, set their hope on…what?
  • God’s Word says if you desire to be rich you will be tempted by STUFF…
  • God’s Word says if you long for material things you will get caught in a trap!
  • God’s Word says if you are captivated by money…it will lead to destruction!

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

  • Not Money itself… it is the LOVE of money that is a gateway to evil, why?
  • Money is an idol / Money makes us self-reliant / Money makes us Proud
  • This ‘Craving’… what one is devoted to / an indulgence / an uncontrollable urge
  • Love of Money = Covetousness [Wanting what is not yours] 10th commandment
  • The pursuit of money distracts you from ‘The Faith’ [Salvation OR Discipleship]
  • If you are interested in ‘Godliness’, the love of money will hinder your walk

3 BIBLICAL STANDARDS 4 CHRISTIAN LEADERS

1. Adhere to Doctrinal Orthodoxy: Humbly trust in what has been passed down

2. Unite The Body: Focus on the application of what Scripture has always taught

3. Be Content with Modest Lifestyle: Avoiding occupation with money & other evils

3 Responses of Midtown Covenant Members to this passage

DO NOT Tolerate un-Biblical doctrine or teaching [Beware the ‘NEW’]

DO NOT Tolerate the dividing of the Body with controversy and drama

DO NOT Tolerate leaders who are more occupied with money than the Body

/by

1 Timothy Pt. 9: Honor To Whom Honor Is Due

I Timothy 5:17-6:2b (ESV)

Having previously written the qualifications for elders (chapter 3), Paul wrote about the relationship and responsibilities between elders and the flock, with the focus on how the members treat their pastors. Timothy was charged with restoring something that was broken, in 5 key areas: honor, care/provision, protection, public rebuke (when necessary), and careful selection.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.

If you are a Christian, then you too are under the yoke of Christ, a bondservant of the Lord. Our testimony is more important that any personal liberty. As Gal 3:28 reminds us there is no “bond or free….for we are all one in Christ.” We still live in a world of owners and employees, supervisors and workers. Why live in the manner Paul describes? So that God and His Word will not be slandered. Eternity matters in the work place. Do your work unto the Lord. The truth of the gospel rests on you as you work.

Summary Points:

-Healthy relationships between pastors and members is essential to being a healthy flock. We are in this kingdom work together. Otherwise, we devolve into an “us” v. “them” divide, with the clergy distinct and separate from parishioners.

-Honor (provide/care) your pastors, especially those who labor in the Word. Whether here or if the Lord plants you elsewhere, you will be apart of a healthy gospel ministry, if you do this. Hebrews 13:17 indicates this is important and in the members’ best interests. Disregarding or dishonoring pastors inflicts significant injuries throughout the flock.

-Wherever the Lord plants you, wherever you live, learn, work, or play, the gospel rests on you and me. It is not for others to live and to declare. It is for you and me.

/by