Sunday, February 24, 2013

On 3-3-13, Daniel 7:1-3, 9-14 or 7:9-14 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Daniel’s Vision of Change

Daniel’s Vision of Change
Daniel 7:1-3, 9-14 or 7:9-14
International Sunday School Lesson
March 3, 2013



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough


The next two of three week’s lessons could be a bit challenging for me and I may decide to take a week off for the first time in 3 years.  But we will see where it goes!
Let me begin by saying that I have definite ideas about prophecy including those from Daniel having spent countless hours in study;  having said that I will make it a point not to share those interpretations with you.
I find that teaching absolutes with regard to scriptures written in figurative language can be dangerous and is careless of those who teach.
The end times deal with the worst times that have ever been and for the Christian there are real dangers to be considered and for the non-Christian there are soul threatening dangers.  If that is what were emphasized then the ability to be aware of the danger of being deceived that Christ warned of in Matthew 24 would be strengthened.
For me this week I want to concentrate on what we know with certainty.  The first is what the scripture tells us about Daniel, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.  And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” Daniel 1:17   But, and you can underline that, though he was blessed so, he himself could not interpret the visions he was given concerning our scripture today nor that one we will look at in a couple weeks.  Even the interpretations he sought and was given are written in a figurative manner.
Should we ignore them?  Not at all, the essence of them is fleshed out by Jesus and Paul and Peter in that we know how things will be and the dangers involved and that is what is important.  These are the last but most perilous times for mankind right before Christ returns.
The next thing that we know with certainty is that an image of God is seen here with a vision of His throne room such as we see similarly in Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1 and Revelation.
Next we know that the “one like a son of man” can only be Jesus.
Finally we can be certain that whatever words we want to add whether we are correct in their interpretation or are just being puffed up like the horn of verse 11 that in the end He will reign forever and ever.  That is what all who are waiting for Him can take heart in if they have to endure to the end.  And it is what those who refuse Him will fear and mourn.


For Discussion:

1.      Discuss the multiple thrones in sight in verse 9.
2.      Discuss God being called Ancient of Days in verse 9.
3.      Discuss the similarity of the other visions of the Throne Room from the Bible.
4.      Discuss the title “son of man”.
5.      Discuss “coming with the clouds of heaven”.
6.      Discuss this idea of God on a throne.
7.      Though not included today we see later in this chapter that Daniel was deeply troubled by what he saw.  Discuss that fact.



Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries



3-10-13:   Daniel’s Prayer Daniel 9:4-14, 17 or 9:4b-14
3-17-13:  Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision aka Gabriel’s Interpretation Daniel 8:1, 15-26 or 8:19-26
3-24-13:   The Lord’s Supper Luke 22:14-30
3-31-13:   The Lord Lives aka The Lord Has Risen Indeed! Luke 24:13-21, 28-35




Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved




Sunday, February 17, 2013

On 2-24-13, Colossians 4:2-17 or 4:2-6 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Disciplined for Life aka Spiritual Disciplines for New Life

Disciplined for Life aka Spiritual Disciplines for New Life Colossians 4:2-17 or 4:2-6
International Sunday School Lesson
February 24, 2013



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough


At first glance it would seem that I would have to write two very different commentaries for those who are only looking at verses 2-6 as compared to those studying all the way to verse 17.   In fact the message Paul was delivering here to the Colossians was showing us repetitively in all these verses what they were all to be about.  The they being the Colossians, Paul, Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas, Nympha, Archippus, the Laodiceans and all who are Christian in performing the work of the Gospel.
Paul wanted all those who heard his letter and not just the Colossians who received it first to do what he instructed in the letter: be devoted in prayer, to be thankful, to be watchful for opportunities so that the opportunity would always be seized to share the gospel, to communicate the news about those who were spreading the gospel away from where the reader or listener were located and to encourage others.
Probably most of us do a pretty fair job of praying for those who staff our places of worship but I think it might also be fair to say that we start falling off as we start ticking off the other areas Paul had mentioned.
It is important that we not lose sight of our individual roles outside the church to prepare ourselves to share the gospel.  Being alert for those opportunities and then when they arise to have the words ready in our mind to talk about Jesus in a coherent manner.
And what about those as Paul listed who were out there doing the work elsewhere?  Have you come to rely on the committee where you worship to be up on those outside ministries your church supports?
Your place of worship may do a great job at supporting ministries that are doing the work of the gospel but Paul demonstrates you should be in prayer for them on a first name basis.  Aware of who they are and what they do and what they are going through and what their needs, success and failures are.
We have grown by huge numbers since Paul wrote this but the intimate nature of awareness and prayer must be regained.  If those who make up our churches cannot be more involved due to the sheer size of where they worship than the church needs to think about downsizing instead of growth.  Plant a new church where everyone is needed and known.  Make individual efforts to know who and what your church supports and offer suggestions about others.
Imagine if everyone who made up the church today was as intimately familiar as the recipients of this letter were and were doing what Paul was teaching in these verses how much sooner our fullness would come in and thus hasten our Lord Jesus return!



For Discussion:

1.      Discuss the awareness of those where you worship concerning those your place of worship supports.
2.      As a class come to know, pray for and support a ministry.
3.      Encourage your church to bring in on a regular basis during times of worship and fellowship those ministries your church supports.
4.      Have at least quarterly a class for people to attend to help them to clearly know how to share the gospel.
5.      Discuss how your church can be more visible to outsiders.
6.      Form and become acquainted with sister churches then be in prayer one for the other.
7.      Discuss ways to make as many people as possible familiar with different ministries that exist.


Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries





3-3-13:     Daniel’s Vision of Change Daniel 7:1-3, 9-14 or 7:9-14
3-10-13:   Daniel’s Prayer Daniel 9:4-14, 17 or 9:4b-14
3-17-13:  Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision aka Gabriel’s Interpretation Daniel 8:1, 15-26 or 8:19-26
3-24-13:   The Lord’s Supper Luke 22:14-30




Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved



Sunday, February 10, 2013

On 2-17-13, Colossians 3:5-17 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Clothed with Christ

Clothed with Christ
 Colossians 3:5-17
International Sunday School Lesson
February 17, 2013



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough

How do you clothe yourself?  One leg or arm at a time.  First the foot or hand or head go through the opening and the rest follows.  It is a step by step process we don’t even think about but one that doesn’t happen by itself.  So also is the process of living holy.
Rather ironic isn’t it?  There is nothing works wise we can do to be justified in God’s sight but there is much to do to live holy lives in His sight.
The analogy that Paul uses to clothe oneself is really apt as we discussed that there is a process to be followed in order for it to work.  Just like putting your head through the proper opening of a t-shirt is the only way it works we have to start with our heads.  What I mean is our minds.
Paul says in the not included verse 2, “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”  It takes a proper mindset to do the rest of what is included in today’s scripture.  Having your thoughts immersed in anger or lust it will be impossible to be forgiving or humble.  But concentrating for instance instead on Christ’s love we are able to love, be humble or forgive.
It is also a constant thing.  We find success and sometimes we relax and wake up to realize we have become back sliders.  Rather than being dejected we must brush ourselves off and start anew.  But having experience rather like riding a bike we aren’t really starting from scratch and we really aren’t doing it alone.
This process many of us know by the name of sanctification comes with a big help if we remember it in that we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit who will help us even when we don’t know what to ask for.
Sometimes we may doubt this but our desiring to live holy lives is proof positive that it is so.  Romans 8 tells us that this is what the Spirit desires.  The sinful mind however is hostile to God.  It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”
You want to please God but you fail sometimes.  Those who aren’t his have no desire to please Him.  Quit beating yourself up for falling from time to time and literally forgive yourself.  The process takes time but it does require effort. 
Let’s go back to this idea of clothing yourself.  You ever wear something for the first time and feel really awkward?  Maybe it was high heels or a hat.  Maybe it was a suit or a new hairstyle.  Sure it did feel weird at first but if you stuck with it long enough it became like a second skin for you.  Living holy is like that too.


For Discussion:

1.      Discuss why we still sin.
2.      Discuss different ways we can make it easier on ourselves to live holy lives.
3.      Discuss prejudice in light of verse 11.
4.      Discuss where you are particularly weak and where you think you are doing better.
5.      Have people share positive success examples so as to help others.
6.      Read Romans 6.
7.      Discuss verse 16.


Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries


2-24-13:   Disciplined for Life aka Spiritual Disciplines for New Life Colossians 4:2-17 or 4:2-6
3-3-13:     Daniel’s Vision of Change Daniel 7:1-3, 9-14 or 7:9-14
3-10-13:   Daniel’s Prayer Daniel 9:4-14, 17 or 9:4b-14
3-17-13:  Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision aka Gabriel’s Interpretation Daniel 8:1, 15-26 or 8:19-26



Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved


Sunday, February 3, 2013

On 2-10-13, Colossians 2:6-15 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Raised with Christ aka Full Life in Christ

Raised with Christ aka Full Life in Christ
 Colossians 2:6-15
International Sunday School Lesson
February 10, 2013



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough



I imagine that a lot of you have contemplated becoming missionaries.  In the passion of your faith you have longed to do your part in the work of the Great Commission.  Thank God that we have people who have not just witnessed to a neighbor but have set out to unfamiliar environs to do just that.  But have you ever wondered what they sometimes unknowingly have shared besides the gospel?
There is such a beautiful simplicity to the gospel that people sometimes think they need to add a measure of pizzazz in order to make it palatable or worthy of attention.  Instead of preaching Christ and Him crucified as Paul concentrated on most have always added their spin to it.  Some of it seems simple enough on the surface but it is the stuff of which our separations as a church are created.
Imagine a series of five remote islands that are each a day’s journey by boat apart.  Each of the islands is visited by a different missionary.  One is Methodist, the next is a Baptist, another is Lutheran, a fourth is from an independent Christian church and the final one is Jesuit.
Imagine then a year later when people from the five islands gathered together in an annual get-together for trade and a refreshing of relationships.  Those present excitedly wish to witness to their neighbor and find they have already been witnessed to.  Now they excitedly talk about their new faith when the differences they have been exposed to start to put up barriers instead of drawing them even closer.  There are differences in baptism, communion, and roles for men and women, healing, gifts of the Spirit and so many more.
This is what I thought of when I read Paul’s letter to the Colossians.  I imagined how much better a witness would have been accomplished on each of these Islands if they would have just received Bibles in a language they understood and nothing else.  And I imagined then what their gathering would have been like. 
We may not preach a need to be circumcised or to follow some other aspect of the written code but we may preach a gospel that bears little resemblance to what Paul preached.
Do we teach that we have the solution to your aging parents, your finances, how to be good stewards or be better in our household roles?  These are all admirable but are often hours spent away from the gospel and an in depth study from the word.  If that in fact had been done those other things just naturally follow but most would consider that an unappealing approach for churches today. 
It is my opinion that there is one way to depend on Christ but there are many ways and layers to hollow and deceptive philosophy.


For Discussion:

1.      Is the place where you worship guilty of “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world” rather than on Christ?  Can you even discuss it?
2.      If you are willing to admit there is a problem, what are you willing to do about it?
3.      If your place of worship were to change what it taught in an attempt to rely more on Christ and less on the basic principles of this world, what would be the consequences?  Are they really consequences?
4.      Consider what Christ meant when he spoke of worshiping in spirit and in truth.
5.      It is not just for the preacher and teacher to consider what you “preach and teach”  but also the Christian in general.
6.      Discuss how according to the signs of the end of the age this type of teaching especially telling people what their “itching ears want to hear” shall become prevalent.
7.      If we are aware of this how much of a test should we hold our preaching and teaching to assure we aren’t a part of what was warned would occur?
8.      If you were to preach or teach sermons or lessons from today’s passage of scripture, reread the scripture verse by verse.  How many ideas for these messages come to mind in just 5 minutes?  Give it a whirl and discuss how God’s word is sufficient for our lives without our coming up with ways to make it relevant to today’s world.


Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries





2-17-13:   Clothed with Christ Colossians 3:5-17
2-24-13:   Disciplined for Life aka Spiritual Disciplines for New Life Colossians 4:2-17 or 4:2-6
3-3-13:     Daniel’s Vision of Change Daniel 7:1-3, 9-14 or 7:9-14
3-10-13:   Daniel’s Prayer Daniel 9:4-14, 17 or 9:4b-14



Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved