Of mankind to care for earth:

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground. – Genesis 1.28

To “rule over” something is to have absolute authority and control over it. God has ultimate rule over the earth, and he exercises his authority with loving care.  When God delegated some of his authority to the human race, he expected us to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that share our planet.  We must not be careless and wasteful as we fulfil this charge.  God was careful how he made this earth.  We must not be careless about how we take care of it.

(So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1.27 God made both man and woman in his image.  Neither man nor woman is made more in the image of God than the other.  From the beginning the Bible places both man and woman at the pinnacle of God’s creation.  Neither sex is exalted, and neither is appreciated.)

(God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day Genesis 1.31 God saw that all he had created was very good.  You are part of God’s creation, and he is pleased with how he made you.  If at times you feel worthless or of little value, remember that God made you for a good reason.  You are valuable to him.)

We should fulfil ours and let God fulfil his:

The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in. – Genesis 7.16

Many have wondered how this animal kingdom roundup happened. Did Noah and his sons spend years collecting all the animals?  In reality the creation, along with Noah, was doing just as God had commanded.  There seemed to be no problem gathering the animals – God took care of the details of that job while Noah was doing his part by building the ark.  Often we do just the opposite of Noah.  We worry about details over which we have no control, while neglecting specific areas (such as attitudes, relationships, responsibilities) that are under our control.  Like Noah, concentrate on what God has given you to do, and leave the rest to God.

(Genesis 7:1 says pairs of every animal joined Noah in the ark; seven pairs were taken to those animals used for sacrifice – the “clean” animals. Scholars have estimated that almost 45,000 animals could have fit into the ark.)

Importance of accepting & fulfilling:

I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life – Genesis 43.9

Judah accepted full responsibility for Benjamin’s safety. He did not know what that might mean for him, but he was determined to do his duty.  In the end it was Judah’s stirring words that caused Joseph to break down with emotion and reveal himself to his brothers (44.18-34).  Accepting responsibilities is difficult, but it builds character and confidence, earns others’ respect, and motivates us to complete our work.  When you have been given an assignment to complete or a responsibility to fulfil, commit yourself to seeing it through.

Your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, I said, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before you, my father, all my life!’ –  Genesis 44.32-33

Judah had promised Jacob that he would guarantee young Benjamin’s safety (43.9). Now Judah had a chance to keep that promise.  Becoming a slave was a terrible fate, but Judah was determined to keep his word to his father.  He showed great courage in carrying out his promise.  Accepting a responsibility means carrying it out with determination and courage, regardless of the personal sacrifice.

Importance of thinking responsibly:

“These are the laws you are to set before them – Exodus 21.1ff

These laws were given because everything we do has consequences. It is vital to think before acting, to consider the effects of our choices.  Think of your plans for today and consider what their long-term results will be.  As we deal with others, we should keep the principles of these laws in mind.  We should act responsibility and justly with all people – friends and enemies alike.

Increased opportunity brings increased responsibility:

The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw my glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times – – not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers.  No-one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. – Numbers 14.20-23

The people of Israel had a clearer view of God than any people before them, for they had both his laws and his physical presence. Their refusal to follow God after witnessing his miraculous deeds and listening to his words made the judgment against them more severe.  Increased opportunity brings increased responsibility.  As Jesus said: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12.48).  How much greater is our responsibility to obey and serve God – we have the whole Bible, and we know God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Must be felt by entire community:

If a man is found slain, lying in a field in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him, your elders and judges shall go out and measure the distance from the body to the neighbouring towns.   Then the elders of the town nearest the body shall take a heifer that has never been worked and has never worn a yoke and lead her down to a valley that has not been ploughed or planted and where there is a flowing stream.  There in the valley they are to break the heifer’s neck.   The priests, the sons of Levi, shall step forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister and to pronounce blessings in the name of the LORD and to decide all cases of dispute and assault.   Then all the elders of the town nearest the body shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley, and they shall declare: “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it done.   Accept this atonement for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, O LORD, and do not hold your people guilty of the blood of an innocent man.”   And the bloodshed will be atoned for.   So you will purge from yourselves the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.  –  Deuteronomy 21.1-9

When a crime was committed and the criminal got away, the whole community was held responsible. In much the same way, if a city has a dangerous intersection and someone is killed there, the community may be held responsible for both damages and repairs.  God was pointing to the need for the whole community to feel a keen sense of responsibility for what was going on around them and to move to correct any situation that were potentially harmful – physically, socially, or morally.

Fear causes us to hide from:

So they enquired further of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?”   And the LORD said, “Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”  1 Samuel 10.22

When the Israelites assembled to choose a king, Saul already knew he was the one (10.1). Instead of coming forward, however, he hid among the baggage.  Often we hide from important responsibilities because we are afraid of failure, afraid of what others will think, or perhaps unsure about how to proceed.  Prepare now to step up to your future responsibilities.  Count on God’s provision rather than your feelings of inadequacy.

Good leaders accept it:

Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by doing this.   Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant.  I have done a very foolish thing.”  – 1 Chronicles 21.8

When David realised his sin, he took full responsibility, admitted he was wrong, and asked God to forgive him. Many people want to add God and the benefits of Christianity to their lives without acknowledging their personal sin and guilt.  But confession and repentance must come before receiving forgiveness.  Like David, we must take full responsibility for our actions and confess them to God before we can expect him to forgive us and continue his work in us.

(David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.”  So the LORD sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel feel dead. – 1 Chronicles 21.13, 14 Sin has a domino effect; once a sin is committed, a series of consequences follows.  God will forgive our sin if we ask him, but the consequences of that sin have already been set in motion.  David pled for mercy, and God responded by stopping the angel before his mission of death was complete.  The consequences of David’s sin, however, had already caused severe damage.  God will always forgive our sins and will often intervene to make their bitter consequences less severe, but the scars will remain.  Thinking through the possible consequences before we act can stop us and thus save us much sorrow and suffering.)

Don’t neglect one God-given responsibility for another:

(His father had never interfered with him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?”   He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.)  –  1 Kings 1.6

God-fearing people like David and Samuel were used by God to lead nations, but nevertheless they had problems in family relationships. God-fearing leaders cannot take for granted the spiritual well-being of their children.  They are used to having others follow their orders, but they cannot expect their children to manufacture faith upon request.  Moral and spiritual character takes years to build, and it requires constant attention and patient discipline.

David served God well as a king, but as a parent he often failed both God and his children. Don’t let your service to God even in leadership positions take up so much of your time and energy that you neglect your other God-given responsibilities.

(Because David had never interfered by opposing or even questioning his son, Adonijah did not know how to work within limits. The result was that he always wanted his own way, regardless of how it affected others.   Adonijah did whatever he wanted and paid no respect to God’s wishes.   An undisciplined child may look cute to his or her parents, but an undisciplined adult destroys himself and others.  As you set limits for your children, you make it possible for them to develop the self-restraint they will need in order to control themselves later.   Discipline your children carefully while they are young, so that they will grow into self-disciplined adults.)

For leading others into sin:

..because of the sins Jeroboam had committed and had caused Israel to commit, and because he provoked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger. – 1 Kings 15.30

All the descendants of Jeroboam were killed because Jeroboam had led Israel into sin. Sin is always judged harshly, but the worst sinners are those who lead others into doing wrong.  Jesus said it would be better if such people had milestones tied around their necks and were thrown into the sea (Mark 9:42).  If you have taken the responsibility for leading others, remember the consequences of leading them astray.  Teaching the truth is a responsibility that goes with the privilege of leadership.

Versus authority:

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet – Psalms 8.6

God gave human being tremendous authority – to be in charge of the whole earth. But with great authority comes great responsibility.  If we own a pet, we have the legal authority to do with it as we wish, but we also have the responsibility to feed and care for it.  How do you treat God’s creation?  Use your resources wisely because God holds you accountable for your stewardship.

(From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. – Psalm 8.2.  Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations.   As we get older, many of us find this more and more difficult to do.   Ask God to give you childlike faith, removing any barriers to having a closer walk with him.   Get in touch with this childlike quality in yourself so that you can be more expressive.)

(When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  – Psalm 8.3, 4 To respect God’s majesty, we must combine ourselves to his greatness.   When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison.   To feel small is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness.  Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.   When we look at the vast expanse of creation, we wonder how God could be concerned for people who constantly disappoint him.  Yet God created us only a little lower than himself or the angels!   The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God considers you highly valuable.   We have great worth because we bear the stamp of the Creator.  (See Genesis 1.26, 27 for the extent of worth God places on all people.)  Because God has already declared how valuable we are to him, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.)

To use well what we have:

To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. – Matthew 25.15

The master divided the money (talents) among his servants according to their abilities. No-one received more or less than he could handle.  If he failed in his assignment, his excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed.  Failure could come only from laziness or hatred towards the master.  The talents represent any kind of resource we are given.  God gives us time, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns.  We are responsible to use well what God has given us.  The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.

“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.   So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.   See, here is what belongs to you.’   “His master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant!   So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?   Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.   “ ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.   For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance.   Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.   And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’  – Matthew 25.24-30

This last man was thinking only of himself. He hoped to play it safe and protect himself from his hard master, but he was judged for his self-centredness.  We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do.  If God truly is our Master, we must obey willing.  Our time, abilities, and money aren’t ours in the first place – we are caretakers, not owners.  When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished.

This parable describes the consequences of two attitudes to Christ’s return.   The person who diligently prepares for it by investing his or her time and talent to serve God will be rewarded.   The person who has no heart for the work of the kingdom will be punished.   God rewards faithfulness.   Those who bear no fruit for God’s kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful.

Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” –  Mark 4.25

This verse simply means that we are responsible to use well what we have. How much we have is not nearly as important as what we do with it.

The light of Jesus’ truth is revealed to us, not hidden. But we may not be able to see or to use all that truth right now.  Only as we put God’s teachings into practice will we understand and see more of the truth.  The truth is clear, but our ability to understand is imperfect.  As we obey, we will sharpen our vision and increase our understanding (see James 1.22-25).

(“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you – and even more.  – Mark 4.24)

Taking responsibility for your actions:

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said.  “It is your responsibility!”  – Matthew 27.24

In making no decision, Pilate made the decision to let the crowds crucify Jesus. Although he washed his hands, the guilt remained.  Washing your hands of a tough situation doesn’t cancel your guilt.  It merely gives you a false sense of peace.  Don’t make excuses – take responsibility for the decision you make.

At first Pilate hesitated to give the religious leaders permission to crucify Jesus. He thought they were simply jealous of a teacher who was more popular with the people than they were.  But when the Jews threatened to report Pilate to Caesar (John 19.12), Pilate became afraid.  Historical records indicate that the Jews had already threatened to lodge a formal complaint against Pilate for his stubborn flouting of their traditions – and such a complaint would most likely have led to his recall by Rome.  His job was in jeopardy.  The Roman government could not afford to put large numbers of troops in all the regions under their control, so one of Pilate’s main duties was to do whatever was necessary to maintain peace.

For sharing the gospel:

And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.” – Mark 6.11

Pious, Jews shook the dust from their feet after passing through Gentile cities or territory to show their separation from Gentile influences and practices. When the disciples shook the dust from their feet after living a Jewish town, it was a vivid sign that they wished to remain separate from people who had rejected Jesus and his message.  Jesus made it clear that the listeners were responsible for what they did with the gospel.  The disciples were not to blame if the message was rejected, as long as they had faithfully and carefully presented it.  We are not responsible when others reject Christ’s message of salvation, but we do have the responsibility to share the gospel clearly and faithfully.

To support church ministers:

Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever the give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.  –  Luke 10.7

Jesus told his disciples to accept hospitality graciously because their work entitled them to it. Ministers of the gospel deserve to be supported and it is our responsibility to make sure they have what they need.  There are several ways to encourage those who serve God in his church.  First, see that they have an adequate salary.  Second, see that they are supported emotionally; plan a time to express appreciation for something they have done.  Third, lift their spirits with special surprises from time to time.  Our ministers deserve to know we are going to them cheerfully and generously.

(Jesus’ direction to stay in one house avoided certain problems. Shifting from house to house could offend the families who first took them in.  Some families might begin to compete for the disciples’ presence, and some might think they weren’t good enough to hear their message.  If the disciples appeared not to appreciate the hospitality offered them, the town might not accept Jesus when he followed them there.  In addition, by staying in one place, the disciples did not have to worry continually about finding good accommodation.  They could settle down and do their appointed task.)

Qualifications for jobs of:

Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.   We will turn this responsibility over to them – Acts 6.3

This administrative task was not taken lightly. Notice the requirements for the men who were to handle the food scheme: full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.  People who carry heavy responsibilities and work closely with others should have these qualities.  We must look for spiritually mature and wise men and women to lead our churches.

As the early church increased in size, so did its needs.  One great need was to organise the distribution of food to the poor.  The apostles needed to focus on preaching, so they chose others to administer the food scheme.  Each person has a vital part to play in the life of the church (see 1 Corinthians 12).  If you are in a position of leadership and find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, determine your God-given abilities and priorities and then find others to help.  If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church’s ministry.  Offer these gifts in service to him.

(Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. – Acts 5:42.  Home Bible studies are not new.  As the believers needed to grow in their new faith, home Bible studies met their needs, as well as serving as a means to introduce new people to the Christian faith.  During later times of persecution, meeting in homes became the primary method of passing on Bible knowledge.  Christians throughout the world still use this approach when under persecution and as a way to build up believers.)

Tied to privileges:

Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.   And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ – Romans 1.5-6

Christians have both privilege and a great responsibility. Paul and the apostles received forgiveness (“grace”) as an underserved privilege.  But they also received the responsibility to share the message of God’s forgiveness with others.  God also graciously forgives our sins when we believe in him as Lord.  In doing this, we are committing ourselves to begin a new life.  Paul’s new life also involved a God-given responsibility – to witness about God’s Good News to the world as a missionary.  God may or may not call you to be an overseas missionary, but he does call you (and all believers) to witness to and be an example of the changed life that Jesus Christ has begun in you.

(Paul says that those who became Christians are invited by Jesus Christ to (1) become part of God’s family, and (2) be holy people (“to be saints”, set apart, dedicated for his service).   What a wonderful expression of what it means to be a Christian!   In being reborn into God’s family we have the greatest experience of love and the greatest inheritance.   Because of all that God has done for us, we strive to be his holy people.)

(Paul showed his love for the Roman Christians by expressing God’s love for them and his own gratitude and prayers for them. To have an effect on people’s lives, you first need to love them and believe in them.   Paul’s passion to teach these people began with his love for them.   Thank God for your Christian brothers and sisters, and let them know how deeply you care for them.)

Church leaders must be proven responsible:

Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursing dishonest gain.   They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.   They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.  A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.   Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 3.8-13

Deacon means “one who serves”.  This position was possibly begun by the apostles in the Jerusalem (Acts 6.1-6) to care for the physical needs of the congregation, especially the needs of the Greek-speaking widows.  Deacons were leaders in the church, and their qualifications resemble those of the overseers.  In some churches today, the office of deacon has lost its importance.  New Christians are often asked to serve in this position, but that is not the New Testament pattern.  Paul says that potential deacons should first be tested before they are asked to serve.

(Younger believers who are selected for office need to beware of the damaging effects of pride.   Pride can seduce our emotions and cloud our reason.   It can make those who are immature susceptible to the influence of unscrupulous people.   Pride and conceit were the devil’s downfall, and he uses pride to trap others.)

(Wives can refer to women helpers or deaconesses.   It could also mean wives of deacons, or female leaders of the church (such as Phoebe, the deaconess mentioned in Romans 16:1).   In either case, Paul expected the behaviour of prominent women in the church to be just as responsible and blameless as that of prominent men.)

To keep God’s word alive for the next generation:

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.  –  2 Timothy 4.22

As Paul reached the end of his life, he could look back and know he had been faithful to God’s call. Now it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, preparing leaders to take his place so that the world would continue to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.  Timothy was Paul’s living legacy, a product of Paul’s faithful teaching, discipleship, and example.  Because of Paul’s work with many believers, including Timothy, the world is full of believers today who are also carrying on the work.  What legacy will you leave behind?  Whom are you training to carry on your work?  It is our responsibility to do all we can do to keep the gospel message alive for the next generation.

How to prepare for it:

‘   As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately.  “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”  – Matthew 24.3ff

Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the very place where the prophet Zechariah had predicted that the Messiah would stand when he came to establish his kingdom (Zechariah 14.4). It was a fitting place for the disciples to ask Jesus when he would come in power and what they could expect then.  Jesus’ reply emphasised the events that would take place before the end of the age.  He pointed out that his disciples should be less concerned with knowing the exact date and more concerned with being prepared – living God’s [Wall’s] way consistently so that no matter when Jesus came in glory, he would claim them as his own.

‘   You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  – Luke 12.40

Christ’s return at an unexpected time is not a trap, a trick by which God [Wall] hopes to catch us off guard. In fact, God [Wall] is delaying his return so more people will have the opportunity to follow him (see 2 Peter 3.9).  Before Christ’s return, we have time to live out our beliefs and to reflect Jesus’ love as we relate to others.

People who are ready for their Lord’s return are (1) not hypocritical, but sincere (12.1), (2) not fearful, but ready to witness (12.4-9), (3) not worried, but trusting (12.25, 26), (4) not greedy, but generous (12.34), (5) not lazy, but diligent (12.37).  May your life be more like Christ’s so that when he comes, you will be ready to greet him joyfully.

Will be unmistakable:

‘ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.  For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect – if that were possible.  See, I have told you ahead of time.

“So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.  – Matthew 24.24-28

In times of persecution even strong believers will find it difficult to be loyal. To keep from being deceived by false messiahs, we must understand that Jesus’ return will be unmistakable (Mark 13.26); no-one will doubt that it is he.  If you have to be told that the Messiah has come, then he hasn’t (24.27).  Christ’s coming will be obvious to everyone.

‘ Men will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them.  For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.  – Luke 17.23-24

Like will be going on as usual on the day Christ returns. There will be no warning.  Most people will be going about their everyday tasks, indifferent to the demands of God [Wall].  They will be as surprised by Christ’s return as the people in Noah’s day were by the flood (Genesis 6-8) or the people in Lot’s day by the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19).  We don’t know the time of Christ’s return, but we do know that he is coming.  He may come today, tomorrow, or centuries in the future.  Whenever he comes, we must be morally and spiritually ready.  Live as if Jesus were returning today.

(17.23, 24    Many will claim to be the Messiah and many will claim that Jesus has returned – and people will believe them.  Jesus warns us never to take such reports seriously, no matter how convincing they may sound.    When Jesus returns, his power and presence will be evident to everyone.  No-one will need to spread the message because all will see for themselves.)

Need not know exact date of:

‘   “No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father [up].  – Matthew 24.36

It is good that we don’t know exactly when Christ will return.  If we knew the precise date, we might be tempted to be lazy in our work for Christ.  Worse still, we might plan to keep sinning and then turn to God [Wall] right at the end.  Heaven is not our only goal; we have work to do here.  And we must keep on doing it until death or until we see the unmistakable return of our Saviour.

‘   Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety”, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.  – 1 Thessalonians 5.1-3

Efforts to determine the date of Christ’s return are foolish.  Don’t be misled by anyone who claims to know.  We are told here that no-one knows and that even believers will be surprised.  The Lord will return suddenly and unexpectedly, warns Paul, so be ready!  Because no-one knows when Jesus will come back to earth, we should be ready at all times.  Suppose he were to return today.  How would he find you living?  Are you ready to meet him?  Live each day prepared to welcome Christ.

(5.1   “Times and dates” refers to the knowledge of what will happen in the future, specifically to the return of Christ.)

(5.2   The “day of the Lord” is a future time when God [Wall] will intervene directly and dramatically in world affairs.  Predicted and discussed often in the Old Testament (Isaiah 13.6-12; Joel 2.28-32; Zephaniah 1.14-18), the day of the Lord will include both punishment and blessing.  Christ will judge sin and set up his eternal kingdom.)

‘ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.  – Revelations 22.20

We don’t know the day or the hour, but Jesus is coming soon and unexpectedly. This is good news to those who trust him, but a terrible message for those who have rejected him and stand under judgment. Soon means at any moment, and we must be ready for him, always prepared for his return.  Would Jesus’ sudden appearance catch you off guard?

Will be swift and sudden:

‘ Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.  “Therefore keep watch, because you do know on what day your Lord will come.  – Matthew 24.40-42

Christ’s second coming will be swift and sudden. There will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance or bargaining.  The choice will have already made will determine our eternal destiny.

‘   The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.  – Matthew 24.50

Knowing that Christ’s return will be sudden and unexpected should motivate us always to be prepared.  We are not to live irresponsibly – sitting and waiting, doing nothing; seeking self-serving pleasure; using his tarrying as an excuse not to do God’s [Wall’s] work of building his kingdom; developing a false security based on precise calculations of events; or letting our curiosity about the end times divert us from doing God’s [Wall’s] work.

Why Jesus talked about it:

‘   So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  – Matthew 24.44

Jesus’ purpose in telling about his return is not to stimulate predictions and calculations about the date, but to warn us to be prepared. Will you be ready?  The only safe choice is to obey him today (24.46).

How to live now until Jesus comes:

‘   “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  – Matthew 25.1ff

Jesus told the following parables to clarify further what it means to be ready for his return and how to live until he comes. In the story of the ten virgins (25.1-13), we are taught that every person is responsible for his or her own spiritual condition.  The story of the talents (25.14-30) shows the necessity of using well what God [Wall] has entrusted to us.  The parable of the sheep and goats (25.31-46) stresses the importance of serving others in need.  No parable by itself completely describes our preparation.  Instead, each paints one part of the whole picture.

(25.1ff   This parable is about a wedding.  On the wedding day the bridegroom went to the bride’s house for the ceremony; then the bride and groom, along with a great procession, returned to the groom’s house where a feast took place, often lasting a full week.  –   These ten virgins were waiting to join the procession, and they hoped to take part in the wedding banquet.  But when the groom didn’t come at the expected time, five of them ran out of lamp oil.  By the time they had purchased extra oil, it was too late to join the feast.  –  When Jesus returns to take his people to heaven, we must be ready.  Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute.  Our relationship with God [Wall] must be our own.)

Difference between Jesus’ first & second comings:

‘ There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.  – John 12.48

The purpose of Jesus’ first mission on earth was not to judge people, but to show them the way to find salvation and eternal life.  When he comes again, one of his main purposes will be to judge people for how they lived on earth.  Christ’s words that we would not accept and obey will condemn us.  On that day of judgment those who accepted Jesus and lived his way will be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15.51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4.15-18; Revelations 21.1-8), and those who rejected Jesus and lived any way they pleased will face eternal punishment (Revelations 20.11-15).  Decide now which side you’ll be on, for the consequences of your decision last for ever.

Believers will be “blameless” then:

‘   Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God [Wall], who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.  – 1 Corinthians 1.7-9

Paul guaranteed the Corinthian believers that God [Wall] would consider them “blameless” when Christ returns (see Ephesians 1.7-10). This guarantee was not because of their great gifts or their shining performance, but because of what Jesus Christ accomplished for them through his death and resurrection. All who believe in the Lord Jesus will be considered blameless when Jesus Christ returns (see also 1 Thessalonians 3.13; Hebrews 9.28).  If you have faith in Christ, even if it is weak, you are and will be saved.

(1.7   The Corinthian church members had all the spiritual gifts they needed to live the Christian life, to witness for Christ, and to stand against the paganism and immorality of Corinth.  But instead of using what God [Wall] had given them, they were arguing over which gifts were more important.  Paul addresses this issue in depth in Chapters 12-14.)

What will happen then:

‘   Now may our God [Wall] and Father [up] himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.  May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God [Wall] and Father [up] when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.  – 1 Thessalonians 3.11-13

“When our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” refers to the second coming of Christ when he will establish his eternal kingdom.  At that time, Christ will gather all believers, those who have died and those who are alive, into one united family under his rule.  All believers from all times, including these Thessalonians, will be with Christ in his kingdom.

(3.12   If we are full of God’s [Wall’s] love, it will overflow to others.  It’s not enough merely to be courteous to others; we must actively and persistently show love to them.  Our love should be growing continually.  If your capacity to love has remained unchanged for some time, ask God [Wall] to fill you again with his never-ending supply.  Then look for opportunities to express his love.)

Don’t quite serving God to wait for:

‘   In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.  For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it.  On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.  And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.  Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. –  2 Thessalonians 3.6-15

Some people in the Thessalonian church were falsely teaching that because Christ would return any day, people should set aside their responsibilities, leave work, do no future planning, and just wait for the Lord.  But their lack of activity only led them into sin.  They became a burden to the church, which was supporting them; they wasted time that could have been used for helping others; and they became “busybodies” (3.11).  These church members may have thought that they were being more spiritual by not working, but Paul tells them to be responsible and get back to work.  Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of life.  Because we know that Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives.

(3.6-10   Paul was writing here about the person who is lazy.  Paul explained that when he and his companions were in Thessalonica, they worked hard, buying what they needed rather than becoming a burden to any of the believers.  The rule they followed was, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”  There’s a difference between leisure and laziness.  Relaxation and recreation provide a necessary and much needed balance to our lives; but when it is time to work.  Christians should jump right in.  We should make the most of our talent and time, doing all we can to provide for ourselves and our dependants.  Rest when you should be resting, and work when you should be working.)

(3.11, 12   A “busybody” is a gossip.  An idle person who doesn’t work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities, like gossip.  Rumours and hearsay are tantalising, exciting to hear, and make us feel like insiders.  But they tear people down.  If you often find your nose in other people’s business, you may be underemployed.  Look for a task to do for Christ or for your family, and get to work.)

(3.14, 15   Paul counselled the church to stop supporting financially and associating with those who persisted in their idleness.  Hunger and loneliness can be very effective ways to make the idle person become productive.  Paul was not advising coldness of cruelty, but the kind of tough love that a person would show a brother or sister.)

A terrible event for unbelievers:

‘ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives  – 2 Peter 3.10-11

The day of the Lord is the day of God’s [Wall’s] judgment on the earth. Here it is used in reference to Christ’s return.  Christ’s second coming will be sudden and terrible for those who do not believe in him.  But if we are morally clean and spiritually alert, it won’t come as a surprise.  For other prophetic pictures of the day of the Lord, see Isaiah 34:4; Joel 3:15, 16; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; Revelations 6:12-17.  Realising that the earth is going to be burned up, we should put our confidence in what is lasting and eternal and not be bound to earth and its treasures or pursuits.  Do you spend more of your time piling up possessions, or striving to develop Christlike character?

EXTRA:

CHART: The events of Christ’s return.

(‘   Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked.  “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”  – Matthew 24.1, 2   Although no-one knows exactly what this temple looked like, it must have been beautiful.  Herod had helped the Jews remodel and beautify, no doubt to stay on friendly terms with his subjects.  Next to the inner temple, where the sacred objects were kept and the sacrifices offered, there was a large area called the court of the Gentiles (this was where the money changers and merchants had their booths).  Outside these courts were long porches.  Solomon’s porch was 1,562 feet long; the royal portico was decorated with 160 columns stretching along its 921-foot length.  Gazing at this glorious and massive structure, the disciples found Jesus’ words about its destruction difficult to believe.  But the temple was indeed destroyed only 40 years later when the Romans sacked Jerusalem in A.D. 70.)

(‘   Jesus answered: “Watch out that no-one deceives you.  – Matthew 24.4   The disciples asked Jesus for the sign of his coming and of the end of the age.  Jesus’ first response was “Watch out that no-one deceives you.”  The fact is that whenever we look for signs, we become very susceptible to being deceived.  There are many “false prophets” (24.22, 24) around with counterfeit signs of spiritual power and authority.  The only sure way to keep from being deceived is to focus on Christ and his words.  Don’t look for special signs, and don’t spend time looking at other people.  Look at Christ.)

(‘For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now – and never to be equalled again.  If those days had not been cut short, no-one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.  – Matthew 24.21, 22   Jesus, talking about the end times, telescoped near future and far future events, as did the Old Testament prophets.  Many of these persecutions have already occurred; more are yet to come.  But God [Wall] is in control of event he length of persecutions.  He will not forget his people.  This is all we need to know about the future to motivate us to live the right way now.)

(‘ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive event he elect – if that were possible.  – Matthew 24.23, 24   Jesus’ warnings about false teachers still hold true.  Upon close examination it becomes clear that many nice-sounding messages don’t agree with God’s [Wall’s] message in the Bible.  Only a solid foundation in God’s [Wall’s] word can equip us to perceive the errors and distortions in false teaching.)

(‘   “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn.  They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.  – Matthew 24.30   The nations of the earth will mourn because unbelievers will suddenly realise they have chosen the wrong side.  Everything they have scoffed about will be happening, and it will be too late for them.)

(‘   “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.  I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.  – Matthew 24.45-47   Jesus asks us to spend the time of waiting taking care of his people and doing his work here on earth, both within the church and outside it.  This is the best way to prepare for Christ’s return.)

(‘   He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  – Matthew 24.51   “Weeping and gnashing of teeth” is a phrase used to describe despair.  God’s [Wall’s] coming judgment is as certain as Jesus’ return to earth.)

(‘   To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.  – Matthew 25.15   The master divided the money (talents) among his servants according to their abilities.  No-one received more or less than he could handle.  If he failed in his assignment, his excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed.  Failure could come only from laziness or hatred towards the master.  The talents represent any kind of resource we are given.  God [Wall] gives us time, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns.  We are responsible to use well what God [Wall] has given us.  The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.)

(‘   “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!’  – Matthew 25.21   Jesus is coming back – we know this is true.  Does this mean we must leave our jobs in order to serve God [Wall]?  No, it means we are to use our time, talents, and treasures diligently in order to serve God [Wall] completely in whatever we do.  For a few people, this may mean changing professions.  For most of us, it means doing our daily work out of love for God [Wall].)

(‘ “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.  I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.  It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would  not have let this house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  – Luke 12.35-40   Jesus repeatedly said that he would leave this world but would return at some future time (see Matthew 24; 25; John 14.1-3).  He also said that a kingdom is being prepared for his followers.  Many Greeks envisioned this as a heavenly, idealised, spiritual kingdom.  Jews – like Isaiah and John, the writer of Revelations – saw it as a restored earthly kingdom.)

(‘ The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.  I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.  – Luke 12.42-44   Jesus promises a reward for those who have been faithful to the Master.  While we sometimes experience immediate and material rewards for our obedience to God [Wall], this is not always the case.  If so, we would be tempted to boast about our achievements and do good only for what we get.  Jesus said that if we look for rewards now, we will lose them later (see Mark 8.36).  Our heavenly rewards will be the most accurate reflection of what we have done on earth, and they will be far greater than we can imagine.)

(LAST TRIP FROM GAILIEE   Jesus left Galilee for the last time – he would not return before his death.  He passed through Samaria, met and healed ten men who had leprosy, and continued to Jerusalem.  He spent some time east of the Jordan (Mark 10.1) before going to Jericho (19.1).  –  Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Samaria, Jericho, Perea, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Judea, Idumea.)

(‘   Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God [Wall] would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God [Wall] does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God [Wall] is within you. – Luke 17.20, 21   The Pharisees asked when God’s [Wall’s] kingdom would come, not knowing that it had already arrived.  The kingdom of God [Wall] is not like an earthly kingdom with geographical boundaries. Instead, it begins with the work of God’s [Wall’s] Spirit in people’s lives and in relationships.  Still today we must resist looking to institutions or events for evidence of the progress of God’s [Wall’s] kingdom.  Instead, we should look for what God [Wall] is doing in people’s hearts.)

(‘ “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark.  Then the flood came and destroyed them all.  “It was the same in the days of Lot.  People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.  But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.  “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.  On that day no-one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them.  Likewise, no-one in the field should go back for anything.  Remember Lot’s wife!  Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.  I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”  – Luke 17.26-35   Jesus warned against false security.  We are to abandon the values and attachments of this world in order to be ready for Christ’s return.  His return will happen suddenly, and when eh comes, there will be no second chances.  Some will be taken to be with him; the rest will be left behind.)

(‘   For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God [Wall], and the dead in Christ will rise first.  – 1 Thessalonians 4.16   An archangel is a high or holy angel appointed to a special task.  Michael is the only archangel mentioned in the New Testament (see Jude 9).)

(‘   But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.  – 1 Thessalonians 5.8   For more about the Christian’s armour, see Ephesians 6:13-17).)

(‘   I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God [Wall] will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God [Wall] will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.  – Revelations 22.18, 19   This warning is given to those who might purposefully distort the message in this book.  Moses gave a similar warning in Deuteronomy 4.1-4.  We too must handle the Bible with care and great respect so that we do not distort its message, even unintentionally.  We should be quick to put its principles into practice in our lives.  No human explanation or interpretation of God’s [Wall’s] word should be elevated to the same authority as the text itself.)

(‘ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s [Wall]s’ people. Amen.   – Revelations 22.20   We don’t know the day or the hour, but Jesus is coming soon and unexpectedly.  This is good news to those who trust him, but a terrible message for those who have rejected him and stand under judgment.  Soon means at any moment, and we must be ready for him, always prepared for his return.  Would Jesus’ sudden appearance catch you off guard?)

(‘ When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. – John 12.45   We often wonder what God [Wall] is like.  How can we know the Creator when he doesn’t make himself visible?  Jesus said plainly that those who see him see God [Wall], because he is God [Wall].  If you want to know what God [Wall] is like, study the person and words of Jesus Christ.)

(‘ It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father [up].  Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.  – John 13.1   Jesus knew he would be betrayed by one of his disciples, disowned by another, and deserted by all of them for a time.  Still “he now showed them the full extent of his love”.  God [Wall] knows us completely, as Jesus knew his disciples (2.24, 25; 6.64).  He knows the sins we have committed and the ones we will yet commit.  Still, he loves us.  How do you respond to that kind of love?)

(‘ I always thank God [Wall] for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge – because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.  – 1 Corinthians 1.4-6 In this letter, Paul wrote some strong words to the Corinthians, but he began on a positive note of thanksgiving.  He affirmed their privilege of belonging to the Lord and receiving his grace, the power God [Wall] gave them to speak out for him and understand his truth, and the reality of their spiritual gifts.  When we must correct others, it helps to begin by affirming what God [Wall] has already accomplished in them.)

(‘   I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. – 1 Corinthians 1.10   Paul founded the church in Corinth on his second missionary journey.  Eighteen months after he left, arguments and divisions arose, and some church members slipped back into an immoral life-style.  Paul wrote this letter to address the problems, to clear up confusion about right and wrong, and to remove the immorality among them.  The Corinthian people had a reputation for jumping from fad to fad; Paul wanted to keep Christianity from degenerating into just another fad.)

(1.10   By saying “brothers”, Paul is emphasising that all Christians are part of God’s [Wall’s] family.  Believers share a unity that runs even deeper than that of blood brothers and sisters.)

(‘ … My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. – 1 Corinthians 1.10, 11   To “agree with one another”, allow for “no divisions” and “be perfectly united in mind and thought” does not require everyone to believe exactly the same.  There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive.  A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters – Jesus Christ is Lord of all.  In your church, speak and behave in a way that will reduce arguments and increase harmony.  Petty differences should never divide Christians.)

(‘ How can we thank God [Wall] enough for you?  Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.  –   Thessalonians 3.9,  10  It brings great joy to a Christian to see another person come to faith in Christ and mature in that faith.  Paul experienced this joy countless times.  He thanked God [Wall] for those who had come to know Christ and for their strong faith.  He also prayed for their continued growth.  If there are new Christians who have brought you joy, thank God [Wall] for them and support them as the continue to grow in the faith.)

(‘ Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God [Wall], as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.  For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  It is God’s [Wall’s] will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honourable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God [Wall]; and that in this matter no-one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.  The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.  For God [Wall] did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.  Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God [Wall], who gives you his Holy Spirit.  – 1 Thessalonians 4.1-8   Sexual standards were very low in the Roman [Quality] empire, and in many societies today they are not any higher.  The temptation to engage in sexual intercourse outside the marriage relationship has always been powerful.  Giving in to that temptation can have disastrous results.  Sexual sins always hurt someone: individuals, families, businesses, churches.  Besides the physical [Sternum] consequences, there are also spiritual consequences.  For more on why sexual sin is so harmful, see the note on 1 Corinthians 6:18.)

(4.1-8   Sexual desires and activities must be placed under Christ’s control.  God [Wall] created sex for precreation and pleasure, and as an expression of love between a husband and wife.  Sexual experience must be limited to the marriage relationship to avoid hurting ourselves, our relationship to God [Wall], and our relationships with others.)

(4.3   Being sanctified or made holy is the process of living the Christian life.  The Holy Spirit works in us, conforming us into the image of Christ (Romans 8.29).)

(‘ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  – 2 Peter 3.8, 9   God [Wall] may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered.  But God [Wall] is not slow; he simply works to his own timetable (Psalms 90.4).  Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him.  We must not sit and wait for Christ to return, but we should live with the realisation that time is short and that we have important work to do.  Be ready to meet Christ any time, even today; yet plan your course of service as though he may not return for many years.)

(‘   But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.  – 2 Peter 3.13   God’s [Wall’s] purpose for people is not destruction but re-creation (see Isaiah 66.22; Revelations 21.22).  God [Wall] will purify the heavens and earth with fire; then he will create them anew.  We can joyously look forward to the restoration of God’s [Wall’s] world.)

Often bore children for their masters:

‘ Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children.  But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children.  Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.”

Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife.  –  Genesis 16.1-3

Sarai gave Hagar to Abram as a substitute wife, a common practice of that time.  A married woman who could not have children was shamed by her peers and was often required to give a female servant to her husband in order to produce heirs.  The children born to the servant woman were considered the children of the wife.  Abram was acting in line with the custom of the day, but his action showed a lack of faith that God [Wall] would fulfil his promise.

(Missing Notes: 16.4, 7, 9-12, 14-16.)

Life with slave traders:

‘   So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.  –  Genesis 37.28

Although Joseph’s brothers didn’t kill him outright, they wouldn’t expect him to survive for long as a slave. They were quite willing to let cruel slave traders do their dirty work for them.  Joseph faced a 30-day journey through the desert, probably chained and on foot.  He would be treated like baggage, and once in Egypt, would be sold as a piece of merchandise.  His brothers thought they would never see him again.  But God [Wall] was in control of Joseph’s life.

(Missing Notes: 37.1-2, 4, 5, 12-18, 21-25.)

Why Pharaoh turned Hebrews into:

‘   “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become much too numerous for us.  Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”  –  Exodus 1.9-10

Pharaoh was afraid the Israelites were becoming so numerous that they would organise and threaten his kingdom, so he made them slaves and oppressed them to kill their spirit and stop their growth.  Slavery was an ancient practice used by almost all nations to employ conquered people and other captives.  Most likely, the great pyramids of Egypt were built with slave labour. Although Israel was not a conquered nation, the people were foreigners and thus lacked the rights of native Egyptians.

(Missing Notes: 1.2-8, 13-14, 22.)

Levels of slavery in Egypt:

‘   So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.  –  Exodus 1.11

There were levels of slavery in Egypt. Some slaves worked long hours in mud pits while others were skilled carpenters, jewellers, and craftsmen.  Regardless of their skill or level, all slaves were watched closely by ruthless slave masters, supervisors whose assignment was to keep the slaves working as fast as possible.  They were specialists at making a slave’s life miserable.

(1.11 Ancient records indicate that these cities were built in 1290 B.C., which is why some scholars believe the exodus occurred early in the 13th century.   Looking at other evidence, however, other scholars believe the Hebrews left Egypt in 1446 B.C.  How could they build two cities 150 years after they left?  These scholars suggest that Rameses II, the pharaoh in 1290 B.C., did not build the cities of Pithom and Rameses.  Instead, he renamed two cities that actually had been built 150 years previously.  It was a common practice for an Egyptian ruler to make improvements to a city [Seat] and then take credit for building it, thus wiping out all records of previous founders.  Also see the second note on 13.17, 18.)

Passover celebrated Hebrews’ deliverance from:

‘   “Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt.  Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.  In the first month youa re to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day.  For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses.  And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born.  Eat nothing made with yeast.  Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread.”

Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the door-frame.  Not one of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning.  When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the door-frame and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.  –   Exodus 12.17-23

Passover became an annual remembrance of how God [Wall] delivered the Hebrews from Egypt.  Each year the people would pause to remember the day when the destroyer (God’s [Wall’s] angel of death) passed over their homes.  They gave thanks to God [Wall] for saving them from death and bringing them out of a land of slavery and sin.  Believers today have experienced a day of deliverance as well – the day we were delivered from spiritual death and slavery to sin.  The Lord’s Supper is our Passover remembrance of our new life and freedom from sin.  The next time struggles and trials come, remember how God [Wall] has delivered you in the past and focus on his promise of new life with him.

(Missing Notes: 12.4-5, 12-16, 18-22, 24-28.)

Redemption saves us from slavery to sin:

‘   “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years.  But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything.  –  Exodus 21.2

The Hebrews, though freed from slavery, had slaves (or servants) themselves.  A person could become a slave because of poverty, debt, or even crime.  But Hebrew slaves were treated as humans, not property, and were allowed to work their way to freedom.  The Bible acknowledges the existence of slavery but never encourages it.

(Missing Notes: 21.3-23, 26-36.)

Laws for Hebrew slaves:

(See above.)   Exodus 21.2

Why did God allow Israelites to purchase slaves?

‘   “Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves.  –  Leviticus 25.44

Why did God [Wall] allow the Israelites to purchase slaves? Under Hebrew laws, slaves were treated differently from slaves in other nations.  They were seen as human beings with dignity, and not as animals.  Hebrew slaves, for example, took part in the religious festivals and rested on the Sabbath.  Nowhere does the Bible condone slavery, but it recognises its existence.  God’s [Wall’s] laws offered many guidelines for treating slaves properly.

(Missing Notes: 25.18-22, 24-34, 38-43, 45-55.)

Israelites to release theirs after six years:

‘   If a fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, in the seventh year you must let him go free.   And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed.  Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing-floor and your winepress.  Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you.  Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the YOU’RE YOUR God redeemed you.  That is why I give you this command today.  –  Deuteronomy 15.12-15

The Israelites were to release their servants after six years, sending them away with enough food so that they would be amply supplied until their needs could be met by some other means. This humanitarian act recognised that God [Wall] created each person with dignity and worth.  It also reminded the Israelites that they, too, had once been slaves in Egypt, and that their present freedom was a gift from God [Wall].  We do not have servants such as these today, but God’s [Wall’s] instructions still apply to us: We must still be sure to treat our employees with respect and economic fairness.

(Missing Notes: 15.1-6, 16-23.)

Samson becomes a slave:

‘   Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!”

He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him.  –  Judges 16.21

Samson, the mighty warrior, became a slave. Rather than kill him, the Philistines preferred to humiliate him by gouging out his eyes and making him grind grain.  Samson now had plenty of time to wnder if Delilah’s charms were worth spending the rest of his life in humiliation.

Although God [Wall] did not completely abandon Samson (16.28-30), he allowed Samson’s decision to stand, and the consequences of his decision followed naturally. We may choose to be close to God [Wall] or to go our own way, but there are consequences resulting from our choice.  Samson didn’t choose to be captured, but he chose to be with Delilah, and he could not escape the consequences of his decision.

(16.21 Blinded and without strength, Samson was taken to Gaza where he would spend the rest of his short life.  Gaza was one of the five capital cities of the Philistines.  Known for its many wells, Gaza was a vital stop along a great caravan route that connected Egypt to the south with Aram to the north.  The Philistines probably showed off their prize captive, Samson, to many dignitaries passing through.  –  Ironically, it was Gaza that Samson had earlier demonstrated his great strength by uprooting the city [Seat] gates (16.1-3).  Now he was an example of weakness.)

(Missing Notes: 16.1-4, 6-14, 18, 20, 22, 25-27, 31.)

How we are slaves to Jesus:

‘   Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God – – Romans 1.1

Paul humbly calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle (“one who is sent”). For a Roman citizen – which Paul was – to choose to be a servant was unthinkable.  But Paul chose to be completely dependent on and obedient to his beloved Master.  What is your attitude toward Christ, your Master?  Our willingness to serve and obey Jesus Christ enables us to be useful and usable servants to do work for him – work that really matters.

(1.1   Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome.  Neither he nor the other church leaders, James and Peter, had yet been to Rome.  Most likely, the Roman church had been established by believers who had been at Jerusalem for Pentecost (Acts 2.10) and travellers who had heard the Good News in other places and had brought it back to Rome (for example, Priscilla and Aquila, Acts 18.2; Romans 16.3-5).  Paul wrote the letter to the Romans during his ministry in Corinth (at the end of his third missionary journey just before returning to Jerusalem; Acts 20.3 Romans 15.25) to encourage the believers and to express his desire to visit them someday (within three years he would).  The Roman church had no New Testament because the Gospels were not yet being circulated in their final written form.  Thus, this letter may well have been the first piece of Christian literature the Roman believers had seen.  Written to both Jewish and Gentile Christians, the letter to the Romans is a systematic presentation of the Christian faith.)

(1.1   When Paul, a devoute Jew who had at first persecuted the Christians, became a believer, God [Wall] used him to spread the gospel throughout the world.  Although it was a prisoner, Paul did eventually preach in Rome (Acts 28), perhaps even to Caesar himself.  Paul’s Profile is found in Acts 9.)

(THE GOSPEL GOES TO ROME When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, he had not yet been there, but he had taken the gospel “from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum” (15.19).  He planned to visit and preach in Rome one day, and hoped to continue to take the gospel further west – even to Spain.  Illyricum, Rome, To Spain, Athens, Antioch, Mediterranean Sea, Jerusalem.)

(Missing Notes: 1.15.)

Why we are no longer slaves to our sinful nature:

‘ You were brought at a price; do not become slaves of men.  –  1 Corinthians 7.23

Slavery was common throughout the Roman empire. Some Christians in the Corinthian church were undoubtedly slaves.  Paul said that although the Christian slaves were slaves to other human beings, they were free from the power of sin in their lives.  People today are slaves to sin until they commit their lives to Christ, who alone can conquer sin’s power.  Sin, pride, and fear no longer have any claim over us, just as a slave owner no longer has power over the salves he has sold.  The Bible says we become Christ’s slaves when we become Christians (Romans 6.18), but this actually means we gain our freedom, because sin no longer controls us.

(Missing Notes: 7.2, 21-22, 24-25, 27, 35-37, 39)

Being slaves to the law:

‘   So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.  But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.  Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”  So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.  –  Galatians 4.3-7

The “basic principles of the world” are the elementary stages of religious practice, whether in the Jewish or pagan religion.  Paul uses the illustration of slavery to show that before Christ came and died for sins, people were in bondage to the law. Thinking they could be saved by it, they became enslaved to trying – and failing – to keep it.  But we who were once slaves are now God’s [Wall’s] very own children who have an intimate relationship with him.  Because of Christ, there is no reason to be afraid of God [Wall].  We can come boldly into his presence, knowing that he will welcome us as his family members.

(Missing Notes: 4.1-2, 8-12, 20, 22-23, 25-31.)

Paul befriends the slave Onesimus:

‘   Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow-worker,  –  Philemon 1

Paul wrote this letter from Rome in about A.D. 60, when he was under house arrest (see Acts 28,30, 31). Onesimus was a domestic slave who belonged to Philemon, a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colosse.  Onesimus had run away from Philemon and had made his way to Rome where he met Paul, who apparently led him to Christ (verse 10).  Paul convinced Onesimus that running from his problems wouldn’t solve them, and he persuaded Onesimus to return to his master.  Paul wrote this letter to Philemon to ask him to be reconciled to his runaway slave.

(1   For more information on Paul’s life, see his Profile in Acts 9. Timothy’s name is included with Paul’s in 2 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon – the last three of these letters are from a group known as “Prison Letters”. Timothy was one of Paul’s trusted companions; Paul wrote two letters to him – 1 and 2 Timothy.)

(1   Philemon was a Greek landowner living in Colosse.  He had been converted under Paul’s ministry, and the Colossian church met in his home.  Onesimus was one of Philemon’s slaves.)

(Missing Notes: 3, 20-21.)

Paul’s attitude towards:

‘ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good –  –  Philemon 15-16

Slavery was widespread throughout the Roman empire. In these early days, Christians did not have the political power to change the slavery system.  Paul didn’t condemn or condone slavery, but he worked to transform relationships.  The gospel begins to change social structures by changing the people within those structures.  (See also 1 Corinthians 7.20-24; Ephesians 6.5-9; Colossians 3.22-4.1 for more on master/slave relationships.)

Description of:

So the LORD sold them intothe hands of Jabin, a king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth Haggoyim.  Because he had nine hundred iron chariots and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the LORD for help.  – Judges 4.2-3

Chariots were the tanks of the ancient world. Made of iron or wood, they were pulled by one or two horses and were the most feared and powerful weapons of the day.  Some chariots even had razor-sharp knives extending from the wheels designed to mutilate helpless foot soldiers.  The Canaanite army had 900 iron chariots.  Israel was not powerful enough to defeat such an invincible army.  Therefore, Jabin and Sisera had no trouble oppressing the people – until a faithful woman named Deborath called upon God.

Egyptian war chariots:

So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them.  The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly.  The Egyptians – all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops – pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon.  – Exodus 14.6-9

Six hundred Egyptian war chariots were bearing down on the helpless Israelites, who were trapped between the mountains and the sea. The war chariots each carried two people – one to drive and one to fight.  These chariots were made of a wood or leather cab placed over two wheels, and they were pulled by horses.  These were the armoured tanks of Bible times.  But even their power was no match for God, who destroyed both the chariots and their soldiers.

Why Israelites feared them:

The LORD was with the men of Judah. They took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive the people from the plains, because they had iron chariots.  – Judges 1.19

Canaanite chariots pulled by horses were among the most sophisticated weapons of the day. Israelite foot soldiers were absolutely powerless when a speeding iron chariot bore down upon them.  This is why Israel preferred to fight in the hills where chariots couldn’t venture.