WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday February 17, 2013

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BREAKING BAD HABITS

(Expressing our new identity in CHRIST)

Colossians 3

In the person of JESUS CHRIST, GOD literally entered into the physical material world, and, in a real human body, won salvation for all mankind. JESUS not only showed us how to live in our human existence, HE also showed us how true spirituality by definition, means living a human life here on earth in union with GOD the FATHER in Heaven.

The Apostle Paul understood that all wisdom could be found in CHRIST JESUS, and so here in Colossians 3, he urges the Christians at Colosse to continue to abide in CHRIST, and aspire to reflect HIS image to others, through their own behavior.

If believers are to be identified with CHRIST, they can no longer live under Jewish law which could rob them of their rewards in Heaven. And neither could they afford to be deceived by the vain philosophies of the Gnostic teachers who had already infiltrated many of the Christian Churches in the first century.

It is important for the Christian to fully understand that they have been raised to life with CHRIST, and, as a result, must set their hearts on the things of Heaven, and put to death, their desires for the things of this world. We are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather we’ve become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD, not the laws of the Jews, or of man, must become paramount to us. 

In the Greek, the word used for “world” is “kosmos”. It is from this word that we derive our English word “cosmos”. In the spiritual sense, it is “that complex intertwining of sinful desires that shape our world of lost humanity”.

When we choose the Christian walk, we automatically become strangers to worldly behavior. An experiential relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset, and thus, as GOD’s people, we must strive to live the kind of life with others, that JESUS lived when HE was here on earth with us.

What we do in, and with, our bodies is of deep concern to GOD. Everything, that we say and do, reflects on the GOD we say we know and love. The theme of us being a “new creation” is a familiar one in the writings of Paul, and that common theme is just as vivid here in this letter to the Colossians, as it is in any of Paul’s doctrinal epistles.

When we become Christians, we are expected by GOD, to die to the world. GOD then justifies us, and raises us up into a new life with CHRIST, and therefore, anything that is foreign to CHRIST, should become foreign to us. We put to death, all those things that we used to do that were not pleasing to GOD, and we embrace those things that are.

Paul ends chapter three of this epistle to the Colossians, (verses 18-25) with this advice on how we are to live our new lives within the framework of the roles we have been assigned to at birth by GOD, as men, women, and children, whom GOD intended, to comprise the family households. Wives must submit to their own husband, husbands must love their own wife, and treat her gently, and children must obey their parents at all times.

It must not be forgotten that JESUS HIMSELF was raised on scriptures, and HE based HIS entire ministry on what those scriptures say, and, HE also approached HIS death, with words of scripture on HIS lips. The word of GOD serves as a daily reminder of what our conduct should be towards each other, and, towards GOD HIMSELF. By exemplifying GODly conduct in our daily walk, we, invariably uplift the name of JESUS our CHRIST, and, our LORD.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday February 10, 2013

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FULL LIFE IN CHRIST

(To be complete in CHRIST one must let worldliness go)

(Colossians 2)

Paul prayed constantly that the believers in all Christian Churches really learn and come to understand the power that they all have in CHRIST JESUS. Here in Colossians 2, we see how he agonized for the churches at Colosse and Laodicea, even though he had never visited with them in person. His goal was to encourage and knit them together with strong ties of love and confidence in CHRIST JESUS, and HIS connection through GOD, to the Secret Treasure, which is the Church (Vs.1-3).

It is a wonderful thing that we pray for those whom we know and love, however, our prayers for Christian unity and growth in the Christian Community must inherently include those brothers and sisters in other places, throughout this world, whom we’ve never met, yet, we’ve been made aware of their needs. The Christian Community must be a concerned and discerning community.

The Christian hope has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth, conform more fully to the word of GOD. All the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us, from those who actually saw the miracles of CHRIST performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak. All of the saints who wrote down, and passed down this information, did so, as a means of encouraging believers, and not as a means of satisfying historical curiosity. Perhaps the most important element contained in all of this information is the fact that men and women must always pray.

When we pray consistently for one another, we are standing firm and building on our foundation that we have invested in based on our commitment to the MOST-HIGH FAITH. The treasures of all wisdom, knowledge, and discernment are hidden in CHRIST, and by “hidden”, I don’t mean “concealed”. The treasures of knowledge, wisdom, and discernment are “stored up” in CHRIST, and they are assessable to all who come to believe GOD. And just as we, as Christians, have accepted JESUS as our LORD and SAVIOR, we must also continue to have faith and live in obedience to HIM.

Paul cared deeply for the people of Colosse, even though he had never been there to visit with them during any of his missionary journeys. He prayed for them agonizingly because of the heresy of the “Gnostics” that had infiltrated the church there. He wrote this letter to them at his first available opportunity, because he wanted to encourage them to remain steadfast, and to be a community, always willing to stand strong in the truth of GOD’s word.

In verse 8 Paul uses the Greek term “pithanologia” in his original writing to describe “human logic” as being nonsense to GOD. It is a “persuasive argument” that is filled with deceit that comes from human thinking, and from the evil powers of this world, and not from CHRIST. As I said earlier, Paul’s goal was that the Christians in Colosse and everywhere else, would remain knitted together by their mutual love for CHRIST, and find their comfort, by having complete understanding of GOD’s plan for them, through HIM. They must not be taken in, or deceived by those who come with persuasive arguments that differ from the teachings of JESUS CHRIST. They should remain obedient to GOD’s word, and allow its roots to grow deep into their minds and hearts.

Divine exaltation belongs to CHRIST. In CHRIST we find all that we need, and in HIM, we see exactly what GOD is like.  JESUS is the visible likeness of the invisible GOD in Heaven, and only HE can usher us into GOD’s OWN glorious presence when our day has come.

When we come to CHRIST, we experience a “spiritual circumcision” that begins to cut away the “sin nature” which we obtained from satan the first time we were disobedient to GOD. And it continues to cut away at that “sinful nature” by means of a continuing presence of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD in us. When we were baptized spiritually in CHRIST, we were buried with CHRIST, and then, raised into a new life, with GOD. And we must trust in the almighty power of GOD, WHO raised CHRIST from the dead physically, to sustain us, into “the final stage of existence”, which, for believers, is an eternal life with GOD in “the Kingdom of Heaven”.

A Sunday school lesson by

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday February 3, 2013

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AWED BY GREATNESS

(CHRIST JESUS is supreme)

(Colossians 1:15-23)

In the biblical Greek, the word used for “image” in Colossians 1:15 is “eikon” and it means, “the very substance or embodiment of”. JESUS CHRIST is the perfect spiritual manifestation of the invisible GOD. HE mimics GOD the FATHER in HIS behavior perfectly, and is a perfect representative of HIM. GOD is perfectly expressed and revealed in everything that JESUS does.

Colossians chapter 1, verses 15-20, are perhaps Scripture’s greatest exaltation of JESUS CHRIST, and, it is an excellent biblical defense against “Gnosticism”. In that stretch of passage we find no less than seven unique characteristics of JESUS that fittingly qualify HIM to claim supremacy over everything. Here we see that CHRIST is;

·         “The exact image of GOD, Spiritually” - (GOD does not have a physical image).  JESUS is the perfect representation of GOD. HE is GOD personified before men, through HIS behavior.

·         “The first born over all Creation” – This expression does not mean that JESUS is a created being, but rather, it is the way that GOD chose to communicate to us, JESUS’ uniquely privileged relationship to HIM.

·         “Creator of the universe”

·         “Head of the Church”

·         “The first born from the dead” – HE is the first to be resurrected into eternal life, in fact, HE has first place in everything, including the Church.

·         “The fullness of GOD” – HE is the sustainer of the universe. HE holds everything together.

·         “The reconciler of all things” – Through HIM, GOD the FATHER was pleased to reconcile everything to HIMSELF. JESUS’ vicarious sacrifice was primarily about redeeming a people for GOD, however, ultimately it also included all things on earth and in Heaven. No other Scriptural passage contains a list that can compare to this one, regarding the supremacy and deity of JESUS CHRIST, our LORD. I’ll explain more on these seven characteristics later.

In verses 16-17, as it is expressed in the original Greek writing, three prepositions are used in relation to CHRIST’ role in Creation. Everything was created;

·         Dia autou – “through HIM” (JESUS is the “Instrumental Cause” as, by HIM, all things were created).

·         Eis auton – “for HIM” (JESUS is the “Final Cause” as, for HIM, all things were created)

·         En auto – “sustained by HIM” (JESUS is the “Conserving Cause” as, HE holds everything together.

And so CHRIST is not only the ONE through WHOM all things came into existence, HE is also the ONE through WHOM all things continue to exist. HE is the first and the last, and everything in between, the “Mediator” of the entire the universe. And GOD the FATHER is the “Efficient Cause”, or ultimate source of the universe.

In verse 18 we see that, in addition to being LORD of the universe, CHRIST is also the head of the Church. Now I know a lot of pastors who think they hold that position in spite of what the bible says. Here it is referenced that CHRIST is the HEAD of the invisible universal Church into which all believers are baptized by the HOLY SPIRIT, the very second that they believe in their hearts, in CHRIST JESUS is LORD.

In the Greek, the term used for “first” in this verse is “ho protos” and it means “absolutely first”. JESUS is the beginning, and the firstborn, from the dead. HE was the first to rise into an immortal body, and is the head of the New Covenant, or new order from GOD. Through HIS resurrection, death was defeated and no longer has power over this life.

In verse 19, the Greek word “pluroma” is used for “fullness”. It means “completeness” and here is used to describe GOD’s being, HIS time, and, HIS grace, which dwells in CHRIST JESUS on a permanent basis, continually, forever, and GOD the FATHER is very pleased with that.

And finally, in verse 20 we see a seventh characteristic of GOD that is embodied in CHRIST JESUS, and that is one of “Reconciler”. JESUS’ vicarious sacrifice on the cross at Golgotha by Roman method, completely reconciles us to GOD as payment for all of the sins of man, past, present, and future, and made peace with everything in Heaven and on earth.

In verse 21 Paul expounds on that theme by telling us that reconciliation was absolutely necessary in order to bring us back into a relationship of friendship with GOD. The Greek word used here for “alienated from GOD”, “apallotrioo”, means “being in a desperate state of utter separation and isolation”. It is also a condition that is marked by “hostility” against GOD, which tends to keep us alienated from HIM.

Earlier I mentioned the religious term “Gnosticism”, and that this particular passage was an excellent argument, or defense against this Luciferic idealism. The Gnostics believe that all flesh and material things are evil. They like to try and diminish the role of CHRIST by saying that because HE took on a material body, HE must have been alienated from GOD, and not the SON of GOD. This passage clearly shows, that, not only was GOD fully and totally present in JESUS, HE also used JESUS’ death on the cross to bring man and the entire universe back into harmony with HIMSELF. And so, not only was JESUS holy and righteous, GOD used JESUS’ holiness and righteousness to save us and make us holy, through HIS righteousness (Vs. 21-23).

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday January 27, 2013

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GAINING THE PRIZE

(Pressing toward the goal)

(Philippians 3:12-21)

Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from a prison in Rome circa A.D. 60, as a response to his friends at Philippi, who, had shown him much generosity and support while he was there. Paul is unaware at this time whether or not he’ll die in jail so he wanted to express his confidence in them, and then describe some of the problems he faced in Rome. He wanted them to understand that, if death came during his incarceration, he would rejoice in the presence of CHRIST JESUS, but, as long as he lives, he will continue to serve GOD the best he could with what he had.

Throughout this doctrinal letter we clearly see the theme of rejoicing in the LORD in our present state, here on earth. If we live, we can rejoice because the LORD loves us, and if we die, we can rejoice in the LORD’s OWN glorious presence forever, literally. And while we must still experience problems here on earth, (there is suffering in our obedience to GOD because it often goes against the world’s way of doing things), still, we have to remember that, ultimately, we are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, and must always strive to cling to that thought. We must use that thought as fuel, and keep it constantly at the forefront of our minds, as we travel along our Christian Walk.

Although Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Christian saints, he wanted everyone one of them to know that he had not yet attained the goals that he felt he needed to attain in the work of CHRIST. He knew that he had, by no means, reached the final stage of his sanctification and was always willing to press on toward higher spiritual grounds. He reminds us that there should never be a stall in our Christian walk, or spiritual growth, for as long as we live.

In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul urges us to keep pressing toward the goal, and he tells us that our concern for Heaven will enable us to live a righteous life here on earth. We must pursue “CHRIST-likeness” with the enthusiasm and persistence of an Olympic long distance runner who covets the prize at the end of the race. We must forget about past failures and press on toward a more successful life in CHRIST JESUS in the future.

In verses 15-21, Paul tells us that we must have an overall walk that pleases GOD;

·         First of all, he tells us in verses 15-16 that we must have a “walk of maturity”. One must have a desire to continue on in CHRIST-likeness, no matter what the world around you says you should do, and then, trust GOD to make things clear to those who disagree with HIM.

·         Secondly, in verses 17-19, Paul says that we should have a “walk of watchfulness”. We should watch out for those false teachers, who are, by way of their deeds, an enemy of CHRIST. Often, with tears in his eyes, Paul had warned of those false teachers and spiritual leaders, who, try to lead people toward themselves, and, thereby, away from CHRIST.

·         And finally, in verses 20-21, he reminds us that the Christian Hope is that we will one day have a “walk that is completed”. Our Christian Hope should motivate us to want to live a life on earth that conforms more fully to the word of GOD, using the examples set before us by CHRIST JESUS, as we eagerly wait for HIS return.

We must always fix our thoughts on what is true and honorable and right, always thinking about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. We should think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise, and keep putting into practice, all that we learn and hear from the word of GOD, and the examples of CHRIST. And with that attitude, and, constant prayer, which manifests the heart of a yielded life, we can be assured that the GOD of peace will be with us every step of the way.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday January 20, 2013

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GAIN AND LOSS

(Nothing is more important than knowing CHRIST)

(Philippians 3)

The Apostle Paul was the first great Christian missionary and theologian, after the example of JESUS CHRIST of course. He was born and raised in Tarsus of Cilicia, as Gaius Julius Paulus, the son of a Roman citizen, under the strictest of Jewish tradition and Judaism. He went on to become the first man to clearly show the distinction between Judaism and the Gospel of CHRIST JESUS. He presented Christianity as the universal religion for all mankind, and clearly showed that it was not just a tiny little spin-off of Judaism, that had been formed expressly for the benefit of Jews.

In his lifetime, Paul became widely known as the apostle of the Gentiles. He solved, once and for all time, the issues that arose concerning the problems people had with Christianity, and the biblical and non-biblical traditions of the Jewish law. While the other apostles, with maybe the exception of Peter, continued on with a practical attitude toward the law and Judaism, oftentimes not seeing far into principle, Paul, on the other hand, preached that the issue was very much different than Judaism. He insisted that the doctrine he preached concerning CHRIST was defined by the cross. In other words, Paul keenly felt that one either had to choose “Pharisaism”, or JESUS, or, quite literally, “Law” or “Love, as the ultimate revelation of GOD.

All of Paul’s known letters bear traces of the Hellenistic background from whence he came, and he most certainly obtained many of his Greek ideas through the medium of Judaeo-Greek, or, Hellenistic literature. In fact, a careful study of his letters gives us some idea of this societal element in his early life, due to his Jewish birth. They suggest Paul’s own youthful attitude toward the importance and responsibility of being born Jewish.

In Philippians 3, Paul sought to exhort, or, urge with a strong appeal, that the church at Philippi would continue to rejoice in the LORD. He also warned of the work of the Judaizers, calling them “dogs” and “mutilators of the flesh” (a reference to circumcision), who continued to preach that one must become a Jew through circumcision, before they could be saved. Paul, however, had spent a lot of time preaching to the infant church that they should place no confidence in the flesh. In fact, Christians should place no confidence in their own effort at all, but instead, must only boast of their faith in what JESUS has done for them.

The Christian must worship GOD in the SPIRIT, and thereby, experience a spiritual “circumcision of the heart” that can only come by “knowing GOD”. Paul said that if anyone could have confidence in their own background and training, he could. He once held in high regard, his boyhood studies under the great first-century scholar, Gamaliel, at the famous “School of Hillel” in Rome. He himself, as a pure-breed Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, had been circumcised when he was eight days old. He had also been a member of the Pharisees, who demanded the strictest adherence to Jewish tradition and the Mosaic Law. But now he had experienced the priceless gain of knowing JESUS CHRIST, and everything else suddenly seems worthless by comparison. Before getting to know CHRIST, Paul placed all of his value on the things that he had achieved in the past, but now, he understood clearly that his future of eternal life with GOD can only be realized through his belief and confidence in what JESUS has achieved.

And so, like Paul, all Christians must press ahead toward the highest goal that a man can ever achieve in this life. It is a goal that can never be achieved through human effort, but rather, has already been achieved through the vicarious sacrifice of CHRIST. However, a man will never accept the free gift of salvation in his heart (the gain), unless he first, become willing to remove his love for the things of this world from his heart (the loss).

From the original Greek, the phrase translated “becoming like HIM”, that is used in verse 21 of this passage, is “symmorphizomenos” (sim-morph-i-zo-me-nos) and it means “being conformed inwardly through one’s experiences”. The Christian must continue to work toward the day when they can be all that CHRIST died for us to be, and all that GOD wants us to be, and that is, more like HIM, and, totally with HIM. And it is a change that can only occur, first, inwardly, so that it can then be manifested outwardly, so as to have a positive, GODly effect on the lives of those whom we will be coming in contact with in the future.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday January 13, 2013

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ATTITUDE COUNTS

(Humility before honor)

(Philippians 2:1-18)

In Philippians chapter 2, verses 1-11, perhaps two Greek words sum up the gist of the Apostle Paul’s message to the Church at Philippi, “tapeinophrosune” (tap-i-nof-ras-oo-nay) which means “unity through humility”, and “sumpsuchos” (soom-psoo-khos), which means “together in spirit, or like-minded”.

Here, Paul writes of how his joy in his fellowship with the Philippians would be even greater, if they would began to exhibit more unity, by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. This is perhaps Scripture’s clearest portrait of the humility that is called for by CHRIST JESUS.

Humility, in the biblical sense, is not a weak man’s surrender, but rather, it is a strong man’s rejection of all things selfish. It is also a desire to be actively and genuinely concerned with the needs of others (verses 2-4). In fact, JESUS tells us in Matthew 25, verses 31-46, that, HE will judge us, in the last day, according to our reaction to human need. HIS criterion for administering HIS final judgment will be based on how we reacted to the needs of others in our lifetime, and not on how much, or how little, we sinned.

In verses 5-11, Paul uses JESUS as the great example, or standard, of what true humility in a Christian should look like. Here Paul tells us that our attitudes should be the same as CHRIST exemplified, during HIS lifetime here on earth. During that time, even though HE was GOD, HE did not demand, or cling to HIS to rights as GOD. HE took the humble position of a slave and appeared to us in 100% human form. HE obediently humbled HIMSELF even further, by dying a criminal’s death on the cross, by Roman method.

In this supreme illustration of humility, JESUS willingly surrendered the prerogatives of deity, in order that HE may die for the sins of all humanity. It is because of JESUS’ great sacrifice, that GOD raised HIM up to the heights of Heaven and gave HIM the name that is above all other names. And it is at the very mention of HIS name that, one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD. And it will all be to the glory of GOD the FATHER in Heaven. These statements by Paul (vs. 6-11) constitute a grand expression of “Christology”. In fact, it is said by some scholars that these verses are taken from one of the popular hymns of the early Christian Church.

Through our struggles here on earth, the Christian must be able to tap into GOD’s will for us, and then, shine brightly for CHRIST. Paul reminded the Philippians of how careful they were to follow his instructions while he was with them. And now, he was urging them to put what they had learned from him into action, and show the world, through their behavior, how GOD’s saving work is having a positive effect on their lives, and, on the lives of others. It is the brightness of our Christian light that sheds light and life on the Gospel message that we hold out for others to see.

We must set as our goal, a desire to gain certain qualities in life, among them being, a genuine interest in the welfare of others, a genuine concern for those interests that are CHRIST’, and a record of faithful service that we can point to as our witness before those whom we aspire to convert. And by following the examples of JESUS, or, by, in other words, “being in CHRIST”, the Christian Church, by working together, will be able to work out GODly solutions to its own problems, and, at one and the same time, be able to do so, without murmuring and complaining. And through our real life examples and behavior, we’ll be able to show the world, that, without a doubt, Christianity really does produce the best men and women.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday January 6, 2013

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Over 39,000 readers worldwide

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MESSAGES AND MOTIVES

(Exalt CHRIST by the way you live your life)

(Philippians 1)

The city of Philippi was named after Philip II of Macedonia, who was the father of Alexander the great. Philip captured the city from the Thracians in 358 B.C. It is located about 10 miles northwest of the seaport of Neopolis. It was near there, that, Mark Anthony and Octavius (Caesar Augustus) defeated Brutus and Cassius after they had murdered the Roman Emperor of Julius Caesar. Shortly after that,   Philippi became a colony of the original Roman Empire.

In A.D. 52, Paul visited this city, during his second missionary journey with Silas. It became the first European city in which a Christian church was established. Lydia and her family, and later, the Philippian jailer and his household, were all converted to Christianity by Paul and Silas, during the two men’s visit and incarceration there in Philippi (Acts 16:6-40).

Ironically, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, while under house arrest in Rome, some 10 years later. It was written in response to the financial generosity of the Philippian Church, during and after his visit there in Macedonia. Paul says that, they were the only church to respond in such a way, when he delivered to them, the good news about CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 4:15-16).

After a sincere prayer of thanksgiving for, and vote of confidence in, the Christian Church at Philippi (vs. 1-11), Paul moves on to describe some of the problems that he was currently faced with in Rome. He wanted all of the Christian brothers and sisters to know that everything that was happening to him in Rome would contribute to the spread of the Good News about JESUS CHRIST (vs. 12-14)). And even though some were preaching out of jealousy and rivalry to Paul, most were preaching out of a love for him, and most of all, a love for JESUS CHRIST. Paul was confident that the prayers of the saints and the SPIRIT of CHRIST JESUS would deliver him from his pain (vs. 15-19).

In the biblical Greek, the word used for “earnest expectation” or “hope for the future” is “apokaradokia” (a-pok-a-ra-do-kee-yah). It describes the attitude of a man who scans the horizon, with his head stretched forward, as he eagerly anticipates the first signs of the coming of the glory of GOD. You see, for Paul, life was not a long, hopelessly defeated waiting, but rather, it was a thriving and very vivid expectation of eternal joy.

The Christian has always been, is now, and will forever be, a part of the human experience. By that I mean, from within, we all have to suffer with our own “sin nature”, which is, in the Greek “epithumia”, and it is that battle that constantly goes on within ourselves between “reason” and “passion”. When we give in to “passion” we sin, but when we yield to the “reasoning” of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are able to avoid the clutches of sin. In addition to suffering with our own sin nature, we are also affected by the sins of others. However, we must learn how to, in the power of CHRIST, live in a world that is full of death and decay, and we must also withstand the suffering caused by sins that are not our own, just as JESUS did.

In Philippians 1, verse 20, Paul says that he lived in “earnest expectation and hope” that he would never do anything that would cause shame to himself, or to CHRIST JESUS, neither in life, nor, in death. He resolved that his living would be for CHRIST, and that his dying for CHRIST would be even better. He was torn between two desires, living in service to CHRIST, and dying for the sake of CHRIST. But he reasoned in the only “unselfish” way that he could, that it would be better for those who were lost, that he lived on, working in hopes that one day they too, could experience the joy that he himself had found in CHRIST JESUS.

To exalt CHRIST through our behavior results in a life well lived. In the biblical times the word “conversation” meant “your whole way of life”, how you lived, and what your manner of living was, what you did, and how you did it. Sadly, today it only means “the way you talk”, and has nothing to do with the way you really are.

Professed Christians must begin to let their “conversation” (way of life) be worthy of CHRIST, because we are, in reality, professing to be citizens of Heaven. We must give up the desire to conform to the ways of the world, even, and especially in the church house. We have to transform from the world before we can enter into Heaven, and we can take nothing of this world with us when we make our transitions. We must make sure that our “messages” and our “motives” line up with the Word of GOD.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

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