"BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP CLASS 2"

Section 1 - Understanding Biblical Church Leadership -

THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

What does a Biblical leader do?

Being a leader means influencing others. Being a biblical leader means caring how and why one influences others, and where that influence takes them. Worldly leaders lord it over their followers, using their authority for the furtherance of their own personal ambition and gain.

What is a biblical leaders goal?

Faithful church leaders, on the other hand, recognize they are not leading others simply to follow themselves, but to follow Christ. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” Biblical leaders understand their place relative to Christ. He is the perfect example that they are following. His glory, not their own, is the goal. And His authority is ultimate, for Christ is the head of the church.

Ephesians 1:22–23 NASB95

22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Colossians 1:18 NASB95

18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

Revelation 1:12–20 (NASB95)

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.

14 His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.

17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

19 “Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. 20 “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

What are the lampstands?

What does Christ walking among the lampstands demonstrate about His relationship to the church?

The New Testament has much to say regarding the reality and the implications of Christ as head of the church

CHRIST, THE SAVIOR -

Christ is uniquely the head of the church because He alone is the Savior of the church.

Ephesians 5:23–25 NASB95

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

Revelation 5:9 NASB95

9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

How did Christ save the church?

How should Christ’s love for the church motivate our love for the church?

How should the fact that Christ is the savior of the church affect the church’s response to Him?

CHRIST, THE SOVEREIGN

As head of the church, Christ has authority over the church. He is the sovereign Lord.

Ephesians 1:22–23 NASB95

22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 5:23–24 NASB95

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

How does Christ exercise authority over the church?

In what ways should church leaders reflect Christ’s authority over the church?

In what ways should they not?

How should the fact that Christ is the sovereign over the church affect the church’s response to Him?

CHRIST, THE SOURCE -

Christ, the head, does not rule over the church as a distant, isolated king. Rather He is a head who is connected to the body and is the One from whom life and growth flow

Ephesians 4:11–16 (NASB95)

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Colossians 2:18–19 NASB95

18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

How does Christ produce growth in the body? Does He produce growth apart from the proper working of other parts of the body?

Why can’t the body grow apart from Him?

How should the fact that Christ is the source of life and growth for the church affect the church’s response to Him?

CHRIST, THE SHEPHERD -

Christ is intimately involved in the care, provision and direction of His flock. While He uses elders to shepherd His flock, He is the Chief Shepherd.

1 Peter 5:1–4 (NASB95)

1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Psalm 23 (NASB95)

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

How does Christ care for and provide for His flock, the church?

How should the fact that Christ is the Chief Shepherd of the church affect?

Christ is the head of the church. Biblical leaders must recognize His authority and depend ultimately on His work and ministry. And faithful church leaders must not seek their own profit. Rather they must seek to influence the church to follow His design and to lead others toward greater likeness to Him through their words and example.

DISCUSSION -

How has this study helped deepen your understanding of Christ as head of the church?

Why is it so important for church leaders to recognize Christ as head of the church?

What are some potential consequences of neglecting or losing sight of Christ’s headship?

How is this reality of Christ as head of the church a source of:

Comfort for church leaders?

Accountability for church leaders?

Unity among church leaders?

Section 2 - Deepening Knowledge for Biblical Church Leadership -

Becoming a biblical church leader involves more than head knowledge, but not less. A faithful, godly leader in the local church must have a deep knowledge of the Bible and of key doctrines to help others grow and to defend the truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 NASB95

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Talk thru the Bible (The Theocratic Books)

Theocentric books -

These books cover the conquest and settlement of Canaan and life during the time of the judges. During these years (1405–1043 B.C.), Israel was a nation ruled by God (a theocracy).

Joshua—The first half of Joshua describes the seven-year conquest of the Land of Promise through faith and obedience on the past of Joshua and the people. After their spiritual and physical preparation, the Israelites took the land in three campaigns: central, southern, and northern. The last half of the book details the partitioning of the land among the twelve tribes and closes with Joshua’s challenge to the people.

Judges—The disobedience in Judges stands in contrast to the faithful obedience found in Joshua. The Israelites did not drive out all the Canaanites and began to take part in their idolatry. Judges records seven cycles of foreign oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The people failed to learn from these cycles, and the book ends with two illustrations of idolatry and immorality.

Ruth—This little book sheds a ray of light in an otherwise dark period. The story of Ruth occurred in the days of the judges, but it is a powerful illustration of righteousness, love, and faithfulness to the Lord.

The Monarchical Books

These six books trace the history of Israel’s monarchy from its inception in 1043 B.C. to its destruction in 586 B.C.

First Samuel—The prophet Samuel carried Israel across the transition from the judges to the monarchy. The people clamored for a king and God told Samuel to anoint Saul. Saul began well but soon degenerated into an ungodly tyrant. David became God’s king-elect but he was pursued by the jealous Saul whose murderous intentions were checked only by death.

Second Samuel—Upon the demise of Saul, David reigned for seven years over Judah and another thirty-three years over the twelve reunited tribes. His reign was characterized by great blessing until he committed adultery and murder. From that point until his death he was plagued by personal, family, and national struggles.

First Kings—Solomon brought the kingdom to its political and economic zenith, but this wisest of men played the fool in his multiple marriages with foreign women. After his death in 931 B.C., the kingdom was tragically divided when the ten northern tribes of Israel set up their own king. Only the southern kingdom of Judah (two tribes) remained subject to the Davidic dynasty.

Second Kings—The story of the divided kingdom continues in Second Kings as it carries Israel and Judah to their bitter ends. None of the nineteen kings of Israel did what was right in the sight of God, and their corruption led to captivity at the hands of the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Judah lasted longer because eight of its twenty rulers followed the Lord. But Judah also fell in judgment and was carried away by the Babylonians between 605 B.C. and 586 B.C.

First Chronicles—The Books of Chronicles give a divine perspective on the history of Israel from the time of David to the two captivities. The first book begins with a nine-chapter genealogy from Adam to the family of Saul, followed by a spiritually oriented account of the life of David.

Second Chronicles—This book continues the narrative with the life of Solomon, and focuses on the construction and dedication of the temple. It then traces the history of the kings of Judah only, giving the spiritual and moral reasons for its ultimate downfall.

The Restoration Books

The last three historical books describe the return of a remnant of the Jews to their homeland after seventy years (605–536 B.C.) of captivity. They were led in the period from 536–420 B.C. by Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah.

Ezra—Babylon was conquered by Persia in 539 B.C. and Cyrus issued a decree in 536 B.C. that allowed the Jews to return to Palestine. Zerubbabel led about fifty thousand to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, and years later (458 B.C.), Ezra the priest returned with almost two thousand Jews.

Nehemiah—The temple was built, but the wall of Jerusalem still lay in ruins. Nehemiah obtained permission, supplies, and money from the king of Persia to rebuild the walls (444 B.C.). After the walls were built, Ezra and Nehemiah led the people in revival and reforms.

Esther—The story of Esther took place between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra. Most of the Jews chose to remain in Persia, but their lives were in danger because of a plot to exterminate them. God sovereignly intervened and used Esther and Mordecai to deliver the people.

DEUTERONOMY

Deuteronomy…consists of a series of farewell messages by Israel’s 120-year-old leader [Moses]. It is addressed to the new generation destined to possess the Land of Promise — those who survived the forty years of wilderness wandering. Deuteronomy, like Leviticus, contains a vast amount of legal detail, but its emphasis is on the layman rather than the priests and sacrifice. Moses reminds the new generation of the importance of obedience if they are to learn from the sad example of their predecessors. Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible

OUTLINE:

I. Looking Back (1–11)

II. Looking Ahead (12–32)

III. Looking Up (33–34)

THEME: Second Law/Renewed Covenant

KEY CHAPTERS:

5 Decalogue reiterated

28 Blessings and curses

32 Song of Moses

34 Death of Moses

Talk thru the Bible (Theme and Purpose)

“Beware lest you forget” is a key theme in Deuteronomy. Moses emphasizes the danger of forgetfulness because it leads to arrogance and disobedience. They must remember two things:

(1) when they prosper, it is God who has caused it, and

(2) when they disobey God, He will discipline them as He did when the previous generation failed to believe Him at Kadesh-barnea. Deuteronomy is a call to obedience as a condition to blessing.

God has always been faithful to His covenant and He now extends it to the new generation. Deuteronomy is a covenant renewal document that uses the same format as Near Eastern treaties in the time of Moses. These treaties had the following elements:

(1) a preamble (a list of the parties making the treaty; 1:1–5),

(2) a historical prologue (the benevolent dealings of the king in the past; 1:6–4:43),

(3) stipulations (conditions of the covenant; 4:44–26:19),

(4) ratification (blessings and cursings; 27–30), and

(5) continuity (provisions for maintaining the covenant; 31–34). There is an emphasis on choice, and the people are urged to choose life rather than death (30:19–20). They are told to “hear” (50 times) and “do,” “keep,” “observe” (177 times) God’s commands out of a heart of “love” (21 times).

Why is “second law/renewed covenant” an appropriate theme for the book of Deuteronomy?

JOSHUA

Joshua records God’s faithfulness to His promises in bringing His people into the Promised Land.… The book of Joshua shows that Israel must trust and obey God to be victorious in warfare, and underlines the crucial value of God’s Word. Chrispin, The Bible Panorama, 106.

Talk thru the Bible (Joshua)

Joshua, the first of the twelve historical books (Joshua - Esther), forges a link between the Pentateuch and the remainder of Israel’s history. Through three military campaigns involving more than thirty enemy armies, the people of Israel learn a crucial lesson under Joshua’s capable leadership: victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His Word, rather than military might or numerical superiority.The first half of Joshua (chs. 1–12) describes the seven-year conquest of the land; the second half (chs. 13–24) relates the partitioning and settlement of the land among the twelve tribes.

OUTLINE:

I. Conquering the Land (1–12)

II. Dividing the Land (13–24)

THEME: Conquer and Divide

KEY CHAPTERS:

2 Rahab and the spies

6 Fall of Jericho

7 The sin of Achan

Talk thru the Bible Theme and Purpose

Joshua’s historical purpose is to document the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. As such, Joshua joins the eleven out of seventeen historical books that carry on the geographical and chronological story of Israel from the time of Abraham to Malachi. The other ten are: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Judges, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The remaining six—Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Ruth, First and Second Chronicles, and Esther—are supplementary in nature. Out of the list of eleven, only Joshua does not record a massive failure by Israel or its leadership (the sin in chapter 7 was quickly remedied).

Theologically, Joshua teaches that victory and blessing come through obedience and trust in God. Active faith leads to obedience which in turn brings blessing. God required the people to attempt the impossible in submission to His directions before He made it possible for them to succeed. The book emphasizes God’s covenant faithfulness to His promises regarding a land for Israel, and God’s holiness in bringing judgment upon the immoral Canaanites.

Why is “conquer and divide” an appropriate theme for the book of Joshua?

JUDGES

The book of Judges stands in stark contrast to the book of Joshua. There, an obedient people conquered the land through trust in the power of God. But in Judges, a disobedient and idolatrous people are frequently defeated because of their rebellion against God. In seven distinct cycles of sin, Judges show how the nation has set aside God’s law and in its place‘everyone did what was right in his own eyes.’ (21:25) Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible

OUTLINE:

I. Disobedience in Judges (1–2)

II. History of the Judges (3–16)

III. Apostasy in Judges (17–21)

THEME: Disobedience and Defeat

KEY CHAPTERS:

6–8 Gideon’s judgeship

13–16 Samson’s judgeship

RUTH

Ruth records a love-story during Israel’s seesaw time of the judges... It is not only an historical account of how God honours those who honour Him, to reverse the sad circumstances of Naomi and Ruth, but also is an enacted picture of the blessed role of a redeemer (Boaz). Chrispin, The Bible Panorama, 123

Talk thru the Bible Ruth

Ruth is a beautiful “interlude of love” set in the period of the judges in Israel—an era marked by immorality, idolatry, and war. This heartwarming story of devotion and faithfulness records the life of Ruth, a Moabite widow who leaves her homeland to leave with her widowed Jewish mother-in-law in Bethlehem. God honors her commitment by guiding her to the field of Boaz (a near kinsman) where she gathers grain and eventually finds a husband! The book closes with a brief genealogy in which Boaz’s name is prominent as the great-grandfather of King David, through whom would come the Christ.

OUTLINE:

I. Return of Ruth (1)

II. Reaping of Ruth (2)

III. Request of Ruth (3)

IV. Redemption of Ruth (4)

THEME: Kinsman Redeemer

KEY CHAPTERS:

4 Boaz redeems Ruth and marries her

Talk thru the Bible Theme and Purpose

Chapters 17–21 form an appendix to the Book of Judges, offering two illustrations of unrighteousness during the time of the judges. Ruth serves as a third illustration of life during this time, but it is an illustration of godliness. It is a positive picture of real faith and obedience (1:16–17; 3:10) that leads to blessing (4:13, 17). Ruth also teaches that Gentiles could believe in the true God (three out of the four women mentioned in Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1 were Gentiles—Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth). Ruth explains how a gentile woman could become a member of the royal lineage of David and shows the divine origin of the Davidic dynasty (4:18–22).

The theme of Ruth is redemption, especially as it relates to the Kinsman-Redeemer. It reveals Yahweh’s gracious character and sovereign care for His people (2:12). It stresses God’s providential rewards for faithfulness. Not all was lost during this chaotic period—there was always a faithful Remnant of those who did what was right in the sight of the Lord.

Why is “kinsman redeemer” an appropriate theme for the book of Ruth?

1 SAMUEL

The First Book of Samuel describes the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings. Three characters are prominent in the book: Samuel, the last judge and first prophet; Saul, the first king of Israel; and David, the king-elect, anointed but not yet recognized as Saul’s successor. Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 70

Talk thru the Bible First Samuel

Samuel, the last judge and first great prophet in Israel, anoints the first king. Though Saul’s physical credentials are impressive, his indifferent heart attitude toward God results in the kingdom being taken away from his family. In his place Samuel anoints young David as the king-elect. David becomes a growing threat to the insanely jealous Saul, eventually fleeing to the wilderness for his very life. But God’s hand of protection is clearly upon David, even as God’s hand of judgment is being felt by Saul and his family. Foolishly consulting a medium at En Dor, Saul hears his own doom pronounced. True to the prophet’s word, Saul and his sons are killed the next day in combat.

OUTLINE:

I. Preparation for the Monarch – Samuel (1–9)

II. Period of the Monarch – Saul (10–31)

THEME: Transition from the Judges to the Monarchy

KEY CHAPTERS:

8–10 Israel chooses a king

15 Saul spares Amalekites

16 David anointed

Why is “transition from the judges to the monarchy” an appropriate theme for the book of 1 Samuel?

Talk thru the Bible Theme and Purpose

The books of Samuel give a prophetically oriented history of Israel’s early monarchy. The First of these books picks up the story of Israel left off in Judges 16:31. Samuel followed Samson, and he too had to deal with the Philistines since Samson did not accomplish a permanent victory. First Samuel traces the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings, from a theocracy to a monarchy. The monarchy brought greater stability because the people found it easier to follow an earthly king. Samuel was the kingmaker who anointed the first two rulers of the united kingdom. Saul quickly disobeyed God and became a tyrant. David became the first real theocratic king—he allowed God to rule through him.

In their actions during the period of the judges, the people rejected Yahweh as their King. The clamor for an earthly king in First Samuel was the natural outcome of this practical rejection (8:7). God had intended to give Israel a king (see Gen. 49:10; Deut. 17:14–20), but the people insisted on the king of their choice instead of waiting for God’s king. Nevertheless, this book teaches the sovereign control of Yahweh who establishes and removes kings. Saul was rejected by the Lord because he failed to learn the truth that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22). He became characterized by mental imbalance, raging jealousy, foolishness, and immorality. David illustrated the principle that “the LORD does not see as man sees” (16:7). The Lord established the Davidic dynasty because of David’s obedience, wisdom, and dependence on God.

Samuel also reveals the critical role of the prophets in their divinely commissioned exhortations to the kings and the people of Israel.

2 SAMUEL

The Second Book of Samuel records the highlights of David’s reign, first over the territory of Judah, and finally over the entire nation of Israel. It traces the ascension of David to the throne, his climactic sins of adultery and murder, and the shattering consequences of those sins upon his family and the nation. Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 78.

Talk thru the Bible Second Samuel

Soon after the death of Saul, David the king-elect becomes monarch first over Judah (where he reigns with Hebron as his capital for seven and one-half years) and finally over all Israel (where he makes Jerusalem his capital and reigns for thirty-three years). Thus, Second Samuel chronicles the forty-year reign of the man who lived at the halfway point between Abraham and Christ—about 1000 B.C. David’s triumphs bring the nation to the very zenith of its power. But his dual sins of adultery and murder bring personal and national chastening from the Lord. Throughout his life, David seeks God zealously and confesses his sins promptly—actions befitting the one called by God “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22).

OUTLINE:

I. The Triumphs of David (1–10)

II. The Transgressions of David (11–12)

III. The Troubles of David (13–24)

THEME: David’s Reign as King

KEY CHAPTERS:

5 David as king over all Israel

11 Bathsheba

Talk thru the Bible Theme and Purpose

There is no real break in the narrative between First Samuel 31:13 and Second Samuel 1:1. The two books of Samuel were originally one book written to provide a divine perspective on the establishment of the united kingdom under Saul and its expansion under David. These books repeatedly illustrate the hostility between the ten northern and two southern tribes and the difficulty of keeping them united. The final split between Israel and Judah that occurred after the death of Solomon in 931 B.C. comes as no surprise in light of First and Second Samuel.

The Book of Second Samuel offers a very candid portrait of the strengths and weaknesses of David’s forty-year reign. God is no respecter of persons, and the heroes of the Bible like David are not glorified to the neglect of their sin. This balanced presentation of the life of Israel’s greatest king reveals the origin of a perpetual dynasty (7:16).

Several spiritual truths are reinforced and illustrated in the life of David. The most obvious of these is the cause and effect principle stressed in every book since Genesis: obedience (1–7) brings God’s blessings (8–10), and disobedience (11) leads to God’s judgment (12–24). The consequences of sin cannot be avoided; “sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15), in this case, many.

Why is “David’s reign as king” an appropriate theme for the book of 2 Samuel?

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING SOUND DOCTRINE – THEOLOGY PROPER

Romans 11:33 NASB95

33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

What is Theology Proper?

• The existence of God

• The nature of God

• The names of God

• The attributes of God

• The decree or will of God

Doctrinal Statement - “Godhead” -

Godhead: We believe the Godhead eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and these three are one God, worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:18-19, Mark 12:29, John 1:1 and 14, Acts 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Hebrews 1:1-3 and 9:14, 1 John 5:20, Revelation 1:4-6)

Deuteronomy 6:4 NASB95

4 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!

Matthew 28:18–19 NASB95

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Mark 12:29 NASB95

29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord;

John 1:1 NASB95

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 NASB95

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Acts 5:3–4 NASB95

3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

2 Corinthians 13:14 NASB95

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Hebrews 1:1–3 NASB95

1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

1 John 5:20 NASB95

20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Revelation 1:4–6 NASB95

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— 6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Doctrinal Statement - “God the Father” -

God the Father: We believe in God the Father, existent as Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe God concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all that come to Him through Jesus Christ. (John 4:24, John 6:57, Ephesians 4:4-6, 1 John 4:14-15)

John 4:24 NASB95

24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

John 6:57 NASB95

57 “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.

Ephesians 4:4–6 NASB95

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

1 John 4:14–15 NASB95

14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

What are some of the key truths that are expressed?

Why do these truths matter?

What are the consequences of misunderstanding or neglecting these truths?

What questions do you have about the truths that are stated?

What is “theology Proper?”

The Moody Handbook of Theology Distinction of Systematic Theology

Systematic theology is distinguished from other classifications of theology. The other classifications can be differentiated as follows.

BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Biblical theology is a narrower focus of study, emphasizing the study of a particular era or writer (e.g., the prophetic era or Johannine [John’s] theology).

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

Historical theology is the study of the historical development and unfolding of theology. For example, historical theology observes the development of Christology in the early centuries of the Christian church, when the church councils formulated their position on a great many doctrines (such as the two natures of Jesus Christ).

DOGMATIC THEOLOGY

Dogmatic theology is sometimes confused with systematic theology, and some outstanding theology works have been entitled, “dogmatic theology” (cf. W. G. T. Shedd). Dogmatic theology is normally understood to denote the study of a creedal system as developed by a denomination or a theological movement.

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Christian theology is another categorization that is sometimes used synonymously with systematic theology. The most recent work by Millard J. Erickson is so designated. Theological books by Emery H. Bancroft and H. Orton Wiley are other examples. While also systematizing theology, this designation emphasizes that it is written from a decidedly Christian perspective (but not suggesting that works designated systematic theology are not).

THEOLOGY PROPER

Theology proper is a category of study within systematic theology; it denotes the study of the nature and existence of God. To distinguish the study of God specifically (in contrast to the study of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, etc.), the term proper is used to distinguish the study of God from theology in general.

Lexham Survey of Theology The Doctrine of the Triune God

The doctrine of God is the horizon of all Christian theology. It’s built into the very name “theology”: it’s “logos about theos“—that is, “speech about God.” That’s why people sometimes call the doctrine of God “theology proper,” meaning that theology is actually talking about the doctrine of who God is in his essence, in his existence, in his attributes, and in his eternal being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Systematic Theology Chapter I: Origin of the Idea of God

All men have some knowledge of God. That is, they have the conviction that there is a Being on whom they are dependent, and to whom they are responsible. What is the source of this conviction? In other words, what is the origin of the idea of God? To this question three answers have been given. First, that it is innate. Second, that is a deduction of reason; a conclusion arrived at by a process of generalization. Third, that it is to be referred to a supernatural revelation, preserved by tradition.

Systematic Theology Cross-References: Dataset Documentation Classic Systematic Theology Categories

• Theology Proper: The study of the being, attributes, and works of God

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE TRINITY?

Deuteronomy 6:4 NASB95

4 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!

Isaiah 44:6 NASB95

6 “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me.

Isaiah 46:9–10 NASB95

9 “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;

Matthew 3:16–17 NASB95

16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, 17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Matthew 28:19 NASB95

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

2 Corinthians 13:14 NASB95

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

The basic assertion of this doctrine is that the unity of the one God is complex. The three personal “subsistences” (as they are called) are coequal and coeternal centers of self-awareness, each being “I” in relation to two who are “you” and each partaking of the full divine essence (the “stuff” of deity, if we may dare to call it that) along with the other two.

They are not three roles played by one person (that is modalism), nor are they three gods in a cluster (that is tritheism); the one God (“he”) is also, and equally, “they,” and “they” are always together and always cooperating, with the Father initiating, the Son complying, and the Spirit executing the will of both, which is his will also.

This is the truth about God that was revealed through the words and works of Jesus, and that undergirds the reality of salvation as the New Testament sets it forth. J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1993), 42.

• How would you define the inerrancy of Scripture?

The Moody Handbook of Theology Inspriation and Inerrancy of Scripture

INSPIRATION AND INERRANCY OF SCRIPTURE

No adequate theology is possible without a belief in the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. If this doctrine is abandoned, reason becomes the source of authority and reason sits in judgment upon the text of Scripture.

The Moody Handbook of Theology Definition of Inerrancy

E. J. Young provides a suitable definition of inerrancy: “By this word we mean that the Scriptures possess the quality of freedom from error. They are exempt from the liability to mistake, incapable of error. In all their teachings they are in perfect accord with the truth”30 Ryrie provides a syllogism for logically concluding the biblical teaching of inerrancy: “God is true (Rom. 3:4); the Scriptures were breathed out by God (2 Tim. 3:16); therefore, the Scriptures are true (since they came from the breath of God who is true).”31

In defining inerrancy it is also important to state what it does not mean. It does not demand rigidity of style and verbatim quotations from the Old Testament. “The inerrancy of the Bible means simply that the Bible tells the truth. Truth can and does include approximations, free quotations, language of appearances, and different accounts of the same event as long as those do not contradict.”32 At the Chicago meeting in October 1978, the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy issued the following statement on inerrancy: “Being wholly and verbally God-given, Scripture is without error or fault in all its teaching, no less in what it states about God’s acts in creation, about the events of world history, and about its own literary origins under God, than in its witness to God’s saving grace in individual lives.”33

CULTIVATING CHARACTER FOR BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADER SHIP

The Scriptures clearly define character qualifications for those who serve in church leadership, as they are to be an example to others (1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Timothy 3:10–11). While not perfect, leaders in the church are to be spiritually mature such that others can imitate them in every aspect of life. All believers are to strive to see these characteristics of Christlike spiritual maturity demonstrated consistently in their lives. Such maturity does not come by accident, but through a faithful, disciplined life.

1 Corinthians 11:1–2 NASB95

1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.

2 Timothy 3:10–11 NASB95

10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!

Augustine - “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”

SPIRITUAL MATURITY

Consider the following biblical qualifications of an elder, recognizing they are not only required for elders but are to be the goal for every believer as they grow toward spiritual maturity.

Above reproach

1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach…

1 Timothy 3:2 NASB95

2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Titus 1:5–6 …appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is

Titus 1:5–6 NASB95

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

above reproach…

Why is this quality necessary for leadership?

Is this quality only necessary for leaders, or should every believer strive to be above reproach? Why?

Having a good reputation with outsiders

1 Timothy 3:7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:7 NASB95

7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Why is this quality necessary for leadership?

1 Peter 2:11–12 NASB95

11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 3:16 NASB95

16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Why should every believer care about their reputation with others? Does living a godly life guarantee a good reputation with others?

How would you describe your reputation with unbelievers you know?

How can you grow in order to improve your reputation?