"BIBLICAL LEADER CLASS 3"
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· 4 viewsUNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP • The Purpose of the Church DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE FOR BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP • Bible Survey: 1 Kings – Esther • Systematic Theology: Christology CULTIVATING CHARACTER FOR BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP • Spiritual Maturity: Husband of One Wife • Spiritual Disciplines: Evangelism
Notes
Transcript
What have have learned thus far -
CHAPTER 1
• What Is the Church?
• Bible Survey: Genesis – Numbers 15
• Systematic Theology: Bibliology
• Spiritual Maturity: Not a New Convert; Aspires to the Work
• Spiritual Disciplines: Bible Reading
CHAPTER 2
• The Head of the Church
• Bible Survey: Deuteronomy – 2 Samuel
• Systematic Theology: Theology Proper
• Spiritual Maturity: Above Reproach; Having a Good Reputation with Outsiders
• Spiritual Disciplines: Fellowship
This evening we are going to be learning about 1)The Purpose of the Church, 2) 1 Kings through Esther, 3) Christology, 4) qualified biblical leaders with be sexual pure, and finally the disciple of evangelism.
UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP -
UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP -
What is the purpose of the church?
The Purpose of the Church -
Biblical church leaders must lead the church to function according to Christ’s design. This is more than simply a commitment to understanding and obeying the detailed commands of the New Testament. It starts with understanding His intent for the church. Why has God established the church? Why has He left His redeemed on the earth? Church leaders who are not clear on or who lose sight of the purpose of the church may be well-intentioned, but they are likely to ultimately lead the church in a direction that neglects the priorities of Christ.
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH IS TO “WORSHIP” -
God created all things for His own glory. As has been famously stated, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Every person exists for God’s glory. The church exists for God’s glory. And so, the primary purpose of the church is the exaltation or worship of God. Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition (William S. Young, 1851), 387.
Worship is central in the existence of the church. The words of the apostle Paul that God has chosen and predestined sons unto Himself in Christ “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Eph. 1:4–6) suggest that the ultimate purpose of the church is the worship of the one who called it into being. Saucy, The Church in God’s Program, 166.
What is “worship?”
Jerry Bridges defines worship as “the specific act of ascribing to God the glory, majesty, honor, and worthiness which are His.” Bridges, The Practice of Godliness, 49–50.
Worship is the awed response to the saving acts and praiseworthy character of God. Worship is the reverential response of creation to the all-encompassing magnificence of God McCaulley, E. (2014). Worship. In D. Mangum, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, & R. Hurst (Eds.), Lexham Theological Wordbook. Lexham Press.
The foundation of worship in the heart is not emotional (“I feel full of worship” or “The atmosphere is so worshipful”). Actually, it is theological. Worship is not something we “work up,” it is something that “comes down” to us, from the character of God. Sinclair Ferguson, A Heart for God (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1987), 110.
Transcendent worship is directly related to the depth of comprehending divine truth. Those who understand the gospel most deeply worship God with the greatest exaltation and exhilaration. Author unknown, “The Power of Expository Preaching,” The Master’s Mantle, v. 13:2 (Fall/Winter 2006).
Isaiah 6:1–6 (NASB95)
1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” 4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.
5 Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.
11 “Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders?
Psalm 148:1–14 (NASB95)
1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! 2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! 3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! 4 Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. 6 He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; 9 Mountains and all hills; Fruit trees and all cedars; 10 Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged fowl; 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;
12 Both young men and virgins; Old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven. 14 And He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!
What is it that leads to true “worship” of God?
Romans 11:33–12:1 (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! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?
36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. 1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:1–5 (NASB95)
1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
THE INWARD PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH - EDIFICATION -
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.
1 Peter 4:10–11 (NASB95)
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 12:4–27 (NASB95)
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;
23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked,
25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
A church will never function the way that that God intended without biblical love for one another -
34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
Philippians 2:1–5 (NASB95)
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
THE OUTWARD PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH - EVANGELISM
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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
The break down of the book of Acts -
Witness in Jerusalem - chapters 1-7
Witness in Judea and Samaria - Chapters 8-12
Witnesses to the ends of the earth - chapters 13-21
Paul’s first missionary journey - 48-49 AD chapters 13-14
Paul’s second missionary journey - 50-52 AD chapters 16-18:22
Paul’s third missionary journey - 53-57 AD chapters 18:23-21
Then Paul’s imprisonments - chapters 22-28
In Jerusalem
In Caesarea
In Rome (for the first time)
How does evangelism take place?
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
2 Corinthians 5:18–21 (NASB95)
18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 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 is it important that evangelism involves both your conduct as well as the message you share?
DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE FOR BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP -
DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE FOR BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP -
• 1 Kings: United and Divided Kingdom
• 2 Kings: Fall of Israel and Judah
• 1 Chronicles: God’s View of David
• 2 Chronicles: God’s View of Judah’s Kings
• Ezra: Rebuilding of the Temple and People
• Nehemiah: Rebuilding of the Walls
• Esther: Preservation through Providence
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
• Understanding Sound Doctrine
• Christology: The Study of the Doctrine of Christ
• Defending Sound Doctrine
• How would you defend the deity of Christ?
Spiritual leaders of every generation will have a consuming passion to know the Word of God through diligent study and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1994), 102.
BIBLE SURVEY
1 KINGS
The first half of First Kings traces the life of Solomon. Under his leadership Israel rises to the peak of her size and glory.…However, Solomon’s zeal for God diminishes in his later years, as pagan wives turn his heart away from worship in the temple of God. As a result, the king with the divided heart leaves behind a divided kingdom. For the next century, the Book of First Kings traces the twin histories of two sets of kings and two nations of disobedient people [Israel and Judah]… Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 84.
OUTLINE:
I. Kingdom United/Solomon (1–11)
II. Kingdom Divided/Many Kings (12–22)
THEME: United and Divided Kingdom
KEY CHAPTERS:
1 - Solomon is appointed king
3 - Solomon chooses wisdom and judges wisely
8 - Solomon’s temple dedicated
17 - Elijah predicts drought and raises the dead
18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel
19 - Elijah’s flight to Horeb/appointment of Elisha
2 KINGS
The Book of Second Kings continues the drama begun in First Kings – the tragic history of two nations on a collision course with captivity. The author systematically traces the reigning monarchs of Israel and Judah.…Nineteen consecutive evil kings rule in Israel, leading to the captivity by Assyria. The picture is somewhat brighter in Judah, where godly kings occasionally emerge to reform the evils of their predecessors. In the end, however, sin outweighs righteousness and Judah is marched off to Babylonia. Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 92.
OUTLINE:
I. Kingdom Divided/Israel Falls (1–17)
II. Kingdom which Survives/Judah Falls (18–25)
THEME: Fall of Israel and Judah
KEY CHAPTERS:
17 - Israel’s fall/Assyrian captivity
24–25 - The fall of Judah to Babylon
1 CHRONICLES
The books of First and Second Chronicles cover the same period of Jewish history described in Second Samuel through Second Kings, but the perspective in Chronicles is different. These books are no mere repetition of the same material, but rather are a divine editorial on the history of God’s people. While Second Samuel and Kings give political history of Israel and Judah, Chronicles gives a religious history of the Davidic dynasty of Judah. Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 99.
OUTLINE:
I. Royal Line of David (1–9)
II. Righteous Reign of David (10–29)
THEME: God’s View of David
2 CHRONICLES
The Book of Second Chronicles parallels First and Second Kings but virtually ignores the northern kingdom of Israel.…Chronicles focuses on those kings who pattern their life and reign after that of godly king David. It gives extended treatment to such zealous reformers as Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, and Josiah.…The book begins with Solomon’s glorious temple, and concludes with Cyrus’ edict to rebuild the temple more than four hundred years later! Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 108.
OUTLINE:
I. Reign of Solomon (1–9)
II. Reigns of Judah’s Kings (10–36)
THEME: God’s View of Judah’s Kings
EZRA
Ezra continues the Old Testament narrative of Second Chronicles by showing how God fulfilled His promise to return His people to the Land of Promise after seventy years of exile. Israel’s ‘second exodus,’ this one from Babylonia, is less impressive than the Egyptian bondage because only a remnant choose to leave. Ezra relates the story of two returns from Babylonia, the first led by Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple (chs. 1–6) and the second under the leadership of Ezra to rebuild the spiritual condition of the people (chs. 7–10). Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 116.
OUTLINE:
I. The Return and Reconstruction under Zerubbabel (1–6)
II. The Return and Reform under Ezra (7–10)
THEME: Rebuilding of the Temple and People
KEY CHAPTERS:
1 - Decree of Cyrus allowing the return; many Israelites respond
3 - Foundation of the temple completed with much ceremony
7–9 - Return under Ezra, including his prayer (9)
NEHEMIAH
Nehemiah, contemporary of Ezra and cupbearer to the king in the Persian palace, leads the third and last return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.…Granted permission to return to his homeland, Nehemiah challenges his countrymen to arise and rebuild the shattered wall of Jerusalem. In spite of opposition from without and abuse from within, the task is completed in only fifty-two days.…By contrast, the task of reviving and reforming the people of God within those rebuilt walls demands years of Nehemiah’s godly life and leadership. Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 123.
OUTLINE:
I. Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah (1–7)
II. Revival of the People under Ezra (8–10)
III. Reinforcement of the Work under Nehemiah (11–13)
THEME: Rebuilding of the Walls
KEY CHAPTERS:
3–7 - Work on and completion of the walls; opposition; census
ESTHER
The story of Esther’s life fits between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra, between the first return led by Zerubbabel and the second return led by Ezra.… God’s hand of providence and protection on behalf of His people is evident throughout the book, though His name does not appear once. Haman’s plot brings grave danger to the Jews and is countered by the courage of beautiful Esther and the counsel of her wise cousin Mordecai, resulting in a great deliverance. The Feast of Purim becomes an annual reminder of God’s faithfulness on behalf of His people. Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, 131.
OUTLINE:
I. The Threat to the Jews (1–4)
II. The Triumph of the Jews (5–10)
THEME: Preservation through Providence
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
UNDERSTANDING SOUND DOCTRINE – CHRISTOLOGY -
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, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Christology is the study of the doctrine of Christ.
Christology includes topics such as -
• The Person of Christ
• The Deity of Christ
• The Humanity of Christ
• The Work of Christ
CHRISTOLOGY The study of Jesus in the New Testament, namely, His persona, activity, and especially His role in salvation. Another more specific use of the term concentrates on how Jesus fulfills, exercises, and redefines what it means to be the Messiah of Israel. Gupta, N. K. (2016). Christology. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, L. Wentz, E. Ritzema, & W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Lexham Press.
CHRIST, CHRISTOLOGY “Christ” is English for the Greek Christos, “anointed one.” The Hebrew word is Mashiach, Messiah. Christology is a compound of the Greek words Christos and logos (word, speech). Christology is the study of the person (who He is) and work (what He did/does) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Akin, D. L., Martin, R. P., & Draper, C. W. (2003). Christ, Christology. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (pp. 284–285). Holman Bible Publishers.
Another way that one could say it is - 1) the Preincarnate Christ, 2) the incarnate Christ, and 3) the Glorified Christ.
Preincarnate Christ would include things such as - Eternity Past, Eternal Son of God, OT Appearances, OT Activities, and OT Prophecies.
Incarnate Christ would include things such as - Incarnation, Teachings, Miracles, Arrest and Trials, Death and Atonement, and Resurrection and Ascension.
Ebionism. One of the earliest errors to infect the church insisted on the humanity of Christ to the exclusion of his deity because its proponents denied the preexistence of Christ—a view influenced by first-century Jewish teachings. This heresy became known as Ebionism. MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
Gnosticism. As a movement with roots preceding the New Testament church, Gnosticism gradually assimilated Christian elements. It consisted of a second-century eclectic cult combining Greek philosophy, Persian dualism, Judaistic thought, elements of oriental mystery religions, and Christianity. Gnosticism’s main tenet echoed Plato’s concept of matter being evil and spirit being good. MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
Adoptionism/Modalism. Some in the early church accepted a view holding that God adopted (thus the term Adoptionism) the man Jesus as his son at some point following his birth—either at his baptism or his resurrection. MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
Docetism. The Docetists derive their name from the Greek term dokeō, meaning “seem” or “appear.” This group took the opposite extreme of the Adoptionists and insisted on the deity of Christ while rejecting his humanity. MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
Arianism. The next heresy to assail the person and work of Christ arose out of the teachings of Arius (AD 250–336), an elder in the church at Alexandria, Egypt. He and his followers assumed that the Son’s temporary submission to the will of the Father in the program of redemption involved an eternal inequality between the Father and the Son. Arians viewed Christ as merely a created being, although he was the first and most supreme of all creatures. Christ was not of the same substance as God but of a similar substance. MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
Apollinarianism. The next error to arise in the early church affirmed the true deity of Christ but denied his full humanity. The Apollinarians—named for Apollinaris (ca. AD 315–ca. 392), bishop of Laodicea—believed that Christ possessed a real body and an immortal sensitive soul, but they denied to him a truly human mind (or rational soul). MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
Nestorianism. A significant division occurred in the early church due to the false teachings of Nestorius of Constantinople (ca. AD 381–ca. 451). He attributed a dual personality to Christ—two persons and two natures, rather than one person and two natures. MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
Eutychianism. The view of Apollinarianism led to another controversy called Monophysitism (belief in “one nature”) or Eutychianism, referring to its originator, Eutyches of Constantinople (ca. AD 378–ca. 454). Eutyches held that the deity and humanity of Christ were devoid of distinction—the two were fused together into a third nature that was neither God nor man but something in between. MacArthur, J., & Mayhue, R., eds. (2017). Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (p. 268). Crossway.
The response to all of these views were handled at different councils -
Nicaea - AD 325
Defended the deity of Christ; opposed Arianism
Constantinople I AD 381
Defended the deity of Christ; opposed Arianism and Apollinarianism
Ephesus AD 431
Defended the two natures of Christ; opposed Nestorianism
Chalcedon AD 451
Defended the two natures of Christ; opposed Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, and Eutychianism/Monophysitism
Constantinople II AD 553
Defended the two natures of Christ; opposed Eutychianism/Monophysitism
Constantinople III AD 680–681
Defended the two natures of Christ; opposed Monotheletism
Nicaea II AD 787
Defended the use of icons
Glorified Christ would include things such as - Heavenly Intercessor, Rapture, Judgment Seat, Second Coming, Millennial Reign, Great White Throne Judgment, and Eternity Future.
How would you defend the deity of Christ?
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
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.
58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”
30 “I and the Father are one.”
Philippians 2:6–11 (NASB95)
6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 1:15–20 (NASB95)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 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. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
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,
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!
O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all;
We’ll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all! ~Edward Perronet (1726–1792) adapted by John Rippon (1751–1836)
This denial [of the deity of the Son] is possible only for those who disregard the teachings of Scripture, for the Bible contains an abundance of evidence for the deity of Christ. We find that Scripture
(1) explicitly asserts the deity of the Son in such passages as John 1:1; 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Phil. 2:6; Tit. 2:13; 1 John 5:20;
(2) applies divine names to Him, Isa. 9:6; 40:3; Jer. 23:5, 6; Joel 2:32 (comp. Acts 2:21); 1 Tim. 3:16;
(3) ascribes to Him divine attributes, such as eternal existence, Isa. 9:6; John 1:1, 2; Rev. 1:8; 22:13, omnipresence, Matt. 18:20; 28:20; John 3:13, omniscience, John 2:24, 25; 21:17; Rev. 2:23, omnipotence. Isa. 9:6; Phil. 3:21; Rev. 1:8, immutability, Heb. 1:10–12; 13:8, and in general every attribute belonging to the Father, Col. 2:9;
(4) speaks of Him as doing divine works, as creation, John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2, 10, providence, Luke 10:22; John 3:35; 17:2; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3, the forgiveness of sins, Matt. 9:2–7; Mark 2:7–10; Col. 3:13, resurrection and judgment, Matt. 25:31, 32; John 5:19–29; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Phil. 3:21; 2 Tim. 4:1, the final dissolution and renewal of all things, Heb. 1:10–12; Phil. 3:21; Rev. 21:5, and
(5) accords Him divine honour, John 5:22, 23; 14:1; 1 Cor. 15:19; 2 Cor. 13:13; Heb. 1:6; Matt. 28:19. Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1938), 94–95.
CULTIVATING CHARACTER FOR BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP
CULTIVATING CHARACTER FOR BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP
SPIRITUAL MATURITY
• Husband of one wife
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
• Evangelism
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.
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
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.
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!
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 1:6 (NASB95)
6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
Why is this quality necessary for leadership?
Matthew 5:27–30 (NASB95)
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
29 “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 “If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.
3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
What is God’s standard for sexual purity?
How should every Christian pursue sexual purity in mind and body?
Ephesians 5:22–33 (NASB95)
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 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, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.
28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body.
31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.
1 Peter 3:1–7 (NASB95)
1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands;
6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. 7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
What should be some characteristics of every Christian marriage?
How are you seeking to fulfill your biblical role toward your spouse?
How can you grow to be more faithful in your marriage?
EVANGELISM
18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
Charles Spurgeon
If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled with the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.
Why is evangelism an important aspect of the life of every believer?
How can you grow to be more intentional and effective in evangelism?