Epistle for December 6, 2002
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Dr. Curt Scarborough. President FreeWay Foundation December 6, 2002
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In This Issue:
Sermon: Hebrews 6:1-20
Bible Study: II Peter 1:1-21
"Christmas Is A Time"
"Iron Sharpens Iron" Meeting
Baptisms and Laying On of Hands
(Hebrews 6:1-20)
I. Concentration: on verses 1-2
1. There are six "first principles" . . . "elementary teachings" . . . foundational doctrines" . . .
mentioned in these verses, 5:12; 6:1.
2. Four of these basic teachings usually are emphasized by churches today:
(1) Repentance (3) Resurrection
(2) Faith (4) Judgment
3. Two of these basic doctrines often are overlooked today:
(1) Baptisms (2) Laying on of hands
4. Believers must comprehend these six principles before they can hope to be able to understand
deeper things of God.
II. Meditation: on the doctrine of baptisms
1. The baptism into Christ (new birth) -
I Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27.
2. The baptism in water -
Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-38.
3. The baptism in (being filled with) the Holy Spirit -
Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16; Ephesians 5:18.
4. The baptism of fulfilling God's destiny, including suffering persecution -
Matthew 20:22-23; 5:10-12; Luke 12:50; I Peter 4:12-19; II Timothy 3:12.
III. Meditation: on the doctrine of laying on of hands
1. To bestow blessings (in Jesus' name) upon someone -
Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16.
2. To heal (by God's power) those who are sick -
Matthew 6:5; Mark 16:18; Luke 4:40; 13:13; Acts 28:8.
3. To be a conduit for God to fill someone with the Holy Spirit -
Acts 8:17-19; 9:17; 19:6.
4. To ordain someone whom God has called for Christian service -
Acts 6:6; 13:3; I Timothy 5:22.
5. To impart (through God's grace) spiritual gifts to another believer -
Romans 1:11-12; I Timothy 4:14; 1:18; II Timothy 1:6.
IV. Revelation and Application: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Be well grounded in the basic teachings of the Christian faith: repentance, faith, baptisms
laying on of hands, resurrection, and judgment.
2. Experience all four kinds of "baptisms" in my life: new birth, baptism in water, baptism
with the Holy Spirit, and being totally immersed in fulfilling God's mission, purpose,
and destiny for me . . . even though it means suffering and persecution.
3. Understand and practice the "hands-on" ministries taught in the New Testament and
exercised in the early church.
4. Continue growing spiritually toward maturity . . . "let us go on to perfection," v. 1.
The Voice from the Majestic Glory
(II Peter 1:1-21)
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Peter greeted the believers, pronouncing grace and peace on them, vv. 1-4.
2. Peter detailed the process of spiritual growth in the faith, vv. 5-11.
3. Peter prophesied about his approaching death, vv. 12-15.
4. Peter testified of the voice he heard from the majestic glory, vv. 16-21.
II. Meditation: on God the Father's speaking from heaven
1. "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," v. 17.
2. This incident occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration:
(1) "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen
to Him," Matthew 17:5.
(2) "This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him," Mark 9:7.
(3) "This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him," Luke 9:35.
3. The voice of the Father also gave a similar word at Jesus' baptism:
"This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased," Matthew 3:17;
Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22.
4. Five basic truths about Jesus Christ are seen in these quotations:
(1) He is the Son of God (5 times).
(2) The Father loves the Son (3 times).
(3) The Father has chosen the Son (1 time).
(4) The Father is well pleased with the Son (3 times).
(5) The Father commands us to listen (and obey) the Son (3 times).
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications seen here
1. As Jesus is God's unique Son, so also we who believe are born into
God's family . . . making us His children.
2. As Jesus is loved by the Father, so also are we loved by Him.
3. As Jesus was chosen to fulfill His destiny according to the Father's will,
so also we are chosen to accomplish God's purpose for our lives.
4. As Jesus always pleased the Father, so also our service to God is to be
"well done" . . . as a good and faithful servant.
5. As Jesus spoke for the Father ("Listen to Him!"), so also we are to function
as His witnesses.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to know that . . .
1. I am God's son or daughter.
2. I am deeply loved by God.
3. I am chosen to serve God.
4. I can please God by obedient, faithful service.
5. I am God's spokesperson to bring His word to others.
According to Peter, however, even this voice of God the Father coming
from heaven is surpassed in validity by the Scriptures, II Peter 1:18-21.
NEXT "IRON SHARPENS IRON" MEETING:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2002, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
ChristmasIsATime
Christmas Is A Time
(Luke 2:18-20)
Christmas is a time to marvel,
Be astonished, stand in awe;
For the God of all creations
Lies a babe upon the straw.
Time to marvel, time to marvel,
Marvel at the newborn King.
Christmas is a time to treasure,
Cherish, value, measure worth;
Think about the Lord of glory
Leaving all to come to earth.
Time to treasure, time to treasure,
Treasure Christ the newborn King.
Christmas is a time to ponder,
Weigh in mind and meditate;
Jesus came to die as Savior,
Rose to open heaven's gate.
Time to ponder, time to ponder,
Ponder Christ the newborn King.
Christmas is a time to worship;
Shepherds praised his holy name;
Wise men knelt and paid him homage;
We today shall do the same.
Time to worship, time to worship,
Worship Christ the newborn King.
(Tune: Angels From The Realms of GLory)
ã 1994, Dr. Curt Scarborough