Category: Weekly

“But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose who did not know Joseph.  This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers…”
Acts 7:17-19

Last week we considered Joseph as a clear picture of the Lord Jesus.  Stephen intended to convey this comparison in Act 7 because he was warning the Jews that they were making the same mistake their ancestors had made.  In the same way Joseph’s brothers had rejected the One that the Lord would raise up to save them, they likewise were rejecting Christ, the One who God had sent as their Deliverer.  With this continued awareness of Joseph as a type of Jesus, I want to examine our text above.

The descendants of Joseph enjoyed great peace and prosperity in Egypt until a generation came along that didn’t know Joseph.  As the book of Exodus opens, we find that the Egyptians had forgotten that their nation would not have even survived had Joseph not been used of God to prepare them for the seven years of famine that devastated the land.  They reaped the benefits of Joseph’s rule but had no awareness of his wise leadership and no thankfulness for his care for them.  Do you not see the picture of the world as they relate to Jesus Christ today?!  Speaking of Christ in Col 1:16-17, Paul writes, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”  The word “consist” literally means “to stand together”.  In other words, it is by Christ’s wisdom and power that the universe continues and stays together in a way that preserves every living creature.  We owe our very breath to Him!  And yet, in spite of His daily mercies upon us, the average human being has no awareness of His gracious care and no thankfulness for His many blessings.

Because this new generation in Egypt knew not Joseph, they hated and despised his family.  The Jews were viewed to be of little value compared to the Egyptians, and they were enslaved and cruelly treated by them.  Understanding Egypt and its citizens as a picture of the world, do we not expect the same pattern for those who are part of the family of the Lord Jesus?  Could the parallel be any clearer as Jesus speaks of the certain hatred of the world  toward His children?  “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love its own.  Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.  If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.  But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” (Joh 15:18-21)  Paul reiterates this thought in 2Ti 3:12:”Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

So, being mistreated and unfairly afflicted by the world should NEVER surprise us.  After all, they don’t know our heavenly Joseph!  “In the world you will have tribulation,” Jesus said.  But, I’d only be telling you half of the story if I stopped there.  He continues, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”! (Joh 16:33) In this affliction, we find ourselves to be “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Rom 8:37) Though we will be taken advantage of, lied against, shunned, and overlooked for Christ’s sake, rather than feeling anger toward our afflictors, we should feel pity.  Poor souls!  They don’t know our heavenly Joseph!  Will we tell them of Him, not only in word, but in action?  The affliction WILL come.  When it does, will we embrace our victory in Christ?  Will we lash out at the ones who afflict us?  Will we harbor feelings of ill-will in our hearts?  Or, will we pray after the pattern of our Lord, “Father, forgive them”?  Stephen prayed the same prayer later in Act 7 as they stoned him to death.  May we in that hour prove ourselves to be children of the King of kings and testify of Him in word and deed!  “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Mat 5:44-45)

Jamie

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”
Act 7:9-10

In our text today, Stephen has just begun his response to the accusations made against him by the Jews.  His message is an interesting one.  In fact, for many years I struggled to see why he said what he did.  He seemed to just give a history lesson before exploding in condemnation of his accusers in v. 51, but I now I understand that all which he says before v. 51 is setting the stage for his pointed rebuke of the Jews.  They hated his word because they hated the Christ he preached,and as Stephen begins his discourse, he gets right to the heart of the matter.  This sin of rejecting the Savior is nothing new in Jewish history for their ancestors also rejected the ones God raised up to deliver them.  The first of these Old Testament types of Christ that Stephen deals with is Joseph.  Some of the most thrilling times of study in the word of God have been when the Lord has shown me Himself in events and figures of the Old Testament.  It would be worth your time to read the account of Joseph and his brothers with a consciousness of the foreshadowing of Christ.  Here are a few comparisons to jump start your study:

1. Joseph was the most beloved of his father.  In Gen 37:3 we read, “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children…”  Of whom has the heavenly Father ever spoken audibly from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”? (Mat 3:17) None but Christ!
2. Years before he ascended to the throne, it was prophesied that Joseph would reign over his brethren. (Gen 37:5-11) The same was prophesied of Christ by the prophets and again by the angel Gabriel in Luk 1:31-33: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
3. Joseph was hated and rejected by his own brethren as we see in our text today and also in Gen 37:4 where it says, “they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.”  Of Christ, we read: “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” (Joh 1:11) By the way, they sold Joseph for silver…sound familiar? (Gen 37:28 cmp Mat 26:15)
4. Joseph was treated unjustly when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers (Gen 37:28) and when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39:13-20), and yet neither time did he open his mouth in his own defense.  We read concerning the Lord Jesus: “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” (Isa 53:7)
5. Everywhere he went, Joseph was always second in command, having full authority with the exception of the one that put him in authority.  Such was the case in Potiphar’s house (Gen 39:4-6), in prison (Gen 39:21-23), and finally in Pharaoh’s court (Gen 39:39-41).   God the Father has exalted His only begotten Son in the same fashion!  “For ‘HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET.’ But when He says ‘all things are put under Him,’ it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.” (1Co 15:27)
6. You will not find a single accusation brought against Joseph in the Scripture.  Of other great men of faith, we find they still fell short–Abraham in weakness produced an Ishmael, Moses struck the rock in disobedience to God, and David sinned with Bathsheba.  I’m not saying Joseph was sinless but simply that the record of Scripture mentions no deficiency in him.  In this way, he reveals the Lord Jesus “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”. (1Pe 2:22)
7. When Joseph was imprisoned for a crime he did not committ, he was “numbered with the transgressors” even as Christ was per Isa 53:12 and Luk 22:37.
8. Joseph’s suffering and rejection by his brethren was according to the plan and purpose of God for their salvation!  As Joseph said to his brethren, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Gen 50:20) Jesus’ suffering was also according to the eternal purpose of God for the salvation of His people: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death”. (Act 2:23)
9. Not only was Joseph the savior of his brethren but also of the whole world, for “all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands”. (Gen 41:57) But, in a very unique and special way, he saved his brothers and their families, saying, “Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Gen 50:21) Likewise, Christ is said to be the “Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.” (1Ti 4:10) All mankind owes thanksgiving daily to the Lord who causes His rain to fall on the just AND the unjust, but He is especially a Savior to the family of God, Who he not only preserves now but will eternally!
10. Joseph didn’t hold a grudge but sincerely forgave his brothers, even telling them not to be upset with themselves! (Gen 45:4-5) Thank God we have a Savior Who even when on the cross prayed, “Father, forgive them!” (Luk 23:34) Because we have such a Savior, God says of His brethren, “Their sins and lawless deeds will I remember no more”!

I could go on, but I hope the thoughts above have at least whet your appetite to study Joseph further.  Remember, when we read the Old Testament, we should not be looking for a history lesson.  We should be looking for Christ!  May we not make the mistake of the Jews in Jesus’ day of whom He said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” (Joh 5:39)

Love in Christ,

Jamie

“And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”
Act 6:10

The text above is a testimony to the proof of Stephen’s calling.  Earlier in the chapter the church was instructed to choose seven men “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”.  We see exactly those qualifications evidenced as Stephen answered the men that withstood him.  What was it that he spoke which silenced these men?  Wouldn’t you like to speak with such wisdom that no one could stand against it?  I believe the key to such wisdom is found in Tit 1:9.  Here we see that it is by declaring “sound doctrine” that a man is able “both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”  Sound doctrine had left these men speechless and unable to resist Stephen’s words!

So, what exactly is sound doctrine?  Let’s start by seeing what it is not according to Mat 15:9 where Christ says, “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”  The accusation against the religious men of Christ’s day was that they were NOT teaching sound doctrine but instead were teaching the commandments of men.  Sound doctrine declares what God says, not man!  Too many people today run from one exciting religious fad to the next.  Sound doctrine isn’t about the latest craze–the bestselling book, the popular speaker, or the most recent catch-phrase.  We’re warned against that child-like behavior in Eph 4:14: “…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…”  One of the signs of the last days is that “they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2Ti 4:3-4) We don’t need a new tactic or religious gimmick!  We need men like Paul in Act 20:27 who have a burden “to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”

What damage will teaching the doctrines of men do?  It leaves a people powerless!  These false doctrines set forth principles such as, “’Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’ which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” (Col 2:21-23) These doctrines emphasize outward show, but as the verse says, they “are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”  If all you’ve got when the enemy attacks is the doctrines of men, you will fall!  This kind of teaching abandons faith because it highlights man’s work instead of Christ’s.  In contrast, sound doctrine emphasizes faith in Christ’s work!  “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrinewhich you have carefully followed.” (1Ti 4:6)  Good doctrine sets forth faith, i.e. trust in Christ rather than our own abilities.

Simply put, to teach sound doctrine is to teach the Scriptures!  That’s what Stephen said which silenced the adversaries.  After all, it is the word of God which is the sword of the Spirit, the weapon used to defeat the enemy! (Eph 6:17) When we declare what God has preserved for us in His word (as opposed to teaching some new idea with no biblical precedent), it brings hope like nothing else can.  “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning [same Greek word “doctrine”], that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Rom 15:4) It is the word of God that souls need for, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2Ti 3:16) May we faithfully declare sound doctrine, the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of God to salvation. (Rom 1:16) Just consider the glorious promise for those who faithfully declare AND obey sound doctrine: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1Ti 4:16)

“…whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”
Acts 6:6

Our text today comes from the portion of scripture that explains the appointment of the first deacons of the New Testament church. Though these men weren’t specifically given the title “deacons” in this passage, the Greek word in its verb form is used in v. 2 (translated “serve”), making it clear that they were to function in that role. An issue had arisen within the church where certain widows in the assembly were being overlooked in the church’s ministry. Stephen and six other men were appointed to lead the effort to correct this deficiency and lead in this daily service. So, even though the term “deacon” was not yet clearly understood as a church office, these men are our first examples in the early church of what deacons should be.

After these men were chosen by the church, we read that the apostles prayed and laid hands on them. Some people mistakenly view this laying on of hands as a special granting of the Holy Ghost. They do so by misunderstanding texts such as Act 8:17 and 19:6. In these two texts, apostles laid their hands on individuals who received the Spirit of God for the first time. These miraculous accounts were unique to this period of church history to show that the promise of the Father, namely the gift of the Holy Spirit, had become a reality. But in Act 6:3, we find that one of the qualifications of the seven men chosen was to be that they were full of the Spirit! “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…”

So, why did the apostles lay hands on these seven men? Such an act was not to endue them with some special power to sufficiently serve in this office. Rather, this action publicly recognized them as being worthy of their office and able to meet the responsibility set before them. By laying hands on them, the apostles showed their approval of Stephen and his companions. They backed the church’s witness of these men, namely that they were indeed “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”.

In 1Ti 5:22, Paul admonishes Timothy, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”  We would be wise today to heed this same instruction.  Often assemblies are far too ready to give individuals responsibility in the church.  The great danger is the damage that someone can do who is NOT full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom!  Earlier in the same letter when he lists the qualifications for a deacon, he says “let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” (1Ti 3:10) Similarly, when he lists the characteristics of a bishop/elder, he states the man should not be a “novice”. (v. 6) Paul tells Timothy to take some time to observe individuals.  Make sure they do indeed have a good reputation and possess the qualities expected in Christian leaders.  Make sure they are what they seem to be!

The Lord Jesus warned in Mat 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”  Some people look great out of the starting gate, but we need to wait and see how well they’re doing after running the race for a while.  We’re dealing with the Lord’s children!  Anything regarding the church must be handled properly because what the church does sends a message to this fallen world concerning God.  How many public failures within the church might have been avoided if we had not laid hands on men suddenly?  The bride of Christ is the apple of His eye.  May we be careful to not put our hand to anything that would cause division within His precious body.   “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal 6:10)

Jamie

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22

It is critical when we read the word of God that we do so with a spiritual mind.  When Jesus spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, He made an important statement along with that thought: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (Joh 6:63) He wasn’t talking about literally eating His flesh.  He said the flesh profits nothing!  He was talking about the fact that those with eternal life are being sustained daily by the Lord.  It’s not our physical meals that sustain us.  Rather, we hunger and thirst for righteousness! (Mat 5:6) This type of spiritually-minded teaching was often misunderstood by those with carnal minds as in Joh 2:19 where Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”  The Jews thought He spoke of the building they called the temple, but v. 21 reveals “He was speaking of the temple of His body.”

Another spiritual truth that the word of God makes clear to us concerns marriage.  In Eph 5:22-31, we have a long list of marital instructions.  The responsibility of husbands and wives are set before us, but the reason for all of this structure in the marriage is made plain in v. 32.  Why should a wife submit to her husband and a husband love his wife and give himself for her?  Because our earthly marriages are to reveal the spiritual union between the Lord and His people!  “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”  In light of this spiritual truth, I’d like to consider our text today: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.”  That verse was precious to me in my natural marriage, but in recent weeks, the Lord has made it even more endearing as He instructed me to consider it from a spiritual standpoint, namely, from the standpoint of our heavenly Husband finding His heavenly bride!

The Lord’s pursuit for His wife is tireless.  He entered the world for that reason.  Before Zacchaeus ever determined to look for Jesus on that fateful day, the Savior had planned to go through Jericho in order to cross his path!  Jesus said in Luk 9:9-10 that salvation had paid Zacchaeus a visit that day because “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Jesus purposely sought and found him!  Before a woman determined to visit a well to fill her waterpot, her Lord had determined “He needed to go through Samaria”. (Joh 4:4) No effort is too great when it comes to His bride.  When Jesus said in Mar 4:35, “Let us cross over to the other side,” it wasn’t because He needed a change of scenery.  He had a demon-filled soul on the far side of that sea that He had determined to set free!  He crossed the turbulent waters, freed the demoniac, and then got right back in the boat and returned. (Mar 4:35-5:21) Why?  Because that one soul was worth it!  He is relentless in the pursuit for His bride.  He is the Shepherd that will seek that one straying sheep even if ninety-nine are already safely in the fold! (Mat 18:11-14)

Jesus entered this world on purpose to rescue a people, to find them hidden in a fallen world, and to purify them in order to wed them to Himself.  “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”. (1Ti 1:15)  And remember, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing…”  He considers you “good”, o bride of Christ!  When the Husband speaks of His wife in Son 4:7, He says: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.”  In 7:10, the bride replies: “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.”  You see, Christ’s passion is for His church, and He calls her good, fair, and without spot!  But, how does she get to be that way?  “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”  His bride is that way because He made her that way!  As we sing in the old hymn, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe!”

Church, there’s never been a people loved like we are!  NEVER!!  The Lord chose us “in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love”. (Eph 1:4) we must not let this world distract us from who we are in Christ.  Fix your eyes upon the One Who “loved the church and gave Himself for her”. (Eph 5:25) Why should we fret in light of such love as this?  “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom 8:29-32) Bride of Christ, you are a people sought out by your heavenly Husband, a people most loved!

Jamie