Explore the Bible with Dr. Jim McCullen

When Priorities Are Challenged • Mark 12:13-17, 28-34 • Feb. 7

Introduction: It is fun to witness a debate where a Christian is challenged mentally and see him win the debate because of his dependence upon the wisdom God gave him. When I attended a secular university I felt overwhelmed by the number of people who seemed to be so brilliant. When I arrived at seminary I applauded the Lord for the number of very intelligent men and women He has speaking for Him. We do not need to fear an intellectual challenge from the non-Christian crowd. We simply need to follow the Lord’s example When Priorities Are Challenged.

1. When Priorities Are Challenged About Government; Respond With . . Surety.   Mk. 12:13-17

Christians can be confident in the Lord and the wisdom He gives when they are intellectually challenged. This confidence needs to be evidenced in the countenance displayed as we trust in the Lord and not in ourselves. I remember a story about a rather haughty man who people thought to be intelligent, and as they stood around this man said, “I just can’t believe there is a God.” It so happened the so called dummy in town spoke up in a poor English style and said, “You know, I can’t believe either.” The second response negated the first. Jesus responded to the Herodians in confidence and then gave a common sense answer to them. I like the statement in verse 34 as the Bible says, “And no one dared to question Him any longer.” What a smart move on their part!

2. When Priorities Are Challenged About Godly Matters; Respond With . . Scripture. Mk. 12:28-31

Matters related to God must be settled from the scriptures which are the source of authority. You can prove almost anything you want about God if you do not pay attention to God’s Word. The Lord said about these kind of people, “Ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” ( Mt 23:15 KJV). Jesus chose scripture well known to the Herodians. Obviously, we may also say Jesus chose this scripture wisely. This certainly is a reason for all of us to memorize scripture. One of the men in our church drives an hour to work and he uses the time to memorize scriptures. He will become prepared to respond wisely.

3 When Priorities Are Challenged And Then Complimented; Respond With . . Support. Mk. 12:32-34

We can be positive about the final response of at least some of the scribes as they compliment Jesus for His answers. Jesus knew they were trying to trip Him up, and asked, “Why are you testing me.” We can judge that this scribe who complimented Jesus was more congenial. Jesus said this man was not far from the kingdom but to have correct answers without a commitment will only make you closer to heaven. Commitment to Jesus as Lord is required to get into heaven. When Priorities Are Challenged never lower the standard of commitment to Jesus. Amen? Amen!. (For a more detailed outline, go to: http://www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)

Introduction: What would cause you to get a feeling of being overwhelmed? Do you think age helps you not to get in situations where you are overwhelmed? How about education and experience? Will they help eliminate the situations where you feel overwhelmed? I believe education, experience and age can all help you to avoid situations where you are overwhelmed. But the number one procedure to follow When You Feel Overwhelmed must be to ask the Lord for guidance and trust completely in Him!

1. If You Are Overwhelmed Trust The . . Ministry Of The Holy Spirit.   Mk. 13:9-13

The Lord tells us the Holy Spirit will provide the message we need in times where we could easily be overwhelmed. The preaching needed at that hour will be provided by the Spirit. The proclamations we give will be ones we can believe and trust He will provide. They will simply be the speaking the Spirit does through us. He will also give the perseverance needed. This word here translated delivered may be also be translated saved, complete, whole. Some of those who believe you can lose your salvation use this verse to say we must endure to the end in order to be saved. That places too much emphasis on man. We believe the Lord enables us to persevere and our emphasis is upon the Lord and not ourselves.

2. If You Are Overwhelmed Trust The . . Messages Of Jesus.   Mk. 13:21-27

The Lord gave the disciples advanced notice they would experience overwhelming situations, and these situations would relate to the coming of false Messiahs. I was visiting in a hospital for mental patients and a lady came up to me and said, “Would you like to know my name?” I told her, “Yes.” She then asked, “Do you want my first name or both names?” I told her I would like to know both of her names.” And she said, “My name is Jesus Christ.” Then she walked away. Now I never thought she was the messiah but it seems to me some in our society who claim to be the messiah are just as obviously not the messiah. We will receive an angelic message related to the Faithful Messiah.

3. If You Are Overwhelmed Trust The . . Master Of The End Times.   Mk. 13:32-37

If you believe the Lord is Master of the End Times; then He must be Master of all times. Can we trust the Lord to direct us and watch over us in times when we may become overwhelmed? I think the vast majority of Christians would say, “yes!”  His timing in our needs may not always be when we would think best but that is part of trusting Him. He tells us in advance He is coming again, and we can believe He will provide His presence in the time When You Feel Overwhelmed. Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, go to: http://www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)

When You Have Difficult Decisions • Mk. 14:32-39, 41-50 • Feb. 21

Introduction: Most of us will face times when we are confronted with difficult decisions. It seems many Christian people get themselves under too much pressure. None of us will face the exact kind of trauma Jesus faced. However, we may advise Christian people at all times, and especially When You Have Difficult Decisions, to follow the Lord’s example.

1. Difficult Decisions Demand . . Seeking The Heavenly Father In Prayer.   14:32-35

Jesus sought the Father all through His life but especially during this time of difficult decision. The Lord did not just look at death but the taking of the sins of mankind upon Himself. He lived a sinless life but now must take all sin on His person. In difficult times it may very well help to invite others to pray with you. It is sad to note the Lord asked His disciples to pray with Him and a little later, “He asked Peter, ‘Couldn’t you stay awake one hour?’” (Mark 14:37). At times I have tried to get an all-night prayer meeting organized and the mid-morning hours are not easy to fill. Note the Lord fell to the ground in this time of prayer as He opened His heart and mind to the Father. 

2. Difficult Decisions Demand . . Submission To The Will Of The Lord.   14:36-39

Do we submit to the Lord when we pray? We ought to state our desires asking for exactly what we want, but with the submission to accept what The Father’s will may be in the matter. Jesus asked for the cup to be taken away. But then note the words, “… nevertheless not what I will, but what You will.” That is submission! Then follow the example of Jesus as He stayed in submission to the purpose for His life. Can we repeat the same words in our prayer? The Lord did! Can you ask in prayer for the Lord’s will to be done? Jesus did! Would you believe I have heard some ministers say you should not ask for the Lord’s will to be done? I am pleased to say they were not Baptists, (nor Biblical).

3. Difficult Decisions Demand . . Stamina In Pursuing God’s Purposes.   14:41-50

If you have a very serious matter to pray about and you ask your friends to pray with you and all they do is sleep; how will that affect your stamina? Suppose you have witnessed and ministered openly and some authorities come to stop you and they do it with much more of a police force than they need; how will that affect you? Then suppose you look and see all of your friends fleeing away; will that affect your stamina for the purpose before you? It did not affect Jesus enough that He retreated an inch. In fact, it may have increased His boldness. He certainly did not weaken before Herod or Pilate. So good advice remains: When You Have Difficult Decisions, follow the Lord’s example. Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, go to: http://www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)

Introduction: In my opinion, the longer you walk with the Lord the more you understand how He directs and comforts through all kinds of situations and you do not think every “so called” setback is a major event of unfairness. When I was 16, I was injured in a car wreck and thought it was unfair. But four years later, I saw how God used that event to get me away from a crowd that was headed down a rebellious path. So I would say, be careful in judging if and When Life Is Unfair.

1. When Life Is Unfair Remember How Jesus Was . . Mistreated. 15:15-20

Did you ever complain how you were treated during a witnessing event? Did you think it was unfair? Think of how Jesus was mistreated as He gives this mighty witness of the cross and leading up to it. They flogged Him, dressed Him in clothes to mock Him, saluted Him, placed a crown of thorns on Him and some spit on Him. Their actions were shameful and downright sinful. Jesus certainly did not deserve that kind of treatment. His being crucified may have been a relief in the sense that it would all be over soon.

2. When Life Is Unfair Remember How They . . Mocked Jesus. 15:29-32

When some passed by the cross of Christ they mocked Him as they cited the promises He made. In ignorance they suggested He save Himself from the cross without understanding the cross was necessary for the implementation of salvation. The cross is included in the power of God to bring salvation. Note this verse: “to those who are perishing the message of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is God’s power” (1 Cor. 1:18).

3. When Life Is Unfair Remember God’s Mighty . . Manifestations. 15:37-39

On the Cross Jesus asked, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46). But while Jesus was still on the cross God brought forth the mighty manifestation of splitting the Temple curtain from top to bottom. It started at the top confirming God did it. The curtain serving as a veil was no longer needed. Jesus went into the Holy of Holies “once for all.” Then the Lord prompted the manifestation of the centurion’s testimony. In the days following, several who mocked Jesus repented of their sin and received salvation.

4. When Life Is Unfair Remember The Ministry Of God’s . . Messengers.   16:5-7

Angels do not deliver messages as often today since we have messages through the Holy Spirit. In the tomb the angel brought a message of comfort and confirmation. He assured them they did not need to be afraid, and sent them out to confirm the earlier message Jesus gave to His disciples. For the Christian all that seems unfair will someday be forgotten and that is especially true when we think we are in times When Life Is Unfair. Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, go to: http://www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)

Bible Studies for Life with Dr. Andy Chambers

Are You in Your Right Mind? • Rom. 8:5-8; 1 Cor. 2:12-16; 2 Cor. 4:3-4 • Feb. 7

What are some key differences between the mindset of believers and the mindset of unbelievers? The apostle Paul discussed three key differences in the texts we will study this week.

First, flesh versus Spirit (Rom. 8:5-8). The law of the harvest tells us that we will reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7). Jesus put it another way. The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart (Luke 6:45). In Rom. 8:5 Paul restated the principle in terms of what you set your mind on. If you set your mind on the things of the flesh, you will live according to the flesh. The converse is true too. If you set your mind on the things of the Spirit, you will live according to the Spirit (v5). This law is inviolable. What you fill your mind and heart with will drive your life for good or evil (see also Luke 6:45). The Spirit mindset leads to peace, but the fleshly mindset leads to death, because it is hostile to God and unable to please Him (vv6-8).

These verses tell us there is no neutral ground when it comes to the choice between sin and obedience. We are either in our right mind under Christ’s rule, or we are under the dominion of sin. Are you living according to the flesh or according to the Spirit?

Second, blindness versus sight (2 Cor. 4:3-4). The gospel is hidden from the perishing, because in their pride they refuse to humble themselves before God and see their need for Christ (v3; see also 1 Cor. 1:18). Satan has blinded their eyes so that they can’t see the light of the gospel (v4).

These verses tell us how deeply and pervasively sin affects us. It literally blinds us spiritually. We need God to take the scales off our eyes so we can see Jesus whom He sent to save us. Are you proudly walking in blindness or humbly walking in the light?

Third, human wisdom versus the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:12-16). Believers have the Holy Spirit who empowers us to know what God has freely given us (v12). The gospel we believe and share comes from the Spirit and not from human wisdom (v13). In fact, the natural man is unable to understand the things of God, because they can only be understood with the help of the Spirit, who gives us the mind of Christ (vv14-16; see also John 14:26; 15:26; 16:8-15).

These verses remind you that the key to understanding the things of God is to reject independent thinking based on human wisdom and seek the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the key to having the mind of Christ and to understanding the things of God. He works in the hearts of believers, through the Scriptures He inspired (2 Pet. 1:21), to apply the teachings of Jesus to daily living. Are you living by human wisdom or do you have the mind of Christ?

How does knowing Jesus Christ change your values and way of thinking?

First, Jesus teaches you not to rely on your resume (Philippians 3:2-6). The “dogs” Paul referred to in verse two were Judaizers who taught that salvation came from believing in Jesus plus being circumcised, which meant becoming Jewish too (v2). However, the true circumcision is of the heart (Romans 2:29), done by the Spirit, and seen in the confidence we place in Jesus Christ and not in what we do (v3). Paul formerly placed his confidence in his religious resume. He could boast a list of accomplishments as a Pharisee that few could match (vv4-6).

Man’s temptation is to think that he must earn his way to God and that he can. Every man made religion boils down to a system of works. Even the modern perversions of historic Christianity, seen in Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses, fundamentally change the gospel of grace into a religion of works in order to qualify to enter heaven.

Second, Jesus teaches you to know Him and His righteousness (Philippians 3:7-9). When Jesus showed Paul his great need for a savior, Paul understood that none of his religious accomplishments would gain him access to heaven. Therefore, Paul counted them as loss because of Christ (v7). In fact, knowing Jesus was of such surpassing value to Paul that, next to Christ, Paul considered everything else to be loss. In fact, if anything got in the way of knowing Christ, Paul called it filth (v8). Why was knowing Jesus Christ so precious to Paul? The reason was that the righteousness he possessed came as a gift through faith in Christ alone and not through works of the law (v9).

Once you see that you cannot earn a right standing with God through works, two things will happen. You will realize just how terrible your sin is before a holy God, and you will see how great God’s salvation is through Jesus Christ. What the law could not accomplish, Jesus did through His righteous life and atoning death.

Third, Jesus teaches you to press on to maturity (Philippians 3:10-15; 4:8). Paul wanted to know everything there was to know about the death and resurrection of Jesus for his own life (vv10-11). He knew he still had a long way to go (vv12-13). It’s that way with knowing God. The closer you get to Him, the more you know how far He had to come to save you and how far you need to go to be like Him (Luke 6:40). Yet, this should not discourage you from pressing on to maturity. God is for you and not against you. Pursue the goal of the prize promised by God in heaven (v14). Paul was so confident in this message that he trusted God to reveal the truth in time to those who disagreed with him (v15). The way you press toward maturity is to focus your passion, your energy, and your thoughts on the things of God (4:8).

When you see how great your need is for a savior, you will reject reliance on your resume and seek the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. When you experience the gift of righteousness through Jesus, you will desire to know Him better, and you will press on to maturity in Him.

When you renew your mind each day according to God’s truth, He transforms you so you can know and do His will (Rom. 12:2). In Col. 3:1-14 Paul taught how what is on your mind drives the way you live and ultimately decides what kind of relationships you will have with others. How can you make this principle work for good in your life?

First, adopt God’s way of thinking (Col. 3:1-4). Christ is in heaven. So, if you have been raised with Christ, seek what is above (v1). God calls you to set your mind, which includes your thoughts, affections, passions and values on heavenly things and not on earthly things (v2). The reason is because your true life is hidden with Christ in God (v3).

Faith in Jesus, among other things means believing that the unseen kingdom of heaven is real and is what you are moving toward in this life and eternity. Your way of thinking should reflect the values of your eternal home with God in heaven, rather than your temporal home here.

Second, let Biblical thinking lead to godly living (Col. 3:5-11). When your mind is set on things above, you will put to death whatever is worldly in you (v5). Among other things, greed is a particularly worldly mindset, which Paul equated with idolatry (v5). Worldly behavior brings God’s wrath, and before Christ you may have indulged in all kinds of worldliness, but not anymore (vv6-7). When you are in Christ, you must reject evil behaviors like anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying (vv8-9a). In Christ put off the old man and put on the new man who is being renewed in the image of God. This renewal is the same for everyone, no matter who you are or where you are from, because Christ is all in all (vv9b-11).

Do not be content merely to believe the right things about God and the Gospel of Jesus. Understand that following God’s way of thinking will lead to a new way of living. 

Third, let godly living lead to God-honoring relationships (Col. 3:12-14). What will happen to your relationships when godly thinking leads to godly living? You will begin to experience God’s compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience toward others (v12). You will learn to accept and forgive others, because you understand deep down the forgiveness God has given you (v13; Eph. 4:32-5:1). You will learn how to love others with God’s love. God’s love puts others and their needs first, and it binds people together in a perfect bond of unity (v14).

There is no place for division and discord when Christians put God first by putting each other first. Can you imagine how much joy you would experience at work, in church, in a crowded car, or at the dinner table where everyone keeps putting each other first? What a welcoming and healing place that would be. You can be a force for this kind of unity, when your way of thinking and godly living leads you to love others the way God through Jesus Christ loves you.

The mind is a battlefield. On that field we determine whether our minds will be controlled by sin and lies or by God’s way of thinking. The devil wants to control your way of thinking. How can you win in the battle for your mind?

First, see the spiritual nature of the battle for the mind (Eph. 6:10-12). We must find strength in the Lord, because His strength is limitless compared to ours (v10). However, to experience God’s strength, we have to put on His armor. When you do this, you are going after ground the devil wants to control, and he will fight you for it (v11). To win, you need to realize that the battle for the mind is spiritual in nature, over who will be Lord of your life and therefore your mind (v12).

The process of change for the Christian is an inside job, meaning God changes you from the inside out rather than the outside in. The external battles you face (stress, anxiety, anger, selfishness, conflict … etc.) are the overflow of our inner struggle over yielding your mind and life to God’s sovereign care and His faithfulness. Peace with God will lead to peace in the storms of life.

Second, gear up for the battle for the mind (Eph. 6:13-17). Paul’s famous military analogy of putting on the full armor of God vividly illustrates how to win the battle for the mind (v13). Each piece of armor—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit or God’s word—represents a different aspect of the one call from God to put on Christ as your life (vv14-17).

Put on Christ by humbling yourself before God and submitting to Christ’s rule. When Jesus is your life, His power will work in you to change your thinking. And when your thinking changes, so will everything else. 

Third, fight strategically and plan to win (2 Cor. 10:3-5). God calls you to wage war in the battle for the mind, and He wants you to wage it His way and not the world’s way. He wants to help you destroy strongholds in your thinking (vv3-4). Paul’s language is aggressive here, because God wants you to experience victory in the battle for the mind. God’s truth in you truly does have the power to “demolish” arguments and pretensions that get set up in your mind up against the knowledge of God (v5).

Fight strategically and expect to win by confronting lies directly with God’s truth. There is a temptation in the Christian community to think that because God changes us, we should somehow be passive in the fight for the mind. However, Peter called Christians to “grow” in grace and knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18), which requires you to press in actively to know God better. Jesus described repentance as an act of violence against sin (Matt. 11:12; ESV and KJV), which means you should take no prisoners when it comes to putting the sin nature to death (Rom. 8:13). Take heart in the battle for the mind. God calls you to action, and He wants to give you victory. Trust Him in the battle today.