Ephesians 2 - 3; Lesson 23

Chuck's study this week:

Ephesians 1 - Lesson 22

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 - 20 sentences)

Ephesians 1

1.  v1 - 3 Paul greets the holy and faithful church in Ephesus, in the name of Christ, praising God who blesses us (believers) with every spiritual blessing.

2. v4 - 5 Paul introduces us with the doctrine of predestination as Christ chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight, predestined for adoptions as sons and daughters of God through Christ according to his pleasure and will.
3. v6 – 8a  Praise to God for the doctrine of God’s grace freely given to us in Christ (the One he loves) through whom we have redemption and forgiveness from our sins through Christ’s shed blood profusely bestowed (lavished) on us.

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4. v8b – 10 With good pleasure, wisdom and understanding God revealed the mystery of His will and purpose in Christ to bring unity to all things in Heaven and on Earth under Christ’s reign.
5. v11 -12  According to God’s plan to work everything in conformity with the purpose of his will those who put their hope in Christ were predestined and chosen in order to bring praise of his glory.
6. v13 - 14 When we heard the message of truth and believe, we were marked in Christ with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.

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7. v15 – 17 Paul gives thanks for the Ephesus church’s faith, love of all God’s people and remembers them in his prayers for their good works, asking God to give the church wisdom and revelation given through the Holy Spirit that they may know Christ better.

8. v18 – 19a That the eyes of their heart would be opened so that they may more fully know the hope given, his glorious inheritance and the great power given to us who believe.
9. v19b – 21 The power God wants to give is the same as that which He used when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Christ at His right hand in heaven ruling over all earthly powers and dominion in the present age and also the one to come.
10. v22 – 23 God placed all things under Christ’s authority appointing him to be in charge of everything for the church (us) which is His body and the fullness of him who fills everything.

 Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

 I. God blesses - God blesses believers and predestines our adoption by Christ’s atoning sacrifice of blood.

Ephesians 1 – 8a

Application: How have you been specifically blessed?

Application:  Are you praying for both those who need God’s help as well as those who are being successful in their faith?

II. God seals and reveals - According to God’s perfect plan we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and by that the mystery of God’s will will be revealed.

Ephesians 8b - 14

Application: How do you know God has placed the seal on your heart?

Application: How do you understand the mystery of God’s will for you?

III. God empowers - Paul prays for the continuance of their knowledge and hope, with respect to the heavenly inheritance, and to God's power working in them.

Ephesians 8b - 14

Application: How are you using the power given to you by God?

Application: Are you sharing the message of the inheritance you have received?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

God blesses, reveals and empowers believers fulfilling his willful purposes. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to be encouraged that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our place in His will as a part and member of the body of Christ.

Chuck and John gave a sample lesson to the BSF leadership and for our scripture from this week's study was 1 Corinthians 15.
Here's Chuck's study:

Lesson    19

Passage  I Corinthians 15

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Raised Christ witnessed bringing grace and preached; Hold Firm (I Corinthians 15:1-11) a. Hold firmly to preached Gospel (1-2) b. Jesus redemptive work seen by many (3-7) c. Grace through Christ brings new relationship and message of belief (8-11)

Resurrected Christ is our truth and first fruit; Our Hope (I Corinthians 15:12-34) a. Proof Resurrection and basis of faith is Christ (12-19) b. Christ firstfruits, hope and destroyer of death (20-28) c. All efforts are in vain if there is no resurrection (29-34)

Imperishable resurrected spiritual bodies come through Christ; Our Victory (I Corinthians 15:35-58) a. There is no comparison with resurrected heavenly body (35-44a) b. Our spiritual bodies will bear likeness of man from heaven (44b-49) c. Bodies clothed in imperishable have eternal victory (50-58)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Raised Christ witnessed bringing grace and preached; Hold Firm	I Corinthians 15:1-11
Resurrected Christ is our truth and He the first fruit; Our Hope	I Corinthians 15:12-34
Imperishable resurrected spiritual bodies come through Christ; Our Victory	I Corinthians 15:35-58

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Faith in resurrected Jesus brings an imperishable spiritual inheritance

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To Learn the truth of the raised Jesus Christ are the firstfruits of a resurrection victory for all who trust in Christ; we are to stand firm in Him.

Specific Application Questions

	1.       How have you experienced the grace of God? And what is your response?
	2.       To whom does the truth of the resurrected Jesus need to be shared; how will you make it happen?
	3.       Are you ready for the trumpet? What changes are you willing to make to be ready?
	4.

Principles to Remember

	Grace comes through faith in the resurrected Jesus
	We have hope in the resurrection through Christ
	Victory comes to those who stand firm in their faith

Acts 18:23 - Acts 21:15; Lesson 17

John's study this week:

Content
(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

Acts 18:23-28
1. v23 – 26 While Paul sets out to visit the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples, Apollos ( as a knowledgeable and bold disciple of JC) came to Ephasus, staying with Pricilla and Aquilla at their home in order to receive more teaching.
2. v27 – 28 Apollos travels to Achaia encouraging believers and refuting arguments of Jewish opponents in public debate. Later he travels to Corinth.

Acts 19
3. v1 – 7 Traveling through the region of Ephesus, Paul meets a group of believers who had not heard of the baptism of the HS, having only been baptized (as John baptized) as a sign of repentance, explaining the difference where upon Paul laid hands on the twelve and then they received the HS and spoke in tongues and prophesied.
4. v8 – 12 Paul continued speaking there of the Gospel for several months, but some refused to believe, so Paul left, took disciples with him to Tyrannus where he lectured, and for two years continued preaching the Gospel to Greens and Jews who lied in the province of Asia as well as God performed miracles through Paul.
5. v13 – 16 At the same time Paul was invoking the name of Jesus to drive out evil spirits, sons of a Jewish priest were falsely using the name of Jesus to do the same, when one day an evil spirit answered, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the evil spirit beat up them all.
6. v17 - 22 This episode became known to the Jews and Greeks of the region causing Christ’s name to be held in honor, many came to know Christ, some who practiced sorcery, burned their scrolls, helping the word of God to be spread widely and grew in power.
7. v23 – 29 Demetrius, a silversmith who made idols to Artemus, spoke with such passion against Paul’s teaching of the word of God, that a riot breaks out where Gaius and Aristarchus and pauls traveling companions are seized during the mayhem.
8. v30 – 41 Paul wants to meet the rioters, but is discouraged by the disciples and province rulers not to go for his own safety, and instead Alexander and the city clerk speak of restraint and not violence and eventually dismisses the assembled mob.

Acts 20
9. v1 – 6 Paul travels to Greece then as a plot is hatched to harm him, travels to Macedonia with friends following the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where they stayed seven days.
10. v7 – 12As Paul meets with followers to share a meal and teach, a young man named Eutychus accidentally falls asleep and tumbles from the3rd story window to his death, only to be miraculously revived by God through Paul thus strengthening the believers.
11. v13 - 38 Paul travels by ship to Ephesus spreading the Gospel and encouraging believers telling them of his plans to travel to Jerusalem giving praise for the privilege of spreading the Gospel finishing with a blessing and quote from Christ: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Acts 21
12. v1 – 6 Paul sails on to Tyre where he stays with disciples for seven days and although the believers, through the Holy Spirit, urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem he leaves praying with families as he finishes his visit and boards ship.
13. v7 – 11 Paul continues from Tyre to Ptolemais to Caesarea where he stays with Philip the evangelist where Paul meets with Agabus, a prophet, who prophesies “The Holy Spirit says” of Paul being bound hand and foot by Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and be handed over to the Gentiles.
14. v12 – 15 When the disciples heard the prophesy, they pleaded with Paul not to go, but he insisted, so when they saw that he would not change his mind, they said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Divisions
(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Paul and Apollos minister effectively in Ephesus and surrounding areas; Pricilla and Aquilas teach Apollos more about Christ.
Acts 18:23 – 19:12

Application: How are you learning more about Jesus?

Application: How are you using your gifts to strengthen the church? 

 II. Paul ministers with the Holy Spirit, false teachers invoke the name of Jesus for their own purposes and idol worshipers start a riot.
Acts 19:13 - 41

Application: Who do you need to share the Gospel with TODAY?

Application: What are we to do when faced with false teaching?


III. Paul makes know his plan to travel to Jerusalem, while disciples urge him not to.
Acts 20 - 21

Application: How far will you go to bring the Gospel message?

Application: How do you gain sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading?


Subject Sentence
(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

The Holy Spirit’s work through believers brings encouragement and strength. (10 words)


Aim
(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to see that the Holy Spirit will lead those who follow Christ in bringing the Gospel to the world.

2 Thessalonians 1 - 3; Lesson 16

Chuck's study this week:

1 Thesalonians 1 - 5; Lesson 15

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

1 Thessalonians  1

1. v1 - 5 Paul gives thanks for all friends in the faith and for the work and labor produced by love knowing that God has chosen the followers who because of the Gospel and power of the HS live

2. v6 – 8a The followers there have become imitators of Christ because they welcomed the Gospel into their midst and become a model church to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia becoming known throughout the region.

3. v8b – 10 You need say nothing about your work as it speaks for itself as you have turned from idols to serving God living son, Jesus, who was raised from the dead and who will rescue us from the coming wrath.

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1 Thessalonians 2

4. v1 – 7 Our visit is no mistake, but work approved by God, work done to please God and not man, to present the Gospel as a witness to all who will receive the message.

5. v8 – 11 Paul states that through the tough times of his ministry he has been burdened to share the Gospel, and that the readers of the letter are witnesses of Paul’s team’s faithfulness as a father lovingly works with his children.

6. v12 – Paul encourages and exhorts believers to live lives worthy of God, who calls us into his kingdom.

7. v13 – 16 Paul thanks God for the work begun in the believers for they have begun a walk of faith suffering  just as the Jews have who believe from non-believers who try to keep the Gospel message from being spoken. They will have the wrath of God upon them.

8. v17 – 20 Paul has felt orphaned from his believing friends and although Satan had blocked their way, but finds hope in the glory to come from Christ’s return one day.

1 Thessalonians 3

9. v1 – 5 While in Athens Paul sent Timothy to continue the work and encourage the faithful so as to be strengthened through the trials and persecution.

10. v6 – 10 Paul received the good news regarding your growing faith and have been encouraged by your example, thanking God, praying constantly to see his friends again in order to strengthen their walk.

11. v11 – 13 Paul prays that the Lord increases your faith, strengthens your hearts so that they will be found blameless and holy upon Christ’s return.

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1 Thessalonians 4

12. v1 – 12 Keep living righteously in order to please God for you know that by the authority of Christ it is God’s will that you should be sanctified and live holy and pleasing to God, for God will punish those who reject His instructions so love one another and through your daily life will win the respect of others.

13. v13 – 18 According to God’s word, both the dead in Christ and those living will meet Christ when He returns and we will be with the Lord forever, so be encouraged.

1 Thessalonians 5

14. v1 – 8 We do not know when the Lord will return, but when he does there will be destruction in the land, so be prepared as we are children of light and day living soberly and righteously putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation.

15. v9 – 22 Paul reminds and gives practical instruction for living for God.

16. v23 – 28 Paul closes with what feels like a prayer.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Paul shares the Thessalonians’ shared past, living among them and sharing close communion with them.

1 Thessalonians 1 - 3

Application: How are you imitating Christ in your life?

Application:  How are you involved in community with your church?

II. Paul refocuses the Thessalonians’ present, encouraging them to live righteously and love with brotherly affection.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-13

Application: Who do you need to encourage to live righteously today?

Application: How would others describe your love for fellow believers and even your neighbor?

III. Paul speaks to the coming return of Christ, the Rapture and of heavenly expectation.   

1 Thessalonians 4:14 – 5:8

Application: Are you prepared for Christ’s return?

Application: Do you have a sense of anticipation for Christ’s return? What are you doing about it?

IV. Paul reinforces his teaching with practical exhortations.   

1 Thessalonians 5:9 - 28

Application: What will you change this week to incorporate Christ in your daily walk?

Application: How do you greet your fellow believers? Do you avoid some or greet all as Paul might?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Paul focuses on today and the hope of Christ’s return. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to:

Remember where we have come from as believers with a refocus our vision of the big picture – the hope of Christ’s return and heaven.

Homiletics: Acts:15:36 - Acts 18:22; Lesson 14

Chuck's study this week:


 

Homiletics: Hebrews 11 - 13; Lesson 13

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

Hebrews 11

1. v1 - 2 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see allowing us to understand the universe formed by God.

2. v3 –6 By faith believers will be commended for their righteousness, pleasing God and knowing that God exists will be rewarded as they seek Him.

3. v7 – 12 By faith in things to come and not yet seen, believers such as Noah with a holy fear and trusting obedience will be saved, strengthened and in Abraham and Sarah’s case by made a mighty nation.

4. v13 – 19 People who live by faith, trusting in God may not see the things promised by God in their lifetimes, but trusting in Him will still be blessed and live a better life than those without faith.

5. v20 – 28 By faith God’s people will bless others such as Isaac did to his sons, Jacob did to Joseph’s sons, Moses’ parents did to Moses (and subsequently all God’s people).

6. v29 – 40 By faith God’s people will be blessed in their obedience to God’s instructions, even when it seems we grumble or make deals. If we are in God’s will, are obedient and believe, we have nothing to fear knowing that God has plan superior to what we can conceive.

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Hebrews 12

7. v1 – 3 Run your life in God’s hands giving up all that keeps living by faith and serving God focusing on Christ the author and perfecter  of our faith, who endured the cross in obedience to the Father for me.

8. v4 – 6 Do not forget God’s words of encouragement and examples which will strengthen your faith.

9. v7 -  11. Even though you may have to endure God’s discipline, as His children it is in our best interests and to submit to His the discipline and training as it will make us stronger and produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.

10. v12 – 17 Strengthen yourselves to be presentable and useful to God’s plan to heal a broken people, living in peace, keeping others from stumbling, and encouraging all to come to God.

11. v18 – 28 Do not be afraid of approaching God in your sin, but come worshiping with repentance to Christ who is our mediator of the new covenant and be doing so we will receive a kingdom that is unshakable.

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Hebrews 13

12. v1 – 3 Keep loving one another showing hospitality to strangers, remembering those in prison and those who persecute you.

13. v4 – 5 Keep God’s instruction toward sexual purity honoring marriage as well as the love of money being content with what God has blessed you with.

14. v6 – 8 Remember that is our helper; remember our leaders as examples of Christ imitating their faith as they follow Christ.

15. v9 – 16 Be strengthened by God’s grace as we have a high priest in Jesus who suffered and died for us, continually offering a sacrifice of praise to Him, doing good and sharing with others.

16. v17 – 19 Submit to the leadership and authority of the church who must give account to God for their work, and live righteously that we will have a clear conscience before God.

17. v20 – 25 And may the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Faith in action is defined by God.

Hebrews 11

Application: What is holding you back from having faith in God?

Application:  What steps can you start with today to increase your faith?

II. God’s discipline and training makes us useful to run God’s race.          

Hebrews 12

Application: How is your focus on self keeping you from embracing God’s training plan for your life?

Application: How might Christ’s example of obedience encourage you to be obedient to Christ’s calling in your life ?

III. Final reminders on how and why we are part of God’s plan.   

Hebrews 13

Application: What instruction from God is the hardest for you to keep? And why?

Application: How will you support your pastor or church leader this week that is different from how you have treated them before?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Faith with God’s training prepares us to run His race.  (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to see that:

A life under God’s training and discipline leads to a wonderfully and righteous life doing His will.

Homiletics: Hebrews 7 - Hebrews 10; Lesson 12

Don's study this week:

Content:

Melchizedek, King of righteousness and Salem (Peace) w/out genealogy beginning/end of life, priest forever, collected/blessed, greater than Abraham 1-10

Perfection not attainable through Aaron line priesthood, change in priesthood means change in law 11,12

Melchizedek from different tribe, just as Jesus from tribe of Judah 13-15

Priest on basis of indestructible life is priest forever, former regulation set aside, weak/useless 16-18

A better hope introduced, superior high priest, Jesus as guarantee of better covenant, lives forever, permanent priesthood, meets our need by His sacrifice for sin, once and for all 19-28

Jesus ministry superior to earthly high priest in shadow (of heavenʼs superior) tabernacle, His new covenant superior with Israel/Judah, God writes his law on peoples hearts, He is our God and we are His people, old covenant obsolete. Chapter 8

First covenant rules, earthly sanctuary with Holy Place and Most Holy Place 9:1-3

Incense, ark of covenant contained manna, Aaron staff, Tablets, cherubim of the Glory overshadow atonement cover, 9: 4-5

High Priest enter earthly Most Holy once/year, blood offered for sin of himself/people, did not clear consciences. 6-10

Jesus enters Most Holy greater tabernacle, by own blood sacrifice, gains eternal redemption, cleansed our consciences, mediator of new covenant 11-21

Blood of covenant necessary to cleanse, no forgiveness without shed blood 22-24

Jesus entered heavenly Most Holy Place once, sacrificed once to take away sin for many, will return a second time to bring salvation 25-28

Old sacrifices not sufficient, Jesus perfect sacrifice to atone for all sin, once and for all, we are made holy because of His obedience to do Fatherʼs will. 10:1-14

Holy Spirit testifies to new covenant Lord puts law in hearts and write on minds, sins/lawless acts remembered no more 14-18

Confidence by Jesus blood, new and living way, and great high priest, draw near to God with full assurance of faith, cleansed conscience from guilt, Let us hold to hope, encourage one another 19-25

Those who keep on sinning have no sacrifice left, expect severe, dreadful, judgement of raging fire for enemies of God 26-31

Remember boldness of earlier days of having light to stand ground, confidence rewarded doing the will of God, we do not shrink back destroyed, but believe and are saved. 32-3

SS: Jesus Christ, The Greatest High Priest for Godʼs New Covenant

CATL: Because, Jesus our high priest, cleansed us from all sin, and intercedes on our behalf constantly, we are called to not shrink back but persevere

A Greater High Priest Hebrews 7

Application: How does knowing Jesus is the Great High Priest forever, comfort or encourage you?

A Greater Tabernacle Hebrews 8-9:10

Application: What might you need to take to the heavenly Most Holy Place this week in prayer?

A Greater Sacrifice Hebrews 9:11-10:18

Application: Since we have been made holy according to Godʼs will by the blood of Jesus sacrifice once and for all, what guilt are you still holding onto? What sins do you think youʼve committed that Jesus will always remember or is unable to forgive?

A Greater Confidence and Hope Hebrews 10:19-39

Application: Therefore, Who do you need to encourage to persevere in the faith this week with your infectious confidence in Christ?

Homiletics - Hebrews 4:14 - 6:20 - Lesson 11

Chuck's study this week:

Homiletics - Hebrews 2:5 - 4:13 - Lesson 10

John's study:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

Hebrews 2

1. V5- 8 God has made the earth and everything in it subject not to angels but to Man, thru Jesus redemption.

2. V9- We see Jesus who lived as fully human (and so made lower than the angels for a short time), now crowned with glory because he suffered for man by tasting death.

3. V10-11 Christ was made perfect through His suffering by pioneering the salvation for all He created.

4. V12-13 Christ declares to us of God the father and sings praise to God the father, putting His trust in Him even as he recognizes that God gave us to Christ.

5. V14-15 Thru Christ’s sharing in our humanity and His death, he and we can truly relate to each other, now being free from the slavery of sin and death.

6. V16-18 Christ came to help us, Abraham’s descendents, fully man in order to become a merciful and faithful high priest to us, making himself an atonement for our sins because Christ suffered when he was tempted, his is able to help us when we are tempted.

Hebrews 3

7. V1-4 Fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we call our apostle and high priest and found worthy of honor greater than Moses, and whom we honor as the builder of everything.

8. v5-6 As Moses was the faithful servant in God’s house, Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house which is we believers who need to hold fast to the hope (Jesus) in which we glory.

9. v7-19 Do not harden your hearts to God’s voice or you may suffer from His anger as the Hebrews suffered for 40 years until an entire generation died.

Hebrews 4

10. v1-3 God’s promise of rest still exists, so remain vigilant that no one falls short and receives God’s anger.

11. V4-7 Although God’s rest on the 7^th day of creations was thousands of years ago, it is still valid for today.

12. V8-11 The rest God gives us is not the rest given Joshua, not the creation rest, nor the rest gained from entering Canaan, but the rest found only in Jesus.

13. V12-13 God’s word is alive and active, sharper than any double edge sword and it penetrates both flesh, bone, soul and spirit revealing everything bare before His eyes to who we will someday give account.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Recognize that Jesus was both fully God and fully man that He and we might relate one to another.

Hebrews 2:5 – 18

Application: What is keeping you from a relationship with Christ?

Application:  Who have you shared your salvation story with this week?

II. Fix your eyes on Jesus, our great high priest, builder of the house and do not harden your hearts to his voice.            

Hebrews 3:1 - 19

Application: What is distracting you from a daily conversation with your Lord and Savior Jesus?

Application: Are you working with Jesus to build your house, your marriage, your family?

III. Remember the rest found in Jesus, not just the Sabbath rest.   

Hebrews 4:1 - 13

Application: What is keeping you from finding rest in Jesus?

Application: Are you actively seeking Him as your rest? And if not, why not? 

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Relate to Christ’s humanity, sovereignty and find rest in him.  (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to see that:

Christ, as sovereign creator, came in his humanity for us to relate to and find rest in.

Homiletics Hebrews 1 - 2:4 - Lesson 9

Chucks study:

Homiletics Acts 15 - Lesson 8

John's study:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

1. v1 People came from Judea to Antioch teaching that believers Gentile believers must be circumcised in order to be saved.

2. v2 - Paul and Barnabas disagreed on this issue and went, with other believers to Jerusalem to discuss with the Jerusalem church.

3. v3 - 4 They traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria preaching and encouraging those in the church until they reached Jerusalem where they reported all that God had been doing through them where ever they had travelled.

4. v5 – 6 Some Pharisees who had become believers stated their interpretation of the law saying that Gentile believers must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses.

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5. v6 - 9 The apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church considered this question and after a typical elder meeting where great discussion was held, Peter addressed them saying that when God gave the Gospel he said it was to go to the Gentiles too and that He (knowing their hearts) had accepted them as equals in the faith w/ Jewish believers, by His demonstrated gift of the HS to them as He did to the Jewish believers.

6. v10 – 11 Do not try God by placing the Gentiles under a yoke of burden to keep the Law, but rather they (and we) are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

7. v12 – 18 After Barnabas and Paul told of the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles, James (half bro. of Jesus) stood and spoke of how God chose the Gentiles and this is confirmed with the scriptures from Amos that the Gentiles will come to believe.

8. v13 – 20 James continued on saying that the church should not burden Gentile who wish to believe as this may be a stumbling block for belief, yet the church should send a letter to the new believers to abstain from foods polluted by idols, have no part in sexual immorality, abstain from meat from strangled animals and from blood.

9. v21 – Send the letter to every city and have it presented in the synagogues.

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10. v22 The church in Jerusalem sent out Paul, Barnabas, Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas to deliver the letter to the churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.

11. v23 - 29 The letter contained a warning that what Barny & Paul preached was true and not to believe contrary messages from others not authorized by the Jerusalem leadership. It alluded to the circumcision issue, but didn’t spell it out. It also spoke to food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality and to avoid these things.

12. v30 – 31 The men travelled to Antioch where the believers gathered together and read the letter, which encouraged them.

13. v32 -33 Judas and Silas spoke words of encouragement strengthening the believers there, and after a stay were set back to Jerusalem with blessings of peace.

14. v34 – 35 Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, where they with other believers taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. The question of circumcision as a requirement of salvation arises.

Acts 15:1 – Acts 15:5

Application: Are you conscientiously discerning the teaching of your pastors against the Word of God?.

Application:  Are you prepared to raise questions about doctrine to your pastors, with humility,  prayer & petition?

II. The apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem discuss the question of circumcision. Peter summarizes eloquently that circ. is not part of the Gospel, and suggests sending a letter to the new churches in Asia Minor.            

Acts 15:6 – Acts 15:21

Application: How can you encourage others that the yoke Jesus offer is light and bearable?

Application: Are you being sensitive to the HS’s leading to deliver the plain & simple truth of the Gospel?

III. Apostles Paul, Barnabas, Judas & Silas deliver the letter to church in Antioch which encourages believers and warns them of wrong teaching.

Acts 15:22 – Acts 15:35

Application: Are you willing to deliver the Gospel message to others?

Application: Are you heeding God’s warnings regarding living a sinful life in the flesh?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Works of the flesh mean nothing; Christ’s work means everything.  (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to see that:

God's plan does not require burdens (yokes in Acts 15:10) which no one is able to bear or keep, but rather gives life and lives lived by the grace of the Lord Jesus.