ACTS 6 - CHOSEN SERVANTS

Lesson: Acts 6:1-15

Introduction
The apostles were faithful in the preaching of the word of God, unashamed to speak in the name of Christ Jesus. They had been beaten by the leaders of the city and commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus. This only brought to their hearts a rejoicing, “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41). Their stand in the Gospel and in the affliction their bore only moved them to be more zealous in the teaching and preaching Jesus Christ (5:42).

“Lo! these are they from sufferings great
Who came to realms of light;
And in the blood of Christ have washed
Those robes that shine so bright.”
-Isaac Watts

The apostles and the church were in covenant with God. Filled with the Holy Spirit they had a heart's desire to serve both Christ and one another, especially in the teaching of Jesus as Christ and Savior. Peter had once denied his Savior three times, now he stood with the other apostles in the power of the Spirit, acknowledging in temple and home the name of Christ Jesus.
The apostles and disciples, the church of our Lord Jesus, were also learning what it meant be a fellowship which claimed the name of their Savior. The prophet spoke: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). They were new creatures in Christ, having the law of God written upon their hearts (Heb. 8:10).
The church was growing in the grace of God, coming to the understanding of the Covenant of the Lord that they were to be his people and him to be their God. This was to work out in the preaching, hearing, and doing of the Word. God's commandments were to emerge from heart and deed: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Jesus, Matt. 22:37-39).

Daily Ministry –Acts 6:1-4
Our Savior, King and Lord of the church, promised that he would build his church, even conquering and smashing the gates of hell. These are God's people who are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people;” a people who are to continually praise God because of their being called “out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
These people are those who work and eat and sleep in this world. In this they are like every other person. But as a people of God in Christ Jesus, they are unique because of the grace of God. So we see in the early church a daily need within the church, a need not unknown to us today. Because of the gospel and God's adding to his church, the number of disciples multiplied. As the church expanded so did the needs of God's people. In this case the Grecian Jews murmured against the Hebrews because “their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations.”
Whether this need was just overlooked or neglected because of prejudice, the loving and looking after of one another was brought into question.
In response the “twelve called the multitude of disciples” together, for this need must not hinder the apostles from the preaching and teaching of the “word of God.” The first responsibility of the elders of the church is the ministry of the Word of God. This is not to be done at the expense of those in physical need. There is a division of labor within the church; deacons are chosen to serve Christ and his church as ministers of mercy.
These men were not to clean basements or change light-bulbs (members of the church are able to do this without being ordained). Deacons are to be men filled with the Holy Spirit, honest in their dealings with men, full of wisdom, capable of leading the church in their love for one another. They are to develop a ministry whereby the widow, the single parent, the poor and needy, etc., are supplied with the necessities of life. This ministry “was to be a roll-up-your-sleeves, hands-on ministry requiring a reputation for spiritual maturity and an enthusiasm for helping people” (Gordon Keddie, Your Are My Witnesses).
The deacons do a task worth of their Savior Jesus Christ. The apostles (or elders of the church today) are able to give a greater effort and time to “prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Therefore the deacons truly helped in the spread of the gospel and the building of the Body of Christ.

The Word Increased –Acts 6:5-7
It pleased the disciples and they chose seven men to do this ministry of grace. We only hear about two of them, Stephen who was martyred for his faith, and Philip who became an evangelist. Stephen is said to be “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” This should be said of others also, as each were brought to the apostles for prayer, after which they “laid their hands on them.”
The care of the widows and poor by these deacons resulted in a blessing for the whole church. For the “the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly.” A great number of the priests also became obedient to the faith.
Both in the faithful preaching of the word of God, and in the care and compassion for one another, there is climate whereby those whom God is saving will find refreshment for their souls. Do we take our ministry of the word and diaconal ministry seriously in our desire to share the gospel and expectation to see the conversion of others? The ministry of grace by the deacons, encouraging the church in this ministry, should promote the faithful preaching of the word.

Full of Faith –Acts 6:8-15
The Holy Spirit recorded for us the Christian character and nature of Stephen as “full of faith and power,” going about doing “great wonders and miracles among the people.” Stephen was God's man who was given an inherent power, a special ability to serve his Lord. He also had a faith, an inward persuasion that Jesus was the Christ, and that he was to serve his Lord without hesitation. In other words, the Spirit of God endowed Stephen with gifts which showed themselves in miracles and wonders.
Stephen, whose name means 'crown,' was chosen as a deacon, but served beyond that office. He saw his appointment as a deacon as an opportunity to go beyond the serving of tables to the teaching of the word of God, the gospel of Christ Jesus. “Among the people” should remind us that we are not mere observers of the work of ministry, but participants in its exercise and blessing.
It should be obvious that what follows such faithfulness and boldness is opposition. Certain men of the synagogue debated with Stephen. However, they were not able to resist the “wisdom and the spirit,” with which he spoke. As with stubborn men who refuse to have light enter into their darkness, they spoke lies about Stephen. They said that they heard him “speak blasphemous words against Moses,” and therefore against God. They then turned their attention to the people, arousing them as a mob so that others may hear these lies.
This resulted in the elders and the scribes to come to Stephen. Catching him, they brought “him to the council.” Wisdom and truth was on his side; while false witnesses were brought in saying that he spoke against the “holy place, and the law.” However, they could not escape the truth of the soul of God's servant. As they sat at council, they looked “steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” They saw what they refused to recognize, that Stephen was a true messenger from Jehovah. His faith was grounded in Christ. His wisdom came from God through his holy Word. His power revealed strength of Christian character that made him look squarely in the face of his accusers. He did not flinch because he was Christ's. And as Christ suffered, so must he.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).
Robert L. LaMay, Asst. Editor, Christian Observer

ACTS 5 - OBEY GOD

Lesson: Acts 5:27-42

Introduction
The acts of the Holy Spirit in the building of the Church of our Savior and King are summed up in these words, “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people …. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (Acts 5:12-14). The Holy Spirit works through the chosen apostles of Christ to build his Church. We must remind ourselves that the true Church is not the building, nor is it a group of volunteer members who get together to form a club. The Church is built by Christ as he, by the Spirit, adds to it living stones, which becomes a “spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
Within the Church today we see the Holy Spirit working through chosen elders in the building of the Body of Christ. These elders are to “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind … being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2). These leaders should encourage us, as did the apostles in their faith, whereby they said to the world, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Our witness is not to our religious practices. If it would be this then we are no different from other religions of the world. Our witness is the living and true God. He alone deserves our loyalty in all things.

Their Witness –Act 5:27-32
The Apostles of Christ had been arrested and put in the common prison. An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them to the temple. There they taught the people. They were brought again to the council. This time without any violence against them, “for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.? The Lord’s desire that his people be taught his word will not be hindered by men.
The high priest asked the apostles, “Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us?? Listen carefully to the newscasters, commentators, and some leaders of our nation today; for they would define religion and faith for us, telling us that Christian doctrine or teachings should be separated from the halls of justice and education, and keep the teachings of the humanistic atheists. Whenever one opens his mouth, he or she is being didactic, expressing some moral or ethical world view. Separation there must be. Separation expresses the truth that one cannot serve God and mammon. Two masters cannot be served; “for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matt. 6:24).
The teaching of Christ does bring his justice upon us; either for the redemption of one or the judgment of another. Jesus speaks to this, saying, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me” (Luke 10:16). Shall man, in his attempt to be the ruler of all he surveys, usurp the authority of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Peter and the other apostles quickly testify, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” The question is not whether we have the right to meet together as we see fit, but that we ought to preach the Gospel as Christ so commands. It is the preaching and teaching of the Word of God that disturbs the world, even it’s so called religious leaders. Therefore the apostles outline clearly the Gospel which they preach: One, obedience belongs to God alone. Two, Christ was truly raised from the dead by the living God of Abraham. Three, Christ is the Savior who did die upon Calvary for the sins of his people. Four, Jesus is the Messiah-King who reigns at the right hand of God the Father, the ?Prince of Peace.? Five, repentance is given for the forgiveness of sins. Six, the Holy Spirit has been given to the Church, to those who obey Him.

If it be of God –Acts 5:33-39
The council were “cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay” the apostles for the doctrines they espoused. There was, so to speak, a gnashing of teeth, as they decided to put these men to death. However, a “Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law … said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.” Paul was one of Gamaliel?s students, “taught according to the perfect manner of the law” (Acts 22:3). Gamaliel was honored by the people, acclaimed as a teacher of God’s law. It was the High Priest who began the questioning. He and the Sadducees would voice their opposition to the idea of the resurrection, as well as the thought that Jesus could be the Messiah. Gamaliel would take the occasion to both speak against the Sadducees and claim more of a middle ground.
Gamaliel?s argument for moderation sets before the council two examples from their history. There is Theudas who boasted of “himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men … obeyed him.” They soon were scattered and brought to nothing. There was also “Judas of Galilee in the days of taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished.” Those who followed him soon were dispersed. Therefore, reasons Gamaliel, “Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to nought. Wisdom dictates when it is wise to let men alone to destroy their own works.
Gamaliel gives an alternative supposition that “if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” We must understand where our loyalty is. The wicked may throw down their gauntlet, as if we should fear them. But if the gauntlet is thrown down before God, then we are lost before we start. We must acknowledge that we wrestle against “principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph, 6:12). Our armor is of God alone that we may be able to withstand the evil. Therefore, we obey God, enduring hardness as good soldiers of Christ (2 Tim. 2:3).

They continued to Teach –Acts 5:40-42
The council agreed with Gamaliel; though it seems that they did do most hesitantly. They acted like spoiled children, letting the apostles go but giving them a few licks as the departed. They beat them, commanding them “that they should not speak in the name of Jesus.” The scourging was of the severest kind. The apostles left with scars on their bodies, but with determination in their hearts to serve their Lord. For Christ had warned them, “But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues.” (Matt. 10:17).
The rejoicing of the apostles was a great balm to the floggings. They felt “worthy to suffer shame for his name.” We suffer for who Christ is, of his divine and human nature, of his death and resurrection, of his reign as King of kings, and of his authority both in heaven and on earth. He is the Word which must be preached, and the Lord who must be honored, before whom every knee must bow. The Spirit gave them additional strength as the met in the temple and in homes, ceasing not “to reach and preach Jesus Christ.” The pulpit must always be faithful to Christ and his Word. The witness of his Body, the Church, must always be proclaiming the wonderful Gospel of their Savior and King. Only Christ can give salvation’s healing to body and soul. We do not preach faithfully unless Christ is taught in all his fullness as Prophet, Priest, and King.

Robert L. LaMay
The Christian Observer

ACTS 3 - THROUGH FAITH IN HIS NAME

Acts 3:1-16

Introduction
To love the name of Jesus is to love Jesus.
We are told that the coming of the Holy Spirit brought fear upon every soul. Many wonders and signs were done by the apostle (Acts 2:43). One of these wonders and signs is the healing of the lame man. These wonders confirm the resurrection of Christ and the authority of the Holy Spirit. It authenticates the truth of the wonderful Gospel of our Savior who came to give his life for the salvation of our souls.
You would think that this would bring much joy to those who witnessed the healing of the lame man. However, the coming of the Holy Spirit and the evidence that Christ is the resurrected Lord brought about much opposition. So it is today. Mention Christ in a public place and you may receive anything from cursing to a lawsuit. Peter and John faced persecution for what they did. For it was not the miracle that turned many against them, it was the preaching of the “Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead.” There are those who are glad that the church operates a ‘soup kitchen,’ but complain when they seek to feed them the Word of God. It is Christ who is honored and preached in the healing of the lame man. He is also proclaimed in the healings and comforts that the Christians see in their own lives.

The Gate Called Beautiful –Acts 3:1-3
Peter and John go together to the temple “at the hour of prayer.” At the gate called Beautiful there was a man “lame from his mother’s womb.” Each day his family or friends would lay him at the gate “to ask alms of them that entered the temple.” He was lame for forty years when he saw Peter and John. From early morning to three in afternoon he had begged for some offering of money. He hoped to receive something from these apostles.
The people of God are to open their hands wide to those in need around them. His brethren should have helped this beggar so that he would not have to beg at the gate. God has commanded his people, saying, “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother” (Deut. 15:7).
Did begging become so part of their economy that they rationalized their giving to such a one in need for being obedient to God? How many times have we prayed to our Father in heaven for the needs of another, keeping our hands in our pocket? Answers to the prayers of the saints are many times answered through the saints. Neither the Word nor the Works of Charity are to be neglected. Nor should we believe that since we have given a tithe that we have done our duty. Christ spoke to the Pharisees, saying, “hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith; these ought ye have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matt. 23:23).
The beggar hoped only for enough to get through the day. There was no hope in his heart that he would do anything else but beg at the gate Beautiful. ‘Beautiful’ is a word meaning that which is fair or timely. Was the beggar receiving that which was proper or fair? The same word is used by Paul, in reference to those who proclaim the Gospel: “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom. 10:15). He would soon know how beautiful is the message of the coming of Christ.

Rise up and Walk –Acts 3:4-7
Peter fastened his eyes upon the beggar, telling him, “Look on us!” Walking along the streets of the city one places a few coins in the hand of a beggar, not giving him too much attention. This beggar probably knew the feet of the passerby’s more than their faces. Many walked past him quickly throwing a coin his way. Stop a while, you are helping someone and you will see a greater need of the soul, and a greater joy because you stopped. This beggar paid close attention to the words of Peter. Would they give him more than expected?
Peter said to the lame man, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Our Lord provides for us that which we truly need, not what we think we require for an abundant life. Not only did this lame man need healing, but also he needs a fellowship of the brethren. His was a lonely existence, coming in contact with passing feet hoping to see a hand place some coins in his. Our Lord expects us to give as we have been given; such as Peter gave. Simon Peter was moved by the Spirit of God to give what the Spirit only could give. The Spirit would move the beggar’s heart to know the joy of faith in Christ his Savior.
Peter spoke to the lame man about the one who would bring the necessary blessing; “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” The ‘name’ of Jesus refers to all whom he is, his divine and human nature, his work of saving grace upon Calvary’s cross and resurrection. No money passed from Peter to the lame man. However, what passed to him was the work of the Spirit giving a healing that not only penetrated his body but his soul as well. Saving grace was seen and known in Christ. Therefore we can sing, “my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope” (Ps. 16:9). Be not afraid then to go to the Father asking for healing of the body, and of the soul. The Lord will gather us in his arms as Peter took the beggar by the hand; for it is Christ who laid down his life for his sheep.

Praise God –Acts 3:8-10
It was a miraculous healing. It was a healing which could only come from our Creator and Savior who know our bodies and souls better than anyone on this earth. Peter took the beggar’s hand and lifted him up, and “immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” No therapy was needed. No days upon the treadmill to strengthen the muscles. His thin ankles and legs, having not moved since birth forty years before, were completely healed. It was as if his legs were never weak. Not only that his mind was so coordinated with his legs that he stood, leaped, and walked. He walked and jumped into the temple praising God. In like manner our souls be healed by the redemptive work of Christ Jesus. When the Holy Spirit gives new birth to those he applies the precious blood sacrifice of Christ, the soul leaps to grasp its Savior in repentance and faith. The healing is complete. Christ did it all. By grace we have been saved through faith! We gave nothing to our salvation. It is a wonderful gift of God.
All who saw him walk sang praises to God sharing their joy. For “they knew that it was he who sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple.” Our eyes of faith and hearts of love should see what Christ has done, “with wonder and amazement at that which had happened.” Our glory is not self but Christ. Our love for friend and neighbor is manifested in an unselfish attitude and practice. Our hunger and thirst reach out to the food of the Word and fellowship of believers.
Peter spoke to the people, testifying that it was the Prince of life, the resurrected Christ Jesus, who “through faith in his name, hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” With a sound body and a true faith, the beggar walked and praised God. His ankles were healed. His confession was of God and not of men. His great desire was to worship God. His public witness was of God’s unmerited grace. May our Father in heaven, through our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, make us “perfect in every good work to do his will, working in (us) that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory” (Heb. 13:20-21).

The Prince of Life –Acts 3:11-16
The people of Jerusalem greatly wondered as they gathered at the porch of Solomon. Peter said to them, “Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?” When we gather to worship and hear the Word of God, when we witness to the Gospel of our Savior, we must testify that others must see Jesus! Peter turns the eyes of his listeners from the lame man to Jesus. Peter does this by showing the darkness of their sin and brightness of the Christ who alone can bring full forgiveness and eternal life.
He does this by contrasting what man has done to what God has done. It was the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the covenant God of their fathers, who has “glorified his Son Jesus.” It was God the Father who raised his Son from the dead. The same God of whom they learned in the temple is the Lord who comes before them now. The Messiah who was promised by the God of Abraham is the Savior who healed the lame man: “he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).
Peter brings judgment upon those in the crowd who had treated the Son of God with denial and murder: “whom you delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate ... ye denied the Holy One and the just ... And killed the Prince of life.” Christ is called the “Prince of Life,” the Savior of the Soul! He is the “Resurrection and the Life!”
Peter directs his listeners to the Christ who is the one who “hath made this man strong.” Calvin wrote that Peter used a variety of words, “to the end he might stay us in Christ. As touching the phrase, when as he saith, his name in the faith of his name hath strengthened, he showeth both the cause and the manner; the power of Christ had healed the cripple but by faith. When as he saith, the faith which is by him, by this word he signifieth unto us that our faith cannot arise up unto God unless it be grounded in Christ, and so, consequently, that this our faith doth look unto Christ and stay itself upon him . . .”
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

ACTS 2 - LIKE A MIGHTY RUSHING WIND!

Acts 2:1-39
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” –Acts 2:2

Introduction: The Day of Pentecost –Acts 2:1-13
The Lord has given to himself a people: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Ps. 33:12). The King and Head of this nation is Christ Jesus, who was chosen by the Father. Scripture records this election with these words of God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious; and he that believeth in him shall not be confounded” (1 Pe. 2:6). Peter goes on to speak to God’s elect people, saying, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath call you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (2:9). We are therefore called a people who have obtained mercy from God.
The Chief Cornerstone has been placed upon this earth, and upon this Cornerstone the Church of Christ is being built as an elect people of God. We are enabled to testify with Peter that Christ is our Rock, saying, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” to which our Lord answers, “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in Heaven. And I say also unto thee, . . . and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:16-18).
God chose a day upon which he would keep his promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon his apostles, and so his Church. The day of Pentecost came. It was a day that the Lord chose for the keeping of his promise. The Holy Spirit came at a time when a great assembly of people crowded Jerusalem. It was the time of the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after the offering of barley sheaf at the feast of Unleavened Bread. In the unity of faith the Disciples of Christ waited, one with another.
Suddenly "there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." Cloven tongues "like as fire" sat upon each one. Being filled with the Holy Spirit they "began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." A great multitude came together, "devout men out of every nation under heaven." They were amazed to hear these apostles speak in their own language, "how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" Men from Asia, Egypt, Rome and Arabia, and others, cry out, "we hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."
Some were amazed and others doubted, while others mockingly said, "These men are full of new wine." To those who were astonished and those who taunted Peter rises to speak. The message is one of fulfillment, the outpouring of the Spirit, the reality of the coming of the Savior, judgment upon all nations, and the deliverance and glorification of God's people. Jesus said that the kingdom of God was at hand, now we see the kingdom of God spreading its branches.

Spirit of God –Acts 2:14-21
Peter stands with the apostles, calling upon his listeners to hear and know. The speaking in the languages of those who came from different nations was not of the apostles' doing. This was not a planned meeting, but a fulfillment of the prophecy of God. Moving from the absurdness of the charge; Peter declares that they were witnessing what the prophet Joel spoke. It is by the coming of Christ, in the last days, that the kingdom is restored. How is this to happen?
a. God says, "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh," the world will know the coming of the Spirit. And they will respond in obedience or rebellion.
b. There shall be prophecy. The apostles join the prophets of the Old Testament in being inspired by the Spirit to write. Yet the kingdom's promise is that the written Word of God will be understood and proclaimed by young and old. Through his Word the Spirit teaches us the wisdom of heaven. (Jeremiah 31:34).
c. This promise of the Spirit is for the servants of the true God. By the Spirit, Christ is drawing a church, a body of people to himself.
d. There will be wonders and signs accompanying the building and expansion of Christ's kingdom.
e. There will be also the signs of darkness and blood that will bring judgment upon Jerusalem (as with Titus).
As all these things will come to pass, the Sovereign Lord will be recognized, and so, "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." let us come to Christ in Faith. He is our Savior, the One who has given His life for the forgiveness of our sins.

Jesus of Nazareth –Acts 2:22-28
Peter directs his listeners to the Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Who is it that we are to call upon and be saved? Peter brings those who are thirsty to the Water of Life, those who are hungry to the Bread of Life. He is "Jesus of Nazareth" who was approved of God as seen in his "miracles and wonders and signs" which he did in the midst of those who were Peter's listeners.
Yet Jesus was more than a man of Nazareth. He was of divine heritage. He was delivered to the cross for the sins of his people by the "determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God." He was resurrected from the dead by God, "having loosed the pains of death;" for he could not be held by it. Christ took upon himself our guilt and paid its eternal penalty. And was raised from the darkness of hell to be glorified at the right hand of his Father in heaven.
This was the Messiah, the Christ, of whom David did speak, "I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance" (2:25-28; Psalm 16).

His Resurrection –Acts 2:29-32
Peter spoke of the crucifixion of Christ. Now he speaks further about his resurrection. Was Christ really raised from the dead? Peter goes again to David. It was David who received the glorious promise; God promised this patriarch who died and was buried, "that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne." The Messiah of Jehovah, the second person in the Godhead, would be the King of kings and Lord of lords in the Kingdom of God.
David also witnessed to the resurrection of Christ. Not only to sit upon the throne, but to show his victory over hell. Peter also declares that he and all of the disciples had witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. Christ is the seed of David, and the divine Son of God. The outpouring of the Spirit confirms that our Lord and Savior abide with his Church, and is present as both Lord of his Body, and of all nations.

Lord and Christ –Acts 2:33-39
Peter tells us that Christ has finished the task for which he has been sent. He has saved his people from their sins. It is because he has now been exalted and sits, alive, "by the right hand of God ... having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit," that Peter can declare that Christ has "shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." That which was witnessed, the speaking of various tongues, the outpouring of the Spirit, was fulfilled by the resurrected Lord who ascended into heaven.
Again, it is David who testified to this promise in Christ. For he said, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool" (2:34-35; Psalm 110). The majestic King reigns and rules. "For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet" (1 Cor. 15:25).
Peter had called his listeners to hear and know. Now he calls the house of Israel to know with assurance that it is the truth, "that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." They who denied Jesus as the Messiah is called to receive him as such. The one whom they crucified is now presented as the one who was crucified for their sake, for their redemption and eternal life. So with us, for our sins the Lord went to the cross. Now we know that He freely went, being sent by the Father who loved us, taking upon himself our sin, that we might be redeemed and forgiven.
Those who heard Peter were moved by the Spirit, and asked the apostles, "what shall we do?" Peter answered, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Turning to Christ, we, as well as those of the whole household of God in every age, are called to renounce self, repent of our sins. We can turn to Christ and be delivered from darkness to the light of our Father's forgiveness of sins. And therefore be counted in the number as children of God.

Gladness and Singleness of Heart!
Acts 2:38-47

With Gladness and Singleness of Heart! — With supreme joy and simplicity of heart the Christians gathered together in their homes for their meal. ‘House to house’ is seen the King James Version, while the Geneva Bible uses “at home.” ‘Oikos’ is the Greek word translated as an inhabited ‘house’ or ‘home.’ Calvin rightly understands that Luke is referring to taking a meal together in the home. It may be that a church may have a meal together, or that it is that, as Christians meet together as a family, or with Christian brothers and sisters, they do so thriftily or carefully, not as those who put up a front and through a lavish banquet. It is simple in that the joy expressed is from the heart and not just show.
Those who were pierced in their heart because of Peter’s preaching of Christ, asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter’s reply was, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” In other words, if there has been a true confession of sins and repentance thereof, there will be a true and outward response in being baptized. This being the work of the Spirit, there will be a giving of the Holy Spirit to those whose hearts have been redeemed by Christ. This redemptive work of the Triune God is not a chance happening but of a promise fulfilled: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Peter continues to admonish his audience, exhorting them, “Save yourselves from the untoward (or crooked) generation.” Just as God’s promise of redemption moves from generation to generation, so does the wicked or crooked teach their transgressions from generation to generation. Only our Lord can pierce such darkness, that He may begin a redeemed generation by dragging those for whom Christ died, from darkness to His marvelous light.
The response at this time of the promised pouring out of the Holy Spirit was great. For many “gladly (joyfully) received his words” and were baptized, “and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Can you picture the joy that spread through Jerusalem, and then was spread through the lands as they returned to their homes in other nations?

ACTS 1 - THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE

[We begin the year of 2009 with studies from the Book of Acts. May the Holy Spirit of Promise be our Teacher and Comforter]

The Holy Spirit of Promise
Acts 1:1-26

Introduction
The book of Acts is a sequel to the third Gospel. Luke is the author of both these books of the New Testament. They are written to Theophilus (loved by God), a nobleman who was one of the early converts to Christ. We are encouraged to teach the Gospel of Christ, the work of the Spirit, and the love of our heavenly Father. We are to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, learning and then willing to disciple others in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Our key verse contains the promise of the Holy Spirit from whom we shall receive the power or the authority to be witnesses unto Christ: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost s come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). THE ACTS speaks it all. The Book emphasizes the ministry of Peter and Paul, and so could be called “The Acts of the Apostles; the Book also underscores the Acts of the Holy Spirit, revealing his work through the Apostles and the Church of Christ. John Calvin introduces his commentary on Acts, writing, “These things which Luke sets before us in this place to be learned are not only great, but also of rare profit; for, first, in that he showeth that the Spirit of God was sent unto the apostles, he doth not only prove that Christ was faithful (and true) in keeping his promise made unto his apostles; but also he certifies to us, that he is always mindful of his, and a perpetual governor of his Church, because the Holy Spirit did descend from heaven to this end; whereby we learn that the distance of place doth no whit hinder Christ from being present with those that be his at all times? (Commentaries, Vol. 18, Baker Book House).

The Promise –Acts 1:1-8
The Gospel of Luke closes with the promise of power and the ascension of Christ Jesus. The Risen Lord spoke to his apostles, saying that they were to be witnesses of those things which they saw and heard, with this promise, “Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
Luke, the “beloved physician” (Col. 4:14), writes to Theophilus, “of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” After Jesus’ resurrection he, through the Holy Spirit gave “commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.” After his ascension Christ continues to work and teach through the acts of the Holy Spirit. His message continued to be about “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” The apostles are to “wait for the promise of the Father,” which was foreshadowed by the baptism of John, that they “shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” The Christian, because of the atoning work of Christ on the cross, enters into the kingdom of King Jesus here on earth. We live under the rule of the King of kings. Our life is in the hands of the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter and Teacher.
The disciples came to Jesus asking him, “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom of Israel?” However, it is not David’s monarchy that is ushered in, but the kingship of Christ. The authority of this kingdom rests in the Father who alone sets the boundaries and time. He alone ordains all things, which shall come to pass. The importance of the apostles, and therefore, of the church, is seen in what they will receive from their Majestic Lord. They are to be equipped with an authority or power that the Holy Spirit alone can give. The Spirit of God alone gives strength and witness of the church. This command of Jesus is rooted in the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, “ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
The word for witnesses is ‘martus,’ addressing those who have information to give, who can bring a certain amount of light to subject. In other words, Christian witnesses are those who are knowledgeable of Christ and his Word, and can confirm the truth to what they are saying. Our confirmation is found in Christ. For it is not our witness but Christ’s that we preach: “Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:8; read Acts 10:39-43). ‘Martus’ is also where we get the word ‘martyr,’ reminding us that witnessing for the Gospel of Christ demands self-sacrifice.

The Ascension –Acts 1:9-11
At the end of forty days, the Son of God, Christ Jesus ascended to the Father. Ten days hence the Day of Pentecost would see the fulfillment of the promise of the coming of the Spirit of God. The ascension of Christ to sit at the right hand of God the Father confirms the truth of who he is and what he teaches. It also ushers in the witness of his Church to go and preach his Gospel to all nations. The King of kings now reigns, earth is his footstool, and his Body, the Church, is his witness. The peculiarity of his ascension into heaven is seen as the exceeding greatness of the Father’s authority toward us who believe, whereby he effectually worked (energized) in Christ Jesus, “when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places … and hath put all things under his feet, and gave to him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:18-23).
As a “cloud received him out of their sight.” Two men in white apparel stood next to the disciples, and spoke to them, saying, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven. This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” J.A. Alexander in his Commentary wrote, “The question of the two men was intended therefore to recall them to themselves, and to remind them that, instead of stupidly and idly gazing after one who was no longer visible, they should rather show their love to him by instantly obeying his farewell commands, and trusting his repeated promise to return, which they accordingly repeat, as if to show their own implicit confidence in its fulfillment.”
As to the coming of Christ John Calvin wrote, “the only looking for Christ’s coming must both restrain the importunate desires of our flesh, and support our patience in all our adversities; and, lastly, it must refresh our weariness. But it worketh this only in the faithful, which believe that Christ is their Redeemer.” The ascension of Christ confirms the Gospel of Christ and His coming. Therefore our patient witness must be as zealous as it can be since we do not have to dwell upon His coming.
Christians who look to the sky, to look for new revelations, for new hope, tasters of faith rather than workers of faith, find themselves to be poor witnesses of the Gospel of our King. They forget the commands and promises of Christ, rather than resting upon the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth concerning the presence of their Savior. The Holy Spirit has come upon the Church to give his authority to our existence as the Body of Christ. We must not set our eyes upon the stars but upon the tasks given us as Christians in the home and community, in the education of our children and in the discipling of nations in the Gospel of the Prince of Kings.

Praying Together –Acts 1:12-14
Christ’s apostles return to Jerusalem, traveling “from the mount called Olivet” a two-mile journey to Jerusalem. The eleven apostles met together in an upper room. They were not alone in their waiting. Certain women and Jesus’ mother, Mary, along with his brethren, came to be with them. They all “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” It was during this time of waiting that Peter spoke to the disciples (apostles and other men) about the need of an apostle to fill the place that Judas abandoned. Thus Matthias was “numbered with the eleven apostles.”
To wait upon the Lord is to fervently pray and study his word to the end that his providential will would be done in our lives. The apostles diligently looked for the coming of the Holy Spirit. This did not mean that the Holy Spirit was not with them. For Peter was moved by the Spirit to speak of choosing another apostle. They looked for the special and unique coming of the Spirit. “For this was the cause of their prayer that Christ would send his Spirit, as he had promised. Whereupon we may gather that this is the true faith which stirreth us up to call upon God. For the security of faith doth much differ from sluggishness” (Calvin). Being blessed by the Spirit, we pray for the Spirit. Our prayers must be a part of our lives as a Christian. Being persistent in prayer, we are persistent in our faith and life. We, therefore, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation,” we continue in prayer, distribute to the necessity of the saints, etc. (Rom. 12:10-13).

Needed Leadership –Acts 1:15-26
The fellowship of disciples kept growing after the ascension of the Messiah. On a particular day Peter “stood in the midst of the disciples,” whose number were about a hundred and twenty. He addressed them, saying, “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.” Judas had betrayed Jesus (for 30 pieces of silver), and his reward was commensurate with his deed: “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” One of the offenses found within the Church today is, not only the lack of leadership, but also the discipling of leadership that they may serve well according to the Scriptures by the teaching of the Holy Spirit. “What is often overlooked is that the tragedy of Judas is also the failure of leadership. As such it has the utmost relevance for the plague of moral failure among the leadership of churches in our own day. Judas was a disciple and one of the Twelve. For three years he had ‘shared in this ministry’, says Peter. He was not the kind of person one expects to go over to the opposition. Nevertheless, he apostatized from his calling and ministry and rejected the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘What will it avail us’, asks Matthew Henry, ‘to be added to the number of Christians, if we partake not of the spirit and nature of Christians?’” (Gordon J. Keddie, Your Are My Witnesses).
Men sometimes forget that undertaking the office of Teaching Elder or Ruling Elder or Deacon within the Church of our Savior, who is King and Head of the Church, that to served in such offices is a calling and not a volunteer position. Thus ordination recognizes that it is Christ who calls us into his service. Therefore, we see in the early Church, that it was recognized that “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto the same day that (the Lord Jesus) was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” Therefore two men were appointed to fill the office that Judas abandoned. Their names were Justus and Matthias. The disciples prayed, saying, “Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship.” They then voted by the use of giving lots, “and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Matthias, it must be remembered, received the office of an apostle, not by men, but by Divine Appointment.
Therefore, in the appointment of church leaders, let us look to Christ Jesus, who himself was appointed of the Father to be the Savior of his people, who was raised from the dead and has ascended to the right hand of God, who “gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers: for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-13).

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 - BORN OF INCORRUPTIBLE SEED

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” -1 Peter 1:23

Introduction
Can we claim the name of Christ, can we really be a Christian, and not be regenerated? Just as we cannot claim the name of a family unless we are born into that family, we cannot claim the name of Christ unless we are born anew into the household of God. “The object, then, of Peter was to teach us that we cannot be Christians without regeneration; for the Gospel is not preached, that it may be only heard by us, but that it may, as a seed of immortal life, altogether reform our hearts” (Calvin). Let us remember that when we say we are Christians we are testifying that we belong to Christ, and to the Father who sent his Son to be the Savior our souls.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus and heard these words, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). To clarify this truth, Jesus further said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (3:5). One must be born of the Spirit of God in order to enter into the kingdom of God. This new birth enables us to respond to these well-known words of our Savior: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (3:16).
The same truth is taught in the Old Testament. The Lord speaks to Israel, saying, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ezek. 36:25-26). Conversion, or New Birth, is the work of the Holy Spirit, cleansing us that we might be righteous as he is righteous. J. C. Ryle wrote, “Conversion is a possible thing, because of the almighty power of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him is life. In His hand are the keys of death and hell. He has all power in heaven and earth. He quickeneth whom He will. (John 1:4; Rev. 1:18; Matt. 28:18; John 5:21.) It is as easy for Him to create new hearts out of nothing, as it was to create the world out of nothing. It is as easy to Him to breathe spiritual life into a stony, dead heart, as it was to breathe natural life into the clay of which Adam was formed, and make him a living man.”
Through the Word of God –1 Peter 1:22-24
The Spirit of Christ is at work in each of God’s children. Our Father never expects, or asks something of us, that he has not enabled us to obey. Peter speaks, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” Our souls have been purified by the blood of Christ, shed on the cross of Calvary for our sins. Remember the previous words of Peter that we have been redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
The purification of our souls is by the power of the Holy Spirit, and is not dependent upon our works. For it is by the grace of God alone that we are made pure. The manner by which our souls, our spirits, are purified is “in obeying the truth through the Spirit.” This is the continual work of the Spirit in our lives. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit” (Heb. 4:12). Calvin comments that “because God sees all things, and nothing is hid from him, the apostle argues that the word of God penetrates into the inmost marrow, so as to discern thoughts and feelings; so, when Peter in this place calls him the living God, who abides for ever, he refers to the word, in which the perpetuity of God shines forth as in a living mirror.”
The word of God, which is preached, which is faithfully taught, has an effect upon the souls of his people, whom he redeemed in his Christ. Calvin reminds us, “Truth is to be taken for the rule which God prescribes to us in the Gospel.” The truth of the Gospel, of both the Old and New Testaments, is effectual in our lives by the Spirit, and is manifested in our love of the brethren. The covenant of God is being kept in us that we are to love our Lord with all our hearts, and our neighbors as ourselves. The Holy Spirit writes God’s unconditional love, upon our hearts. Peter continues with this admonition: “love one another with a pure heart fervently.” We are enabled to love one another because of the love of God in us. Peter “now reminds us of what God would have us to cultivate through life, that is, mutual love towards one another; for by that we testify also that we love God; and by this evidence God proves who they are who really love him.”
To further encourage us to love God and one another, Peter teaches us from whence we came. We are not children of God because we have chosen him. We are children of God because he has chosen us. Our Father has chosen us in Christ: “Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:5-7). The means of becoming his very own people, the children of his household, the sheep of his pasture, is through his word, and his word alone. We are then encouraged to love one another because we have been “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
This is not the way of the world. Their love for one another is conditional; conditioned upon what they themselves believe should be the foundation of love. It is a selfish love. It is a hypocritical love, which shines as light, only to hide a dark and forbidding heart. They are, what God reveals them to be: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.” Christianity is pictured as that religion which hinders true love. They fear the truth of Christ in his word, and must war against his church. Self is their God. Plurality is their religion. Righteousness is their filthy rags, pockmarked with abortion by demand, lawlessness on the streets, adultery in their hearts, and injustice in their courts.
That the Lord is Gracious –1 Peter 1:25-2:1-3
In comparison, “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever” is the bulwark of the Christian faith. It is that which was given to the prophet Isaiah, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isa. 40:8). Therefore, the Lord says to his people, “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!” (40:9). Christ, the Son of God, also testified, saying, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” [Matt. 5:18).
We have the means within us to turn away from sin, to die to sin and live to Christ, our hearts being purified in the Word of God by the Spirit of God. We are enabled to obey the truth, to love the brethren. For we have been born of the Spirit. The world is like withering grass, the flower the blooms and fades. “Wherefore,” writes Peter, “laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” We have witnessed, in political primaries, the lies and hatred of the world. They tore into the Church of Jesus Christ. They hypocritically raised themselves as saviors of the people. Their lies were apparent in their deceitful words. We are not of this world. But we have a light that they need.
Therefore, let us actively turn away from all this evil speaking, this hardness of heart, and desire that one thing every baby needs, food. As those born of Spirit we need spiritual food. To turn from the deceit and malice of this world, we need to feed upon the word of God, continually. There is no other way in which a child of God must grow. And then, Peter throws in these words, which give us further motivation to meditate and study the word of God, “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” If indeed, we have tasted that glorious and wonderful grace of God in Christ Jesus. If indeed, we have tasted the unmerited love of God in Christ our Savior. If indeed, we have tasted the loving-kindness and mercy of our Lord. Then we not only need to feed upon the word of God, we hunger and thirst to feed upon the word of God, we cannot help ourselves, we must go to the word of God, for it is truly our meditation day and night. Calvin understood that “Peter connects an access to God with the taste of his goodness. For as the human mind necessarily dreads and shuns God, as long as it regards him as rigid and severe; so, as soon as he makes known his paternal love to the faithful, it immediately follows that they disregard all things and even forget themselves and hasten to him. In short, he only makes progress in the Gospel, who in heart comes to God.”

Robert L. La May,

Asst. Editor, the Christian Observer

1 PETER 1:13-21 - HOLY IN OUR CODUCT!

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct); because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” —1 Peter 1:15-16

Introduction
Our text begins with the word, ‘Wherefore.’ Peter has been instructing the saints in Asia Minor about the genuineness of their faith, which is more precious than gold, being tested by fire to the praise and glory of Christ Jesus. He went on to say that the Holy Spirit who was sent from heaven gave the revelation of Jesus Christ, of his gospel and salvation; ‘wherefore’ the elect of God are to be holy, as God himself is holy. God has revealed himself as holy. Therefore, his children are to be holy. This admonition of Peter’s is the same admonition given to God’s servant, Moses: “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father, and keep my Sabbaths; I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:2-3).
The term ‘holy’ or ‘hagios’ (in the Greek), means to be sanctified, set apart; i.e., living as God would have us live, in his image, “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). Abstaining from the sin and pollution of this world, from which we were delivered through the blood, we are to “put on the new man, which after God, s created in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph. 4:24). An example of this holy life is seen in Paul’s words, which teaches us that we are not to live to ourselves, “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:8). We are to flee from the immorality of this world, to live as those resurrected in Christ Jesus. We are to understand that we are now God’s people, that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit who is in us, “whom we have from God.” Therefore, we are not our own. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
John Calvin wrote that “we are God’s: let us therefore live for him and die for him. We are God’s: let his wisdom and will therefore rule all our actions. We are God’s: let all the parts of our life accordingly strive toward him as our only lawful goal. (Rom. 14:8; 1 Cor. 6:19)” (Institutes).

Obedient Children –1 Peter 1:13-16
Because of the death and resurrection of Christ on our behalf, for that great salvation revealed to the elect of God by the Holy Spirit, they are to, therefore, “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit; because of our new birth in Christ Jesus, we are enabled to conduct ourselves as true children of our Father in heaven. We are empowered to “gird up the loins” of our mind. As in the time of Peter, so at the time when I living in North Africa, many of the people wore flowing garments. In order to move faster, or do the task at hand, they had to gather up the cloth so that it would not get in the way of their work. We are to gather together the loins of this world so that they will not impede our growth and work in the Word of our Lord. Peter “intimates that our minds are held entangled by the passing cares of the world and by vain desires, so that they rise not upward to God. Whosoever, then, really wishes to have this hope, let him learn in the first place to disentangle himself from the world, and gird up his mind that it may not turn aside to vain affections” (Calvin). We are to be spiritually sober in our walk and growth in the Lord, not inebriated with the lusts and affections of the world around us. After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua these encouraging words, to “ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee, Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:8-9).
Upon the promises and word of God we rest our hope, as “obedient children.” We desire to please our Father in heaven. We show appreciation and gratitude in our obedience to our Father, and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are no longer ignorant, as the world is ignorant, knowing that our lives rest in God our Father. We desire to be like him who is our Creator and Savior, to be holy as he is holy. We want to be righteous and just in our thoughts and relationships, to know the truth revealed to us in Christ Jesus through his word. For this is what our Father in heaven wants for us. For we belong to him.

Redeemed Children –1 Peter 1:17-19
Peter continues to encourage God’s elect to be holy. Because of our new relationship with our Father in heaven in Christ, we are emboldened to call upon him; “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons (partiality) judgeth according every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear; forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot.”
We call upon our Father in heaven as His adopted children, as obedient children toward a Father who has manifested himself as one who loves us unconditionally, with loving-kindness and tender mercies. He is not like man who judges the outward appearance, but judges the heart, knowing its faithfulness or unfaithfulness. He judges, in Christ his Son, the child whom he has chosen to be his very own. He develops within us that character which reveals his very own holy character. “And from the character of the Father himself, he shews what sort of obedience ought to be rendered. He judges, he says, without looking on the person, that is, no outward mask is of any account with him, as the case is with men, but he sees the heart, (1 Sam. 16:7); and his eyes look on faithfulness. (Jer. 5:3.) This also is what Paul means when he says that God’s judgment is according to truth, (Rom. 2:2;) for he there inveighs against hypocrites, who think that they deceive God by a vain pretense” (John Calvin).
God our Father judges us according to our works, according to the sincerity of our hearts. It is not that he is demanding for us to be something we cannot be, but to enable us to be holy, set apart in his righteousness, truth, and justice. Therefore we call upon our Father in heaven who alone is able to judge our hearts, receive our repentance, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, forgiving our sins, and claim us as his obedient children. We come to our Father in heaven knowing that we have not been redeemed with the corruptible traditions and thoughts of this world, but we have been redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
We gird up the loins of our minds to be taught the righteousness of Christ as befitting those who are called children of God. We desire to be holy in our conduct, each and every day, because we have a Savior who redeemed us with His own precious blood. When John, the forerunner of Christ, was born, his father, Zacharias, a priest of God’s temple, saw, not only his son, but the coming promise of the Messiah, prophesying, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:68-69). He went on to prophecy that God would “perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant.” Which led him to the outcome of this promise, which is the crux of our lesson today; that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered from the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (1:72-75).
We serve him who is our Lord and King, who, by his own blood, brought us into the most holy place, to be called children of God. We, therefore, have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (Heb.10:19-20). We “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past. Through the forbearance God; to declare, I ay, at this time his righteousness; that he might just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” [Rom. 3:23-26).

Therefore Believe –1 Peter 1:20-21
Not only is Christ our Savior, “who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope be in God.” Our Savior spoke of our eternal salvation as being the will of God the Father: “And this is the will of him who sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

Robert L. La May

Asst. Editor, the Christian Obsserver

www.christianobserver.org