Dec 12
31

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #43 & 44

Doctrinal Standard #43 & 44

  • Q. What introduces the Ten Commandments?
  • A. These words introduce the Ten Commandments: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
  • Q. What does the introduction to the Ten Commandments teach us?
  • A. The introduction to the Ten Commandments teaches us that, because God is Lord and is our God and redeemer, we must keep all His commandments.

Memory Verses

  • “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery (Exodus 20:2, ESV).
  • “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities (Amos 3:2, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Amos 1-3
  • Support Passages: Isaiah 40:18-31, Malachi 3:6, I Samuel 8:10-22, II Chronicles 7:14
  • Bible Story: 1 Samuel 5

Thoughts

  • The introduction of the Ten Commandments reminds the Israelites and all believers that the Ten Commandments were given to God’s people after they were delivered from bondage in Egypt. Viewing this from a redemptive historical approach, this is rather significant. Prior to the giving of the Ten Commandments, God manifested his attributes and mission as redeemer in a real tangible way by miraculously freeing His people from Egypt. He reminds His people of this before giving them a Law that, in much the same way, will enslave people to sin requiring the redemptive work of God. Not in a physical sense, as in the land of Egypt, but rather in the spiritual realm requiring the blood and perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
  • Whenever talking about the Law of God, I find it important to clarify the various uses of the Law. God’s Law has a “pedagogical use (usus elenchticus sive paedagogicus), it shows people their sin and points them to mercy and grace outside of themselves” (Lems). It is this use that I’m referring to when I say that God’s law enslaves all mankind. God’s Law also has a “normative use (usus didacticus sive normativus). Which means this use of the law is for those who trust in Christ and have been saved through faith apart from works” (Lems) The law cannot save people because they are unable to keep it. But God’s law does direct the behaviors of those who are part of the family of God. The law is what helps guide believers in becoming holy as God is holy. The commands of the Lord are an essential part in the sanctification process of a believer. The law also has a “civil use (usus polititcus sive civilis). That is, the law serves the commonwealth or body politic as a force to restrain sin. This falls under the general revelation discussion in most of the scholastics as well as natural law (cf. Rom 1-2)” (Lems). [1]
  • God has prefaced His Ten Commandments to remind His people that He is LORD – control and sovereign over all and as redeemer to teach his people that they are completely dependent upon him for everything.

Discussion Questions

  • What major event (story) took place before the Ten Commandments were given.
  • Why did the Israelites need a redeemer from Egypt?
  • Why do we need a redeemer from the commands of God?
  • What are the three nouns used to describe God in doctrinal standard #34?
  • What does it mean that God is LORD? Because of this why should we obey Him?
  • What does it mean that God is God?  Because of this why should we obey Him?

 

 

 

 


[1] Lems, Shane. Three Uses of The Law, Reformedreader.com

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Reformed Reader, Ten Commandments, Three Uses of the Law, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, 1 Samuel 5, Amos 1-3, Exodus 20, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Dec 12
26

Catechism Insight – Review Doctrinal Standard WSC #36-42

Review Doctrinal Standards #36-42

WSC # 36

Q. What benefits in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

A. The benefits that in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification are: the assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, and growing and persevering in grace to the end of our lives.

WSC #37

Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ when they die?

A. When believers die, their souls are made perfectly holy and immediately pass into glory. Their bodies, which are still united to Christ, rest in the grace until the resurrection.

WSC #38

Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

A. At the resurrection, believers, raised in glory, will be publicly recognized and declared not guilty on the day of judgment and will be made completely happy in the full enjoyment of God forever.

WSC #39

Q. What does God require of man?

A. God requires man to obey His revealed will.

WSC #40

Q.What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?

A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.

WSC #41

Q. Where is the moral law summarized?

A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

WSC #42

Q. What is the essence of the Ten Commandments?

A. The essence of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and to love everyone else as we love ourselves.

Memory Verses

  • “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Thoughts

  • This should be a time of reflection, assessment, and re-teaching.
  • There are a couple of different ways to approach this review lesson. First, the review questions and answers could be made into a game that forces the students to remember what they have learned while assessing their understanding. Another idea is to quiz each student on each of the 7 questions making sure to encourage and celebrate their accomplishments. Last, it would be beneficial to review each of the question and answers drawing out their central truths and mentioning how they are connected.

Discussion Questions

  • Explains what justification, adoption, and sanctification mean in the life of a believer.
  • When does justification take place?
  • When does adoption take place?
  • When does sanctification take place?
  • What benefit does a believer have when he or she dies?
  • What two commands summarizes the Ten Commandments and all of scripture?
  • How has the catechism helped you grow in their faith and understanding?
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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Adoption, Greatest Commandment, Justification, Sanctification, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Deuteronomy 6, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Dec 12
17

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #42

Doctrinal Standard #42

  • Q. What is the essence of the Ten Commandments?
  • A. The essence of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and to love everyone else as we love ourselves.

Memory Verses

  • “And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: I Samuel 18:1-4; 20:17-42
  • Support Passages:  I Corinthians 2:9 (Isaiah 64:4), Joshua 22:5, Psalm 97:10, 116:1-2, 119:97; Proverbs 10:12; Amos 5:15; John 8:42, 13:35, 15:13; Romans 12:9, 13:8-10
  • Bible Story: Luke 10:29-37

Thoughts

  • When Jesus was asked which is the greatest of all the commandments he responded love God and love your neighbor. The catechism tells us that this is the essence of the Ten Commandments. Jesus teaches us that “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:40). The pinnacle of all of God’s law is first to love God and second to love those around you. All of God’s command teach, direct, and guide an individual on how they can practically love God and love their neighbor. For example, the Ten Commandments:  you shall have no other gods before me, you shall not make for yourself a carved image, you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, observe the Sabbath day, honor your father and your mother, you shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, and you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife all provide specific commands on how we are to love God and love our neighbor. Scripture is filled with commands beyond the Ten Commandments on how we are to practically love God and our neighbor. But if we are to be obedient to the first and second greatest commandment it requires that we know and understand the scriptures.

Discussion Questions

  • What are the two greatest commandments?
  • How is the command to love God and your neighbor the essences of the Ten Commandments?
  • Provide evidence from the Ten Commandments or other scripture that teach us how to love God.
  • Provide evidence from the Ten Commandments or other scripture that teach us how to love our neighbor.
  • What does our obedience to God’s law prove about our faith? Explain
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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Greatest Commandment, Ten Commandments, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, I Samuel 18, Luke 10, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Dec 12
10

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #40 & 41

Doctrinal Standard #40 & 41 (4 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?
  • A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.
  • Q. Where is the moral law summarized?
  • A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

Memory Verses

  •  “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Deuteronomy 6  
  • Support Passages:  Romans 7:14, Colossians 3:5, Proverbs 1:19, Matthew 15:4-6, Job 36:21, Hebrews 11:25, I Thessalonians 5:22, Genesis 18:19
  • Bible Story: Luke 10:38-42

Thoughts

  • When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment  he responded with, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Providing his response from Deuteronomy informs us that man’s primary purpose is to love God. Or as question one of the catechism tells us the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Scripture provides a clear explanation on how we are to love God. We are to obey him.  Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus is quoted in John 14:21, “whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” We love God when we keep his commandments and obey him.
  • It is important to remember the source and heart of this obedience towards God. We must always remember that our obedience will not and cannot be good enough to be accepted before God. It is only by the blood of Christ and His perfect life that we are accepted before him. But we must realize that Christ’S death and resurrection has not only made us acceptable before God but also freed us from the bondage of sin. With the help of the Holy Spirit we are able to live a life in obedience to Him. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit helps to convict us of sin leading to repentance and guides our lives in obedience to God’s word. Because of the work of Christ we can show our love and gratitude towards God by following his commands. No longer are his laws a burden unto condemnation but rather a joy that is pleasing not only to God but also to the believer.

Discussion Questions

  • What is the greatest commandment?
  • What is man’s problem in obeying this commandment?
  • What needs to take place before an individual can obey this command?
  • How can you love God with all you are?
  •  What gives us the ability to obey the commands of God?
  • What does obeying God’s commands prove?
  • Are God’s commands a burden or liberating? Explain
  • What does your answer reveal about your heart?
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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Catechism, Greatest Commandment, Moral Law, Ten Commandments, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Deuteronomy 6, John 14, Luke 10, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Dec 12
3

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #40 & 41

Doctrinal Standard #40 & 41 (3 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?
  • A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.
  • Q. Where is the moral law summarized?
  • A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

Memory Verses

  • “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Psalm 119
  • Support Passages: Psalms 1, 19, 111, 112; Matthew 10:28
  • Bible Story: Acts 5:12-42

Thoughts

  • There are three common uses of God’s law. One of those is the normative use; this means that God’s law is used in the life of believers who have been saved by faith apart from the law. God’s law is good and righteous. It defines and points out sin that is not pleasing to God. It is one of the means by which the Holy Spirit convicts and guides believers into becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. Psalms 119 provides a beautiful description of God’s commands and how they play an important part in the life of those who love God. It is important that we remember that while we are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ alone God expects us to be holy as he is holy. Scripture calls this process sanctification.
  • “The word sanctification (Gk. Hagiasmos) means ‘to set apart’. The same root word is found in the English words saint, holy, and holiness. Sanctification and its related terms are used in a variety of ways in both the Old Testament and New Testament. With respect to the New Testament believer, however, there are primarily three aspects of sanctification.
  • (1)   Positional sanctification. This is the believer’s position or standing before God, based on the death of Christ. In positional sanctification the believer is accounted holy before God; he is declared a saint. Paul frequently began his letters by addressing the believers as saints (Rom. 1:7). It is noteworthy that so carnal a group as the church at Corinth is addressed as ‘those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus’ (1 Cor. 1:2). This positional sanctification is achieved through the once-for-all death of Christ (Heb. 10:10, 14, 29).
  • (2)   Experiential Sanctification. Although the believer’s positional sanctification is secure, his experiential sanctification may fluctuate because it relates to his daily life and experience. Paul’s prayer is that believers should be sanctified entirely in their experience (1 Thess. 5:23); Peter commands believers to be sanctified or holy (1 Peter 1:16). This experiential sanctification grows as the believer dedicates his life to God (Rom. 6:13; 12:1-2) and is nourished by the word of God (Ps. 119:9-16). Clearly, additional factors enter into experiential sanctification.
  • (3)   Ultimate Sanctification. This aspect of sanctification is future and anticipates the final transformation of the believer into the likeness of Christ. At that time all believers will be presented to the Lord without any blemish (Eph. 5:26-27)” (Pg. 329-330). [1]

Discussion Questions

  • Read Psalm 119. How is God’s law described?
  • Do you feel the same way about God’s law? Explain
  • Why are we to obey God’s law?
  • What are the things the Psalmist says he does with God’s law?
  • Listed are some of the verbs the Psalmist wrote about God’s law: Learn, keep, seek, stored, delight, meditate. What do these mean and how do you apply them?

[1] Enns, Paul (1994). The Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago, Illinois, USA; Moody Press.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Moral Law, Normative Use of the Law, Sanctification, Ten Commandments, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Acts 5, Psalm 119, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Nov 12
26

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #40 & 41

Doctrinal Standard #40 & 41 (2 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?
  • A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.
  • Q. Where is the moral law summarized?
  • A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

Memory Verses

  • “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Romans 7:7-13
  • Support Passages: Romans 2:14-15, Acts 24:24-25, Matthew 14:1-10, I Timothy 1:9-10, Galatians 3:24, Romans 1:20, Galatians 3:10
  • Bible Story: Acts 24

Thoughts

  • There is a common misunderstanding in regards to the law of God and it often shows itself through the teaching of antinomianism theology. While this term could be rather broad it often refers to those who reject the notation that Christians are commanded to keep the moral law. This is not to say that they support unethical living but rather they believe that scripture teaches that the law has served its purpose and is finished and now you live solely by the Spirit. I believe that this heretical teaching is a result of not fully understanding Paul’s teaching on the law. There are many times when Paul seems to speak harshly about the law not because the law is bad or unholy but because of what it does to man. For example, Romans 7:8 says “but sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness.” Romans 7:11, “for sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.” But Paul also speaks very highly of the law in Romans 7:12-13, “so the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.” Paul makes it rather clear that the laws of God are good, holy, and righteous. God’s law does not cause the sin in man but rather point out the sin that is already within their hearts.
  • If God’s commands are holy, righteous, and good and man is inherently sinful and evil then what needs to change, man or God’s law? The obvious answer is man. Instead of expecting a holy, righteous, and unchangeable God to change is character and in doing so changing is moral laws he sent his son to do earth to do what no man could ever do, live a perfect obedient life to the law and die a perfect sacrifice for the sins of those who believe. God’s law and expectations have not changed but rather through his mercy and love provided a way for man to be accepted before him.
  • As the memory verse teaches us it is through our faith in Jesus’ perfect life and death that makes a sinner are justified. Salvation is apart from keeping any commands. But we must be careful not error in thinking that the commands play no part in the life of a believer. God’s commands teach us what is good and acceptable and how we should live. His law is what the Holy Spirit uses in the life of a believer sanctifying them, making them more and more like Jesus.

Discussion Questions

  • Describe God’s character?
  • How closely tied is God’s character to his laws?
  • Read through Romans 7:7-13. What does God’s law reveal in an individual?
  • Does God’s law cause people to sin? Explain
  • God’s law points people to whom? Explain
  • How does Paul describe God’s law in the passage of scripture?
  • If God’s law is good and people are sinful what needs to change?
  • How does God make people acceptable before himself and his law?
  • If Jesus lived a perfect life for us what use does the law have for Christians?
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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Catechism, Law and Gospel, Moral Law, Ten Commandments, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Acts 24, Galatians 3, Romans 7, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Nov 12
26

Advent 2012

Yes, it’s true that nowhere in the scriptures do we find a command to celebrate Christmas, much less Advent. And yes, it’s true that Christ was not born on December 25th (he was probably born in the Spring time).

Christmas and Advent are admittedly traditions established by the church long after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. While they are certainly not essential to the Christian faith, I do believe they are good traditions. They can help us slow down and to ponder the wonder of the Christ and the salvation that has been provided through him.

Here at Emmaus we desire to make the most out of these traditions by using them to help center our hearts on Jesus. My prayer for you, church, is that as you decorate your home and give gifts this holiday season, Christ would be at the center of it all.

Teach your children about Jesus and share the gospel with those who don’t know him. Use the lights, the tree, the nativity, and the giving of gifts as illustrations to prompt discussion concerning the coming of the Christ and the precious gift of salvation that he has given to all who trust in Him.

Here is a link to a free digital booklet from John Piper and Desiring God Ministries. It is a daily devotional containing short readings for each day of Advent (December 2nd – 25th in 2012). If you would like Emmaus to provide you with a print copy please email [email protected] – we would be happy to bring you one on Sunday.

Blessings,

Joe

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Nov 12
18

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #40 & 41

Doctrinal Standard #40 & 41 (1 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?
  • A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.
  • Q. Where is the moral law summarized?
  • A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

Memory Verses

  • “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17–18, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Matthew 5:17-20
  • Support Passages: Psalms 1, 19, 25:8-15, 119; Deuteronomy 6:4-9,11:18-32, 30:11-20
  • Bible Story: Matthew 10:17-31

Thoughts

  • Chapter 19.5-19.7 of the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 with notes from Peter Masters provides a good description on of how the moral law is an important part of the Christian life.
  • “5. The moral law ever binds to obedience everyone, justified people as well as others, and not only out of regard for the matter contained in it, but also out of respect for the authority of God the Creator, Who gave the law. Nor does Christ in the Gospel dissolve this law in any way, but [on the contrary] He considerably strengthens our obligation to obey it.
  • 6. Although true believers are not under the law as a covenant of works, to be justified or condemned by it, yet it is of great use to them as well as to others, because as a rule of life it informs them of the will of God and their duty and directs and binds them to walk accordingly.

    It also reveals and exposes the sinful pollutions of their natures, hearts and lives, and using it for self-examination they may come to greater conviction of sin, greater humility and greater hatred of their sin. They will also gain a clearer sight of their need of Christ and the perfection of His own obedience [to the law on their behalf].

    It is of further use to regenerate people [in self-examination] to restrain their corruptions [sinful tendencies], because of the way in which it forbids sin. The threatening of the law serve to show what their sins actually deserve, and what troubles may be expected in this life because of these sins even by regenerate people who are freed from the curse and undiminished rigours of the law.

    The promises connected with the law also show believers God’s ­approval of obedience, and what blessings they may expect when the law is kept and obeyed, though blessing will not come to them ­because they have satisfied the law as a covenant of works. [To do this would of course require perfect obedience to every part all the time.] If a man does good and refrains from evil simply because the law encourages to the good and deters him from the evil, that is no evidence that he is under the law rather than under grace.

  • 7. The aforementioned uses of the law are not contrary to the grace of the Gospel [the Gospel of undeserved mercy and favour], but they sweetly comply with it, as the Spirit of Christ subdues and enables the will of man to do freely and cheerfully those things which the will of God, which is revealed in the law, requires to be done.” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What is a moral?
  • Who decides what is moral? Why
  • Name each of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20).
  • Why are these considered to be moral laws?
  • Can you be accepted before God by keep these commands perfectly? Explain
  • How is someone accepted before God?
  • How do these laws play an important part in the life of a Christian? (see “Thoughts” section).

[1] Masters, Peter (1982). The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters. Ashland, Ohio, USA; BookMasters, Inc.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, Moral Law, Peter Masters, Ten Commandments, The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Matthew 10, Matthew 5, Posted by Phil. No Comments

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that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
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