Friday, September 27, 2013

Biblical Theology: Graeme Goldsworthy

My introduction to Biblical Theology came through the book Gospel and Kingdom by Graeme Goldsworthy. I strongly recomend reading this and other books by Goldswothy. Here in this post I would like to share a lecture on Biblical Theology given by Graeme Goldswothy at Southern Baptish Seminary.

Biblical Theology by Goldsworthy

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Hebews: A reading guide


Guía de lectura: HebreosHebrews: God´s Last Word
Hebrew,Esta carta fue escrita antes de la caída de Jerusalén frente a un debate apasionado entre el cristianismo y el judaísmo cuando ambas religiones estaban competiendo entre si.HH written before the fall of Jerusalem in the midst of a passionate debate between Christianity and Judaism when both religions were competing with each other, presents the case for Christ. La discusión entre dos interpretaciones del Antiguo Testamento era muy feroz y muchos cristianos perdieron sus bienes, casas y en algunos casos hasta sus vidas. The discussion between two interpretations of the Old Testament was very fierce and many Christians lost their property, houses, and, in some cases, even their lives.

También el cristianismo estaba en una batalla contra el paganismo.Hebrews covers more themes related to Judaism than any other book of its time. Entre los temas que trata están los ángeles, Moisés, otro éxodo, el sacerdocio judío, o el sacrificio animal, ¿cómo iban a lograr tener una relación con el creador?Among topics covered are angels, Moses, another exodus, the Jewish priesthood, animal sacrifice, and how they could manage to have a relationship with the Creator. Hebreos presenta un argumento para la superioridad de Cristo sobre otros posibles medios de acceso a Dios. Hebrews presents an argument for the superiority of Christ over all other possible means of access to God.

Según el libro de Hebreos el Antiguo Pacto había desaparecido.According to the book of Hebrews the Old Covenant had been done away with. Ya no era viable ser judío para ser salvo. It was not possible to be Jewish and be a saved Christian. El sacrificio “una vez y para siempre” de Jesús hizo caduco el sacrificio repetido del judaísmo. The sacrifice "once and forever speaking of the sacrifice of Jesus, made Judaism or any other religious sacrifice obsolete. Cualquier regreso a este sistema repetitivo es un rechazo abierto al Mesías quien dio su vida una vez por todas para salvar a su pueblo. Any repetitious return to this system was an open rejection of the Messiah who gave his life once and for all to save his people. El sacerdocio de cualquier humano aparte de Jesús es un rechazo de Su intercesión ante Dios por nosotros. The priesthood of any human other than Jesus is a rejection of his intercession with God for us.

Un autor dice que Hebreos fue escrito para convertirse en sermón el día de Pentecostés señalando que las promesas están cumplidas: el Mesías ha venido.One author says that Hebrews was written to become a Pentecost sermon saying that the promises are fulfilled: the Messiah has come. (ver FF Bruce. Hebreos) (See FF Bruce. Hebrews)

Prefacio (Hebreos 1:1-4)Preface (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Hebreos empieza con la afirmación de que Dios habla con los hombres.Hebrews begins with the claim that God speaks to men. Cuando Dios había hablado con los hombres anteriormente en el pasado lo había hecho por los profetas y ángeles, pero ahora el mediador ha cambiado a su Hijo, Jesucristo. When God spoke to men in the past He had done it through the prophets and angels, but now the mediator has changed; his Son, Jesus Christ, has spoken to us in these last days. Los otras maneras en que Dios comunicó en el pasado son inferiores a Jesús, la revelación supremo y máximo y final. The other ways in which God communicated in the past are less important than Jesus, the supreme revelation and ultimate end. El uso del aorista en el griego significa una acción cumplido en el pasado que no se repite y que tiene unos resultados continuas en el futuro. The use of the aorist tense in the Greek means a completed action in the past that is not repeated and that has continued results in the future. Es decir, Jesús es la máxima revelación de Dios. That is, Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. Cristo es superior a todos los medios que Dios usó en el Antiguo Testamento o después de Jesús para revelarnos su palabra. Christ is superior to all the means that God used to reveal his word, be it in the Old Testament or after Jesus.

Another way of saying this is Jesus is God´s last and final word to mankind.

Esto también significa que el evangelio no cambia el mensaje en la historia de la iglesia.This also means that the gospel message has not changed in the history of the church. El evangelio es dada una vez y para siempre (Gálatas 1:8-9). The gospel is given once and forever (Galatians 1:8-9). No se puede añadir otras "revelaciones" a la de Jesús ya que esto sería un cambió en el mensaje (Apocalipsis 22:18-19). You cannot add more "revelations" of Jesus, as this would be a change in the message (Revelation 22:18-19).

¿Qué significó el hecho de que Jesús habló la máxima revelación de Dios?What did it mean that Jesus spoke the ultimate revelation of God?
Significa que el Mesías había venido.It means that the Messiah had come. La promesa se había cumplido. The Old Testament promise was fulfilled. La salvación estaba disponible para los que invocan el nombre del Señor. Salvation was available to all those who call on the Lord.

Afirmaciones de la Palabra CristoStatements of the Word about Christ

1.(Heb. 1:5-14) El hecho de que Dios ha hablado por medio de su Hijo significa que su Hijo, Jesucristo, es superior a los ángeles.(Heb. 1:5-14) The fact that God has spoken through his Son means that His Son, Jesus Christ, is superior to the angels. Un hijo es de la misma “sustancia” que sus padres, es decir, que tiene su genética o naturaleza. A child is of the same "substance" as the parent, i.e. having their genetics or nature. Los ángeles son simples mensajeros, pero el Hijo es de la misma esencia que Dios mismo, es Dios mismo. Angels are simply messengers but the Son is of the same essence as God Himself, the Son is God himself.

(Heb. 2:5-18) Jesús es verdaderamente hombre.(Heb. 2:5-18) Jesus is also truly man as well as God. Es carne y hueso como nosotros. He is flesh and blood like us. Así puede tener compasión de nosotros porque ha experimentado la lucha con la carne. One result of this is so that He can have compassion on us because He has experienced the struggle with the flesh.

(Heb. 3:1-6) Jesús es superior a Moisés.(Heb. 3:1-6) Jesus is superior to Moses. Noten bien la diferencias: Moisés era parte de la casa, Jesús el arquitecto; Moisés fue siervo, Jesús Hijo; Moisés habló de cosas en el futuro, Jesús habla de las cosas HOY (3:5 y 7); Moisés tenía fallas, Jesús sin defecto; Moisés esta muerto, Jesús vivo; Moisés estaba incompleto sin Aarón; Jesús cumple el ministerio de ambos (profeta, sacerdote y rey). Note the comparisons:  Moses was part of the house, Jesus the architect; Moses was a servant, Jesus the Son; Moses spoke of things in the future, Jesus speaks of things TODAY (3:5, 7); Moses had flaws, Jesus is without blemish; Moses is dead, Jesus is living; Moses was incomplete without Aaron, Jesus fulfills the ministry of all (prophet, priest and king).

(Heb. 4:1-13) El reposo que Jesús nos da es superior al “sábado”, a la tierra prometida (Josué) del viejo pacto.(Heb. 4:1-13) The rest that Jesus gives is superior to the "Sabbath," and to the promised land (Joshua) of the old covenant. Es una relación con Dios donde no tenemos que hacer “obras” para su aprobación, sino creer en Él. Hoy es el día de salvación. It is a relationship with God where we don’t have to do "works" for approval, but believe in Him.  When “today” or this dispensation, is finished, salvation will be available to no one neither Jew or Gentile.  Today is the day of salvation. Cuando termina "hoy", es decir, esta dispensación no habrá salvación disponible para nadie, ni judío, ni gentil.  This is clear in the text because it is aimed at Jews. Uno tiene que hacer caso a la voz de Cristo hoy para ser salvo. One has to heed the voice of Christ to be saved today.

(Heb. 4:14-5:8) Jesús es un sumo sacerdote superior a los sacerdotes del viejo pacto.(Heb. 4:14-5:8) Jesus is the high priest of high priests of the old covenant. No es un hombre falible y pecaminoso, sino el siervo que obedeció hasta la muerte y es compasivo para con nosotros. He is not a fallible and sinful man, but the servant who became obedient unto death and can be compassionate toward us as He has been tempted in the flesh as we are.
 
Unas preguntas: ¿Cuántos sermones has escuchado acerca de Jesús nuestro sumo sacerdote?Some questions:  
How many sermons have you heard about Jesus our High Priest? ¿Cómo te ha cambiado entender el papel de Jesús como nuestro sumo sacerdote? How do you understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest? ¿Por qué esta tan larga esta sección de Hebreos? Why is this section of Hebrews so long?  Why is the quote about Melchizedek from Psalm 110 the most often quoted in the New Testament? ¿Por qué ésta texto es clave para entender la transición del Antiguo Pacto al Nuevo Pacto? Why is this text key to understanding the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant?

(Heb. 6:13-7:28) La promesa de Dios esta seguro porque Dios mismo lo aseguró y Él no puede mentir.(Heb. 6:13 to 7:28) The promise of God is sure because it is the word of God himself and He cannot lie. Esto nos da seguridad en la esperanza que tenemos en ser parte de un nuevo cielo y una nueva tierra. This gives us security in the hope we have of being part of a new heaven and a new earth. Esta promesa esta asegurado por nuestro sumo sacerdote Jesús del orden de Melquizedec. This promise is made certain by our high priest Jesus after the order of Melchizedek. Este sacerdocio es superior al la de Aaron porque tenemos un mediador superior para interceder por nosotros. This priesthood is superior to that of Aaron because we have a superior mediator to intercede for us.
The New Covenant is superior because: El sacerdocio de Jesús es superior a lo de Aaron: Él es el Hijo eterno de Dios (7:3); El es más grande que Abraham (7:4); El vive por el poder de una vida sin fin (7:16); El fue hecho sumo sacerdote por el juramento de Dios mismo (7:21); El es un sacerdote permanente, así los que confían en él no tendrán que enfrontar otro cambio de orden sacerdotal (7:24); Nos salva hasta el extremo (7:25); Es exaltado más allá de los cielos (7:26); Es sin pecado (7:27); y es perfecto para siempre (7:28).The priesthood of Jesus is superior to that of Aaron:  He is the eternal Son of God (7:3), He is greater than Abraham (7:4), He lives by the power of an endless life (7:16 ), He was made high priest by the oath of God himself (7:21), He is a permanent priest, and so we trust in Him who will not have to undergo another priestly order change (7:24).  He saves to the end (7:25), is exalted above the heavens (7:26), is without sin (7:27) and is perfect forever (7:28). Este sumo sacerdote nos hace perfecto ante los ojos de Dios (7:19) y nos da acceso personal a Dios (7:19) que el antiguo sacerdocio no lo hizo. This High Priest makes us perfect in the eyes of God (7:19) and gives us personal access to God (7:19) that the ancient priesthood did not.

(Heb. 8:1-13) Tenemos un Nuevo Pacto o una nueva relación con Dios por medio de Jesucristo.(Heb. 8:1-13) We have a New Covenant or a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ. El Antiguo Pacto estaba escrito en piedra, pero el Nuevo Pacto esta escrito en nuestros corazones, es decir, podemos conocer a Dios por nosotros mismos. The Old Covenant was written in stone, but the New Covenant is written in our hearts, and as such we can know God intimately for ourselves. No esta mediada por otras personas, en la palabra de Dios está en nuestros corazones. The word of God was on stone and the priests mediated this old covenant. También el Nuevo Pacto es un perdón de nuestros pecados. Jesus, as high priest, changes this and the word of God becomes written on our hearts.  The New Covenant also brings forgiveness of our sins.
El Nuevo Pacto es mejor que el Antiguo, porque:
(Heb. 9:1-10:18) El sacrificio de Jesús es superior a los sacrificios de animales para limpiar nuestros pecados.(Heb. 9:1-10:18) The sacrifice of Jesus is superior to animal sacrifices to wash away our sins. Las razones de la superioridad del Sacrificio son: 1. The reasons for the superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice are: 1) Esta hecha en un tabernáculo celestial, no físico.This Sacrifice was made in a heavenly tabernacle, not a physical one. La ley, el tabernáculo--templo sólo eran sombras de lo que Jesús hizo. The law and the tabernacle or temple, were only shadows representing what Jesus did. 2. 2) Porque la calidad del sacrificio es superior siendo Jesús un hombre-divino.The quality of the sacrifice is superior to the regular sacrifice as Jesus was a divine man and thus perfect. 3. 3) Porque es un sacrificio “una vez y para siempre” que no necesitaba repetirse continuamente por la calidad de el sacerdote y el sacrificio. Because it is a sacrifice "once and forever," it did not need to be repeated continuously to ensure the validity of the priest and the sacrifice.

Warnings about not listening to the Word (Christ)
The warnings are found in 2:1-4; 3:7-19; 4:11-13; 5:1-6:12; 10:19-31 and 12:25-29. Each warning deals with progressively with a more radical rejection of belief in Jesus.
Las advertencias en el libro de Hebreos son con referencia a la aceptación o rechazo de la salvación que nos ofrece Jesús.The warnings in the book of Hebrews are referring to the acceptance or rejection of salvation offered by Jesus. No son en referencia a nuestros “equivocaciones” que todos hacemos. They are not referring to our "mistakes" or sins that we all do;No son pecados como violar uno de los mandamientos de la ley. these are sins such as violating one of the commandments of the law. No son nuestra conducta pecaminosa, sino la incredulidad que evita que confiamos en Jesús. The warnings are not referring to our sinful behavior, but to the unbelief that prevents our trusting in Jesus. La pregunta es si depositamos en Jesús nuestra confianza para ser salvo o no. The question is have we have put our trust (faith) in Jesus to be saved or not? El pecado es de rechazar a Jesús. The sin Hebrews speaks of is to reject Jesus. El autor de Hebreos no pone otro contexto para que podemos hablar de otros pecados, como hablar de adulterios, borracheras, mentiras, engaños. The author of Hebrews does not present us with another context. The author does not talk about other sins, such as adultery, drunkenness, lying, cheating. Sólo esta hablando de recibir o rechazar a Jesús. He only talks about faith to receive or reject Jesus. El pecar deliberadamente entonces quiere decir, rechazar con conocimiento a Jesús (Heb. 2:10:26 ss). The great sin here is to deliberately, knowingly reject Jesus (Heb. 2:10:26).

No podemos “descuidar” o ignorar la salvación que nos ofrece Jesús (Heb. 2:1-4) porque las consecuencias son permanentes.We cannot "neglect" or ignore the salvation that Jesus offers us (Heb. 2:1-4) because the consequences are permanent. No podemos re-iniciar la vida cristiana una segunda vez (Heb. 6:4-6) porque Cristo murió una sola vez para siempre. We cannot re-start the Christian life a second time (Heb. 6:4-6) because Christ died once for all.

Podemos resumir las advertencias de Hebreos en una sola: No cierra tus oídos a lo que Dios esta diciendo por medio de Jesús su Hijo.We can summarize the warnings of Hebrews into one: Do not close your ears to what God said through His Son Jesus. No deja que las cosas temporales de este mundo (potaje Génesis 25:27-34) cegarte a las cosas eternas de la salvación (la primogenitura). Do not let the temporary things of this world (Genesis 25:25-34 is a good case in point) blind you to things concerning eternal salvation.
Hebrews is not only a book of warning, but of encouragement and exhortation to spiritual perfection. These exhortations “Let us… “ are found in 4:1; 4:11; 4:14; 4:16; and 6:1. These first 5 are related to the warnings. The next 8 occur in the last 3 chapters: 10:22,23 and 24; 12:1 (2x); 12:28; 13:13 and 13:15.

Ejemplos que aclaren la enseñanzaExamples clarify teaching
La parte final de Hebreos indica la situación de los destinatarios (Hebreos 10:26-12:29) y incluye una exhortación para seguir fiel a Jesús en medio de la persecución.The final part of Hebrews indicates the status of the recipients (Hebrews 10:26 to 12:29) and includes an exhortation to remain faithful to Jesus in the midst of persecution. Aquí tenemos tres tipos de ejemplos: los fieles del Antiguo Testamento (Heb 11), Jesús (Heb. 12:1-13) y un ejemplo negativo, Esaú (Heb. 12:14-17). Herein are three types of examples of the recipients’ status:
1.    The faithful of the Old Testament (Heb. 11),
2.    Jesus (Heb. 12:1-13), and
3.    A negative example, Esau (Heb. 12:14-17).
Los hebreos cristianos estaban experimentando persecución por seguir a Jesús y rechazar su vieja religión.The Hebrew Christians were experiencing persecution for following Jesus and rejecting their old religion. Había un precio por seguir a Cristo: el despojo de sus bienes y amenaza de muerte. There was a price for following Christ:  the spoiling of their goods and being threatened. Necesitamos seguir a Cristo, no por lo que vamos a recibir o tener en esta vida. We need to follow Christ wherever He leads, not follow after what we will receive or have in this life. Necesitamos tener fe como los ejemplos del Antiguo Testamento (Heb. 11) aunque jamás recibieron lo prometido. Our faith needs to be modeled after the examples of the Old Testament characters (Heb. 11), who never received in this life what was promised. Murieron por su fe en la promesa del Mesías (Cristo) que no llegó mientras que vivían. They died for their faith with hope in the promised Messiah (Christ) who did not come while they were living.

El segundo ejemplo es Jesús mismo, “quien por el gozo puesto delante de El soportó la cruz, despreciando la vergüenza” (Heb. 12:2) nos da el modelo de seguir en la vida cristiana.The second example is Jesus himself, "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb. 12:2).  He presents us the model to follow in this Christian life.

Luego tenemos un ejemplo negativo de Esaú que “descuido” (Heb. 2:1-4) la promesa.Then there is a negative example of Esau who "neglected" (Heb. 2:1-4) the promise. Dios no le permitió arrepentirse aunque “la busco con lágrimas” (Heb. 12:17) dando un ejemplo de “los que fueron una vez iluminados, que probaron del don celestial ... God did not allow him to repent even though he sought it with tears (Heb. 12:17) thus setting an example of "those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift ... pero después cayeron, es imposible renovarlos otra vez para arrepentimiento, ...” (Heb. 6:1-8). but then fall away, to renew them again to repentance ... "(Heb. 6:1-8). Este ejemplo verifica las advertencias de no descuidar la salvación que Hebreos nos presenta. This example verifies warnings not to neglect the salvation Hebrews presents.

El último capitulo presenta instrucciones practicas de cómo ser cristiano.The last chapter presents practical instructions on how to be a Christian. La doctrina de la iglesia es muy importante. The doctrine of the church is very important. Si descuidamos la doctrina corremos el riesgo de sólo vivir para el presente y no para el plan de Dios. If we neglect the doctrine we risk just living for today and not for God's plan. Debemos cuidar a nuestras guías en este camino y abandonar las guías falsas que concentren en las cosas de este mundo (1 Juan 4:1-7). We should pay attention to Scriptural guidelines in this way and leave the false guides which focus on the things of this world (1 John 4:1-7).

Terminar la carta con unos saludos finales.The letter ends with a final exhortation. El final parece más como una carta que indica que estaba escrito en Italia (Heb. 13:24). It is very possible, Hebrews 12:24, indicates that the letter was written from Italy.
Bibliography:
F.F. Bruce, Hebrews,
M. Tenney, New Testament Survey, Eerdmans.
Publicado por Kennington 1
Etiquetas: Hebreos , hoy día de salvación , Jesús maxima revelación de Dios
Reacciones:

Thursday, September 5, 2013

1 John: A reading guide


First Epistle of John: Reading Guide
Introduction:
 Who am I?  Who are you?”  Who is your leader?”
In the days when the Apostle John wrote his letters there was much confusion about who were Christians and Christian practice.  Some thought they could sin with the body, since Christianity was a spiritual endeavor not concerned with the body.  Others denied basic doctrine by prophetic utterance and other speculation.  Others were leaving the church because of the lack of purity in the church.  In many ways the situation was similar to what we have today.
These questions are different than the options we have today, where we ask:  “Can you lose your salvation?  Can you have assurance of salvation?”  Instead of these questions John asks, “Who are you?  Who am I?  Who is your leader?”
Interestingly John did not ask the question, “When did you receive Jesus into your heart?  Do you know the date you were born again?  If you do not, you are not saved.”  No, John goes much deeper.  Obviously, we do not need a birth certificate to prove that we're alive.  Besides, there are many who claim to be Christians everywhere today that live their lives as if they had never been “born again”.  These are the kinds of tests that John would not put in his letter.
Author:
 There are similarities between the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John.
1.     John 16:24 and 1 John 1:4
2.     John 12:35, 1 John 2:11
3.     John 13:34 and 1 John 3:23
 The vocabulary between the gospel and the epistles is similar.
1 John uses the same "we" as the gospel.  As John Stott says,
The first person plural is used not only in verbs that describe historical experience, but also in verbs that describe the proclamation of it.  The people who made the announcements are the people who have had the experience.  It is they whose eyes have seen, whose ears heard, whose hands touched and whose mouths open to speak.  (Stott, p. 31-2).
From the information provided by the chart we can conclude that the author was a witness to the events of the life of Jesus and listened to the words of Jesus Himself.  The author defends the words of Jesus in his preaching.  Kistemaker indicates that the term "elder" was the equivalent of "apostle" in the letters of Paul and Peter.  It is derived from the fact that John has been with Jesus "from the beginning" (Acts 1:21-22).
Tradition tells us that the Apostle John was pastor in Ephesus until his death near the year 98 AD (Kistemaker, p. 172).
Recipients:
They are very close to the Apostle John.  So he uses terms like "my dear children" or "beloved children" and "dear friends".  To emphasize this relationship John uses the pronoun "I" to refer to himself.
 Many were new to the Christian faith.  Some were Christians from the beginning.
 The Old Testament in 1 John
·       1 John 1:8 and Proverbs 28:13
·       1 John 1:9 and Deuteronomy 32:4
·       1 John 2:10 and Psalm 119:165
·       1 John 5:3 and Deuteronomy 30:11

 The reason:
Those who received 1 John had many serious problems in their church.  The problems were so severe that some people stopped attending church.  What conditions could have caused such serious problems?
1.     Christology:  They were not sure who Christ was.  Some thought Jesus was just a man.  Others thought he only had the appearance of a man (he was purely divine).  Both understandings were wrong.
2.     Morality:  Some misinterpreted the freedom we have in Christ as an excuse to sin (antinomianism).  Others thought that Christians did not sin, i.e. some claimed to have no sin.
3.     Anointing:  Some thought they were entering a greater anointing, i.e. having an anointing that took them beyond Christ, such that some were already above Jesus.
4.     Social:  Some thought their relationship was only with God.  What happened with the brothers was not important.
5.     Gnostics: The Gnostics were a religious movement, which held that salvation was by knowledge rather than by Christ.
Date:
There is little information about the date on the letter.  Most scholars place the date between 90 and 95 AD.
Purpose:
"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13)
John tries to help his recipients know who God is and who He is not.  This is a difficult problem because many do not know whether they are Christians or not, much less whether others are or are not Christians too.  It is vitally important so that you can be sure of your own relationship with God.
For this reason John mentions the things we "know" as Christians in 1 John.  For John it is important that we know; that we have certainty in what we believe and what we are.
·       1 John 2:3 “And hereby we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
·       1 John 2:4-6 “He who says: "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoever keeps His word, in him truly is the love of God perfected.  This is how we know that we are in Him:  Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk even as He walked.”
·       1 John 2:18 “Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know it is the last hour.”
·       1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when Christ appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
·       1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers.  He who does not love his brother remains in death.”
·       1 John 3:24 “He that keeps His commandments dwells in Him and He in them.  And this is how we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit, which He has given us.”
·       1 John 4:13 “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.”
·       1 John 5:2 “This is how we know that we love the children of God; when we love God and keep His commandments.”
·       1 John 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
·       1 John 5:15 “And if we know that He hears us, in whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of Him.”
·       1 John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not continue to sin, but he who was born of God is kept safe by Him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
·       1 John 5:19 “And we know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.”
·       1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true.  And we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.  This is the true God and eternal life.”

How can we know whether we are Christians?  According to John RW Stott, John is applying three tests for us to see if we are Christians or not.  The three tests are doctrinal, moral, and relational (love).  These tests are repeated several times in 1 John.  By all the tests we know if we are Christians or not.  Passing the tests confirms our Christian identity.
Despite this evidence, there are many people who are unsure about whether they will be in heaven or not.  John writes so that we can be confident in our hope of being in heaven and secure in our relationship with Jesus.
The First Epistle of John: Expanded Outline and Analysis

 1: 1-4 Prelude: First issue - Doctrine: the incarnation of Jesus
 We came to life through the Word, Jesus. We have seen, touched and heard him.
 1: 5-2:2 Second issue - Moral: Walking in the Light, and sin and forgiveness.
 Light and darkness are incompatible:  the follower of Jesus cannot (continue to) walk in sin.
 A Christian is not free from sin.
 There is always forgiveness available.
 2: 3-6 Second - Moral:
 Those who know him, keep his commandments (they obey).
 2: 7-11 Third – the Relational or love theme:
 Loving vs. hating his brother
 Light vs. darkness
 2: 12-14 Interlude:  Reasons for writing
 2: 15-17 Preparation for warning
 2: 18-27 Doctrinal: They deny the Son by going out from us.
 Antichrist & antichrists
 When you look for more anointing than Christ,you are denying Him.
 2: 28-3:10 Moral: Justice and the children of God
 3: 11-18 Relational:  We should love one another
 3: 19-24 Safety and the heart that condemns
 4:1-6 Doctrinal: Incarnation - the Spirit of truth or spirit of error
 How can you distinguish between truth and lies about Jesus in the voice of the leaders?  How can you tell if a leader is Christian or not?  John gives criteria to distinguish between those who are Christians and those who are not.  John comes to this conclusion because there are many antichrists in the world.  
 Christians believe that Christ came in the flesh (1 John 4:2).
 If one speaks of the world, he is of the world; if you talk of God, you are of God (1 John 4:5).
 Christian leaders have a Christian audience.  Other Christians will listen (1 John 4:6).
 4: 7-12 Relational: Love
 It is difficult to love God whom we have never seen.   Our love for God becomes evident as we love people.
 4: 13-21 combination of doctrinal and relational
 5: 1-5 combination of doctrinal, moral, and relational.
 5: 6-12 shows the three witnesses: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit.  The Trinity is very present in the pages of the New Testament.
 5: 13-17 Our confidence
 5: 18-21 exhortation - Three assertions and conclusion
 1. We Know: "He who has been born of God does not continue in sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself and the evil one does not touch him."
2. We Know: "We know that we are children of God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one."
3. We know: "The Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true.  And we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ."

Conclusion:
 For one to be considered Christian, doctrinally one must believe that Jesus, the man, is God incarnate (the Light that came into this world). Morally - We cannot say we are perfect (“without sin”, 1 John 1:8).  We cannot embrace Jesus and continually practice sin (1 John 3: 6,9-10).  We are not to be constantly looking for "new anointing” because we have the anointing of Jesus (1 John 2: 20,27).  We are not concerned about the things of this world, such as prosperity, fame, even health, because the things of God are not of this world (1 John 4:6).  Relationally (love) - We Christians must love each other (Christians).  We must have a relationship with our brothers (Christians).
Bibliography
1.     Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book, Zondervan
2.     Simon Kistemaker, New Testament Commentary, 1-3 John, Baker   
3.     John RW Stott, The Epistles of John, IVP.

Monday, September 2, 2013

1 Thessalonians: A reading guide


 ...1 Thessalonians
Before you begin ...
Your church has sent you to a mission in another city. After a few months the situation becomes very difficult you and you have to leave town to avoid further problems.  What are the instructions that you give to the new cell or church in this city? What are the most important things about Christianity to know so that your group can continue working (learning of Christ, evangelizing, sending, teaching)?

Reading Guide: 1 Thessalonians
This letter is one of the first letters of Paul. Paul had preached the gospel in Thessalonica but because of the opposition of the Jews, he had to leave town suddenly.  When he arrives in Corinth, he hears from the small congregation in Thessalonica and writes his response to the situation.  Hendriksen puts the date of the epistle at sometime between 51 & 53 A.D.

Thessalonica was the chief city of Macedonia. This was the region where Philip II and Alexander had their origins.  It is the largest port in the northern Aegean Sea. The Romans   The  La ciudad era en su mayoría gentil con unos pocos judíos presente.
A Roman road linking the empire ran through the center of the city.  The city was composed of mostly Gentiles with a few Jews present.

According to Gordon Fee, Paul came to Thessalonica before the Christians arrived. The basic concerns the new congregation had to deal with were religious leaders, sexual immorality, a disregard for physical work, and many questions about life after death. All these concerns are important to the healthy development of a Christian community.

This letter seeks to establish a summary of what constitutes a church in a pagan environment: their responsibilities, their behavior, their leadership, and their relationships. What does it mean to be a Christian?  Paul was very interested in establishing a church able to spread the gospel. What requirements must the infant church meet to proclaim the gospel of Jesus in a pagan world?
1.    Evangelism
2.    Leadership - ministry
3.    Christian Conduct
4.    Christian hope
5.    Church Practices

El hecho de que la mayoría eran gentiles se refleja en los contenidos de la carta.Paul’s Paul’s answers were a reflection of the contents of the letter he received. The general tone of the letter is almost sweet as Paul praises the Thessalonians for turning from idols to serve Jesus Christ, the true God and for enduring severe hardship because of it. Second, Paul is forced to answer accusations against him, which were duplicates of attacks against philosophical and religious charlatans in this pagan culture.

1.1. Evangelismo Evangelism (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10) (1 Tesalonicenses 1:1-10)
The New Testament gives little information on evangelization. But here we have a window that allows us to see how they evangelized. The fact that the Thessalonians were evangelizing indicates that they received the gospel with power.

2.2. Liderazgo (1 Tesalonicenses 2:1-3:13) Leadership (1 Thessalonians 2:1-3:13)
There are two reasons why Paul devoted two chapters of this little letter to the leadership. His enemies were attacking. If they could discredit Paul, no one would have believed the Christian message in Thessalonica. Paul was forced to defend his person so as not to discredit the gospel of Jesus.

2. There would be many false leaders who would distract people from following Jesus.  Paul wrote the characteristics of a good leader to show Christian believers who they should go to and who they should avoid. Since Paul has written this profile, we have no excuse if we follow false teachers and false prophets.
 

Gordon Fee says all accusations to which Paul responds appear in the writings of pagan philosophers against philosophical or religious quacks (p. 366). Even the pagans know who the false teacher are.

Paul explains that the profile of his Christian ministry and theirs ought to prevent the name of Jesus from being put down.  These two chapters should be used today to evaluate whether one is listening to the Christian message or not.  The agents of Christ should not seek the favor of men, or flattery.

3.3. Santidad (1 Tesalonicenses 4:1-12) Holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)
l. First, holiness in this book most often means sexual purity. Among the Romans promiscuity was totally acceptable  (1 Tesalonicenes 4: 4). Paul emphasizes that marriage is to one person (monogamy) and we should avoid, "degrading passions of people who do not know God." (1 Thess. 4:4-5)  For Paul it is understood that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Segundo, la santidad no defraude a su hermano.Second, holiness means we ought not to defraud our brother, especially in matters of sexual purity.

Third, holiness includes brotherly love.  This love means that we care for those in need. But this love is also a responsibility not to be a burden to other Christians. Every Christian should seek to work with his own hands.

Fourth, included in holiness is not to be economically dependent on others.  Our love for others means that we should not be an economic burden to others. We pay and cover our own expenses. This is important because it establishes economic self-sufficiency as the norm for Christian missions. Everyone has to be taught to work. If you get taught, you pay the teacher. Scholarships are not the norm.

4. Christian Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13 to 5:11)
The big issue of the Christian faith is resurrection.It is one thing to describe the resurrection of Christ, and even His future return.  But our own resurrection has many implications as well. Foremost are the eternal consequences for our actions and beliefs in the present.  Our resurrection means that we have been delivered from the penalty of sin. If you believe in Jesus and die before He comes, you are said to be asleep, because he who believes in Jesus has eternal life and He is the God of the living, not the dead. This also means that Jesus completed the work of redemption from the bondage of sin.

5. How to behave in the Christian community (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22)
Our actions in the church (community) are important. We cannot survive without a community that nurtures us, and where we nurture others. Part of our maturity can only be achieved in a community. It is an illusion that we can be sustained outside the church.  The virtual church is a figment of the imagination.

We ought to respect those who work (as pastors or leaders) among us.
Warn those who are idle.
Help the weak
Be patient with all
Be gentle
Be joyful
Pray without ceasing
Give thanks in all things
Do not quench the Spirit
Do not despise prophecy
Test or try everything, retaining that which is good
Avoid every form of evil
Read this letter to all

Exhortación final y despedida (1 Tesalonicenses 5: 23-28)
Final Exhortation and farewell (1 Thessalonians 5: 23-28)



Bibliography:
RW Stott,  The Message of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, IVP.
Geoffrey B. Wilson, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Baker.
Michael Martin, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Broadman & Holman. 

Gordon Fee, "1 Thessalonians" in How to Read the Bible Book by Book, Zondervan.