AFRAID

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Hebrews 13:5,6  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

 

 

SeparationA Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.February 16, 2007

 

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In your “close” social life, separate yourself from non-believers or preachers of false doctrine 

 

Romans 16:17-18 (NIV) I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

1 Cor 5:11 (NIV) But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NIV) In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

2 Tim 3:5 (NIV) having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

2 John 1:10-11 (NIV) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.  

 

HOWEVER.…. consider “The Great Commission“…. 

Matthew 28:16-20 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ^17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ^18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ^19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ^20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

As Christians, we are not to isolate ourselves away from all peoples.  We are called to go forth to all peoples and spread the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.  However, who we associate with, our close companions, like Jesus who had the twelve disciples…. we are to associate with “like minded believers.”

Success:  What is it?

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

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What Is The Source Of Success?

Isaiah 45:7 (NIV) I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.

Gen 33:11 (NIV) Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.

Gen 49:24-26 (NIV) But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
25 because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb.
26 Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

What Does The Bible Promise Us About Success?

Joshua 1:7 (NIV) Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

 Gen 39:2-3 (NIV) The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.
3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did,

Prov 2:7-8 (NIV) He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Prov 16:20 (NIV) Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Job 22:23 (NIV) If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored: If you remove wickedness far from your tent

What Are The Dangers Of Worldly Success?

Deut 8:10-18 (NIV) When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down,
13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied,
14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
15 He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock.
16 He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you.
17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”
18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Hosea 13:6 (NIV) When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.

Hosea 4:7 (NIV) The more the priests increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful.

Questions To Consider

• Who do you consider successful?  Why are they successful in your eyes?
• How does the world measure success?
• How does the way that the world measures success differ from how the Christian measures success?
• Recall names from the bible that were successful.
  • What led these people to success?
  • Were these people perfect?
  • Did they ever do anything wrong?
  • Would they have been successful in another role?  Why?

 

Barnabas “Son of Encouragement”

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

Taught on Sunday, 30 July 2006

Who can tell me about Barnabas?

• Friend and companion of Paul.
• Barnabas, was originally named Joseph, he was given his nickname by the disciples.
• He was a committed Christian who sold the land he owned and gave the money to the Church.?
• The Christian leaders respected him.
• Instrumental in bringing the newly converted Saul from Tarsus to Antioch.
• Influential in having Saul received by the apostles in Jerusalem.
• Barnabas and Saul (Paul) were commissioned by the church at Antioch to conduct a missionary tour.
• Barnabas was a “developer”.
  • Developers look for “potential”
  • Developers don’t give up.
• Barnabas was a mentor.
• What does “Barnabas” actually mean?
  • Son of Encouragement…he lived up to that name.

Acts 4:36-37 (NIV) Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

• What can you say about this scripture? It not only introduces us to Barnabas, but his introduction also gives us an example on how God’s people give to the kingdom of God. He challenges us with his servanthood and charity for the body of Christ.

Acts 11:21-24 (NIV) The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. A little history. The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution. What was meant to hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. Barnabas was full of faith; full of the grace of faith, and full of the fruits of the faith that works by love.

• How many of you know someone who obviously the Lord just “uses?”
• What kinds of personality do they have? What’s different about them? Is it always “obvious” to everyone why God is using them, or is it sometimes hidden?

Developers look for potential

Acts 9:26-30 (NIV) When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

QUESTION: What do you think Barnabas saw in Paul that the others did not? (Barnabas had seen Saul preach…so he saw the Holy Spirit in Barnabas). What a blessing Barnabas was to Paul. Barnabas was not only helping a future LEADER in God’s church, he was helping a NEW CHRISTIAN.

NOTICE: Barnabas “took him”. Took is a verb here, an action word. Men and women of God need to get up off the couch and take action for God’s church.

QUESTION: Of all the older Christians in this class, how many of you had a Christian man or woman just put their arms around you and help you along in your Christian growth?

This is an example that we all need to remember. All new Christians need some “older” more mature Christian to help build them up in the faith.

Developers never give up

Acts 15:36-41 (NIV) (When planning for Paul’s and Barnabas’ second missionary journey) Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

QUESTION: Who was John Mark? (Barnabas’ cousin). John Mark had let the disciples down once, but Barnabas gave him a second chance and went with him. Barnabas recognized John Mark’s potential. Things to see in this scripture.

• Paul wanted to go back and check on the brothers in the cities where they had preached.?
• New Christians need to be checked on.? Left to their own, bad things can possibly happen.? We need to “lead” and “train” our Christian brothers.
• Notice that Barnabas, the son of encouragement didn’t back down. Paul wanted to do one thing, Barnabas the other.

This tells us a couple of things (a) Barnabas knew the John Mark deserved another chance…. and… (b) Barnabas / Paul were both human. They argued and couldn’t work things out, so they separated. However, here’s the important point. Saints can disagree without being disagreeable. This could have been disastrous in God’s church. But fortunately because they let God control their lives, things were totally worked out in the end. This is a GREAT example for us to follow in God’s church.

QUESTION: What was the consequence of Barnabas taking John Mark. How did things work out?

(Paul writing Timothy) 2 Tim 4:11 (NIV) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

John Mark went on to help Paul and to write the Gospel of Mark. By the way, Barnabas and Paul rejoined forces again later. They remained friends.

Barnabas Trivia

• He was a Jew, from the tribe of Levi.? Can anyone tell me what was special about the tribe of Levi?? (Tribe of priests).
• He was from the island of Cyprus.
• Even though the scripture said that no one was in need, Barnabas sold some land and gave the money to the disciples.? Can anyone remember another New Testament story about two people who sold land and things didn’t go to well for them? (Ananias and Sapphira)

Acts 5:1-10 (NIV) Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.?

Godly developers want to make others more like Christ.

Heb 10:24-25 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The biblical pattern for mentorship

1 Corinthians 11:1? (NIV) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Matt 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven

QUESTIONS:

• How many of us can say that we set the example for others, and that we are following the example of Christ?
• Can someone give me an example of an instance when someone you know claimed to be a Christian, but then set a horrible example at work (or some other place) for others to follow?

One more thing to consider as a mentor

James 3:1 (NIV) Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Other mentors & leaders who used encouragement like Barnabas

2 Chron 35:1-2 (NIV) Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the Lord’s temple.

Matt 9:2 (NIV) Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.

Matt 14:27 (NIV) But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”Acts 27:22 (NIV) (Paul speaking) But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. (Paul speaking) But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.

 

Drinking

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

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Author’s comments: This is a highly debatable topic. While drinking in moderation is allowed in numerous Christian denominations, other denominations totally forbid it and consider it a sin. It would be “safest” for me to just avoid this topic totally because no matter what I say in this bible study, I will most certainly offend someone. However, that never stopped Paul so I guess it shouldn’t stop me as long as I am quoting true scripture.

I ventured into this bible study seeking the truth. I have always heard different opinions from the different denominations, so I wanted to know what God’s Word truly said.

As you will read, I most certainly formed my own opinion this bible study. My prayer is that I don’t misquote or misinterpret the scriptures… or… cause another brother or sister to stumble. But in reverent humility to our Lord and Savior, I submit the following bible study.

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Don’t make another brother or sister stumble

Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

If drinking offends your brother or sister in Christ, you shouldn’t do it. If it makes someone stumble, you shouldn’t do it. If it makes them weak, you shouldn’t do it. This is also talking about YOU, just not thy brother. If your actions (drinking) keeps you from “growing in Christ”, or slows your development with Christ, or makes you weak, it is a sin to do it.

Let’s take this discussion one step further. If you are a member of a denomination that just doesn’t believe in drinking at all (example: Southern Baptist) what would happen if it was discovered that you, a Deacon and a Sunday School Teacher, drank? Would it cause some developing Christians in your Sunday School class to stumble?

Don’t get drunk, stay “sober”

What is “sober?” The definition is: Possessing or characterized by properly controlled faculties: well-balanced. Not under the influence of an intoxicant; not drunk. Moderate or abstinent, especially in the use of intoxicating drink.

Ephesians 5-18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the spirit;

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (7) For they that sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. (8) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

1 Timothy 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanders, sober, faithful in all things

Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed.

Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be soberminded

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore 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.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Why stay sober? Why is getting “drunk” bad?

Roman 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

There are a lot of reasons God demands that you stay sober. Anything that takes you away from serving God is a sin.

Genesis 19:32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. (33) And they made their father drink wine that night: (34) And it came to pass on the morrow, that the first born said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. (35) And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

There are countless people, Godly people, who have fallen away from the grace of God due to alcohol. In the above scripture the girls, knowing the persuasive power of alcohol were using it to get what they wanted. Isn’t it true, in today’s society, in yesterday’s society, that thousands, hundreds of thousands, have been led astray by the effects of alcohol?

Alcohol can get you in trouble. If taken to excess, alcohol opens a huge door for the devil to step through. That’s exactly why the bible emphasizes sobriety. It is smart to reduce the chances of allowing Satan a step into your heart and life.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour;

Can you be “vigilant”, on your guard, avoiding the devil in a drunken state? The Devil will devour weak, ungodly men.

Preachers, Teachers, Deacons, Bishops

Luke 1:15 For he shall be great, in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost..

This scripture was talking about the coming of John the Baptist, a true man used of God. Notice how it said he won’t drink any alcohol. He was a human man, just like you and I. Notice in this scripture, and the ones below, how when God talks about his servants that “teach, preach, and serve” to spread the gospel, he demands a certain standard.

1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

• -bishop ¹⁹⁸⁵ = elders, overseers, sometimes used in conjunction with deacons

In summary, I believe that wine/alcohol isn’t a SIN if taken in moderation. Jesus and his disciples drank wine. But remember, Jesus was (is) God. We are sinful humans that are easily led astray. Additionally, there are schooled ministers of the bible that state that the wine of Jesus’ day isn’t the same as the alcohol of today. There is most likely some truth to that.

Remember however, alcohol can and has on thousands occasions, ruined many a godly man and woman. Also, if it causes another to stumble, it’s a sin. A glass of wine a day isn’t a sin in my opinion, but one must be very careful. Anything that can “tempt” you the way drinking can is inherently dangerous and can lead to the Devil taking control of your life.