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May 4, 2008

2 Timothy 2:14-19 Rev. Mark Dooley, 5.4.08

Filed under: Old and New Testament — Tags: — Adam Osborne @ 6:20 pm

“I WANT TO BE APPROVED, NOT ASHAMED”

2 Tim 2:14-19 (NIV) 14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

VERSE 14-15: Approved workmen dispense scritural TRUTH. Ashamed workmen debate semantical trivia.

VERSE 16: Approved workmen avoid godless chatter, ashamed workmen advance gossip cheerfully.

Luke 6:45 (NIV) 45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

The things we talk about reveal the things in our heart.

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be

1 Thess 5:11 (NIV) 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Eph 4:29 (NIV) 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

VERSE 17-19 Approved workmen provide doctrinal encouragement. Ahamed workmen promote doctrinal error.

THINK before you speak:

T = is it True?
H = is it Helpful
I = is it Inspiring
N = is it Necessary
K = is it Kind

April 26, 2008

Judiasm: 613 Laws

Filed under: Old and New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 5:14 pm

I’ve always wondered about this. Here’s an explanation of the 613 Laws that the Jews have written:

From the book entitled “Simple Church” by Tom S. Rainer & Eric Geiger, Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, TN.

“The religious leaders had developed a religious system with 613 Laws. They chose the number 613 because that was how many separate letters were in the text containing the Ten Commandments. Then they found 613 commandments in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament). They divided the list into affirmative commands (do this) and negative command (don’t do this).

There were 248 affirmative commands, one for every part of the human body, as they understood it. There were 365 negative commands, one for each day of the year. They further divided the list into binding commands and nonbinding commands. Then they spent their days debating whether the divisions were accurate and ranking the commands within each division.”

What Are the 613 Laws?

  • The number 613 comes from Jewish tradition, particularly from a 3rd-century rabbi named Rabbi Simlai, who stated that the Torah contains 248 positive commandments (things to do) and 365 negative commandments (things not to do).

  • These are not laws added to the Bible, but rather a count of all the commands already found in the Torah, compiled and systematized.

Categories of the Laws

  1. Positive Mitzvot (248) – These are commands to do something, like:

    • Honor your father and mother.

    • Observe the Sabbath.

    • Give to the poor.

  2. Negative Mitzvot (365) – These are prohibitions, like:

    • Do not steal.

    • Do not murder.

    • Do not eat unclean animals.

These laws cover every area of life, including:

  • Worship and the Temple

  • Civil justice and government

  • Family and marriage

  • Dietary restrictions (kosher laws)

  • Ritual purity

  • Ethical behavior

  • Festivals and holy days

Where Did the List Come From?

The most well-known list of the 613 commandments was compiled by Maimonides (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, also known as the Rambam) in the 12th century. He organized them into a comprehensive system in his work Sefer HaMitzvot (Book of the Commandments).

Why Are They Important in Judaism?

  • For observant Jews, these commandments are a way of expressing covenant faithfulness to God.

  • Keeping the mitzvot is not about earning salvation but about living a holy life, in obedience to the God of Israel.

  • Some laws (like sacrifices) are no longer practiced because the Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands.

How Does Christianity View the 613 Laws?

  • Christians believe (KNOW!) that Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17).

  • Many Christian theologians view the 613 laws as divided into:

    • Moral laws (still relevant—e.g., love your neighbor)

    • Ceremonial laws (fulfilled in Christ—e.g., sacrifices, festivals)

    • Civil laws (specific to ancient Israel’s society)

  • Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews discuss how the Law points to Christ and how salvation is by grace through faith, not by law-keeping.

A Few Famous Examples from the 613

  • Exodus 20 – The Ten Commandments (part of the 613)

  • Leviticus 19:18 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

  • Deuteronomy 6:5 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (This is the Shema, one of the most central commandments)

Last edited on 04.27.2025

August 28, 2007

Friends Fail

Filed under: Bible Studies — Adam Osborne @ 10:57 am

Psalm 41:9-13 Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. 10 But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. 11 I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. 13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

Luke 17:3-4 So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

Romans 12:14,-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

August 1, 2007

Afraid: Bible scriptures

Filed under: Bible Studies,Old and New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 10:42 am

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?”

Encouraging Scriptures to Overcome Fear

  1. Isaiah 41:10
    “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
    → God is your strength and your helper—you’re never alone.
  2. Joshua 1:9
    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
    for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
    → Courage comes from knowing God is with us always.
  3. Psalm 23:4
    “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
    → Even in life’s darkest places, God is our protector.
  4. John 14:27
    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
    → Jesus gives us His peace—it’s deeper than anything the world can offer.
  5. 2 Timothy 1:7
    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
    → Fear is not from God; courage, love, and clear thinking are.
  6. Psalm 56:3
    “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
    → Fear may come, but our response is to trust in Him.
  7. Deuteronomy 31:6
    “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you;
    He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
    → God’s presence gives us unshakable confidence.
  8. Romans 8:15
    “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;
    rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.”
    → We are God’s children—not slaves to fear.

Last edited on 04.27.2025

February 16, 2007

Separation

Filed under: Bible Studies,Old and New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 2:38 pm

Separation

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.
February 16, 2007
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.”

Two Truths in Tension:

1. Be Separate from the World (in Character, Not in Presence)

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.”

  • James 4:4 – “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.”

  • Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

 These verses teach that:

  • We’re not to adopt the world’s values: pride, selfishness, greed, impurity.

  • We’re to live holy lives—distinct in love, humility, and purity.

  • Separation doesn’t mean isolation—it means sanctification (being set apart for God).

2. Go Into the World (in Mission, Not in Compromise)

  • Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all nations…”

  • John 17:15-18 – Jesus prayed: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one… As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

  • Mark 2:17 – “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 These verses teach that:

  • We are sent to the very people who are lost in darkness.

  • Jesus didn’t avoid sinners—He ate with them, healed them, loved them—but He never became like them.

  • The church is not a fortress to hide in, but a launchpad to go from.

 How Do We Live Both? (Summary)

 1. Be in the world, but not of the world.

  • Like a boat in water—it only sinks when the water gets in.

  • We live among people, but we don’t let the world’s values define us.

 2. Live a holy life that shines.

  • “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

  • Holiness attracts, not repels, when it’s lived with love and humility.

3. Engage, don’t escape.

  • Jesus went to the tax collectors, lepers, and sinners.

  • Paul quoted pagan poets and spoke in marketplaces (Acts 17).

  • We are called to build relationships.

 4. Guard your heart while reaching others.

  • Jesus often withdrew to pray—His strength came from His connection to the Father.

  • Accountability, prayer, and Scripture keep us grounded as we go out.

Final Thought:

We are called to be a holy presence in an unholy world, drawing people to Jesus not by being just like them, but by loving them while living differently.

Last edited 04.27.2025

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