Lesson Highlights

What is God's Election?

In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:

The phrase the purpose . . . according to election is virtually equivalent to “the electing purpose.” God's electing purpose is according to His grace, not human will or human works (cf. Rom. 11:5). We may ask if this election is of a predetermined plan that selects certain men to salvation or a predetermined plan that provides for man's salvation. The verb form of this word occurs in Ephesians 1:4 and seems to answer this question: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Thus we see “the purpose of election was character, and therefore from among the children of Abraham according to the flesh, God made selection of such as believed, because through faith, character is formed” (G. Campbell Morgan). Cremer points out that this “cannot be taken to imply a division of mankind into two classes according to a divine plan before history began; it simply traces back the state of grace and Christian piety to the eternal and independent electing-love of God” (Biblical-Theological Lexicon of N.T. Greek).

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 52.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-27T09:00:00+00:00January 27th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Election|0 Comments

Four Laws of Romans 8:28
Four Laws of Romans 8:28

Four Laws of Romans 8:28

In "Doctrinal Discussion" Omar Lee writes:

The abundant life, someone has said, is governed by four laws as found in Romans 8:28. 1. The law of operation, all things work. God is not the author of inactivity in itself. We work for our bread; we work out our salvation; we work for the Lord. Even the universe follows laws of operation. 2. The law of cooperation, together. While some things do not appeal to us of themselves, they give flavor to other ingredients. For instance, vanilla is not appealing by itself, but put a certain amount in ice cream, and you have a delicious dessert! Not all the things in our lives may be appealing, but they may operate with other things to make us more successful Christians. 3. The law of compensation, for good. Not all things may look like they work together for good, but God's promises never fail! Job lost all, yet he gained all! Poison, steam, and lightning are instruments of death to some, but they can be made to work together for good. The poison can be made into a painkiller. the steam can produce work, and the lightning can in another form be light! 4. The law of limitation, that love God. The abundant life can only come to the one who loves the Lord abundantly. More than conquerors have all these laws working for them.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 50.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-21T09:00:00+00:00January 21st, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Abundant Life|0 Comments

Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

In "God's Word for Today" William Snider writes:

The Apostle Paul correctly told the Corinthians that we have the treasure of salvation in “earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7). The provisions of the atonement do not address the impairments to our humanity. Paul called them “infirmities.” Sometimes these defects may have spiritual consequences for us and others. Often the devil will capitalize on these to shake our confidence in the work of God in us. It is impor-tant that we recognize and not dismiss these. Yet we must not despair because of them. God is aware of these flaws. He has made provision for our ongoing maturity. Think about this promise and His provision as you contemplate imperfect self. They do not affect His love for you.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 46.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-20T09:00:00+00:00January 20th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: salvation|0 Comments

Why did God predestinate us?
Why did God predestinate us?

Why did God predestinate us?

In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:

While verses 29 and 30 form the biblical basis for the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination, we must remember that Paul introduced these thoughts to encourage the believer facing suffering. Paul's emphasis was that God was the initiator in our salvation, even before we were born. His purpose in salvation was to conform us to the image of his Son. For Jesus, the way to glory was through suffering, and so it will be with us.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 47.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-19T09:00:00+00:00January 19th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Predestination|0 Comments

What is the meaning of predestination?

In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:

The other word is predestinate. This word conveys the idea of limiting in advance or marking out beforehand.

It should be noted that the verses where this word occurs relate to God’s redemptive plan for those who are “in Christ,” that is, believers. So we can see that predestination is primarily a doctrine for the saints, not for sinners.

Here we need to ask the right question. It is not who are the objects of this predestination, but to what they are predestinated. The text simply says that the believers are predestined “to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

It is only natural that the believer should be Christlike, for in Him is our total salvation dependent.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 46.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-18T09:00:00+00:00January 18th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Predestination|0 Comments

The Formula for Victory
The Formula for Victory

The Formula for Victory

In "Doctrinal Discussion" Omar Lee writes:

First Peter 2:1-11 gives the formula for victorious living.

Spiritual hunger — maintaining a healthy hunger for the Word of God will help to promote spiritual renewal and victory.

Spiritual growth — eating a balanced diet will ensure us of advancing into maturity and in the understanding of the Christian life.

Spiritual liveliness — our liveliness will be an inspiration to others until a spiritual house (church) will be established which will attract others to it as well.

Spiritual values — we can see the true cornerstone is Jesus, and we will measure all other things in relation to His reaction to them through the Word, through the Spirit, and through our consciences.

Spiritual heritage — it should be cause for celebration to know that we are a chosen people. We are a people belonging to God, and we are no longer orphans!

Spiritual sanctity — we are in a spiritual war, but by abstaining from fleshly lusts, we can win.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 44.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-14T09:00:00+00:00January 14th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Victory|0 Comments

Are the Law and grace at odds?
Are the Law and grace at odds?

Are the Law and grace at odds?

In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:

The law that was twisted by sin to enslave man was from the beginning the righteous counsel of God. God's purpose then in condemning sin was first to establish that His original counsel was righteous. But the purpose of sending Christ was also that the law might be fulfilled in us. God wanted it to be seen that His original plan for man was pos-sible, and our lives are to be the proof of that. Seen in this way there is no conflict between law and grace.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 41.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-13T09:00:00+00:00January 13th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Grace, Law|0 Comments

Can a Christian live in victory over willful sin?
Can a Christian live in victory over willful sin?

Can a Christian live in victory over willful sin?

In "God's Word for Today" William Snider writes:

Can a Christian live each day without condemnation for sins committed while successfully resisting temptation and pleasing God moment by moment? The remarkable answer is “Yes.” Testimonies of defeat can be replaced with proclamations of resounding overcoming lives through the power of the resurrected Christ. To claim such victory is not the language of human accomplishment nor a subtle (or not so subtle) announcement of personal determination and sanctification. It is rather a current possibility and, for the Christian, a present necessity. Contentment with less reflects negatively on the provisions of Christ and is indicative of a defective understanding of the possibilities of grace. Living today and every day with sins forgiven and willful sin resisted is made possible by the resurrected power working in our daily lives.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 40.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-12T09:00:00+00:00January 12th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Victory|0 Comments

The Spirit of Bondage versus the Spirit of Adoption
The Spirit of Bondage versus the Spirit of Adoption

The Spirit of Bondage versus the Spirit of Adoption

In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:

First, the spirit of bondage — the Greek word for bondage refers to one who is under unwilling and unhappy servitude. It is one who is in subjection to a master, whether that master is a person, a passion, or an influence… On the other hand, the awareness of the new relationship is the Spirit of adoption. The word adoption means “placing as a son.” It is taking and treating a stranger as one's own child. Instead of fear, as in the slave-master relationship, there is the feeling of love, affection, and confidence which pertains to children. This spirit of adoption is diametrically opposed to the spirit of bondage.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 40.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-11T09:00:00+00:00January 11th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Adoption|0 Comments

What causes a person to act contrary to their desires?
What causes a person to act contrary to their desires?

What causes a person to act contrary to their desires?

In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:

If the law is not the problem (v. 16), then what causes me to act contrary to my own desires? Paul answered by distinguishing between I and sin that dwelleth in me. The former is the man as created by God, which in verse 15 made good decisions. The latter is the principle of sin that entered the human race at the Fall and holds controlling influence in the natural man.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 36.

Herald & Banner Press2017-01-07T09:00:00+00:00January 7th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Carnality|0 Comments