John 19:25 Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene

One of the most speculated about people in the NT.

1)      The gospel of Mary was not written by Mary Magdalene or any other Mary of the Bible. The Gnostic teachings found in the gospel of Mary date it to the late 2nd century A.D. at the earliest. As a result, there is no validity to its teachings. Similar to the gospel of Thomas, the gospel of Philip, and the gospel of Judas, the gospel of Mary is a Gnostic forgery, using the name of a biblical character in an attempt to give validity to heretical teachings. The only value in studying the gospel of Mary is in learning what heresies existed in the early centuries of the Christian church.

2)      The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) invents a scenario where Mary and Jesus were married and had a child. Nothing in scripture or history supports this fiction.

3)      It has been speculated that she was a prostitute, but there is nothing in scripture to support that claim.

Luke 8:1-3 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ² and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³ Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

1)      Mary traveled with Jesus and his followers

2)      Jesus had cast 7 demons out of her

3)      She helped to support the ministry

John 19:25 Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
            Mary stood by Jesus at the crucifixion.

Mark 15:47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were looking on to see where He was laid.
            Mary followed Joseph of Arimathea to the tomb.
John 20:1-18
            Mary was the first person to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection.
And they, when they had heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, did not believe it” (Mark 16:9–11).

Characteristics of Mary Magdalene (examples)
Loyalty
Didn’t give up
Supported Jesus by her following and her money
Obedient – “Go” – she went!
She knew both Blessings and hardships in following Jesus
What can we learn about our Lord from Mary’s story?
He delivered Mary from her demons
He allowed her to face hardship even after she did what she was supposed to do.

He used her to deliver the most important message ever (He had risen!)

1 Samuel 18 - Jonathan

Jonathan

Who was your best friend in High School, what did you spend time doing together?

Jonathan is first described in 1 Samuel 14:1-5 when he wins a battle while relying on the Lord for his victory. From that passage we can see that Jonathan is one who depends on God and places God’s work above his own.

                Just prior to these verses, David kills Goliath

1 Samuel 18:1-5

Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. ² Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house. ³ Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. ⁴ Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt. ⁵ So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

The end of chapter 18 describes how Saul (Jonathan’s father) became jealous of David and was afraid of him and wanted to kill him.

1 Samuel 19:1-7

Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David. ² So Jonathan told David saying, “Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself. ³ I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you; if I find out anything, then I will tell you.” ⁴ Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “ Do not let the king sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very ^[b]beneficial to you. ⁵ For he took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great deliverance for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death without a cause?” ⁶ Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” ⁷ Then Jonathan called David, and Jonathan told him all these words. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as formerly.

What does it take for two people’s souls to be knit together?

Jonathan’s Qualities as a Godly Friend –

Selfless Humility – He virtually abdicated the throne

He was an advocate for David

Jonathan was loyal to David through thick and thin.

What are some of the qualities (Of friendship) we see in Jonathan?

To have a friend like Jonathan, you have to be a friend like Jonathan.

Why is it such a challenge to be a friend who shows humility, is an advocate, and be loyal. (XYZ)

For most of us, our spouse is the closest friend we have. Can a married person have a friendship like David and Jonathan?

What does this passage reveal about God’s pattern for our lives?

What does this passage teach us about God?

Judges 6-7 - Gideon

Character Study Introduction

We can learn from what has been recorded in the Bible.

1 Corinthians 10

For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; ² and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³ and all ate the same spiritual food; ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was ^[a]Christ. ⁵ Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.

⁶ Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. ⁷ Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “ The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” ⁸ Nor let us act immorally, as some of them ^[b]did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. ⁹ Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them ^[c]did, and were destroyed by the serpents. ¹⁰ Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. ¹¹ Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

As we go through these studies let’s look for what we can learn from these examples.

Gideon -  Name means Hewer or Smiter

Lived in the time of the Judges (6-8)

Israel had been through the cycle of deliverance, worship, turning their backs to God, and punishment, then they cried out to God.

·         Judges 6:11-24 The Angel of the Lord visits Gideon

Ironically, weakness is the means by which we become strong. Paul put it this way: "When I am weak, then I am strong" (II Corinthians 12:10).

When Gideon groaned about how small and weak he was, what was the Lord’s response?

What is the Lord’s response to us when we feel small and weak?

·         6:25-27 Gideon replaces idol worship with an alter to the Lord.

Do you think Gideon showed courage in tearing down the Baal Alter?

Where did he find that courage?

Courage is not the absence of fear but rather mastery of it.

·         6:36-40 The Fleece If You will deliver Israel

Testing God? Should we follow this example? How?

Deut 6:16 – You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.

·         Chapter 7 Gideon whittles an army of 32,000 down to 300. The Midianites turned against each other, the remainder of them fled.

Why was Gideon Successful in Battle?

Philippians 4:10-23

Peace, regardless of circumstances

What was the coolest car you have ever owned? Me- 1977 Buick Regal

What was the worst beater you have ever owned? 1969 Buick LeSabre -4 door.

In Phil 1:12 Paul talks about his circumstances and how they turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, even though he was in prison. In this closing passage, Paul again addresses his circumstances and emphasizes how circumstances should be the least of our worries.

Read: 4:10-23  

Paul talks about having learned to be content regardless of his circumstances. How do you think he learned that? (  Wait … Was it through prosperity?)  

What does Paul mean by ALL Things in v.13?

Paul thanks the Philippians for their support and reinforces the idea that they have been partners with him in all his missionary work.

Then he writes a big check for God to sign in v. 19.

What were the needs of the church at Phillipi?

Can we assume that God will supply all of our needs? Does He?

Key Verses:

1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

1: 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ

2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any  affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

3:1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

3:12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that ^[i]for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

4:5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.

4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-9

Peace

V5 Would people who know you describe you as gentle?

                How do gentle people act?

V6 Be Anxious for nothing

                What causes anxiety in our lives? Uncertainty, health problems, relationship problems

                How does Paul describe the type of prayer that is the antidote to anxiety?

                                Supplication – Asking God to meet your needs

                                Thanksgiving – Thanking God for everything

                Other Types of Prayer

                Praise, Intercession, Confession

                What does this passage say that the peace will do? Guard your heart.

                Against what?

V8 Thinking

                True

                Honorable

                Right

                Pure

                Lovely

                Good repute

                Excellent

                Worthy of Praise

Is this way of thinking related to V6 (Be anxious for nothing)? Both commands result in peace.

Why is it that this way of thinking gets pushed aside, and we often criticize, moan, and grumble about others?

How do you avoid the falling into the trap of a negative attitude?

V9 – Follow my example

Philippians 4:1-3

Stand Firm Thusly

3 imperatives follow - 2 of which we will consider this week.

Live in Harmony, Rejoice

Chapter 3 -  Paul talked about where his confidence rested – in Christ, not in himself.

He also urged the Philippians to follow his example (many acts including selflessness, joy, looking ahead and not behind).

Now he is saying – In light of all I have said in this letter so far, stand firm. They faced judeizers and hedonists, among other false doctrine, and they must have needed a clear direction to follow since Paul provided one for them.

How can we apply this challenge to “stand firm” today?

V2 is a challenge to live in harmony. How does standing firm and living in harmony go together?

Does standing firm mean we should dig in our heels and not compromise?

What is more important total harmony or truth in doctrine?

Philippians 3:17-21

From 2:19 through 3:16 Paul has used I 27 times, me 9 times. Just prior to this passage where he tells the Philippians to follow his example, he puts himself up as a model for them. Let’s look back over those verses and see what example behavior Paul is asking them to follow.

2:20-21 He seeks after the interests of others before his own.

2:24 He plans what he will do next.

2:25 He sent Epaphroditus to them because Epap wanted to go.

2:29 He encouraged others to hold men who deserve it in high regard.

3:1 and other places. He rejoices.

3:3-7 He counted his own efforts toward righteousness as loss

3:9 He trusted in the righteousness of Christ

3:12 He realized he is not perfect.

3:13 He presses on.

3:13 He forgets what is in the past.

3:16 He is living by the Standard of Christ

How can we observe those who walk according to the pattern we see in Paul? Does this mean to simply watch them? How close do you need to get to really see if someone is worth emulating?

Abraham Lincoln said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”

V18 – Paul says he is weeping over enemies of the cross of Christ.

Three characteristics mark these people. First, they give free rein to the satisfaction of their sensual appetites and do not restrain the flesh. Second, they find satisfaction and take pride in things that they do that should cause them shame. Third, they involve themselves almost totally in physical and material things, things pertaining to the present enjoyment of life, to the exclusion of spiritual matters.

Do we see these kinds of people today? What is our reaction?

Our Citizenship is in Heaven. Does that fact impact our daily lives? How?