Benchley, May 16, 2012

• We should take a passage to be figurative when:
• A literal understanding contradicts another passage.
• It is said to be figurative.
• A literal understanding contradicts known facts/common sense.
• We should not take a passage to be figurative just because it contradicts our beliefs.
• Figures of speech
• Types:
• Pleonasm (redundancy): “When more words are used than the grammar requires” (Bullinger). Example: That is a true fact.
• Hyperbole (exaggeration): “When more is said than is literally meant” (Bullinger). Example: Everybody knows that.
• Metonymy (change of noun): “The change of one noun for another related noun” (Bullinger). Example: Let’s get a head count. Example: He couldn’t give up the bottle. Head for ‘person,’ bottle for ‘alcohol.’
• Synecdoche (transfer): “The exchange of one idea for another associated idea” (Bullinger). “We speak of the whole by a part, or a part by using a term denoting the whole” (Dungan). Example: He’s running from the law. The word law (the whole) refers to the cop chasing him (the part).
• Simile (resemblance): “A declaration that one thing resembles another” (Bullinger). Example: He was hot as a firecracker.
• Metaphor (representation): “A declaration that one thing is (or represents) another” (Bullinger). Example: During the time of the judges, Israel was on a rollercoaster.
• Parabola (parable, continued simile): “Comparison by continued resemblance” (Bullinger).
• Not-But: “The writers of the New Testament have adopted the Hebrew manner of comparison” (MacKnight).
• Examples
• Luke 2:1 – hyperbole
• Romans 13:4 – metonymy
• John 4:39 – hyperbole
• Luke 15:4 – hyperbole
• I Samuel 25:37 – hyperbole, simile
• Psalms 23:1 – metaphor
• James 1:12 – metonymy
• Psalms 34:16 – pleonasm
• Matthew 9:36 – simile
• Acts 5:4 – not-but
• Luke 16:29 – metonymy
• Matthew 5:13-14 – metaphor
• Matthew 13:3 – parable
• Matthew 6:19-20 – not-but
• Song of Solomon 4:1 – simile
• Romans 10:13 – metonymy
• The Holy Spirit used figures of speech to explain heavenly things using earthly concepts. In some cases, figures of speech were used to obscure a message from those it was not intended for. In other cases, figures of speech were used to emphasize particular concepts.

Benchley, May 13, 2012

• Titus 2:3-5
• Reverent in their behavior
• I Peter 3:3-4
• Not malicious gossips
• Not enslaved to much wine
• This does not imply that having a little wine is okay.
• Teaching what is good.
• Encourage the young women.
• To love their husbands and children
• I Kings 21:7; II Kings 11:1 – Bad examples of wives and mothers (Jezebel and Athaliah)
• To be sensible
• To be pure
• To be workers at home
• To be kind
• To be subject to their own husbands
• So that the word of God will not be dishonored.
• I Timothy 6:1
• Psalms 71:18

Benchley, May 13, 2012

• Mark 9:1 – The kingdom of God was imminent.
• Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28
• The metaphor kingdom never refers to a local church.
• First, it refers to the rules of the king. (Luke 17:21)
• Then, it refers to the citizenry. (Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9)
• Also, it sometimes refers to heaven. (Matthew 13:43; II Peter 1:13)
• Facts about the kingdom
• John, Jesus, the apostles, and the seventy taught that it was at hand (Matthew 3:3; 10:5-7; Luke 10:1,9)
• Jesus taught the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23)
• Some contemporary with Jesus would see it (Mark 9:1)
• After Acts 2 it is spoken of as being in existence (Colossians 1:13; I Thessalonians 2:12; Revelation 1:9)
• It is spiritual, not earthly (John 18:36; Hebrews 12:28)
• It is everlasting, not temporary (Luke 1:33; Hebrews 12:28)
• Preachers are to preach it (Acts 8:12)
• It is not a democracy – the citizens do not make the laws.
• It is not a mobarchy – not run by a few strong arms.
• It is not an aristocracy – not run by an aristocratic few.
• It is a monarchical republic – has a King and a Constitution.
• Christ is King with all authority (John 18:37; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23)
• Its Constitution revealed through the apostles (Matthew 18:18; Ephesians 3:3-5)
• Its Constitution is complete and perfect (II Peter 1:3; James 1:25)
• The citizens position is one of subjection, not legislating.
• Christ must be honored (Matthew 17:5; John 1:17; 12:48; Hebrews 1:1)
• Essentials of citizenship
• Enter by new birth (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38)
• Continue by doing His will (Matthew 7:21)
• Must seek first (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1)
• Greatness therein determined by service
• Judgment picture
• Honor the King and His Constitution (Matthew 25:24, 46 b)
• Reject the King and His Constitution (II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Matthew 25:46 a)

Benchley, May 13, 2012

• James is the writer, but God is the author of the book. We do not know for sure which James is the writer.
• James 1:1 – There are differing views on exactly who this book is written to. It could have een written to either Jews or Jews and Gentiles. This book contains general instruction for everyday life as a Christian.
• James 1:15 – When one is tempted and decides to sin, he has sinned even if circumstances prevent him from carrying out his intention.
• James 1:17 – God will consistently bless those who do His will just as He punishes those who sin against Him.

Benchley, May 9, 2012

• John 16:25 – Jesus plainly states that He has been using figurative language.
• John 11:11-14 – It is easy to miss figures of speech as the disciples did.

Benchley, May 9, 2012

• We grow by putting God’s word into practice, continued:
• Managing a family and a congregation require similar skills.
• I Peter 1:7 – Our faith as a Christian is tested as though by fire through adversity.
• James 1:2-4 – We should meet the trials of life with joy.

Benchley, May 6, 2012

• Luke 4:1-13
• The devil will tempt anybody!
• I Corinthians 10:12 – Do not think you are beyond temptation. If the devil would try to tempt Jesus, he will not shy away from tempting anyone!
• The devil’s gonna hit you where it hurts!
• Jesus was intensely hungry after fasting for forty days and the devil offered him bread.
• Job 1:11,2:5 – The devil decides how to tempt Job.
• Job 2:9-10 – The devil uses evil pain and suffering to tempt men. He knows that people tend to question God when tragedy strikes.
• Job 31:1,9-11
• The devil quotes scripture
• Luke 4:9-12
• The devil only flees for a season.
• Luke 4:13
• Acts 20:28-31 – We must always be on alert for temptation.
• Hebrews 4:14-16; 2:18 – Jesus is sympathetic to our plight.

Benchley, May 6, 2012

• Hebrews 13:17 – See Luke 22:24-26. Elders rule by their leading and example. They are not to lord their position over the congregation. If the elders try to lead in a way that goes against God’s word, the members of the congregation are responsible for recognizing this and not going along with it. Otherwise, the members are to submit to the leadership of the elders.

Benchley, May 2, 2012

• We grow by learning God’s word.
• I Peter 2:2 – We are to desire God’s word.
• Hosea 4:6 – The Israelites were destroyed because of lack of knowledge.
• We have many methods available to help us learn God’s word: sermons, Bible studies, teachings from more knowledgeable Christians, and our own study.
• II Peter 1:13; 3:1-2 – It is helpful to be reminded of things we’ve learned before so that we do not forget God’s word.
• We grow by putting God’s word into practice.
• Hebrews 5:12-14 – We must study and practice so we will be ready for the solid food of God’s word.
• I Timothy 3:4-5 – An elder must show his spiritual maturity by managing his own house well.

Benchley, April 29, 2012

• John 10:11,27 – Jesus is the good shepherd.
• The relationship is directly between Jesus and His sheep.
• God has also provided for a congregational arrangement in which elders act as shepherd of the congregation. The sheep are still directly subject to the chief shepherd, which is Jesus. They have an additional relationship to the elders of the local congregation. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17)
• Each congregation is always to be independent. If a local church is not developed such that is has elders, it should still be independent.
• Shepherds are to feed, lead, and oversee the flock.
• Each congregation is to have a plurality of elders if men are qualified. Elders are always spoken of in the plural in the Bible (Titus 1:6).
• Paul used “flock” to teach that a congregation is to support the preaching of the gospel.
• As relates to the local flock:
• Shepherds are to lead in the will of the Chief Shepherd.
• Sheep are to follow the shepherds when they follow the Chief Shepherd.
• Sheep are to recognize the necessity of staying with the flock.

Benchley, Apri 29, 2012

• Proof of God’s love
• I John 3:18 – Love is an action.
• He took the first step.
• I John 4:19
• Romans 5:6-8
• He worked a plan (I Peter 1:10)
• He gave His Son! (I John 4:9-10)
• He makes us His children (I John 3:1)
• Our response
• God loves you and you need to love Him back!
• Hosea 11:1-8,12
• Hebrews 6:4-6
• I John 4:20-5:3
• Luke 15:8-10 – parable of the lost coin

Benchley, April 29, 2012

• Hebrews 13:2 – This happened to Lot when he entertained angels that had the form of men.
• Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage is the grandest of all eartly relationships. It is the one that patterned after Christ and the church.
• Hebrews 13:6 – Don’t be afraid of physical harm to the extent that you will forsake God to escape from harm.
• Hebrews 13:7-9 – Jesus and His teaching does not change over time, so we should study the old teachings and not be led away by strange, new teachings.
• Hebrews 13:13 – The writer is admonishing his audience to go outside the “camp” of the Old Law to serve Jesus.

Click the flyer below to download the printable PDF version.  For a map to the church building, click here. We hope to see you there!

Benchley, April 25, 2012

• The Bible demands spiritual growth (II Peter 3:18; Hebrews 5:12; Ephesians 4:15)

Benchley, April 25, 2012

• “Moses … struck the rock”
• Numbers 20:7-13; 27:14 – Moses and Aaron sinned by not treating God as holy. Because of this, they were not allowed to enter the promised land.
• Numbers 20:24 – Moses did not “almost:” follow God’s ommand. God called his act rebellion.
• Deuteronomy 3:24-29 – Moses pleads with God to allow him to enter the promised land.
• Deuteronomy 34:1-6 – God did not relent and let Moses enter the promised land.
• Moses was not held to a higher standard. God commands all men to live to His standard. See II Samuel 6:1-7 (Uzzah); Leviticus 10:1-2 (Nadab and Abihu); Acts 5 (Ananias and Sapphira).
• What lessons do we learn from Moses in this story?
• We can never be so right with God that we cannot fall.
• We must always watch ourselves and show humility before God.
• Do what God says like God says!

Benchley, April 22, 2012

• Some believe that Jesus divested Himself of the characteristics and qualities of deity and lived on earth as a man.
• One cannot be God without the powers and prerogatives of God.
• Some teach that Jesus had both human and divine attributes, but never used any of His divine attributes while on earth.
• Jesus, while on earth, was fully God and fully man.
• Proof that He was fully man: John 1:14; Hebrews 10:5
• Proof that He was fully God: John 10:36; 5:18; Matthew 1:23; John 2:25
• Proof that He used His own attributes of deity:
• He forgave sins (Mark 2:5)
• He received worship (Matthew 8:2; 9:18; 14:23)
• He gave the apostles power over unclean spirits and to heal the sick (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:3,9)
• He knew He was the Son of God (John 10:36)
• He knew what was in man (John 2:25; I Corinthians 2:11)
• His miracles proved He was the Son of God – deity
• No Holy Spirit empowered apostle could:
• Forgive sins. Jesus did.
• Walk on water, except Peter for a while by the power of Jesus’ word. Jesus did.
• Control the sea. Jesus did.
• Say “I give you power over unclean spirits.” Jesus did.
• Say “I have power to lay down my life and I have power to take it again.” Jesus did.
• Say He was in heaven. Jesus did.
• John 20:30-31
• Of what did He empty Himself? Philippians 2:7-8; John 17:5
• He did not empty Himself of authority and power.
• If He did not have the attributes of God He was not fully God.
• Colossians 2:9; 1:19; Hebrews 13:8 – These passages being true, how could anyone think He emptied Himself of any divine attribute?
• Does “all authority hath been given Me” prove that He did not have authority while He worked on earth?
• He did not say this relative to His work on earth, but just before ascending into heaven.
• Ephesians 1:20-22
• Daniel 7:13-14 teaches the same thing by prophecy.
• This is speaking of beginning His reigning as king.
• Acts 2:30-36; I Peter 3:22 – And Peter so applied it.
• What about passages that say the Father or the Holy Spirit did a work by Jesus?
• John 17:20-23 answers this question.
• These passages show harmony, not distinctiveness.
• Creation illustrates this. The Father created the world by His Son.
• Hebrews 1:1-3; Matthew 12:28; John 5:30
• John 16:7,13; 14:26 – Jesus talks about the Father sending the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name.
• Jesus never used His attributes to overcome trials and tribulations.
• He used the same avenue that are available to us. Matthew 4:1-10; 26:26-45
• But when it did not get in the way of His being the servant and example He came to be, He did use His powers to prove that He was whom He claimed to be!

Benchley, April 22, 2012

• How shall we treat God’s word?
• No matter what sin we find in our lives or the live of our loved ones, it must be corrected. The penalty is too great to let sin continue (II Thessalonians 1:7-8).
• The parable of the sower teaches us the importance of hearing the word with an honest and good heart (Luke 8:15).
• Five key passages:
• Romans 7:2-3 – A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If a woman is married to someone she is not bound to, she is an adulteress.
• Mark 10:11-12 – The ssame teachin from the man’s perspective.
• Luke 16:18 – If you marry someone who is an adulterer, you are an adulterer also.
• Matthew 19:9 – If a spouse commits sexual immorality, God allows the innocent spouse to divorce and remarry.
• Matthew 5:32 – If a man divorces a wife for any reason other than sexual immorality, he causes her to commit adultery (because he put her in a position where she could not lawfully marry).
• And now for some questions…
• Who has the right to marry?
• One who has never been bound (Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19:4-6)
• One who has put away his mate for fornication (Matthew 19:9)
• One who mate has died
• One who is remarrying a spouse he has put away (I Corinthians 7:10-11)
• Aren’t all marriages considered good by God?
• No, adulterous marriages are not.
• What should those in unscriptural marriages do?
• Stop living as husband and wife. (Mark 6:18; Colossians 3:5-7; Ezra 10) Since it is an adulterous marriage, to continue in it would be sin.
• What responsibilities do other Christians have regarding those in adulterous marriages?
• I Corinthians 5:9-11 – Teach and encourage ALL people in sinful marriages
• What is one wasn’t a Christian when a marriage, divorce, or remarriage took place?
• I Corinthians 6:9-11 – People are accountable to God’s laws whether or not they are Christians.
• If God’s laws do not apply to non-Christians, why are people told to repent before they are baptized? (Acts 2:38)
• Doesn’t baptism wash away past sins?
• Yes, but you cannot continue in sin!
• What about the situation some refer to as “mental divorce”?
• This position argues that if he remarries (thus committing adultery), she may remarry because of his sexual immorality.
• No. the marriage was already over before he committed adultery so she cannot scripturally put him away (Luke 16:18).
• Is it possible for a marriage to survive an affar?
• Yes. The guilty spouse must stop the sin, repent, and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22).

Benchley, April 22, 2012

• Hebrews 12:22-24 – The writer here is telling the audience that they have come to the church of the New Covenant, not the Old Covenant. We as Christians are part of the “general assembly and church of the firstborn.” He was trying tos who them that they were under the New Covenant and should not forsake it for the Old Covenant despite what persecution they may have to deal with.

Benchley, April 18, 2012

• If we keep the right perspective and do not act selfishly, we will not have a problem with grumbling and complaining like the Israelites did. We must remember and have faith that God will provide for us.
• James 5:7-10
• Numbers 20:6 – Moses and Aaron show great reverance in falling on their faces. See also Numbers 14:5; 16:4,22,45
• Luke 18:9-13 – The tax collector shows humility while the Pharisee shows pride.
• II Corinthians 12:7-8 – Paul prays three times that his thorn be removed. When God does not remove the thorn, Paul is content with his state.
• When we have a legitimate need, we should ask God in humility.
• II Chronicles 33:9,12-13 – Manasseh shows humility and God is touched by his prayer even though Manasseh has been a very evil king.
• Numbers 20:9-10 – See Psalms 106:32-33. Moses sinned in speaking rashly with his lips, not just with his actions in striking the rock.

Benchley, April 15, 2012

• Jude 1:11
• Numbers 16 – Korah was a Levite, but he was not satisfied with his place and rose up in rebellion against Moses and Aaron.
• “Gainsaying” simply means “speaking against”.
• Pride
• Psalms 110:4; 13:10; 11:2; 16:18; I John 2:15-16; Proverbs 8:13 – God’s views on pride.
• Matthew 18:4; I Peter 5:6 – God demands humility and submission.
• Disrespect for God’s order
• Many disrespect God’s command that there be one church.
• Many disrespect God’s commands regarding the work of the church.
• Presumption
• Korah sinned in presuming to set himself up as the leader and high priest of the people.
• People today presume to put their desires ahead of God’s commands and modify their worship to suit themselves.
• Deuteronomy 18:20 – The prophet that presumes to speak for God but has not received his message from God shall die.
• Rebellion
• Divine condemnation
• Let us be sure that we do not follow after the gainsaying of Korah.

Benchley, April 15, 2012

• I Peter 2:9-10
• Titus 2:14
• We need to get real about sin.
• I John 1:5-10 – If we say that we have no sin, we are liars and God’s word is not in us.
• The people who pretend sin is not a big deal will not be in heaven. Only those who are humble and willing to confess their sins to God will make it to heaven.
• I John 3:1,6-10 – You can’t claim to have fellowship with God and keep on sinning.
• We need to realize that we are not on our own.
• I Corinthians 6:13-17 – Our bodies belong to Christ. What we do with our body matters!
• I Corinthians 10:5
• Galatians 2:20; 5:24 – We must put away our fleshly lusts and live for Christ.
• We need to walk in newness of life.
• Romans 6:1-18
• Romans 8:9 – We must work on our attitude util it matches that of Christ.
• Acts 5:40-44
• Galatians 6:14
• Galatians 3:26-29 – To be an heir to the promise and be a part of that family, you must be in Christ.

Benchley, April 15, 2012

• I Peter 3:13 – We may be persecuted, but no one can truly harm us when we follow God’s commands.
• I Peter 3:16-17 – See I Peter 2:12. A similar sentiment is repeated here regarding not giving others the opportunity to speak evil of us.
• I Peter 3:21 – See Romans 6:3-4. Baptism is connected to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
• We went and made proclamation…
• I Peter 3:19

Benchley, April 11, 2012

• Numbers 20:1-13
• Numbers 20:3-5 – The people reacted to a lack of water by grumbling and complaining. They should have just brought their need to God with a humble attitude.
• Exodus 15:22-27 – God makes the water drinkable at Marah.
• Exodus 17 – God provides water at Rephidim.
• Matthew 6:31-32 – Our Father knows everything that we need.
• Lack of faith can cause people (either the Israelites or people today) to graumble or complain when faced with a need. We must have faith and remember that God will take care of us.

Benchley, April 11, 2012

• How can all of these qualities combined in one person be used to help someone caught in sin? (continued from last class)
• Kindness
• John 4:7-26 – Jesus speaks with the woman of Samaria
• There is a kind way to help those who are struggling with sin.
• Goodness
• Hebrews 12:12-13 – Strengthening those who are weak is certainly a good act.
• Faithfulness
• II Peter 3:10 – Our faithfulness can make an impression on people as we remind them of the judgment to come.
• Gentleness
• Galatians 6:1 – We are specifically told to restore the lost in a spirit of gentleness.
• Self-control
• Titus 1:7-8 – Elders must specifically have self-control, but we should all work to have this quality.

Benchley, April 8, 2012

• Jude 1:1-11
• Numbers 22-24 – Balaam and Balak
• Not enough love for the truth.
• II Thessalonians 2:10-12
• Hypocrisy
• Balaam loudly proclaimed his love for the truth, but then proceeded to work against what God instructed him to do.
• Cast a stumbling block before God’s people by means of false doctrine, and that for personal gain.
• Greed
• In the beginning, Balaam started as a true prophet of God, but he ended up caught up in greed and hypocrisy.

Benchley, April 8, 2012

• Acts 26:9-11 – Paul speaks about his former days of persecuting Christians.
• We don’t want to be in the category of people who are sincerely wrong!
• People become sincerely wrong by following false standards of authority:
• Conscience
• Proverbs 14:12; Acts 23:1; I Corinthians 4:3-4 – Paul lived with a good conscience even when persecuting Christians. God was the source of authority, not his conscience.
• Wisdom of people
• I Corinthians 2:4-5 – Our faith must rest on the power of God.
• I Corinthians 1:18-20 – God will destroy the wisdom of this world.
• Jeremiah 10:23
• The majority
• Matthew 7:13-14 – Many enter through the gate that leads to destruction.
• Family tradition
• Matthew 10:37
• Galatians 1:13-14 – Paul was zealous for his ancestral traditions even though they were wrong.
• People become sincerely right by following the Bible.
• Galatians 1:1,11-14 – Paul was clear about where his teaching came from.
• I Timothy 4:1-7 – Instructions for Timothy for sticking to sound doctrine.
• I Timothy 6:1-5 – More warnings about sticking to sound doctrine.
• II Timothy 2:15

Benchley, April 8, 2012

• I Peter 2:9-10 – All Christians are a chosen race and a royal priesthood. There is no clergy/laity distinction before God.
• I Peter 2:18 – We are to be submissive to our masters even if they are unreasonable.
• Because of your good deeds (I Peter 2:12)
• How much good are we doing? We can’t just refrain from evil – we must actively do good.
• Daniel 6:4 – We should be like Daniel in the sense that people can find no wrongdoing in us.
• Follow in His steps (I Peter 2:21)
• Now is the time to follow in Jesus’ footsteps!
• Like newborn babies (I Peter 2:2)
• We should all long for God’s word like newborn babies long for milk.
• Ecclesiastes 3:11 – The Bible gives answers to man’s questions about the universe.
• The effect of the “milk” is to help us grow in respect to salvation.

Benchley, April 4, 2012

• Strategies for retaining self-control (continued)
• Learn/grow/get better (I Corinthians 9:27; II Peter 1:6)
• What are the practical benefits of a Christian truly exercising self-control?
• It shows others that Christians have what it takes to deal with the world and makes us better examples to others.
• It helps us to serve God better and practice not being selfish.
• Conclusion (Galatians 5:19-6:1)
• How would all of these qualities come into play when helping one who is caught up in sin?
• Love – John 10:17 – Love would take the initiative in trying to help one who needs it.
• Joy – Acts 11:22-23 – When people see our joy in serving God, it will make them more likely to turn back to Him.
• Peace – II Peter 1:1-2 – People should be able to see that we live in peace as we serve God.
• Patience – Acts 18:1,4-8,11 – Paul showed much patience in how much time he spent with the Corinthians. We must show the same kind of patience and remember how much we have needed God’s patience in the past.

Benchley, April 1, 2012

• Psalms 37:1-9
• Godly people knew how to wait.
• Genesis 6:3; 7:23 – Noah worked and waited for the flood to come.
• Genesis 12:2-5; 15:4; 21:5 – Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac.
• I Samuel 16:1,12-13; II Samuel 5:4 – David waited many years to take the throne after he was anointed.
• Luke 2:25-32,36-38 – Simeon and Anna patiently waited to see Jesus come into the world.
• Physical relations (“waiting until marriage”)
• II Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba
• I Corinthians 7:1-5 – Physical relations are to stay inside marriage.
• James 1:14-15 – Temptation and lust lead to sin.
• Material possessions
• I Timothy 6:6
• Hebrews 11:24-26 – Moses looked past the pleasures in Egypt to the greater reward.
• Philippians 3:17-20

Benchley, April 1, 2012

• Hebrews 12:5-6 – God’s word is the means by which He disciplines us. It is not through physical ailments or some sort of physical punishment.
• Hebrews 12:11 – None of us are so strong that we don’t ever need correction. Discipline is not pleasant for either the person giving or receiving it, but it requires much love and care.
• Hebrews 12:14 – We are to pursue peace on God’s standards, not on any other standard.