New Testament BCM 103 Dr. Dave Mathewson Gordon College/Denver Seminary
The Law in History necessary step=Judaizers necessary step=Judaizers Promise to → (Mosaic Law) → Fulfillment Abraham temporary role in Christ
Works of Flesh versus Spirit Works of the flesh / fruit of Spirit Why? Gal. 5:16ff Works of the flesh / fruit of Spirit Why? Gal. 5:16ff 1) Are Christians free from all law? No bound by love, must walk in New Covenant Spirit (Jer. 31) law written on hearts 1) Are Christians free from all law? No bound by love, must walk in New Covenant Spirit (Jer. 31) law written on hearts 2) Still contrasting the law and Spirit; law can’t overcome works of flesh—no power; but the Spirit does 2) Still contrasting the law and Spirit; law can’t overcome works of flesh—no power; but the Spirit does
Response to Law What is our response to Mosaic law? Gal. 5:18– law’s temporary role What is our response to Mosaic law? Gal. 5:18– law’s temporary role Law brought to fulfillment in Christ (fruits of Spirit are things law pointing to) Law brought to fulfillment in Christ (fruits of Spirit are things law pointing to) How has the law been fulfilled in Christ? (Matt. 5:17f) Law pointing to Christ (goal) How has the law been fulfilled in Christ? (Matt. 5:17f) Law pointing to Christ (goal)
Response to the law What’s in any given law what’s its true intention and how does it apply today as an expression of God’s will? What’s in any given law what’s its true intention and how does it apply today as an expression of God’s will? Lev. 19:27-28—tattooes, trimming hair, what is intention of this law? Lev. 19:27-28—tattooes, trimming hair, what is intention of this law? Avoiding practices of pagan religions is the point (not cutting hair) Avoiding practices of pagan religions is the point (not cutting hair) Parapet around roof protecting neighbors, in what ways can I embody it’s intention Parapet around roof protecting neighbors, in what ways can I embody it’s intention
The People of God Adam Abraham (Israel) Jesus Us
Intro. to Ephesians Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon= Prison epistles Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon= Prison epistles Where is he in prison? Rome (common)? Ephesus? Caesarea? etc. Fact is he is in prison Where is he in prison? Rome (common)? Ephesus? Caesarea? etc. Fact is he is in prison “Ephesians” is a misnomer “Ephesians” is a misnomer
Intro. to Ephesians What seems to be the theme of this letter? What seems to be the theme of this letter? Why is Paul writing this (purpose)? Why is Paul writing this (purpose)? What seems to be the theme of this letter? What seems to be the theme of this letter? Complete reconciliation of all in Christ Complete reconciliation of all in Christ Eph. 1:9f summary of book Eph. 1:9f summary of book
Ephesians
The Plan of Ephesians Chaps 1-3: Indicative (already) Chaps 1-3: Indicative (already) Paul discusses who we are in Christ Paul discusses who we are in Christ Chaps 4-6: Imperative (not yet) Chaps 4-6: Imperative (not yet) Commands how God’s people are to live and respond in light of 1-3 Commands how God’s people are to live and respond in light of 1-3
Intro. to Ephesians Why did Paul write Ephesians (purpose)? Harder than Galatians to determine Why did Paul write Ephesians (purpose)? Harder than Galatians to determine Paul’s purpose seen in the transition from chs. 1-3 and 4-6 Paul’s purpose seen in the transition from chs. 1-3 and 4-6 Eph. 4:1 encourage Christians to live a life worthy of who they are in Christ Eph. 4:1 encourage Christians to live a life worthy of who they are in Christ
Intro. to Ephesians Is there some false teaching or problem that caused Paul to write it? Is there some false teaching or problem that caused Paul to write it? Lot of power language; 1:19, 21; 3:7 Lot of power language; 1:19, 21; 3:7 Clinton Arnold: Paul addressing situation of magic, spiritual demonic beings controlled the world, magic helped control that Clinton Arnold: Paul addressing situation of magic, spiritual demonic beings controlled the world, magic helped control that Paul showing you don’t have to fear these power, Jesus is true power Paul showing you don’t have to fear these power, Jesus is true power