March 16, Peter s Report

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1 March 16, 2014 Peter s Report Bible Background PSALM 110; ACTS 2:22-36 Printed Text PSALM 110:1-4; ACTS 2:22-24, Devotional Reading PSALM 16:7-11 Aim for Change By the end of the lesson, we will: DISCUSS the importance of being people of our word; FIND comfort in knowing that no matter how tough things may get, God will keep His Word for our lives; and SHARE what we ve learned about God s faithfulness to encourage others in tough times. In Focus Girl, your dress is so not ready. Josie s voice ended in a chuckle that belied the seriousness of the situation. Shirley counted to ten before speaking calmly into her smartphone. Josie, you know I needed that for our church anniversary program this evening. What am I going to do now? I m sorry. Had things to do. Got to go, have a call. Josie hung up before Shirley could respond further. Surely she s joking. Shirley could not believe her best friend would promise and then not deliver the dress she was altering for her. Shirley picked up the phone to call her twin sister, Sheila, in hopes of borrowing an appropriate evening dress. As she dialed, she vowed to speak with Josie about her awful habit of breaking her promises. But not today. She needed time to pray about the situation, asking God to help her forgive her friend s lapse. Breaking a promise causes a breach in our relationships and can result in additional stress or hard feelings for the person we ve let down. In today s lesson, we learn that we shouldn t promise unless we know we can deliver.

2 Keep in Mind He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption (Acts 2:31). Focal Verses: KJV Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. 4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. NLT Psalm 110:1 The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet. 2 The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies.

3 3 When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. 4 The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Acts 2:22 People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. 2:29 Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David s own descendants would sit on his throne. 31 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave. 32 God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this The People, Places, and Times: Miracles, Wonders, and Signs. These supernatural phenomena evident in Jesus ministry set Him apart from workers of the occult and showcased God s power over the natural and spiritual realms. Scripture records just some of these, including that Jesus healed incurable diseases, raised at least two people from the dead, turned water into wine, and even walked on water. The Apostle John noted, Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written (John 21:25, NLT). God as Counselor. In Scripture, God provided counsel to His people in diverse ways. In Old Testament times, prophets, counselors, and priests sought God s counsel on others behalf. David noted that God counseled him and instructed his heart. This is the same work of the Holy Spirit seen in the New Testament. In John 14:16, the word Comforter can also be translated Counselor. The Holy Spirit enables us to discern the will of God, offering divine counsel during life s trials. Because God is our Counselor, we can find comfort in knowing no matter how tough things get, God has plans for our lives that no one can cancel.

4 Background King Melchizedek ruled the Old Testament city of Salem and was described in Genesis 14:18 as the priest of the most high God. The term most high God was used to distinguish Jehovah God from the false gods the heathen served. Scripture s use of the term in connection with Melchizedek proves that he, like Abram, served the one true God. Melchizedek encountered Abram returning from successful battles with several foreign kings and offered him a gift of bread and wine. Then, Melchizedek blessed Abram and God for helping Abram conquer his enemies. Abram responded by giving the king of Salem a tithe of everything he had won in the battles (vv ). Abram s giving of tithes to someone other than God has prompted debate, causing many to wonder about the identity of Melchizedek as a possible Old Testament manifestation of Christ. While that is debatable, it seems certain that David s prophecy in Psalm 110:4 points to Jesus. Like Melchizedek, Jesus serves as both a Priest and King of the most high God. Moreover, Jesus is the only King whose reign will be everlasting. Peter interpreted the coming of Jesus as fulfillment of the prophecy for a Savior descended from the line of David. Further, Peter stressed the fact that Jesus was not abandoned to the realm of the dead (Acts 2:31, NIV) as a way of proving that God keeps His promises. At-A-Glance 1. Looking Forward (Psalm 110:1-4) 2. Looking Back (Acts 2:22-24) 3. Focus on the Future (vv ) In Depth 1. Looking Forward (Psalm 110:1-4) David was a warrior king who fought numerous bloody battles. He learned to overcome personal failures and remain steadfast before God. In turn, God gave David a glimpse of the legacy his progeny would enjoy. Looking forward, David could imagine that his generations would prosper so that a priest for ever could be born and rule. Down through the generations, no matter how tough times got, David s descendants could use that prophecy as a guide to help them understand the scope of their inheritance. Similarly, we can look to the Word of God to discover the rich spiritual legacy we have in Christ. Knowing that we have a faith that can t be shaken, a Savior who can t be conquered, and

5 a sure place in eternity with God can help us to better appreciate and share God s faithfulness. Tough times will come, but God has plans for us that no one can cancel. 2. Looking Back (Acts 2:22-24) I don t want to go there. How many times have we said that phrase in reference to something in our past that we did not want to revisit? But looking back has its benefits. Looking back reveals: God s role in our lives. The Apostle Peter revealed that God worked through Jesus. Similarly, God works through us to touch others lives. God s foreknowledge of our trials. God is always with us, helping to work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). God s victory over the enemy. Satan is defeated. Thus, God s victory is sure because Jesus lives. Of Jesus, Peter notes, death could not keep him in its grip (Acts 2:24, NLT). When we look back to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we find hope and strength to live a victorious Christian life. 3. Focus on the Future (vv ) Later in Acts, the Apostle Peter reminds his listeners, we are witnesses (Acts 3:15, NLT). The significance was not lost on those who had seen him deny Jesus three times (Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75). Peter had vowed one thing, but he did not keep his word. However, as we enter our text on the day of Pentecost, we see that Peter received a new focus on the future. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, he was able to speak boldly and embrace the legacy he received as a witness (Matthew 16:18). People leave money, family heirlooms, and other legacies for their children. Peter interpreted Jesus life and ministry, which His followers witnessed, as the fulfillment of the prophecy for a Savior descended from the line of David. One of the greatest legacies we can pass on to our descendants is an understanding of how they can receive the spiritual legacy Christ has made available, and why they should be faithful Christian witnesses from generation to generation. Search the Scriptures 1. What did the Lord promise David (Psalm 110:1)? 2. How did David know about the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:29-31)?

6 Discuss the Meaning 1. Why was it so important that Peter was a witness to Jesus ministry and suffering? 2. How did Peter s initial failure and later success as a witness impact the tenet of the message he preached to others? Lesson in Our Society People receive financial inheritances and can spend them quickly when they don t understand the purpose of that inheritance and the sacrifice it took to ensure it. Similarly, the news is rife with reports of Christians who devalued their spiritual heritage in pursuit of money, fame, drugs, or other illusive riches. What are practical ways can we help others see the value of protecting their spiritual legacy for future generations? Make It Happen Peter became a man who kept his word. Begin each day this week asking for God s guidance to help you to only make those commitments He wants you to make. Keep track of the promises you make and break. Why was it easy or difficult to keep your word? What did you discover about yourself and/or about God? Follow the Spirit What God wants me to do: Remember Your Thoughts Special insights I have learned: More Light on the Text Psalm 110:1-4 Long before the New Testament was written and well before any creeds or statements of faith had been hammered out, Jesus disciples had obediently begun to preach the Gospel. As soon as Jesus ascended, these eyewitnesses began to tell people what they had seen and what they knew to be true. This earliest of these Gospels was called the kerygma, and it has been preserved in Peter s Pentecost sermon in today s lesson from Acts. But even before the kerygma, David long ago prophesied about the world-changing events to come. 1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the

7 midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The right hand of God is referenced in the Apostle s Creed as being Jesus current position of exalted honor, occupied by no one else. In Old Testament times, this was an unparalleled honor. The New Testament makes prolific use of the phrase (e.g., Matthew 22:44; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). According to James Mays, Psalm 110 was the most quoted in the New Testament, adding, In the early church it was regarded as the messianic text above all others (Psalms, 350). John Goldingay states that it is the twin of Psalm 2 (Psalms, 291) (cf. Psalm 89), which also is an enthronement or royal psalm used during the installation ceremony of a new king, adding, The language of the oracle is symbolic and ideal because it speaks about the merging of a human political office and divine sovereignty (352). 4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The promise of verses 1-3 merges with and reinforces the immutable oath here that the king will also be a priest. This was not the first time for such a dual role, but rather it was customary since the first priest-king, Melchizedek, who was the king of Salem in Abram s time (Genesis 14). What was significant was the eternal aspect, which clearly would not apply to any human priest or king. Acts 2:22-24, Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know. Among the apostles, the term Jesus of Nazareth was a common reference all four Gospel writers as well as Peter and Paul used it freely, and it was on the inscription on Jesus cross (John 19:19). Wonders and signs was another common phrase used extensively in Acts, but all three elements together, miracles and wonders and signs, is much more rare in fact there are only two other places in the New Testament where the three terms are used (2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4). Nicodemus epitomized the perfect response to Jesus wonders, signs, and miracles: No man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him (John 3:2). Other versions use miraculous signs (NLT) or just signs (NIV). 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. There is enough packed in these two verses alone to comprise an entire lesson. Consider all the points: 1) With God s prior will and 2) foreknowledge, 3) Jesus was delivered by God 4) into wicked hands, who 5) killed Him, but 6) God raised Him, 7) relieving His agony 8) because

8 death could not contain deity. Many books and endless discussions have resulted from these and similar verses about God s predestination and/or foreknowledge, which collectively raise countless ontological questions regarding human free will and divine sovereignty. Indeed, the entire debate between Calvinists and Arminians surely will continue unresolved on this side of eternity. A quick review of the key words in the Greek points toward an illuminating comment from John MacArthur. Jesus was delivered up (Gk. ekdotos, EK-do-tos, meaning betrayed or given over to one s enemies) through God s determinate counsel (Gk. horizo, ho-re-zo, meaning to define, determine, or appoint) and with God s foreknowledge (Gk. prognosis, PROG-no-ses, meaning foreordained or pre-arranged). MacArthur writes, Together they indicate that Jesus Christ was delivered to death because God planned and ordained it from all eternity (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, 63) (cf. Acts 4:27-28, 13:27-29; 2 Timothy 1:9; Revelation 13:8). In order to accomplish His purpose, God used evil men without violating their free will and still holding them responsible for their sins. MacArthur concisely states, Peter thus presents the total sovereignty of God alongside the complete responsibility of man (63) (see Luke 22:22). John Calvin notes, Peter rightly accused the whole nation of this evil deed [but] their guilt was meant to lead them to repentance (Acts, 37). Verses go together, as separating them divides the single thought: Israel rejected and killed Jesus but God raised Him from the dead. Death could not retain God in the flesh, who was the resurrection and the life (John 11:25) and whose resurrection guarantees our own. 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Essentially, Peter was comparing David with Christ. Even though he was both a king and prophet, David was also a human who died and decomposed, and his remains are still in his tomb. This would not have been the fate of the one he prophesied about in Psalm 16 who did not see decay (quoted in vv ). In contrast, even though He died, Jesus neither decomposed nor remained in His tomb. Instead, God raised Him up, as Jesus Himself had predicted to the Pharisees and which the disciples later remembered Him saying (John 2:18-22). He then symbolically sat on David s throne, as had been promised in 2 Samuel 7:11-16, seated at God s right hand. Peter emphasized that they were all eyewitnesses, which was extremely important at that time when other means of recording evidence were not available.

9 It is an understatement that God s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. It is beyond the ability of even great thinkers to comprehend the many tensions and paradoxes contained with Scripture. As a wise theology professor once said, Some things we simply have to hold together in tension, with the admonition against using proof texts to blindly defend only one side of a clear dichotomy contained in Scripture present for reasons that are above man s pay grade, so to speak. As another wise person once noted, It is better to fear a God you don t understand than one you do. Ironically, even though Israel could not have understood each and every detail of God s plan (any more than people today), had they embraced their collective guilt, they would have embraced their own Messiah and He would have embraced them. He is Jesus the Christ, Son of God, Son of David, King and Priest, Lamb, King of kings, Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 7:14, 19:16). Say It Correctly: Melchizedek. mel-kiz-a-dek. Determinate. dih-tur-muh-nit. Daily Bible Readings: MONDAY Protect Me, O God (Psalm 16:1-6) TUESDAY Show Me the Path of Life (Psalm 16:7-11) WEDNESDAY Freed from the Fear of Death (Hebrews 2:14-18) THURSDAY The Power of the Resurrection (Philippians 3:7-11)

10 FRIDAY The Heavenly Call of God (Philippians 3:12-16) SATURDAY Made Both Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:33-36) SUNDAY Placed on David s Throne (Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24, 29-32)

An Everlasting King. Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24, March 16,

An Everlasting King. Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24, March 16, An Everlasting King Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24, 29-32 March 16, 2014 www.wordforlifesays.com (Please Note: All lesson verses and titles are based on International Sunday School Lesson/Uniform Series 2010