BASICS OF GODLY EDIFYING COURSE OUTLINE 1. All the Word of God is for us, but it is not all to us or about us. 2. RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH: Time Past, But Now, Ages to Come 3. TIME PAST: Two Realms Heaven & Earth / One Plan & One Purpose Rebellion in Both / Plans for Restoration 4. TIME PAST (Genesis Malachi): God s Plan for the Earth (the Kingdom) Prophesied 5. TIME PAST (Matthew John): The Kingdom at Is Hand 6. TIME PAST (Acts): Pentecost & The Fall of Israel/ Prophecy Interrupted & Kingdom Postponed 7. BUT NOW (Romans-Philemon): The Mystery Revealed to Paul / The Dispensation of Grace 8. BUT NOW (Roman-Philemon, cont): The Body of Christ / Its Nature and Its Heavenly Hope 9. AGES TO COME (Hebrews-Revelation): Resumption of the Prophetic Plan 10. AGES TO COME (Hebrews-Revelation, cont): The Tribulation/ The Return of the King / Establishment of the Kingdom 11. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? The Gospel 12. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? Edification: Preparing for Eternity 1
LESSON 1 ALL THE BIBLE IS FOR US, BUT IT IS NOT ALL TO US OR ABOUT US I. Who Am I? II. What Am I Supposed To Be Obeying / Following / Doing? A. What Can I Eat? B. What Can I Do on the Sabbath? C. Should I Be Tithing? D. What Should I Expect God to Provide? E. How Am I Saved? F. How Do I Get Forgiveness of My Sins? III. What Happened to Israel? IV. What Happened to the Kingdom That Was At Hand? V. Does the Bible Instruct Me How To Determine What Is for Me? 2
LESSON 2 RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH: Understanding where we are in the historical outworking of the Bible Intro: The Bible is a big book with many instructions and much information that seems contradictory. How do we know what is to us? I. ALL THE BIBLE IS FOR US II Timothy 3:16-17 II. THE BIBLE MUST BE RIGHTLY DIVIDED II Timothy 2:15 A. It is the Word of Truth (the Bible) that must be rightly divided. B. Rightly dividing implies it can be wrongly divided. C. The division points are identifiable within the Word. G E N E S I S T H R U M I D A C T S III. PAUL S DIVISIONS: TIMES PAST, BUT NOW, AGES TO COME (Eph 2) A. TIMES PAST Called the prophetic program because God has spoken about it since the world began Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21 1. God ordained division of humanity: The middle wall of partition between Israel & the Gentiles 2. Gentiles without God & strangers from the covenants 3. Israel given the covenants, the law, prophets, God s Word 4. Focus is God s kingdom established on the earth through Israel 3
R O M A N S T H R U P H I L E M O N B. BUT NOW Called the Mystery because God kept it secret since the world began Romans 16:25 1. The middle wall of partition is broken down 2. Jew & Gentile are on equal ground before God 3. The ministry of reconciliation to the world 4. Law is abolished 5. Fulfillment of the prophetic program is postponed 6. The focus is God s plan for the Body of Christ in heaven H E B R E W S -- R E C. AGES TO COME The continuation of the prophetic program Col 2:16 1. Israel will again be God s chosen nation 2. The tribulation will purge Israel 3. The second coming of Christ will establish the kingdom IV. THE MOST IMPORTANT DIVISION IN THE BIBLE: PROPHECY AND MYSTERY 4
LESSON 3 TIME PAST: HEAVEN & EARTH God describes His physical creation in two realms: Heaven and Earth. I. ONE UNIVERSE ( One-Verse ) A. Two Realms & A Plan for Each Gen. 1:1 Rev 21:1 Isa 65:17; 66:22 II Pet 3:13 Eph 1:9-10; 3:15 Phil 2:9-11 Col 1:16-20 B. One Purpose: the Preeminence of Christ Eph 1:9-10 Phil 2:9-11 Col 1:16-20 C. All Created by Christ and for Christ- Col 1:16-20 II. REBELLION IN GOD S UNIVERSE: LUCIFER BECAME SATAN, THE DEVIL A. His Goal: I will be like the Most High (Possessor of Heaven and Earth) Isa 14:12-14 w/ Gen 14:18-22 B. Satan Gains Control of Earth with the Fall of Adam Gen 3 Lk 4:6 John 12:31; 14:30 II Cor 4:4 I Cor 2:6 C. Satan Leads a Rebellion in Heaven Among the Angels Job 15:15 Eph 6:10-12 Rev 12:7-9 5
III. GOD S TWO-FOLD PLAN TO RETURN THE UNIVERSE TO ITS RIGHTFUL HEAD AND CREATOR A. Restoration of the Earth Gen 1:2 Exo 19:5 Nu 14:21 Josh 3:11,14 Isa 2: 19-21; 6:3; 11:9 Zech 14:9 Psa 2:8 Psa 47:2,7; 48:2; 66:4; 72; 8,19; 89:27 Prov 2:22 Zeph 3:8 Jer 23:5 Dan 2:35, 44 B. Reconciliation of the Heavenly Places Col 1:16-18 Eph 1:3, 20-23 Eph 2:6 I Cor 6:3 IV. ONE PLAN WAS MADE KNOWN, THE OTHER WAS KEPT SECRET A. Plan for the Earth Made Known 1. Lk 1:70 Made known since the world began 2. Mt 25: 34 Prepared from the foundation of the world 3. Heb 4:3 Work finished from the foundation of the world B. Plan for the Heavenly Places Kept Secret (Until Due Time ) 1. Romans 16:25: Kept secret since the world began 2. I Tim 2:6: Testified in due time 3. Eph 3:11: His Eternal Purpose V. WHERE ARE WE IN ALL THIS? 6
LESSON 4 GOD S PROPHECIED PLAN TO RECONCILE THE EARTH God will establish an eternal, physical kingdom on this earth, vested in the nation Israel, with Jesus Christ ruling from Jerusalem, and the blessings extended to the Gentiles through Israel. Satan and his plan of evil will be completely vanquished from the earth. I. THE GOAL OF THE PROPHETIC PLAN IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LITERAL, PHYSICAL, ETERNAL KINGDOM ON THIS EARTH Dan 2:44 Jer 23:5 Zech 14:9 Isa 9:6-7 2 Sam 7:11-17 Psa 2:8 Isa 11:9 II. THE KINGDOM WILL BE VESTED IN THE NATION OF ISRAEL, WHO IS TO BE THE CHANNEL OF GOD S BLESSING TO THE WORLD Exodus 19:5-6 Jer 23:6-8 & 33:7-9, 15-26 Zech 8:22-23 WHY ISRAEL? Israel is God s created nation on this earth. (Deut 7:6-8; Psa 147:19-20) A. Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12:1-3) to Isaac, to Jacob, to the 12 tribes of Israel B. Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 20) C. Davidic Covenant 1. 2 Sam 7 2. Psa 89 D. New Covenant-God will do in them what they could not do of themselves 1. Jer 31:31-36 2. Ezek 36:25-38 7
III. THE KINGDOM WILL BE CENTERED IN JERUSALEM Isa 2:1-3 Isa 62:1-7 Zech 8:20-23 IV. THE KINGDOM WILL EXTEND TO THE GENTILES Psa 72:11,17 Dan 7:13-14 Micah 4:2 Zech 8:20-23 Isa 60:1-3, 14 Isa 61:4-6 Isa 26:9 Isa 56:3-7 V. THE KINGDOM WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY THE PHYSICAL RETURN OF THE CONQUERING KING Dan 2:44 & 34 Psa 110:1 Isa 34:1-8 Psa 45:3-7 8
LESSON 5 WITH THE EARTHLY MINISTRY OF CHRIST, THE KINGDOM ENTERS THE AT HAND PHASE. The goal of the prophesied program revealed in the O.T. is the establishment of a literal kingdom of heaven on the earth, centered in Israel with the Lord ruling from Jerusalem. With the arrival of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus Christ, that kingdom truly was at hand (Matt 4:17). Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. Romans 15:8 I. EVIDENCE THAT THE KINGDOM WAS AT HAND THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM Mark 1:14-15 a. Daniel s prophesied time schedule Dan 9:24-27 Mark 1:14-15 B. John the Baptist, the Prophesied Forerunner and Voice in the Wilderness Mal 3:1 Isa 40:3 and Amos 8:11 John 1:31 Lk 7:28 Matt 11:13-14 Matt 17:10-13 & Lk 1:17 C. The Presentation of Jesus Christ as Messiah Matt 1:1 Matt 3: 13-17 D. The Twelve Chosen to Sit on 12 Thrones Over Israel Matthew 19:28 Lk 22:28-30 E. The Signs of the Kingdom 1. Casting Out Devils= Contending with the Adversary Isa 49:24-26 Jer 31:11 Matt 12:22-29 2. Healing the Sick Matt 11:3 Matt 9:32-35 Luke 7:20-22 Matt 4:23-24 9
II. JOHN, CHRIST, & THE 12 SEEK A REMNANT OUT OF ISRAEL WHO WILL BELIEVE AND, THEREFORE, RECEIVE THE KINGDOM Matt. 3: 1-7 Matt. 10:5-10 Matt 15: 24 Matt 21: 42-45 Lk 12:32 III. PRIOR TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM, THE NATION MUST BE PURGED AND PURIFIED TO BECOME THE KINGDOM OF PRIESTS, & AN HOLY NATION (Exo 19:5-6) PURGING VIA THE TRIBULATION PERIOD Matt 3:7 Mal 3:2-3 Mal 4:1-2 Ezek 20:33-38 Ezek 22:17-22 Jer 30:7 Zech 13:9 IV. PRIOR TO THE PURGING, CHRIST HAD TO DIE AND RAISE AGAIN TO OFFER REDEMPTION TO THE NATION AND RATIFY THE NEW COVENANT A. Christ Foretells of His Death and Resurrection Matt. 16:21 Matt. 17:9, 21-23 Matt 20:17-19 B. The Apostles Don t Understand the Purpose of His Death Luke 18:32-35 Matt 16:21-22 C. His Death is to Ratify the New Covenant Matt 26:28 D. His Death Was To Provide Redemption for the Nation Isa 53 10
LESSON 6 PENTECOST: WHAT MEANETH THIS? Pentecost is the continuation of the fulfillment of Israel s prophetic program. It is the fulfillment of one of the major feasts of the Lord in Israel s calendar of redemption. I. IN EARLY ACTS ALL THINGS ARE SET FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD THE PROPHETIC PROGRAM AND DANIEL S TIME SCHEDULE REMAIN IN TACT AND ON TRACK. A. In Matthew-John, Israel s kingdom was at hand B. In early Acts, Israel is entering the last days (Acts 2:17) C. In Christ s 40 day post-resurrection seminar with the apostles he spoke of things pertaining to the kingdom (Acts 1:3) D. The apostles ask, Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (Acts 1:6) E. Christ instructs the apostles as to the order of their outreach and then ascends to the Father s right hand (Acts 1:8-11) F. The apostles choose a successor to Judas (Acts 1:14-26; Matthew 19:28) II. THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS FULLY COME (Acts 2:1) A. Pentecost was the fulfillment of the second of three major feasts of the Lord picturing the redemption of Israel (Lev 23; Exo 23; Deut 16) B. The people ask, What meaneth this? (Acts 2:12) C. Peter answers, This is that pointing to the fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2 (Acts 2:16-17; Joel 2:28-32) D. The signs and wonders were given as an advanced warning to Israel of the impending arrival of the great and notable Day of the Lord and their opportunity to be saved from it (Acts 2:16-21, 40) 11
III. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS OF NAZARETH AT THE FATHER S RIGHT HAND (Psa 110:1) A. Peter indicts Israel for slaying their Messiah: ye have taken, and by wicked hands, have crucified and slain (Acts 2:23) B. His resurrection evidences that He is the Christ and, therefore, heir to the throne of David (Acts 2:22-32) C. His ascension to the Father s right hand proves that he is David s Lord who will make his enemies his footstool (Acts 2:33-36; Psa 110:1) D. He receives from the Father the Spirit and sheds forth the Spirit to warn Israel of his soon coming return (Acts 2:33-36) E. Israel, therefore, asks, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37) F. Peter answers, Repent, and be baptized (Acts 2:38) G. Those who believe Peter s message in early Acts constitute the Jewish kingdom IV. PENTECOST IS church that Christ promised he would build. They are the remnant of Israel. A. the natural continuation of the prophetic program B. exclusively Jewish (w/ some proselytes)-- the middle wall of partition still up C. the renewed opportunity for Israel to receive Jesus as their Christ D. the last great prophesied warning to Israel that they were entering into the last days V. PENTECOST IN NOT A. the start of a new, unprophesied dispensation, the dispensation of grace B. the beginning (birthday) of the church, the Body of Christ C. the interruption of the prophetic program D. the fall of Israel 12
Lesson # 7 A CHANGE IN THE PROGRAM The Fall of Israel and Salvation to the Gentiles. In the early chapters of Acts, Israel, and indeed history, stood on the threshold of entering into the prophesied tribulation period. That was over 2000 years ago. What happened? Everything was going exactly according to the prophetic plan. Why didn t the kingdom come? I. The Fall of Israel, when did it occur? A. Pentecost 1. The prophetic program is on track and in tact Acts 2:16; 3:21 2. The offer/message is to Israel Acts 2:14 3. Entering into the last days Acts 2:17 4. Israel is still in covenant relationship with God Acts 3:25-26 5. Middle wall of partition is still in place 6. Christ is seated and awaiting the signal to stand up and return Acts 2:34-35 7. His 2 nd coming to usher in the kingdom is in view Acts 3: 19-21 B. Israel s Official response 1. Their official formal rejection of the offer The stoning of Stephen Acts 7:51-60 2. Stephen sees heaven opened and Christ standing at the right hand of God Acts 7:55-56 3. Judgment is ready to begin Psa. 110:1; Isa. 3:13, 33:10; Psa. 3:7 4. This event is the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit Matt. 12:31-32 5. Wrath is now due 13
II. An Unprophesied, Unprecedented, Appearing of Christ - to Offer Amnesty to all A. Salvation of the chief of sinners Acts 9, 22, 26 B. To usher in a new program 1 Tim. 1:16 C. Previously kept secret A Mystery - Eph. 3:1-6 D. Middle wall of partition now broken down Eph. 2:14 E. Formation of a new creature, the Church the Body of Christ Eph. 2:15-16 F. Focusing now on the Heavenly places Eph. 1:3, 20-23; 2:6 III. A New Apostle for a New Program/Dispensation/Purpose Salvation to the Gentiles through the fall of Israel Rom. 11:11-13 The great dispensational change from Israel s prophetic program to the present dispensation of grace and formation of the church the body of Christ didn t occur at Pentecost. Rather, it occurred later, in mid Acts (Acts 9), with the salvation and commissioning of Saul of Tarsus/Paul the Apostle. 14
LESSON 8: A NEW DISPENSATION With the stoning of Stephen (the culmination of Israel s rejection of God) Christ stood, indicating that the prophesied wrath was ready to be poured out. But the wrath did not come. Instead, Christ ushered in a period of amnesty and an offer of grace and peace to the whole world. I. THE SALVATION OF SAUL A NEW APOSTLE I Timothy I :16 Romans 11:13 II. A NEW DISPENSATION THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD A. THE MYSTERY REVEALED Ephesians 3:1-10 Colossians 1:24-26 Gal 1:11-12 Romans 16:25 B. A CHANGE IN GOD S DEALING WITH HUMANITY 15
1. Salvation going to the Gentiles through the fall of Israel Romans 11:11 2. The middle wall of partition is broken dow Eph 2:14-15 3. The ministry of reconciliation offered to the whole world II Cor 5:18-21 C. A NEW GOSPEL THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD Acts 20:24 Galatians 2:16 Galatians 2:6 Eph 2:8-9 Romans 1:16; 3:28; 6:14 D. A NEW AGENCY THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST Eph 1:21-23 Col 1:24 I Cor 12:13 Gal 3:26-29 Romans 12:5 E. A NEW DESTINY THE HEAVENLY PLACES Eph 1:3, 21-23 Eph 2:6 Phil 3:20 16
LESSON 9 HEBREWS-REVELATION: THE RESUMPTION AND COMPLETION OF THE PROPHETIC PROGRAM The books of Hebrews through Revelation pick up where the prophetic program was interrupted in mid-acts. They, therefore, prepare Israel for the time of Jacob s trouble (the Great Tribulation), the end of which will see the return of Christ and the establishment of the kingdom. I. HEBREWS This book is a warning to the Hebrews not to neglect so great a salvation that was prophesied in the Old Testament and proclaimed by Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit (through the apostles) A. The setting is the last days (1:2) B. The connection is to Pentecost (2:3-4) C. The world to come is what is spoken about (2:5) D. Entrance into this world (the kingdom) is conditional (3:6, 14, and 6:11) E. Israel is warned not to repeat the error of their forefathers in the wilderness To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation (3:7+ & 6:4-6) 17
F. Entering into the kingdom is the hope being offered (4:1, 9-11) G. The Law/ Old Covenant is ready to vanish away, but has not vanished yet (8:13) H. Israel is being chastened as children under the terms of the Old Covenant I. Jesus Christ is seen as functioning as Israel s High Priest in Heaven (9:11-15,24) J. The second coming of Christ is anticipated II. JAMES This book is written to the 12 tribes of Israel, instructing them to endure the sufferings as they wait for the return of Christ. James exhorts them to manifest their faith by their works to prove that they are the true believers. A. To the 12 tribes Who is that? (1:1) B. Scattered abroad What is the significance? (1:1) C. Exhortation to manifest faith by works (ch 2) Compare Hebrews 11 Contrast Romans 4:2-5 and James 2:21-24 D. The coming of Christ draweth nigh (5:8) 18
(Note: I Peter-Revelation will be covered in Lesson 10) LESSON 10 I PETER-REVELATION: THE RESUMPTION AND COMPLETION OF THE PROPHETIC PROGRAM The books of Hebrews through Revelation pick up where the prophetic program was interrupted in mid-acts. They, therefore, prepare Israel for the time of Jacob s trouble (the Great Tribulation), the end of which will see the return of Christ and the establishment of the kingdom. III. I PETER This book equips the little flock to go through the time of Jacob s trouble (1:6-13) A. To the strangers scattered (1:1) Israel under the 5 th cycle of chastisement (Lev 26:33) B. The trial of their faith the time of Jacob s trouble (1:6-7 w/ 4:12-13 and Jer 30:7) C. Looking for the salvation prophesied in the Old Testament (1:9-11) D. The connection is with Pentecost the last days (1:12 w/ 4:17-19) 19
E. Looking for the return of Christ and the establishment of the kingdom (1:7 & 13) IV. II PETER This book equips the little flock in the light of the interruption of the prophetic program (3:9-16) V. I, II, II JOHN A. Identification with and in the true fellowship the believing remnant (I Jn 1:3-10) B. A series of practical tests to identify true believers (wheat from tares) VI. Jude Reminds Israel about Enoch s prophecy the coming of the Lord to execute judgment VII. The Revelation A. Book of prophecy, not mystery (1:3) B. John says he is your brother, and companion in tribulation (1:9) C. A detailed description of the Lord s day the Day of the Lord (1:10) 20
D. Fulfillment of the prophetic program E. The return of Christ to this earth is in view F. The kingdom is established LESSON 11 WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES RIGHT DIVISION MAKE REGARDING THE GOSPEL? First and foremost, the clarity of the gospel and, therefore, the eternal destiny of human souls is at stake. I. WHICH GOSPEL? A. The gospel of the kingdom 1. What is it? (Mark 1:14-15; Matt 3:2) 2. The central issue is not the cross work of Christ (Luke 9: 6 w/luke 18:31-34) B. The gospel of the grace of God 1. What is it? (Acts 20:24) 2. The central issue is the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14; Ro 3:25; I Cor 15:3-5) C. Why does it matter? II. GOSPEL PERVERSIONS A. Commonly used phrases that are NOT the gospel B. The source of the confusion 1. Scriptural but not dispensational 2. The tossed salad gospel 21
C. Why these are wrong and should not be used (Gal 1:8-9) III. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GOSPEL FOR THIS DISPENSATION? A. Death, Burial, & Resurrection of Christ His shed blood the propitiation for sin I Corinthians 15:3-4 Romans 3:25-28 Colossians Col 1:14 and 2:10-14 B. Faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone Gal 2:16 and 3:11 Ro 1:16-17 and 3:25-28 Ro 4:5 Eph 2:8-9 LESSON 12 WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES RIGHT DIVISION MAKE REGARDING LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? Rightly dividing the Word of Truth is essential in order for us, as believers, to understand our place and part in the outworking of God s purpose for the church, the Body of Christ. It enables us to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called (Eph 4:1). I. UNDERSTANDING OUR SANCTIFICATION Romans 6:11-13 Colossians 2:6 II. UNDERSTANDING OUR EDIFICATION I Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. Romans 16:25 Eph, 4:12-16 Col 1:28 2 Tim 3:16-17 w/ 2 Tim 2:15 III. UNDERSTANDING INTERVENTION: HOW GOD IS WORKING TODAY I Thes 2:13 Eph 3:16 Phil 1:9-11 IV. UNDERSTANDING SUFFERING & AFFLICTION Romans 8:18-25 22
2 Cor 1:3-7 2 Cor 4:16-18 2 Cor 12:8-10 V. UNDERSTANDING SONSHIP Romans 8:15 Galatians 4:1-7 VI. UNDERSTANDING GOD S ETERNAL PURPOSE FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST Eph 1:3,21-23 & 2:6 Col 1:16-20 23