At this season of the year we want to turn our attention to our Lord’s death and sacrifice. 

We want to see the Passover picture and its concepts throughout the scriptures not only during the Memorial season, but all of the year because we live the reality every day.

1 Peter 1:1–2 ESV

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

We would like to focus on the phrase “the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus”.

The calling of a Christian is “through the sanctifying action of the spirit, because of the obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus.” (NEB)

In the Old Testament, once a sacrifice was slain the blood was then applied to different objects.  For example, it was sprinkled on the people during the inauguration of the covenant (Exodus 24:8), and it was sprinkled on the altars on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14, 18, 19). During Passover the blood was struck/brushed/smeared/wiped on the doorposts and lintels of the house (Exodus 12:22). 

Question:

Using this Passover picture, discuss how and why the blood was applied to us.

• When does this picture take place?
• What happens when the blood is applied to a person?
• Why do we say we apply it to the doorposts of our heart?
• In the antitype what is the difference between the lamb being slain and the blood being brushed onto the house?

Discussion Summary:

The Passover lamb’s blood was placed on the door frame of each family’s home.  Jesus’ death opened up an opportunity for all those willing to hear the word of salvation.  1 Timothy 1:10. 

The sprinkling of the blood refers to justification, forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, a cleansing of our hearts from sin and the legal relationship we now have as God’s children.

Jesus’ blood is applied to us when we “believe in him” (Ephesians 1:13) and as we continue to “hold fast our confidence [in him]” (Hebrews 3:6).  We can then “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience” (Hebrews 10:22).  Other implications of this application of the blood, such as the Mediator, the Law Covenant, the New Covenant, and the Holy Spirit’s work in us are found in a close reading of Hebrews 8-10.

The Passover blood was not “sprinkled.”  The word is translated in different ways – many times as simply as “put on.”  Other times as “strike,” “daub,” or “smear.”  In its basic sense it is pointing to the fact that it is not enough that Jesus died for our sins.  Through belief we have to accept that full forgiveness.  The translation of the word “strike” in Exodus 12:22 reminds some of the heavy cost of that blood – Jesus’ crucifixion.  To others the word “strike” conveys the powerful act of faith that is needed to truly believe in Jesus as our Saviour.

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1 Thessalonians 3 ESV

1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Discussion Questions

For what purposes did Paul send Timothy to Thessalonica?

In verse 10 Paul says that he wants to supply what is lacking in the brethren at Thessalonica.  Some have called verses 11 to 13 a prayer by Paul for the Thessalonian brethren.  What did this prayer reveal about what the brethren were lacking?

Personal Application:  How should we apply this prayer to ourselves?

Discussion Summary

Paul was concerned about the state of the Thessalonian brethren.  Unable to visit them, he sent Timothy (2 Timothy 2-5) to find out how they were doing and report back to him.  Paul was in considerable suspense and worry until at length he heard back from Timothy.  To Paul these brethren were his babes, a relationship that is often used between teachers and congregation (1 Peter 2:2).

Being a believer is much more than just joining a church.  Paul wanted to see if these new believers were still standing firm and were not agitated by their troubles.  He wanted to see if they were increasing in love.  He wanted to see if their change of heart condition was being maintained.  He wanted to see if his ministry continued to bear fruit.

Once Paul was assured by Timothy that they were doing well spiritually, he praised them and gave thanks to God for their condition.  He then pointed out areas that they needed to continue to hold fast in:  Love for each other, prophetic understanding and holy living.  Their love (4:9) and their prophetic understanding (5:1) were being maintained and could be added to which he will do in chapter 4.  Paul will also give them counsel as to their lifestyle which needs to be holy and blameless.  They had begun to change their lives but needed to be “sanctified completely” (5:23).

The question for us is:  Are we building and maintaining our faith every day?

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Luke 12:35–40 ESV

35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Discussion Question

We have three distinct but related pictures in these verses.  The first is of servants waiting for their master to return.  The second is a master who turns himself into a servant and the third is of a homeowner whose house is broken into.  What do these three pictures teach us about the Lord’s return?

Discussion Summary

Verses 35, 36:  It is difficult for modern people to relate to the role and responsibilities of servants/slaves in the classical world.  This level of watchfulness and attention seems to be centered on the unique celebration the master was returning home from – a wedding, perhaps even his own. 

The servants were to remain awake throughout the night which reminds us of the call to action that the Christian is to respond to.  Ephesians 5:14.

The servants were to have their clothes gathered and belted so that they would be ready to work.  This reminds us of how we wear the spiritual “belt of truth” enabling us to be engaged in God’s work.  Ephesians 6:4.  Just like soldiers are always dressed in uniform, with their clothes properly buttoned and tucked in so that they are in a mental state of energetic readiness.

The servants were to keep their lamps burning reminding us that we are to keep our inner lamps burning for others.  Matthew 5:14-16.  We are also to be engaged in the study of God’s word.        Psalms 119:105.

Verse 37:  Jesus is portrayed as a servant in Isaiah 42.  It is a very striking image to think that Jesus would be serving his people instead of the other way around.  It is a special honour and reward to his faithful servants.  At Jesus’ return he invites his faithful ones to a celebratory supper, the marriage feast of Revelation 19:9.  But in this passage in Luke we see a slightly different picture as shown in Revelation 3:20.  This is related to John 14:3, “I will come again and take you to myself.”

Verses 38-40:  Jesus is here portrayed as a thief breaking into a house unexpectedly.  The emphasis is on the unexpected time of the break-in.  Therefore, the homeowner has to be ready at all times.  This picture is also referred to in 1 Thessalonians 5:2.

 We note in Revelation 3:3 a slightly different idea in that returning like a thief is in punishment for not watching properly.

The question for all of us is:  What do we do on a daily basis to show our readiness?

22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.  24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?  26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?  27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.  32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Discussion Question

Previously in chapters 11 and 12, Jesus warns the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law, and everyday Israelites about specific impediments to their belief in him. 

Jesus is now speaking to his disciples.   He is warning them of obstacles that could possibly prevent them from fully entering into the kingdom. 

What are these obstacles and what remedies does he counsel?

Discussion Summary

To fully understand Jesus’ teaching in these verses other scriptures were reviewed:

• Matthew 6:29-34, a parallel passage
• Job 38:39-41, a reference to God’s care over animals
• Proverbs 6:6-11, a fable on the importance of providing what is needed
• 1 Kings 17:8-16, a story showing God provides in response to a generous spirit
• 1 Kings 17:1-7, a story showing how God provides in response to faith

The obstacles disciples encounter are mindsets that take them away from their primary focus on God’s Kingdom.  These can be a desire for riches which can consume your mind.  Believers can compare themselves to others who have more things and they can “run after” those things which perpetuates more and more desire for more and more things.  This can also result pride and arrogance and a disinclination to share what they have with others.  This can drive away their peace and create anxiety.  Poverty can have the same consuming effect on the heart and mind.  Proverbs 30:8,9

Jesus is telling his disciples that they must be detached from material possessions.  Believers must change the tenor of their mind – the underlying emotional quality of their thinking.  Jesus expects us to undergo a transformational attitude of heart.

In order to achieve this transformation God has promised:

• Proverbs 16:3, His help if we commit our ways to Him
• Isaiah 41:10, His own strength to augment our weakness
• Philippians 4:19, to  supply our NEEDS

How to achieve this transformation:

• Colossians 3:1-4, Focus your heart on the right things
• James 4:13-16, Acknowledge your inability to control situations
• 1 Timothy 6:17-9, Understand what are the true riches in your life

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1 Thessalonians 2 ESV

1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last! 17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Discussion Questions

Describe Paul’s ministry when he first came to Thessalonica.

Paul draws parallels between the brethren in Judea and the brethren in Thessalonica.  Why does he do this?

Personal Application:  How do we show the same care to the brethren today that Paul had to the brethren in Thessalonica?

Discussion Summary

Paul came to Thessalonica after being beaten and humiliated in Philippi (Acts 16:22-39. He himself had once persecuted believers (Acts 9:1,2), but now he was receiving the same treatment.  Because Paul knew that God wanted him to bring the gospel to the Macedonian region (Acts 16:9,10), he did not allow that experience to stop him from preaching boldly in Thessalonica. 

His preaching was effective because many people were drawn to his teaching.  This caused the religious leaders to become jealous (Acts 17:5).  Paul reminded the Thessalonian brethren that he was not trying to be popular or a leader of men when he preached.  That this was an accurate description of his ministry is shown by the fact that when he left, the brethren remained true to the gospel.

Paul’s ministry was very loving and gentle.  He described his relationship to the Thessalonians as family.  He treated them as if they were his own children.  He never wanted to be a burden to them.  He only wanted to be a help to them.

The Thessalonian brethren were experiencing great persecution.  Paul encouraged them by reminding them that all Christians experience opposition (John 15:20; Luke 6:22).  Jesus’ teaching was the “new wine” that when put into old wineskins cause the skins to burst.  (Matthew 9:17). In other words, anyone who is satisfied with the present life and the current situation of world events is going to be opposed to something different, even if it is better.  Unfortunately, even fellow Christians can be in opposition to us if our lifestyles have changed more than theirs, or if our beliefs do not line up with theirs.

Therefore, we want to be like Paul and the brethren in Thessalonica.  We do not want to assume a superior attitude to other believers.  We want our lives to be genuine.

We also want to give of ourselves to fellow Christians.  We want to help brethren in a gentle, comforting way and rejoice in their growth and development.

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1 Thessalonians 1 ESV

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Discussion Questions

Background:  Describe Paul’s interaction with the brethren in Thessalonica.

How were the brethren in Thessalonica doing since Paul left?

Personal Application:  We live in such different times and circumstances than these brethren.  How were their lives an example to us?

Discussion Summary

Paul and Silas first went to Thessalonica on a missionary journey.  Paul had a dream that a man from the region had urged him saying “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”  (Acts 16:4)   In Acts 17 we read that Paul preached the gospel in the synagogue and found many interested people.  The leaders of the synagogue were displeased and incited a riot, leading the local authorities to accuse Paul, Silas and the new converts of acting against Ceasar in proclaiming a new king.  (This was similar to the accusations against Jesus in Luke 23:2.). Paul and Silas were barely able to escape Thessalonica during the riot.  Paul worried about the new Christians he had left behind.  When he received a report that they were doing well, he wrote this letter to them.

Paul describes the close relationship he felt to the brethren in Thessalonica.  He viewed them as his own children and was proud of how they were doing.  His letter is positive, encouraging and loving.

He reminds them of how his ministry was accompanied by power (verse 5) as their continued growth as Christians was evidence.  They had changed their lifestyle when they stopped worshipping idols.  They had a reputation among other believers and their neighbours that they were faithful to the teachings of Jesus.  They were following Paul’s example as he was following Jesus’ example.  Philippians 3:17.

Paul’s experience of seeing the risen Christ on the road to Damascus was an inspiration to them.  They too were waiting patiently to see the Lord in glory.

The brethren in Thessalonica are now examples to us.  We want to have a loving family-like relationship with other Christians.  We want to have a reputation among all who know us for being followers of Christ.  We too want to have the courage of our convictions.

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13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Discussion Questions

Why did Jesus refuse to act as a judge or an arbitrator?   

What is the relationship between Jesus’ decision and the parable?

Discussion Summary

Jesus refused to act as a judge because he was not a typical teacher.  He was focused on his main ministry, “I come not to judge the world but to save it.”  John 12:47, John 9:14, Isaiah 42:21

Jesus refused to act as a judge because of the example of Moses given in Acts 7-23-28.  He did not present himself as a judge to his people, but as their deliverer.

Jesus refused to act as a judge because the root of the issue was not a settlement but greed on the part of the asker.  This is shown by the lesson of the parable in verse 21.  The rich man in the parable was not laying up “treasure for God.”  A few additional scriptures illustrating this same lesson are:  Colossians 3:12,13; I Timothy 6:6-10; Ecclesiastes 2:18-22.

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8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Discussion Question

What lessons are being delivered by Jesus?

Discussion Summary

Verses 8, 9:  To acknowledge Jesus means understanding that his authority and power to work miracles comes from God.  The religious leaders of the day attributed his power to Beelzebul in Matthew 12:24 and in Luke 11:14-23.

To acknowledge Jesus means to see his role as The Son of Man from Daniel 7:13,14.

To acknowledge Jesus before the angels of God is also connected with Ephesians 3:8-12.

Verse 10:  Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the end of a thought process that begins with hypocrisy.  Only after someone has experienced the Holy Spirit can they truly blaspheme against it.  Hebrews 6:4-6

The parallel scripture in Matthew 10:32 shows that this principle, that people are judged according to what knowledge they have been given, applies during God’s Kingdom.  This is also illustrated in the trespass offerings the Israelites sacrificed.  People sacrificed the animal they were able to afford. Leviticus 14:21.

The word “forgiveness” is from the Greek word aphiemi which means to let go of a debt absolutely.

Verses 11, 12:  We have an example of how the Holy Spirit can give you the words when you are called to witness in Acts 6 & 7.  In these chapters Stephen, the first martyr, is called before the religious leaders to give an account of his beliefs.

We are not to think that we should just wait for a miracle to happen when we are asked a question about our beliefs.  “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15.  Also see 2 Timothy 2:15.

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