Archive for November 2005
The New and Hopefully Improved Zavablog
Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 5:52 PM by David Zavadil
Welcome to my website. This site has undergone a few changes as I have tried to discover how I could best use the space. Return here weekly to find an ongoing Bible Study. I am going to begin to study the Gospel of Luke. Once I am settled a little more, I will be adding a weekly Old Testament study also. My desire is to teach the whole counsel of the Word. I also hope to post sermon notes and links of interest as they arise. There are many great sites out there offering commentary on world events, book reviews, etc..., I desire to maintain a singular focus and write to my strengths, that of teaching and preaching. I invite you to return and join me as we study God's Word.
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Why Should we Study Luke?
Posted on Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 2:57 PM by David Zavadil
When ever we begin something new it seems that someone always wants to know why. Why are we going to study the Gospel of Luke? While there is not short answer to this question, allow me to share a few reasons from my humble perspective.
First, in a day and age when the majority of the population is non-Jewish, it makes sense to begin our studies in the Synoptic gospel that was written specifically for non-Jews. Luke ( I am not going to spend time now defending Luke's authorship, for sake of the discussion it will be treated as a given.) was an Antiochian medical doctor and friend of the Apostle Paul. A Greek, Luke wrote from a Gentile (non-Jewish) perspective in a Gentile style. This gospel was written for those unfamiliar with Jewish ways and customs. This makes it ideal in this day and time.
Second, and to a lesser degree, Luke's influence on culture, even our modern culture. Luke was a fantastic historian. His writings clearly detail not just the narrative events but the historical events of the day, thus giving us a word picture of the life and times of Jesus Christ. So vivid are Luke's word pictures that no less than twenty painters have created artistic renderings of passages from Luke. A few are “The Annunciation” (1:26-38) by Van Eyck, “The Adoration of the Shepherds” (2:15-17) by Van der Goes and “The Return of the Prodigal Son” (15:17-24) by Rembrandt.
Finally, Luke's detailing of the theology of Christ. The Gospel of Luke is probably the finest writing of early Pauline theology not written by Paul. As William Hendriksen points out in his commentary on Luke, this gospel teaches points similar to Paul's writings in a number of places. For example, the teaching that salvation is universal, yet particular. Salvation is a gift of God offered to men regardless of nationality, race, sex or social status, offered universally. At the same time, the only ones who can inherit this salvation are those who are believers in Jesus Christ, hence it is both universal and particular. This gospel account also emphasizes the Lordship of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Joy and prayer. It is also interesting to note the strong similarities between Luke and Paul's accounts of the institution of the Lord's Supper.
The Gospel of Luke's approach, its cultural influence and theology make this book an idea source of study for any Christian. I pray that you can join me as we study through the Book of Luke. Until next entry, Soli Deo Gloria!
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Supremacy of God Sermon Outline
Posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 6:01 PM by David Zavadil
This sermon can be downloaded as a podcast by clicking on the link on the right hand side of the screen.
The "god" of this twentieth century no more resembles the Supreme Sovereign of Holy Writ than does the dim flickering of a candle the glory of the midday sun. The "god" who is now talked about in the average pulpit, spoken of in the ordinary Sunday School, mentioned in much of the religious literature of the day, and preached in most of the so-called Bible Conferences is the figment of human imagination, an invention of maudlin sentimentality. The heathen outside of the pale of Christendom form "gods" out of wood and stone, while the millions of heathen inside Christendom manufacture a "god" out of their own carnal mind. In reality, they are but atheists, for there is no other possible alternative between an absolutely supreme God, and no God at all. A "god" whose will is resisted, whose designs are frustrated, whose purpose is checkmated, possesses no title to Deity, and so far from being a fit object of worship, merits nought but contempt. - Arthur Pink, The Attributes of God
supreme – 1.Greatest in power, authority, or rank; paramount or dominant.
2. Greatest in importance, degree, significance, character, or achievement. - American Heritage Dictionary
We must see and know the supreme God as we seek to live out the truths found in Scripture.
OUTLINE:
I.Our problem
A.Hurting
i.v. 7 – He has seen our affliction
a)400 years, not able to resist or leave
ii.What afflicts us?
B.Forgotten
i.Isaiah 17:10
ii.We get so busy living life that we forget who has given us life.
C.Ignored
i.Newspaper has more about the local football team or even a favorite recipe than it has about God.
ii.Our lives, even in church reflect this
a)Spend hours getting ready for the prom, but loath getting ready to enter the presence of God.
II.God's solution
A.Himself
i.He is the I am
ii.Names
a)el – Lord, mighty, powerful
b)Elohim – plural of El
c)El Shaddai – possessing all power 48 times in OT, most in Job
d)Jehovah – self existing, unchanging God
iii.He redeemed, He protected, He led – Ex 3:12,17ff
B.Jesus Christ
i.He is the I am
a)John 6:48; 10:14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1
ii.Jesus – Jehovah is salvation
III.How is this reflected in my life?
A.Do I acknowledge Christ as Lord and King?
i.Am I a humble servant or a cocky rebel?
B.Do others see Christ in me?
i.What I do in private and public
ii.What I say
iii.How I live, pray, worship
C.Does my life demonstrate the preeminence of Christ?
i.Am I in the Word? Do I speak the Word? Do I apply the Word to life situations?
Luke 1:1-4 The Introduction
Posted on Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 2:17 PM by David Zavadil
Luke 1:1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Luke begins by addressing this book in a way different than any of the other Synoptic writers. Writing in classical Greek, Luke begins as many classical writers of the period, ie. Josephus, by writing an introduction explaining his purpose in writing. This intro serves to assure the reader that what follows is both worth reading and reliable.
When you read verses 1 – 4 it becomes clear that there was a concern on Luke's part over teaching about Christ that was being disseminated. While I in no way believe that Luke was trying to say that his gospel is somehow superior to Matthew or Mark's writings, it appears there are some writings in his day that concerned Luke. It should not surprise anyone that many people were writing about Jesus. Consider how many different papers, blogs and journals have written about our president over the last year. It would not be at all unrealistic to think that other writers of the day wrote about Jesus. This said, Luke's first purpose is to clearly and accurately detail the life of Christ for his readers. Verses 2- 4 give a sort of outline as to how he is going to write this treatise.
Luke was going to begin his writing by going to the primary sources, those who “from the beginning,” from the start, of Jesus' ministry and life were there. These sources were to be eyewitnesses and ministers, not just people who saw, but people who saw, believed and then lived out their faith in Christ. While Luke does not provide the reader with a bibliography of his sources, it is evident that he has received first hand facts.
In verse 3 our author outlines his reasoning for writing this treatise. He, first, writes that the teaching of this new church and of Jesus Christ is something that he has followed for a while. “having followed all things closely for some time past.” This was not something that Luke was rushing into. He is thoughtful and respectful, having himself studied and learned the teachings of Christ and his life. The primary sources are not only a benefit to the reader but also benefited Luke. This was not a newspaper reporter writing a story to make deadline, this was a believing historian, desiring to get the facts right. Thus he wrote about what he knew, Jesus Christ.
Secondly, Luke desires “to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.” Who this Theophilus person might be is unknown. Is he a real person? Since the name literally means, “friend of God,” could Theophilus simple be a name for the Christian readers? Who ever he is, Luke wanted to make sure that this book was orderly. Most probably this simply referred to a chronological telling of the Christ story and not a disjointed account as other, non canonical writers may have produced.
Luke concludes his introduction by stating the primary reason for writing and our reading this gospel. Look at verse 4. “4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” Luke is concerned that the reader, when finished reading, will have certainty about what was read and taught. In other words, he is not wanting to write this gospel and then ask, “So, now what do you think? Is it believable?” No, Luke desires that when you finish reading the Gospel of Luke, you will KNOW about Jesus and his teaching and that you will BELIEVE. Luke is writing an evangelical narrative to encourage a certainty of faith in the reader. With that in mind, read through the book, in one sitting if possible, and prepare yourself to begin our study of the Gospel of Luke.
Edited on: Friday, November 18, 2005 4:00 PMPosted in Bible Study (RSS)
Link to be used
Posted on Friday, November 11, 2005 at 1:40 PM by David Zavadil
There is no greater ministry we can have than to pray for the lost around the world. Make use if this link in your private devotional times.
Operation World Prayer of the Day
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Prayer Study #1
Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 2:03 PM by David Zavadil
I had intended to continue a study in Luke. however, the session of Grace PCA and I agreed that a four week study on prayer was needed and fit the short time before Christmas than a study of the entire Book of Luke. I plan on continuing my study of Luke, as time will allow me. In the mean time, I pray you will benefit from our study of the Lord's Prayer.
Tonight we are beginning a brief series on prayer, with special emphasis on the Lord's Prayer. Before we examine our Scripture for the evening, let us quickly discuss a few questions.
First, What is prayer?
Westminster Larger Catechism(WLC) Question 178: What is prayer?
Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God,[1] in the name of Christ,[2] by the help of his Spirit;[3] with confession of our sins,[4] and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.[5]
[1]. Psa. 62:8; [2.] John 16:23; [3.] Rom. 8:26; [4.] Psa. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4; [5.] Phil. 4:6
Second, Why should we pray or why is it necessary?
Heidelberg Catechism Q116: Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us,[1] and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who earnestly and without ceasing ask them of Him, and render thanks unto Him for them.[2]
[1.] Psa. 50:14-15; 1 Thess. 5:16-18 & Col. 4:2.; [2.] Matt. 7:7-8; 13:12; Luke 11:9-10, 13; Eph. 6:18.
1.It is commanded. Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Phil. 4:6-7; Luke 18:1-8; Psalm 50:14 & 15.
2.It is expected. Mt. 6:5-9; Luke 11:9, 18:1. Martin Luther: “As it is the business of tailors to make clothes & of cobblers to mend shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray.”
3.It is needed. Eph. 6:10-19.
4.That we may grow in our fellowship with one another. James 5:13-16; Eph. 6:18; Rev. 8:3-5; Romans 8:26-27.
Q186: What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of prayer?
A186: The whole word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of prayer;[1] but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which our Savior Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord's prayer.[2]
[1.] I John 5:14 [2.] Matt. 6:2-13; Luke 11:2-4
Q187: How is the Lord's prayer to be used?
A187: The Lord's prayer is not only for direction, as a pattern, according to which we are to make other prayers; but may also be used as a prayer, so that it be done with understanding, faith, reverence, and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty of prayer.[1]
[1.] Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2
Let us look at our Scripture for tonight.
Matthew 6:5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 Pray then like this: “ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Before we jump into studying the Lord's Prayer, we need to examine and understand the context the passage. Jesus in the course of the Sermon on the Mount begins to deal with practical living of the godly life. He addresses giving in the first few verses of Chapter 6 and then changes his focus to prayer. It is interesting to note that Christ does not ask if the people pray, nor does he seek to define or teach on what prayer is. Jesus enters the discussion with the assumption that they DO pray. It is from this starting point that He addresses how God's people are to pray.
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
Again note, “when you pray.” Prayer isn't optional or extracurricular, it is expected in our lives. There are no “ifs” to prayer, you will pray. The first question asked though is how will we pray. Prayer, in some form, is a part of most every culture and religion, but what is it that motivates the prayers. In verse 5 Jesus begins by addressing our root motivation for prayer. Don't be like the hypocrites, literally, an answer man, an actor, a pretender. When you pray, don't pretend, you really are talking to the Triune God. Too often when people pray it is as if they are participants in a spiritual Broadway production. This picture is magnified in the following phrase, “For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.” Prayer is not to be a production for our glory but an intimate conversation with the Most High God. If our prayers are meant to evoke an, “Aw look how pious they are,” response, then that will be the reward you will receive, the verbal affirmations of impious people.
Verse 5 addresses the heart of the believer. Jesus is not at all deviating from the overarching theme of the Sermon on the Mount but building upon it. A follower of God must pray with a heart motivated by God not by self. I am as guilty as the next person, I rush into prayer not to glorify God but to get something for myself or to make myself look good. The first words about prayer in this sermon deal with our motives to pray. If our answer to why we are praying revolves around self, then our prayers are and will be fruitless.
Let's move on. Look with me at verse 6. “6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” This verse provides for us the proper way to approach God, as compared to the previous verse. Rather than making a show of our spirituality, we are to approach God with humility and intimacy. This verse does not literally mean that every time you pray you must go into your room, but points out the need for intimacy in the conversation. The word “room” literally means “storehouse,” but is intended to speak of a place where just you and God can commune. Note, if Jesus literally meant that we are to pray in a physically private place all of the time, we would not be able to use prayer as part of our corporate worship. No, what is meant is that we are to pray in such a way as to eliminate distractions. Just as it is polite for us to look at someone when we are speaking to them, we are to seek the face of Christ as we pray.
When possible, we should get alone with God. We find Jesus giving this example in Matthew 14:23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. However, when we are within the corporate body, we find this solitude within the quietness of our hearts. Though we may be praying together, we are to pray in our hearts and not get caught up in what others are saying. Isaac Watts in his book, A Guide to Prayer writes:
Strive to maintain a much greater awe of the majesty of that God to whom you speak than of the opinions of the fellow creatures with whom you worship, that so you may, as it were, forget you are in the company of men while you address the most high God. (pg. 105)
Let us finish this part of our study by looking at verses 7 and 8. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
When we come to the Lord in prayer we must also consider the words we pray. Verse 7 states, “do not heap up empty phrases like the Gentiles do...” A paraphrase might be, don't ramble and babble endlessly thinking if we say the right word God will answer. Beloved, all too often we pray as if we think that if we say “Lord” or “Thee” often enough, God will bless our prayers. The point of prayer is to converse with the Sovereign God, not to invoke some sort of ritualistic mantra to drive God to work. Remember the story in 1 Kings 18 of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. God had withheld rain from the land to show that he was God. As we enter chapter 18 God tells Elijah to present himself to Ahab and he will bring rain. This set up the show down of the prophets of Baal and Elijah. Both prepared altars and a bull to sacrifice. We then read
26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. "O Baal, answer us!" they shouted. But there was no response; no-one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.
27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. "Shout louder!" he said. "Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or travelling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened."
28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.
29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no-one answered, no-one paid attention. (NIV)
All day long, over and over they babbled and lifted mantras to Baal and we read that no one answered, no one paid attention. Then it was Elijah's turn to pray.
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.
37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
In a brief fifteen second prayer, Elijah saw God respond as none did after all day of babbling by the prophets of Baal. Sadly, too often in our prayers, we pray more like the prophets of Baal than we do like Elijah. That is the purpose of the Lord's Prayer, to teach us how to pray in the most effective way we can, not for our sake but for God's. Let us now turn to God in prayer.
Edited on: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 2:09 PMPosted in Bible Study (RSS)