7. Possession Can Be Dangerous

Possessing money can arouse areas of sin and weakness we have failed to deal within our lives.

a. Sin And Weaknesses Aroused, Paul says of the righteous law of God, “I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet. ‘But sin taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind…” (Rom 7:7).

“But sin used this law against evil desires by reminding me that such desires are wrong and aroused all kinds of for-bidden desires within me!” (Rom 7:8 tlb).

It is the same way with money as it is with the Law.  Paul found that a righteous and good commandment of the Law aroused the sin that dwelt in him. Money is not bad in itself. But, when we have money the potential for it to arouse covetousness, selfishness and greed is very strong.

As the Lord begins to bless a church leader, he will minister in the power of grace of God. This blessing usually results in an increased flow of finance into the church

At this church leader’s church continues to receive blessing from the Lord, his sinful nature may become aroused and he may begin to covet and misuse the Lord’s money. The money given him for good becomes a temptation for evil and corrupts the ministry and the church leader.

b. Selfishness Revealed. “But”, you may ask, “how can I know whether I will have a problem with a lot of money until I have it?” I can tell what a man will do with a thousand dollars by what he does with one dollar.

“He who is faithful in very little is faithful also in mu ch; and he who is unrighteous in very little is unrighteous also in much” (Luke 16:10). How you spend a little money shows how you will spend a lot of money.

In 1950, when I was in training to be a missionary, I moved into a community dormitory at the “missionary boot camp,” (that is what they called the place.) There were seventeen of us in that dormitory.

The trainee serving as cook for the week was to buy the food. Each person was supposed to contribute three dollars weekly to a “food fund” this would provide fifty dollars a week for groceries to feed the seventeen students.

After the first couple of weeks, only three of us out of the seventeen trainees continued to contribute to the grocery fund faithfully. all the other trainees had some excuse why they couldn’t put in their share. This really impressed me the week it was my responsibility to feed the seventeen. All I had was nine dollars.

During that year, the Lord miraculously provided a large sum of money to us that was divided up among all of the students who were in my dormitory.

Following this, most of the students went into town and came back with cameras, guns and radios. They all reasoned that these things would be necessary when they became missionaries.

But do you know that when we got back to the dormitory routine and our students no more were putting their money into the “food fund” than before.

Only three of the seventeen went on to become missionaries. I’ll bet you can guess which three. Although they had convinced themselves the reasons they bought their cameras and guns were good, they had proven to every one else they were basically selfish at heart, and a selfish person will never be a good missionary.

Next week

Beware the Love of Money 5

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

If the talk does not load, please visit http://vimeo.com/14564569

After posting this, I saw this skit and thought it drove the point home.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcDIed-GMNU

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

• Write the Key Verse from memory.
• Name the three languages in which the Bible was written.
• Define the word “version.”
• Explain the difference between a translation and a paraphrase version of the Bible.

KEY VERSE:

The Lord gave the Word: great was the company of those that published it. (Psalms 68:11)

INTRODUCTION

This chapter identifies the original languages in which the Bible was written and explains how the Scriptures have been translated into other languages. You will learn the difference between a translation and a paraphrase version of the Bible. Examples from various versions of the Bible are provided.

THREE LANGUAGES

The Bible was originally written in three languages. Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew except for parts of the books of Daniel and Nehemiah, which were written in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.

None of the original manuscripts of the Bible are now in existence. Some good manuscripts exist which are copies of the original. Versions are translations of these copies of the original manuscripts. From early times men saw the necessity of translating the Bible so everyone could read it in their own language.

No translation is exact because no two languages are exactly alike. Some words used in the Bible do not even exist in different languages. For example, there is a tribe of Indians in Ecuador, South America, called the Auca Indians. When missionaries first contacted them, these Indians did not know how to read or write. There were no words in their language for “writing” or “book.”

The Auca Indians did have a custom of carving identification marks on their property. Since there were no words in their language for scriptures, writing, or book, when the Bible was translated for them it was called “God’s Carving.” This identified it as something belonging to God. This is just one example of the difficulties in translating the Bible into various languages.

TRANSLATIONS AND PARAPHRASES

There are many different versions of the Bible. The word “version” means a Bible written in a language different from those in which God’s Word was originally written. There are two main types of versions of the Bible: Translations and paraphrases.

TRANSLATION:

A translation is an effort to express what the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words actually say. It gives as nearly as possible a literal word-by-word translation. Extra words are inserted only when it is necessary in order for the reader to understand the meaning.

PARAPHRASE:

A paraphrase does not attempt to translate word for word. It translates thought by thought. A paraphrase is a restatement of the meaning of a passage. Paraphrase versions are easier to read and understand because they are written in modern vocabulary and grammar, but they are not an exact translation of God’s Word.

The “For Further Study” section of this chapter provides examples from several English versions of theBible for you to compare. These illustrate the differences in translation and paraphrase versions.

SELECTING A STUDY BIBLE

For purposes of this course and Bible study in general, we recommend use of the King James version of the Bible. There are several reasons for this:

FIRST:

The King James Bible is very accurate and a good translation for serious study. A paraphrase version does not contain the exact word-by-word translation of Scriptures.

SECOND:

There are more study tools available for the King James version. There are a large number of concordances, dictionaries, and commentaries written for the King James text.

THIRD:

The King James version is available in more languages than any other version. Since Harvestime International Institute courses are used throughout the world, we selected this version of the Bible because it is available in many languages. It is important to have a Bible in your native tongue because you think and understand best in your own language.

If you do not have a King James version of the Bible write to the American Bible Society at P.O. Box 5601, Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10164, U.S.A. They have a complete listing of all the languages in which the King James version of the Bible is available. If you find the King James Version is not available in your language or have difficulty in obtaining a Bible, write to the United Bible Societies, Bible House, P.O. Box 755, Stuttgart l, Germany. They maintain a list of “Scriptures of the World” which identifies all the languages in the world in which at least one book of the Bible has been published.

If you read English but have a limited vocabulary, you may be interested in obtaining the “Bible in Basic English.” This is the entire Old and New Testament written in English using only a basic 1,000 word vocabulary. Write to Cambridge University Press, New York, New York, U.S.A. for further information.

RED LETTER EDITIONS

Several versions of the Bible come in what are called “red letter editions.” In red letter editions of the Bible the words of Jesus are printed in red. The rest of the text of the Bible is printed in black ink. If a red letter edition of the King James version is available in your language, we suggest you obtain it. What Jesus taught is one of the major focuses of Harvestime International Institute training and a red- letter edition emphasizes His teachings.

A SUMMARY

The following chart summarizes how the various versions of the Bible developed:

1. The Bible: Inspired By God
2. Revealed To Holy Men Who Wrote God’s Words in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic
3. Interpreted Into Various Languages
4. Resulting In Exact Translations And Paraphrase Versions Of The Bible

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory._
2. What does the word “version” mean?
3. What is the difference between a translation and a paraphrase version of the Bible?
4. What version of the Bible is used in this course?
5. Why is no translation of the Bible exact?
6. What are the three languages in which the Bible was originally written?

FOR FURTHER STUDY

We have selected the text of John 3:16 to illustrate the difference between the different versions of the Bible. The versions listed are the most popular English versions of the Bible.

King James Version: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

New King James Version: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Revised Standard Version: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Living Bible: For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

New American Standard Bible: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

New English Bible: God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, that everyone who has faith in Him may not die but have eternal life.

Amplified Version: For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only-begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish-come to destruction, be lost-but have eternal (everlasting) life.

Phillips: For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him should not be lost, but should have eternal life.

Wurst: For in such a manner did God love the world, insomuch that His Son, the uniquely-begotten One, He gave, in order that everyone who places his trust in Him may not perish but may be having life eternal.

Moffat: For God loved the world so dearly that He gave up His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life instead of perishing.

5. Money Can Be a Blessing

God blesses His people with money, often giving them abundant wealth to accomplish His purpose in the earth. When the Children of Israel came out of Egypt, they took most of the silver and gold with them. After ten plagues, the Egyptians were so anxious to see them go, they gave them “jewels of silver, and jewels of gold and raiment” (Exo 12:35). “He brought them forth also with silver and gold..” (Ps 105:37). a. Moses. When Moses built the Tabernacle in the wilderness, it was worth millions of dollars. It was built from the free-will gifts of the men and women of Israel who gave up some of their wealth for its construction. This is a perfect example of how God desires to finance His projects. He blesses His people with money so they can use it for His purposes. God has often raised up men and made them very wealthy. Job was very wealthy. He owned “seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, and five hundred teams of oxen and five hundred female donkeys, and employed many servants. He was, in fact, the richest cattleman in that entire area” (Joh 1:3 tlb). b. Abraham was known throughout the ancient world for his wealth. He even had his own private army. c. David And Solomon. No one had more wealth than David and his son, Solomon. Solomon’s personal wealth ran into the millions of dollars. God was able to give them wealth because they used it for the Kingdom. Their wealth served them, they did not serve their wealth. They used it for God’s purposes, not just their own selfish ends. However, Solomon’s heart did go astray later in his life because of his many wives.

6. Important Questions To Ask

What is your relationship to your money? Do you have your money or does it have you? Do you or the Lord determine how you will use your money? Does the amount of money you have determine your happiness.. your style of living? How do you use your money? Are you generous toward God only when you have a surplus? If you don’t have much money, do you always think about it and dream of having more? Does your desire for money control you? Although these questions make us uncomfortable, they make us aware of how we relate to our money. This is especially true of those who lead the flock of God. Did you know that covetousness, or the love of money, causes the downfall of many ministers of the gospel? the love of money is one of the three sins that most often cause ministers’ downfall (1: Females; 2: Fame; and 3: Fortune).

Next week

Beware the Love of Money 4

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

• Write the Key Verse from memory.
• Identify the number of books in the Old Testament.
• Identify the number of books in the New Testament.
• Explain why it is important to have a systematic plan for reading the Bible.
• List four suggestions for successful Bible reading.

KEY VERSE:

Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord; give me understanding according to thy Word. (Psalms 119:169)

INTRODUCTION

In the previous chapter you learned that the Bible is the written Word of God. You learned it is divided into two major sections called the Old Testament and the New Testament.

You learned the four divisions of the Old Testament books:

• Law
• History
• Poetry
• Prophecy

You also learned the four divisions of the New Testament books:

• Gospels
• History
• Letters
• Prophecy

The following summarizes what you have learned about the Bible so far:

THE BIBLE

GOD’S WRITTEN WORD

66 BOOKS

OLD TESTAMENT DIVISIONS      NEW TESTAMENT DIVISIONS

Law                                                         Gospels

History                                                   History

Poetry                                                     Letters

Prophecy                                               Prophecy

This chapter contains a summary of each of the 66 books of the Bible, which make up the major divisions of the Old and New Testaments. It provides an introduction to the content of both testaments.

Four suggestions for successful Bible reading are given and you will choose a systematic plan to start reading God’s Word.

OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS

(39 Books)

BOOKS OF LAW:

Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, sacrifice, nations, and government and key men of God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is delivered from bondage in Egypt and travels to Mt. Sinai where the law of God is given.

Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides instruction to the religious leaders and explains how a sinful people can approach a righteous God. It relates to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Numbers: Records Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, which was a result of disobedience to God. The title of the book is from two numberings (population censuses) taken during the long journey.

Deuteronomy: Records the final days of Moses’ life and reviews the laws given in Exodus and Leviticus.

BOOKS OF HISTORY:

Joshua: Details how Joshua, the successor of Moses, led the people of Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan. It records the military campaigns and the division of the land among the people.

Judges: Israel turned away from God after Joshua’s death. This book records the sad story of their repeated sins and the judges God raised up to deliver them from enemy forces.

Ruth: The story of Ruth, a woman of the Gentile nation of Moab, who chose to serve the God of Israel. She became the great grandmother of David.

I Samuel: This book centers on three persons: Samuel who was the last of the judges of Israel; Saul, the first king of Israel; and David who succeeded Saul as king.

II Samuel: The glorious 40-year reign of King David is recorded in this book.

I Kings: King Solomon’s reign and the kings of the divided kingdom through the reigns of Ahab in the north and Jehoshaphat in the south are the subjects of this book.

II Kings: The final decline of Israel and Judah is recalled in this book. God’s people fell into deep sin.

I Chronicles: The reign of David and preparations for building the temple are recorded here. The time of this book is the same as II Samuel.

II Chronicles: This book continues Israel’s history through Solomon’s reign with focus on the southern kingdom. It closes with the decree of Cyrus, which permitted the return of the people from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Ezra: The return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity is detailed.

Nehemiah: This book recalls the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls under the direction of Nehemiah. The project was begun about 14 years after Ezra’s return with the people.

Esther: God’s deliverance of the Jews through Esther and Mordecai is the subject of this book.

BOOKS OF POETRY:

Job: This book is the story of Job, a man who lived around the time of Abraham. The theme is the question of why righteous men suffer.

Psalms: The prayer and praise book of the Bible.

Proverbs: Divine wisdom for practical problems of everyday life.

Ecclesiastes: A discussion of the futility of life apart from God.

Song Of Solomon: The romance of Solomon and his Shulamite bride. The story represents God’s love for Israel and of Christ for the church.

BOOKS OF PROPHECY:

Several of these books were written during a period when the nation of Israel was divided into two separate kingdoms: Israel and Judah.

Isaiah: Warns of coming judgment against Judah because of their sin against God.

Jeremiah: Written during the later decline and fall of Judah. Told of the coming judgment and urged surrender to Nebuchadnezzar.

Lamentations: Jeremiah’s lament (expression of sorrow) over the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon.

Ezekiel: Warns first of Jerusalem’s impending fall and then foretells its future restoration.

Daniel: The prophet Daniel was captured during the early siege of Judah and taken to Babylon. This book provides historic and prophetic teaching that is important in understanding Bible prophecy.

Hosea: Theme of this book is Israel’s unfaithfulness, their punishment, and restoration by God.

Joel: Tells of the plagues which foreshadowed future judgment.

Amos: During a period of material prosperity but moral decay, Amos warned Israel and surrounding nations of God’s future judgment on their sin.

Obadiah: God’s judgment against Edom, an evil nation located south of the Dead Sea.

Jonah: The story of the prophet Jonah who preached repentance in Ninevah, capitol of the Assyrian empire. The book reveals God’s love and plan of repentance for the Gentiles.

Micah: Another prophecy against Israel’s sin. Foretells the birthplace of Jesus 700 years before the event happened.

Nahum: Tells of the impending destruction of Ninevah, which had been spared some 150 years earlier through Jonah’s preaching.

Habakkuk: Reveals God’s plan to punish a sinful nation by an even more sinful one. Teaches that “the just shall live by faith.”

Zephaniah: Judgment and restoration of Judah.

Haggai: Urges the Jews to rebuild the temple after a 15 year delay due to enemy resistance.

Zechariah: Further urging to complete the temple and renew spiritual commitment. Foretells Christ’s first and second comings.

Malachi: Warns against spiritual shallowness and foretells the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus.

NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS

(27 Books)

THE GOSPELS:

The four books known as the Gospels record the birth, life, ministry, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The approach of each book differs:

Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus Christ as King and was directed especially to the Jews.

Mark: Emphasizes Jesus Christ as the Servant of God and was directed especially to the Romans.

Luke: Presents Jesus Christ as the “Son of Man,” the perfect man and Savior of imperfect men.

John: Presents Jesus in His position as the Son of God.

BOOK OF HISTORY:

Acts: The one history book of the New Testament records the early growth of Christianity from the time of Christ’s return to Heaven through Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. The book covers about 33 years and emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit.

LETTERS:

Romans: A presentation of the Gospel which stresses salvation by faith alone.

I Corinthians: Written to correct errors of Christian conduct in the local church.

II Corinthians: Speaks of the true ministry of the Gospel, stewardship, and Paul’s apostolic authority.

Galatians: Deals with the error of mixing law and faith. The theme is justification by faith alone.

Ephesians: Encourages believers regarding their position in Christ.

Philippians: Emphasizes the joy of the Christian unity.

Colossians: Deals with the error of “Gnosticism,” false teachings that denied Jesus was truly Son of God and Son of Man. The book also emphasizes Jesus as head of the Church.

I Thessalonians: Counsel in Christian living and emphasis on the return of Jesus.

II Thessalonians: Further instruction on the Lord’s return and how knowledge of this should affect everyday life.

I Timothy: Stresses sound doctrine, orderly church government, and principles to guide the church in the years to come.

II Timothy: Describes the true servant of Jesus Christ. It also warns of the apostasy (spiritual decline) that had already started. It presents the Word of God as the remedy to correct all error.

Titus: Paul’s letter to a young minister named Titus who was serving God on the island of Crete. Doctrine and a Godly life are stressed.

Philemon: Paul’s intercession for a runaway slave of a wealthy Colossian Christian. It illustrates the intercession of Jesus on the behalf of believers who were once slaves to sin.

Hebrews: Explains the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. Presents Jesus as the Great High Priest and the mediator between God and man.

James: Teaches that true faith is evidenced by works, although salvation is by faith alone.

I Peter: A letter of comfort and encouragement to believers, especially those suffering spiritual attacks from outside the church through unbelievers.

II Peter: A warning against spiritual attacks from within. For example, false teachers who had already “crept” into the Church.

I John: Written to combat Gnosticism, which denied Christ’s position as Son of God and Son of Man. The book emphasizes fellowship and love among believers and assures true believers of eternal life.

II John: Warns against any compromise with doctrinal error and emphasizes that the truth must be guarded in love.

III John: Warns of the sin of refusing fellowship with those who are true believers.

Jude: Another warning against apostasy and false doctrine. The theme is similar to that of II Peter.

BOOK OF PROPHECY:

Revelation of Jesus Christ: This prophetic book tells of the final events of world history. It tells of the things which were, are, and which will be in the future plan of God (Revelation 4:22).

SUCCESSFUL BIBLE READING

You will learn much in this course about how to understand and interpret the Bible. You will also learn methods of creative Bible study. But the first step in understanding the Bible is to begin to read it. To help you start reading God’s Word we have outlined several different reading plans. These include a plan for those just starting their study as well as a plan for those who are more advanced in the study of God’s Word.

First, here are four suggestions for successful Bible reading:

1. READ DAILY:

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalms 1:2)

God made your physical body so you must have food daily in order to remain healthy. In a similar manner, your spirit must be fed daily with the food of the Word of God if you are to be spiritually healthy:

. . . It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.(Luke 4:4)

2. READ SELECTIVELY:

Start by reading the “milk” of the word. These are the simple truths of the Word of God:

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby. (1 Peter 2:2)

Later you will mature spiritually to where you can eat “meat” of the Word of God. This means you will be able to understand more difficult teachings of the Bible:

For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it . . . (1 Corinthians 3:2)

3. READ PRAYERFULLY:

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord. (Ezra 7:10)

Before you start to read, pray to God and ask Him to help you understand the message He has given you through His written Word. Let your prayer be as the Psalmist David prayed:

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalms 119:18)

4. READ SYSTEMATICALLY:

Some people do not understand God’s Word because they do not have a systematic plan for reading. They read a chapter here and there and fail to understand how it all fits together. This is like reading a few pages here and there in a textbook on medicine and then trying to set up a medical practice.

The Bible tells us to “search the scriptures” (John 5:39). This means to study them carefully. The Bible is like a textbook used in school. You must read it in an orderly way if you are to understand its content.

Select one of the following reading schedules and begin reading your Bible daily.

Click here to download the partial Bible reading plans. (For Beginners, The Short Schedule, The Longer Schedule)

FOR BEGINNERS

If you have never read the Bible before, start with the book of John in the New Testament. This book was written by one of the Disciples of Jesus Christ named John. He tells the story of Jesus in a simple way that is easy to understand.

Read one chapter in John each day in the order in which they are found in your Bible. Use the following chart to check off each chapter as you read it.

THE SHORT SCHEDULE

The short schedule of Bible reading is designed to provide a basic knowledge of the Bible through selected portions of Scripture. Read the selected portions in the order in which they are listed. Use the chart to check off each portion as you complete your reading.

THE LONGER SCHEDULE

This reading plan covers the Bible in greater depth than the Short Schedule, but it does not cover the entire Bible.

THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Please click here to download the complete Bible reading schedule which takes you through the entire Bible in one year . This custom reading plan starts on Aug. 25, 2010. If you have joined this Bible Study later, please let me know. I will make another schedule for you.

Partial Bible Reading plans

The Complete Bible Reading Plan starting on August 25, 2010

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory.

2. How many books are in the Old Testament?

3. How many books are in the New Testament?

4. Why is it important to have a systematic plan for reading the Bible?

5. What were the four suggestions for successful Bible reading?

FOR FURTHER STUDY

• Review the descriptions of each book of the Bible given in this chapter.
• Write the name of each book of the Bible below.
• By the name of each book summarize its basic content in three or four words.
• The first two are done as examples for you to follow.

(By condensing material in this manner you will be able to develop a general knowledge of the content of the entire Bible.)

Name Of Book                   Content

Genesis                                 Book of beginnings

Exodus                                  Exit from Egypt

3. You Cannot Love God And Money

No wonder true spiritual power and great wealth often seem so incompatible Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:23). “It had happened that a certain young ruler of the Jewish people had come to Jesus and asked, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ and Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. “You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not                   bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.” And he said, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth.’ “And when Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘One thing you still lack; sell all that you posses, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven and come follow me!”‘ (Luke 18:18-22). When the young man heard this, he became sorrowful because he was very wealthy. Possibly he had struggled all his life to become rich. Being rich was the thing which most obsessed him. And now Jesus was telling him that to enter God’s Kingdom and inherit eternal life, he had to give it all up: “Dispossess yourself of your wealth and allow me to command you!” The young man was saddened because he loved his money more than he loved Jesus. He presumed he could love Jesus and love his money. He found he couldn’t have it both ways.

4. Covetousness Is Idolatry

“Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come… (Col 3:5,6). We usually think of idolatry as bowing down to idols and images. It is much more than that. Moses said of the idolatrous Israelites, “They sacrificed to demons who were not God, to gods whom they have not known, new gods who came lately” (Deut 32:17). For a person to fall down in front of a statue or idol and worship it is to worship the demon that dwells behind the graven image. This is why idolatry is such a serious sin and why God’s wrath comes against it so severely. When Paul says covetousness is idolatry, he is saying the same thing, Covetousness, or greed, is the love of money. When we love money we worship it and the demon behind it. The name Mammon is often used synonymously for money or riches. Consistent love of money brings a person into direct obedience to the dictates of the powerful, demonic, spiritual authority. Being wrongly related to money is what constitutes the danger for a Christian leader. Having money does not. Otherwise, to have money at all would be a sin.

Next week

Beware the Love of Money 3

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCING THE BIBLE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

• Write the Key Verse from memory.
• Define the word “Bible.”
• Define the word “Scripture.”
• Explain the origin of the Bible.
• Identify the major purposes of the Bible.
• Identify the Old and New Testaments as the two major divisions of the Bible.
• Name the four divisions of Old Testament books.
• Name the four divisions of New Testament books.
• Explain what is meant by the “unity and diversity” of the Bible.
• Identify the person upon whom the revelation of both testaments center.

KEY VERSES:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 4:16-17)

INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the Bible which is the written Word of the one true God. The word “Bible” means “the books.” The Bible is one volume which consists of 66 separate books.

The word “Scripture” is also used to refer to God’s Word. This word comes from a Latin word which means “writing.” When the word “Scripture” is used with a capital “S” it means the sacred writings of the one true God. The word “Bible” is not used in the Bible. It is a word selected by men as a title for all of God’s Words.

ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE

The Bible is the written Word of God. He inspired the words in the Bible and used approximately 40 different men to write down His words. These men wrote over a period of 1500 years. The perfect agreement of these writers is one proof that they were all guided by a single author. That author was God.

Some of the writers wrote down exactly what God said

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel . . . (Jeremiah 36:2)

Other writers wrote what they experienced or what God revealed concerning the future:

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)

All of the writers wrote under God’s inspiration the words of His message for us.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE

The Bible itself records its main purpose:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

The Scriptures are to be used to teach doctrine, to reprove and correct from evil, and to teach righteousness. They will help you live right and equip you to work for God.

MAJOR DIVISIONS

The Bible is divided into two major sections called the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word “testament” means covenant. A covenant is an agreement. The Old Testament records God’s original covenant or agreement with man. The New Testament records the new covenant made by God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

What was the subject of these two agreements? They both concerned restoring sinful man to right relationship with God. God made a law that sin can only be forgiven through the shedding of blood:

. . . without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness). (Hebrews 9:22)

Under God’s agreement in the Old Testament, blood sacrifices of animals were made by man to obtain forgiveness for sin. This was a symbol of the blood sacrifice Jesus Christ would provide under the new agreement with God. Through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, a final sacrifice for sin was made:

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called

might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:11-15)

Both testaments are the Word of God and we must study both in order to understand God’s message. The terms “old” and “new” testaments are used to distinguish between God’s agreement with man before and after the death of Jesus Christ. We do not disregard the Old Testament simply because it is called “old.”

FURTHER DIVISIONS

The Bible is further divided into 66 books. The Old Testament has 39 books. The New Testament contains 27 books. Each book is divided into chapters and verses. Although the content of each book is the Word of God, the division into chapters and verses was done by man in order to make it easy to locate specific passages. It would be very difficult to find a passage if the books were all one long paragraph.

UNITY OF THE BIBLE

When we speak of the unity of the Bible, we mean two things:

ONE: THE BIBLE IS UNITED IN CONTENT:

Even though many writers wrote the Bible over many years, there are no contradictions. One author does not contradict any of the others.

The Bible includes discussion of hundreds of controversial subjects. (A controversial subject is one that creates different opinions when mentioned). Yet the writers of the Bible spoke on such subjects with harmony from the first book of Genesis through the last book of Revelation. This was possible because there was really only one author: God. The writers only recorded the message under His direction and inspiration. For this reason, the content of the Bible is united.

TWO: THE BIBLE IS UNITED IN THEME:

Some people think the Bible is a collection of 66 separate books on different subjects. They do not realize that the Bible is united by a major theme. From beginning to end, the Bible reveals God’s special purpose, which is summarized in the book of Ephesians: Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him; In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. (Ephesians 1:9-11)

The Bible reveals the mystery of God’s plan, which is the unifying theme of the Bible. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Savior of sinful mankind. Jesus explained how the Old Testament centered on Him:

And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me. (Luke 24:44)

With this introduction, Jesus continued and . . .

. . . opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. (Luke 24:45)

What was the key Jesus gave them to understanding the Scriptures? The fact that its major theme focused on Him:

. . . Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day;

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And Ye are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48)

The Old and New Testaments both tell the story of Jesus. The Old Testament prepares us for its happening and the New Testament tells how it happened. This unites the Bible in one major theme. The people who looked forward to Jesus under the Old Testament were saved from their sins through faith in God’s promise. Everyone who looks back to it as having been fulfilled in Jesus Christ is saved in the same way: Through faith that it happened just as God promised.

DIVERSITY OF THE BIBLE

When we speak of the “diversity” of the Bible we mean that the Bible has variety. It records different ways in which God dealt with people and the different ways in which they responded to Him.

The Bible is written in different moods. Some portions express joy while others reflect sorrow. The Bible includes different types of writing. It contains history, poetry, prophecy, letters, adventure, parables, miracles, and love stories. Because of its variety, the Bible has been further divided into major groups of books.

OLD TESTAMENT DIVISIONS

The books of the Old Testament are divided into four major groups: Law, history, poetry and prophecy.

THE BOOKS OF THE LAW:

There are five books of law. The names of these books are:

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy

These books record the creation of man and the world by God and the early history of man. They tell how God raised up the nation of Israel as a people through which He could reveal Himself to the nations of the world.

These books record the laws of God. The best-known parts are the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3- 17), the greatest of all commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5), and the second greatest commandment (Leviticus 19:18).

Open your Bible and locate the books of Law in the Old Testament. Locate the three verses mentioned in the preceding paragraph and read them. These are an example of the laws of God recorded in these books.

THE BOOKS OF HISTORY:

There are 12 books of history in the Old Testament. The names of the books of history are:

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• I and II Samuel
• I and II Kings
• I and II Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther

Locate these books in your Bible. They are found right after the books of law. The books of history cover a thousand year history of God’s people, Israel. Naturally they do not tell everything that happened, but they record the major events and show the results of both following and ignoring God’s law.

THE BOOKS OF POETRY:

There are five books of poetry. The names of the books of poetry are:

• Job
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon

These books are the worship books of God’s people, Israel. Believers still use them in worship today.

Turn to Psalm 23 and read it. This is an example of the beautiful worship poetry contained in these books.

THE BOOKS OF PROPHECY:

The books of prophecy are the Old Testament are divided into two groups which are called Major and Minor prophetical books. This does not mean the Major Prophets are more important than the Minor Prophets. The title is simply used because the Major Prophets are longer books than the Minor Prophets. There are 17 books of prophecy in the Old Testament. The names of the books of prophecy are:

Major Prophets:

• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel

Minor Prophets:

• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zechariah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi

These books are prophetic messages from God to His people about future events. Many of the prophecies have already been fulfilled, but some remain to be fulfilled in the future. Find these prophetic books in your Bible. They are the last books in the Old Testament.

NEW TESTAMENT DIVISIONS

The New Testament has also been divided into four groups: Gospels, History, Letters, and Prophecy.

THE GOSPELS:

There are four books in the Gospels. The names of these books are:

• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• John

These books tell about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Their purpose is to lead you to believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God. Find the Gospels in your Bible and then read John 20:31 which states this purpose.

THE BOOK OF HISTORY:

There is one book of history in the New Testament, the book of Acts. This book tells how the church began and fulfilled Christ’s commission to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Locate this book in your Bible.

LETTERS:

There are 21 letters in the New Testament. The names of these letters are:

• Romans
• I and II Corinthians
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• I and II Thessalonians
• I and II Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews
• James
• I and II Peter
• I, II, and III John
• Jude

The letters are addressed to all believers. Their purpose is to guide them in living and help them do what Jesus commanded. Romans 12 is a good example of their teaching. Turn to this chapter in your Bible and read it. The letters are also sometimes called “epistles” which means letters.

PROPHECY:

Revelation is the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. It tells of the final victory of Jesus and His people. Its purpose is to encourage you to keep living as a Christian should live until the end of time. Its message is summarized in Revelation 2:10.

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verses from memory:

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2. What does the word “Bible” mean?_______________________________________________

3. What does the word “Scripture” mean?_____________________________________________

4. What are the two major divisions of the Bible?

______________________________ _______________________________

5. How many books are there in the Bible?____________________________________________

6. Name the four major groups into which Old Testament books are divided:

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

7. Name the four major groups into which New Testament books are divided:

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

8. What is the meaning of the word “testament”?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

9. What are four main purposes of the Bible? Give a Bible reference to support your answer.

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10. What is meant by the “unity of the Bible”?

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11. What is meant by the “diversity of the Bible”?

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12. Read each statement. If the statement is TRUE put the letter T on the blank in front of it. If the

statement is FALSE put the letter F on the blank in front of it:

a._____The Bible is the written Word of the one true God.

b._____Although God inspired the Bible, He used men to write down His words.

c._____Because there were many writers over a period of many years, the Bible contains a lot of

contradictions.

d._____There is no united theme of the Bible. It is just a collection of books on different subjects.

e._____The Major Prophets of the Old Testament are more important than the Minor Prophets.

13. Who is the person on which the revelation of both testaments centers? Give a Bible

reference to support your answer.____________________Reference___________________

FOR FURTHER STUDY

The bookmarks given below will help you learn the major divisions of the Bible.

OLD TESTAMENT

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Genesis.

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Joshua.

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Job.

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Isaiah.

NEW TESTAMENT

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Matthew.

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Acts.

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Romans.

Place a bookmark at the beginning of the book of Revelation.

You have now located the major divisions of the Bible. Keep using the bookmarks until you can name and locate these divisions by memory.