Resources - The End of the Books
Look to Scripture. How did the various parts end?
1. First look at our ultimate example, Jesus Christ.
- “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved 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. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:45-49).
- First point: Do what Jesus said! This is the foundation upon which all the remainder of this rests.
2. Jesus has the power to establish us in the gospel; in part due to His Word.
- “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of.the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen” (Romans: 16:25-27).
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (II Corinthians 13:11).
3. Take the “body of Christ” seriously, and with respect. We really are brothers and sisters draw strength from our common faith.
- “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen” (Ephesians: 6:23-24).
4. Never forget God’s gifts to us, when we certainly do not deserve them.
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Philippians: 4:23). (This is found other places as well.)
5. Do all of this stuff. (You need His Spirit to accomplish this.)
- “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that
which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-24)
6. God is a god of peace—take courage to do His will (if we do, we will not have a life of constant inner turmoil).
- “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
7. The great commission, said in a different way (let’s not forget the magnitude of the battle we are in).
- Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James: 5:19-20).
8. We can never exhaust the depth of God.
- “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (Peter: 23:18)
9. It is never a question of “can God do it?”, but the challenge instead is “Let God do it!”
- “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling. and to present you faultless before the presence of his glorv with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty, dominion and power. both now and for ever. Amen.”
Student Handout
The End of the Books
1. First look at our ultimate example, Jesus Christ. See Luke 24:45-49.
- Do what Jesus said! This is the foundation upon which all the remainder of this rests.
2. See Romans 16:25-27.
3. See II Corinthians 13:11.
4. See Ephesians 6:23-24.
5. See Philippians 6:23.
6. See I Thessalonians 5:14-24.
7. See Hebrews 13:20-21.
8. See James 5:19-20.
9. See II Peter 3:18.
10. Jude 1:24-25: “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling. and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour. be glory and majesty, dominion and power. both now and for ever. Amen.”