Author Archives: John Sanzone

Apr 30, 2023. Hebrews 1:5-8

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BETTER THAN THE ANGELS.  Hebrews 1:5-8. 04/30/2023. #2.

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? 6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” 7 And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

1. The exalted position of angels

                a. Angels are heavenly beings created on day on

                                a1. Nehemiah 9:6 God created angels along with the hosts of heaven

                                a2. Angels did not exist before creation

                                a3. Job 38:1-7 the angels sang for joy as they watched God create the universe

                b. Angels were the highest of creation, but they were not eternal beings

                c. Jews held angels in high regard

                d. Jesus claimed to be higher than the angels

                e. 108 ref. to angels in OT and 165 in NT (most in Revelation where Satan leads 1/3 to rebel – Revelation 12)

                f. Angels can take human form and minister to saints

2. The humbling of the Son of God

                a. Jesus is eternally God (Isaiah 9:6; John 17:1-5)

                b. Philippians 2:5-11 when Jesus became a man he humbled himself (emptied himself out of

                     the privilege of his glory)

                                a1. Psalm 8:4-5 man was made a little lower than the angels (Jesus became a man)

                                a2. Colossians 2:9 Jesus never left off being God

                                a3. As man, Jesus was made lower than the angels, but as God, he is higher than them

                c. As man Jesus felt fatigue, hunger, thirst, pain…

                d. Jesus did his work in the power of the Father

3. Jesus is far better than the angels

                a. No angel has been called God’s Son

                b. No angel has been given a throne to rule all

                c. No angel is called the firstborn

                                a1. Firstborn = chief born (most important)

                                a2. Jesus is the most important person ever born, for he is the Savior (Psalm 2:7)

                                a3. Colossians 1:15-18 Jesus is both the creator of all things and chief born of all creation

                d. Ps. 97:1-7 no idol is to receive worship

                                a1. Matthew 4 Jesus told Satan that he was to worship God alone

                                a2. John 20:28-29 Jesus received worship from Thomas (“my Lord and my God”)

                e. Angels are great, but Jesus is far greater

                                a1. Psalm 45:6-7 it is Christ’s throne that lasts forever (Is. 6:1-6)

                                                b1. Jesus is referred to directly as God

                                                b2. He holds the king’s scepter forever

                                a2. Ps. 2:9-11 every knee shall bow before him (even those who are condemned)

                                a3. Angels are ministers and flames of fire, but Jesus is the king whose dominion is forever

                                                b1. Satan had usurped dominion over the earth (prince of this world)

                                                b2. Jesus takes the rule back from the great usurper

                f. If Jesus is far better than the angels, he is better than anything else as well (wealth, fame, pleasure, long life, comforts…)

                                a1. If Jesus is superior to all, he is the only one worth our devotion, focus, and service

                                a2. 1 Cor. 3:12-15 many will find out too late that they wasted time and effort on useless vanities (Ecclesiastes 12)

                g. One cannot embrace both the Lord and the world

                h. Hebrews starts out with the top (angels)

                                a1. Jesus is better than all else (Moses, Law…)

                                a2. Jesus is greater than what world offers

Key verse:  Philippians 2:5-11

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [b]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Apr 23, 2023. Hebrews 1:1-4

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CHRIST: SUPERIOR TO ANGELS. Hebrews 1:1-4. 4/23/2023. #1.

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself [d]purged [e]our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

1. A letter to Jewish Christians

                a. Addressed to the Hebrews (no location given)

                b. Traditional view = Paul wrote Hebrews, though he did not sign it

                c. Modern view = either Barnabas or Apollos wrote the epistle (Hebrews 2:3 neither had seen Christ on earth) + though Paul’s theology, the style is different

                d. Theme = Jesus is superior or better (used 15 times) than angels, Moses, Joshua, & the priests)

                                a1. Jewish converts tried to hold onto the Law

                                a2. Writer shows that Jesus surpassed the Law

                e. Date: before the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD since writer uses priestly sacrifice in present tense

2. Ministry in the Old Testament

                a. There is no greeting at the beginning of the book

                b. The author starts with a summary statement outing both identifying Jesus & his ministry

                c. Before Christ, God spoke to man through prophets

                                a1. Prophets had 3 ministries: to reveal the will of God; to warn Israel to repent or face

                                       judgment; to reveal God’s future plans & purposes (particularly about Christ)

                                a2. The prophets held a place of teaching before the coming of Christ

                d. Prophets came at different times & ways

                e. Main job of the prophet was warning

3. God has spoken to us in last days through His Son

                a. The church age is the last days

                b. God’s Son = heir to all things (1 Corinthians 15)

                c. Christ has a multiple-fold ministry:

                                a1. Creator – made all worlds (lit., all ages – aeons) = the universe & time (Colossians 1:15-18)

                                a2. The exact image of God – of the same essence of his Father (Colossians 2:6-15)

                                a3. Sustainer of all things – everything in the universe is held together by the power of his word (Colossians 1:15-18)

                                                b1. If Christ ceased to hold all things together, everything would vanish

                                                b2. Apart from Christ there is no substance or reality (not self-sustaining)

                                                b3. Existence depends on Christ

                d. Christ’s divine being asserted

                                a1. The author begins a long treatise on the divinity of Christ & his superiority to all

                                       creation

                                a2. Jesus is all glorious (an expression used only of God)

                                a3.The express image of God – not only does Christ exhibit the glory of God, but he is of the exact same essence of the Father

                e. The redemptive work of Christ

                                a1. Purged sins (catharsis) – to completely cleanse from sin (a removal of sins)

                                                b1. “Our” sin = sins of believers

                                                b2. Purging of sin is complete in Christ’s atonement on the cross

                                a2. After his cross work, Christ sat down on the right hand of the Father (making intercession for us (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-25, Revelation 12:10-12)

                f. “Had become so much better than the angels”

                                a1. Christ was always superior to the angels

                                a2. His ministry “became” better than the angels in that they ministered, but Christ saved through his redemptive work

Key verse: Colossians 2:6-156 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. 11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Apr 16, 2023. Philemon 1:17-25

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A DEBT REPAID. Philemon 1:17-25. 4/16/2023. #2.

17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

1. A very personal appeal

                a. Onesimus is Philemon’s runaway slave

                                a1. Onesimus had stolen from his master

                                a2. Paul had led Onesimus to the Lord

                b. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon with three appeals

                                a1. Forgive Onesimus for the wrong he had done

                                a2. Receive him as a brother in Christ

                                a3. Release him to the service of the Lord

                c. Paul spends much of his letter praising Philemon for his Christian grace and service

                                a1. This is not vain flattering

                                a2. Paul is relying on Philemon’s character to grant his request

                d. Paul puts pressure on Philemon to respond properly

                                a1. Onesimus’ life is at stake

                                a2. Paul appeals to Philemon’s sense of duty to do what is right; not what is his legal rights

                                                b1. Morality and legality are not the same

                                                b2. I Corinthians 6, grace means at times we suffer loss and allow sleights to go unrequited

                e. Paul personally wrote this letter (not dictated)

                f. Philemon would have to subdue his vexation

                g. Paul makes the appeal very personal

                h. This rises to the level of a personal favor

2. Paul lays out a thorough case

                a. Paul’s relationship with Philemon:

                                a1. Partners (koinonea) in the ministry

                                a2. Paul depends on Philemon spiritual character

                b. Covering Philemon’s losses

                                a1. If Onesimus owes anything to Philemon, Paul says to put it on his account and he will repay

                                a2. Paul reminds Philemon that he owe him his own life, for through Paul, Philemon heard the gospel (more was owed to Paul than to Philemon) – Philemon 3

                c. Paul expresses confidence that Philemon will respond with grace and generosity

                                a1. He will exceed Paul’s expectations

                                a2. Not to do what Paul asks would let Paul down (something that Philemon probably

                                       would not risk)

                d. Paul’s letter shows that Philemon probably would not have forgiven Onesimus on his own (Matthew 18:21-35)

                                a1. Often, we must be given a proper perspective to do what is right

                                a2. Paul had to overcome Philemon’s indignation

                e. In the body of Christ, it is important to give each other perspective, whether in counsel, comfort, or courage

                f. We do not know how this turned out, but Paul was confident that Philemon would do what was right

                                a1. It takes a right relationship with God to do what is right

                                a2. If we do not listen to godly counsel, then we will do what is sinful

3. An interesting entourage

                a. Paul’s benediction includes people of interest

                b. Epaphras = planted the Colossian church

                c. Mark = when Barnabas had appealed to Paul to forgive Mark and allow him to come, he refused

                d. Demas will soon abandon Paul (II Timothy 4)

                e. Paul is confident of his release and travel to Col.

                f. Grace must be learned – to receive and to give

Matthew 18:21-35

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Apr 9, 2023. Easter 2023

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CROSSROADS OF CONTEMPT & CONSECRATION. Matthew 27:35-44. 4/9/2023

35 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

36 Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. 39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

1. A universal crucifixion

                a. Several things we know of the crucifixion:

                                a1. Preplanned from before the foundation of the world

                                a2. Purposely manipulated by Christ’s enemies

                                a3. Public where criminals are displayed as a warning to others

                                a4. Pernicious as a slow agonizing death of pain, dehydration, & suffocation

                                a5. Humiliating as the King of Glory endured mockery, insults, & ignorant accusations

                                a6. Prolonged as Jesus endured 6 hours of pain, recrimination, & punishment

                b. Representatives of all classes, ethnic groups, & known nations were represented at the cross

                                a1. Jews cried for his crucifixion & their leaders held mock trials

                                a2. The Romans carried out the deed, even though crucifixion was reserved for the worse of criminals (note sign over cross)

2. Three classes of torturers at the cross:

                a. Passer-byes – those who walk along the busy path to the entrance of Jerusalem

                                a1. A mixture of people (Jews, merchants, pilgrims, thieves, officials, peasants…)

                                a2. The passer-byes blasphemed Christ

                                                b1. Accused him of lying = he would destroy the Temple & then rebuild it in 3 days (they didn’t know that Jesus spoke of his own body)

                                                b2. Accused him of impotence (no power to save self) – it was omnipotence that held him there

                b. The chief priests – religious leaders of the people

                                a1. These were supposed to be the most holy of the people (closest to God)

                                a2. These were wolves in sheep’s clothing, jealous for their own power & prestige

                                a3. False religionists are cruelest of all

                                a4. Jewish leaders challenged Jesus to prove that he was God by coming down off the cross (same tactic as Satan in wilderness)

                c. The thieves on the flanking crosses

                                a1. Ironically, the thieves join in the mocked

                                a2. The wicked point their fingers at others

                                a3. Only when one of the thieves realizes that he was justly being crucified, but Christ was not, did he repent

3. For all people

                a. Ironically, Christ was dying for the sins of all the people who were crucifying him

                b. Their mockery was unjust & misguided

                c. Christ showed compassion, perseverance, patience, endurance, & forgiveness

                d. The 3 types of people mocking Christ are us

                                a1. They represent us

                                a2. Christ loved them & us

                e. He suffered once for all

                                a1. His great endurance paid great dividends

                                a2. We will never comprehend the price paid

                f. Only after the resurrection did it become clear

Mar 26, 2013. Philemon 1:1-16

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CHAINS NO MORE. Philemon 1:1-16. 3/26/2023. #1.

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. 8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. 15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

1.  A delicate situation

                a. This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon

                                a1. This is not a letter of doctrine or command

                                a2. Paul is making a personal appeal

                b. Paul spends a much time building rapport with Philemon and his household (Apphia; Archippus)

                                a1. Beloved friend, fellow laborer, fellow soldier…

                                a2. Philemon is faithful, loving, prayerful, a faithful witness, effective, refreshing…

                c. Philemon hosted the church in Colosse

                                a1. Apparently, his son, Archippus, was the pastor of the church (Col. 4:17)

                                a2. Paul commends him for his faithful witness

                d. Onesimus, Philemon’s slave had run away

                                a1. Apparently, he had stolen from his master

                                a2. The penalty for this crime was death

                e. Onesimus ran into Paul, who led him to Christ

                                a1. The letter is sent from Rome (Paul mentions that he is chains)

                                a2. Paul pleads for clemency

2. A case for mercy

                a. Slavery was a common reality in ancient world

                                a1. Abraham owned slaves and many of the prophets had bonded servants

                                a2. Can’t be judged by modern standards

                b. Paul does 4 things:

                                a1. He pleads that Philemon forgive Onesimus

                                a2. He wants Philemon to receive him as a brother

                                a3. He wants Philemon to release On. from his servitude

                                a4. He refuses to command Philemon to do this, even though as an apostle, he could do so

                c. Paul adds some spiritual pressure to his appeal

                                a1. He would have liked to have kept Ones. with him to help him in the gospel ministry

                                a2. Since Philemon owned Ones., Paul could not keep him without his permission

                                a3. It is “fitting” (proper; lit., to come up to standard) for Philemon to release Ones.

                                                b1. Paul implies that it would be inappropriate not to comply

                                                b2. Ones. would be more profitable serving the Lord than a slave

3. Paul’s personal appeal

                a. Paul states that he needs workers to help him while he is in chains in Rome

                                a1. Ones. would be a big benefit to Paul

                                a2. Paul needed more help than Philemon

                b. Paul wants Philemon to release Ones. voluntarily

                                a1. I Corinthians 9:19-27 God does not force us to serve him, but wants us to do so out of love

                                a2. Paul wants Philemon to give up his servant for the kingdom’s sake (service costs us)

                c. Providence: Paul states that these things may have providentially occurred to further the kingdom

                                a1. Ones. had not come to the Lord in Colosse

                                a2. Now Ones. returns as a brother in the Lord

                d. A transition from worldly culture to Christian grace

                e. Social change did not occur overnight (centuries)

Key verse: I Corinthians 9:19-2719 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.