Dan Lee
1 Timothy 1:1-7, Focused and Undistracted

The burden that drove Paul to write First Timothy was the distractions that could steer the church away from God’s purpose for her, namely, the administration of God which is by faith, the love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Paul opens his letter with a strong appeal to his authority to ensure that Timothy understood the gravity of the issues at hand and that the church would receive Timothy’s leadership in this matter. In this passage, we find four strong encouragements to guide us away from the thousand termites that can eat away at our own walk with the Lord and the maturation of God’s church: 1) avoid speculative ideas, 2) understand our stewardship, 3) pursue godliness, and 4) exude holy love.

Dan Lee
Deut. 30:11-14, Bibliology: The Clarity of ...

As one preacher once put it: “The main things in Scripture are the plain things, and the plain things in Scripture are the main things.” This is indeed Scripture’s claim about itself, that the word of God is understandable in its gospel call to the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ and repentance from sin. But this is a very nuanced doctrine. Four such nuances are explored here: progress, study, Spirit, and limitation. May we all continually grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).

Dan Lee
2 Tim. 3:14-4:5, Bibliology: The Sufficiency of ...

Scripture is sufficient for all the matters about which it speaks. This means the Bible is all we need to do all that God desires for us to do, i.e., what we must believe and how we are to live before God. No other source of special revelation for faith and life is needed in addition to the Bible. Whether it is for salvation, personal godliness, or the life and ministry of the church, Scripture is what God has chosen to give us and it is enough. Were we to ask what books make up these sufficient Scriptures, we heartily answer, the Old Testament Jesus affirmed and the New Testament Jesus authorized, these 39 and 27 books of the two testaments are the word of God, and no more.

Dan Lee
1 Cor. 15:20-26, 50-57, Our Victory in Christ

No man is a match for death and its sting, because we all descend from Adam. But God has provided another man, “the last Adam” who unlike the first gives life (v45), not takes away life. Indeed, all who are “Christ’s” will like Him be raised from the dead when He comes (v23). Christ is the firstfruits, and we the harvest after Him (v20). All who are one with Christ by faith share in His victory over death. This victory culminates when death itself is destroyed and the imperishable kingdom of God commences. It is for that eternal dwelling place that the Lord will fit us at glorification.

Dan Lee
Psalm 119:160, Bibliology: The Inerrancy of ...

The Bible is inerrant. This has always been the conviction of believers throughout the ages until the 18th century Enlightenment when audacious attacks were mounted against Scripture. In this study of the doctrine of inerrancy, we examine the biblical basis for inerrancy, its history that culminated with the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, its clarification given by that statement, and the dangers of holding to an errantist view of Scripture.

2 Timothy 2:15, Intro to Theology: Cutting It Straight

This introductory sermon to a new series on systematic theology addresses four questions: What is theology? What are its benefits? What are its obstacles? And why is it necessary? May the Lord grant us deeper understanding of the whole counsel of God in these areas of doctrine, so that we may know more fully the God we trust, believe, and love—for all who trust in Him will never be disappointed.

Gal. 5:16-25, The Cross and the Spirit

How can I change? This is a question that arises when we consider the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The apostle Paul points us to the twofold answer of the cross and the Spirit. He speaks not to condemn but to call us back to the basics of the Christian faith. We must trust in Christ who bore the cross in the place of sinners and heed His call to put to death the flesh and inviting the powerful influence of the Spirit of truth to dictate our thoughts and our affections. May the Lord tame the wolf of our flesh as the lion of the Spirit is enthroned in our minds and hearts.

John 21:15-17, The Way Up Is The Way Down

Simon Peter had sinned grievously against the Lord. But because Jesus bore his sins on His body on the cross, there was forgiveness for him. Moreover, there was restoration waiting for him. Jesus restored this man. He could never be Rocky on his own by his own strength and will-power, but the Lord takes this man and brings him low before bringing him high. He humbles him before exalting him.

John 21:1-14, The Way of Grace

Jesus treated His disciples better than they deserved. He demonstrated to them His mercy, His provision, and His kindness. This is the Lord’s dealings with His elect. He will woo them and draw them to faith and repentance. This is indeed how the Lord deals with His elect throughout the ages. Those whom He has chosen He showers His kindness to lead them to repentance—though at times with the rod. May our hearts be warmed and led to surrender to the Lord in sweet yieldedness toward Him.