In the Fullness of Time

Background Scripture: Mark 1
Lesson Scripture: Mark 1:1–15

Introduction

The gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus. Historically, Bible scholars have considered Mark as the mouthpiece of the apostle Peter and believe that his gospel was composed before those of Matthew, Luke, and John. In any case, Mark’s gospel was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it is interesting to envision that while he and Peter were together in Rome he listened closely to Peter’s recollection of the life, teachings, and death of Jesus.

Mark was an early missionary who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary trip. The book of Acts refers to a difficulty between them, and Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his second journey. Apparently they reconciled, because when Paul wrote to the Colossians he commended Mark to them (Col. 4:10). The fact that the Lord entrusted writing the precious gospel message to Mark proves that spiritual blessings will be imparted later in life if we are faithful, even if there have been earlier struggles.

Who among us has no regrets? We must rely on the forgiveness and grace of God for our present well-being. The apostle Peter certainly made mistakes, as did the apostle Paul, but both men were cleansed through repentance, grace, and forgiveness to become useful vessels in the church of God.

Sunday school, which is a part of our worship, thrives when we apply ourselves to studying God’s Word. Are we drawn to the timeless standards of the gospel, or are we so distracted by the bombardment of modern media that the simple, precious gems of truth have lost their luster? If so, perhaps we need to prioritize how we fill our minds. Are parents leaving a good example for their youth and children in preparing for Sunday school? It is disheartening to hear that there are youth who neglect reading their Sunday school lessons. This may signal that the Bible also is an unattended treasure.

The efforts of writers, editors, and proofreaders are squandered by those who approach Sunday school so casually, and the Lord God is grieved when He is relegated to second place in our hearts. Let us give Him our best—the first place in our hearts, lives, and homes.

In the Fullness of Time

Lesson 1

December 1, 2019

Background Scripture: Mark 1

Lesson Scripture: Mark 1:1–15

Introduction

The Bible is the story of man’s fall from grace and finding redemption through Jesus Christ. With our limited understanding, we are unable to fully grasp God’s ways, but by faith we know God does all things well. As we study history and observe God’s plan unfolding, we see His divine timing is flawless.

In the course of life, God has a message for those who will listen. He often uses fallible humans to share His message. As we study how God used a man named John to deliver His message to the people, may we be encouraged to do our part when God asks us. We need to wait with patience for God’s timing in our lives and move ahead when He calls on us for service.

Key Verse

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isa. 40:3).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

In a dramatic fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, John the Baptist appeared on the scene as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He was sent by God to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming Messiah.

Who was John? The gospel of Luke records the miraculous nature of his birth. Zacharias and Elisabeth (a cousin of Mary) were people of faith and piety. Even though the Jewish religion of that time had become something other than God had ordained, there is much to admire in the steadfast faith of the humble people who were walking with God and waiting for the consolation of Israel. They were faithful, and God rewarded them for their faithfulness. In the fullness of time as His plan unfolded, God called on them to fill an important place in the coming of Messiah.

Although past the years of childbearing, Zacharias and Elisabeth were to have a son. They were to call him John, and from birth he was to be set apart for the Lord. In keeping with the spirit and power of Elijah, he would be like the prophets of old, not a man of society but a man set apart from the common course of society. His dwelling would be in the wilderness, his clothing would be camel’s hair, and his diet would be locusts and wild honey. What an intriguing figure John must have been!

Every prophet has a message, and this was true of John the Baptist. He preached the “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” His message cut through the religious forms of his day and called for a change of course at the deepest level of man’s heart. He called on God’s people to humble themselves and deal with the root of sin in their lives. He preached that all must come to a common level in order to meet God. John understood his own limitations as well and humbly said, “There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.” In another beautiful expression of humility, John said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

Did John realize the full extent of his words, “I must decrease”? How hard it must have been for him to accept imprisonment after Jesus began to preach. Shortly he was killed by Herod’s cruel order. Though this was a tragic end, he had finished the task he was called to do. We believe God will give him a just reward in His eternal kingdom.

Practical Truths for Today

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Tim. 1:15). Paul had a clear testimony of his sinfulness and of God’s grace. We too need Jesus and the redemption He offers because we stand condemned by the law of God. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Because of His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, there is hope and grace for every soul on earth to be saved.

How do we access this grace? “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Rom. 2:4). The word repentance is sometimes viewed negatively, but notice that it is the goodness of God that brings us to repentance. It is true that our flesh recoils from surrender—we protect our self by nature. However, just as John’s message of repentance prepared the way for the gospel of Jesus Christ, so our repentance opens the door of mercy into God’s forgiveness.

True repentance brings us to the light. Our natural vision is a function of light; we see because of light. So, in a spiritual sense, light brings vision. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Our flesh resists the light and like Adam and Eve, we want to hide, but the goodness of God continues to lead us into the light. In God’s light we see our true condition. By His grace we see the sinfulness of our deeds and attitudes. We cease to make excuses or blame others for our failures. God’s light reveals our inward thoughts and motives as well as our sinful deeds. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). John the Baptist’s message is that “the axe is laid unto the root of the trees” (Matt. 3:10). Though it is our choice whether we will let Him, God would like to lead us to the root of our sin. Our flesh seeks compromise, but in true repentance we have the desire and grace to deal with this root of pride.

In seeking compromise, we may admit we have a need and become willing to make some outward changes to satisfy what we perceive are demands placed upon us. Such an attempted reformation does not lead us to peace with God or the brethren, and we can easily become offended. The conviction of sin is not repentance; a supposed repentance does not bring lasting change. However, God in His love for us does not leave us in limbo. While He does not drive us to repentance, He longs to lead us there. He desires not to wound us but to heal; not to destroy us but to save.

True repentance is not complicated. It requires a complete surrender of our will to God. It is simply agreeing with God and accepting His prescription. We have a godly sorrow for sin and by His grace we confess our sins, forsake them, and make restitution where it is needed.

God’s timing is perfect. In the “fullness of time” He sent John the Baptist to initiate the new dispensation of grace with a powerful message of repentance. The message found its way into the hearts of people who were oppressed and longing for something different. The common people heard and responded. God knows the hearts of all mankind. He understands when to knock at our heart and, in His goodness, leads us to repentance.

We should be sensitive to God’s timing when helping others. May God give us the grace to “speak a word in season to him that is weary” (Isa. 50:4). We need the Holy Spirit to clearly hear the cry from the heart of our brother or sister and to sense their deep frustrations. May God bless us with the insight to neither lag nor run ahead of Him. Our vision needs to correspond with God’s vision for souls. Like Him, we do not try to drive others to repentance; rather, we seek to lead sinners to Christ and to encourage believers who are inclined to draw back to step into the deeper waters of joyful Christian living.

Questions

1. Why is it difficult to face our pride?
2. If I have not truly repented, will I be able to prove whether my brother has repented?
3. Discuss the difference between the proper fear of the Lord and being afraid of God.
4. Unsubscribe

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).