Numbers 24
- Balaam didn't go with Balak this time because he saw that God had chosen to bless Israel.
- Why did Balaam go with Balak the 2nd time then?
- God spoke through Balaam stating how lovely Israel was.
- They are like plants water from God's bucket.
- God's kingdom shall be higher then King Agag.
- God brought Israel out of Egypt and will eat up other nations.
- Those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse them will be cursed.
- King Balaak was angry that Balaam blessed Israel a third time and told Balaam to leave.
- Balaam said he would honor Balaak but God has withheld him honor.
- Balaam reminded Balaak that he originally said he would do or say anything beyond the word of God.
- Balaam said he'd let Balaak know what would happen to his people.
- Balaam's final oracle said a star would come out of Jacob and shall crush the head of Moab.
- Edom and Seir shall be dispossessed.
- Jacob shall rule over them and destroy any survivors.
- Amalek will also come to destruction.
- Kenite is enduring but Assur will take them captive
- Ships will come from Kittim and afflict Asshur and Eber.
- Balak and Balaam departed ways after this.
Isaiah 6
- Isaiah saw a vision in the year Uzziah died.
- He saw God and His robe filled the temple.
- There were seraphim with 6 wings each, 2 covered its face, 2 covered its feet and 2 wings flew.
- They called to each other saying "holy, holy, holy the whole earth is filled with his glory"
- The whole place shook when God spoke.
- Isaiah's reaction was woe because he knew he was unclean and from an unclean people.
- A seraphim took tongs and touched a burning coals to Isaiah's lips.
- The seraphim said the coal had taken away his guilt and atoned for his sins.
- The Lord asked who He should send and Isaiah said to send him.
- Isaiah was to say to keep seeing and hearing but not understanding.
- Why does God want Isaiah to tell the people to not understand with their hearts?
- Isaiah asked how long this would last and God replied until the cities were laid to waste.
- God would remove people and and people from forsaken lands would enter the lands.
- The remaining Israelites shall be like a stump from a fallen tree.
1 Corinthians 5
- Paul rebukes them for their sexual immorality.
- He said it is so bad that pagans don't even participate (a man has his father's wife)
- Paul says they should be mourning but are arrogant.
- They should throw out this man.
- Paul says he is present with them in spirit and has passed judgement on that man.
- Why does Paul pass judgement on the man when he told them not to judge others?
- This man should be given over to Satan so that his flesh may die but his spirit be saved.
- How can this man be saved if he continues in sin?
- Boasting is not good because even a little leaven gets into a whole lump of dough.
- As believers they need to replace malice and evil with sincerity and truth.
- (v.9) Did Paul write them a previous letter?
- Paul's "previous letter" had told them not to associate with sexually immoral people (getting them away from worldly temptations.
- He now adds not to associate with a brother who is sexually immoral, a drunkard, idolater, or a swindler.
- Paul tells them to judge their brothers' actions and let God judge the unsaved.
1 Peter 4
- We should arm ourselves with Christ's thinking. (What Would Jesus Do?)
- That way we can live for God's will and not human passions.
- In the past they were like the Gentiles; lawless idolatry, drunkenness, drinking parties, living for passions.
- The Gentiles malign them for no longer participating.
- They will have to give an account to God later for their sins.
- That is why the gospel is preached to them, that they too might live in the spirit.
- Being self-controlled and sober minded helps make prayers more effective.
- Peter tells them to love one another because love covers many sins.
- We are to show hospitality without grumbling.
- We should use our God given gifts to steward God's varied grace.
- God's grace is varied.
- We should speak and serve to glorify God.
- We should not be surprised when trials come.
- We should rejoice in suffering and be glad when God's glory is revealed to the lost.
- Being insulted for Christ's name brings us blessings.
- We shouldn't suffer for common crimes but suffering for being a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of.
- Christians will be judged first then the lost.
- Where does Peter quote this phrase from? “If the righteous is scarcely saved,what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
- When we suffer we should entrust ourselves to a faithful Creator while doing good (faith and doing good; justification and sanctification)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Test Me
When next you see me ask me to recite James 1. ( I could do it last Friday)
Also if anyone noticed I did Isaiah 15 today and last post (I skipped Isaiah 14)
Also if anyone noticed I did Isaiah 15 today and last post (I skipped Isaiah 14)
Numbers 23 - Isaiah 15 – 1 Corinthians 4 – 1 Peter 3
Numbers 23
- Balaam told King Balak to build 7 alters and prepare 7 bulls and 7 rams.
- Balak and Balaam offered the bulls and rams together.
- Balaam told Balak to wait by the alter while Balaam went to inquire of God.
- God met Balaam and put a word in his mouth to speak to Balak.
- All the princes of Moab were standing beside Balak when Balaam returned.
- Balaam reminded them of the Moabites request for him to curse Israel.
- Balaam said he cannot curse what God has not cursed.
- Balaam said they Moabites were a people alone who were not counted among the nations.
- Balak was very upset that Balaam blessed the Israelites rather than curse them.
- Balaam simply replied that he must speak what God puts in his mouth to say.
- Balak took Balaam to a place where he'd be able to see the whole tribe of Israel and again asked Balaam to curse them.
- They went to the top of Pisgah and built 7 more alters.
- Balaam told King Balaak to wait again while he went to talk with God.
- God's word directly addressed King Balak. God said that HE does not lie or change his mind.
- God cannot revoke a blessing and God protects Israel like the horns of a bull.
- Israel is like a lion which will not lie down until it has killed its prey.
- Balak told Balaam not to curse Israel or bless them.
- Balaam said he must do what God commands.
- Balak took Balaam to a 3rd place hoping God would change his mind at the top opf Peor.
- He again built 7 alters and sacrificed 7 bulls and 7 rams.
- It is ironic that Balak turns to God repeatidly but is denied, where as the Israelites turn FROM God repeatedly and are still blessed.
Isaiah 15
- This oracle is against Moab
- Ar and Kir will be destroyed.
- Medeba and Nebo will weep.
- Every head is bald and every beard cut (sign of cultural mourning)
- Heshbon and Elealeh cry out too.
- Isaiah says "my heart" cries for Moab (Who is the "my"?)
- Moab's fugitives flee to Zoar and to Eglath-shelishiyah
- The abundance they have stored up will be carried away
- Dibon is full of blood and he says those left will be eaten by lions.
1 Corinthians 4
- Paul tells the Corinthians to regard them as servants of Christ and stewards of the Gospel
- Stewards be definition need to be trustworthy.
- Paul says being judged by them or any man is a small thing because God judges him.
- Paul tells them not to judge anyone before Christ returns to bring light into darkness.
- At that time each person will receive their commendation form God.
- Paul tells them he referred to himself and Apollos for their benefit to show them not to add to or alter what is written.
- This fact should keep them humble because they are no better than anyone else because they didn't receive anything that was not given to them.
- Paul tells them that they have already received and are rich.
- Paul says they have become rich.
- God is using the apostles to become spectacles to the world, angels, and men.
- Paul gives several opposites to differ himself from the Corinthians.
1) He's a fool, they are wise
2) He is weak, they are strong.
3) He is in disrepute, they are honored
- Paul then says they are poorly dressed, thirsty, homeless, reviled, and persecuted like scum.
- When Paul is reviled he blesses, when slandered they entreat, when persecuted they endure
- Paul says he's not writing to make them ashamed but to admonish them as beloved children.
- The Corinthians have many guides in Christ but not many fathers.
- Paul urges them to imitate him, which is why he sent Timothy to them his ways in Christ.
- Paul says many say he won't come to them, but he will when the Lord wills it.
- Paul wants to come and find out the "power" of these arrogant men.
- It is NOT about talk, but about power.
- Paul asks them if they want him to come to them in spirit of gentleness or with a rod?
1 Peter 3
- Wives should submit to their husbands so that some unsvaed husbands might be saved by their wives respectful and pure conduct without a word from them.
- Peter tells women not to adorn the outside (by braiding hair, wearing gold, or with fancy clothes) but to put on a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in God's sight.
- Submitting to their husband demonstrates a holy woman who hopes in God.
- Peter points out how Sarah followed Abraham and called him lord.
- It is frightening to do good and not to fear anything.
- Husbands should live with wives in an understanding way showing them honor since their are heirs with you.
- How does not honoring your wife hinder your prayers?
- All believers should have unity of mind, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind
- Return evil and reviling with blessing.
- Peter quotes Psalm 34: 12-16 which says to keep ones tongue from evil and deceit and to seek peace. They eyes of the Lord are righteous and His ears are open to prayer but He is against evil.
- Peter says no one can harm them if they are zealous to do good.
- Even if they do suffer, they will be blessed.
- Peter tells them to regard Christ as holy and be prepared to defend their hope to anyone who asks. (very great thought!) Do this with gentleness and respect.
- Their actions should be pure so those who persecute them will come to shame.
- It is better to suffer for good than for evil if that's God's will.
- Christ suffered once for sins, making us alive in the spirit when we were dead in the flesh.
- Peter reminds them of the days of Noah when God waited for Noah to build the ark, thus saving 8 people.
- Baptism corresponds to the flood which now saves us.
- The water doesn't remove dirt but appeals to God through resurrection of Jesus.
- Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God with angels and powers subject to Him.
- Balaam told King Balak to build 7 alters and prepare 7 bulls and 7 rams.
- Balak and Balaam offered the bulls and rams together.
- Balaam told Balak to wait by the alter while Balaam went to inquire of God.
- God met Balaam and put a word in his mouth to speak to Balak.
- All the princes of Moab were standing beside Balak when Balaam returned.
- Balaam reminded them of the Moabites request for him to curse Israel.
- Balaam said he cannot curse what God has not cursed.
- Balaam said they Moabites were a people alone who were not counted among the nations.
- Balak was very upset that Balaam blessed the Israelites rather than curse them.
- Balaam simply replied that he must speak what God puts in his mouth to say.
- Balak took Balaam to a place where he'd be able to see the whole tribe of Israel and again asked Balaam to curse them.
- They went to the top of Pisgah and built 7 more alters.
- Balaam told King Balaak to wait again while he went to talk with God.
- God's word directly addressed King Balak. God said that HE does not lie or change his mind.
- God cannot revoke a blessing and God protects Israel like the horns of a bull.
- Israel is like a lion which will not lie down until it has killed its prey.
- Balak told Balaam not to curse Israel or bless them.
- Balaam said he must do what God commands.
- Balak took Balaam to a 3rd place hoping God would change his mind at the top opf Peor.
- He again built 7 alters and sacrificed 7 bulls and 7 rams.
- It is ironic that Balak turns to God repeatidly but is denied, where as the Israelites turn FROM God repeatedly and are still blessed.
Isaiah 15
- This oracle is against Moab
- Ar and Kir will be destroyed.
- Medeba and Nebo will weep.
- Every head is bald and every beard cut (sign of cultural mourning)
- Heshbon and Elealeh cry out too.
- Isaiah says "my heart" cries for Moab (Who is the "my"?)
- Moab's fugitives flee to Zoar and to Eglath-shelishiyah
- The abundance they have stored up will be carried away
- Dibon is full of blood and he says those left will be eaten by lions.
1 Corinthians 4
- Paul tells the Corinthians to regard them as servants of Christ and stewards of the Gospel
- Stewards be definition need to be trustworthy.
- Paul says being judged by them or any man is a small thing because God judges him.
- Paul tells them not to judge anyone before Christ returns to bring light into darkness.
- At that time each person will receive their commendation form God.
- Paul tells them he referred to himself and Apollos for their benefit to show them not to add to or alter what is written.
- This fact should keep them humble because they are no better than anyone else because they didn't receive anything that was not given to them.
- Paul tells them that they have already received and are rich.
- Paul says they have become rich.
- God is using the apostles to become spectacles to the world, angels, and men.
- Paul gives several opposites to differ himself from the Corinthians.
1) He's a fool, they are wise
2) He is weak, they are strong.
3) He is in disrepute, they are honored
- Paul then says they are poorly dressed, thirsty, homeless, reviled, and persecuted like scum.
- When Paul is reviled he blesses, when slandered they entreat, when persecuted they endure
- Paul says he's not writing to make them ashamed but to admonish them as beloved children.
- The Corinthians have many guides in Christ but not many fathers.
- Paul urges them to imitate him, which is why he sent Timothy to them his ways in Christ.
- Paul says many say he won't come to them, but he will when the Lord wills it.
- Paul wants to come and find out the "power" of these arrogant men.
- It is NOT about talk, but about power.
- Paul asks them if they want him to come to them in spirit of gentleness or with a rod?
1 Peter 3
- Wives should submit to their husbands so that some unsvaed husbands might be saved by their wives respectful and pure conduct without a word from them.
- Peter tells women not to adorn the outside (by braiding hair, wearing gold, or with fancy clothes) but to put on a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in God's sight.
- Submitting to their husband demonstrates a holy woman who hopes in God.
- Peter points out how Sarah followed Abraham and called him lord.
- It is frightening to do good and not to fear anything.
- Husbands should live with wives in an understanding way showing them honor since their are heirs with you.
- How does not honoring your wife hinder your prayers?
- All believers should have unity of mind, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind
- Return evil and reviling with blessing.
- Peter quotes Psalm 34: 12-16 which says to keep ones tongue from evil and deceit and to seek peace. They eyes of the Lord are righteous and His ears are open to prayer but He is against evil.
- Peter says no one can harm them if they are zealous to do good.
- Even if they do suffer, they will be blessed.
- Peter tells them to regard Christ as holy and be prepared to defend their hope to anyone who asks. (very great thought!) Do this with gentleness and respect.
- Their actions should be pure so those who persecute them will come to shame.
- It is better to suffer for good than for evil if that's God's will.
- Christ suffered once for sins, making us alive in the spirit when we were dead in the flesh.
- Peter reminds them of the days of Noah when God waited for Noah to build the ark, thus saving 8 people.
- Baptism corresponds to the flood which now saves us.
- The water doesn't remove dirt but appeals to God through resurrection of Jesus.
- Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God with angels and powers subject to Him.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Numbers 22 - Isaiah 14 – 1 Corinthians 3 – 1 Peter 2
Numbers 22
- They camped in Jericho near Moab plains.
- Balak saw what the Israelites had done to Ammorites and Moab was fearful.
- Balak was Moabite King and sent messengers to Balam
- Balam seemed to be a Moabite prophet.
- King Balak asked Balam to curse the Israelites because they outnumbered him.
- Balam was able to bless or curse people and Balak knew that was his only chance.
- The elders brought Balam the fee for divination.
- Balam told Balak's messengers to stay the night and he would tell them what God said.
- Balam told God that Balak wanted him to curse the Israelites.
- God told Balam that he was not to curse God's blessed people nor go to Balak.
- Balam's response was to sent more gifts and noble men to Balam and offer him great honor
- Balak said he'd do whatever Balam tols him to do.
- Balam said he couldn't go against God regardless of the wealth Balak offered.
- Balam went back to inquire of God who told Balam to go with them and do what He would instruct him to do.
- Why did God get angry with Balam after He told Balam to go?
- Balam's donkey saw God's angel in the road and refused to go forward.
- Balam struck the donkey repeatedly but it refused to move forward because of the angel.
- Balam hit his donkey and it laid down.
- God allowed the donkey to speak.
- Why doesn't Balam realize that God is against him when his donkey starts talking?
- Balam's donkey asked why Balam was hitting it when it had always been faithful to him.
- Then God allowed Balam to see the angel in the road with the sword.
- Balam fell on his face and the angel said the donkey had saved his life.
- Balam confessed his sin and said he'd turn back.
- The angel told Balam to go tell Balak only what the angel would say to him.
- Balak went to meet Balam and asked why he hadn't come earlier
- Balam said he could only speak what God told him to.
- Balak sacrificed ox and sheep and sent to Balam.
Isaiah 15
- This oracle is against Moab
- Ar and Kir will be destroyed.
- Medeba and Nebo will weep.
- Every head is bald and every beard cut (sign of cultural mourning)
- Heshbon and Elealeh cry out too.
- Isaiah says "my heart" cries for Moab (Who is the "my"?)
- Moab's fugitives flee to Zoar and to Eglath-shelishiyah
- The abundance they have stored up will be carried away
- Dibon is full of blood and he says those left will be eaten by lions.
1 Corinthians 3
- Paul says he couldn't call them spiritual people but people of the flesh.
- Paul says they were spiritual babies and even now aren't mature enough for "solid food"
- Paul questions they faith because of the fighting and strife between them.
- They fight over who to follow Paul or Apollos.
- Paul said he planted, Apollos watered but God made the seeds grow
- The planter and waterer are nothing.
- The planters and growers will receive their wages (rewards?)
- They are all believers (God's field)
- Paul laid a foundation and cautioned the Corinthians to watch carefully how they built on it.
- Jesus Christ is the only true foundation.
- Building with wealth or other materials will be exposed on That Day (final day)
- If they build poorly on Christ they will still escape fire (hell) but only barely.
- Isn't this still a good thing because they get heaven?
- Paul reminds them that they are God's temple and He will destroy anyone who destroys His temple.
- Being foolish to this age shows they are wise in God's eyes.
- Paul quotes to sayings that both say God makes foolish the wisdom of the wise.
- Paul tells them not to boast in men but in the fact that they have access to God through Christ.
1 Peter 2
- Peter tells the people to put away evilness: hypocrisy, slander, deceit, and envy
- He tells them to go after spiritual things to grow in salvation.
- Peter points out that Christ was chosen by God but rejected by people.
- The believers are stones built up and they should offer spiritual sacrifices.
- In verse 6, Peter quotes from Isaiah 28:16 though not verbatim. This verse is also quoted by Paul in Romans 9:33
- The "stone of stumbling" quote comes from Isaiah 8:14
- People stumble because they disobey God's Word.
- As sinners we were all destined to do this, but God chose us to be a holy nation.
- We are to proclaim God's excellencies because we have now received God's mercy.
- Peter pleads with them to turn from passions of the flesh and keep their conduct honorable among Gentiles.
- Our good deeds should point others to God
- We should be subject to emperors and governors.
- It is God's will for us to do good to shame the foolish.
- We should live free, but not use our freedom to justify doing evil but because we serve God.
- Honor everyone. Love being a believer. Fear God. Honor emperor.
- All servants should respect their masters, not just the nice ones.
- Enduring sorrows and injustices while focusing on God shows grace to others.
- Taking a beating you deserve is not "enduring"
- Suffering for doing good is an act of grace.
- Christ modeled this type of suffering for us.
- Christ had no sin and did not fight back when sinned against.
- Christ kept focused on God while enduring harm from men.
- Christ bore our sins on the cross so that we could die to sin and live to righteousness.
- We are healed by His wounds.
- We strayed like sheep but now have been brought to the "Shepherd" and "Overseer" of our souls (Both capitalized)
-
- They camped in Jericho near Moab plains.
- Balak saw what the Israelites had done to Ammorites and Moab was fearful.
- Balak was Moabite King and sent messengers to Balam
- Balam seemed to be a Moabite prophet.
- King Balak asked Balam to curse the Israelites because they outnumbered him.
- Balam was able to bless or curse people and Balak knew that was his only chance.
- The elders brought Balam the fee for divination.
- Balam told Balak's messengers to stay the night and he would tell them what God said.
- Balam told God that Balak wanted him to curse the Israelites.
- God told Balam that he was not to curse God's blessed people nor go to Balak.
- Balam's response was to sent more gifts and noble men to Balam and offer him great honor
- Balak said he'd do whatever Balam tols him to do.
- Balam said he couldn't go against God regardless of the wealth Balak offered.
- Balam went back to inquire of God who told Balam to go with them and do what He would instruct him to do.
- Why did God get angry with Balam after He told Balam to go?
- Balam's donkey saw God's angel in the road and refused to go forward.
- Balam struck the donkey repeatedly but it refused to move forward because of the angel.
- Balam hit his donkey and it laid down.
- God allowed the donkey to speak.
- Why doesn't Balam realize that God is against him when his donkey starts talking?
- Balam's donkey asked why Balam was hitting it when it had always been faithful to him.
- Then God allowed Balam to see the angel in the road with the sword.
- Balam fell on his face and the angel said the donkey had saved his life.
- Balam confessed his sin and said he'd turn back.
- The angel told Balam to go tell Balak only what the angel would say to him.
- Balak went to meet Balam and asked why he hadn't come earlier
- Balam said he could only speak what God told him to.
- Balak sacrificed ox and sheep and sent to Balam.
Isaiah 15
- This oracle is against Moab
- Ar and Kir will be destroyed.
- Medeba and Nebo will weep.
- Every head is bald and every beard cut (sign of cultural mourning)
- Heshbon and Elealeh cry out too.
- Isaiah says "my heart" cries for Moab (Who is the "my"?)
- Moab's fugitives flee to Zoar and to Eglath-shelishiyah
- The abundance they have stored up will be carried away
- Dibon is full of blood and he says those left will be eaten by lions.
1 Corinthians 3
- Paul says he couldn't call them spiritual people but people of the flesh.
- Paul says they were spiritual babies and even now aren't mature enough for "solid food"
- Paul questions they faith because of the fighting and strife between them.
- They fight over who to follow Paul or Apollos.
- Paul said he planted, Apollos watered but God made the seeds grow
- The planter and waterer are nothing.
- The planters and growers will receive their wages (rewards?)
- They are all believers (God's field)
- Paul laid a foundation and cautioned the Corinthians to watch carefully how they built on it.
- Jesus Christ is the only true foundation.
- Building with wealth or other materials will be exposed on That Day (final day)
- If they build poorly on Christ they will still escape fire (hell) but only barely.
- Isn't this still a good thing because they get heaven?
- Paul reminds them that they are God's temple and He will destroy anyone who destroys His temple.
- Being foolish to this age shows they are wise in God's eyes.
- Paul quotes to sayings that both say God makes foolish the wisdom of the wise.
- Paul tells them not to boast in men but in the fact that they have access to God through Christ.
1 Peter 2
- Peter tells the people to put away evilness: hypocrisy, slander, deceit, and envy
- He tells them to go after spiritual things to grow in salvation.
- Peter points out that Christ was chosen by God but rejected by people.
- The believers are stones built up and they should offer spiritual sacrifices.
- In verse 6, Peter quotes from Isaiah 28:16 though not verbatim. This verse is also quoted by Paul in Romans 9:33
- The "stone of stumbling" quote comes from Isaiah 8:14
- People stumble because they disobey God's Word.
- As sinners we were all destined to do this, but God chose us to be a holy nation.
- We are to proclaim God's excellencies because we have now received God's mercy.
- Peter pleads with them to turn from passions of the flesh and keep their conduct honorable among Gentiles.
- Our good deeds should point others to God
- We should be subject to emperors and governors.
- It is God's will for us to do good to shame the foolish.
- We should live free, but not use our freedom to justify doing evil but because we serve God.
- Honor everyone. Love being a believer. Fear God. Honor emperor.
- All servants should respect their masters, not just the nice ones.
- Enduring sorrows and injustices while focusing on God shows grace to others.
- Taking a beating you deserve is not "enduring"
- Suffering for doing good is an act of grace.
- Christ modeled this type of suffering for us.
- Christ had no sin and did not fight back when sinned against.
- Christ kept focused on God while enduring harm from men.
- Christ bore our sins on the cross so that we could die to sin and live to righteousness.
- We are healed by His wounds.
- We strayed like sheep but now have been brought to the "Shepherd" and "Overseer" of our souls (Both capitalized)
-
Monday, July 20, 2009
James Revisited
For those keeping me accountable. I have rememorized James 1:1-8ish, so if you see me ask me to recite it. Thank ya kindly.
Numbers 21 - Isaiah 13 – 1 Corinthians 2 – 1 Peter 1
Numbers 21
- The King of Arad who lived in Negeb who was a Canaanite and came out against Israel when they got close and he took captives.
- They prayed to God that He would help them conquer this king and they would destroy the whole area. That's why they named it Hormah which means "destruction"
- They left My. Hor and went by the Red Sea to the King of Edom.
- On the way to Edom the people again complained against God and Moses for not having water or food and called the manna "worthless"
- God sent fiery serpents which bit and killed many people.
- What is a fiery serpent?
- The people responded by repenting and asking Moses to have God take away the serpents.
- God told Moses to make a fiery serpent and stick it on a pole. Everyone who looked at the pole would live.
- The serpent was made of bronze (footnote says copper)
- It's interesting that God didn't remove the serpents but gave the people a way not to die.
- They went to Oboth then to Iye-abarim to the (east of Moab -sunrise)
- Then went to Zered, then to the Arnon River whhich formed a border between Moabites and Amorites.
- What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord?
- This book is quoted as talking about the Arnon Valley.
- Then they went to Beer where they got water from a well
- This time Israel responded and shouted joyously at the well that the princes had dug.
- From Beer they went to Mattanah, and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, and from Bamoth to the valley lying in the region of Moab by the top of Pisgah.
- Israel sent messangers to Sihon, king of Amorites to ask to pass through.
- They again promised not to take anything or turn off the King's Highway, but that they would go straight through his land.
- The king refused to let them pass and went out to fight a Jahaz.
- They beat Sihon and took the land from Arnon to Jabbok but the Ammorite border was too strong.
- How could they beat the King of Ammorites but not break through their border?
- They settled in Heshbon and took all the land that the Ammorites had taken from the Moabites.
- Where do the ballad singers quote from in verses 27 - 30 which talks about the Ammorites conquests of the Moabites?
- Moses sent spies to Jazer and beat the Ammorites there.
- They went to Bashon and defeated King Og there.
- God told Moses he had given that king into the Israelites hands.
- The Israelites left no survivors at Bashon.
Isaiah 13
- Isaiah prophesies concerning Babylon's judgment
- Who is Isaiah talking about during this first part; Israel or Babylon?
- God's mighty ones are executing God's anger.
- There is a lot of noise and an uproar of nations gathering together.
- The Lord is gathering a host for battle.
- They (Babylon?) come from a distant land as weapons of God's indignation (displeasure at injustices)
- The people will cry out because God's destruction WILL come.
- God causes hands to be feeble and hearts to melt.
- The people (Israel?) will be in agony and be aghast at one another.
- God's wrath destroys sinners in the land.
- Even the stars, sun, and moon will not offer light to these sinners.
- God WILL punish the wicked and arrogant and prideful.
- God will make people "rarer than gold at Ophir"
- God makes the heavens tremble and shakes the earth out of its place.
- The result will be people fleeing to their own lands like shepherdless sheep
- The sinners who are caught will be killed, even their infants will die, and possessions plundered.
- God is also stirring up the Medes against them (Israel?)
- The Medes do not want gold or silver, they show no pity to kids either. (Total destruction)
- Babylon will fall because of its arrogance like Sodom and Gomorrah.
- No one will ever again enter the land of Babylon.
- The only thing that will live there are ostriches, wild goats, hyenas, and jackals (living in abandoned palaces).
- Babylons days will not be prolonged.
1 Corinthians 2
- Paul says he didn't come to them with wisdom but only preaching Christ crucified.
- Paul points out he was with them in fear and weakness (not his own power)
- Paul says his words were not plausible but he simply demonstrated the Spirit of power among them.
- Paul related to them in this way to show it wasn't about the wisdom of men but the power of God alone.
- Paul says they do teach wisdom to the mature.
- This preached wisdom is NOT based on worldly wisdom of the age.
- Paul is teaching wisdom of God from long ago.
- Paul says the wise of this age didn't understand or they would not have crucified Jesus.
- Where does Paul quote from when he states, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,nor the heart of man imagined,what God has prepared for those who love him"?
- God has revealed the truth about Him to us through His spirit.
- The Spirit alone searches the depths of God.
- Only our spirit knows our thoughts.
- The same is true for the Spirit of God, it alone knows His thoughts.
- Paul teaches in words interpreting spiritual truths through the Spirit.
- To a natural person (unbeliever) God's truth seems like folly because they aren't capable of understanding spiritual things. (We all should fall in this category without the intervention of God's grace)
- The spiritual person judges all things but shouldn't be judged by anyone.
- By the Spirit of God we have the mind of Christ.
1 Peter 1
- Peter writes to believers (elect exiles of the dispersion) in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, so Jews in Gentile territory
- James also wrote to the 12 tribes of the dispersion.
- Peter acknowledges the "elect" (those God chose to save which category ALL believers fall under)
- He says Christ's blood gives us grace and peace (A Paul-like greeting)
- Peter starts his letter by rejoicing in God, Father of Jesus.
- By God's mercy we have been born again into a living hope through Christ's resurrection from the dead.
- We have an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance (Unchanging like God Himself)
- God's power guards us through faith.
- We can rejoice in this truth even while facing trials.
- Trials test the genuineness of our faith which should result in praise and glory and honor to Jesus.
- Peter knows these believers have never physically seen Jesus, but they still love Him.
- This faith without seeing is expressed by rejoicing and joy at the salvation of their souls.
- Peter tells them that the prophets were looking for the time Christ would suffer and in doing so would bring glory.
- The prophets of the OT knew they were speaking for future generation, not themselves.
- Peter says the prophets announced the Good News (gospel) which even the angels long to see .
- Because of the truth of the salvation through Christ's work, Peter directs them to:
1) Prepare their minds for future actions
2) Be sober-minded (level headed, humble)
3) Set hope on future grace given to them
4) Turn from pre-faith passions.
5) Be holy as Jesus was holy (You shall be holy as I am holy - Leviticus 11:44 & 45)
6) Conduct yourself with fear.
7) Keep in mind we were ransomed from sin of our forefathers by Jesus' blood, not with money
- Christ was foreknow before the world was created, but made man for our sake.
- God raised Christ from the dead and gave Him glory so that our hope can be in God.
8) Purify our souls
9) Show brotherly love from a pure heart
- We were born again by the living Word of God
- Peter paraphrase Isaiah 40:6-8 pointing out all flesh is weak like grass, but God's word remains forever.
- Peter says this word that Isaiah talked about is the gospel being preached to them.
- The King of Arad who lived in Negeb who was a Canaanite and came out against Israel when they got close and he took captives.
- They prayed to God that He would help them conquer this king and they would destroy the whole area. That's why they named it Hormah which means "destruction"
- They left My. Hor and went by the Red Sea to the King of Edom.
- On the way to Edom the people again complained against God and Moses for not having water or food and called the manna "worthless"
- God sent fiery serpents which bit and killed many people.
- What is a fiery serpent?
- The people responded by repenting and asking Moses to have God take away the serpents.
- God told Moses to make a fiery serpent and stick it on a pole. Everyone who looked at the pole would live.
- The serpent was made of bronze (footnote says copper)
- It's interesting that God didn't remove the serpents but gave the people a way not to die.
- They went to Oboth then to Iye-abarim to the (east of Moab -sunrise)
- Then went to Zered, then to the Arnon River whhich formed a border between Moabites and Amorites.
- What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord?
- This book is quoted as talking about the Arnon Valley.
- Then they went to Beer where they got water from a well
- This time Israel responded and shouted joyously at the well that the princes had dug.
- From Beer they went to Mattanah, and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, and from Bamoth to the valley lying in the region of Moab by the top of Pisgah.
- Israel sent messangers to Sihon, king of Amorites to ask to pass through.
- They again promised not to take anything or turn off the King's Highway, but that they would go straight through his land.
- The king refused to let them pass and went out to fight a Jahaz.
- They beat Sihon and took the land from Arnon to Jabbok but the Ammorite border was too strong.
- How could they beat the King of Ammorites but not break through their border?
- They settled in Heshbon and took all the land that the Ammorites had taken from the Moabites.
- Where do the ballad singers quote from in verses 27 - 30 which talks about the Ammorites conquests of the Moabites?
- Moses sent spies to Jazer and beat the Ammorites there.
- They went to Bashon and defeated King Og there.
- God told Moses he had given that king into the Israelites hands.
- The Israelites left no survivors at Bashon.
Isaiah 13
- Isaiah prophesies concerning Babylon's judgment
- Who is Isaiah talking about during this first part; Israel or Babylon?
- God's mighty ones are executing God's anger.
- There is a lot of noise and an uproar of nations gathering together.
- The Lord is gathering a host for battle.
- They (Babylon?) come from a distant land as weapons of God's indignation (displeasure at injustices)
- The people will cry out because God's destruction WILL come.
- God causes hands to be feeble and hearts to melt.
- The people (Israel?) will be in agony and be aghast at one another.
- God's wrath destroys sinners in the land.
- Even the stars, sun, and moon will not offer light to these sinners.
- God WILL punish the wicked and arrogant and prideful.
- God will make people "rarer than gold at Ophir"
- God makes the heavens tremble and shakes the earth out of its place.
- The result will be people fleeing to their own lands like shepherdless sheep
- The sinners who are caught will be killed, even their infants will die, and possessions plundered.
- God is also stirring up the Medes against them (Israel?)
- The Medes do not want gold or silver, they show no pity to kids either. (Total destruction)
- Babylon will fall because of its arrogance like Sodom and Gomorrah.
- No one will ever again enter the land of Babylon.
- The only thing that will live there are ostriches, wild goats, hyenas, and jackals (living in abandoned palaces).
- Babylons days will not be prolonged.
1 Corinthians 2
- Paul says he didn't come to them with wisdom but only preaching Christ crucified.
- Paul points out he was with them in fear and weakness (not his own power)
- Paul says his words were not plausible but he simply demonstrated the Spirit of power among them.
- Paul related to them in this way to show it wasn't about the wisdom of men but the power of God alone.
- Paul says they do teach wisdom to the mature.
- This preached wisdom is NOT based on worldly wisdom of the age.
- Paul is teaching wisdom of God from long ago.
- Paul says the wise of this age didn't understand or they would not have crucified Jesus.
- Where does Paul quote from when he states, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,nor the heart of man imagined,what God has prepared for those who love him"?
- God has revealed the truth about Him to us through His spirit.
- The Spirit alone searches the depths of God.
- Only our spirit knows our thoughts.
- The same is true for the Spirit of God, it alone knows His thoughts.
- Paul teaches in words interpreting spiritual truths through the Spirit.
- To a natural person (unbeliever) God's truth seems like folly because they aren't capable of understanding spiritual things. (We all should fall in this category without the intervention of God's grace)
- The spiritual person judges all things but shouldn't be judged by anyone.
- By the Spirit of God we have the mind of Christ.
1 Peter 1
- Peter writes to believers (elect exiles of the dispersion) in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, so Jews in Gentile territory
- James also wrote to the 12 tribes of the dispersion.
- Peter acknowledges the "elect" (those God chose to save which category ALL believers fall under)
- He says Christ's blood gives us grace and peace (A Paul-like greeting)
- Peter starts his letter by rejoicing in God, Father of Jesus.
- By God's mercy we have been born again into a living hope through Christ's resurrection from the dead.
- We have an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance (Unchanging like God Himself)
- God's power guards us through faith.
- We can rejoice in this truth even while facing trials.
- Trials test the genuineness of our faith which should result in praise and glory and honor to Jesus.
- Peter knows these believers have never physically seen Jesus, but they still love Him.
- This faith without seeing is expressed by rejoicing and joy at the salvation of their souls.
- Peter tells them that the prophets were looking for the time Christ would suffer and in doing so would bring glory.
- The prophets of the OT knew they were speaking for future generation, not themselves.
- Peter says the prophets announced the Good News (gospel) which even the angels long to see .
- Because of the truth of the salvation through Christ's work, Peter directs them to:
1) Prepare their minds for future actions
2) Be sober-minded (level headed, humble)
3) Set hope on future grace given to them
4) Turn from pre-faith passions.
5) Be holy as Jesus was holy (You shall be holy as I am holy - Leviticus 11:44 & 45)
6) Conduct yourself with fear.
7) Keep in mind we were ransomed from sin of our forefathers by Jesus' blood, not with money
- Christ was foreknow before the world was created, but made man for our sake.
- God raised Christ from the dead and gave Him glory so that our hope can be in God.
8) Purify our souls
9) Show brotherly love from a pure heart
- We were born again by the living Word of God
- Peter paraphrase Isaiah 40:6-8 pointing out all flesh is weak like grass, but God's word remains forever.
- Peter says this word that Isaiah talked about is the gospel being preached to them.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Numbers 20 - Isaiah 12 – 1 Corinthians 1 – James 5
Numbers 20
- The people entered the wilderness of Zin in the first month in Kadesh and Miriam died there.
- There was no water for men or livestock there and the people grumbled against Moses.
- They wished again that they had stayed in Egypt rather than leaving to enter Meribah
- They wanted a place to plant grains, figs, and pomegranates.
- Moses and Aaron went to the tent of meeting and fell on their facing (They turned to God)
- The glory of the Lord appeared to them and told Moses to strike a rock in front of the people and water would come out of it.
- Moses went and did as God had said but he struck the rock twice.
- Water came out abundantly
- The Lord confronted Moses and Aaron and rebuked them for not showing God to be holy in front of the people.
- Meribah means "quarreling" because God used this quarreling to show Himself to be holy.
- Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the King of Edom to ask the king to allow the Israelites to pass through his land.
- Moses reminds the king of the hardships Israel has been through and also how God rescued them out of Egypt.
- Moses promised that the Israelites wouldn't take anything from the fields or vineyards but they would simply pass through on "The King's Highway"
- The King of Edom said he would come out and fight them if they tried to pass through.
- They again asked the king if they could pass through and would pay for anything they used.
- Edom again said no and came out against them with a lager army.
- Israel turned away from Edom.
- They left Kadesh and went to Mount Hor.
- God told Moses and Aaron that Aaron would not enter Edom.
- Aaron was to give his robes to Eleazar.
- God told Aaron he would die at Mount Hor.
- Moses put Aaron's robes on his son in the sight of the whole congregation.
- Aaron died at the top of Mount Hor and the people mourned his death for 30 days.
Isaiah 12
- Isaiah tells the people they will thank the Lord for the fact that He will turn away His anger to comfort them.
- God is our salvation (said twice)
- We should trust and not be afraid.
- They will draw water from "the wells of salvation" (Why is wells plural?)
- We should give thanks to God and proclaim of His deeds to others.
- We should make God's glorious deeds known to the world.
- We should shout for joy because God is great in our midst.
1 Corinthians 1
- Paul greets them by reminding them he was called by Jesus.
- Paul writes them with his fellow apostle, Sosthenes.
- He greets the church in Corinth and points out that they all serve the same Lord Jesus Christ.
- God the Father and Jesus = grace and peace (Paul typical greeting to churches)
- Paul thanks God for the grace at work in them through Christ.
- They were enriched by Christ in speech and knowledge.
- The Corinthians are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as they wait upon Christ's return.Christ will sustain them as guiltless when He returns.
- God is faithful as is seen by the giving of His son.
- Paul appeals to them in Christ not to create divisions
- They should be united as fellow believers.
- Chloe reported quarreling among the Corinthians to Paul.
- They are are saying they follow different people "Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ"
- Paul points out that Christ is not divided.
- Paul reminds them that he wasn't crucified for them and they were NOT baptised in Paul's name. ( Crispus and Gaius and the household of Stephanaus were baptized BY Paul.)
- Christ didn't send Paul to baptize, but to preach the gospel to them.
- The Gospel is NOT about Paul's wisdom, but about Christ's power through the cross.
- To focus on wisdom takes away from the power of Christ's death on the cross.
- The Gospel is folly to the lost but power to the believers.
- Paul quotes when God said He will destroy the wisdom of man.
- Paul says the wise, the scribe, and the debater are wise in the world's eyes but fool before God.
- Paul's preaching wasn't powerful, but the message was.
- The Jews demand signs and the Greeks demand wisdom but Paul simply preaches Christ crucified.
- Christ demonstrates the power and wisdom of God to believers.
- The weakness of God is stronger than man.
- Paul reminds the Corinthians that not many of them were seen as "wise" by worldly standards, or inherently powerful or of noble birth. (He humbles them)
- God uses foolishness to shame the wise, the weak to shame the "strong"
-God uses the low things to exalt Himself so that no one may boast.
- Because of God alone we are in Christ.
- In Christ we received wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
- If we boast about anything we should boast in the Lord.
James 5
- James starts this chapter with a warning to the rich.
- He says they will weep at the miseries to come.
-Our riches will rot and clothes be eaten by moths.
- Their gold and silver will corrode and be evidence against them.
- The rich withhold wages from the laborers and harvesters and their cries have reached the Lord.
- Is James saying having money will always lead to destruction and misery?
- The rich have lived in luxury and self indulgence fattening their hearts for slaughter.
- Is James referring to Christ or the believing laborers when he says, "You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. "?
- James tells the believers to therefore be patient like a farmer waiting for the rains and the harvest.
- James tells them to establish their hearts for the coming of the Lord.
- James tells them not to grumble and judge for The Judge is standing at the door.
- James points us back to the suffering and patient prophets.
- Steadfast people are seen as blessed.
- He points to Job's steadfastness and how God was compassionate and merciful to Job.
- James tells them not to make oaths but to let there yes=yes and no=no
- Oaths lead to condemnation.
- Sufferers should pray
- Cheerful should praise God.
- Sick should have elders anoint them with oil and pray for them.
- Pray of faith will save the sick and raise them up.
- James says we should confess our sins and prayer for one another for healing.
- the effective prayer of the righteous has great power.
- James points them to Elijah and how his prayers held off the rain for 3 years and 6 months.
- After that Elijah prayed and it rained and the land bore fruit.
- A brother who brings back and wanderer will save his soul from death and help him cover his sins.
-
- The people entered the wilderness of Zin in the first month in Kadesh and Miriam died there.
- There was no water for men or livestock there and the people grumbled against Moses.
- They wished again that they had stayed in Egypt rather than leaving to enter Meribah
- They wanted a place to plant grains, figs, and pomegranates.
- Moses and Aaron went to the tent of meeting and fell on their facing (They turned to God)
- The glory of the Lord appeared to them and told Moses to strike a rock in front of the people and water would come out of it.
- Moses went and did as God had said but he struck the rock twice.
- Water came out abundantly
- The Lord confronted Moses and Aaron and rebuked them for not showing God to be holy in front of the people.
- Meribah means "quarreling" because God used this quarreling to show Himself to be holy.
- Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the King of Edom to ask the king to allow the Israelites to pass through his land.
- Moses reminds the king of the hardships Israel has been through and also how God rescued them out of Egypt.
- Moses promised that the Israelites wouldn't take anything from the fields or vineyards but they would simply pass through on "The King's Highway"
- The King of Edom said he would come out and fight them if they tried to pass through.
- They again asked the king if they could pass through and would pay for anything they used.
- Edom again said no and came out against them with a lager army.
- Israel turned away from Edom.
- They left Kadesh and went to Mount Hor.
- God told Moses and Aaron that Aaron would not enter Edom.
- Aaron was to give his robes to Eleazar.
- God told Aaron he would die at Mount Hor.
- Moses put Aaron's robes on his son in the sight of the whole congregation.
- Aaron died at the top of Mount Hor and the people mourned his death for 30 days.
Isaiah 12
- Isaiah tells the people they will thank the Lord for the fact that He will turn away His anger to comfort them.
- God is our salvation (said twice)
- We should trust and not be afraid.
- They will draw water from "the wells of salvation" (Why is wells plural?)
- We should give thanks to God and proclaim of His deeds to others.
- We should make God's glorious deeds known to the world.
- We should shout for joy because God is great in our midst.
1 Corinthians 1
- Paul greets them by reminding them he was called by Jesus.
- Paul writes them with his fellow apostle, Sosthenes.
- He greets the church in Corinth and points out that they all serve the same Lord Jesus Christ.
- God the Father and Jesus = grace and peace (Paul typical greeting to churches)
- Paul thanks God for the grace at work in them through Christ.
- They were enriched by Christ in speech and knowledge.
- The Corinthians are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as they wait upon Christ's return.Christ will sustain them as guiltless when He returns.
- God is faithful as is seen by the giving of His son.
- Paul appeals to them in Christ not to create divisions
- They should be united as fellow believers.
- Chloe reported quarreling among the Corinthians to Paul.
- They are are saying they follow different people "Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ"
- Paul points out that Christ is not divided.
- Paul reminds them that he wasn't crucified for them and they were NOT baptised in Paul's name. ( Crispus and Gaius and the household of Stephanaus were baptized BY Paul.)
- Christ didn't send Paul to baptize, but to preach the gospel to them.
- The Gospel is NOT about Paul's wisdom, but about Christ's power through the cross.
- To focus on wisdom takes away from the power of Christ's death on the cross.
- The Gospel is folly to the lost but power to the believers.
- Paul quotes when God said He will destroy the wisdom of man.
- Paul says the wise, the scribe, and the debater are wise in the world's eyes but fool before God.
- Paul's preaching wasn't powerful, but the message was.
- The Jews demand signs and the Greeks demand wisdom but Paul simply preaches Christ crucified.
- Christ demonstrates the power and wisdom of God to believers.
- The weakness of God is stronger than man.
- Paul reminds the Corinthians that not many of them were seen as "wise" by worldly standards, or inherently powerful or of noble birth. (He humbles them)
- God uses foolishness to shame the wise, the weak to shame the "strong"
-God uses the low things to exalt Himself so that no one may boast.
- Because of God alone we are in Christ.
- In Christ we received wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
- If we boast about anything we should boast in the Lord.
James 5
- James starts this chapter with a warning to the rich.
- He says they will weep at the miseries to come.
-Our riches will rot and clothes be eaten by moths.
- Their gold and silver will corrode and be evidence against them.
- The rich withhold wages from the laborers and harvesters and their cries have reached the Lord.
- Is James saying having money will always lead to destruction and misery?
- The rich have lived in luxury and self indulgence fattening their hearts for slaughter.
- Is James referring to Christ or the believing laborers when he says, "You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. "?
- James tells the believers to therefore be patient like a farmer waiting for the rains and the harvest.
- James tells them to establish their hearts for the coming of the Lord.
- James tells them not to grumble and judge for The Judge is standing at the door.
- James points us back to the suffering and patient prophets.
- Steadfast people are seen as blessed.
- He points to Job's steadfastness and how God was compassionate and merciful to Job.
- James tells them not to make oaths but to let there yes=yes and no=no
- Oaths lead to condemnation.
- Sufferers should pray
- Cheerful should praise God.
- Sick should have elders anoint them with oil and pray for them.
- Pray of faith will save the sick and raise them up.
- James says we should confess our sins and prayer for one another for healing.
- the effective prayer of the righteous has great power.
- James points them to Elijah and how his prayers held off the rain for 3 years and 6 months.
- After that Elijah prayed and it rained and the land bore fruit.
- A brother who brings back and wanderer will save his soul from death and help him cover his sins.
-
Friday, July 17, 2009
Numbers 19 - Isaiah 11 – Romans 16 – James 4
Numbers 19
- God spoke to Moses and Aaron and told the people to bring a spotless never worked red heifer.
- Eleazar was to slaughter it outside the camp.
- He shall sprinkle its blood 7 times on the front of the tent.
- The heifer shall be burned with cedarwood and hyssop and scarlet yarn.
- He shall wash his clothes and body before entering into camp. (He is unclean until evening)
- A clean man shall deposit the heifer's ashes in a clean place outside the camp.
- The ashes were kept for the water of impurity (a sin offering)
- The ash gatherer shall also wash and be unclean until evening.
- Those who touch a dead body will be unclean for 7 days. He will cleanse himself on the 3rd and 7th day.
- If he doesn't cleanse himself he will not be clean.
- If he is not cleansed with the water of impurity he will be cut off from the people.
- If someone died in a tent, everyone in it and who enter it will be unclean for 7 days.
- Every open container is also unclean.
- If someone touches a dying soldier, bone, or grave they shall be unclean 7 days.
- They shall use the burnt ashes and water to cleanse themselves.
- A clean person shall take hyssop and sprinkle it on the vessels to clean them.
- The clean person shall sprinkle it on the unclean person on the 3rd and 7th day.
- If a person doesn't cleanse themselves they shall be cut off from assembly for defiling the tabernacle.
- The person who touches the water of impurity shall be unclean until evening.
- Whatever the unclean person shall become unclean.
Isaiah 11
- A "shoot" will sprout from the stump of Jesse and bear fruit.
- The Spirit of the Lord will be on this man
- The Spirit is wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of God
- His delight shall be in fearing God.
- He shall judge not by what He sees or hears but by righteousness.
- He will strike the earth with the words of his mouth.
- He will kill the wicked by his breath.
- Righteousness and faithfulness shall be his belt.
- The wolf shall lie with the lamb, the leopard with the goat, the calf and the lion, the cow and the bear, nursing child and cobra, weaned child and an adder shall all be at peace and not destroy each other on God's holy mountain.
- The time of the "root of Jesse" people shall inquire about Him.
- The Lord will recall the remnant of the remains of his people.
- He will recall those banished from Israel and Judah
- Those who harass Judah will be cut off.
- Judah and Ephraim shall get along.
- Those in Judah shall go with Philistines against those in the east.
- They will go against Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites
- The Lord will destroy Egypt with His scorching breath.
- The Lord will create a highway for His people to return from Assyria like He did when He called His people back from Egypt.
Romans 16
- Paul commended Phoebe from Cenchreae to them.
- Paul tells the Romans to welcome her for her service to him and the saints.
- Paul also told the Romans to welcome Prisca and Aquilla who risked their lives to save Paul's life.
- Epaenetus was Paul's first convert in Asia.
- Mary worked hard for the Romans
- Andronicus and Junia were imprisoned with Paul.
- Paul then lists several others to greet warmly: Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, the family of Aristobulus, Herodion, the family of Narcissus, Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus and his mother, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them
- Greet one another with a holy kiss.
- Paul greets the Romans from all the other churches in Christ.
- Paul warns them to watch out for those who create divisions and create doctrinal obstacles.
- Those who create divisions serve themselves rather than God.
- They deceive the naive with flattery.
- Paul commends the Romans for their faith and points out again what is good and evil.
- The God of peace will son crush Satan
- Timothy, Lucius, Jason and Sosipater also send the Romans their greetings.
- Tertius who wrote the letter for Paul also greets them.
- Gaius, Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
- Paul ends by reminding them of the power and truth they now have through Christ that has long been hidden from man.
- The prophetic writings are now being made known to all nations.
James 4
- James 4 talks about the root of all quarrels.
- James says warring passions cause quarrels.
- People murder and covet for what they desire and don't have.
- James says that they don't have because they don't ask or they ask wrongly for their passions.
- James calls us adulterous people
- Befriending the world is being an enemy of God.
- Where does the quote "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?" come from?
- God gives us more grace.
- Where does the quote "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" come from? (It is also found in 1 Peter 5:5)
- We should submit ourselves to God.
- If we resist the devil he will flee from us.
- As we draw near to God, He draws near to us.
- We need to purify our hearts because we are double-minded.
- Why does James tell our joy to turn to gloom?
- If we humble ourselves before God, He will exalt us.
- We aren't to speak evil against fellow believers.
- Speaking evil against our brother, speaks evil of God's law.
- God is the only law giver and He alone is able to save and destroy.
- Who are we to judge anyone?
- James cautions against saying what we will do tomorrow or next year because we don't know what the next day will bring.
- Our lives are a brief mist.
- Our posture should be, "If the Lord wills....we will do this or that." (This acknowledges God in what we decide to do so that we can't take the credit for what we accomplish)
- We boast in arrogance.
- This is one of the most catch-all convicting verses that I know, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
- If we know what God wants us to do and don't do it, we sin.
- God spoke to Moses and Aaron and told the people to bring a spotless never worked red heifer.
- Eleazar was to slaughter it outside the camp.
- He shall sprinkle its blood 7 times on the front of the tent.
- The heifer shall be burned with cedarwood and hyssop and scarlet yarn.
- He shall wash his clothes and body before entering into camp. (He is unclean until evening)
- A clean man shall deposit the heifer's ashes in a clean place outside the camp.
- The ashes were kept for the water of impurity (a sin offering)
- The ash gatherer shall also wash and be unclean until evening.
- Those who touch a dead body will be unclean for 7 days. He will cleanse himself on the 3rd and 7th day.
- If he doesn't cleanse himself he will not be clean.
- If he is not cleansed with the water of impurity he will be cut off from the people.
- If someone died in a tent, everyone in it and who enter it will be unclean for 7 days.
- Every open container is also unclean.
- If someone touches a dying soldier, bone, or grave they shall be unclean 7 days.
- They shall use the burnt ashes and water to cleanse themselves.
- A clean person shall take hyssop and sprinkle it on the vessels to clean them.
- The clean person shall sprinkle it on the unclean person on the 3rd and 7th day.
- If a person doesn't cleanse themselves they shall be cut off from assembly for defiling the tabernacle.
- The person who touches the water of impurity shall be unclean until evening.
- Whatever the unclean person shall become unclean.
Isaiah 11
- A "shoot" will sprout from the stump of Jesse and bear fruit.
- The Spirit of the Lord will be on this man
- The Spirit is wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of God
- His delight shall be in fearing God.
- He shall judge not by what He sees or hears but by righteousness.
- He will strike the earth with the words of his mouth.
- He will kill the wicked by his breath.
- Righteousness and faithfulness shall be his belt.
- The wolf shall lie with the lamb, the leopard with the goat, the calf and the lion, the cow and the bear, nursing child and cobra, weaned child and an adder shall all be at peace and not destroy each other on God's holy mountain.
- The time of the "root of Jesse" people shall inquire about Him.
- The Lord will recall the remnant of the remains of his people.
- He will recall those banished from Israel and Judah
- Those who harass Judah will be cut off.
- Judah and Ephraim shall get along.
- Those in Judah shall go with Philistines against those in the east.
- They will go against Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites
- The Lord will destroy Egypt with His scorching breath.
- The Lord will create a highway for His people to return from Assyria like He did when He called His people back from Egypt.
Romans 16
- Paul commended Phoebe from Cenchreae to them.
- Paul tells the Romans to welcome her for her service to him and the saints.
- Paul also told the Romans to welcome Prisca and Aquilla who risked their lives to save Paul's life.
- Epaenetus was Paul's first convert in Asia.
- Mary worked hard for the Romans
- Andronicus and Junia were imprisoned with Paul.
- Paul then lists several others to greet warmly: Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, the family of Aristobulus, Herodion, the family of Narcissus, Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus and his mother, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them
- Greet one another with a holy kiss.
- Paul greets the Romans from all the other churches in Christ.
- Paul warns them to watch out for those who create divisions and create doctrinal obstacles.
- Those who create divisions serve themselves rather than God.
- They deceive the naive with flattery.
- Paul commends the Romans for their faith and points out again what is good and evil.
- The God of peace will son crush Satan
- Timothy, Lucius, Jason and Sosipater also send the Romans their greetings.
- Tertius who wrote the letter for Paul also greets them.
- Gaius, Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
- Paul ends by reminding them of the power and truth they now have through Christ that has long been hidden from man.
- The prophetic writings are now being made known to all nations.
James 4
- James 4 talks about the root of all quarrels.
- James says warring passions cause quarrels.
- People murder and covet for what they desire and don't have.
- James says that they don't have because they don't ask or they ask wrongly for their passions.
- James calls us adulterous people
- Befriending the world is being an enemy of God.
- Where does the quote "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?" come from?
- God gives us more grace.
- Where does the quote "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" come from? (It is also found in 1 Peter 5:5)
- We should submit ourselves to God.
- If we resist the devil he will flee from us.
- As we draw near to God, He draws near to us.
- We need to purify our hearts because we are double-minded.
- Why does James tell our joy to turn to gloom?
- If we humble ourselves before God, He will exalt us.
- We aren't to speak evil against fellow believers.
- Speaking evil against our brother, speaks evil of God's law.
- God is the only law giver and He alone is able to save and destroy.
- Who are we to judge anyone?
- James cautions against saying what we will do tomorrow or next year because we don't know what the next day will bring.
- Our lives are a brief mist.
- Our posture should be, "If the Lord wills....we will do this or that." (This acknowledges God in what we decide to do so that we can't take the credit for what we accomplish)
- We boast in arrogance.
- This is one of the most catch-all convicting verses that I know, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
- If we know what God wants us to do and don't do it, we sin.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Numbers 18 - Isaiah 10 – Romans 15 – James 3
Numbers 18
- The Lord told Aaron that he and his sons would bear iniquity for the sanctuary.
- The rest of the tribe of Levi shall help him.
- They should guard the tent but not touch its vessels or they and Aaron shall die.
- Aaron was to guard the sanctuary and the alter so that God's wrath shall never again be on the people of Israel.
- The Lord gave the Levites as a gift to Aaron to help serve him.
- Any outsider who comes near the alter shall die.
- Part of the people's contributions to God are given to Aaron and his sons.
- All offerings shall be most holy to Aaron and his sons.
- They were to eat it in the most holy place.
- Only males may eat it.
- Aaron also receives all of the people's wave offerings. (sons and daughters get this)
- Those who are clean may eat of eat. God also gave Aaron the firstfruits.
- What does God mean when he says everything that opens the womb?
- The first born of man and animal shall be redeemed.
- The redemption price is five shekels of silver (20 gerahs) at one month of age.
- The first born cow, sheep, and goat don't have to be redeemed because they are holy.
- Their blood shall be sprinkled on the alter and the fat burned as a food offering.
- The flesh, breast, and right thigh Aaron is to keep for himself.
- Why does the Lord refer to this as a "covenant of salt"?
- The Levites shall not have land or an inheritance because God is their inheritance.
- Israel's tithes are the inheritance of the Levites.
- Why does God repeat that the Levites have no inheritance 3 times in one paragraph?
- God told Moses to tell the Levites that they were to give one tenth of the tithes they received as a tithing of their own.
- What does it mean to give a contribution to the Lord to give to Aaron?
- Did Aaron tithe?
- They were also supposed to give their best part to the Lord.
- They shall eat the rest of the tithing they receive any place as payment for their service in the tent.
- God cautions them not to profane the holy things that they are receiving.
Isaiah 10
- Isaiah casts woes on the oppressive of the poor, and those who prey on widows and the fatherless.
- He asks what they will do when destruction comes to them from far away.
- What good will their wealth be on that day.
- These are more reasons why God's wrath is on the people of Israel.
- God is using Assyria as his "rod of anger"
- God is sending them to plunder rebellious Israel.
- God says destruction will later come to Assyria for their selfish pride and arrogance.
- The Assyrians are so focused on what they have done to Jerusalem and Samaria.
- The Assyrian king sees it as he has conquered Israel by his own power and wisdom.
- The king sees it like taking eggs from a nest and doesn't see God working through his conquests.
- God says the saw and axe do not boast about what they do because of the person using them and Assyria shouldn't boast because God is using them to discipline Israel.
- God will send sickness and fire on the Assyrians.
- The Lord will burn their forests except for a very few trees which even " a child can write them down."
- The remnant will again lean on the Lord and not the Assyrians.
- The numerous Israelites will only return as a remnant.
- Destruction and righteousness can go together as it says, "Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness."
- God leaves the Israelites with hope and tells them that when his wrath is over it shall focus on the Assyrians.
- God reminds them of the time He struck down Midian at Oreb.
- Their yoke will be lifted because of the fat (the meaning of this statement is uncertain)
- Isaiah gives warning to several places which God will come through and strike them down;"Aiath;he has passed through Migron;at Michmash he stores his baggage; they have crossed over the pass;at Geba they lodge for the night;Ramah trembles;Gibeah of Saul has fled. Cry aloud, O daughter of Gallim!Give attention, O Laishah!O poor Anathoth! Madmenah is in flight;the inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety. This very day he will halt at Nob;he will shake his fist at the mount of the daughter of Zion,the hill of Jerusalem."
- The Lord, the Majestic One, will finally strike down Lebanon
Romans 15
- Paul tells the strong they are obligated to bear with the weak, because Christ did this for us
- We should each seek to build up our neighbors.
- Where is this written "“The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”?
- We find hope by endurance and encouragement from the scriptures.
- Paul hope is that they will be strengthened in Christ together in order to glorify God.
- Paul tells them to welcome one another.
- Christ became a servant to the circumcised (Jews) to show God's truthfulness.
- This led to Gentiles glorifying God for His mercy.
- Paul gives the Romans 4 verses which reflect His love for the Gentiles.
- Knowledge of the hope found in God should fill us with joy and peace.
- Paul in happy to see the Romans are full of goodness and able to instruct one another.
- Paul says he wrote to them boldly on a few things to remind them of the truth.
- Paul is proud of his work because of Christ Jesus.
- Paul only boasts in what Christ has done through him to bring Gentiles into obedience.
- Paul's ministry through Christ has stretched from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum.
- Paul wants to take the gospel to places it has never been preached before.
- Where does the quote "Those who have never been told of him will see,and those who have never heard will understand.” come from?
- Paul says he will now come to the Romans on his way to Spain.
- Paul says he is first going to Jerusalem to give gifts to the saints there.
- The Macedonians and Achaians have given Paul a contribution to give to the poor in Jerusalem.
- Paul says that the Gentiles should be contributing to the saints for the gift of salvation they have received through them.
- Paul asks them for their prayers for him on what he is doing.
- Why does Paul asked to be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea?
- Paul wants to come to them with joy to be refreshed.
- He ends with asking God's peace to be with the Romans.
James 3
- James says that those who teach will be judged more strictly.
- We all stumble in many ways.
- If anyone doesn't stumble, he is perfect.
- James points out that a horse's bit directs its whole body.
- He also points out that large ships are steered by a small rudder even in storms.
- A small spark starts a destructive fire
- The tongue is also a small member of the body with big results.
- James says man has tamed every kind of wild beast but cannot tame his tongue.
- The tongue is full of evil and poison.
- With bless God with or tongue and curse God's people.
- James says this shouldn't be the case, just as one spring cannot overflow with fresh and salt water.
- A fig tree also cannot produce olives.
- James is showing how one thing cannot have two very different result. It doesn't work like that.
- Good conduct, meekness, and wisdom = being wise and understanding.
- Jealousy and selfish ambition can "be false" to the truth. This is not from above but earthy and demonic.
- Jealousy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and "every vile practice"
- Godly wisdom is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere"
- Is my wisdom godly?
- Those who sow peace harvest righteousness.
- The Lord told Aaron that he and his sons would bear iniquity for the sanctuary.
- The rest of the tribe of Levi shall help him.
- They should guard the tent but not touch its vessels or they and Aaron shall die.
- Aaron was to guard the sanctuary and the alter so that God's wrath shall never again be on the people of Israel.
- The Lord gave the Levites as a gift to Aaron to help serve him.
- Any outsider who comes near the alter shall die.
- Part of the people's contributions to God are given to Aaron and his sons.
- All offerings shall be most holy to Aaron and his sons.
- They were to eat it in the most holy place.
- Only males may eat it.
- Aaron also receives all of the people's wave offerings. (sons and daughters get this)
- Those who are clean may eat of eat. God also gave Aaron the firstfruits.
- What does God mean when he says everything that opens the womb?
- The first born of man and animal shall be redeemed.
- The redemption price is five shekels of silver (20 gerahs) at one month of age.
- The first born cow, sheep, and goat don't have to be redeemed because they are holy.
- Their blood shall be sprinkled on the alter and the fat burned as a food offering.
- The flesh, breast, and right thigh Aaron is to keep for himself.
- Why does the Lord refer to this as a "covenant of salt"?
- The Levites shall not have land or an inheritance because God is their inheritance.
- Israel's tithes are the inheritance of the Levites.
- Why does God repeat that the Levites have no inheritance 3 times in one paragraph?
- God told Moses to tell the Levites that they were to give one tenth of the tithes they received as a tithing of their own.
- What does it mean to give a contribution to the Lord to give to Aaron?
- Did Aaron tithe?
- They were also supposed to give their best part to the Lord.
- They shall eat the rest of the tithing they receive any place as payment for their service in the tent.
- God cautions them not to profane the holy things that they are receiving.
Isaiah 10
- Isaiah casts woes on the oppressive of the poor, and those who prey on widows and the fatherless.
- He asks what they will do when destruction comes to them from far away.
- What good will their wealth be on that day.
- These are more reasons why God's wrath is on the people of Israel.
- God is using Assyria as his "rod of anger"
- God is sending them to plunder rebellious Israel.
- God says destruction will later come to Assyria for their selfish pride and arrogance.
- The Assyrians are so focused on what they have done to Jerusalem and Samaria.
- The Assyrian king sees it as he has conquered Israel by his own power and wisdom.
- The king sees it like taking eggs from a nest and doesn't see God working through his conquests.
- God says the saw and axe do not boast about what they do because of the person using them and Assyria shouldn't boast because God is using them to discipline Israel.
- God will send sickness and fire on the Assyrians.
- The Lord will burn their forests except for a very few trees which even " a child can write them down."
- The remnant will again lean on the Lord and not the Assyrians.
- The numerous Israelites will only return as a remnant.
- Destruction and righteousness can go together as it says, "Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness."
- God leaves the Israelites with hope and tells them that when his wrath is over it shall focus on the Assyrians.
- God reminds them of the time He struck down Midian at Oreb.
- Their yoke will be lifted because of the fat (the meaning of this statement is uncertain)
- Isaiah gives warning to several places which God will come through and strike them down;"Aiath;he has passed through Migron;at Michmash he stores his baggage; they have crossed over the pass;at Geba they lodge for the night;Ramah trembles;Gibeah of Saul has fled. Cry aloud, O daughter of Gallim!Give attention, O Laishah!O poor Anathoth! Madmenah is in flight;the inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety. This very day he will halt at Nob;he will shake his fist at the mount of the daughter of Zion,the hill of Jerusalem."
- The Lord, the Majestic One, will finally strike down Lebanon
Romans 15
- Paul tells the strong they are obligated to bear with the weak, because Christ did this for us
- We should each seek to build up our neighbors.
- Where is this written "“The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”?
- We find hope by endurance and encouragement from the scriptures.
- Paul hope is that they will be strengthened in Christ together in order to glorify God.
- Paul tells them to welcome one another.
- Christ became a servant to the circumcised (Jews) to show God's truthfulness.
- This led to Gentiles glorifying God for His mercy.
- Paul gives the Romans 4 verses which reflect His love for the Gentiles.
- Knowledge of the hope found in God should fill us with joy and peace.
- Paul in happy to see the Romans are full of goodness and able to instruct one another.
- Paul says he wrote to them boldly on a few things to remind them of the truth.
- Paul is proud of his work because of Christ Jesus.
- Paul only boasts in what Christ has done through him to bring Gentiles into obedience.
- Paul's ministry through Christ has stretched from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum.
- Paul wants to take the gospel to places it has never been preached before.
- Where does the quote "Those who have never been told of him will see,and those who have never heard will understand.” come from?
- Paul says he will now come to the Romans on his way to Spain.
- Paul says he is first going to Jerusalem to give gifts to the saints there.
- The Macedonians and Achaians have given Paul a contribution to give to the poor in Jerusalem.
- Paul says that the Gentiles should be contributing to the saints for the gift of salvation they have received through them.
- Paul asks them for their prayers for him on what he is doing.
- Why does Paul asked to be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea?
- Paul wants to come to them with joy to be refreshed.
- He ends with asking God's peace to be with the Romans.
James 3
- James says that those who teach will be judged more strictly.
- We all stumble in many ways.
- If anyone doesn't stumble, he is perfect.
- James points out that a horse's bit directs its whole body.
- He also points out that large ships are steered by a small rudder even in storms.
- A small spark starts a destructive fire
- The tongue is also a small member of the body with big results.
- James says man has tamed every kind of wild beast but cannot tame his tongue.
- The tongue is full of evil and poison.
- With bless God with or tongue and curse God's people.
- James says this shouldn't be the case, just as one spring cannot overflow with fresh and salt water.
- A fig tree also cannot produce olives.
- James is showing how one thing cannot have two very different result. It doesn't work like that.
- Good conduct, meekness, and wisdom = being wise and understanding.
- Jealousy and selfish ambition can "be false" to the truth. This is not from above but earthy and demonic.
- Jealousy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and "every vile practice"
- Godly wisdom is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere"
- Is my wisdom godly?
- Those who sow peace harvest righteousness.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Numbers 17 - Isaiah 9 – Romans 14 – James 2
Numbers 17
- The Lord told Moses to get a staff from each of the 12 houses.
- He was to put their names on the staffs, Aaron's name on house of Levi's staff
- Moses was to put the 12 staffs in the tent of meeting and God said his chosen man's staff would sprout.
- Moses collected the staffs in front of the people to ceases their grumbling against God.
- The next day Aaron's staff had budded, bloomed, and bore almonds
- God told Moses to put Aaron's staff back in the tent to show future rebels
- The people said they were undone and feared for their lives.
Isaiah 9
- Why would there be no gloom for her who is in anguish?
- Isaiah reflects to God's glory at the sea (probably the Red Sea that Moses crossed)
- The people walking in darkness have seen the light.
- The nation has multiplied and is full of joy Why?
- God has broken the staff of the oppressor like in the days of Midian.
- Ever boot of invader and every bloody garment will be fuel for the fire.
- This line is found in the book of Matthew during the Christmas story "For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
- This "son's" reign shall never end.
- He will establish justice and righteousness from this time and forever more.
- The Lord has sent a word against Israel.
- Which people's pride is Isaiah talking about in these verses?
- The people were saying how they would rebuild everything even better in their own pride.
- The Lord is stirring those in Rezin, Philistine, and Syria against Israel.
- God's anger has not turned away from Israel's misdeeds.
- When the Lord struck down the people of Israel they still did not turn to Him.
- God cut off Israel's head (elder and honored man (who was this at the time?))
- God cut off their tail (the lying prophets)
- God has struck down those leaders who are leading the people astray.
- God has no pity on even the widow or the fatherless because they are ALL evil doers.
- For these reasons his wrath is still on them.
- Wickedness burns and consumes by its very nature.
- The wrath of the Lord consumes the land and the people.
- The people devour the flesh of their own arm.
- Israel is against itself as stated by Isaiah "Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh;together they are against Judah."
- This is yet another reason why God's hand is still outstretched against them (repeated twice)
Romans 14
- Do not quarrel over opinions with those weaker in the faith.
- The weaker believer only eats vegetables.
- The stronger believer eat anything.
- The eater and abstainer should not pass judgment on each other for what they will or won't eat.
- God welcomes both of these believers regardless of what their eating beliefs.
- We are all servants of God so should not pass judgments on each other.
- The Lord is their master and will help them stand.
- Paul then addresses the "importance" of certain days to different believers.
- One person views certain days as important while another views every day the same.
- The one should observe the day in honor of the Lord.
- You can honor and give thanks to the Lord by eating or not eating certain things. (Paul seems to address the heart rather than the actual action)
- We are not to live or to die to ourselves.
- We are to live to and die to the Lord.
- For this reason Christ died and lived again, and He is now Lord of the living and the dead.
- We should not judge or despise our brother because we will all be judged by God eventually.
- We shouldn't judge our brother or do anything to cause them to stumble.
- Paul says nothing is unclean but it is unclean for the one who thinks it is unclean.
- Eating something you know bothers someone else is NOT walking in love.
- Paul is saying they should love in this way to show the good rather than the evil quarreling can cause.
- Kingdom of heaven is not about eating or drinking
- It IS about righteousness, peace, and joy found through Holy Spirit.
- We should pursue what makes for peace and and mutual upbuilding.
- Paul repeats himself and tell the Romans not to destroy what God is doing over what they eat.
- The only wrong thing about eating is causing another to stumble over food.
- Paul says not to eat meat or drink wine if it will cause someone to struggle.
- Keep your faith between you and God and keep free from judgment.
- Whatever we don't do by faith is sin, so if we believe it is wrong to eat or drink something then it IS sin for us.
James 2
- James tells believers not to show partiality to certain people over others.
- James gives an example of giving a wealthy man a good seat and making a poor man stand or sit at their feet as being evil because they have passed judgment on both men.
- Those who are poor in this world are rich in faith.
- And even though God says he loves the poor, they have dishonored the poor man.
- James points out that the rich are the people who drag them to court and blaspheme the Lord's name.
- James refers to "Love your neighbors as yourself" as the royal law.
- If we show partiality then we sin.
- If we keep the whole law but break only one part, then we are guilty of breaking it all.
-We should speak and act like those under the law of Liberty.
- Mercy triumphs over judgement.
- Saying you have faith without works is not good.
- Can a workless faith save us?
- Simply saying be filled and warm to the poor without giving them what they need is no good.
- Workless faith is dead.
- Your faith should be reflected in your works.
- Believing in God is not enough to save because even demons believe in God.
- James gives biblical examples:
1) Abraham
- was justified by works (offering up Isaac)
- his faith was active in His works
- His faith was completed by his works.
- Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.
- He was called a friend of God.
- What does James mean when he says, "a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
2) Rahab
- she was also justified by her works of helping the messengers.
- The body apart from the spirit is dead and so is faith dead apart from works.
- The Lord told Moses to get a staff from each of the 12 houses.
- He was to put their names on the staffs, Aaron's name on house of Levi's staff
- Moses was to put the 12 staffs in the tent of meeting and God said his chosen man's staff would sprout.
- Moses collected the staffs in front of the people to ceases their grumbling against God.
- The next day Aaron's staff had budded, bloomed, and bore almonds
- God told Moses to put Aaron's staff back in the tent to show future rebels
- The people said they were undone and feared for their lives.
Isaiah 9
- Why would there be no gloom for her who is in anguish?
- Isaiah reflects to God's glory at the sea (probably the Red Sea that Moses crossed)
- The people walking in darkness have seen the light.
- The nation has multiplied and is full of joy Why?
- God has broken the staff of the oppressor like in the days of Midian.
- Ever boot of invader and every bloody garment will be fuel for the fire.
- This line is found in the book of Matthew during the Christmas story "For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
- This "son's" reign shall never end.
- He will establish justice and righteousness from this time and forever more.
- The Lord has sent a word against Israel.
- Which people's pride is Isaiah talking about in these verses?
- The people were saying how they would rebuild everything even better in their own pride.
- The Lord is stirring those in Rezin, Philistine, and Syria against Israel.
- God's anger has not turned away from Israel's misdeeds.
- When the Lord struck down the people of Israel they still did not turn to Him.
- God cut off Israel's head (elder and honored man (who was this at the time?))
- God cut off their tail (the lying prophets)
- God has struck down those leaders who are leading the people astray.
- God has no pity on even the widow or the fatherless because they are ALL evil doers.
- For these reasons his wrath is still on them.
- Wickedness burns and consumes by its very nature.
- The wrath of the Lord consumes the land and the people.
- The people devour the flesh of their own arm.
- Israel is against itself as stated by Isaiah "Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh;together they are against Judah."
- This is yet another reason why God's hand is still outstretched against them (repeated twice)
Romans 14
- Do not quarrel over opinions with those weaker in the faith.
- The weaker believer only eats vegetables.
- The stronger believer eat anything.
- The eater and abstainer should not pass judgment on each other for what they will or won't eat.
- God welcomes both of these believers regardless of what their eating beliefs.
- We are all servants of God so should not pass judgments on each other.
- The Lord is their master and will help them stand.
- Paul then addresses the "importance" of certain days to different believers.
- One person views certain days as important while another views every day the same.
- The one should observe the day in honor of the Lord.
- You can honor and give thanks to the Lord by eating or not eating certain things. (Paul seems to address the heart rather than the actual action)
- We are not to live or to die to ourselves.
- We are to live to and die to the Lord.
- For this reason Christ died and lived again, and He is now Lord of the living and the dead.
- We should not judge or despise our brother because we will all be judged by God eventually.
- We shouldn't judge our brother or do anything to cause them to stumble.
- Paul says nothing is unclean but it is unclean for the one who thinks it is unclean.
- Eating something you know bothers someone else is NOT walking in love.
- Paul is saying they should love in this way to show the good rather than the evil quarreling can cause.
- Kingdom of heaven is not about eating or drinking
- It IS about righteousness, peace, and joy found through Holy Spirit.
- We should pursue what makes for peace and and mutual upbuilding.
- Paul repeats himself and tell the Romans not to destroy what God is doing over what they eat.
- The only wrong thing about eating is causing another to stumble over food.
- Paul says not to eat meat or drink wine if it will cause someone to struggle.
- Keep your faith between you and God and keep free from judgment.
- Whatever we don't do by faith is sin, so if we believe it is wrong to eat or drink something then it IS sin for us.
James 2
- James tells believers not to show partiality to certain people over others.
- James gives an example of giving a wealthy man a good seat and making a poor man stand or sit at their feet as being evil because they have passed judgment on both men.
- Those who are poor in this world are rich in faith.
- And even though God says he loves the poor, they have dishonored the poor man.
- James points out that the rich are the people who drag them to court and blaspheme the Lord's name.
- James refers to "Love your neighbors as yourself" as the royal law.
- If we show partiality then we sin.
- If we keep the whole law but break only one part, then we are guilty of breaking it all.
-We should speak and act like those under the law of Liberty.
- Mercy triumphs over judgement.
- Saying you have faith without works is not good.
- Can a workless faith save us?
- Simply saying be filled and warm to the poor without giving them what they need is no good.
- Workless faith is dead.
- Your faith should be reflected in your works.
- Believing in God is not enough to save because even demons believe in God.
- James gives biblical examples:
1) Abraham
- was justified by works (offering up Isaac)
- his faith was active in His works
- His faith was completed by his works.
- Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.
- He was called a friend of God.
- What does James mean when he says, "a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
2) Rahab
- she was also justified by her works of helping the messengers.
- The body apart from the spirit is dead and so is faith dead apart from works.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Numbers 16 - Isaiah 8 – Romans 13 – James 1
Numbers 16
- Korah took men from 250 chieftains and rose up against Moses.
- They said all the Israelites were holy and were upset that Moses and Aaron had raised themselves up as holy.
- Moses fell on his face and said God would tell them who was holy among them.
- Moses said the Lord would choose the holy one among them.
- Moses told Korah to light the censers and have his men do the same and that God would choose (the holy one) leader among them.
- Korah was a Levite and Moses said they had gone too far.
- Moses rebuked them for not being content with the fact that God had chosen them to work in the temple near Him. The people were ultimately rising up against God, not Moses and Aaron.
- Moses called for Dathan and Abiram who refused to come up because they were mad that Moses had promised them milk and honey and they were in the wilderness and they didn't want Moses to be prince over them.
- Moses got angry with them and told God not to accept their offerings.
- Moses told Korah and his 250 men to light their censers and bring them to the entrance of the tent of meeting.
- The glory of the Lord appeared to them all .
- God told Moses and Aaron to move aside and he would strike down these men, but Moses pleaded for their lives.
- Moses went to the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and told the people that if these men died naturally they could be the ruler but if God did "something new" (having the earth swallow them) they would know God had appointed Moses to lead the people.
- As soon as Moses was done speaking the earth opened up beneath these men.
- The ground then closed up and fire came out from the lord and consumed the 250 men with the incense.
- Why did God still decide to kill these men the next day?
- Eleazar, son of Aaron was to collect the incense burners and scattered them because they were now holy.
- Eleazar then took the bronze and created a covering for the altar as a reminder to the people that no one outside the line of Aaron should burn incense.
- The people were upset Moses had killed the people of the Lord.
- Then the people saw the glory of the Lord appear before them.
- The Lord said to move away from the congregation so He could wipe them out.
- Moses told Aaron to light the incense and run it through the crowd to make atonement for them.
- A plague began and Aaron stood in between the dead and the living.
- 14,700 people died before the plague had stopped
Isaiah 8
- The Lord tells Isaiah to write common characters on a tablet.
- Isaiah saw Uriah and Zechariah as reliable.
- Did Isaiah impregnate the prophetess?
- They named the son Maher-shalal-hash-baz which means The spoil speeds, the prey hastens
- Isaiah said that before the baby could talk Damascus and Samaria would lose their wealth to the King of Assyria
- Isaiah tells the people that The Assyrians will flood the area like the River.
- Why is "river" capitalized?
- The Lord tell Isaiah not to fear like the rest.
- God alone should be their source of fear and dread.
- The Lord will now become a stumbling block for the people of Israel.
- Isaiah says that he will wait and trust in the Lord.
- Isaiah asks why the people turn to "dead" mediums" rather than the living.
- If the people don't trust in the teachings and testimony of their God they will be greatly distressed and hungry.
- The people always turn in anger from their king and God when trouble comes.
- They will face their end.
Romans 13
- We are called to follow our worldly leaders because they were instituted by God.
- If you resist authority you resist God and will be judged.
- Rulers punish bad behavior so we should show good behavior and receive favor.
- God is using the rulers for our good.
- The ruler will avenge wrong doings for God.
- This is why we are also called to pay taxes.
- Pay taxes, revenue, respect, and honor to those whom it is owed.
- Owe no one anything except to show love for them.
- The commandments "thou shall not commit adultery, murder, steal, and covet" all fall under the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.
- Loving your neighbor fulfills the law.
- Salvation is closer and closer each day.
- They are no longer in darkness of night, but in the light of day.
- We need to cast off the works of darkness and put on armor of light (Paul's 2nd comparison to godliness being armor)
- Darkness includes; orgies, sexual sin, jealousness, drunkenness, and quarreling.
- He tells us to put on Christ and make NO provision to the flesh to gratify its desires.
(Paul is saying that we need to fight against the desires of the flesh)
James 1
- James identifies himself as being a servant of God and Jesus.
- He is speaking to the 12 tribes of the dispersion.
- We should see trials as joys because they produce steadfastness, so that we won't lack anything.
- We should ask God for wisdom without doubting Him.
- Doubting is like being tossed back and forth on the waves. A doubter won't receive anything.
- A doubter is unstable in all his ways.
- A lowly man should boast in his exaltation and a wealthy man in his humiliation because both will pass away.
- Does this mean a rich man can't be proud of what he has done or earned?
- The rich man will eventually die in his pursuits (It can only last so long)
- A person who remains steadfast under trials will receive a reward from God.
- God cannot be tempted and He tempts no one.
- We are tempted when we are lured and enticed by our desires which lead to sin and eventually death.
- Every good gift is from God
- There is no variation or change in God.
- We were created by God's will in truth.
- We should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
- Anger does not produce righteousness.
- We are called to put away wickedness and received God's word with meekness because it alone can save our souls.
- God's word should lead us to action not just hears of it.
- If you hear God's word but don't act you are like a man who looks in a mirror but doesn't change his appearance.
- The one who looks at the law and acts will be blessed in what they do.
- A religious man also needs to control his tongue
- Pure religion is caring for children and widows and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
-
- Korah took men from 250 chieftains and rose up against Moses.
- They said all the Israelites were holy and were upset that Moses and Aaron had raised themselves up as holy.
- Moses fell on his face and said God would tell them who was holy among them.
- Moses said the Lord would choose the holy one among them.
- Moses told Korah to light the censers and have his men do the same and that God would choose (the holy one) leader among them.
- Korah was a Levite and Moses said they had gone too far.
- Moses rebuked them for not being content with the fact that God had chosen them to work in the temple near Him. The people were ultimately rising up against God, not Moses and Aaron.
- Moses called for Dathan and Abiram who refused to come up because they were mad that Moses had promised them milk and honey and they were in the wilderness and they didn't want Moses to be prince over them.
- Moses got angry with them and told God not to accept their offerings.
- Moses told Korah and his 250 men to light their censers and bring them to the entrance of the tent of meeting.
- The glory of the Lord appeared to them all .
- God told Moses and Aaron to move aside and he would strike down these men, but Moses pleaded for their lives.
- Moses went to the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and told the people that if these men died naturally they could be the ruler but if God did "something new" (having the earth swallow them) they would know God had appointed Moses to lead the people.
- As soon as Moses was done speaking the earth opened up beneath these men.
- The ground then closed up and fire came out from the lord and consumed the 250 men with the incense.
- Why did God still decide to kill these men the next day?
- Eleazar, son of Aaron was to collect the incense burners and scattered them because they were now holy.
- Eleazar then took the bronze and created a covering for the altar as a reminder to the people that no one outside the line of Aaron should burn incense.
- The people were upset Moses had killed the people of the Lord.
- Then the people saw the glory of the Lord appear before them.
- The Lord said to move away from the congregation so He could wipe them out.
- Moses told Aaron to light the incense and run it through the crowd to make atonement for them.
- A plague began and Aaron stood in between the dead and the living.
- 14,700 people died before the plague had stopped
Isaiah 8
- The Lord tells Isaiah to write common characters on a tablet.
- Isaiah saw Uriah and Zechariah as reliable.
- Did Isaiah impregnate the prophetess?
- They named the son Maher-shalal-hash-baz which means The spoil speeds, the prey hastens
- Isaiah said that before the baby could talk Damascus and Samaria would lose their wealth to the King of Assyria
- Isaiah tells the people that The Assyrians will flood the area like the River.
- Why is "river" capitalized?
- The Lord tell Isaiah not to fear like the rest.
- God alone should be their source of fear and dread.
- The Lord will now become a stumbling block for the people of Israel.
- Isaiah says that he will wait and trust in the Lord.
- Isaiah asks why the people turn to "dead" mediums" rather than the living.
- If the people don't trust in the teachings and testimony of their God they will be greatly distressed and hungry.
- The people always turn in anger from their king and God when trouble comes.
- They will face their end.
Romans 13
- We are called to follow our worldly leaders because they were instituted by God.
- If you resist authority you resist God and will be judged.
- Rulers punish bad behavior so we should show good behavior and receive favor.
- God is using the rulers for our good.
- The ruler will avenge wrong doings for God.
- This is why we are also called to pay taxes.
- Pay taxes, revenue, respect, and honor to those whom it is owed.
- Owe no one anything except to show love for them.
- The commandments "thou shall not commit adultery, murder, steal, and covet" all fall under the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.
- Loving your neighbor fulfills the law.
- Salvation is closer and closer each day.
- They are no longer in darkness of night, but in the light of day.
- We need to cast off the works of darkness and put on armor of light (Paul's 2nd comparison to godliness being armor)
- Darkness includes; orgies, sexual sin, jealousness, drunkenness, and quarreling.
- He tells us to put on Christ and make NO provision to the flesh to gratify its desires.
(Paul is saying that we need to fight against the desires of the flesh)
James 1
- James identifies himself as being a servant of God and Jesus.
- He is speaking to the 12 tribes of the dispersion.
- We should see trials as joys because they produce steadfastness, so that we won't lack anything.
- We should ask God for wisdom without doubting Him.
- Doubting is like being tossed back and forth on the waves. A doubter won't receive anything.
- A doubter is unstable in all his ways.
- A lowly man should boast in his exaltation and a wealthy man in his humiliation because both will pass away.
- Does this mean a rich man can't be proud of what he has done or earned?
- The rich man will eventually die in his pursuits (It can only last so long)
- A person who remains steadfast under trials will receive a reward from God.
- God cannot be tempted and He tempts no one.
- We are tempted when we are lured and enticed by our desires which lead to sin and eventually death.
- Every good gift is from God
- There is no variation or change in God.
- We were created by God's will in truth.
- We should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
- Anger does not produce righteousness.
- We are called to put away wickedness and received God's word with meekness because it alone can save our souls.
- God's word should lead us to action not just hears of it.
- If you hear God's word but don't act you are like a man who looks in a mirror but doesn't change his appearance.
- The one who looks at the law and acts will be blessed in what they do.
- A religious man also needs to control his tongue
- Pure religion is caring for children and widows and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
-
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