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.
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