Numbers 25
- The Israelites began to intermingle with the Moabites at Shittim.
- The Moabites invited the Israelites to eat and worship their gods, Baal, and they did.
- The Lord grew angry with them and He told Moses to hang/impale the chiefs.
- Moses told the judges to kill any chiefs who had yolked themselves with Baal.
- An Israelite man brought a Midianite woman into his family.
- Phinehas, Eleazar's son, Aaron's grandson, saw this he took a spear and he impaled both of them while they were together.
- This stopped a plague, but 24,000 Israelites had already died.
- The Lord commended Phinehas on his jealousy for God and his atonement for his people and God gave him the covenant of peace.
- Zimri was the impaled man's name and the Midianite woman's name was Cozbi.
- God told Moses to strike down the Midianites because the Israelites were turning toward their wiles (ways)
Isaiah 7
- In the days of Ahaz (Uzziah's grandson) Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, the king of Israel (Ephraim) came to wage war on Jerusalem (Judah), but couldn't.
- When the house of David heard of the Syrians attack they were very fearful.
- Isaiah went with his son Shear-jashub to go meet Ahaz by the Washer's Field.
- Isaiah told Ahaz to be quiet, careful and not to fear the two "stumps" who planned evil against him.
- The Lord said that this would NOT come to pass and that within 65 years Ephraim would no longer be a people.
- Why is the 65 year part in parentheses?
- God says is you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.
- Isaiah told Ahaz to ask for a sign from God (which is forbidden in other scriptures)
- Ahaz said he would not test God.
- Isaiah told him that God would give him a sign that " a virgin will conceive and bear a son and shall be called Immanuel.
- Immanuel will refuse evil and choose good and the land of the two kings Ahaz now fears will be deserted.
- In that day the fly from Egypt and bees from Assyria will settle in the streams (What does this phrase mean?)
- The Lord will defeat them with the king of Assyria.
- Everyone who is left will eat curds and honey from a young cow and 2 sheep.
- All the valuable vines will turn into thorns and briers and the land that is now farmed will only be good for releasing cows and sheep to graze.
1 Corinthians 6
- Paul says that when you have something against a fellow believer you should take it before saint before you go to a worldly judge.
- The world is to be judged by us, so we should be able to settle "trivial cases"
- We will judge angels, so we have the ability to judge in this life.
- Paul says they should be ashamed because no one is wise enough to settle disputes between brothers in the faith.
- Paul is saying they shouldn't have any lawsuits against one another but should suffer wrongs instead.
- The unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
- Those deceived participate in sexual immorality, idolatry, homosexuality, thieves, greed, reviling, and swindling.
- Paul reminds them that they once participated in these things but were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus and the Spirit of God.
- Paul says all things are lawful for him but not all are helpful.
- He will not be enslaved by anything.
- The food and stomach go together, but sexual immorality and the body do not go together.
- God will raise us like he raise the Lord.
- Our bodies are members of Christ so we shouldn't use them to sin.
- Going to a prostitute is becoming one with her.
- We are one in spirit because we are joined with God.
- All sins other than sexual immorality are done outside the body.
- Our bodies are holy temples that were bought with a price.
- We don't own our bodies. God does so we should glorify Him with our body.
1 Peter 5
- Peter exhorts the elders, he being one of them, to shepherd the flock of God.
- They should give oversight willingly, not for selfish gain, but eagerly.
- They shouldn't be domineering but live as examples to other believers.
- When Jesus appears they shall receive a crown of glory.
- The younger should submit to elders.
- They should all be humble with each other because God opposes the proud.
- God will exalt the humble at the proper time.
- We can cast all our anxieties on Him because he cares for us.
- We should be sober-minded and watchful.
- Satan is a lion who prowls around us.
- We need to resist Satan and know others are also experiencing suffering.
- After suffering a short time God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.
- Silvanus had written this letter for Peter.
- He reminds them to stand firm in the grace of God.
- Who is the "she who is at Babylon"? Is this Peter's wife?
- Mark is Peter's son.
- They were to greet each other with the kiss of love.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Numbers 24 - Isaiah 6– 1 Corinthians 5 – 1 Peter 4
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)
- 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)
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
