June 29, 2010 Lesson 8 of Leviticus 12:1-13:46

Did the mere fact of being born a Jew give a child a place in the covenant? See 12:3, Note 1 below, and Deut 10:15-16; 30:6. How do the principles illustrated here apply today? Answer: The circumcision associates them with the covenant people. However, like gentiles the Jews too must accept Christ. Or during this period before Christ they must believe in God and make atonement through sacrifice.


From chapter 13 trace some of the parallels that exists between the plague of leprosy and the plague of sin. Answer: Sin makes you unclean and unrighteous to enter the Kingdom of Heaven or sit before God, just as the leprosy does here. The priest sees and judges the sores, just as God will one day judge us.


Notes
12:3. Circumcision had a twofold significance, namely, identification with God’s covenant people, and purification from unfitness for such a role.
12:8 Cf. Luke 2:22-24

June 28, 2010 Lesson 7 of Leviticus 11

What would the distinction between clean and unclean food teach Israel about God and His worship? See v44, 45. Consider the great changes in their habits that the coming of God to dwell among them brought about. Cf. 1 Pet 1:14-16; Eph 4:22-24. Answer: I should teach, or really remind, Israel that God is a Holy God. None may stand before Him that are not holy. We must keep ourselves clean according to His Word. Touching or doing unclean things makes the person unclean.


How did our Lord show that such distinctions are not now binding? What constitutes defilement in God’s sight? Cf. Mark 7:14-23. Answer: God allowed them to be made clean at night. It is what comes out of the man that makes him personally defiled.

Lesson 5 and 6 of Leviticus

June 26, 2010 Lesson 5 of Leviticus 8
Cf. Exod 29:44. The directions for the ceremony were given in Exod 28 and 29; this chapter give the account of it.


What is the order in which the dedication of priests and tabernacle took place? Do you see any significance in this order? Answer: 1) Aaron and sons washed. 2) Aaron was robed and Urim and Thummim were placed in breast plate. From Exod notes: The breast pieces was probably a bag of pouch fastened to the front of the ephod, and called ‘the breast piece of judgment’ because it contained the Urim and Thummim which were used to ascertain the divine will. Cf. Num 27:21; Ezr 2:63. 3) Tabernacle and all in it anointed. 4) Aaron anointed. 5) Sons robed. 6) Sin offering- Aaron and sons laid hands on the head of the bull as it was sacrificed; blood on horns with remaining at the altar base. 7) Burnt offering of the ram. 8) Ordination- second ram sacrificed and blood placed on right ear lobe, thumb, and big toe of Aaron and each of his sons. 9) thigh and fat along with yeast free bread, cake, and wafer were used as wave offering 10) before being burned on altar as the burnt offering. 11) Remaining blood used to sprinkle on Aaron and his sons. 12) they then cooked and ate the meet at the entrance. The one thing that sticks out to me (and makes sense) is that the tabernacle had to be consecrated before Aaron and his sons could be.



In the sacrifice of the ram of ordination (i.e. of dedication to special service), what special use was made of the blood? What symbolic significance does this have? Cf. Rom 6:13. Answer: After reading Rom 6:13 and Pastor Troy’s response it makes sense. I would have to re-iterate what he said in his post, that God wants us to watch how we act in all things we do in the ministry.

June 27, 2010 Lesson 9 of Leviticus 9 and 10.
The tabernacle and priests have been sanctified and dedicated; all was now ready for the normal work of the priesthood to begin.


What was Aaron’s first offering at the start of his ministry? Though pardoned, anointed, and consecrated, he still needed mercy through atoning blood. But when all was duly offered, how did God show his acceptance of his people’s worship? With 9:22a, cf. Num 6:22-27. Answer: The first thing was to seek forgiveness through a sin offering, first for their self then for the people. ON the second part let me first note that the fire came out and burned up the appropriate sacrifice. However, when Aaron’s sons did not present as instructed the same fire came and consumed them (10:2). God shows his acceptance by sharing blessing.


What did Nabab and Abihu do? What happened? Why did God act like this? Answer: The presented “unauthorized fire” to the Lord in sacrifice. They were burned up by the fire and then laid to rest outside the camp. According to the study text it was to inaugurate a new era.


Notes:
10:1. ‘Unauthorized fire’: this may mean fire not taken from the altar, but the central thought is that it was fire which God has not authorized.
10:8-11. It has long been thought that Nadab and Abihu may have been indulging in whine; hence this prohibition.
The significance of 10:16-20 seems to be that Aaron realized that Nadab and Abihu had taken part in the offering of the sin offering and that this rendered it unacceptable and unclean. This is a touching story of Aaron’s full acceptance of God’s verdict on his own sons.

June 25, 2010 Lesson 4 of Leviticus 6:8-7:38

Distinction must be made between public and private offerings. In addition to the private burnt offerings of the people, there was a daily, public burnt offering morning and evening. Cf. Exod 29:38-42. It is this daily sacrifice that is referred to in 6:9, 12, with directions that the fire must not be allowed to go out on the altar.


Neither the sacrifice nor the fire was to fail. What lessons can we learn from that? Cf. Heb 6:11, 12. Answer: Christ’s blood, as the one true sinless lamb holy and righteous, covered us once and for all for our sins. The sacrifice and fire were not to fail because the blood of the sacrifice could only cover so much sin. That is why sacrifices had to be continually done.


7:11-21. In the peace offering the people to God the spontaneous gifts of their love. What were the three kinds of peace offerings which individuals might bring? What about us? Cf. Heb13:15-16. Answer: Thankfulness, vow, and free will. This still goes for us today. We are to live our live in a state of thankfulness, vow our commitment to Him, which is done of our own free will.


Note: A ‘wave offering’ (7:30) means an offering or part offering presented to the Lord by waving it towards him, before receiving it back from him.

June 24, 2010 lesson 3 of Leviticus 4:1-6:7

What is it that distinguishes the sin and guilt offerings from the burnt, meal, and peace offerings? See 4:2, 13, 22, ect. Of what divine provision for our need are we assured here? Cf. Lev 17:11. Answer: The burnt, meal, and peace offerings are offerings of worship. The sin offering is a mandatory offering seeking atonement. Blood is life, and blood sacrifice is needed for atonement. Thanks to Christ sacrifices are no longer needed. It is His blood that atones for our sins.


Notice particularly what was done with the body and with the blood of the sacrifice in the sin offering (4:6, 7, 11,12). How do these solemn ordinances indicate God’s hatred of sin, and suggest some of the fearful results that can arise out of sin? Answer: I am missing the point on this one. I just read Pastor Troy’s response. Although I did note that the blood was on the altar and the flesh was out in the ash heap, I did not make the connection with the works of the flesh. Makes total sense, however.

Note: The sin and guilt offerings have much in common, but the sin offering had reference rather to the person of the offender in his guilt toward God, whereas the guilt offering was an atonement for the offence especially in its relation to man. Hence the sin offering differed for different classes of persons (4:3, 13, 22, 27); and in the guilt offering the guilty party, in addition to his offering, had also to make amends for the wrong done (5:16; 6:4-5).

June 23, 2010 Lesson 2 of Leviticus 2 and 3

The cereal offering represents a blameless life. The purity of its ingredients is emphasized (see 2:1, 11). The worshiper who is not blameless draws near to God with acceptance in the power of an offering possessing the perfection that he lacks. Consider how this offering is fulfilled in Christ. Cf. Heb 7:26; 1 John 2:6. Answer: Christ is the spotless lamb who was sacrificed for our sins. His blood was poured out as a sin offering to cover our sins. Giving us the ability to stand righteous before a righteous and holy God.


The peace offering speaks of communion, based on the blood of atonement (3:1,2) and expressed in a whole burnt offering pleasing to the Lord (3:5). Do you know the heart-satisfaction of such a relation to God. Answer: The NIV uses fellowship offering while the NASB uses peace offering here. I find it interesting how the two seem to be used interchangeably. I can say that once you believe and move into fellowship with God, through Jesus Christ, you do feel that peace, your life is filled with endless joy. When others are feeling life coming down on them, the Christian feels those same stresses but is lifted up through that relationship.

June 22, 2010 Lesson 1 of Leviticus 1

God is now dwelling in the midst of his people, and gives them directions concerning their worship of him and their communion with him. Notice how throughout this book God is the speaker, through Moses.


What are the two outstanding features of the burnt offerings mentioned here? See e.g. Verses 3,9, 10, 13. Answer: They are to be without defect and washed clean.

What significance would the burnt offering have for the person making the offering? See e.g. Verses 4, 9, 13, 17. Answer: The person making the offering is actively involved in the sacrificial process through the priest to God to atone for the person’s sins.

June 21, 2010 Lesson 4 of 2 Timothy 4

What ministry is Paul urging Timothy to fulfill here? Make a list of the main points in Paul’s charge to him. How does this chapter also indicate the possibilities of failure, and its causes? What challenge ought I to find here concerning my own Christian service? Answer: Paul is charging Timothy to continue to preach the Word when he is gone. He tells Timothy to know the Word and correct and encourage those who don’t with patients and “careful instruction.” He reminds Timothy that some may not want to hear the Good News. They will listen to what they want to hear, what makes them feel good (sounds a bit like our culture today). They will turn aside from the truth to myths. However, he further instructs Timothy to “keep his head in all situations, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, [and] discharge all the duties of your ministry.” I think that not being sucked into worldly things is kind of hard. I can stand up for the Word pretty well. However, I fear that there may come a time when the world may wear me down enough that I “give in.” I have never been in such a situation so I don’t know for sure, but that has always been a fear of mine. Thankfully I have been blessed enough to truly experience the love and grace of God up to this point in life that I feel confident (again through God not myself) that He would get me through such a situation.


Consider Paul as he faces death. Note: a) his consciousness about the past; b) his confession about, and his confidence in, the present; c) his hope for the future. How far can and do I share his experience and his outlook? Note Paul’s words in 1 Cor 11:1. Answer: I like to believe that I share his outlook. I believe that God intends us to continue to try to spread the Word until the end.

June 20, 2010 Lesson 3 of 2 Timothy 3

Verses 1-13. Of what are the evil traits listed here a characteristic expression? What by contrast ought true Christians to be like? How can we counter such evil tendencies: a) in ourselves, and b) in the community to which we belong? Answer: They are all about self and putting self above God and everyone. True Christians are to show love for each other. We are to be lovers of good. We are to seek wisdom. We are to be patient. In other words we are to accept Christ into our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to be more like Him. Prayer is the first step in countering evil tendencies in both ourselves and in the community.


V14-17. What great things can the right use of the Bible do for us? Note its contributions at each stage from a)early childhood and its dependence on others, through b) adolescence and its discipline, to c) mature manhood and its active service. What must we do fully to enjoy these benefits? Answer: We, through each of these stages, must read and learn the Word and put it in our heart so the greatest deceiver does not lead us astray.

June 19, 2010 Lesson 1 of 2 Timothy 2

V1-7. What theological truths form the basis for confidence in prayer? Answer: I see three examples here. The NIV study tells me that each is an example of consistent and hard work being rewarded. I have some questions on the 3rd example however. It says the farmer should “be the first to receive a share of the crops.” Does not God get the first 10%? Or is this referring to some other reward? Reward in Heaven? Crowns of glory?


For whom, and for what, should we pray (v1-4)? What kind of people ought we to be in personal behavior if we wish to be effective in prayer and pleasing to God when we meet to pray? With verses 8-10, cf. Ps. 66:18; Is 59:1-3; Mark 11:25. Answer: We should pray for each other. We should with other like minded people. We are to pray with those…. You know I just don’t understand this question based on this text!! 

V9-15. Paul is not deprecating the role of women in the device of Christ (cf. Rom. 16:1ff; Phil 4:2-3), but he does here forbid women ‘to teach or to have authority’ over men in the local church. Is it conceivable that today change may be permitted in women’s part, or is Paul appealing here to the permanent consequences of the difference made by the Creator between male and female? What is the significance of verses 13 and 14? Answer: I believe that God is never changing, which makes His Word never changing. To be politically incorrect, the feminist movement was an uprising of some women against the culture that was established on these Godly principles. I am not saying women can’t vote or women can’t own property ect. I am saying that in God’s Word there is a very specific place a woman is to be, and in leadership of the church is not one of them. In addition I believe that God can and does use women.


Notes:
V8. ‘Lift up holy hands’: it was customary to stand when praying, and to spread out one’s hands before God Cf. 1 Kg 8:22.
V15. ‘Saved through bearing children’: a difficult expression. It must be understood here in context, with reference to the place and function of women. Bearing children is a function to which women are unquestionably called. In it they will experience God’s saving grace provided they continue in faith, ect.

June 18, 2010 Lesson 1 of 2 Timothy 1

Picture Paul circumstances. See also 4:9-13. What positive Christian truths sustain and encourage Paul as he lay in prison? Answer: Paul sees this as a blessing that will glorify God!

Note how Paul reminds Timothy of the demands and cost of Christian service. Express in your own words the chief points of Paul’s counsel and exhortation to him. To which of these do you particularly listen? Answer: Praises Timothy for his faith, pray for and have others pray for you and your gifts so that you may grow in the Lord and His blessing, do not be ashamed, and suffer for the gospel if that is what the Lord has in store for you. I need to listen more to all that God has for me. I wish I knew what gift God has in me that he wants to use. I am in need of a sign in the front yard.

What do verses 3-7 reveal concerning the value of a God-fearing and Christian home and upbringing? Cf. 3:14-15. Answer:


Note V.16-18. Onesiphorus appears here as one separated from his household, either by absence from home, or quite possibly by death (cf. 4:19). This does not mean, however, that Paul is praying for his present well-being as one dead, a practice completely unsupported elsewhere in scripture. The prayer concerns conduct in this life, and reward on the future day of judgment.

June 17, 2010 Lesson 3 of Titus 3

V1-7. How ought we as Christians to behave in relation to: a) civil authorities, and b) our fellow men? What double awareness about ourselves should inspire such conduct? Answer: We are to submit to civil authority. Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. We are to show others the same love and mercy that Christ showed us. By showing this love we may be planting seeds that may one day lead to a soul won for Christ. If we don’t show that love and mercy that soul may be lost forever.


V4-7. What are we told here about: a) the source and method of salvation, and b) our present state and future hope? Do you realize as you ought how ‘richly’ (v6) you are endowed? Answer: First we are reminded that we too once were living under sin. We are currently made holy and in the future we are living with Him in glory spending all eternity praising Him.


V 8-15. By what actions are by what abstinence should genuine faith in God express itself? What is necessary on our part to ensure that this happens? Answer: We are to refrain from controversies about the law.

June 16, 2010 Lesson 2 of Titus 2

V 1-10. How can Christians ‘make the teaching about God our Savior attractive’? Examine carefully the characteristics demanded from the different classes mentioned, and summarize them briefly in your own words. Which characteristics ought you particularly to desire and cultivate? Answer: Characteristics are 1) Older men are to be taught to be temperate, worthy of respect, self controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance; 2) older women are to reverent in the way they live, not slanderers or addicted to wine, they are to teach and train younger women to love their husbands and children, self-controlled and pure, busy at home, kind, and subject to their husband; young men are to be self-controlled, show them integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned (so that those who oppose them may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say); finally teach slaves to be subject to their master and try to please them, not steal from them, and show that they can be trusted.


V 11-14. What reasons are given here why a Christian should live differently? A) What should you give up? B) How should you now live? How far is this true of you? Answer: I see here what it means to be a Christian. The true Christian lives a transformed life. I know God has transformed my life. I no longer desire the ungodliness and worldly passions. Not saying I am not tempted by the things of this world, that is the sin that lives in all of us. It is the Spirit that lives in all of that keeps us from desiring, and enables us to turn from the things of the world. Yes we are to live with the Spirit leading our lives guiding and directing us.

June 15, 2010 Lesson 1 of Titus 1

V1-4. What does Paul tell us here concerning the origin and the aims of his ministry? What was the basis of his assurance? Answer: The origins come from Christ himself before time began. His assurance is the knowledge of his election by Christ to spread the Word. This same assurance is stated in most, if not all, of the other books that Paul authors.


Verses 10-14. What was wrong with those whom Paul criticizes here? Make a list of their faults and failings. How, by contrast, are sincerity and genuineness revealed? Answer: Those that Paul discusses here are those who put their faith in the Law not Christ or the Word. Their faults and failings include ruining households esp. for financial gain, both their mind and conscience are corrupted, and they claim to know God but their actions deny him.


V6-9. Make a list of the qualifications desirable in a Christian minister which are mentioned here. Compare them with those stated in 1 Tim 3:1-13. Answer: The elder must be blameless, only have one wife, who’s children obey, not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain, hospitable, loves what is good, holy and disciplined, and hold true to the Message.

June 13, 2010 Lesson 6 of 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

I have to start this discussion with my own discussion of V11-15. I understand that if they are put on the list they may become idle and be tempted to do the things listed. However, I am confused about the marrying part. Can they, or can’t they get married again? Is marriage within the church body ok?
Note Paul’s concern for others, and his detached interest in the special conditions and needs of particular groups. What can we learn here concerning the way to treat people? Answer: I think we as the church and body of Christ need to come together and us the resources God has given us and provide more and more for those truly in need. We need to spend less on our church fronts. We need to spend more in the communities in which we live. God has put us here to care for them. God did not put us here so the government can care for them.

How ought the elderly, e.g., widows, normally to be cared for? What does Paul advise against the giving of church support to younger widows. Answer: The elderly widows need to be cared for first by their children and grandchildren. This is to show them how God wants us to care for our relatives. Paul says they have denied the faith and are worse than a nonbeliever if they do not care for their widow. The younger widows are not to be cared for in this same manner so they do not become idle and fall into the traps of the devil.


5:19-22. Of what dangers and responsibilities is Timothy made aware here? What, in principle, can I learn from these instructions for my own guidance? Answer: Paul is telling Timothy not to fall into the ways of the culture he is living in. Do not be easily distracted or drawn into the “charisma” of someone who is really a non believer.


Note:
5:3, 17. ‘Proper recognition’: probably implies financial support.
5:22. ‘The laying on of hands’ refers to the setting apart of individuals for specific service, e.g. the elders.

June 12, 2010 Lesson 5 of 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Make a list of all the things that Timothy is here told to do and to avoid in order to become ‘a good minister of Christ Jesus.’ Answer:1) point our truths, 2)have nothing to do with a)godless myths and b) old wives tales, 3) train yourself to be godly, 4) Command and teach, 5) don’t let others look down on you, 6) be set as an example for speech, life, love faith, and purity, 6) devote yourself to public reading of scripture, to preaching, and to teaching 7) don’t neglect your gift, and 8) be diligent in giving yourself, watch your life and doctrine, and persevere in them.

Distinguish in this passage (and in the list made in answer to Q1) between actions that concerned: a)Timothy’s personal life, and b) his public ministry. What can we learn here concerned the connection of these two? Answer: Paul is saying be godly in both areas. Let the Spirit lead you in the Word so that your personal and public life is one that will make others want to follow God.

June 11, 2010 Lesson 4 of 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5

What truths about the Christian church are signified by the descriptive phrases of 3:15? Consider each in turn. Cf. Eph 2:19-22; 2 Cor 6:16-18. (See note below) What demands ought these truths to make on us? Answer: The church is the foundation of the Truth in this world. God is the corner stone of the church, there is no other. Christ was sent to make atonement for our sins, and the Holy Spirit is left to guide us and grow us in God’s will.


Note from where the false teaching described in 4:1-5 would arise; and by what kind of people it would be propagated. What, according to Paul’s teaching here, is the true Christian position with regard to: a)marriage and b) foods that may be eaten? Cf Heb 13:4; Rom 14:2, 3, 6b. Answer: Paul says that we are to continue to marry and eat the foods of the earth that God has provided. It says in verse 1 “in later times.” I can see ours and other’s countries moving to a marriage free culture. In fact someone was saying telling me that some in our government’s current administration favor civil unions for all couples, then those who want to can get married in a church can later. I will say when looking at the conferring passages, and what limited knowledge I have about the rest of the Bible, there is one difference here. The “rules” on marriage (one man married to one woman for the rest of their life with very very limited exemptions) don’t change, but with the new covenant the rules did change on what we could eat. I have to say thank you Lord for that!


3:16 may quote part of an early Christian hymn. What do these statements declare concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ? What are the sphere and the extent of his Lordship? Answer: First off these statements declare what we already know of Him and show how he has fulfilled scripture by coming to this earth, dying for our sins, and then rising again to heaven.


Note; 3:15. ‘The pillar and foundation of the truth’: i.e., displaying and upholding in the world the revelation of the gospel: and so providing a public and enduring witness for God. Cf. Rev 2:5

June 10, 2010 Lesson 3 of 1 Timothy 3:1-13

V 1-7. What are the qualities required in those who exercise leadership in the church? Note what Paul says about their; a) personal character, b) Christian experience, c) general reputation, and d) abilities. Why does Paul put such stress on the personal life of a Christian leader? Answer: The Christian leader must be “above reproach.” He must be of the highest character in all areas of his life. He must be able to manage his family, receiving respect from all members. They must be well founded in their faith, so they do not fall into the traps (pride, arrogance, etc.) of the devil.


What qualities are necessary for deacons (v 8-10, 12, 13) and deconesses (v11)? Compare your answer with the answer to Q1. Note how largely the element of self-discipline enters into these qualifications. In the light of this passage, how do I measure up to the standard God requires? Answer: I think Paul is saying pretty much the same about deacons as he is about the “overseer.” The one difference I do see is the deacon’s qualifications actually talks a bit about the wife’s qualities. Not sure why that is not the same for the “overseer” or if it is why is it not mentioned when talking about the elder. I will say that I have a long way to go with all of it!!


Notes:
V 1. ‘Overseer’ or ‘Bishop’ in some translations: the bishop here must not be identified with a present day bishop. The Greek word means ‘one who exercises oversight’. There were a number of such men in each congregation (see Phiil 1:1); and they were also called ‘elders’ or ‘prebyters’. See Titus 1:5, 7; Acts 20:17, 28, AV and RV.
V2. ‘the husband of but one wife’: Cf. 3:12; 5:9. Opinion is divided as to whether this means married only once, or having only one wife, i.e. not a polygamist. The latter is more probable in the light of 1 Cor 7:8-9; Rom 7:1-3.
V 6. ‘The same judgment as the devil’: this probably means to fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil for his sin of pride.

June 9, 2010 Lesson 2 of 1Timothy 2

Verse 1-7. What theological truths form the basis for confidence in prayer? Answer: The theological truth that Christ died for our sins, giving us the ability to stand before a holy and righteous God, making Jesus the one true way to God, and that God does not wish for any to die in their sins. We are born into sin and must accept Christ to cleanse us of those sins.


For whom, and for what, should we pray (v1-4)? What kind of people ought we to be in personal behavior if we wish to be effective in prayer and pleasing to God when we meet to pray? With verses 8-10, cf. Ps 66:18; Is 59:1-3; Mark 11:25. Answer: We pray for all including those next to us and those in authority over so that we may live in peace. I am not sure I understand the second part of the question. The sentence makes no sense to me at all.


V 9-15. Paul is not deprecating the role of women in the service of Christ (cf. Rom 16:1ff; Phil 4:2-3), but does here forbid women ‘to teach or to have authority’ over men in the local church. Is it conceivable that today change may be permitted in women’s part, or is Paul appealing here to the permanent consequences of the difference made by the Creator between male and female? What is the significance of verses 13 and 14? Answer: I do believe that God has created men and women for a purpose. If the Bible teaches that women are to be subordinate to men than that is as true today as it was when the words were written. I know this is very counter cultural today in our post feminist movement. The Bible is truths that are all eternal.


Notes:
Verse 8. ‘Life up holy hands’: it was customary to stand when praying, and to spread out one’s hands before God Cf. 1 Kings 8:22.
Verse 15. ‘Saved through bearing children’: a difficult expression. It must be understood here in its context, with reference to the place and function of women. Bearing children is a function to which women are unquestionably called. In it they will experience God’s saving grace provided they continue in faith, etc.

June 8, 2010 Lesson 1 of 1 Timothy 1

Timothy is reminded of the purpose for which he was left at Ephesus. Verses 12-17 are a digression in which Paul breaks out into thanksgiving for God’s grace towards him.


What is the nature of the false teaching which Paul attacks? From verses 3, 11, 12, 18, and Gal 1:8, 9, 12 consider why Paul would not allow any deviation from the gospel. Answer: I am not sure how to answer the first part of this question. Is the nature of the false teaching one of arrogance, pride, manipulation for personal gains, and “meaningless talk?” The second part of this question I think kind of goes back to the fact that there is only one way to God and that is through the holy blood of Christ to atone for our sins. The false teachings encouraged worship of the law not Christ.


The spurious doctrine evidently exaggerated the law as a means of righteousness. How does Paul indicate in verses 8-15 the limitations of the law and the superiority of the gospel? Answer: Paul points out that the law is there to show sinners that their deeds are evil in the eyes of the Lord. Only the blood of Christ can satisfy our sins to a Holy and Righteous God, making it truly superior to any other teaching.


Compare your own experience of the gospel with that described in verses 12-17. What outstanding features does Paul emphasize? Answer: I may not have been a murderer as Paul was, but I was far from Christ before I was saved. I can totally sympathize with Paul on the whole not being truly worthy of God’s Grace.


Notes
V4. ‘Myths and endless genealogies’: rabbinical fables (cf Titus 1:14), and attempts to find hidden meaning in the names of the genealogies of the Old Testament.
V20. ‘Hymenaeus and Alexander’: cf. 2 Tim 2;17; 4:14. Nothing else is known of these men. ‘Whom I have handed over to satan’: a form of apostolic discipline with a view to spiritual benefit. Cf. 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 12:7.

June 3, 2010 Lesson 1 of Micah 1 and 2

Judgment falls on Samaria and almost on Jerusalem. The Lord God is witness for the prosecution (1:2); the result is Samaria (1:6-7), consternation in Judah (1:10-16) and grief in the prophet (1:8-9). What was the basic reason for the catastrophe (1:5,13)? Answer: Israel’s inter-marriage with Gentile people??


What classes of the community and what sins are rebuked in chapter 2? What is the penalty? Answer: Those who plot evil. Those who plan to covet, steal, and defraud. The penalty is that God will punish them.


Promise (2:12-13) follows banishment (2:10). How are God’s gracious acts described? Do we, too, know the Shepherd’s love (John 10:14-15) and the King’s might (2 Cor 2:14)? Cf also Is 40:11; 2 Sam 5:20. Answer: God’s grace is described as a protector and defender. I think that yes we today still know today God’s love and grace.


Notes:
1:5. The prophet sees the capital cities of the kingdoms of both Israel and Judah as the main sources of the corruption of the whole country, although they were the centers of worship.
1:10-12. There is some word play on the names of the towns mentioned ans what they will endure. ‘Grovel in the dust as dust town’ (Beth Ophrah), ect. (see moffatt).
1:13. ‘the beginning of sin’:Lachish was the border town at which chariots and horses purchased in Egypt would be received in Judah. See 5:10 and cf. Is 31:1; 36:9.
1:14-15. The calamities coming in Judah will include separation from loved ones, deception, conquest and ignominious flight.
Chapter 2. Micah preached in verses 1-5; he is interrupted by the by the rich in verse 6 and retorts, verse 7. God speaks in verses 8-10 and 12-13; the prophet soliloquizes in verse 11.
2:4-5. The avaricious landowners will lament because they themselves have been dispossessed; their portion in the Lord’s inheritance (v5) will be no more.
2:6. Micah’s preaching is not well received and he is told, ‘Do not drivel….!’ V11 and 3:11 describe the sort of preachers the rich wanted – and got.

June 2, 2010 Lesson 14 of 2 Corinthians 13

What effect has Paul’s love for the Corinthians on his attitude to their sin? In answering consider the evidence of both verses 1-6 and verses 7-10. See also 12:20-21. Answer: I think in V6-10 Paul is saying no matter what we have done, no matter how depraved we may be, God still loves and forgives us. It is through Christ that we are made strong. God is a righteous and holy judge.


Consider how closely related the exhortations and promises of verse 11 are to teaching of the whole letter. Answer:


Consider how the prayer of verse 14 sums up our Christian heritage, and gives the complete solution to our threefold need – our sin, sorrow, and weakness. Answer:


Notes
V 1. When Paul comes he will hold a judicial inquiry. Cf. Matt 18:16; 1 Tim 5:19
V2-4. Christ ‘crucified in weakness’ is not the whole gospel. He also lives by the power of God, and that power will be manifested also in his servant Paul.
V7-10. Paul would rather that the Corinthians should act rightly, and so make it needless for him to rebuke them, than that he should gain prestige by the demonstration of his apostolic authority.

June 1, 2010 Study 13 of 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Paul again summarizes his past ministry in Corinth and his attitude towards the Christians there. What accusations is he meeting in this passage and how does he answers them? What impresses you most as showing the measure of his Christ-likeness? In answering this question bear in mind how deeply he has been wronged by the ingratitude and suspicion of the church. Answer: I appears to me that some in the church are saying that Paul has been a financial burden on the church. That some of them feel that he is wanting to charge others to hear the Word, or at the very least support him while he preaches.


In verse 20-21 what anxieties does Paul have over the church in Corinth? What can we learn from this about our responsibility for younger Christians? Answer: Paul fears that the new Christians in Corinth have gone back to their evil ways. We must support the new Christian by encouraging them to get into the Word to study and soak it up.


Notes
V13. ‘Forgive me this wrong’!: spoken in irony.
V14. ‘What I want is not your possessions but you’: Cf 4:5, 15; 5:13; 13:9