Galatians 5:22-23 These are the nine fruit of the spirit. We’ll be spending the next weeks focusing on each one to gain a greater understanding so that we can live these out. In fact, these nine fruit are to be our normal behavior because God’s spirit is living in us.
Galatians 5:16-17 We have a war going on within us. On the one hand, our flesh inspires selfish desires opposed to God; on the other, God’s spirit motivates godly behavior.
Galatians 5:18 The law can cause our flesh to rebel, but God’s spirit sets us free from that trap.
Galatians 5:19-23 If you want to slay the dragon of strife, you need kindness; if you want to defeat anger, you need gentleness; if you want to conquer divisiveness, you need faithfulness; if you want to overcome sexual sin, you need genuine godly love; if you fall prey to drunkenness, you need self-control. The fruits of the spirit squeeze out the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:13-16 Today, our focus is on love. This is such an important mindset and behavior for us to cultivate in our lives. In fact, Jesus taught that loving God and others is the most important commandment in the whole Bible (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
1 Corinthians 13 contains a love poem that tells us “love never ends” (v8). Even though prophecy will pass away, tongues will cease, and miraculous insight will stop, love is forever. It’s better than faith and hope. “The greatest of these is love” (v13). Love is a big deal!
Galatians 2:20 The chief way Paul grounds his understanding of love is God’s extravagant expression of love in giving His only Son to set us free. This is home base.
Galatians 5:13-16 The emphasis here is on loving one another rather than treating each other harshly. How are you doing on this? Do you love your neighbor as yourself?
Exodus 32:9-10 Occasionally, God changed His mind, but when he cuts a covenant, He never changes His mind.
Isaiah 14:24, 27; 46:9-10; Psalm 33:11 He means what He says and says what He means, and we can be assured He will do what He promises to do.
God’s dream, His purpose for the ages, is a love relationship with you that is real, personal, and everlasting.
Ephesians is a brief, but full, view of Christianity. Our past, present, and future are laid out.
Ephesians 1:3-5 Predestined - He thought it through and planned it out. Our calling is not haphazard or a mistake; rather, it is according to the kind intention of His will.
9 according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
11 having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
2:1 trespasses - crossing God’s line or boundaries. Dead - we had no spiritual consciousness, no connection with God, godliness, or spiritual awareness.
2-3 “walk” is used metaphorically for the way we regularly live and conduct our lives
1. course (age) of this world - the world today determined how we lived
2. prince of the power of the air - the devil, not God, influenced our walk
3. sons of disobedience - the old nature
Our former way of life was controlled by evil without our awareness.
4-6 Our spiritual state today because God is rich in mercy and His great love
7 - Our future
8-10 God did for us what we could never do for ourselves.
11-12 - 1 separate from Christ; 2 excluded from the commonwealth; 3 strangers to the covenants; 4 no hope; 5 without God in the world
13-22 Our reality now - near, peace with God and man, reconciled, access to God, fellow citizens, God's household, the habitation of God.
3:1-12 We are a part of God’s dream, the purpose of the ages.
2:10 Walk like God has you to be
4:1 Walk in a manner worthy of the calling
4:17 Do not walk like you were-
5:2 Walk in love
5:8 Walk as children of the light
5:15 Walk carefully, as a wise one
Genesis 1:1-5 The first day, God created space, the heavens and earth, and time, day, and night. Since everything we know is within the scope of space and time, God is much bigger than anything we can comprehend.
Psalm 90:2 From everlasting to everlasting, He is the eternal one.
Revelation 4:8 He is the one who was, who is, and who is to come.
Exodus 3:14 “I am” the existent one. He is everywhere present all of the time.
Isaiah 55:8-9 God’s ways and thoughts are much greater than ours.
Romans 11:33
Psalm 139:1-6 “Wonderful” means incomprehensible.
7-16 God is with you everywhere you go, and He knows what is really happening even if no one else knows.
23 Why would the psalmist ask God to search him if he already acknowledged God is with him and knows what is going on?
Psalm 13:1-ff There are times it seems He is not present or He is not listening, but He is always with you, and He always hears.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Romans 8:35-39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Yahweh is a God of Salvation.
(Genesis 49:18; Exodus 15:2; 2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 35:9; Isaiah 25:9; Psalm 18:46)
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psalm 18:46 (KJV)
God had a plan for salvation - to save humanity from sin and to provide eternal life in the age to come. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us. God is our savior because He put forth the plan of salvation. Jesus is our savior because he carried out God’s plan and saved us. (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
"She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
Matthew 1:21
The name Jesus or Yeshua (Hebrew) means “Yahweh is Salvation.”
Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel comes to Mary.
Luke 1:46-56
Mary exalts in Yahweh, in “God my Savior.”
Luke 1:67-79
Zechariah (the Father of John the Baptist) prophesies.
“Raised up a horn of salvation for us;” “salvation from our enemies;” “To give the people the knowledge of salvation”
Luke 2:1-20 - The birth of Christ
“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”
Exodus 34:6-7 Compassion/mercy is the first of God’s attributes that He listed out when He revealed His glory to Moses.
Exodus 22:21-27 God cares about the sojourners, widows, and orphans. He hears their prayers and takes up their cause because He is compassionate.
Deuteronomy 24:10-22 God wanted His people never to forget that they were once slaves in Egypt. The benefit of that corporate memory was that they would have compassion on others in need like the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10 God installed an automatic system to ensure that widows would have the chance to get remarried quickly.
Deuteronomy 26:12-13 The people’s tithes went to provide for the Levites, sojourners, orphans, and widows. It was important to God that His people not forget these categories of people.
Psalm 68:4-5
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! 5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Zechariah 7:9-14 Sadly, God’s people did not act in compassion to the vulnerable members of their society. They took advantage of the weak and closed their ears to hear their cry. Other than idolatry, their lack of compassion was the chief reason God exiled them from their land.
Luke 6:30-36 Our Lord taught us that we too should be merciful just as God is. We too should be generous to the poor and kind to the undeserving.
Exodus 34:6-7 Compassion/mercy is the first of God’s attributes that He listed out when He revealed His glory to Moses.
Exodus 22:21-27 God cares about the sojourners, widows, and orphans. He hears their prayers and takes up their cause because He is compassionate.
Deuteronomy 24:10-22 God wanted His people never to forget that they were once slaves in Egypt. The benefit of that corporate memory was that they would have compassion on others in need like the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10 God installed an automatic system to ensure that widows would have the chance to get remarried quickly.
Deuteronomy 26:12-13 The people’s tithes went to provide for the Levites, sojourners, orphans, and widows. It was important to God that His people not forget these categories of people.
Psalm 68:4-5
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! 5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Zechariah 7:9-14 Sadly, God’s people did not act in compassion to the vulnerable members of their society. They took advantage of the weak and closed their ears to hear their cry. Other than idolatry, their lack of compassion was the chief reason God exiled them from their land.
Luke 6:30-36 Our Lord taught us that we too should be merciful just as God is. We too should be generous to the poor and kind to the undeserving.
Ignorance and wrong teaching are devasting to our understanding of Yahweh.
Exodus 43:6-7 God’s character, His virtues (moral standards), are never compromised, nor are they ever contradictory.
Deuteronomy 10:17; 32:3-4 God is just with no injustice at all.
Psalm 89:13-14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
Psalm 99:1-5 Righteousness, justice, and equitableness originate from the mind of God. Man does not have the ability to determine what is right on his own. Our flawed human nature and the evil in the age that is controlled by Satan impede us.
Romans 11:33-34 Almighty God is the sovereign King overall and has infinite wisdom. He knows the end from the beginning. He also knows what is in the heart of every man and woman. The book of Proverbs says wisdom has always been with God. He has a purpose for the ages which He guarantees will be fulfilled. These are the things that qualify Him to be the only right judge.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways
Deuteronomy 13:1-18 Decisive seemingly harsh punishment
2 Kings 21:1-18 Manasseh received God’s mercy and forgiveness. Often we see two very similar incidents handled in opposite ways.
Romans 9:14, 20, 21 Man should not be so foolish as to question God’s judgment; rather we are instructed to praise Him for His judgments.
Deuteronomy 10:17-21; 16:19-20 God is holy; be you holy. God is just; be you just. Be like God. Jesus teaches us not to be concerned with others dealing justly with us. Do not be concerned about receiving justice. Be concerned about being just.
Deuteronomy 19:14-21 God is the author and administrator of proportionate retribution and compensation (a just punishment and restitution for wrong deeds). The principle was not to sanction revenge but to prevent the excess of evil and crime. Every society has to have these laws, or something similar, in order to survive because of the evil nature of man and Satan’s influence upon this age.
Matthew 5:38-42 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs us to surrender our personal and legal rights so as to live peacefully.
Isaiah 11:1ff When Jesus returns and rules the world, then justice will prevail.
Leviticus 1:1-9 God explained precisely how He wanted His people to perform their sacrifices. Although this scene is foreign and perhaps repulsive to us, to them it would have been both obvious and accepted. Also, in their agrarian world, killing animals was completely commonplace. Since many more people raised livestock, they did not have our modern separation between packaged meat and living animals. Furthermore, their wealth was often tied up in their physical assets rather than currency, so offering a sheep or a bull was akin to a financial sacrifice. Even so, they had to be sure to choose an animal without blemish (22:21).
Leviticus 6:1-7 Although some of the sacrifices were to show gratitude, others were to atone for sinful behavior. For example, a thief had to pay back what he stole plus twenty percent as well as offer a ram for a guilt offering to God.
Leviticus 11:1-3, 12, 20-21, 44-45 Cleanness was an important concept that extended to several areas of life, including what kinds of animals were permitted for food. God never explained His reasoning for these particular prohibitions, but many probably had to do with health.
Leviticus 15:31 Further reasons for uncleanness included giving birth (12), having a rash (13), touching certain dead animals (11:31-32), touching a corpse (21:1-3), discharging certain bodily fluids (15).
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 God was also interested in moral holiness including sexual behavior (18), honoring parents (19:3), keeping Sabbaths (19:3), abstaining from idolatry (19:4), providing for the poor (19:9-10; 25:35-55), honesty (19:11-12), employment equity (19:13), fair treatment of the disabled (19:14), just courts (19:15), kind treatment of neighbors (19:16-18), child sacrifice (20:1-5), talking to the dead (20:6), harming others (24:17-22), keeping vows (27:1-13), and much more (19:19-37).
Leviticus 20:22-26; 22:31-33 God wanted His people to be different than the nations. They were to be holy to Him--His special people. He gave them special weekly, monthly, and annual times for rest and feasting (23). Additionally, He set aside one day each year for national repentance, fasting, and forgiveness (16). God wanted to dwell among His people. This is why they needed to be holy (26:11-13).
Leviticus 21:6 God instated stricter rules for priests because they came closest to the holy place, including no burying the dead except for close relatives, mourning limitations, marriage limitations, harsher penalties for children, no loose hair, and no tearing clothes. Furthermore, if a priest had any physical blemish or disability, he could not draw near and enter the tent (21:16-24).
Movies, books, commentaries, and traditions should not be our primary source for understanding God. The Bible gives us the knowledge of God. God is who He says He is.
Exodus 3:13-16
I AM THAT I AM is the explanation of His holy name, not the name itself. In the Bible when names are given, it is common in the same context to provide an explanation of the significance of the name. The Hebrew word used for “I AM” is Ehyeh, derived from the Hebrew root meaning “to be.” By saying “I AM THAT I AM,” God is declaring that He is the one who is, the one who really exists. He is different from the other gods who exist only in the imagination of man. God’s name “YHWH” derives from the exact same Hebrew root as “I am.” Strictly speaking, this name is a combination of three forms of this Hebrew Root: Hayah, Hoveh, and Yihyeh. These three words mean respectively: “He was,” “He is,” and “He will be.” When we call God by His name, we are essentially saying that He is the existing one -- He has always existed, He exists now, and He will always continue to exist.”
Exodus 6:2-7
They would know that God is Yahweh!
Many people have written about God. There are a lot of books. But God has given us His word -- the Bible -- to tell us who He is. He is who He says He is. Just because someone states, imagines, dreams, sings song lyrics, writes about Him, or makes a declaration about God’s nature and His attributes, it doesn’t mean it’s true. God is what He declares about Himself in Scripture.
Exodus 33:12-16
“Let me know Your ways.”
Exodus 33:17-18
“Show me Your glory”
Exodus 33:19-23; Exodus 34:1-8
Ex 34:6-7
Then Yahweh passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "Yahweh, Yahweh God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."
2 Chronicles 15:2, 4, 15
“If you seek Him, He will let you find Him”
Proverbs 2:1-5
Seek His words as silver and search His commandments as hidden treasure. Then you will discern the fear of Yahweh and find the knowledge of God.
Exodus 7:10-12 The serpent symbolized the beginning and end of time and fertility. (Genesis 3:1)
The golden cobra on Pharaoh’s headdress was a symbol of the supreme ruler and of his power.
Uroborus, a circular symbol of a serpent swallowing its own tail, was a symbol of rejuvenation and eternity, an endless cycle of beginning and ending.
“Pharaoh hardened his heart” 4:21; 7:3,13,14 (stubborn), 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12, 34, 35; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8 (18X). See Romans 9:17-23.
Exodus 5:1-8 Pharaoh did not know who Yahweh was; it seems no one knew.
This event revealed that Yahweh is the only one true God:
3:13-15 Moses
6:6-7 Israel
7:4-5 Egyptians
7:17; 8:9, 10, 21, 22; 9:13-14, 29 and 30 Pharaoh
9:16; Romans 9:17 The earth
“I am Yahweh” 6:2, 6, 7, 8, 29; 7:5, 17; 10:2; 12:12; 14:4, 8 (11X)
Exodus 7:13-17 “Let My people go” 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 20, 21; 9:1, 13; 10:3, 4 (9X)
“Sacrifice” 3:18; 5:3, 8, 17; 8:8, 25, 26 (2), 27, 28, 29; 10:25; 12:27: 13:15 (14X)
18-25 Let My people go so that they may worship and serve Me; Pharaoh refused; plague came. This is the pattern with all the plagues.
8:1-8 Each of the plagues attacked a false god in Egypt. This one was against Heket, the goddess of fertility, water, and renewal. Heket had a frog head.
8:9-15 Yahweh, not Heket, commanded the frogs.
8:16-19 Lice; 20-32 flies - god Khepri with head of a fly
9:1-12 Cattle die; 8-17 boils; 18-35 hail
10:1-20 Locusts; 21-29 darkness
11:1-12:32 First born died.
Conclusion: God’s awesome power can eliminate anyone or anything that tries to prevent you from serving Him.
Psalm 104:1-4 God is King over all creation. He is above all. (Isaiah 40:12; 48:12-13)
Psalm 104:5-9 God set the boundaries for water. (Job 38:4-11)
Psalm 104:10-13 God is not only Creator but also sustainer. He makes sure everything gets the water it needs. He takes credit for the hydrologic cycle. (Psalm 147:8-9; Amos 9:5-6)
Psalm 104:14-18 God designed the ecosystems of interdependency among animals, providing habitats for even extreme conditions.
Psalm 104:19-23 God uses the sun and moon to help us have a rhythm to our days, months, and years. He has partitioned the day and night for humans and animals respectively.
Psalm 104:24-30 Now we take a praise break. Looking over all that God has made, His phenomenal engineering in the design as well as maintenance of creation, we feel overwhelmed by His majesty and wisdom. The book of Job describes the Leviathan in great detail (Job 41).
Psalm 104:31-35 We sing to God for His magnificence in creation. He is unique beyond comparison to anything or anyone else (Isaiah 40:12-26). As a result, He commands His people to recognize His oneness and sole role as our God. Furthermore, He seeks our wholehearted devotion to Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). This is our fitting response.
What does it mean to be “unlovable”?
Unlovable -- “not deserving of love or affection, not having attractive or appealing qualities”
Are there unlovable people? Or just unlovable behaviors?
Luke 15:11-32 We are to love “unlovable” believers and unbelievers. Loving difficult people is difficult, but that is what God has called us to do.
At some point in our lives, we can probably see ourselves as both brothers: the wayward and the judgmental and selfish. We have all been unlovable.
Romans 5:6-8 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died in place of the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous person will one die; though for a good person perhaps someone would even be brave enough to die. 8 But God shows his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died in our place.
Galatians 6:10 Loving the unlovable requires selfless giving, but such an act of kindness will yield the greatest reward in the Kingdom.
Luke 6:32-38 And if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34And if you lend to those of whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive the same amount. 35But love your enemies, and do them good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. 36Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 37“And do not judge and you will absolutely not be judged, and do not condemn and you will absolutely not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they give into your lap. For with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you again.”
It’s hard to love the lost. Oftentimes, they have critical views of God, the Bible, and Christians. They think we’re foolish, superstitious, judgmental, hypocritical, and narrow-minded. It’s easy to harden our hearts in the face of such slander. However, this is not the way of Jesus.
Luke 15:1-7 Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who finds his lost sheep. Just as that shepherd rejoices when he brings that sheep home, so God and the angels rejoice when one sinner repents.
Luke 15:8-10 In a second parable, Jesus uses a domestic example to show how a woman who finds a lost piece of jewelry likewise rejoices with her friends when she finds it. Once again, this exemplifies our Father’s jubilation over the sinner who repents.
Luke 15:11-32 The Prodigal Son pictures God as a father who is eager to forgive once his lost child comes home. Though the older brother is faithful, he refuses to come inside and celebrate. His father gently corrects him with the words, “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”
God wants everyone to reach repentance and be saved--even those who defy Him, malign Him, and criticize Him.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
1 Timothy 2:3-4
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
If this is God’s attitude toward the lost, shouldn’t it be ours as well?
Mark 12:29-31 Love God and love others.
John14:15, 21; 15:10; 1 John 4:20-21; 5:1-3
Romans 13:8-10; Hebrews 6:10 To love God, loving others is not optional.
The love cycle -- God loves you -- you love God - you love others
The ADC’s of loving your neighbor -- Accept God’s love; Die to self-interest; Compassion
Accept God’s love (Love begins here)
Ezekiel 16 and Hosea 2 Allegory of Yahweh’s love to an unfaithful bride
1 John 4:10 and 19 We love because He loves us. You cannot love others like Christ did without accepting God’s love for you.
John 5:19-20 The Father loves the Son.
When we accept God’s love, we find ourselves. When we understand and accept God’s purpose, we find our own purpose.
Die to self-interest
Matthew 16:21-26 When we do not find self-worth in God’s love, we will always be tempted to find it elsewhere. The human tendency is to manipulate people and situations to feel good about self.
To love like Jesus loved, we must die to self, eliminating the desire for acceptance or validation from others.
Compassion
Matthew 9:10-13; Colossians 3:12 Compassion is empathetic concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH -Mark 12:30
Mark 12:19-30 -- The first and great commandment, foremost of all -- love God!
This is the first and great commandment. In Deuteronomy we are told to love God and cling (cleave, hold fast) to Him (Deuteronomy 10:20; 11:22; 13:4; 30:19-20). This is the same word used in Genesis 2:24, that a man should cleave, be joined, to his wife.
1 John 5:3
This commandment to love God is not burdensome. It is not to be a difficult, painstaking ordeal.
1 John 4:10, 16, 19
We love because He first loved us.
Luke 7:36-50
When you truly experience God’s love in your life, the natural response is to love Him back in return.
John 3:16; Romans 6:6-10
God loved us when we were sinners. He didn’t love us because we deserved love.
Ephesians 2:1-10
He loved us with His great love when we were dead in trespasses and sins.
Revelation 2:1-5
Don’t forget your first love.
Ezekiel 16:1ff; Hosea 2:5-23; 3:1ff - An allegory of Yahweh’s love to an unfaithful bride
Psalm 16:1ff -- A psalm of David
David Loved God. Yahweh was his portion. In His presence is fullness of joy!
When life’s situations seem to overwhelm us with worries and fears, God’s Word gives us sound wisdom on what to do and how to be anxious for nothing. Whether it is dealing with anxious thoughts at school, worried about your performance at your job, or having overburdened cares raising children as a stay at home mom, the Bible is filled with clear direction on how to find peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Biblical Wisdom for Facing Anxiety
Know whom you serve -- the Lord Jesus.
Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22-24;
Luke 10:38-42 -- Martha was anxious. Mary listened to the word of Jesus.
Matthew 6:24 -- You cannot serve two masters.
Recognize that anxious thoughts are not helpful.
Matthew 6:25-27 -- Worry and anxiety do not help. They can’t add an hour to your life. They can’t add an inch to your height. There is nothing noble about being anxious.
Don’t compare yourself with or judge others.
Romans 14:4 -- Don’t judge others at work.
Matthew 20:1-15 -- The parable of the laborers in the vineyard
Don’t be jealous of others. Don’t get anxious comparing yourself to others.
Be humble.
Romans 12:3 -- Don’t think of yourself more highly that you ought to think.
Philippians 2:3-4 -- Do nothing from selfishness. Regard others as more important than yourself.
1 Peter 5:5-7 -- Clothe yourself with humility. Cast all your cares, your anxiety, on Him.
Be thankful -- content.
1 Timothy 6:6 -- Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Luke 3:14 -- John told the soldiers to be content with their wages.
Colossians 3:15 -- Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. Be thankful.
Sing.
Colossians 3:16-17 -- Sing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Psalm 30:4-5 -- Return to your joy center.
Christ can free you from anxiety.
Psalm 34:1-4 -- He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
John 8:31-32, 36 -- The son will make you free indeed.
Romans 8:15 -- You have not received a spirit of slavery, leading to fear.
The Bible has a “wealth” of information about finances and is “rich” in wisdom and truth regarding it.
Plan for your future. Revelation 22:1-12
Debt is bondage. Proverbs 22:7: The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.
Total consumer debt in the US is approximately 13 trillion dollars. Average debt by age group: under 35: $67,400; 35-44: $133,100; 45-54: $134,600; 55-64: $108,300; 65-74: $66,000; 75+: $34,500
A $100 purchase in the year 2000 costs you approximately $145 today (2018 statistic).
Are you in control of your finances, or is someone else?
A better way is shown in 1 Corinthians 3:1-15; Luke 12:42-44; and Luke 6:36.
Seek richness from God, not this world.
Proverbs 10:22 It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it.
Store up treasures that will last. Matthew 7:11
Trust YHWH with your finances. Genesis 14:18 - 20
Tithing is an act of faith and relevant to us today. Hebrews 7.1-10
I can’t afford it! Oh yes, you can, and this is why we should. Malachi 3:7-11, Deuteronomy 14:1-23; Proverbs 1:7; Psalms 34:9-10; Proverbs 3:16-19; 1 Timothy 6:5-6; Proverbs 8:18.
Enough is enough. Ephesians 5:5; Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
There is wisdom in a good plan. Proverbs 24:1-7; 16:3; 1 Peter 5:6
Further study: Matthew 25:33-40; James 2:15; 1 John 3:18-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Hebrews 13:16; Proverbs 3; Matthew 7:1-14; Philippians 4:1-20
Genesis 3:7-10 After the fall, man’s relationship with God was marred with fear. Humans are born with two innate fears -- the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Maybe fear of God and people is also innate?
Two Extreme Examples
1 Samuel 9:2 Saul was taller than any of the people.
18-21 He did not think highly of himself.
10:9 God changed his heart; however, he still battled with an inferiority complex.
10:20-24 Why was he hiding?
15: 15:18-24 We have often seen in our day how a political leader, because of fear of the people, will do that which is not right. We see this in Christian leaders also who compromise God’s Word to appease the people because of fear. Many religious organizations have problems because of the fear of losing people or to influence better attendance.
After he sinned, the rest of his life he was jealous of David to extent of murder.
Galatians 2:11-14 Peter was afraid of James; fear can make cowards of us all.
Our concern is not controlling our fears. Often people say, “You have to learn to live with your fears,” but the Scriptures teach us to conquer fear. Different positive thinking classes, seminars, and books teach how to control fear so you can live with it. However, when we believe and act on God’s Word, we will be released from the bondage of fear.
2 Timothy1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity [fear], but of power and love and discipline [KJV sound mind, ESV self-control].
POWER
John 20:19 Hiding for fear of the Jews who three days earlier crucified Jesus.
Acts 1:8; 4:5-12; 5:27-32 The holy spirit eliminated the fear. Our faith and the relationship we have with God and Christ holds a decisive factor in relating with people.
LOVE Romans 8:14-16; 29-39
1 John 4:18-21 Perfect love casts out fear. All people want to be wanted, love to be loved; die to self and think of the other.
Sound mind, self-control
Philippians 4:6-10; 1 Corinthians 10:13 He was in prison during the sunset years of his life contemplating whether he should live or die, yet he had no fear. Why did he have confidence, trust, and faith? He prayed and controlled his thinking to focus on scriptural verities.
Philippians 4:6-7 We don’t need to be anxious. It’s actually possible to have God’s peace guarding our hearts in the midst of extreme uncertainty about the future.
Philippians 1:12-17 Paul was going through a great period of stress in his life. He was awaiting sentencing in prison while others were out undermining him.
Philippians 3:5-8 He had lost everything, but he was fine. Compared to the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus,” all of it was just disposable.
Philippians 4:10-13 The great key for Paul was knowing that he did not need to depend on his own strength. He could do all things--face any and every circumstance--because of Christ who strengthened him.
Philippians 4:6-7 We don’t have to be anxious. There’s another way, but it starts with turning to God and trusting in Him.
Philippians 1:18; 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:4 The epistle to the Philippians is full of joy and rejoicing!
Psalm 46:1-11 You don’t have to languish in anxiety, always living in fear of what is to come. With God’s help, you can overcome. You can run to Him as your refuge and strength.
Praise means “to express approval or admiration for someone or something.”
Worship means “to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion.”
The most common Greek words translated “worship” in the NT is prokuneÅ, which means “to express in attitude or gesture one’s complete dependence on or submission to a high authority figure.”
Our posture is a reflection of our heart. Our non-verbal communication is just as or even more important than our verbal. What we say with our feet, our hands, and our faces all expresses what’s in our heart.
Responding to God in praise and worship can be silent and peaceful, or loud and rambunctious.
Psalm 149:1-6
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise and worship acknowledges God for who he is and what he has done and will do for his people.
2 Chronicles 20:15-23
When you feel joy or excitement, you can tell God how you feel, but you can also show God.
2 Samuel 6:14-17
Acts 3:1-10
We are commanded to sing praises to God.
Ephesians 5:18-19
Colossians 3:16
We worship God in spirit and in truth.
John 4:23
What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The context of this verse is a continuation of the closing verses of the previous chapter. (See Hebrews 10:35-39.) The things that are “hoped for,” the things “not seen,” have been promised by God!!! Faith begins with a promise of God. Do you know God’s word? Have you heard God speaking to you? This is not blind faith. It is faith in God. God said it. We are to believe it and act in faith. This has been man’s challenge since the very beginning. Did God say it? Do you know what God said? Once you are certain of the answer to these two questions, the critical decision for every person is then -- Do you believe it? If you do, then faith will be seen in your actions.
There are two major sources to obtaining spiritual knowledge and understanding God’s promise.
The Bible
The holy spirit
Hebrews 11:2-3 By faith we understand that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please Him.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah was warned of “things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed, and he went out, “not knowing where he was going.”
Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had encircled them for seven days.
Joshua 6:1-5 This was the promise of God. It is not something Joshua dreamed up. God made a promise. Faith was in the doing.
Joshua 6:12-17, 20 The people did exactly what God commanded. That was their decision point -- their crisis of faith. They did what God said, and His promise came to pass as they acted in faith.
How about you? Do you have faith in what God has promised? What if we walked by faith?
Prayer is an act of faith (1 Th 5:17; 1 Tim 2:1-2; Jam 5:16)
Studying the Scriptures is an act of faith (2 Tim 2:15)
Seeking knowledge and wisdom is an act of faith (Eph 1:15-18; Jam 1:5; Prov 2:1-5)
Speaking in tongues is an act of faith (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6; 1 Cor 14:5, 15, 39)
Tithing/giving is an act of faith (Prov 3:9-10; Malachi 3:10; 2 Cor 9:6-8)
Speaking truth is an act of faith (2 Cor 4:13; Acts 28:31; 2 Tim 4:1-2)
Forgiving others is an act of faith (Mt 6:12; Eph 4:32)
Doing what God has revealed to you to do is an act of faith (John 5:19; 12:49; 14:10-12; 15:5, 7)
The purpose of the ages is God’s desire for a love relationship with humanity that is real, personal, and everlasting.
Deuteronomy 6:1-15 The Shema (hear or listen) is about relationship with our God.
Exodus 3:15 For 6,828 times, His name was written in the Hebrew text.
Psalms 83:18; 86:9-12; 34:3; 69:30; 105:1
Isaiah 12:1-6 If the translators would have put “Yahweh” instead of “LORD,” perhaps there be less confusion with Jesus since the great appellation in the NT for Jesus is “Lord” over 600 times.
Identity theft caused the loss of His name and confused His person with the Trinity.
The purpose of the ages is God’s desire for a love relationship with humanity that is real, personal, and everlasting.
Jeremiah 7:22-31 What did God want from Israel? Obedience or relationship? What does God want from the church today?
Ephesians 1:16-23 God wants us to know His calling, His inheritance, and His power.
Ezekiel 36:28-29; 37:23-27 What does God want?
Psalm 105:1-10 Your Father wants a relationship with you.
What pleases God? What does God want?
The great purpose of the ages has been and still is that God desires a love relationship with humanity that is real, personal, and everlasting.
Psalm 105:1-3 Joy and rejoice in Him; speak of Him. Join Him in the work He is doing in the world.
Who you are, your identity, is realized when you believe God loves you. The purpose of your life is realized when your focus is on loving Him.
Matthew 28:18-20 The great commission to the church today is to tell people the truth about our Father and Lord and holy spirit. Be proud and bold.
Mark 2:13-17 After calling Levi the tax collector to come and follow him, Jesus spent an evening eating with many tax collectors and sinners. People did not like tax collectors since they were taking money from the Jewish people to give to the Romans who had occupied Judea for nearly a century. The Pharisees questioned Jesus’ decision to spend time with this kind of people.
Mark 5:1-20 A man who had lived in a cemetery, naked and out of his mind, approached Jesus. His fellow villagers had bound him with shackles and chains, but he broke out of them as the demons seized him and drove him out into the desert. Yet, Jesus didn’t run away or avoid this man. He cast out the spirits and showed him compassion.
John 4:3-43 Jesus sat and talked with a Samaritan woman at a well. Unlike most of his dealings within Galilee and Judea, he wasn’t shy about revealing his messianic identity with her. As it turned out, she was an effective and eager evangelist such that the whole town came to hear and believe in Jesus.
Luke 10:25-37 When asked by a Bible expert his definition of a neighbor, Jesus replied with the parable about the good Samaritan. Jesus set up the story just right, having the least likely person in the world helping the wounded man. Thus, Jesus shows us that true godly love should break through political, ethnic, and even religious barriers.
What about us? What if we welcomed outsiders?
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Will you be like Jesus? Will you do your part to seek out and save the lost?
John 3:16 Love is initiated by God in giving His son, and His son died for us.
Mat 22:36-40 Great commandments
a. Love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind
b. Love your neighbor as yourself
Eph 3:16-19 Rooted and established in love
1 John3:11-18 We love one another. Remaining in love points to the spiritual reality of God (who is love) in Christ (who demonstrated God’s love) in you.
Our practical application of this love is 2 ways:
1. Vertical - between you and God
2. Horizontal - between you and the ones close to you.
Examples of How JC Loved
Mat 4:1-11 Devil tempting him. He loved by speaking the truth to God’s arch-enemy.
Mat 5:1-16 JC loved by sharing how we can have blessed lives
Mat 5:21-25 Murder &anger
Mat 5:27-30 Adultery &lust
Mat 5:31-42 Divorce, oaths, eye for eye
Mat 5:43-48 Loving our enemies
Mat 6 Giving to needy, prayer, fasting, storing treasures in heaven, don’t worry
Mat 7:1-5 Don’t judge others.
Mat 7:7-29 Ask, seek, knock; the narrow gate; identifying true and false prophets; identifying true and false disciples; how to be a wise builder
Mat 8:23-27 Exemplifies faith vs. worry
John 13:4-17 Lovingly washes his disciples’ feet to show the joy of serving others
Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 17:6 Even though children had a low status in antiquity, the Bible takes a surprisingly high view of them.
Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 18:3, 10 Jesus, likewise, favored children and used them as the example for how adults need to be to enter the Kingdom of God.
Some typical objections to getting involved in children’s ministry:
Objection 1 - “But, I don’t have any kids.”
Objection 2 - “But, I’m not good with kids.”
Objection 3 - “But, isn’t that the parents’ responsibility?”
Objection 4 - “But, I don’t have a clue how to work with kids.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-7; 11:18-19; Ephesians 6:1-4 Parents have a responsibility before God to teach and train their children.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Let’s be the kind of community that values children and trains them up in the way of the Lord, without falling into the trap of idolizing them on the one hand or neglecting them on the other.
Acts 2:44-47 the believers met from house to house
5:17-42 they met in the temple and from house to house
8:1-3 Saul went house to house because the fellowships were in the homes
12:1-19 Mary had a fellowship in her home while Peter was in jail
16:40 They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and departed
Romans 16:3-5 Prisca and Aquila had home fellowship
1 Corinthians 16:19 the church that is in their house
Philemon 1:1-2 the church in your house
Colossians 4:15-17 the church that is in her house
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 we are directed to fellowship with fellow believers and to disassociate with unbelievers
1 Corinthians 15:58 we help each other to stay the course
Galatians 6:1-10 isolation limits our ability to give and receive help
Ephesians 3:17-19 we learn and love together
Philippians 2:1-14 encouragement, consolation of love, fellowship, affection and compassion are given and received in home fellowships
2 Timothy 2:23-26 receive and give correction
Hebrews 10:23-25 stimulate one another to stand
James 5:15-20 healing
Acts 2:39
On the day of Pentecost, about 3,000 souls were added to the church in Jerusalem. What did they do? Perhaps we can learn from the early church.
Acts 2:40-44
- Continually devoted to apostles' teaching
- Continually devoted to fellowship
- Continually devoted to breaking bread
- Continually devoted to prayer
- Had all things common -- sharing of their abundance as anyone had need
Devoted to teaching, to doctrine
Doctrine was not unimportant. The message of the gospel, the truth from Scripture was paramount in the first century (Acts 8:35; 17:2-3; 10-11; 28:23, 30-31). Paul warned against false doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 6:3-4). Do you know what you believe? Can you share it from Scripture?
Devoted to fellowship
We have been called to a new way of life. We need fellowship with one another -- not just once a week, but daily (Hebrews 10:19-25). We need fellowship with one another to encourage each other as the day is approaching!
Devoted to breaking bread together
Acts 2:46 We’ve been called to hospitality (Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9). How many times did our Lord Jesus eat with his disciples and those to whom he ministered (Luke 14:12-14)? God wants His overseer’s to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8).
Devoted to Prayer
Acts 1:12-14; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:9-13
Had all things common -- shared their abundance
Acts 2:44-45; 32-35
“Not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own.” What a radical thought! This was not a government program but rather a conviction in the heart to live as Christ directed. They sold their property and possessions and then shared with those in need. Could this happen in our western culture today or are we too filled with covetousness and greed?
Jesus warned against greed. Luke 12:13-34; Hebrews 13:5-6
Be dependent on God, and put your trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-10
Be content. 1 Timothy 6:8-10
Labor so you may have to give. Ephesians 4:28
Imagine if the church lived this way, not out of compulsion, but out of a desire to live like Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:42-47 This they did daily. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day.
Leviticus 19:32; Job 12:12; Proverbs 17:6; 20:29 The Bible holds a strong appreciation for the aged, resulting in honor and respect.
Proverbs 5:18-19; Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Ecclesiastes 12:1-3 The Bible also recognizes the goodness of youth, including the delights of a newlywed couple and the vigor of young strength.
Jeremiah 1:6-8 It’s tough to be young sometimes, especially when someone is inexperienced.
Since older and younger people have so many different advantages, they can help each other in many godly ways.
1 Samuel 3:4-11 Eli taught Samuel to hear from God, and when he did, he delivered a critical message to Eli.
Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth committed herself to take care of Naomi, and Naomi’s advice landed Ruth a wonderful husband. Then, Ruth’s son brought Naomi great joy in her old age.
2 Kings 2:9-10, 14 Commissioning Elisha to prophesy in his place gave Elijah a legacy while Elijah’s word enabled Elisha to have twice the portion of spirit Elijah had.
Deuteronomy 1:38; 34:9 Moses groomed Joshua to take over and prepared the people for him. When the time came, Moses could die, knowing Joshua would lead them into the Promised Land.
Luke 1:36, 39-45 Elizabeth encouraged Mary when she turned to her for support, and Mary’s arrival prompted great joy for Elizabeth (and her unborn child).
1 Timothy 4:12; 1:18 Paul mentored Timothy and empowered him to carry on important work while Paul was in prison.
Ephesians 4:15-16 We need each other for the body of Christ to work properly and grow into maturity.
Romans 8:18-19 Logically reason and eagerly long for
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Focus on the Kingdom.
Twelve aspects of the age to come in Isaiah:
The earth is dramatically altered, then restored - 35:1-2
Jerusalem becomes the capitol of the world - 2:2-4; 56:6-8
Jesus the Messiah reigns as King in Jerusalem - 2:14; 9:6-7; 32:1-8
Earth is filled with the knowledge of Yahweh - 11:9; 29:22-24; 52:10
Righteousness, equity, and justice will prevail - 9:6-7; 32:16-18; 16:5; 32:1
Peace will permeate the world 2:4; 32:17-18; 60:17-22; 65:21-23; 66:10-13
Animal kingdom will radically change - 11:6-7; 65:25
David will be vice regent - 55:3-4
Israel and Judah will reunite and dwell in the land of Israel - 11:12-16
People will have long lives - 65:20
Deliverance for the poor and needy - Isaiah 11:3-4; 29:17-19; 35:1-10
There will be joy, rejoicing, and singing - Isaiah 12:1-6; 25:6-9; 26:1-4; 35:10; 42:10-12; 51:3, 11; 52:8-9; 12:1ff; 61:3, 7, 10, 11
Isaiah 53:1-3 What God plans to do is so upside-down, so paradoxical, who would ever believe it? What follows in the chapter is God’s supernatural wisdom (1 Cor 1:18-24). There was nothing extraordinary about Jesus’ appearance. Even so, he was despised and rejected (Mark 14:65; 15:9-15; John 19:15).
Isaiah 53:4-6 Jesus died on our behalf, bearing our transgressions. He was the perfect mediator who stood in between God and humanity as our representative (1 Tim 2:3-6). However, his suffering for our sin does not mean we are free to live however we want (John 15:1-2, 6, 10).
Three questions about Jesus as our substitute:
1. How is it just for the perpetrators to go free while an innocent person suffers instead?
2. If the debt is paid, then how can we say God forgave?
3. If my sins are paid for, then why does it matter how I live?
Isaiah 53:7-9 Though he suffered unjustly, he remained quiet (Mark 14:58-62; John 19:9-11; Mat 27:11-14). No one understood what was really happening except for him and God (1 Cor 2:6-8).
Isaiah 53:10-12 Yahweh was pleased to crush him, not because He enjoyed the process, but because of the incalculable good that would result from this voluntary action. This is no case of divine child abuse but the horrifying result of our own sin meeting the wrath of a holy God, hungry for redemption not blood. Furthermore, it is essential to stress that this servant of Yahweh volunteered for this work.
Isaiah 36:1
This was the 14thyear of the reign of Hezekiah. Isaiah was called in the year King Uzziah died (Isaiah 6:1). Isaiah’s ministry then spanned the time of four kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1) and lasted at least 47 years.
Uzziah 1 year (Isaiah 6:1)
King Jotham 16 years (2Kings 15:32-33)
King Ahaz16 years (2Kings 16:1-2)
Hezekiah 14 years (or more) (Isaiah 36:1)
------------------------------------
A minimum of 47 years
The geopolitical map of the world changed dramatically during this time in history. When Isaiah began his ministry,Assyria was not the dominating world power that it had become. The northern kingdom of Israel was still a sovereign nation with Samaria as its capital city. King Ahaz brought much evil to Judah(2Kings 16:2-4; 2Chronicles 28:16-25; Isaiah 7:1ff). Rather than trusting in Yahweh, he relied on the king of Assyria for help. This was his downfall. The Assyrian Empire rose to greatness during this time, defeating many nations including northern Israel and Syria. And now this mighty nation was about to defeat Judah as well. Under King Sennacherib,all the fortified cities were seized. The only thing remaining for the nation of Judah was the city of Jerusalem and King Hezekiah. All of the other fortified cities had been defeated.
Isaiah 36:1ff King Sennacherib had sent Rabshakeh to speak to the leaders and people of Jerusalem in a propaganda campaign to weaken their resolve.
Isaiah 37:1-7 Hezekiah tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth -a way of showing humility, penitence, and mourning.Isaiah’s first words to Hezekiah “Do not be afraid.”
Isaiah 37:10-13 More of the message was sent to Hezekiah in a letter.
Isaiah 37:14-20 Hezekiah took the letter and spread it out before Yahweh in the temple.
Isaiah 37:21-35 Isaiah receives an answer from Yahweh to Hezekiah’s prayer.
Isaiah 37:36-37 One angel of Yahweh defeated 185,000 Assyrians in one night! Total deliverance! Praise Yahweh!
Isaiah 1:1-4 As Isaiah drew closer to God, he became aware of sin, both his own and that of his people. He prophesied for decades while his country went through huge political and economic changes (e.g. Isaiah 1:7 to 2:7).
Isaiah mentions many different types of sins, including:
1. Greedy leaders (56:10-11)
2. Violence (59:6-7)
3. Hypocrisy (66:3)
4. Rejecting God’s prophets (30:10-11)
5. Refusing to trust God (30:1-2)
6. Arrogance (3:9, 16)
7. Drunkenness (28:7-8)
8. Unclean speech (59:3, 13)
9. Dismissing God (17:10; 57:11)
10. Rebellion against God (22:12-13)
11. Injustice (3:14-15)
12. Idolatry (57:5-6)
Isaiah 59:1-4, 7-11, 14-15 This description pulls together many threads of the people’s sin into a striking tapestry.
Isaiah 1:11-15 Even amid all this sinning, the people continued with their religious duties.
Isaiah 1:16-20 God appeals to His people to come and reason together. He yearns to show them favor (30:18) and to cleanse them.
Isaiah 6 occurred early in his ministry, maybe chronologically before or immediately after chapter one.
Isaiah 6:1 Compare with 1:1.
2 Seraphim are spoken of only twice; both in this chapter. They are spiritual beings in the throne room of God. Similar to Ezekiel 1 and 10; Revelation 4
3 Revelation 4:8
5 Unclean lips - the context is that God commissions him to be His spokesman. Unclean lips are the manifestation of an unclean heart. Matthew 15:11-18
7 We cannot eliminate our iniquity; only God can.
John 14:10 The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.
8-9 Isaiah is a type for Jesus. John 4:34; 5:24, 30; 6:38, 39; 7:33; 9:4; 12:44; 13:20; and 16:5
8 “Here I am. Send me!” Isaiah 20:3
9-10 Many quotations and allusions are in the New Testament. The prophet Isaiah is quoted or referred to some eighty-five times in the New Testament. But several passages are cited or alluded to more than once, so that sixty-one separate passages are referred to in these eighty-five New Testament citations.
Matthew 13:14; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; John 12:40; Acts 28:26-27; Romans 11:8
Isaiah 6:10 There is a correlation between healing, humility, and sin.
53:4-5 Prophecy about Jesus
57:14-21
Genesis 20:17 The first healing in the Scriptures after he repented and made right what he did wrong--God healed him.
Exodus 15:26 If you obey, I will heal you.
Psalm 41:1-4
Psalm 103:1-5
Psalm 107:19-21
Isaiah 6:10-13
Romans 10:9-ff vs 15 Isaiah 52:7; vs 16 Isaiah 53:1; vs 20 Isaiah 65:1; vs 21 Isaiah 65:2
Luke 1:26-56 Mary was a young woman living in Nazareth who was betrothed to Joseph. The angel, Gabriel, came to her with a mind-blowing message--she would bear the future king of Israel! She courageously accepted this role with the words, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” In these words, Mary exemplifies to all of us courageous faith.
Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph was deeply disturbed to discover his betrothed was with child. God intervened with Joseph through dreams to confirm her wild assertion that she was pregnant through a miracle rather than another man.
Luke 2:19 When the shepherds arrived shortly after Jesus’ birth, Mary saw God’s confirmation and treasured these things in her heart. (See also Luke 2:51.) Other validations of Jesus’ identity occurred when Simeon and Anna testified in the temple as well as when the strange men from the east arrived with treasures.
Matthew 2 After God warned Joseph in a dream, Mary and her family fled to Africa to take refuge from the evil king. It is likely that some of Jesus’ siblings were born then, but also afterward when they settled in Nazareth (Mat 13:55-56). An experience like this must have greatly bolstered Mary’s confidence and trust in God to take care of her.
Mark 3:20-21, 31 Even though Mary had been through so much, she came to doubt Jesus during his ministry.
John 19:25; Matthew 27:55-56 However, she accompanied him to Jerusalem during his last fateful week and was there during his crucifixion.
Acts 1:14 In the end, Mary was there, at one accord with the early church, devoting herself to prayer.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Deuteronomy 30:15 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,
James 3:8-10 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
1 Timothy 6:20-21 Avoiding worldly and empty chatter
2 Timothy 2:15-18 Their talk will spread like gangrene.
Titus 3:8-11 Factious - schismatic, contentious, argumentative, disagreeing, disputatious, quarrelling, clashing
Jeremiah 23:9-18, 23-32 Prophet is an interpreter or spokesman for God: one through whom God speaks.
Jeremiah 23:29 The Word is as fire is quick and powerful capable of trying us as metals are tried in a furnace. As a hammer breaks the hardest rock, so God’s Word breaks the hardest and most obstinate heart.
Matthew 7:15-20; 24:11, 24; 2 Peter 2:1-3 Jesus warned us that there will be many false teachers and prophets.
Dichotomy of pro-life or pro-choice: the opposite of pro-life is pro-death. Homosexuality is another acceptable lifestyle.
1 Peter 1:23-24 The Word of God spoken to us is why we are born again.
Luke 8:15 The spoken Word is the seed that produces godly fruit.
Matthew 4:1-11 The spoken Word is how we counter temptations.
Ephesians 6:17 Sword of the spirit. You have in your mouth the words of life or the words of death.
Jesus taught resurrection from the Old Testament Scriptures. Luke 18:31; 24:44-46
Paul taught resurrection from the Hebrew Scriptures. Acts 17:2-3; 24:14-15; 26:22-23; 1 Cor 15:3-4
Abraham
He believed in God -- that God could bring life from death. Gen 17:15-19; Heb 11:11-12; Rom 4:16-25
He offered Isaac, believing in resurrection. Gen 22:1-14; Heb 11:17-20
David
He prophesied that the Messiah would not see corruption. Ps 16:10; Acts 2:22-32
The Messiah was first to be raised from the dead. Others will follow. Because he was raised, we will live again! 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Rom 8:11; Col 1:18
Job 19:25-26
Job foresaw that his redeemer would live, and he would see life again. Job 19:25-26
Psalm 49:7-15
The psalmist knew that no man can rescue himself from death, but there will be redemption from Sheol!
Isaiah 25:6-9; 26:19
Isaiah spoke of resurrection. Death will be swallowed up for all time!
Daniel 12:1-2
Daniel spoke of resurrection.
Ezekiel 37:1-15
This is not simply figurative language about a restoration of Israel. There will be a real, literal resurrection of the dead. We now can know for certain and have confidence in our future because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead -- the first fruits of all who sleep in the dust of the earth.
John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Christ is coming back!
1 Peter 1:3-5 We have a living hope -- a message of salvation to share. Spread the good news!
John 19:38-42 Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus in a new tomb in a garden. Jewish burial practices at the time of Jesus involved anointing the body, wrapping it in a garment, putting it in a tomb, waiting a year, collecting the bones, and putting them in an ossuary. The people really believed God could turn dried bones into living people on the last day.
John 20:1-2 We know a little about Mary Magdalene from other Scriptures, including Mark 15:37-40, 46-47; Luke 8:1-3. Jesus had delivered her from seven demons. After this, she was a dedicated disciple of Christ who travelled with him and the others.
John 20:2-10 Peter and the other disciple come running and leave. At this point, they’re just trying to figure out what happened to Jesus’ body. Where did he go? Who took him?
John 20:10-13 Mary stayed behind after the others left. She must’ve been utterly bewildered. Through her tears, she saw two angels and asked them for help locating Jesus.
John 20:14-18 Mary is the first one to experience the most thrilling event in all Christian history. She sees him, and he’s alive! She tells the disciples, but they don’t believe her (Luke 24:10-11).
1 Corinthians 15:22-24, 51-55 Jesus’ resurrection means that we too will experience resurrection when he returns. This is a radical idea in sharp contrast to most other beliefs about the afterlife. Still, we can have confidence in the future resurrection because we’ve already seen the real thing in Jesus. This gives us tremendous hope.
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Luke 7:28-35 Jesus was in Nain after dead man was raised; John was still alive. Pharisees did not respond right to John or Jesus
Luke 7:36-37 She was apparently a known sinner and had access to the Pharisee’s house. Maybe she worked for him. She came with planned intention with the alabaster box.
38 Weeping -- washing -- wiping -- kissing -- anointing
Acts 4:35 To lie at someone’s feet can mean to give over to the care and charge of another.
Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:25 Subdue under, defeated
Esther 8:3; 1 Samuel 25:24, 41 To fall at one’s feet for supplication, reverence, homage, honor, respect
Genesis 18:4; 19:2 Washing the feet showed respect, kindness, loving hospitality, humility.
Luke 7:39 The Pharisee was the complete antithesis of the woman. In the world’s eyes, she was marginalized, insignificant, even disdained, while he was exalted and respected.
Luke 7:40-ff
John 12:1-8 Six days before the Passover in Bethany with Mary
Genesis 3:15 Jesus knew what was before him, and Mary ministered to him.
Matthew 26:2 Two days before the Passover, he was anointed as the King and Priest.
Exodus 29:1-9 The high priest was anointed with oil.
1 Samuel 16:3-13 The king was anointed with oil.
“For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us”
- 1 Corinthians 5:7b (KJV)
The First Passover
The children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt under the rule of Pharaoh.
Exodus 3:16-22
God called the man, Moses, to go before Pharaoh, to bring His deliverance, to lead Israel out of Egypt and bring them to the Promised Land. He was to go before Pharaoh and declare, “Let My people go.” However, God knew that Pharaoh would release the children of Israel only under compulsion.
God sent 10 plagues upon the Egyptians, and after the tenth plague, Pharaoh would release the children of Israel from their bondage. The final plague was the death of the firstborn in Egypt. Exodus 11:1-6
Exodus 12:1-13
The Passover lamb was slain at twilight/even on the 14th of Nisan. The words translated “at twilight” or “at even” is a unique Hebrew phrase ben ha arbayim, meaning “between the two evenings.” This phrase is used for the time of day to sacrifice the Passover (Ex 12:6; Lev 23:5; Nu 9:3, 5, 11); the time of the evening sacrifice (Ex 29:39, 41; Nu 28:4, 8); when the high priest burned the evening incense (Ex 30:8); and one time when the children of Israel ate meat the evening before the manna arrived (Ex 16:12). According to Deuteronomy, the Passover was to be slain “at the going down of the sun” (Deu 16:6). This was a time between noon, when the sun was at highest, and sunset. Then at sunset, a new day began. They were to sprinkle the blood on the doorposts and lintel of their houses. Then, the Passover was to be eaten that night -- the 15th of Nisan.
Exodus 12:14-17
The Feast of Unleavened Bread coincided with the Feast of Passover, starting that night, the 15th of Nisan.
Exodus 12:21-28 The first Passover observed
Exodus 12:29-42
Pharaoh released the children of Israel. The Israelites plundered the Egyptians. After 430 years of sojourning, the children of Israel left Egypt.
Jesus, the Lamb of God
1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29, 36; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 3:18-19
Matthew 27:46, 50; Mark 15:34, 37; Luke 23:44, 46. Jesus died around the 9th hour -- about 3 pm in the afternoon at ben ha arbayim - between the two evenings.
John 19:32-36
Not a bone of him shall be broken -- Ex 12:46; Num 9:12; Ps 34:20.
Revelation 5:6-14
Jesus, the Lamb (Jesus is referred to as “the Lamb” 26 times in the book of Revelation.)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Ephesians 5:16 Do not cease giving thanks for you while making mention of you in my prayers.
Isaiah 46:3-4; 40:27-31 Fears and concern regarding old age must be filtered through trust in our Father. He has and He will take care of you as you keep Him first in your life.
Psalm 92:12-15
2 Timothy 1:1-5; 3:14-15 Timothy’s mother and grandmother greatly influenced him.
Hebrews 11:8-10 Isaac was 60 when he had Jacob and Esau; therefore, they had 15 years with Abraham.
Psalm 103:14-18 Our first responsibility as grandparents is to stay connected with our God.
Exodus 34:6-7 Ethbaal - Jezebel - Athaliah
Joshua 24:15 As for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:18-20; Psalm 78:4-7 Wisdom and balance are necessary.
Galatians 6:9-10 Not all of us are grandparents or have access to our grandchildren.
Titus 2:1-7 We have an obligation to our spiritual family.
Revelation 8:3-4
1. Marry a Believer
Deuteronomy 7:1-8 God instructed His people not to marry those who worshipped other gods.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 The New Testament also teaches us to avoid getting “unequally yoked with unbelievers.”
1 Kings 11:4-9 Solomon is a prime example of someone who yielded to the negative influences of his wives.
Acts 5:1-5 Ananias and Sapphira conspired together to poison their offering with lies, and both paid the price.
1 Corinthians 7:10-16 If you’re married to an unbeliever, stay in the relationship, and be an example of godliness.
2. Commitment Enables Growth
Marriage is an intensified form of loving your neighbor as yourself.
Hebrews 10:24-25 Stir up one another to love and good works.
Romans 15:14 Instruct one another.
Hebrews 3:13 Warn one another about sin’s deceitfulness.
James 5:16 Confess your sins to one another, and pray.
Ephesians 4:32 Forgive one another, and be kind.
Galatians 6:1 Confront one another.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens.
3. Get on Board with the Mission Jesus Gave Us
Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus commissioned us to make disciples.
Seek opportunities to invite people in and show them God’s love: Taste and see that the LORD is good (Psalm 34:8).
Look for key moments to share a testimony or the gospel message.
Find ways to deepen and develop people’s commitment to God.
Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9 Hospitality is key.
1 Corinthians 16:15 KJV “...ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints”
1 Corinthians 16:15 - The entire household of Stephanas was devoted to serving.
Acts 16:14-15; 31; 18:8 - In Philippi and Corinth, entire households were converting to the Lord.
We are to live for God and devote our lives to Him as a family. The witness is not simply to show up on Sunday at church and then leave God out of your household activities for the other six days of the week. That is hypocrisy and religion. That is not “devoted to the ministry”.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:18-20; Psalm 78:4-7
You shall teach them diligently to your sons - talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Ephesians 2:1-3, 10-13, 19-22
We were formerly strangers from God and walked according to the course of this world. However, now we are the dwelling place of God. Christ lives within us. We should now conduct our lives according to the spirit of Christ that dwells within us, pursue a love relationship with, and follow when he guides us.
John 17:14-18
Jesus did not take us out of the world. Rather he has sent us into the world, just as he was sent into the world. We are in the world. But we are not of the world. We are Ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). We are citizens of Christ’s kingdom - the Kingdom of God (Col 1:13; Phil 3:20). Our homes should exemplify Christ. When people see us, they should see Christ. It is possible to live in this world, and yet be separate.
Philippians 2:13-15
God is at work in us to do His work. This includes your family. We can shine as bright lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse world.
Matthew 5:13-16
You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven.
1 Peter 2:9-12
“You are a chosen race...a people for God’s own possession so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”! Keep your behavior excellent among the nations.
At the last supper, Jesus spoke of the paraclete, the spirt of truth, which he would send after his departure. On the day of the ascension, Jesus spoke these last words before departing to the right hand of Yahweh.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
The holy spirit would enable the followers of Jesus with power by which they could be a witness for him to the remotest part of the earth. On Pentecost this spirt was first poured out, and throughout the book of Acts are manifestations of this spiritual power.
Manifestation: an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea.
1 Corinthians 12:1 God does not want us ignorant of spiritual matters.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
There are a variety of gifts, ministries, and effects, but it is the same spirit, the same Lord Jesus, and the same God who works all things in all.
1 Corinthians 12:7
Each one is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good.
Every person, who is in Christ Jesus, has the spirit. This is what Jesus promised, that he would send the spirit of truth to those who loved him and kept his commandments.
1 Peter 4:10-11
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies: so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 12:8-11
Here is a list of common manifestations of the spirit. This section shows the diversity in the manifestation of the spirit. But what is emphasized in these verses is what is similar. What’s the same in every person? It’s the same spirit!!!!
The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)
1 Corinthians 12:27
It is one body, with unique individual members. But it is still just one body, and Christ is the head.
1 Corinthians 12:28-32
Earnestly desire the greater gifts. But there is a more excellent way!!! (1 Corinthians chapter 13 -- LOVE!!!!)
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 It is possible then to manifest spirit, and not love. It is possible to do these things and not obey Jesus Christ. But this is then just sounding off. You are nothing. There is no profit. Jesus warned of this behavior (Matthew 7:21-23).
1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual things!
Chapter fourteen gives practical instruction on how tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy should be handled when the church assembles.
1 Corinthians 14:26-33
“Let all things be done for edification.” “God is not a God of confusion.”
1 Corinthians 14:40
“But all things must be done decently and in an orderly manner.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore” swings us back to all that precedes. The condemnation was our eternal reality, not our feelings.
Romans 5:15-21 Before we accept the lordship of Christ, we are condemned, and our destiny is the wrath of God.
Romans 7:21-25 In spite of our flesh with its rebellion and covetousness, there is now in Christ no condemnation.
8:2 Two contrasting laws are -- law of sin and death and law of spirit of life in Christ. The word “spirit” occurs 21 times in this chapter.
3 The Law is referring to the Mosaic Law and the information from chapter 7.
4 The requirement of the law profusely communicated was the sacrifice of an innocent for the guilty -- the type for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. “Walk” literally means to live.
5 First place the Greek word for mind “phroneo” occurs is in Matthew 16:23. The great question remains: “Am I born again?” “Am I saved?”
6 Death or life and peace
8 Strong words
9-14 What moves you?
15-17 The spirit connects us with God. The great hope is before us.
18-25 The whole of creation is not right and waits for the glorious day.
26-27 The spirit helps us. In John, Jesus called it the “Helper.”
28-39 Our Magna Carta is stated clearly.
Romans 6:1- 13 We identify completely with Jesus.
Romans 6:14 This concept is an astounding paradox. To be under the Law means to be under the dominion of sin, and to be under grace is to be freed simultaneously from both the dominion of sin and the Law.
6:12-23 Slave market; 7:1-6 marriage. The old master in the first analogy is sin, and the old master or husband, in the second is the Law. You are dead to both because of Christ; therefore, you are no longer under their control.
God through Christ liberates us from the mastery of sin and the bondage of the Law.
7:7-12 The Law does three things here: 1. Brings sin to light, 2. Forbids sin, and 3. Stimulates the very thing it forbids. 1 Corinthians 15:56 - The power of sin is the law.
What Paul writes is autobiographical, and the biography of every man.
7:8 Covetousness is the last of the Ten Commandments, the first sin committed by the cherub, and the first committed by a human, Eve.
Exodus 20:17 “Covet” means to have a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else.
Genesis 2:16-17; 3:22 Covetousness is the quintessential sin. It represents the most perfect or typical example of it.
Romans 7:8-11 Adam and Eve lived a carefree life until they were tested by the commandment banning the fruit of the tree of knowledge; that very commandment, brought to their remembrance by the tempter, directed their attention to the forbidden fruit and made it so irresistibly attractive that they ate.
The introduction of law not only brought with it the recognition of sin and the incitement to sin but also accountability for sin and consequent liability to the death-penalty passed on sin.
Rebellion against God and His Word was the behavior of the Cherub, serpent, and Eve. That rebellious spirit became imbedded in Adam and Eve and hence passed on to their children and all of humanity. The Law said do not do; it the flesh automatically rebels and resists. Children are a great example of this innate evil. The rebellion is not consciously premediated; rather, it just is a part of who we are as humans.
This is why the Law did not work to change the sinful problem.
Philippians 3:3-6 The law did not change Paul. He rebelled against the God he longed to serve to the extent of murdering God’s children.
Romans 7:12-24 Paul explains the Law is useless to eliminate sin and bring salvation. We are ruined and useless with nothing that can help with or without except Christ.
The Last recorded teaching of Jesus is in John chapters 14-16. Love is one of the great themes in these chapters (John 13:34-35; 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:9-10, 12-14, 17; 16:27; 17:26). If we are disciples of Jesus, we will love him and keep his commandments.
John 13:1, 31-36
Also, in the context of these chapters, Jesus knew what he was about to go through in his suffering, death, and later his resurrection and ascension to the Father (John 13:1). In this context, he often told them that he will be leaving to go to the Father (John 14:1-5, 12, 18-19, 28; 16:5-7, 10, 16-22, 28).
Although he was leaving, he would not be leaving them alone.
Something else would be coming--the paraclete, the spirit of truth.
John 14:15-17 The Father will give another “helper“ (Gk parakletos), that is the spirit of truth.
The word “helper” is translated from the Greek word parakletos which literally means one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate, and intercessor. This word is used four times in these chapters. It is used only one other time in the Bible, in 1 John, translated “advocate” (1 John 2:1).
John 14:16-20 First use of paraclete
This is “another” helper, like himself.
It will abide in us (verse 23).
Not leave us as orphans
We will know that Jesus is in the Father, and we are in Christ, and Christ is in us.
John 14:25-27 Second use of paraclete
The Holy Spirit
It will teach us all things.
Bring all things to our remembrance, all that Jesus said
Peace I leave you
John 15:26 Third use of paraclete
It will testify about Jesus.
And we will testify--witness about Christ
John 16:7-15 Fourth use of paraclete
It is to our advantage that Jesus went away and the helper would come.
It will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
It will guide us into the all truth.
It will disclose to us what is to come.
It will glorify Jesus.
John 16:23-24
We can now ask the Father in the name of Jesus about anything, just as Jesus asked the Father.
John 16:25-33
They didn’t fully understand what Jesus was communicating until after his death, resurrection, ascension, and the giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost. We can now have the paraclete, the spirit of truth, abiding in us. In the world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer. Jesus has overcome!
God had a secret, a mystery -- something hidden that no one understood!
Romans 16:26-27
Deuteronomy 29:29
I Corinthians 2:1-9
Had the rulers of this world understood the wisdom of God, hidden in the mystery, they would not have crucified Jesus Christ!
Romans 16:26
This mystery of God can be found in the scriptures of the prophets. And although they prophesied and wrote it down in scripture, no one understood. How can this be?
Merriam Webster definition of a mystery: something not understood or beyond understanding.
It was written down. But no one understood. The devil did not understand. The rulers of this world and the religious leaders did not understand. Even Jesus’ closest disciples did not understand the hidden truth. Luke 9:43-45; 18:31-34; Acts 13:26-30.
The Mystery has now been made known.
Ephesians 1:3-10; 3:1-11
This mystery of God contains God’s eternal purpose -- or “purpose of the ages.”
Colossians 1:25-29 -- The riches of the glory of this mystery -- “Christ in you the hope of glory!”
Colossians 2:1-3 - All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in this mystery.
They mystery of God is not yet complete. God still has hidden understanding of his plan.
I Corinthians 15:50-52
Revelation 10:5-7 In the days when the seventh angel sounds the trumpet, then the mystery of God is finished.
Ephesians 1:15-23 Pray for wisdom and understanding.
Luke 22:47-48, 54 Judas betrayed Jesus to the authorities who promptly arrested him.
Luke 23:1-4, 23-25 After a series of trials and brutal torture, the Roman governor, Pilate, condemned Jesus to death by crucifixion.
Luke 23:32-35, 44-46 For hours, Jesus hung on the cross until, at last, he died.
Luke 23:50-53 Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus in his own newly-cut tomb.
Luke 24:1-3 On Sunday morning, the women discovered the empty tomb.
Luke 24:34-42 After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to different followers through several circumstances.
Luke 24:50-53 Once he had spent some time with them, Jesus ascended into heaven.
Results of Crucifixion (for a detailed explanation see lhim.org/cross)
1. Jesus’ death provides eternal life.
2. Jesus’ death reconciles us to God.
3. Jesus’ death expresses love.
4. Jesus’ death defeats evil.
5. Jesus’ death provides an example.
6. Jesus’ death justifies us apart from the Law.
7. Jesus’ death frees us from sin to live righteously.
8. Jesus’ death is for our sins.
Results of Resurrection
1. Jesus’ resurrection vindicates his claim to be sent by God.
2. Jesus’ resurrection proves that he is the Messiah.
3. Jesus’ resurrection defeats death itself.
4. Jesus’ resurrection makes possible our ultimate resurrection.
5. Jesus’ resurrection shows us what the resurrected body will be like.
6. Jesus’ resurrection enables his followers to walk in the newness of life.
Results of Ascension
1. Jesus’ ascension installs him at the highest authority at God’s right hand.
2. Jesus’ ascension resulted in a reordering of cosmic powers.
3. Jesus’ ascension enables his heavenly ministry as the head of the church.
4. Jesus’ ascension makes it possible for him to pour out the spirit on all who call upon his name.
5. Jesus’ ascension gives his followers authority over spiritual powers.
6. Jesus’ ascension enables him to make intercession as our high priest.
Jesus often used parables when he taught. They are little stories about relatable situations and characters that illustrate a point. The goal with Jesus’ parables is not to decipher every little nuance and symbol but to get the main point. Jesus told dozens of parables, but today we will focus on just three.
The Rich Fool
Luke 12:16-34 This man wanted security and ease of life. He had worked hard, expanded, and made smart financial moves until his harvest was huge. In one sense, he had done everything the right way, except for one critical issue: he ignored God. For the rich man, his problem was not financial success, but making that an ultimate aim above God.
The Unforgiving Servant
Matthew 18:23-35 The forgiven servant can’t see the big picture; he can see only the wrong done to him. He’s swept up in his emotions, seizing and choking the one who owed him a mere 100 denarii when he was forgiven 10,000 talents.
1 talent = 20 years wages. Assuming minimum wage of $10 per hour at 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, after 20 years, that means 1 talent = $416,000 today. This guy owed 10,000 talents = $4,160,000,000. This is an absurd number! He is owed 100 denarii = 100 days wages. Assuming $10 an hour, 8 hours a day, that’s $8,000 dollars. So, he’s forgiven $4 billion and loses it over $8 grand!
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37 The Samaritans hated the Jews and vice versa. They both had powerful reasons to despise the other, going back for centuries. Although the priest and the Levite would have been the most expected to help someone in need, it is the Samaritan who helps the injured man. At great cost to himself, he cares for his religious, ethnic, and political enemy. This is how Jesus wants his followers to apply the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In this way, Jesus confronts tribalism head on, excluding it as an option for his followers.
