Taught by Janet
Notes by Linda
Today Janet continued the theme that Toby presented last week from Psalm 18 - the glory of God in creation. Janet began by having us imagine the majesty of God as revealed by the world around us. She asked us to think of a sunrise as a painting of the Lord on a massive canvas. She also asked us to reflect on the constellations and the largeness of the moon as it rises. Janet expressed how hard it is to comprehend that people could view these things and not believe in the existence of God. Janet then broke down the psalm down into four sections.
Psalm 8:1
"LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens".
Janet gave us a picture of David walking through the desert mediating on the Lord. She mentioned that the first name of God used is ‘LORD’ – this is Yahweh. The second name was ‘Lord’, as our sovereign ruler. Janet quoted Exodus 3:14, “God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.” She used this to emphasize the excellence of God’s name. She pointed out that we are known by our first name yet our family name is important. What we do will reflect back on our family name and reputation.
Psalm 8:2
"Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."
Janet referred to Matthew 21:16b “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise". She pointed out that Jesus used the Old Testament in His teaching.
Psalm 8:3-8
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky,and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas."
Janet reflected on a few points in this passage. She spoke of our need to fall before the Lord in humility. She spoke of the truth that God knows us by name. Even when we make wrong choices He still loves us. She went on to speak about how God has given dominion to man over His creation. Janet expressed that God has crowned us with glory and honor because we represent Him. She referenced Genesis 1:26-28, “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Janet asked us how we see ourselves in the creation narrative. She asked us if we ponder God’s creation.
Psalm 8:9
"LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8 ends with the same words as it began in verse one.
Showing posts with label Tuesday Class Notes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tuesday Class Notes. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Psalm 19
Taught by Toby
Notes by Linda
Today Toby taught on Psalm 19. She began by giving us two aspects of this psalm that may be puzzling at first glance. The first item was the progression of the themes that unfold as it is read. The psalm begins with nature, then transitions to the Law, and ends with a passage on personal reflection. The second question is ‘how can the Law be sweeter than honey and better than much gold?’. In her lesson, Toby gives us insight to both of these things. (*Throughout today’s teaching Toby referenced several internet resources. The links to these resources can be found at the end of these notes.)
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
These verses speak powerfully to the glory of God. Toby emphasized that the evidence of God’s presence surrounds us. Toby referred to a book by John Piper called Don’t Waste Your Life. In this book Piper writes of the vastness of the Grand Canyon. It seems to have no beginning or no end. It brings us to a place of self forgetfulness. To think otherwise would be ‘pathological’. Toby explained that the focus should be on the greatness of God not on the insignificance of man. Although we are created in God’s image He is so much beyond us.
Next Toby focused on a section from verse 2 through 4. The thought that Toby brought into the spotlight was how could there be speech without words. This seems to be a contradiction. She brought us to Paul’s words in Romans, “But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Romans 10:16-18). Toby pointed out that we all can ‘hear’ the same message of creation yet we all do not ‘hear’ it.
She pointed out something interesting from verse 4. In this verse, the word ‘voice’ can also be translated as ‘line’, as in plumb-line. A plumb-line is used to determine a true vertical, 180 degree line. Because of the force of gravity on the weight of the plumb-line it will always hang true and straight. In construction this is used to measure the structural accuracy of created angles – with the plumb-line used as the ‘true’ standard. Toby pointed out in the same way, these verses tell us that God’s creation is the unchanging standard. It will always point to the glory of God. Even if a person has never heard the Gospel message the stars themselves are evidence of our awesome God.
Toby next focused on the imagery present in this passage: “In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course” (Psalm 19:4b-5). An interesting difference between our modern wedding ceremonies and those of biblical times is the focus. In modern ceremonies the bride is the focus of all the attention – the star of the show. In the world during biblical times, everyone waited for the appearance of the groom. His entrance was met with joy and celebration. The New Testament also shows this in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (see Matthew 25:1-13). How anxiously do we await the appearance of our Bridegroom – Jesus Christ!!
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
The focus on the next section of scripture is on the Law or Torah. Toby explained that an important aspect of Hebrew poetry is the repetition of thoughts using different words. This style can be seen in this passage. Toby gave us something to think about. Many of us would agree that there are many, many attributes of God that we can delight in – His mercy, His goodness, His power. Yet the focus of this passage the wonder and joy of God’s Law – His Commandments. Verse 10 says that His Laws ‘are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey’. This might be hard for us to imagine. Toby mentioned the following verse that also speaks of this: “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
Toby pointed out another interesting point in these verses. These verses emphasize the rightness of God’s commands. The question is ‘how can a command be true?’. A command is not a fact. This idea is mentioned in the following verses: “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy” (Psalm 111:7). In addition, Psalm 119 refers to the Law being ‘true’ in several verses. Toby explained that the point is that God’s commands are the ones that are to be trusted and right when compared to the many beliefs of the foreign gods and idols that were worshiped at this time. The law of the Lord tells us much about His character – it reflects His nature which is radiant, true, and wise. Going back to the plumb-line, His Law is our plumb-line. By following it we are on firm footings.
Psalm 19:12-14
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
This final section of Psalm 19 focuses on the human heart. Sometimes it is hard for us to see our own short comings yet God is faithful in helping us in our weaknesses.
In concluding Toby explained that the greatness of this psalm (or poem) is that there really is not a logical connection between the three parts in a cursory reading. Delving deeper, she showed us that the psalm is a wonderful and brilliant narration that begins with the hugeness of the universe and ends with the private thoughts of our hearts. From the beginning to the end – the Glory of God is manifest!
*As mentioned, Toby took her teaching from several sources. She used the following: C.S. Lewis, Reflections of the Psalms; John Piper, Don’t Waste Your Life. In addition, she accessed the following web resources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HK6_vntzpI&feature=related
http://books.google.com/books?id=NlHeb0jwSisC&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=Pathological+at+the+grand+canyon&source=bl&ots=V98wtW5uUp&sig=Td2c8LSxX8pbDaOl97m0YZlu6V8&hl=en&ei=q-nHTcfSC8bZ0QGZ6PjvBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Pathological%20at%20the%20grand%20canyon&f=false
http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=378&C=74
http://prayerbookproject.blogs.com/Psalm_19_SERMON.pdf
Notes by Linda
Today Toby taught on Psalm 19. She began by giving us two aspects of this psalm that may be puzzling at first glance. The first item was the progression of the themes that unfold as it is read. The psalm begins with nature, then transitions to the Law, and ends with a passage on personal reflection. The second question is ‘how can the Law be sweeter than honey and better than much gold?’. In her lesson, Toby gives us insight to both of these things. (*Throughout today’s teaching Toby referenced several internet resources. The links to these resources can be found at the end of these notes.)
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
These verses speak powerfully to the glory of God. Toby emphasized that the evidence of God’s presence surrounds us. Toby referred to a book by John Piper called Don’t Waste Your Life. In this book Piper writes of the vastness of the Grand Canyon. It seems to have no beginning or no end. It brings us to a place of self forgetfulness. To think otherwise would be ‘pathological’. Toby explained that the focus should be on the greatness of God not on the insignificance of man. Although we are created in God’s image He is so much beyond us.
Next Toby focused on a section from verse 2 through 4. The thought that Toby brought into the spotlight was how could there be speech without words. This seems to be a contradiction. She brought us to Paul’s words in Romans, “But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Romans 10:16-18). Toby pointed out that we all can ‘hear’ the same message of creation yet we all do not ‘hear’ it.
She pointed out something interesting from verse 4. In this verse, the word ‘voice’ can also be translated as ‘line’, as in plumb-line. A plumb-line is used to determine a true vertical, 180 degree line. Because of the force of gravity on the weight of the plumb-line it will always hang true and straight. In construction this is used to measure the structural accuracy of created angles – with the plumb-line used as the ‘true’ standard. Toby pointed out in the same way, these verses tell us that God’s creation is the unchanging standard. It will always point to the glory of God. Even if a person has never heard the Gospel message the stars themselves are evidence of our awesome God.
Toby next focused on the imagery present in this passage: “In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course” (Psalm 19:4b-5). An interesting difference between our modern wedding ceremonies and those of biblical times is the focus. In modern ceremonies the bride is the focus of all the attention – the star of the show. In the world during biblical times, everyone waited for the appearance of the groom. His entrance was met with joy and celebration. The New Testament also shows this in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (see Matthew 25:1-13). How anxiously do we await the appearance of our Bridegroom – Jesus Christ!!
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
The focus on the next section of scripture is on the Law or Torah. Toby explained that an important aspect of Hebrew poetry is the repetition of thoughts using different words. This style can be seen in this passage. Toby gave us something to think about. Many of us would agree that there are many, many attributes of God that we can delight in – His mercy, His goodness, His power. Yet the focus of this passage the wonder and joy of God’s Law – His Commandments. Verse 10 says that His Laws ‘are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey’. This might be hard for us to imagine. Toby mentioned the following verse that also speaks of this: “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
Toby pointed out another interesting point in these verses. These verses emphasize the rightness of God’s commands. The question is ‘how can a command be true?’. A command is not a fact. This idea is mentioned in the following verses: “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy” (Psalm 111:7). In addition, Psalm 119 refers to the Law being ‘true’ in several verses. Toby explained that the point is that God’s commands are the ones that are to be trusted and right when compared to the many beliefs of the foreign gods and idols that were worshiped at this time. The law of the Lord tells us much about His character – it reflects His nature which is radiant, true, and wise. Going back to the plumb-line, His Law is our plumb-line. By following it we are on firm footings.
Psalm 19:12-14
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
This final section of Psalm 19 focuses on the human heart. Sometimes it is hard for us to see our own short comings yet God is faithful in helping us in our weaknesses.
In concluding Toby explained that the greatness of this psalm (or poem) is that there really is not a logical connection between the three parts in a cursory reading. Delving deeper, she showed us that the psalm is a wonderful and brilliant narration that begins with the hugeness of the universe and ends with the private thoughts of our hearts. From the beginning to the end – the Glory of God is manifest!
*As mentioned, Toby took her teaching from several sources. She used the following: C.S. Lewis, Reflections of the Psalms; John Piper, Don’t Waste Your Life. In addition, she accessed the following web resources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HK6_vntzpI&feature=related
http://books.google.com/books?id=NlHeb0jwSisC&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=Pathological+at+the+grand+canyon&source=bl&ots=V98wtW5uUp&sig=Td2c8LSxX8pbDaOl97m0YZlu6V8&hl=en&ei=q-nHTcfSC8bZ0QGZ6PjvBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Pathological%20at%20the%20grand%20canyon&f=false
http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=378&C=74
http://prayerbookproject.blogs.com/Psalm_19_SERMON.pdf
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
All My Delight
Taught by Arlene
Notes by Linda
Today Arlene taught on Psalm 16. She opened by asking us what brought us delight. She followed this by saying that Psalm 16 is about what brought David delight. Arlene divided the psalm into six sections – each one focusing on a specific thing that delighted David.
(1)David Delighted in God as his refuge. (Psalm 16:1-2)
“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
Arlene first pointed out the difference in meaning of the name ‘lord’ that is used in this verse 2. In the first occurrence, ‘LORD’ refers to our personal covenant God, Yahweh. The word for the second "Lord" is Adonai which means master. Next she asked us why we thought David would say ‘apart from you I have no good thing’. The class gave many examples of David’s trials, victories and defeats. Arlene pointed out that no matter what David went through, he knew the truth - “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5b). Knowing God is with us gives us strength, no matter what we face.
(2)David delighted in those who delighted in God. (Psalm 16:3-4)
“As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.”
As a comprehensive example of this, Arlene brought us to Psalm 101. “Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil. Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me. No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence” (Psalm 101:4-7). Arlene summarized this psalm by saying that David surrounded himself with those who lived what they spoke. He knew that those who surrounded themselves with idol worshipers would be ensnared. They had been warned about this before entering into the promise land. “Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them” (Deu. 11:16). Arlene then asked the question ‘how do we evangelize the world yet separate ourselves from its ways?’. The Word says “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). The ‘world’ in this instance is the world systems. This is the way or values under which the world operates (i.e. sexuality, self-reliance, materialism). As New Testament Christians this is not the way in which we should live our lives.
(3)David delighted in his inheritance. (Psalm 16:5-6)
“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Arlene taught that in this verse David was using a metaphor. The word for lot here was referring to the division of property when the Israelites claimed the Promised Land. “The LORD said to Moses, “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed” (Numbers 26:52-54). God had divinely ordered their lot. In the same way God has divinely ordered what comes into our lives. Arlene asked us if we could really accept all that what comes into our lives through the perfect or permissive will of God has been assigned by Him – regardless of how we see it. This also encompasses what we have lived or experienced prior to accepting Jesus as our LORD and Savior. God will use for good even what Satan has designed for evil. Arlene stressed that our life is not by chance. He will use these things to bring ministry and healing to others. A very important thing we have to realize is that we do need to come to God with these things. We need to ask Him to redeem them and use them for good. This will not happen apart from His divine power.
Another metaphor David uses in this passage from Psalm 16 is the reference to ‘boundaries’. In Numbers 34:1-2 we read “The LORD said to Moses, “Command the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance is to have these boundaries:”. Arlene explained that our boundaries are the people in our lives, our circumstances, our obstacles…really everything that comes into our lives. We see an additional facet of our inheritance in Joshua 18:3, “So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?”. Not only are we given boundaries but we must also exercise our wills and take action in securing our spiritual inheritance within our God-given boundries. If you notice in this verse, God wanted to graciously give them the land but they had to be actively participating in the taking possession of it. We are meant to conquer the challenges in our lives with the aid of God's grace.
While the Israelite’s lots, boundaries and inheritance in the Promised Land were physical ours are mirrored as New Testament Christians primarily in the spiritual realm. Arlene gave us the following parallels (with the Israelites first, ours second): earthly battles vs. spiritual battles, physical fruitfulness vs. fruit of the spirit/our service, wild animals, giants and enemies vs. trials and obstacles. Within both groups blessings follow obedience and grace is through faith. (As a side note, the first group of Israelites did not enter the Promised Land because of unbelief.)
As noted earlier, our inheritance is primarily spiritual. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). This is our spiritual inheritance.
As a child of God, Arlene showed us that our inheritance as New Testament Christians is filled with the richest of blessings. We have abundant life, abundant joy, abundant peace, abundant comfort, abundant delight, abundant self-discipline, abundant righteousness, abundant mercy and abundnat power. We have to choose to possess these things.
Arlene gave us a few examples of what it looks like when we are living with the understanding that “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:6a). Fannie Crosby was the author of many of our most beloved hymns. She had been blinded inadvertently by a doctor. She had said that if she could have seen she would have been distracted by the physical world. Amy Carmichael was a famous missionary in India. The last 20 years of her life she was an invalid yet ran a large orphanage that rescued children who were sold at temple protitutes by their parents. Arlene reiterated that God may bring suffering into our lives for reasons we don’t understand to accomplish His divine purpose. He can transform a curse into a blessing.
(4)David delighted in the Lord’s counsel. (Psalm 16:7-8)
“I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
In this verse, ‘praise’ means to bless or speak well of. She explained that ‘night’ could mean a period of darkness. In times of darkness we cannot let our emotions rule us. We need to be mindful of the presence of God and the truth of His word. In this verse it speaks of God’s instruction. This instruction is given in firmness. We need to accept His teaching even when it is hard.
(5)David delighted in the stability he enjoyed with God. (Psalm 16:9-10)
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”
Arlene pointed out that even though there was nothing in the Old Testament that spoke of heaven David knew that his physical death would not separate him from the presence of God. It is also noted that this verse is prophetic, pointing to Jesus, the Holy One of God.
(6)David delighted in the hope of eternal pleasures with God. (Psalm 16:11)
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Arlene emphasized that the path between God and each of us is eternity. Revelation 21 gives us a powerful description of the glories of heaven. While this is something we can read in the Word we won’t be able to comprehend what God has in store for us until we are actually there.
In conclusion, Arlene asked us where we were in relation to David’s delight. If we are not where we would like to be she made the following suggestions: 1) Pray that He would be your delight. 2) We need to realize that sanctification is a process and we grow in our delight in God as we grow in our walk with God. The following words of Paul speak to this. As you read, keep in mind that Paul wrote this 30 years after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. (Phil 3:8-14).
Arlene pointed out that even though Paul had been striving after knowing His Saviour for 30 years he still had not obtained the kind of relationship that He so longed for. He knew that Jesus was more then enough and all that he desired and worthy of "all his delight".
“In essence, there is only one thing God asks of us-that we be …people from whom God is everything and for whom God is enough.” Brennan Manning.
Notes by Linda
Today Arlene taught on Psalm 16. She opened by asking us what brought us delight. She followed this by saying that Psalm 16 is about what brought David delight. Arlene divided the psalm into six sections – each one focusing on a specific thing that delighted David.
(1)David Delighted in God as his refuge. (Psalm 16:1-2)
“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
Arlene first pointed out the difference in meaning of the name ‘lord’ that is used in this verse 2. In the first occurrence, ‘LORD’ refers to our personal covenant God, Yahweh. The word for the second "Lord" is Adonai which means master. Next she asked us why we thought David would say ‘apart from you I have no good thing’. The class gave many examples of David’s trials, victories and defeats. Arlene pointed out that no matter what David went through, he knew the truth - “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5b). Knowing God is with us gives us strength, no matter what we face.
(2)David delighted in those who delighted in God. (Psalm 16:3-4)
“As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.”
As a comprehensive example of this, Arlene brought us to Psalm 101. “Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil. Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me. No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence” (Psalm 101:4-7). Arlene summarized this psalm by saying that David surrounded himself with those who lived what they spoke. He knew that those who surrounded themselves with idol worshipers would be ensnared. They had been warned about this before entering into the promise land. “Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them” (Deu. 11:16). Arlene then asked the question ‘how do we evangelize the world yet separate ourselves from its ways?’. The Word says “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). The ‘world’ in this instance is the world systems. This is the way or values under which the world operates (i.e. sexuality, self-reliance, materialism). As New Testament Christians this is not the way in which we should live our lives.
(3)David delighted in his inheritance. (Psalm 16:5-6)
“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Arlene taught that in this verse David was using a metaphor. The word for lot here was referring to the division of property when the Israelites claimed the Promised Land. “The LORD said to Moses, “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed” (Numbers 26:52-54). God had divinely ordered their lot. In the same way God has divinely ordered what comes into our lives. Arlene asked us if we could really accept all that what comes into our lives through the perfect or permissive will of God has been assigned by Him – regardless of how we see it. This also encompasses what we have lived or experienced prior to accepting Jesus as our LORD and Savior. God will use for good even what Satan has designed for evil. Arlene stressed that our life is not by chance. He will use these things to bring ministry and healing to others. A very important thing we have to realize is that we do need to come to God with these things. We need to ask Him to redeem them and use them for good. This will not happen apart from His divine power.
Another metaphor David uses in this passage from Psalm 16 is the reference to ‘boundaries’. In Numbers 34:1-2 we read “The LORD said to Moses, “Command the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance is to have these boundaries:”. Arlene explained that our boundaries are the people in our lives, our circumstances, our obstacles…really everything that comes into our lives. We see an additional facet of our inheritance in Joshua 18:3, “So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?”. Not only are we given boundaries but we must also exercise our wills and take action in securing our spiritual inheritance within our God-given boundries. If you notice in this verse, God wanted to graciously give them the land but they had to be actively participating in the taking possession of it. We are meant to conquer the challenges in our lives with the aid of God's grace.
While the Israelite’s lots, boundaries and inheritance in the Promised Land were physical ours are mirrored as New Testament Christians primarily in the spiritual realm. Arlene gave us the following parallels (with the Israelites first, ours second): earthly battles vs. spiritual battles, physical fruitfulness vs. fruit of the spirit/our service, wild animals, giants and enemies vs. trials and obstacles. Within both groups blessings follow obedience and grace is through faith. (As a side note, the first group of Israelites did not enter the Promised Land because of unbelief.)
As noted earlier, our inheritance is primarily spiritual. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). This is our spiritual inheritance.
As a child of God, Arlene showed us that our inheritance as New Testament Christians is filled with the richest of blessings. We have abundant life, abundant joy, abundant peace, abundant comfort, abundant delight, abundant self-discipline, abundant righteousness, abundant mercy and abundnat power. We have to choose to possess these things.
Arlene gave us a few examples of what it looks like when we are living with the understanding that “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:6a). Fannie Crosby was the author of many of our most beloved hymns. She had been blinded inadvertently by a doctor. She had said that if she could have seen she would have been distracted by the physical world. Amy Carmichael was a famous missionary in India. The last 20 years of her life she was an invalid yet ran a large orphanage that rescued children who were sold at temple protitutes by their parents. Arlene reiterated that God may bring suffering into our lives for reasons we don’t understand to accomplish His divine purpose. He can transform a curse into a blessing.
(4)David delighted in the Lord’s counsel. (Psalm 16:7-8)
“I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
In this verse, ‘praise’ means to bless or speak well of. She explained that ‘night’ could mean a period of darkness. In times of darkness we cannot let our emotions rule us. We need to be mindful of the presence of God and the truth of His word. In this verse it speaks of God’s instruction. This instruction is given in firmness. We need to accept His teaching even when it is hard.
(5)David delighted in the stability he enjoyed with God. (Psalm 16:9-10)
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”
Arlene pointed out that even though there was nothing in the Old Testament that spoke of heaven David knew that his physical death would not separate him from the presence of God. It is also noted that this verse is prophetic, pointing to Jesus, the Holy One of God.
(6)David delighted in the hope of eternal pleasures with God. (Psalm 16:11)
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Arlene emphasized that the path between God and each of us is eternity. Revelation 21 gives us a powerful description of the glories of heaven. While this is something we can read in the Word we won’t be able to comprehend what God has in store for us until we are actually there.
In conclusion, Arlene asked us where we were in relation to David’s delight. If we are not where we would like to be she made the following suggestions: 1) Pray that He would be your delight. 2) We need to realize that sanctification is a process and we grow in our delight in God as we grow in our walk with God. The following words of Paul speak to this. As you read, keep in mind that Paul wrote this 30 years after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. (Phil 3:8-14).
Arlene pointed out that even though Paul had been striving after knowing His Saviour for 30 years he still had not obtained the kind of relationship that He so longed for. He knew that Jesus was more then enough and all that he desired and worthy of "all his delight".
“In essence, there is only one thing God asks of us-that we be …people from whom God is everything and for whom God is enough.” Brennan Manning.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Psalm 34
Taught by Jan
Notes by Linda
Before delving into Psalm 34, Jan gave a general overview of the Book of Psalms as a whole. Jan likened the psalms to ‘poetry unfolding in song’. She said that the reading of the psalms is a sacred moments between the Lord and ourselves. Jan defined three components of the Psalms as a whole.
Praise - recognizing and appreciation of God’s greatness
Worship – praising God and devoting ourselves to Him
Confession – declaring one’s wrong doings, a statement of our beliefs
Jan divided the authors of the Psalms into four different groups. Approximately 73 of the 150 psalms have been attributed to King David.. They were also written by the sons of Korah, Asaph, and anonymous. (A note from Linda, with the understanding that they were written by man under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit.) The time period covered in this book span the time of Moses through the return of the Israelites from captivity in Babylon.
In the early Christian church the Psalms were adopted as part of their liturgy and are still used today. As an example, Jan pointed out that Gregorian chant is the Psalms being sung in Latin. Jan also emphasized that the Psalms speak to the root of our humanity – our emotions, which are both basic and complicated.
Jan gave us a handout that drew parallels between the first five books of the bible (The Pentateuch) to the Psalms, divided into five sections. (The following information is taken directly from this handout which was adapted from the Life application Bible.)
Section 1
Section 1 covers Psalms 1 through 41. The major themes of this section are: confidence in God’s justice, compassion, and forgiveness, and the depravity of humans. Book 1 of the Pentateuch is Genesis. It’s major themes are: human creation, fall of humankind in sin, and the promised redemption. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 23 – comfort, Psalm 5 – how to come to God each day, Psalm 15 – how to please God, and Psalm 34 – freedom from fear.
Section 2
Section 2 covers Psalms 42 – 72. The major themes of this section are: prayers for rescue and confession of sin. Jan compared this to Exodus. The major themes of this book relate to the nation of Israel and its times of distress and ruin as well as its recovery. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 51 – a plea for God’s mercy, cleansing, and forgiveness of sin.
Section 3
Section 3 covers Psalms 78 through 89. The major themes of this section are: God’s temple and God’s enthronement & majesty. Book 3 of the Pentateuch is Leviticus . Its major themes are: God’s holiness and sovereignty and God’s faithfulness. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 73 – trusting God for our future rewards and a prayer for revival and restoration after experiencing destruction (God is in charge).
Section 4
Section 4 covers Psalms 90 through 106. The major themes of this section are: a prayer of Moses, oppressors to God’s people, and God as king. Book 4 of the Pentateuch is Numbers . Its major themes are: Israel’s relationship with the surrounding nations and God bringing Israel to the Promised Land. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 103 – a description of God’s love and benefits, Psalm 91 – protection in the midst of danger, and Psalm 105 – history of God’s mighty deeds as Israel comes to the Promised Land. Psalms – Section 4
Section 5
Section 5 covers Psalms 107 through 150. The major themes of this section are: God’s word is love and praise for the Lord. Book 5 of the Pentateuch is Deuteronomy. Its major themes are: thanks for God’s word and God’s decrees are just and righteous. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 134 & 145 – praise to God, Psalm 146 – knowledge that God is in control, and Psalm 119 – God’s word guides us.
Psalm 34
Jan spoke on the importance of this Psalm in her life. She recounted that this was written by David at the time in his life where he had pretended to be insane in the presence of King Abimelech of the Philistines. Prior to this encounter, David had been killing the Philistines. Jan spoke on the root causes of depression, as David experienced. When the Lord reveals the root it is the beginning of healing. Jan expressed that fear could be a root of depression. Jan highlighted the following verses from the psalm.
Verse 6 – God saved him from all of his troubles.
Verse 7 – The fear that the psalmist speaks of is not fear as an emotion, rather it is fear as a sign of respect and reverence.
Verse 8 – That we see that God is good, and that ‘seeing’ is understanding. Jan reminded us that God is good and His mercy endures forever. She stressed that God can use every experience for our good.
Verse 11 – God will teach us how to have fear and reverence for him.
Verse 13 – An admonition to keep from speaking evil.
Verse 14 – That we should depart from evil and do good. That we should seek the peace that only god can give.
Verse 19 – That will all be afflicted.
Verse 20 – This is a prophecy concerning the death of Jesus. Although it was customary for the legs of the one being crucified to be broken, not one of Jesus’ bones were broken.
Verse 22 – None that trust in the Lord will be desolate.
Notes by Linda
Before delving into Psalm 34, Jan gave a general overview of the Book of Psalms as a whole. Jan likened the psalms to ‘poetry unfolding in song’. She said that the reading of the psalms is a sacred moments between the Lord and ourselves. Jan defined three components of the Psalms as a whole.
Praise - recognizing and appreciation of God’s greatness
Worship – praising God and devoting ourselves to Him
Confession – declaring one’s wrong doings, a statement of our beliefs
Jan divided the authors of the Psalms into four different groups. Approximately 73 of the 150 psalms have been attributed to King David.. They were also written by the sons of Korah, Asaph, and anonymous. (A note from Linda, with the understanding that they were written by man under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit.) The time period covered in this book span the time of Moses through the return of the Israelites from captivity in Babylon.
In the early Christian church the Psalms were adopted as part of their liturgy and are still used today. As an example, Jan pointed out that Gregorian chant is the Psalms being sung in Latin. Jan also emphasized that the Psalms speak to the root of our humanity – our emotions, which are both basic and complicated.
Jan gave us a handout that drew parallels between the first five books of the bible (The Pentateuch) to the Psalms, divided into five sections. (The following information is taken directly from this handout which was adapted from the Life application Bible.)
Section 1
Section 1 covers Psalms 1 through 41. The major themes of this section are: confidence in God’s justice, compassion, and forgiveness, and the depravity of humans. Book 1 of the Pentateuch is Genesis. It’s major themes are: human creation, fall of humankind in sin, and the promised redemption. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 23 – comfort, Psalm 5 – how to come to God each day, Psalm 15 – how to please God, and Psalm 34 – freedom from fear.
Section 2
Section 2 covers Psalms 42 – 72. The major themes of this section are: prayers for rescue and confession of sin. Jan compared this to Exodus. The major themes of this book relate to the nation of Israel and its times of distress and ruin as well as its recovery. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 51 – a plea for God’s mercy, cleansing, and forgiveness of sin.
Section 3
Section 3 covers Psalms 78 through 89. The major themes of this section are: God’s temple and God’s enthronement & majesty. Book 3 of the Pentateuch is Leviticus . Its major themes are: God’s holiness and sovereignty and God’s faithfulness. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 73 – trusting God for our future rewards and a prayer for revival and restoration after experiencing destruction (God is in charge).
Section 4
Section 4 covers Psalms 90 through 106. The major themes of this section are: a prayer of Moses, oppressors to God’s people, and God as king. Book 4 of the Pentateuch is Numbers . Its major themes are: Israel’s relationship with the surrounding nations and God bringing Israel to the Promised Land. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 103 – a description of God’s love and benefits, Psalm 91 – protection in the midst of danger, and Psalm 105 – history of God’s mighty deeds as Israel comes to the Promised Land. Psalms – Section 4
Section 5
Section 5 covers Psalms 107 through 150. The major themes of this section are: God’s word is love and praise for the Lord. Book 5 of the Pentateuch is Deuteronomy. Its major themes are: thanks for God’s word and God’s decrees are just and righteous. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 134 & 145 – praise to God, Psalm 146 – knowledge that God is in control, and Psalm 119 – God’s word guides us.
Psalm 34
Jan spoke on the importance of this Psalm in her life. She recounted that this was written by David at the time in his life where he had pretended to be insane in the presence of King Abimelech of the Philistines. Prior to this encounter, David had been killing the Philistines. Jan spoke on the root causes of depression, as David experienced. When the Lord reveals the root it is the beginning of healing. Jan expressed that fear could be a root of depression. Jan highlighted the following verses from the psalm.
Verse 6 – God saved him from all of his troubles.
Verse 7 – The fear that the psalmist speaks of is not fear as an emotion, rather it is fear as a sign of respect and reverence.
Verse 8 – That we see that God is good, and that ‘seeing’ is understanding. Jan reminded us that God is good and His mercy endures forever. She stressed that God can use every experience for our good.
Verse 11 – God will teach us how to have fear and reverence for him.
Verse 13 – An admonition to keep from speaking evil.
Verse 14 – That we should depart from evil and do good. That we should seek the peace that only god can give.
Verse 19 – That will all be afflicted.
Verse 20 – This is a prophecy concerning the death of Jesus. Although it was customary for the legs of the one being crucified to be broken, not one of Jesus’ bones were broken.
Verse 22 – None that trust in the Lord will be desolate.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Psalm 139
Taught by Janet
Notes by Linda
Last week we concluded our study on the book of Nehemiah. This week we started a new series that will continue through the month of May. Each week we will have teaching on a specific psalm. Today Janet taught on a psalm that was special to her – Psalm 139.
Janet first spoke on the overall theme of this psalm. It is that God is omniscient. This means that God is all knowing. God is also omnipresent. This means that God is present everywhere; His presence has no limits. Finally, God is omnipotent. This means that God is all powerful. Janet emphasized that this psalm embraces all these characteristics of God.
Janet explained that Psalm 139 can be divided into four distinct poetic paragraphs. Each of the poetic paragraphs contains six verses. Each of the paragraphs begins and ends with a couplet which elaborates the central theme of that paragraph. This is an example of Hebrew parallelism. The first and last lines of each section are rhyming or parallel thoughts.
Psalm 139:1-6
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
The main theme of this section is that God knows each of us intimately. He knows our thoughts. He knows them even before we do. God’s hand is upon us. An important point Janet made was that we need to diligently guard our thoughts. Out of the hear the mouth speaks. What is going on in our thoughts will eventually come out of our mouths.
Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
The main theme in this section is that there is not a place we can go that is outside the presence of God. Janet explained that even when we think we are going our own way and not glorifying Him in our lives, He is still there. God loves us that much. This does not mean that we can live anyway we want. Janet quoted from Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows”.
Psalm 139: 13-18
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
God knew us even before we were a thought in our parents minds. In verse 14 God says we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’. Janet pointed out that although we are all very different God has created us all. The question Janet asked us all…do we really believe what God’s word says, that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’??
Psalm 139: 19-24
If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Janet pointed out that the enemy uses people against us, even other believers. We are not called to hate these people. Someone mentioned that God shows His kindness to both the believer and the unbeliever. Kindness is God’s character. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Janet asked us to imagine what it would be like if God didn’t have patience with us. It was brought up that in the Old Testament the people were not commanded to love with God’s love or to forgive. As New Testament believers the Lord commands us to do both. We do have the power to love and forgive because we now have the Holy Spirit within us. He gives us the power.
Janet taught us that in verse 23, King David, the author, gets his eyes back on himself. He asks the Lord to show him his own thoughts. It is a lot easier for us to see the faults of others then to see them ourselves. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? (Matt. 7:3-4). When we ask the Lord to reveal to us our own sins, He will.
Janet admonished us against being judgmental about our own sisters in Christ. Satan will use us against each other. (In a prior study we learned about how Satan can use offenses to create division and disunity. ) That being said, there is a place for constructive criticism. In order to grow, we do need to know when we are going in a wrong direction (as well as plenty of encouragement when we are going in the right direction). When we give constructive criticism it needs to be done in love and in humility. It has often been quoted ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’.
Notes by Linda
Last week we concluded our study on the book of Nehemiah. This week we started a new series that will continue through the month of May. Each week we will have teaching on a specific psalm. Today Janet taught on a psalm that was special to her – Psalm 139.
Janet first spoke on the overall theme of this psalm. It is that God is omniscient. This means that God is all knowing. God is also omnipresent. This means that God is present everywhere; His presence has no limits. Finally, God is omnipotent. This means that God is all powerful. Janet emphasized that this psalm embraces all these characteristics of God.
Janet explained that Psalm 139 can be divided into four distinct poetic paragraphs. Each of the poetic paragraphs contains six verses. Each of the paragraphs begins and ends with a couplet which elaborates the central theme of that paragraph. This is an example of Hebrew parallelism. The first and last lines of each section are rhyming or parallel thoughts.
Psalm 139:1-6
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
The main theme of this section is that God knows each of us intimately. He knows our thoughts. He knows them even before we do. God’s hand is upon us. An important point Janet made was that we need to diligently guard our thoughts. Out of the hear the mouth speaks. What is going on in our thoughts will eventually come out of our mouths.
Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
The main theme in this section is that there is not a place we can go that is outside the presence of God. Janet explained that even when we think we are going our own way and not glorifying Him in our lives, He is still there. God loves us that much. This does not mean that we can live anyway we want. Janet quoted from Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows”.
Psalm 139: 13-18
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
God knew us even before we were a thought in our parents minds. In verse 14 God says we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’. Janet pointed out that although we are all very different God has created us all. The question Janet asked us all…do we really believe what God’s word says, that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’??
Psalm 139: 19-24
If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Janet pointed out that the enemy uses people against us, even other believers. We are not called to hate these people. Someone mentioned that God shows His kindness to both the believer and the unbeliever. Kindness is God’s character. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Janet asked us to imagine what it would be like if God didn’t have patience with us. It was brought up that in the Old Testament the people were not commanded to love with God’s love or to forgive. As New Testament believers the Lord commands us to do both. We do have the power to love and forgive because we now have the Holy Spirit within us. He gives us the power.
Janet taught us that in verse 23, King David, the author, gets his eyes back on himself. He asks the Lord to show him his own thoughts. It is a lot easier for us to see the faults of others then to see them ourselves. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? (Matt. 7:3-4). When we ask the Lord to reveal to us our own sins, He will.
Janet admonished us against being judgmental about our own sisters in Christ. Satan will use us against each other. (In a prior study we learned about how Satan can use offenses to create division and disunity. ) That being said, there is a place for constructive criticism. In order to grow, we do need to know when we are going in a wrong direction (as well as plenty of encouragement when we are going in the right direction). When we give constructive criticism it needs to be done in love and in humility. It has often been quoted ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Nehemiah's Final Reforms
Taught by Toby
Notes by Linda
Today Toby concluded our study of Nehemiah, covering Nehemiah 13. From reading this chapter in its entirety, we find that Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem after returning to Babylon for a period of about 12 years. When Nehemiah returns he finds that the people had broken the vows that they had made before God. After the Law was read by Ezra (please see Nehemiah 9) the Israelites had renewed their covenant with God. There are four significant areas of spiritual decay. They were: 1-defilement of the holy place, 2-neglecting of the temple and support of the clergy, 3-breaking of the Sabbath, and 4-intermarriage.
1 - Defilement of the Holy Place (Nehemiah 13:4-9)
Upon Nehemiah’s return, he is met with a situation that greatly grieved him. “Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God” (Nehemiah 13:7). Toby reminded us of the part Tobiah had played in the events to date – he had opposed the rebuilding of the temple and frustrated God’s work every step along the way. He was now put in a place of influence. Tobiah was also an Ammonite, a gentile pagan. The high priest, Eliashib, had formed an unholy alliance with Tobiah and allowed the temple to be used for a purpose that was contrary to its holy purpose. Nehemiah took strong action to rectify this situation. “ I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense” (Nehemiah 13:8-9).
2 - Neglecting the Temple and the Support of the Clergy (Nehemiah 13:10-14)
The rooms that Tobiah was occupying were purposed as temple storerooms. “And he (Eliashib) had provided him (Tobiah) with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests” (Neh. 13:5, emphasis added). Because Tobiah was in these rooms there was no place to store these crucial items. Because those who served in the temple were not physically provided for they had to return to their regular jobs. As a result of this the house of the Lord was being neglected. Once again we see Nehemiah rectify the situation. “So I rebuked the officials and asked them, "Why is the house of God neglected?" Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts. All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and oil into the storerooms” (Neh. 13:11-12). He also appointed trustworthy men to be put in charge of the distribution of the contributions.
3 - Breaking of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-19)
The next issue that Toby pointed out was that the Sabbath was not being honored. “In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah” (Nehemiah 13:15-16). This was an infraction of the Mosaic Law which could have resulted in death to the offenders. Nehemiah’s strategy was to have the gates shut on the Sabbath to prevent commerce from taking place. Without the opportunity to sell their products it was futile for them to continue this practice. It was noted that the observation of the Sabbath is what set the Israelites apart from the other nations.
Toby then asked the class what the Sabbath meant to believers in today’s world. A lengthy discussion ensued. Some people believed that it should be a day set apart for time with their families. Others saw it as a day of refreshment. It was noted that because of the working structure in today’s world many people are required to work on the Sabbath. Many different views and feelings were expressed.
4 - Intermarriage (Nehemiah 10:23-30)
The last area addressed in chapter 13 is intermarriage. Toby stressed that the danger with intermarriage was the dilution of the Israelites spiritual beliefs because of the influence of pagan religions. Nehemiah had a very strong reaction to this situation. “I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God's name and said: "You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves” (Nehemiah 13:25). He then reminded them of the example of King Solomon. “Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women” (Nehemiah 13:26). Toby pointed out that even the high priest’s grandson was guilty of this sin. She explained that Nehemiah’s reaction was so severe because this sin would result in the very thing that had resulted in their period of captivity in the first place.
A Final Word on Vows
Toby concluded today’s teaching with a warning about making vows. To put this in context, she referenced earlier passages in the book of Nehemiah. The Israelites had vowed specifically against the sins that they later committed.
The Israelites had made the following vows: “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it” (Nehemiah 9:38) and then again "The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand—all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord” (Nehemiah 10:28-29). In verse 10:30 they specifically vowed against intermarriage "We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons”. In verse 10:31 they vow to honor the Sabbath, “When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts”. Lastly, in verse 10:39, “The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay. "We will not neglect the house of our God."
Toby pointed out that these oaths had been made in sincerity yet they did not prevent the people from sinning. She warned against making a vow to the Lord and then trying to keep it by our own will and strength. It gives the enemy room to come in with condemnation. She encouraged us to lean on the strength of the Lord. “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 10:12). Only when we surrender to God and say ‘I can’t do this on my own’ will He come in.
In a final summation of the book of Nehemiah, we saw the wall was rebuilt and dedicated, the temple was rebuilt and dedicated, and the Israelites rededicated themselves to the Lord. Despite all this, years later destruction would again come. Toby asked what this all pointed to. She said it pointed to a better way. The Messiah would come. Because of this we have access to holiness that those who lived before us never dreamed of. The Holy Spirit abides in us as believers. He gives us the power to overcome sin more than vows and curses ever could. She finished with words we have often heard: ‘Less of me, more of Him’.
Notes by Linda
Today Toby concluded our study of Nehemiah, covering Nehemiah 13. From reading this chapter in its entirety, we find that Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem after returning to Babylon for a period of about 12 years. When Nehemiah returns he finds that the people had broken the vows that they had made before God. After the Law was read by Ezra (please see Nehemiah 9) the Israelites had renewed their covenant with God. There are four significant areas of spiritual decay. They were: 1-defilement of the holy place, 2-neglecting of the temple and support of the clergy, 3-breaking of the Sabbath, and 4-intermarriage.
1 - Defilement of the Holy Place (Nehemiah 13:4-9)
Upon Nehemiah’s return, he is met with a situation that greatly grieved him. “Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God” (Nehemiah 13:7). Toby reminded us of the part Tobiah had played in the events to date – he had opposed the rebuilding of the temple and frustrated God’s work every step along the way. He was now put in a place of influence. Tobiah was also an Ammonite, a gentile pagan. The high priest, Eliashib, had formed an unholy alliance with Tobiah and allowed the temple to be used for a purpose that was contrary to its holy purpose. Nehemiah took strong action to rectify this situation. “ I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense” (Nehemiah 13:8-9).
2 - Neglecting the Temple and the Support of the Clergy (Nehemiah 13:10-14)
The rooms that Tobiah was occupying were purposed as temple storerooms. “And he (Eliashib) had provided him (Tobiah) with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests” (Neh. 13:5, emphasis added). Because Tobiah was in these rooms there was no place to store these crucial items. Because those who served in the temple were not physically provided for they had to return to their regular jobs. As a result of this the house of the Lord was being neglected. Once again we see Nehemiah rectify the situation. “So I rebuked the officials and asked them, "Why is the house of God neglected?" Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts. All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and oil into the storerooms” (Neh. 13:11-12). He also appointed trustworthy men to be put in charge of the distribution of the contributions.
3 - Breaking of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-19)
The next issue that Toby pointed out was that the Sabbath was not being honored. “In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah” (Nehemiah 13:15-16). This was an infraction of the Mosaic Law which could have resulted in death to the offenders. Nehemiah’s strategy was to have the gates shut on the Sabbath to prevent commerce from taking place. Without the opportunity to sell their products it was futile for them to continue this practice. It was noted that the observation of the Sabbath is what set the Israelites apart from the other nations.
Toby then asked the class what the Sabbath meant to believers in today’s world. A lengthy discussion ensued. Some people believed that it should be a day set apart for time with their families. Others saw it as a day of refreshment. It was noted that because of the working structure in today’s world many people are required to work on the Sabbath. Many different views and feelings were expressed.
4 - Intermarriage (Nehemiah 10:23-30)
The last area addressed in chapter 13 is intermarriage. Toby stressed that the danger with intermarriage was the dilution of the Israelites spiritual beliefs because of the influence of pagan religions. Nehemiah had a very strong reaction to this situation. “I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God's name and said: "You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves” (Nehemiah 13:25). He then reminded them of the example of King Solomon. “Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women” (Nehemiah 13:26). Toby pointed out that even the high priest’s grandson was guilty of this sin. She explained that Nehemiah’s reaction was so severe because this sin would result in the very thing that had resulted in their period of captivity in the first place.
A Final Word on Vows
Toby concluded today’s teaching with a warning about making vows. To put this in context, she referenced earlier passages in the book of Nehemiah. The Israelites had vowed specifically against the sins that they later committed.
The Israelites had made the following vows: “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it” (Nehemiah 9:38) and then again "The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand—all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord” (Nehemiah 10:28-29). In verse 10:30 they specifically vowed against intermarriage "We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons”. In verse 10:31 they vow to honor the Sabbath, “When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts”. Lastly, in verse 10:39, “The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay. "We will not neglect the house of our God."
Toby pointed out that these oaths had been made in sincerity yet they did not prevent the people from sinning. She warned against making a vow to the Lord and then trying to keep it by our own will and strength. It gives the enemy room to come in with condemnation. She encouraged us to lean on the strength of the Lord. “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 10:12). Only when we surrender to God and say ‘I can’t do this on my own’ will He come in.
In a final summation of the book of Nehemiah, we saw the wall was rebuilt and dedicated, the temple was rebuilt and dedicated, and the Israelites rededicated themselves to the Lord. Despite all this, years later destruction would again come. Toby asked what this all pointed to. She said it pointed to a better way. The Messiah would come. Because of this we have access to holiness that those who lived before us never dreamed of. The Holy Spirit abides in us as believers. He gives us the power to overcome sin more than vows and curses ever could. She finished with words we have often heard: ‘Less of me, more of Him’.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Journey of Dedication
Taught by Annie
Notes by Linda
Today Annie continued our journey through the book of Nehemiah, concentrating on Nehemiah 12:27-47. This passage opens with the dedication of the temple – but not only the temple – the walls and entire city of Jerusalem! “At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres” (Neh. 12:27).
Annie asked us to picture this scene. Hundreds of people would be walking along the top of the walls. They were joyfully singing and celebrating. This was a huge deal! Annie asked us why this was so….what was the point of the celebrations? She reminded us that God is not a building or any physical structure so why would physical objects be blessed?
Annie drew a parallel to the Israelites actions in this passage to the upcoming dedication of our own church building (June 18th – be there!!!). Some of the reasons the class gave as a occasion for dedication: as a witness to others, because God is a god of celebrations, thankfulness, and so it would be set apart as holy for the Lord’s use. She asked us if the building on Vanderburg Road was ours. Annie stressed that we are stewards of this building that God has entrusted to us. We need to respect it as such. We need to obey the rules set down by our pastors and leadership in regard to our building (i.e. no coffee in the sanctuary). We were asked to give some examples of things that we dedicate to the Lord. A few of the responses are as follows: our time, things that we fast from, our marriages, and our children.
The definition of dedicate is to set apart, consecrate to a deity or a sacred purpose, to devote wholly and earnestly – as to some purpose or person. Annie stressed that ‘to devote wholly and earnestly’ would mean to do it with everything you’ve got. She likened dedication to a vow. You are fully giving that thing over to the Lord, letting go of personal control or ownership. We also need to carefully consider what it is that we are dedicating to the Lord. “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows” (Proverbs 20:25). Annie also stressed the seriousness of keeping a vow we have made to the Lord. “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said” (Numbers 30:2).
Going back to the book of Nehemiah, the Israelites were setting apart the city of Jerusalem to be holy to the Lord. Annie asked us what god would want us to set apart to Him. The answer is found in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship”. “So what does this look like in our daily lives?”, Annie asked us. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own”. If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit then we need to care for it as such.
There is a physical component of this care. It could include the following: eating healthy, taking care of your self (i.e. regular physicals from a doctor, exercising, refraining from harmful habits (i.e. smoking), and remembering to take prescribed medication. Annie stressed that consecrating our bodies goes much deeper than its physical care. We also need to consider the things we do with our physical bodies. Our minds, hearts, thoughts, words, and desires need to be set apart to the Lord. Our bodies and all that we are need to be conformed to His ways, according to His word. Another thing Annie mentioned was taking heed of the talents God has entrusted us with and using them for His service.
Dedicating our bodies to the Lord does not mean that we need to be perfect. It means that we need to be aware. We need to be aware of our thoughts. We need to be aware of the shows we watch and the books we read. Annie warned that we could be in danger of being desensitized if we expose ourselves. An example was given about being in a secular book club that was discussing a book that was contrary to our values. While this is something that could cause us to stumble we could also use it to be an opportunity to share our Christian beliefs.
Annie concluded her lesson by showing us how the Israelites dedicated Jerusalem. From Nehemiah 12:27 we see that they did it joyfully, with thanksgiving and music. They also did it by giving portions. “At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, first fruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites” (Neh. 12:44). Lastly, they did it through purification. “They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon” (Neh. 12:45).
Annie left us with a challenge of dedication in our own lives. As we approach Easter she asked each of us to dedicate a certain area of our lives to the Lord. A few of the areas suggested were: gossip, negative thoughts, complaining, and laziness. She suggested that as we do this, we do it with thanksgiving, and joy. We should dedicate a portion of our time as we meditate and pray about our re-dedication. We want to purify our hearts through prayer and repentance.
Following is a copy of the vow Annie had given us. Take some time to pray and see where the Lord leads you. If you would like, you are invited to leave your area of dedication as a comment here.
I __________________ on this day, March 23, 2011, rededicate and consecrate my body to the Lord in the area of _______________________ with thanksgiving and joy! I will set aside portions of time to honor this dedication and to purify my heart with prayer and repentance.
Notes by Linda
Today Annie continued our journey through the book of Nehemiah, concentrating on Nehemiah 12:27-47. This passage opens with the dedication of the temple – but not only the temple – the walls and entire city of Jerusalem! “At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres” (Neh. 12:27).
Annie asked us to picture this scene. Hundreds of people would be walking along the top of the walls. They were joyfully singing and celebrating. This was a huge deal! Annie asked us why this was so….what was the point of the celebrations? She reminded us that God is not a building or any physical structure so why would physical objects be blessed?
Annie drew a parallel to the Israelites actions in this passage to the upcoming dedication of our own church building (June 18th – be there!!!). Some of the reasons the class gave as a occasion for dedication: as a witness to others, because God is a god of celebrations, thankfulness, and so it would be set apart as holy for the Lord’s use. She asked us if the building on Vanderburg Road was ours. Annie stressed that we are stewards of this building that God has entrusted to us. We need to respect it as such. We need to obey the rules set down by our pastors and leadership in regard to our building (i.e. no coffee in the sanctuary). We were asked to give some examples of things that we dedicate to the Lord. A few of the responses are as follows: our time, things that we fast from, our marriages, and our children.
The definition of dedicate is to set apart, consecrate to a deity or a sacred purpose, to devote wholly and earnestly – as to some purpose or person. Annie stressed that ‘to devote wholly and earnestly’ would mean to do it with everything you’ve got. She likened dedication to a vow. You are fully giving that thing over to the Lord, letting go of personal control or ownership. We also need to carefully consider what it is that we are dedicating to the Lord. “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows” (Proverbs 20:25). Annie also stressed the seriousness of keeping a vow we have made to the Lord. “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said” (Numbers 30:2).
Going back to the book of Nehemiah, the Israelites were setting apart the city of Jerusalem to be holy to the Lord. Annie asked us what god would want us to set apart to Him. The answer is found in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship”. “So what does this look like in our daily lives?”, Annie asked us. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own”. If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit then we need to care for it as such.
There is a physical component of this care. It could include the following: eating healthy, taking care of your self (i.e. regular physicals from a doctor, exercising, refraining from harmful habits (i.e. smoking), and remembering to take prescribed medication. Annie stressed that consecrating our bodies goes much deeper than its physical care. We also need to consider the things we do with our physical bodies. Our minds, hearts, thoughts, words, and desires need to be set apart to the Lord. Our bodies and all that we are need to be conformed to His ways, according to His word. Another thing Annie mentioned was taking heed of the talents God has entrusted us with and using them for His service.
Dedicating our bodies to the Lord does not mean that we need to be perfect. It means that we need to be aware. We need to be aware of our thoughts. We need to be aware of the shows we watch and the books we read. Annie warned that we could be in danger of being desensitized if we expose ourselves. An example was given about being in a secular book club that was discussing a book that was contrary to our values. While this is something that could cause us to stumble we could also use it to be an opportunity to share our Christian beliefs.
Annie concluded her lesson by showing us how the Israelites dedicated Jerusalem. From Nehemiah 12:27 we see that they did it joyfully, with thanksgiving and music. They also did it by giving portions. “At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, first fruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites” (Neh. 12:44). Lastly, they did it through purification. “They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon” (Neh. 12:45).
Annie left us with a challenge of dedication in our own lives. As we approach Easter she asked each of us to dedicate a certain area of our lives to the Lord. A few of the areas suggested were: gossip, negative thoughts, complaining, and laziness. She suggested that as we do this, we do it with thanksgiving, and joy. We should dedicate a portion of our time as we meditate and pray about our re-dedication. We want to purify our hearts through prayer and repentance.
Following is a copy of the vow Annie had given us. Take some time to pray and see where the Lord leads you. If you would like, you are invited to leave your area of dedication as a comment here.
I __________________ on this day, March 23, 2011, rededicate and consecrate my body to the Lord in the area of _______________________ with thanksgiving and joy! I will set aside portions of time to honor this dedication and to purify my heart with prayer and repentance.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Finding Satisfaction in Surrender
Taught by Arlene
Notes by Linda
Today Arlene covered Nehemiah 10. The message she taught from this chapter might not be evident in a quick read. Through a deeper study of the word, Arlene covered the important biblical principle of surrender. This is relevant to all of our lives.
Chapter 9 ends with “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it” (Neh. 9:38). The question Arlene asked was ‘in view of what ? what had happened in chapter 9?’. As you might remember, the preceding chapter was a prayer to the Lord by the Levites. This prayer recounted the Lord’s enduring love for the nation of Israel. This puts Nehemiah 9:38 in context: ‘In view of all this’….’this’ refers to the Lord’s faithful love. Because of this love the Israelites are ‘cutting covenant’ with the Lord. They want to put in writing their pledge of obedience to the Lord.
Verses 1 through 27 list the family names of the people who signed this covenant. It should be noted that Nehemiah and Ezra were at the top of the list – the leaders. In verse 28 and 29 we see that all the people who were able to understand and had separated themselves from the neighboring pagans ‘..all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord (Nehemiah 10:29, emphasis mine)’. The remainder of the chapter details specific portions of the law that they are pledging to obey. Arlene stressed that they are promising to obey all, not just what had been singled out.
Verses 30 through 37 details specific commands of the Lord that the Israelites are pledging to obey.
Verse 30: They will not marry pagans. It was important that God’s people remained distinct.
Verse 31: They would honor the Sabbath as a day of rest.
Verse 32 – 34: They would maintain the Temple.
Verse 35-36: An acknowledgment that everything they had belonged to the Lord.
Verse 37: They would tithe to the Lord.
Arlene pointed out that the focus of these pledges was not so much about the physical activity of the commands themselves. As you look at them as a whole you can see that the spiritual life of the people is the focus. Over the preceding years this had been neglected. The Israelites are showing their love and gratitude to God. They are focusing on spiritual health. They are surrendering to God!
This brings us to the meat of the lesson. Arlene taught us that as the Israelites surrendered their lives to the Lord we should (and can!) do the same. She did this by first showing us what an un-surrendered life looks like. She then gave us a clear picture of what a surrendered life looks like. To emphasize the surrendered life Arlene used Isaiah 30:1-19 ; using scripture to teach scripture.
Picture of an Un-surrendered Life
1)An un-surrendered life does not consult God in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:1-5). In these verses we see that Syria had attacked Israel and Israel sought the help of Egypt (a noted world power) for deliverance from their enemy. They did not turn to the Lord. God says ‘Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin’ (Isaiah 30:1). Arlene asked us where we turn for help in times of adversity. She had us think about some alliances we might have made without consulting the Lord. A few of these alliances could be: with a business partner, a friend, a spouse, or even a ministry opportunity.
2)An un-surrendered life relies on their own wealth in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:6-7). In these verses the Israelites took their wealth and used it to try to buy help. Arlene pointed out that wealth does just not mean money. Some of the ‘wealth’ that we may use in times of adversity are as follows: education, experience, position, influence or natural talents. When we try to use our own resources t we will not see the Lord work on our behalf.
3)An un-surrendered life reject’s God’s instructions in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:8-11). In this passage God says ‘These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction’ (Isaiah 30:9). Arlene reminded us that God’s instructions are radical. We see this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7). Jesus’ commands push us to go farther than our natural understanding or inclinations will lead us. God wants us to live on a higher, holier level. God wants us to obey – and to do so quickly. When we follow God’s ways (and Word) our lives work.
4)An un-surrendered life relies on oppression in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:12a). “Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: "Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression (Isaiah 30:12a). Arlene noted that rely means to ‘attach one’s self to’. In the word we see again and again when the Israelites encountered adversity they defaulted to their desire to return to their place of captivity. We see this when they were faced with the Red Sea (Exodus 14). Additionally , during their time in the desert they voiced their complaint to Moses and the Lord when they felt they lacked food, water, or where threatened by their enemies. They wanted to return to Egypt. Arlene pointed out that we can do the same thing. We default to what is familiar and comfortable. Sometimes we are so used to living under oppression we do not recognize it. Some of the areas of oppression we may default to are: worry, unbelief, self-will, manipulation by others, controlling relationships, or a refusal to be comforted by the word of God.
5)An un-surrendered life depends on deceit (Isaiah 30:12b), ‘and depended on deceit’. In this passage the Israelites believed that the Egyptians would help them although it was contrary to God’s word. (“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7)). Arlene reminded us that we need to be careful of what we are listening to and that we need to know the Word. In Jeremiah God says “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9). Arlene clarified that a deceitful heart is one that is un-surrendered to the Lord. Some of the things that we may deceitfully rely on are: money, idols, people, church, family, wanting to be loved and happy, desires led by feelings, and even spiritual leadership. We need not just remove the negative but it must be replaces with a positive. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Isaiah 4:31-32).
Picture of a Surrendered Life
The first four (of five) characteristics of a surrendered life are found in Isaiah 30:15. “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it".
1)A surrendered life is a repentant life . Repentance is a place of returning to the Lord – it is just not ‘turning’ but turning towards God. We are turning from a self-willed life to one that is directed by God. Arlene pointed out the portion of the verse that says ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation’. This is the path towards spiritual salvation. We turn from our self-willed life to the Lord. We agree with what the Lord says about our sin. We accept that Jesus paid the cost of our sin by sacrificing His own life on the cross. We can now rest in the knowledge that we have eternal life.
2)A surrendered life is one that is characterized by rest. Rest is a place of inner peace and tranquility. We are able to consistently give our adversity to the Lord and rest in His sovereignty. Arlene clarified this by saying that this does not mean that we don’t do anything. While sometimes God may want us to cease from our own efforts, He wants us to do things His way. We are to walk in obedience and leave the outcome to Him.
3)A surrendered life is quiet. Arlene explained that this speaks more to our inner voice than it does to our actions. We have ceased from relying on our own strengths, accomplishments or achievements. We want to have a quiet spirit before the Lord.
4)A surrendered life trusts. This is the place where we come to and leave the outcome with God. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Arlene explained that we shouldn’t trust God for a specific outcome. God is most pleased when we just trust Him period.
5)A surrendered life is one lived in God’s abundant provision of grace (Isaiah 30:16-19). “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you“ Isaiah 30:18-19). Arlene taught that many times we are not in the position of receiving God’s grace although He freely gives it to us as the following verses show: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32), “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work“ (2 Cor. 9:8), and finally “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift” (John 1:16 AMP).
As it says in Isaiah 30:16, God actually sees us waiting for Him! As we praise Him and wait upon Him, He will give us His grace. As Arlene aptly put it, ‘when we go down, God raises up’. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). A surrendered life is one abundance.
“The Temple of Solomon was absolutely surrendered to God when it was dedicated to Him. And every one of us is a temple of God in which God will dwell and work mightily on one condition – absolute surrender to Him. God claims it. God is worthy of it, and without it God cannot work His blessed work in us. God not only claims it, but God will work it Himself…If there is anything holding you back, or any sacrifice you are afraid of making, come to God now, and prove how gracious your God is, and be not afraid that He will command from you what He will not bestow.” Andrew Murray
Class today ended with a period of prayer. We were asked to sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him about something in our lives that needed to be surrendered to Him. We were each given an index card and an envelope. On the index card we wrote a prayer of surrender to the Lord over that thing we wanted to let go of. After sealing it in an envelope we put it in our bibles to be a reminder of our surrender. Why don't you do the same?
Notes by Linda
Today Arlene covered Nehemiah 10. The message she taught from this chapter might not be evident in a quick read. Through a deeper study of the word, Arlene covered the important biblical principle of surrender. This is relevant to all of our lives.
Chapter 9 ends with “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it” (Neh. 9:38). The question Arlene asked was ‘in view of what ? what had happened in chapter 9?’. As you might remember, the preceding chapter was a prayer to the Lord by the Levites. This prayer recounted the Lord’s enduring love for the nation of Israel. This puts Nehemiah 9:38 in context: ‘In view of all this’….’this’ refers to the Lord’s faithful love. Because of this love the Israelites are ‘cutting covenant’ with the Lord. They want to put in writing their pledge of obedience to the Lord.
Verses 1 through 27 list the family names of the people who signed this covenant. It should be noted that Nehemiah and Ezra were at the top of the list – the leaders. In verse 28 and 29 we see that all the people who were able to understand and had separated themselves from the neighboring pagans ‘..all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord (Nehemiah 10:29, emphasis mine)’. The remainder of the chapter details specific portions of the law that they are pledging to obey. Arlene stressed that they are promising to obey all, not just what had been singled out.
Verses 30 through 37 details specific commands of the Lord that the Israelites are pledging to obey.
Verse 30: They will not marry pagans. It was important that God’s people remained distinct.
Verse 31: They would honor the Sabbath as a day of rest.
Verse 32 – 34: They would maintain the Temple.
Verse 35-36: An acknowledgment that everything they had belonged to the Lord.
Verse 37: They would tithe to the Lord.
Arlene pointed out that the focus of these pledges was not so much about the physical activity of the commands themselves. As you look at them as a whole you can see that the spiritual life of the people is the focus. Over the preceding years this had been neglected. The Israelites are showing their love and gratitude to God. They are focusing on spiritual health. They are surrendering to God!
This brings us to the meat of the lesson. Arlene taught us that as the Israelites surrendered their lives to the Lord we should (and can!) do the same. She did this by first showing us what an un-surrendered life looks like. She then gave us a clear picture of what a surrendered life looks like. To emphasize the surrendered life Arlene used Isaiah 30:1-19 ; using scripture to teach scripture.
Picture of an Un-surrendered Life
1)An un-surrendered life does not consult God in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:1-5). In these verses we see that Syria had attacked Israel and Israel sought the help of Egypt (a noted world power) for deliverance from their enemy. They did not turn to the Lord. God says ‘Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin’ (Isaiah 30:1). Arlene asked us where we turn for help in times of adversity. She had us think about some alliances we might have made without consulting the Lord. A few of these alliances could be: with a business partner, a friend, a spouse, or even a ministry opportunity.
2)An un-surrendered life relies on their own wealth in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:6-7). In these verses the Israelites took their wealth and used it to try to buy help. Arlene pointed out that wealth does just not mean money. Some of the ‘wealth’ that we may use in times of adversity are as follows: education, experience, position, influence or natural talents. When we try to use our own resources t we will not see the Lord work on our behalf.
3)An un-surrendered life reject’s God’s instructions in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:8-11). In this passage God says ‘These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction’ (Isaiah 30:9). Arlene reminded us that God’s instructions are radical. We see this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7). Jesus’ commands push us to go farther than our natural understanding or inclinations will lead us. God wants us to live on a higher, holier level. God wants us to obey – and to do so quickly. When we follow God’s ways (and Word) our lives work.
4)An un-surrendered life relies on oppression in times of adversity (Isaiah 30:12a). “Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: "Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression (Isaiah 30:12a). Arlene noted that rely means to ‘attach one’s self to’. In the word we see again and again when the Israelites encountered adversity they defaulted to their desire to return to their place of captivity. We see this when they were faced with the Red Sea (Exodus 14). Additionally , during their time in the desert they voiced their complaint to Moses and the Lord when they felt they lacked food, water, or where threatened by their enemies. They wanted to return to Egypt. Arlene pointed out that we can do the same thing. We default to what is familiar and comfortable. Sometimes we are so used to living under oppression we do not recognize it. Some of the areas of oppression we may default to are: worry, unbelief, self-will, manipulation by others, controlling relationships, or a refusal to be comforted by the word of God.
5)An un-surrendered life depends on deceit (Isaiah 30:12b), ‘and depended on deceit’. In this passage the Israelites believed that the Egyptians would help them although it was contrary to God’s word. (“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7)). Arlene reminded us that we need to be careful of what we are listening to and that we need to know the Word. In Jeremiah God says “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9). Arlene clarified that a deceitful heart is one that is un-surrendered to the Lord. Some of the things that we may deceitfully rely on are: money, idols, people, church, family, wanting to be loved and happy, desires led by feelings, and even spiritual leadership. We need not just remove the negative but it must be replaces with a positive. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Isaiah 4:31-32).
Picture of a Surrendered Life
The first four (of five) characteristics of a surrendered life are found in Isaiah 30:15. “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it".
1)A surrendered life is a repentant life . Repentance is a place of returning to the Lord – it is just not ‘turning’ but turning towards God. We are turning from a self-willed life to one that is directed by God. Arlene pointed out the portion of the verse that says ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation’. This is the path towards spiritual salvation. We turn from our self-willed life to the Lord. We agree with what the Lord says about our sin. We accept that Jesus paid the cost of our sin by sacrificing His own life on the cross. We can now rest in the knowledge that we have eternal life.
2)A surrendered life is one that is characterized by rest. Rest is a place of inner peace and tranquility. We are able to consistently give our adversity to the Lord and rest in His sovereignty. Arlene clarified this by saying that this does not mean that we don’t do anything. While sometimes God may want us to cease from our own efforts, He wants us to do things His way. We are to walk in obedience and leave the outcome to Him.
3)A surrendered life is quiet. Arlene explained that this speaks more to our inner voice than it does to our actions. We have ceased from relying on our own strengths, accomplishments or achievements. We want to have a quiet spirit before the Lord.
4)A surrendered life trusts. This is the place where we come to and leave the outcome with God. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Arlene explained that we shouldn’t trust God for a specific outcome. God is most pleased when we just trust Him period.
5)A surrendered life is one lived in God’s abundant provision of grace (Isaiah 30:16-19). “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you“ Isaiah 30:18-19). Arlene taught that many times we are not in the position of receiving God’s grace although He freely gives it to us as the following verses show: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32), “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work“ (2 Cor. 9:8), and finally “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift” (John 1:16 AMP).
As it says in Isaiah 30:16, God actually sees us waiting for Him! As we praise Him and wait upon Him, He will give us His grace. As Arlene aptly put it, ‘when we go down, God raises up’. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). A surrendered life is one abundance.
“The Temple of Solomon was absolutely surrendered to God when it was dedicated to Him. And every one of us is a temple of God in which God will dwell and work mightily on one condition – absolute surrender to Him. God claims it. God is worthy of it, and without it God cannot work His blessed work in us. God not only claims it, but God will work it Himself…If there is anything holding you back, or any sacrifice you are afraid of making, come to God now, and prove how gracious your God is, and be not afraid that He will command from you what He will not bestow.” Andrew Murray
Class today ended with a period of prayer. We were asked to sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him about something in our lives that needed to be surrendered to Him. We were each given an index card and an envelope. On the index card we wrote a prayer of surrender to the Lord over that thing we wanted to let go of. After sealing it in an envelope we put it in our bibles to be a reminder of our surrender. Why don't you do the same?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
God's Grace and Power
Taught by Janet
Notes by Linda
Today Janet covered the remainder of Chapter 9. Chapter 9 opens with the Israelites gathered outside the temple. The Levites had spent hours reading from the Torah. God’s word evoked a response of worship and confession in the Israelites who were gathered. In our prior class Annie covered verses 1-6. Verse 5 begins a Levitical prayer of praise to the Lord which commences in verse 38. This prayer recounts God’s history with the nation of Israel from the time of creation through their present circumstances.
Janet concentrated on God’s grace and power that are professed in this prayer. Janet read through verses 6 through 38 with a voice that expressed the power of God’s word. (Prior to reading the rest of these notes I invite you to read this portion of scripture for yourself. The entirety of this passage is a powerful testament of the faithfulness, grace and power of our Lord.)
When Janet finished reading this passage she asked the class to express the feelings that this portion of God’s word evoked in them. Some of the women said they felt shame. This was because of God’s constant faithfulness despite the sins of the people. Some felt humility. Others were moved over the goodness of God. Others felt that it gave them hope.
Janet broke this passage down into nine sections. Each section focused on a specific time in history and highlighted God’s grace and power in this period.
The first period was creation (verse 6). “You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh. 9:6).
The next period was the Abrahamic covenant (verse 7 & 8). Janet reminded us of the promise God had made to Abraham and his descendants by reading Romans 4:16-22. “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all” (Romans 4:16). Janet then asked us if we were discouraged by the unbelief of the members of our own families. She challenged us to believe in faith for what God could do in the lives of our loved ones.
Verses 9-11 recount how God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Janet reminded us how the Israelites held Moses responsible for their current predicament. Janet pointed out that the unknown always brings about more fear than the known. She expressed that the Israelites needed to have ‘big faith’ to walk through the divided water.
Verses 12-21 tell of the time in the desert and at Mount Sinai. Janet pointed out that God provided a cloud to guide the Israelites by day, a pillar of fire by night, and daily sustenance in the form of manna yet the Israelites still grumbled and complained.
Janet briefly covered verses 22-31. Verses 22-25 tell of the conquest of Canaan. Verses 26-28 cover the period of the judges. Verses 29-31 covered the period of the prophets.
The next section of scripture covered the Israelites present situation (verses 32-37). Janet taught that this selection focused on what God had done for the people. She stressed that we need to be reminded of the goodness of God. Janet gave us three psalms that emphasized God’s goodness. They are Psalm 78, Psalm 105, and Psalm 106. In total these psalms contain 165 verses that praise God’s goodness. Janet taught that this same goodness of God has delivered us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The last verse is Nehemiah 9:38: “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it”. Janet taught that the people were in agreement with the Levites and that God’s word was exalted.
Janet gave us two applications for these scriptures. The first was that we need to be able to tell the story of what God has done for us personally. She admonished us that we can be ‘getting fat’ on the Word of God from inside the church walls. We need not be ashamed of professing the Lord to the outside world. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). The second application was that we need to take time each day to praise God, confess sin, and ask for His favor. We also want to yield to God’s sovereignty in our lives.
Notes by Linda
Today Janet covered the remainder of Chapter 9. Chapter 9 opens with the Israelites gathered outside the temple. The Levites had spent hours reading from the Torah. God’s word evoked a response of worship and confession in the Israelites who were gathered. In our prior class Annie covered verses 1-6. Verse 5 begins a Levitical prayer of praise to the Lord which commences in verse 38. This prayer recounts God’s history with the nation of Israel from the time of creation through their present circumstances.
Janet concentrated on God’s grace and power that are professed in this prayer. Janet read through verses 6 through 38 with a voice that expressed the power of God’s word. (Prior to reading the rest of these notes I invite you to read this portion of scripture for yourself. The entirety of this passage is a powerful testament of the faithfulness, grace and power of our Lord.)
When Janet finished reading this passage she asked the class to express the feelings that this portion of God’s word evoked in them. Some of the women said they felt shame. This was because of God’s constant faithfulness despite the sins of the people. Some felt humility. Others were moved over the goodness of God. Others felt that it gave them hope.
Janet broke this passage down into nine sections. Each section focused on a specific time in history and highlighted God’s grace and power in this period.
The first period was creation (verse 6). “You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh. 9:6).
The next period was the Abrahamic covenant (verse 7 & 8). Janet reminded us of the promise God had made to Abraham and his descendants by reading Romans 4:16-22. “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all” (Romans 4:16). Janet then asked us if we were discouraged by the unbelief of the members of our own families. She challenged us to believe in faith for what God could do in the lives of our loved ones.
Verses 9-11 recount how God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Janet reminded us how the Israelites held Moses responsible for their current predicament. Janet pointed out that the unknown always brings about more fear than the known. She expressed that the Israelites needed to have ‘big faith’ to walk through the divided water.
Verses 12-21 tell of the time in the desert and at Mount Sinai. Janet pointed out that God provided a cloud to guide the Israelites by day, a pillar of fire by night, and daily sustenance in the form of manna yet the Israelites still grumbled and complained.
Janet briefly covered verses 22-31. Verses 22-25 tell of the conquest of Canaan. Verses 26-28 cover the period of the judges. Verses 29-31 covered the period of the prophets.
The next section of scripture covered the Israelites present situation (verses 32-37). Janet taught that this selection focused on what God had done for the people. She stressed that we need to be reminded of the goodness of God. Janet gave us three psalms that emphasized God’s goodness. They are Psalm 78, Psalm 105, and Psalm 106. In total these psalms contain 165 verses that praise God’s goodness. Janet taught that this same goodness of God has delivered us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The last verse is Nehemiah 9:38: “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it”. Janet taught that the people were in agreement with the Levites and that God’s word was exalted.
Janet gave us two applications for these scriptures. The first was that we need to be able to tell the story of what God has done for us personally. She admonished us that we can be ‘getting fat’ on the Word of God from inside the church walls. We need not be ashamed of professing the Lord to the outside world. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). The second application was that we need to take time each day to praise God, confess sin, and ask for His favor. We also want to yield to God’s sovereignty in our lives.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Spiritual Gifts Overview
Taught by Jan S. and Denise H.
Notes by Linda G.
In today’s class Jan and Denise taught on Spiritual gifts. Next week we will continue on our journey through Nehemiah. Following is a short overview of the teaching. Last week we were given a spiritual gifts test to complete prior to this lesson. The test consisted of approximately 110 questions. Jan and Denise also had several handouts that covered spiritual gifts in detail. If you are interested in this information please contact Jan directly.
The definition of spiritual gifts that Jan gave us is as follows: A spiritual gift is a manifestation (visible work) of the Holy Spirit for the benefit of all. (See I Cor. 12:7)
Jan and Denise explained that spiritual gifts are not natural talents, although they can be incorporated into your gift. Spiritual gifts are not the fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-23) Spiritual gifts are something that are given to all believers. Denise and Jan explained that the gifts are both universal and local. Gifts are universal in that someone if Africa and someone in Mexico could have the same gift. They described gifts as being local as they pertain to an individual church. The Holy Spirit will supply the proper balance within a specific church. The gifts will be balanced throughout the congregation so that the church functions as a body – each needing the other part to act as a whole. Jan and Denise also taught that we should want His gifts so we can be used by Him, that we can have more than one gift, and that as we exercise the gifts that God has given us they will become stronger. God wants us to cultivate the gifts he has given us.
In concluding the lesson we were given six steps we could take to discover our spiritual gifts. They are as follows:
1)Asking. Begin to ask God to show you your gift.
2)Awareness. Read on the teaching of the spiritual gifts. These are found primarily in 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12; Ephesians 4. Talk to other Christians who already know and use their gifts.
3)Aspiration. God is committed to your joy (see Psalm37:4). Ask yourself what you most want to do.
4)Activity. Discover your spiritual gifts by experimenting with several of the available gifts. Be wise and prayerful as you do this.
5)Ability. Activity eventually points to ability; ability increases with practice. Spiritual gifts are usually recognized by other members of the body.
6)Affirmation. A blessing should result from using your spiritual gifts.
Notes by Linda G.
In today’s class Jan and Denise taught on Spiritual gifts. Next week we will continue on our journey through Nehemiah. Following is a short overview of the teaching. Last week we were given a spiritual gifts test to complete prior to this lesson. The test consisted of approximately 110 questions. Jan and Denise also had several handouts that covered spiritual gifts in detail. If you are interested in this information please contact Jan directly.
The definition of spiritual gifts that Jan gave us is as follows: A spiritual gift is a manifestation (visible work) of the Holy Spirit for the benefit of all. (See I Cor. 12:7)
Jan and Denise explained that spiritual gifts are not natural talents, although they can be incorporated into your gift. Spiritual gifts are not the fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-23) Spiritual gifts are something that are given to all believers. Denise and Jan explained that the gifts are both universal and local. Gifts are universal in that someone if Africa and someone in Mexico could have the same gift. They described gifts as being local as they pertain to an individual church. The Holy Spirit will supply the proper balance within a specific church. The gifts will be balanced throughout the congregation so that the church functions as a body – each needing the other part to act as a whole. Jan and Denise also taught that we should want His gifts so we can be used by Him, that we can have more than one gift, and that as we exercise the gifts that God has given us they will become stronger. God wants us to cultivate the gifts he has given us.
In concluding the lesson we were given six steps we could take to discover our spiritual gifts. They are as follows:
1)Asking. Begin to ask God to show you your gift.
2)Awareness. Read on the teaching of the spiritual gifts. These are found primarily in 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12; Ephesians 4. Talk to other Christians who already know and use their gifts.
3)Aspiration. God is committed to your joy (see Psalm37:4). Ask yourself what you most want to do.
4)Activity. Discover your spiritual gifts by experimenting with several of the available gifts. Be wise and prayerful as you do this.
5)Ability. Activity eventually points to ability; ability increases with practice. Spiritual gifts are usually recognized by other members of the body.
6)Affirmation. A blessing should result from using your spiritual gifts.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Revive Me according to Your Word
Taught by Arlene S.
Notes by Linda G.
Today Arlene taught on chapters 7 and 8 of Nehemiah. The majority of her teaching was on chapter 8 although she gave a brief synopsis of chapter 7.
Chapter 7
As we began the chapter Arlene reminded us that at this point in Jerusalem the temple had been re-built and the walls were now complete. Arlene pointed out that the completion of a spiritual goal is not the end. There were several points she made starting with Nehemiah's assignment of people he would put in charge. Hanani (Nehemiah’s brother) and Hananiah (the commander of the citadel) were appointed to the positions of leadership. Going back to chapter 1, we see that Hanani was a man of action, initiative and leadership. Hananiah was appointed “because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do” (Neh 7:2b).
A second important point that Arlene made from this chapter is that Nehemiah set security measures in place (see Neh 7:3). She emphasized that we are never more at risk than when we have completed a project. As God told Joshua “there are still very large areas of land to be taken over” (Joshua 13:1b).
The third point she made is that Nehemiah was establishing a spiritually pure community, those who knew and worshiped the true God. (See Nehemiah 7:4-65). He was not just rebuilding the ruins but repopulating them as well. The genealogy listed in this chapter is evidence of the purity of the Jewish blood line of those who would inhabit Jerusalem. Arlene gave us something important to ponder as we read through the genealogies found in the bible. God knew all these people by name. He knows our names too! This point is made beautifully in the account of Hagar as she flees to the desert in Genesis. “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me” (Gen. 16:13). The name she gave the Lord was ‘Jehovah El Roi’ - ‘the God who sees me’.
Chapter 8 - How Can We Experience Revival?
Arlene began her teaching on this chapter by asking us what we thought ‘revival’ meant. The more pressing question she asked us was ‘how do we experience this?’. The main idea of this passage is that renewal and vitality do not occur apart from God’s Word. Revival encompasses both personal and corporate revival. Alene gave us eight factors that were present in the revival that swept over the inhabitants of Jerusalem in chapter 8.
1)When God’s people realize that the temple is just a building without the Spirit.
The initial step towards revival is recognition. The temple had been rebuilt but something was missing. While in Nehemiah, they were recognizing this as a group we too can experience personal revival in our lives when we realize that something is missing as well. We see the yearning for this in the Psalms, “revive us, and we will call on your name” (Psalm 80:18b) and “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6).
2)When God’s people are united as one man around the word of God.
We see in verse 8:1 that “all the people assembled as one man”. They were united in their need of the Lord above all else. This principle can be applied on an individual level also. Arlene taught us that we can be divided within our own minds and hearts. Scripture shows this clearly. “That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:7-8). “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11). It is only as we decide to unite our heart and our minds to walk with God that revival can start in us individually.
3)When God’s people are willing to encounter Him in His word.
Arlene stressed that we all have the ability to understand God’s word. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27a). This does not negate the need for biblical teaching, but emphasizes that we do have an anointing on us to personally understand the Word of God.
She also pointed out that God’s word can be confrontational. A foundational portion of the Jewish scriptures is called the Shema. The Shema begins with the words “Hear, O Israel,:The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deut 6:4) The word ‘hear’ or shema in the Hebrew mindset has a more complex meaning than it does in the modern translation. ‘Hear’ would mean to ‘hear and obey’. It was one idea. Hearing and obeying would be a single command. Arlene pointed out that maybe we don't like to read our Bible because we know we might be confronted. But God's word is for us and He wants to help. It is only when we open our hearts then open the bible that we are changed. “GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes” (Psalm 18:24 Msg).
4)When God’s people open ourselves to the entirety of God’s word.
Arlene brought out an interesting point found in verse 3. Nehemiah preached on a platform build outside the water gate. The question is ‘why not in the temple?’. A couple of her commentators pointed out two different but thought provoking reasons. 1) the Word was more important than the temple itself and 2) God’s word must be proclaimed in the streets.
“He read it aloud from daybreak till noon" (Nehemiah 8:3a). The entirety of God’s word was proclaimed during this time – the blessings as well as the curses. We need to take in all of the word of God, within its proper context. As Christians we can sometimes be drawn to edifying and uplifting portions of the Word, while avoiding those passages that challenge or confront us. “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:3-5). God does not point out our weakness to condemn us. Instead of hiding from our weakness, as we acknowledge them and agree with what the Word says, we can live in freedom. God IS merciful. He will only allow the consequences of disobedience to the extent that we are able to learn His way.
5)When God’s people receive God’s word with reverence and praise.
“Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:6). In this passage, Arlene showed us how the people showed genuine reverence for the Lord. Arlene encouraged us to examine our own lives. Are we living lives that show genuine reverence for the Lord? Are we teaching by example? Are our lives free from hypocrisy? Are we living in obedience to the Lord? (See Titus 2:2-3)
Arlene differentiated between two types of praise. The first is the praise of obedience. This is something God tells us to do - not for His benefit but for ours. God doesn't need to be reminded of how great He is, we do. It is only as we lift our voices in praising Him regularly that we are filled with gratefulness. The second kind of praise is spontaneous praise. It is a reaction that rises within our spirits as God reveals himself to us. “"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40). Spontaneous praise is what we see in Nehemiah 8:6. Their actions were not commanded – they were a spontaneous response to God’s truth as Ezra opened ‘The Book’ (see Neh. 8:5). We know this because no one told them to stand up. It was spontaneous and it occure immediately after Ezra opened the Book of the Law.
6)When God’s word is rightly divided.
“The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Neh. 8:7-8).
The task of the Levites was to make the word clear to those who listened. The Hebrew definition for that phrase "make clear" is to make ‘distinct or separate, or to clarify'. We are called to do the same. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Arlene pointed out that many of us clearly know that we are to be servants but in the same way the Lord tells us we need to "correctly handle the word of truth". We have to know it for ourselves before we can teach it to others.
7)When God’s people recognize that understanding brings joy.
“'This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.' For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, 'Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve'“(Neh. 8:9b-11).
Arlene taught us that ‘sacred’ means to be ‘holy, distinct, set apart. A sacred time was meant to be a joyous time, a time of remembrance. Public repentance was not appropriate in this setting. The immediate reaction of the people was mourning and grief because they had come to understand God’s word. Nehemiah wanted them to see that this was a good thing. Understanding God’s word should fill us with joy.
Arlene gave us additional examples of this principle. In the Old Testament many days were set aside to commemorate God’s mercy and goodness. Passover is an example of this. The Jewish people celebrate God’s faithfulness in delivering them from bondage in Egypt. This is a sacred day yet it is filled with rejoicing. As New Testament believers we celebrate communion. In communion we rejoice in what Jesus did for us while acknowledging our own unworthiness – God’s grace!
Why were the people joyful?
“Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Neh. 8:12 emphasis mine). Because the Israelites understood they were filled with joy. God’s correction brought them joy. Can we say the same?
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
8)When God’s people turn understanding into action.
verses 13-18. These verses we see the Israelites recognizing that they should in fact at this time be celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles which they immediately set out to do.
We close this chapter with God's people in a midst of revival that came through the word of God as it was proclaimed in the streets. May it be with us as well.
Notes by Linda G.
Today Arlene taught on chapters 7 and 8 of Nehemiah. The majority of her teaching was on chapter 8 although she gave a brief synopsis of chapter 7.
Chapter 7
As we began the chapter Arlene reminded us that at this point in Jerusalem the temple had been re-built and the walls were now complete. Arlene pointed out that the completion of a spiritual goal is not the end. There were several points she made starting with Nehemiah's assignment of people he would put in charge. Hanani (Nehemiah’s brother) and Hananiah (the commander of the citadel) were appointed to the positions of leadership. Going back to chapter 1, we see that Hanani was a man of action, initiative and leadership. Hananiah was appointed “because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do” (Neh 7:2b).
A second important point that Arlene made from this chapter is that Nehemiah set security measures in place (see Neh 7:3). She emphasized that we are never more at risk than when we have completed a project. As God told Joshua “there are still very large areas of land to be taken over” (Joshua 13:1b).
The third point she made is that Nehemiah was establishing a spiritually pure community, those who knew and worshiped the true God. (See Nehemiah 7:4-65). He was not just rebuilding the ruins but repopulating them as well. The genealogy listed in this chapter is evidence of the purity of the Jewish blood line of those who would inhabit Jerusalem. Arlene gave us something important to ponder as we read through the genealogies found in the bible. God knew all these people by name. He knows our names too! This point is made beautifully in the account of Hagar as she flees to the desert in Genesis. “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me” (Gen. 16:13). The name she gave the Lord was ‘Jehovah El Roi’ - ‘the God who sees me’.
Chapter 8 - How Can We Experience Revival?
Arlene began her teaching on this chapter by asking us what we thought ‘revival’ meant. The more pressing question she asked us was ‘how do we experience this?’. The main idea of this passage is that renewal and vitality do not occur apart from God’s Word. Revival encompasses both personal and corporate revival. Alene gave us eight factors that were present in the revival that swept over the inhabitants of Jerusalem in chapter 8.
1)When God’s people realize that the temple is just a building without the Spirit.
The initial step towards revival is recognition. The temple had been rebuilt but something was missing. While in Nehemiah, they were recognizing this as a group we too can experience personal revival in our lives when we realize that something is missing as well. We see the yearning for this in the Psalms, “revive us, and we will call on your name” (Psalm 80:18b) and “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6).
2)When God’s people are united as one man around the word of God.
We see in verse 8:1 that “all the people assembled as one man”. They were united in their need of the Lord above all else. This principle can be applied on an individual level also. Arlene taught us that we can be divided within our own minds and hearts. Scripture shows this clearly. “That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:7-8). “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11). It is only as we decide to unite our heart and our minds to walk with God that revival can start in us individually.
3)When God’s people are willing to encounter Him in His word.
Arlene stressed that we all have the ability to understand God’s word. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27a). This does not negate the need for biblical teaching, but emphasizes that we do have an anointing on us to personally understand the Word of God.
She also pointed out that God’s word can be confrontational. A foundational portion of the Jewish scriptures is called the Shema. The Shema begins with the words “Hear, O Israel,:The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deut 6:4) The word ‘hear’ or shema in the Hebrew mindset has a more complex meaning than it does in the modern translation. ‘Hear’ would mean to ‘hear and obey’. It was one idea. Hearing and obeying would be a single command. Arlene pointed out that maybe we don't like to read our Bible because we know we might be confronted. But God's word is for us and He wants to help. It is only when we open our hearts then open the bible that we are changed. “GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes” (Psalm 18:24 Msg).
4)When God’s people open ourselves to the entirety of God’s word.
Arlene brought out an interesting point found in verse 3. Nehemiah preached on a platform build outside the water gate. The question is ‘why not in the temple?’. A couple of her commentators pointed out two different but thought provoking reasons. 1) the Word was more important than the temple itself and 2) God’s word must be proclaimed in the streets.
“He read it aloud from daybreak till noon" (Nehemiah 8:3a). The entirety of God’s word was proclaimed during this time – the blessings as well as the curses. We need to take in all of the word of God, within its proper context. As Christians we can sometimes be drawn to edifying and uplifting portions of the Word, while avoiding those passages that challenge or confront us. “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:3-5). God does not point out our weakness to condemn us. Instead of hiding from our weakness, as we acknowledge them and agree with what the Word says, we can live in freedom. God IS merciful. He will only allow the consequences of disobedience to the extent that we are able to learn His way.
5)When God’s people receive God’s word with reverence and praise.
“Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:6). In this passage, Arlene showed us how the people showed genuine reverence for the Lord. Arlene encouraged us to examine our own lives. Are we living lives that show genuine reverence for the Lord? Are we teaching by example? Are our lives free from hypocrisy? Are we living in obedience to the Lord? (See Titus 2:2-3)
Arlene differentiated between two types of praise. The first is the praise of obedience. This is something God tells us to do - not for His benefit but for ours. God doesn't need to be reminded of how great He is, we do. It is only as we lift our voices in praising Him regularly that we are filled with gratefulness. The second kind of praise is spontaneous praise. It is a reaction that rises within our spirits as God reveals himself to us. “"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40). Spontaneous praise is what we see in Nehemiah 8:6. Their actions were not commanded – they were a spontaneous response to God’s truth as Ezra opened ‘The Book’ (see Neh. 8:5). We know this because no one told them to stand up. It was spontaneous and it occure immediately after Ezra opened the Book of the Law.
6)When God’s word is rightly divided.
“The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Neh. 8:7-8).
The task of the Levites was to make the word clear to those who listened. The Hebrew definition for that phrase "make clear" is to make ‘distinct or separate, or to clarify'. We are called to do the same. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Arlene pointed out that many of us clearly know that we are to be servants but in the same way the Lord tells us we need to "correctly handle the word of truth". We have to know it for ourselves before we can teach it to others.
7)When God’s people recognize that understanding brings joy.
“'This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.' For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, 'Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve'“(Neh. 8:9b-11).
Arlene taught us that ‘sacred’ means to be ‘holy, distinct, set apart. A sacred time was meant to be a joyous time, a time of remembrance. Public repentance was not appropriate in this setting. The immediate reaction of the people was mourning and grief because they had come to understand God’s word. Nehemiah wanted them to see that this was a good thing. Understanding God’s word should fill us with joy.
Arlene gave us additional examples of this principle. In the Old Testament many days were set aside to commemorate God’s mercy and goodness. Passover is an example of this. The Jewish people celebrate God’s faithfulness in delivering them from bondage in Egypt. This is a sacred day yet it is filled with rejoicing. As New Testament believers we celebrate communion. In communion we rejoice in what Jesus did for us while acknowledging our own unworthiness – God’s grace!
Why were the people joyful?
“Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Neh. 8:12 emphasis mine). Because the Israelites understood they were filled with joy. God’s correction brought them joy. Can we say the same?
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
8)When God’s people turn understanding into action.
verses 13-18. These verses we see the Israelites recognizing that they should in fact at this time be celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles which they immediately set out to do.
We close this chapter with God's people in a midst of revival that came through the word of God as it was proclaimed in the streets. May it be with us as well.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"I Am Carrying On a Great Project "
How to Handle Opposition While Completing a Task
Taught by Toby G.
Notes by Linda G.
Toby began her teaching today by explaining that the book of Nehemiah is a memoir. A memoir differs from an autobiography in that it tries to capture highlights and memorable moments from the author’s past. A memoir would have an emotional slant that would focus more of the contemplation of certain events more than historical documentation alone. In this book of the bible Nehemiah is recounting what happened to him as he took on the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
The purpose of the walls, as Toby explained, was to be the first line of defense for the city. The most vulnerable parts of the walls were the gates. In Nehemiah chapter 6 the gates of the wall are being rebuilt. As we have seen throughout the first five chapters, the rebuilding process was fraught with opposition. Nehemiah (the man), in Toby’s words, was the ‘head contractor’ in the building process. She pointed out that he was an ordinary man. He followed the leading of the Lord; he had strengths and weaknesses. In other places in the bible we see that God delivered His people through miraculous means (i.e. parting of the Red Sea, the ground swallowing the enemies). In Nehemiah we see an ordinary man handling opposition as he completes the task set before him without the aid of miraculous intervention. Toby showed us how we can do the same as we counter opposition on our own ‘great project’.
Toby divided chapter six into three schemes of the enemy to stop the rebuilding process. These schemes are relate to three themes of the entire book of Nehemiah : Nehemiah’s relationship with Artaxerxes, Nehemiah’s relationship with God, and Nehemiah’s relationship with the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Scheme 1 (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
In this passage, we see the return of the enemies : Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. To date, they have already opposed the building of the walls on three occasions. This time the attack on Nehemiah was personal. As Toby pointed out, when we are personally attacked it is deeply troubling. The enemies wanted to meet Nehemiah on the plain of Ono, a trip of 25 miles from Jerusalem. In itself, the invitation does not appear evil yet to comply with the request would be a distraction to the work to which Nehemiah was called. Nehemiah did not accuse these men of evil intentions but gave them several opportunities to see if they were sincere in their request. Their motives became clear and Nehemiah did not allow himself to be distracted.
Toby asked us ‘What is your great project?’ and ‘How do you handle opposition?’. We learned, as Nehemiah did, that we need to keep focused on the ‘project’ God has given us. Toby taught us that we need not allow ‘brush fires’ that may be the result of our work to ‘burn us to a crisp’. Keep focused on the task at hand!
Scheme 2 (Nehemiah 6:5-9)
In these verses, Nehemiah faces more opposition – this is the fifth time! The enemies circulated an unsealed letter that cast doubts on the motives of Nehemiah. The letter contained rumors that could destroy Nehemiah’s credibility in the eyes of King Artaxerxes and in the eyes of Jerusalem’s citizens. Going back to the book of Ezra, this ploy had been used successfully to stop the rebuilding of the temple for 15 years.
The tactic of the enemy is this case was intimidation. This is not a physical attack but one that affects our mind and emotions. The desired result of intimidation is to cause fear and timidity. It puts the focus on the intimidator, not on the spiritual or physical reality of the situation. It takes our eyes off the Lord. Toby pointed out that we need to recognize this as it comes against us just as Nehemiah did. He knew that his relationship with the king was solid. He recognized the attack for what it was. Toby also pointed out what Nehemiah did NOT do. He did not counter their accusations in a position of defensiveness. He did not argue with them or try to justify his position. He prayed and called the lie for what it was.
In class a few things were discussed that shed light on our own battles with intimidation. Sometimes as we are serving the Lord in a specific task we may be assaulted by thoughts that question our own motives (ie: ‘you are doing this for your own glory’). The accusation is not against what we are actually doing but on who we are. Nehemiah was so confident in his relationship with God that he was not moved by this.
Scheme 3 (Nehemiah 6:10-15)
The third scheme against Nehemiah is grounded in religious deception. Nehemiah is meeting with a man by the name of Shemiah. This man attempts to convince Nehemiah that he has Nehemiah’s interests at heart and gives him a message as if it were a prophesy from the Lord. Toby pointed out that the words Shemiah used were purposely meant to convey a tone of spirituality. Additionally, he suggested they meet in the temple, a further attempt to validate his lie.
Shemiah’s prophecy does seem plausible in light of the current circumstances that Nehemiah faced. Nehemiah used spiritual insight to determine his course of action. This insight is called discernment. In the New Testament we see this principle in 1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world”. Discernment is the ability to sense if something is ‘of God’ or not. We have been given this ability by the Lord and we need to make use of it as we live out our lives in this world to overcome the schemes of the enemy.
Chapter 6 concludes with “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Neh 6:15-16). Toby summed up how Nehemiah handled the opposition with several key points: he did not retaliate; he handled the opposition minimally; he didn’t get involved in a debate; he called the bluff; he dealt with the situation in an upright, honorable manner; and he refused to play by the enemy’s rules.
Taught by Toby G.
Notes by Linda G.
Toby began her teaching today by explaining that the book of Nehemiah is a memoir. A memoir differs from an autobiography in that it tries to capture highlights and memorable moments from the author’s past. A memoir would have an emotional slant that would focus more of the contemplation of certain events more than historical documentation alone. In this book of the bible Nehemiah is recounting what happened to him as he took on the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
The purpose of the walls, as Toby explained, was to be the first line of defense for the city. The most vulnerable parts of the walls were the gates. In Nehemiah chapter 6 the gates of the wall are being rebuilt. As we have seen throughout the first five chapters, the rebuilding process was fraught with opposition. Nehemiah (the man), in Toby’s words, was the ‘head contractor’ in the building process. She pointed out that he was an ordinary man. He followed the leading of the Lord; he had strengths and weaknesses. In other places in the bible we see that God delivered His people through miraculous means (i.e. parting of the Red Sea, the ground swallowing the enemies). In Nehemiah we see an ordinary man handling opposition as he completes the task set before him without the aid of miraculous intervention. Toby showed us how we can do the same as we counter opposition on our own ‘great project’.
Toby divided chapter six into three schemes of the enemy to stop the rebuilding process. These schemes are relate to three themes of the entire book of Nehemiah : Nehemiah’s relationship with Artaxerxes, Nehemiah’s relationship with God, and Nehemiah’s relationship with the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Scheme 1 (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
In this passage, we see the return of the enemies : Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. To date, they have already opposed the building of the walls on three occasions. This time the attack on Nehemiah was personal. As Toby pointed out, when we are personally attacked it is deeply troubling. The enemies wanted to meet Nehemiah on the plain of Ono, a trip of 25 miles from Jerusalem. In itself, the invitation does not appear evil yet to comply with the request would be a distraction to the work to which Nehemiah was called. Nehemiah did not accuse these men of evil intentions but gave them several opportunities to see if they were sincere in their request. Their motives became clear and Nehemiah did not allow himself to be distracted.
Toby asked us ‘What is your great project?’ and ‘How do you handle opposition?’. We learned, as Nehemiah did, that we need to keep focused on the ‘project’ God has given us. Toby taught us that we need not allow ‘brush fires’ that may be the result of our work to ‘burn us to a crisp’. Keep focused on the task at hand!
Scheme 2 (Nehemiah 6:5-9)
In these verses, Nehemiah faces more opposition – this is the fifth time! The enemies circulated an unsealed letter that cast doubts on the motives of Nehemiah. The letter contained rumors that could destroy Nehemiah’s credibility in the eyes of King Artaxerxes and in the eyes of Jerusalem’s citizens. Going back to the book of Ezra, this ploy had been used successfully to stop the rebuilding of the temple for 15 years.
The tactic of the enemy is this case was intimidation. This is not a physical attack but one that affects our mind and emotions. The desired result of intimidation is to cause fear and timidity. It puts the focus on the intimidator, not on the spiritual or physical reality of the situation. It takes our eyes off the Lord. Toby pointed out that we need to recognize this as it comes against us just as Nehemiah did. He knew that his relationship with the king was solid. He recognized the attack for what it was. Toby also pointed out what Nehemiah did NOT do. He did not counter their accusations in a position of defensiveness. He did not argue with them or try to justify his position. He prayed and called the lie for what it was.
In class a few things were discussed that shed light on our own battles with intimidation. Sometimes as we are serving the Lord in a specific task we may be assaulted by thoughts that question our own motives (ie: ‘you are doing this for your own glory’). The accusation is not against what we are actually doing but on who we are. Nehemiah was so confident in his relationship with God that he was not moved by this.
Scheme 3 (Nehemiah 6:10-15)
The third scheme against Nehemiah is grounded in religious deception. Nehemiah is meeting with a man by the name of Shemiah. This man attempts to convince Nehemiah that he has Nehemiah’s interests at heart and gives him a message as if it were a prophesy from the Lord. Toby pointed out that the words Shemiah used were purposely meant to convey a tone of spirituality. Additionally, he suggested they meet in the temple, a further attempt to validate his lie.
Shemiah’s prophecy does seem plausible in light of the current circumstances that Nehemiah faced. Nehemiah used spiritual insight to determine his course of action. This insight is called discernment. In the New Testament we see this principle in 1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world”. Discernment is the ability to sense if something is ‘of God’ or not. We have been given this ability by the Lord and we need to make use of it as we live out our lives in this world to overcome the schemes of the enemy.
Chapter 6 concludes with “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Neh 6:15-16). Toby summed up how Nehemiah handled the opposition with several key points: he did not retaliate; he handled the opposition minimally; he didn’t get involved in a debate; he called the bluff; he dealt with the situation in an upright, honorable manner; and he refused to play by the enemy’s rules.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wall Building: Strategies & Opposition
Teaching by Jan S.
Notes by Linda G.
Today Jan covered Nehemiah, Chapters 3 and 4. She began her teaching with a description of the man Nehemiah. We have learned so far that he was a servant, a cup bearer, and that he was obedient to the Lord. At this point in Jerusalem the temple has been rebuilt but everything else is a mess. Jan used an analogy to give us a picture of the situation. She asked us to imagine what it would be like if we invited guests to our home and that the kitchen was in order yet the remaining areas of the house were in total disarray. She proposed that this is how others felt about Jerusalem. The walls needed to be rebuilt.
Jan explained that the first strategy Nehemiah employed was one of order. The strategies Nehemiah used were evidence of his leadership skills. The walls were rebuilt in a counter clockwise order, beginning with the Sheep Gate. She pointed out that the priests were responsible for rebuilding this gate. The Sheep Gate is where the animals meant for sacrificial purposes were brought in. As we know, this was one of the priests’ responsibilities.
Another strategy that Nehemiah used was to position the workers in front of the homes they occupied. We see evidence of this throughout chapter 3. Jan explained the wisdom in doing this. The builders had a vested interest in doing this – she likened it to the mindset that differentiates renting or owning your home. She also pointed out that they would be protecting this area, not just rebuilding it. Additionally, Jan mentioned that we see in Nehemiah 3:12 that “Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters”. The point she was making was that everyone helped.
In total, ten gates were repaired and four towers. Jan focused on three of the significant gates. These were the Sheep Gate, the Dung Gate, and the Fish Gate. Jan used these three gates as Old Testament symbols of the New Testament process of sanctification. The Sheep Gate: This is the gate where the sacrificial sheep were brought. In the New Testament , Jesus is our Sacrificial Lamb. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). We gain salvation by accepting that Jesus was the sacrifice that was made to cover our sin, once and for all. Dung Gate: Outside of this gate the garbage of the city was burned in the Kidron Valley. In the New Testament Jan likened the Dung Gate to the place in our walk where we come to the realization that the things in our lives that once did not bother us now grieve us, in regard to our behavior, actions, or sinful thoughts. We need to repent of these things. We want to remove the ‘stink’ of sin in our lives. Fish Gate: Jan compared this physical place where the fish were brought in to the spiritual place where we, as New Testament believers, become free from the things of this world that ‘bog us down’. We have become disciples of Christ. We are free now and we want others to experience that same freedom. We want to follow Jesus so that He ‘will make you fishers of men’ (John 4:19b).
In Chapter 4 we once again see that the Israelites are being met by opposition. “When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, "What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?" Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, "What they are building—if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!" (Nehemiah 4:1-3). A very important point that Jan made is that we cannot control the responses of people in our lives or the opposition that may face us. What we have the power to do is to control our responses as Nehemiah did. “Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders” (Nehemiah 4:5-6). Nehemiah cried out to God in prayer. As it says in the word, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19.
As chapter 4 progresses Jan described the discouragement the people were experiencing as the enemy continued to taunt them and the task at hand seemed overwhelming. “They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it” (Neh 4:8). Nehemiah prayed again and then took action by posting guards. The enemies of Israel were angry because of the progress the wall was making. Nehemiah saw that the Israelites were reaching their breaking point. He encouraged them with these words "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes (Neh. 4:14b). Jan compared these words of encouragement used by Moses, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deu. 31:6) and the words of Joshua , “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5).
God gave Nehemiah the battle strategy that was needed to complete the work on the walls. Jan described three factors of this strategy. They had a communication system - “Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!" (Neh. 4:19-20). She also pointed to the fact that they were committed and worked together as a team - “When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked” (Neh. 4:15-18a).
Jan drew some parallels between the work of Nehemiah and the Israelites as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and the obstacles that Monmouth Worship Center has faced as we have ‘built our walls’ on Vanderburg Road. Like the Israelites, our neighbors did not want us to occupy this land although according to local statutes, we had a right to be here. Our neighbors were organized and were vocal in their displeasure. MWC did not want to antagonize those who opposed us - we want them to know that they would be welcomed in this place. During this time the state changed environmental laws that could have had serious negative consequences on our building plans. We experienced financial challenges as the economy spiraled downward. We also faced challenges from the winter weather. Despite all that came against us, we persevered. The body prayed, fasted, and believed and trusted God and saw the victory that the Lord brought.
In concluding, Jan emphasized that adversity will come yet we can overcome it. She explained that a sign of maturity is our response to these circumstances, more so than the circumstances themselves. Adversity provides opportunity for us to grow. As we go through these things we can become more like Jesus. We will want to please God and whatever God says to do will be the right path. “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him” (John 8:29).
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