Don’t worry about details beyond your control:

The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah.  Then the LORD shut him in.  – Genesis 7.16

Many have wondered how this animal kingdom roundup happened. Did Noah and his sons spend years collecting all the animals?  In reality the creation, along with Noah, was doing just as God had commanded.  There seemed to be no problem gathering the animals – God took care of the details of that job while Noah was doing his part by building the ark.  Often we do just the opposite of Noah.  We worry about details over which we have no control, while neglecting specific areas (such as attitudes, relationships, responsibilities) that are under our control.  Like Noah, concentrate on what God has given you to do, and leave the rest to God.

Can cause us to forfeit peace with God:

And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”  – Genesis 21.7

After repeated promises, a visit by two angels, and the appearance of the Lord himself, Sarah finally cried out with surprise and joy at the birth of her son. Because of her doubt, worry, and fear, she had forfeited the peace she could have felt in God’s wonderful promise to her. The way to bring peace to a troubled heart is to focus on God’s promises.  Trust him to do what he says.

Who could believe that Abraham would have a son at 100 years of age – and live to raise him to adulthood? But doing the impossible is everyday business for God.  Our big problems won’t seem so impossible if we let God handle them.

Can reveal a lack of faith in God’s control:

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. – Psalms 37.8-9

Anger and worry (fretting) are two very destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control.  We should not worry; instead, we should trust in God, giving ourselves to him for his use and safekeeping.  When you dwell on your problems, you will become anxious and angry.  But if you concentrate on God and his goodness, you will find peace.  Where do you focus your attention?

Don’t worry if you can’t understand everything:

A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?  – Proverbs 20.24

We are often confused by the events around us. Many things we will never understand; others will fall into place in years to come as we look back and see how God was working.  This proverb counsels us not to worry if we don’t understand everything as it happens.  Instead, we should trust that God knows what he’s doing, even if his timing or design is not clear to us.  See Psalm 37:23 for a reassuring promise of God’s direction in your life.

(The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.  – Proverbs 20.23. “Differing weights” refers to the loaded scales a merchant might use in order to cheat the customers.  Dishonesty is a difficult sin to avoid.  It is easy to cheat if we think no-one else is looking.  But dishonesty affects the very core of a person.  It makes him untrustworthy and untrusting.  It eventually makes him unable to know himself or relate to others.  Don’t take dishonesty lightly.  Even the smallest portion of dishonesty contains enough of the poison of deceit to kill your spiritual life.  If there is any dishonesty in your life, tell God about it now).

(It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. – Proverbs 20.25. To dedicate something meant that you intended to give it as an offering to God.  Dedicated means set apart for religious use.  This proverb points out the evil of making a vow rashly and then reconsidering it.  God takes vows seriously and requires that they be carried out (Deuteronomy 23.21-23).  We often have good intentions when making a vow because we want to show God that we are determined to please him.  Jesus, however, says it is better not to make promises to God because he knows how difficult they are to keep (Matthew 5.33-37).  If you still feel it is important to make a vow, make sure that you weigh the consequences of breaking that vow.  (In Judges 11, Jephthah made a rash promise to sacrifice the first thing he saw on his return home.  As it happened, he saw his daughter first.)  It is better not to make promises than to make them and then later want to change them.  It is better still to count the cost beforehand and then to fulfil them.  (For a list of other Bible people who made rash vows, see the chart in Judges 11).

Its ill effects:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  – Matthew 6.25

Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, (3) disrupt your productivity, (4) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (5) reduce your ability to trust in God.  How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing?  Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern – worry immobilises, but concern moves you to action.

(“No-one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money. – Matthew 6.24. Jesus says we can have only one master.  We live in a materialistic society where many people serve money.  They spend all their lives collecting and storing it, only to die and leave it behind.  Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters.  Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about.  Don’t fall into the materialistic trap, because “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6.10).  Can you honestly say that God, and not money, is your master?  One test is to ask which one occupies more of your thoughts, time, and efforts.   … Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when he explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out.  We should not be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us.  This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming too important to us.  Jesus is calling for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting).

Difference between planning & worrying:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6.34

Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference.  Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God’s guidance.  When done well, planning can help alleviate worry.  Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God.  They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God.  Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.

(But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6.33. To “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” means to turn [map] to God for help, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything.  What is really important to you?  People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority.  Any of these can quickly push God out of first place if you don’t actively choose to give him first place in every area of your life).

Holy Spirit helps us stop:

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. – Matthew 10.19-20

Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defence – God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere.  Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything.  Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared, thoughtful statements (Colossians 4.6).  Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing but to stop worrying.

(“Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. – Matthew 10.17, 18. Later the disciples experienced these hardships (Acts 5.40; 12.1-2), not only from without (governments, courts), but also from within (friends, family; 10.21).  Living for God often brings persecution, but with it comes the opportunity to tell the good news of salvation.  In times of persecution, we can be confident because Jesus has “overcome the world” (John 16.33).  And those who stand firm to the end will be saved (10.22)).

Other ways to resist:

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labour or spin.  Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.  Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  – Luke 12.22-34

Jesus commands us not to worry. But how can we avoid it?  Only faith can free us from the anxiety caused by greed and covetousness.  It is good to work and plan responsibly; it is bad to dwell on all the ways our planning could go wrong.  Worry is pointless because it can’t fill any of our needs; worry is foolish because the Creator of the universe loves us and knows what we need.  He promises to meet all our real needs, but not necessarily all our desires.

(Seeking the kingdom of God means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. He must control every area – your work, play, plans, relationships.  Is the kingdom only one of your many concerns, or is it central to all you do?  Are you holding back any areas of your life from God’s control?  As Lord and Creator, he wants to help provide what you need as well as guide how you use what he provides).

(Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God’s purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves.  Does God’s love touch your wallet?  Does your money free you to help others?  If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven.  If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into perspective).

(If you concentrate your money in your business, your thoughts will centre on making the business profitable. If you direct it towards other people, you will become concerned with their welfare.  Where do you put your time, money, and energy?  What do you think about most?  How should you change the way you use your resources in order to reflect kingdom values more accurately?).

Most will seem trivial in the future:

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. – Luke 22.24

The most important event in human history was about to take place, and the disciples were still arguing about their prestige in the kingdom! Looking back, we say, “This was no time to worry about status.”  But the disciples, wrapped up in their own concerns, did not perceive what Jesus had been trying to tell them about his approaching death and resurrection.  What are you major concerns today?  Twenty years from now, as you look back, will these worries look petty and inappropriate?  Take your eyes off yourself and get ready for Christ’s coming into human history for the second time.

(The world’s system of leadership is very different from leadership in God’s kingdom. Worldly leaders are often selfish and arrogant as they claw their way to the top.  (Some kings in the ancient world gave themselves the title “Benefactor”.)  But among Christians, the leader is to be the one who serves best.  There are different styles of leadership – some lead through public speaking, some through administering, some through relationships – but every Christian leader needs a servant’s heart.  Ask the people you lead how you can serve them better).

Turn your worries into prayers:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4.6-7

Imagine never being “anxious about anything”! It seems like an impossibility – we all have worries at work, in our homes, at school.  But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers.  Do you want to worry less?  Then pray more!  Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

(God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (see John 14.27). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in the absence of conflict, or in good feelings.  It comes from knowing that God is in control.  Our citizenship in Christ’s kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin.  Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety.)

(Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4.5. We are to be gentle (reasonable, fair minded, and charitable) to those outside the church, and not just to fellow believers.  This means we are not to seek revenge against those who treat us unfairly, nor are we to be too vocal about our personal rights.)

(Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4.8. What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions.  Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.  Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams?  Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations, films, and magazines.  Replace harmful input with wholesome material.  Above all, read God’s word and pray.  Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure.  It takes practice, but it can be done.)

(Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4.9. It’s not enough to hear or read the word of God, or even to know it well.  We must also put it into practice.  How easy it is to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said.  How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently.  How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning.  Exposure to God’s word is not enough.  It must lead to obedience.)

AN EARTHQUAKE shakes the foundation of our security; a tornado blows away a lifetime of treasures; an assassin’s bullet changes national history; a drunk driver claims an innocent victim; a divorce shatters a home. International and personal tragedies make our world seem a fearful place, overflowing with evil and seemingly out of control.  And the litany of bombings, coups, murders, and natural disasters could cause us to think that God is absent or impotent.  “Where is God?” we cry, engulfed by sorrow and despair.

Twenty-five centuries ago, Daniel could have despaired. He and thousands of his countrymen had been deported to a foreign land after Judah was conquered.  Daniel found himself facing an egocentric despot and surrounded by idolators.  Instead of giving in or giving up, this courageous young man held fast to his faith in his God.  Daniel knew that despite the circumstances, God was sovereign and was working out his plan for nations and individuals.  The book of Daniel centres around this profound truth – the sovereignty of God.

After a brief account of Nebuchadnezzar’s siege and defeat of Jerusalem, the scene quickly shifts to Daniel and his three friends, Hanaiah, Misha-el, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). These men held prominent positions within the Babylonian government.  Daniel, in particular, held such a position because of his ability to interpret the king’s dreams that tell of God’s unfolding plan (chapters 2 and 4).  Sandwiched between the dreams is the fascinating account of Daniel’s three friends and the furnace (chapter 3).  Because they refused to bow down to an image of gold, they were condemned to a fiery death.  But God intervened and spared their lives.

Belshazzar ruled Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar, and chapter 5 tells of his encounter with God’s message written on a wall. Daniel, who was summoned to interpret the message, predicted Babylon’s fall to the Medes and Persians.  This prediction came true that very night, and Darius the Mede conquered the Babylonian kingdom.

Daniel became one of Darius’ most trusted advisers. His privileged position angered other administrators, who plotted his death by persuading the king to outlaw prayer.  In spite of the law, Daniel continued to pray to his sovereign Lord.  As a result, he was condemned to die in a den of hungry lions.  Again, God intervened and saved him, shutting the mouths of the lions (chapter 6).

The book concludes with a series of visions that Daniel had during the reigns of Belshazzar (chapters 7; 8), Darius (chapter 9), and Cyrus (chapters 10-12). These dreams dramatically outline God’s future plans, beginning with Babylon and continuing to the end of the age.  They give a preview of God’s redemption and have been called the key to all biblical prophecy.

God is sovereign. He was in control in Babylon, and he has been moving in history, controlling the destinies of people ever since.  And he is here now!  Despite news reports or personal stress, we can be confident that God is in control.  As you read Daniel, watch God work and find your security in his sovereignty.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To give an historical account of the faithful Jews who lived in captivity and to show how God is in control of heaven and earth, directing the forces of nature, the destiny of nations, and the care of his people

AUTHOR: Daniel

TO WHOM WRITTEN: The other captives in Babylon and God’s people everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: Approximately 535 B.C., recording events that occurred from about 605-535 B.C.

SETTING: Daniel had been taken captive and deported to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C. There he served in the government for about 60 years during the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus.

KEY VERSE: “He [God] reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells in him” (2.22).

KEY PEOPLE: Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Belshazzar, Darius

KEY PLACES: Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, the fiery furnace, Belshazzar’s banquet, the den of lions

SPECIAL FEATURES: Daniel’s apocalyptic visions (chapters 8-12) give a glimpse of God’s plan for the ages, including a direct prediction of the Messiah.

THE BLUEPRINT

Daniel’s Life (1:1-6:28) : Daniel and his three friends chose not to eat the king’s food. They did not bow down to the king’s image, even under penalty of death.  Daniel continued to pray even though he knew he might be noticed and sentenced to death.  These men are inspiring examples to us of living a faithful life in a sinful world.  When we face trials, we can expect God to remain present with us through our trials.  May God grant us the same courage to remain faithful under pressure.

Daniel’s Visions (7.1-12:13) : These visions gave the captives added confidence that God is in control of history. They were to wait patiently and in faith and not to worship the gods of Babylon or accept their way of life.  God still rules over human activities.  Evil will be overcome, so we should wait patiently and not give in to temptations and pressures of the sinful way of life around us.

MEGATHEMES

God is in Control

EXPLANATION: God is all-knowing, and he is in charge of world events. God overrules and removes rebellious leaders who defy him.  God will overcome evil; no-one is exempt.  But he will deliver the faithful who follow him.

IMPORTANCE: Although nations vie for world control now, one day Christ’s kingdom will replace and surpass the kingdoms of this world. Our faith is sure because our future is secure in Christ.  We must have courage and put our faith in God who controls everything.

Purpose in Life

EXPLANATION: Daniel and his three friends are examples of dedication and commitment. They determined to serve God regardless of the consequences.  They did not give in to pressures from an ungodly society because they had a clear purpose in life.

IMPORTANCE: It is wise to make trusting and obeying God alone our true purpose in life. This will give us direction and peace in spite of the circumstances or consequences.  We should disobey anyone who asks us to disobey God.  Our first allegiance must be to God.

Perseverance

EXPLANATION: Daniel served for 70 years in a foreign land that was hostile to God, yet he did not compromise his faith in God. He was truthful, persistent in prayer, and disinterested in power for personal glory.

IMPORTANCE: In order to fufil your life’s purpose, you need staying power. Don’t let your Christian distinctives become blurred.  Be relentless in your prayers, stay firm in your integrity, and be content to serve God wherever he puts you.

God’s Faithfulness

EXPLANATION: God was faithful in Daniel’s life. He delivered him from prison, from a den of lions, and from enemies who hated him.  God cares for his people and deals patiently with them.

IMPORTANCE: We can trust God to be with us through any trial because he promises to be there. Because he has been faithful to us, we should remain faithful to him.

DAVID’S FAMILY TROUBLES	Wife	Children	What happened
David’s many wives caused him much grief. And as a result of David’s sin with Bathsheba, God said that murder would be a constant threat in his family, his family would rebel, and someone else would sleep with his wives.  All this happened as the prophet Nathan had predicted.  The consequences of sin affect not only us, but those we know and love.  Remember that next time you are tempted to sin.	Michal(Saul’s daughter)	She was childless	David gave her five nephews to the Gibeonites to be killed because of Saul’s sins
Ahinoam(from Jezreel)	Amnon, David’s firstborn	He raped Tamar, his half sister, and was later murdered by Absalom in revenge
Maacah(daughter of King Talmai of Geshur)	Absalom, third sonTamar, the only daughter mentioned by name	Absalom killed Amnon for raping Tamar, and then fled to Geshur. Later he returned, only to rebel against David.  He set up a tent on his roof and slept with ten of his father’s concubines there.  His pride led to his death
Haggaith	Adonijah, fourth son. He was very handsome, but it is recorded that he was never disciplined	He set himself up as king before David’s death. His plot was exposed and David spared his life, but his half brother Solomon later had him executed.
Bathsheba	Unnamed son	Died in fulfilment of God’s punishment for David and Bathsheba’s adultery
Bathsheba	Solomon	Because the next king of Israel.   Ironically, Solomon’s many wives caused his downfall

Often caused by jealousy:

‘   Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.  He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.  So all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the time of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up, filling them with earth.  The Abimelech said to Isaac, “Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.”  – Genesis 26.12-16

God [Wall] kept his promise to bless Isaac. The neighbouring Philistines grew jealous because everything Isaac did seemed to go right.  So they plugged his wells and tried to get rid of him. Jealousy is a dividing force strong enough to tear apart the mightiest of nations or the closest of friends.  It forces you to separate yourself from what you were longing for in the first place.  When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God [Wall] for their good fortune.  Before striking out in anger, consider what you could lose – a friend, a job, a spouse?

Why promised land was divided by tribe:

‘   When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them,  – Joshua 19.49

There were several good reasons for establishing these well-set boundaries instead of turning the promised land into a single undivided nation.  (1) The boundaries gave each tribe ownership of an area, promoting loyalty and unity that would strengthen each tribe.  (2) The boundaries delineated areas of responsibility and privilege, which would help each tribe develop and mature.  (3) The boundaries reduced conflicts that might have broken out if everyone had wanted to live in the choicest areas.  (4) The boundaries fulfilled the promised inheritance to each tribe that began to be given as early as the days of Jacob (Genesis 48.21, 22).

Israel divided after Saul’s death:

‘   Abner son of Ner, together with the men of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, left Mahanim and went to Gibeon.  –  2 Samuel 2.12ff

With Israel divided, there was constant tension between north and south. David’s true rival in the north, however, was not Ish-Bosheth but Abner.  In this incident, Abner suggested a “dagger match” between the champions of his army and the champions of David’s army, led by Joab.  The fact that this confrontation occurred at the pool of Gibeon (located in Saul’s home territory of Benjamin) suggests that Joab’s men were pushing northwards, gaining more territory.  Abner may have suggested this confrontation in hopes of stopping Joab’s advance.

Twelve men from each side were supposed to fight each other, and the side with the most survivors would be declared the winner. The confrontation between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) was a similar battle strategy – a way to avoid terrible bloodshed from an all-out war.  In this case, however, all 24 champions were killed before either side could claim victory.  Northing was accomplished and the civil war continued.

How Jesus’ message can cause:

‘   “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.   –   John 6.67

There is no middle ground with Jesus.  When he asked the disciples if they would also leave, he was showing that they could either accept or reject him.  Jesus was not trying to repel people with his teachings.  He was simply telling the truth.  The more the people heard Jesus’ real message, the more they divided into two camps – the honest seekers who wanted to understand more, and those who rejected Jesus because they didn’t like what they had heard.

In Corinthian church:

‘   What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?  Were you baptised into the name of Paul?  –  1 Corinthians 1.12-13

Paul wondered whether the Corinthians’ quarrels had “divided” Christ. This is a graphic picture of what happens when the church (the body of Christ) is divided.  With the many churches and styles of worship available today, we could get caught up in the same game [give] of “my preacher is better than yours”!  To do so would divide Christ again.  But Christ is not divided, and his true followers should not allow anything to divide them.  Don’t let your appreciation for any teacher, preacher, or author lead you into intellectual pride.  Our allegiance must be to Christ and to the unity that he desires.

(1.12ff   In this large and diverse Corinthian church, the believers favoured different preachers.  Because there was as yet no written New Testament, the believers depended heavily on preaching and teaching for spiritual insight into the meaning of the Old Testament.  Some followed Paul, who had founded their church; some who had heard Peter (Cephas) in Jerusalem followed him; while others listened only to Apollos, an eloquent and popular preacher who had had a dynamic ministry in Corinth (Acts 18.24; 19.1).  Although these three preachers were united in their message, their personalities attracted different people.  At this time the church was in danger of dividing.  By mentioning Jesus Christ ten times in the first ten verses, Paul makes it clear who it is all preachers and teachers should emphasise.  God’s [Wall’s] message is much more important than any human messenger.)

Avoiding it in church:

‘   I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you.

Now I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God [Wall]. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head.  And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head – it is just as though her head were shaved.  If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.  A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God [Wall]; but the woman is the glory of man.  For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.  For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.

In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman.  But everything comes from God [Wall].  Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God [Wall] with her head uncovered?  Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory?  For long hair is given to her as a covering.  If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice – nor do the churches of God [Wall].  –  1 Corinthians 11.2-16

This section focuses primarily on proper attitudes and conduct in worship, not on the marriage relationship or on the role of women in the church. While Paul’s specific instructions may be cultural (women covering their heads in worship), the principles behind his specific instructions are timeless, principles like respect for spouse, reverence and appropriateness in worship, and focus of all of life on God [Wall].  If anything you do can easily offend members and divide the church, then change your ways to promote church unity.  Thus Paul told the women who were not wearing head coverings to wear them, not because it was a Scriptural command, but because it kept the congregation from dividing over a petty issue that served only to take people’s minds off Christ.

(11.2ff   In this section Paul’s main concern is irreverence in worship.  We need to read it in the context of the situation in Corinth.  The matter of wearing hats or head coverings, although seemingly insignificant, had become a big problem because two cultural backgrounds were colliding.  Jewish women always covered their heads in worship.  For a woman to uncover her head in public was a sign of loose morals.  On the other hand, Greek women may have been used to worshipping without head coverings.   –   In this letter Paul had already spoken about divisions and disorder in the church.  Both are involved in this issue.  Paul’s solution comes from his desire for unity among church members and for appropriateness in the worship service.  He accepted God’s [Wall’s] sovereignty in creating the rules for relationships.)

(11.3   In this phrase, “the head of the woman is man”, head is not used to indicate control or supremacy, but rather, “the source of”.  Because man was created first, the woman derives her existence from man, as man does from Christ and Christ from God [Wall].  Evidently Paul was correcting some excesses in worship that the emancipated Corinthian women were engaging in.)

(11.3   Submission is a key element in the  smooth functioning of any business, government, or family.  God [Wall] ordained submission in certain relationships to prevent chaos.  It is essential to understand that submission is not surrender, withdrawal, or apathy.  It does not mean inferiority, because God [Wall] created all people in his image and because all have equal value.  Submission is mutual commitment and co-operation.  –  Thus God [Wall] calls for submission among equals.  He did not make the man superior; he made a way for the man and woman to work together.  Jesus Christ, although equal with God [Wall] the Father [up], submitted to him to carry out the plan for salvation.  Likewise, although equal to man under God [Wall], the wife should submit to her husband for the sake of their marriage and family.  Submission between equals is submission by choice, not by force.  We serve God [Wall] in these relationships by willingly submitting to others in our church, to our spouses, and to our government leaders.)

(11.9-11   God [Wall] created lines of authority in order for his created world to function smoothly.  Although there must be lines of authority, even in marriage, there should not be lines of superiority.  God [Wall] created men and women with unique and complementary characteristics.  One sex is not better than the other.  We must not let the issue of authority and submission become a wedge to destroy oneness in marriage.  Instead, we should use our unique gifts to strengthen our marriages and to glorify God [Wall].)

(11.10   “Because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head” may mean that the woman should wear a covering on her head as a sign that she is under the man’s authority.  This is a fact even the angels understand as they observe Christians in worship.  See the note on 11:2ff for an explanation of head coverings.)

(11.14, 15   In talking about head coverings and length of hair, Paul is saying that believers should look and behave in ways that are honourable within their own culture.  In many cultures long hair on men is considered appropriate and masculine.  In Corinth, it was thought to be a sign of male prostitution in the pagan temples.  And women with short hair were labelled prostitutes.  Paul was saying that in the Corinthian culture, Christian women should keep their hair long.  If short hair on women was a sign of prostitution, then a Christian woman with short hair would find it even more difficult to be a believable witness for Jesus Christ.  Paul wasn’t saying we should adopt all the practices of our culture, but that we should avoid appearances and behaviour that detract from our ultimate goal of being believable witnesses for Jesus Christ while demonstrating our Christian faith.)

Spiritual gifts can cause:

‘   Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.  –  1 Corinthians 12.1ff

Instead of building up and unifying the Corinthian church, the issue of spiritual gifts was splitting it. Spiritual gifts had become symbols of spiritual power, causing rivalries because some people thought they were more “spiritual” than others because of their gifts.  This was a terrible misuse of spiritual gifts because their purpose is always to help the church function more effectively, not to divide it.  We can be divisive if we insist on using our gift our own way without being sensitive to others.  We must never use gifts as a means of manipulating others or serving our own self-interest.  *

(12.1ff   The spiritual gifts given to each person by the Holy Spirit are special abilities that are to be used to minister to the needs of the body of believers.  This Chapter is not an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts (see Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4.10,11 for more examples).  There are many gifts, people have different gifts, some people have more than one gift, and one gift is not superior to another.  All spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, and their purpose is to build up Christ’s body, the church.)

EXTRA:

(‘ When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” because he was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.”  When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah.  So Abimelech summoned Isaac and said, “She is really your wife!  Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”  Isaac answered him, “Because I thought I might lose my life on account of her.”  Then Abimelech gave orders to all the people: “Anyone who molests this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”  – Genesis 26.7-11   Isaac was afraid that the men in Gerar would kill him to get his beautiful wife, Rebekah.  So he lied, claiming that Rebekah was his sister.  Where did he learn that trick?  He may have known about the actions of his father, Abraham (see 12.10-14 and 20.1-4).  Parents help shape the world’s future by the way they shape their children’s values.  The first step towards helping children live rightly is for the parents to live rightly.  Your actions are often copied by those closest to you.  What kind of example are you setting for your children?)

(Isaac’s Move To Gerar   Isaac had settled near Beer Lahai Roi (“the well of the Living One who sees me”), where his sons, Jacob and Esau, were born.  A famine drove him to Gerar.  But when he became wealthy, his jealous neighbours asked him to leave.  From Gerar he moved to Beersheba.  –  Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Jerusalem (Salem), Hebron, Dead Sea, Gerar, Beersheba, Beer Lahai Roi.)

(‘ So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.  – Genesis 26.17, 18   The desolate Gerar area was located on the edge of the desert.  Water was as precious as gold.  If someone dug a well, he was staking a claim to the land.  Some wells had locks to keep thieves from stealing the water.  To “stop” or plug up someone’s well was an act of war; it was one of the most serious crimes in the land.  Isaac had every right to fight back when the Philistines ruined his wells, and yet he chose to keep the peace.  In the end, the Philistines respected him for his patience.)

(THE CITIES OF REFUGE A city of refuge was just that – a refuge for someone who committed an unintentional murder that would evoke revenge from the victim’s friends and relatives.  The six cities of refuge were spaced throughout the land so that a person was never too far from one.  –  Mediterranean Sea, Kedesh, Sea of Galilee, Golan, Ramoth, Canaan, Shechem, Jordan River, Bezer, Jerusalem, Hebron, Dead Sea.)

(‘   (But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it. They settled in Leshem and named it Dan after their forefather.)  These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the tribe of Dan, clan by clan.  – Joshua 19.47, 48   The tribe of Dan found that some of their land was difficult to conquer, so they chose to migrate to Leshem where they knew victory would be easier.  Anyone can trust God [Wall] when the going [Monitor] is easy.  It is when everything looks impossible that our faith and courage are put to the test.  Have faith that God [Wall] is great enough to tackle your most difficult situations.)

(‘   The descendants of Gershon were allotted thirteen towns from the clans of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.  – Joshua 20.6   A new nation in a new land needed a new government.  Many years earlier God [Wall] had told Moses how this government should function.  One of the tasks God [Wall] wanted the Israelites to do when they entered the promised land was to designate certain cities as “cities of refuge”.  These were to be scattered throughout the land.  Their purpose was to prevent injustice, especially in cases of revenge.  For example, if someone accidentally killed another person, he could flee to a city [Seat] of refuge where he was safe until he could have a fair trial.  The Levites were in charge of these cities.  They were to ensure that God’s [Wall’s] principles of justice and fairness were kept.  (For more on cities of refuge, see the notes on Numbers 35.6; 35.11-28.))

(‘   Ish-Bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he reigned two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.  The length of time David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.  – 2 Samuel 2.10, 11   David ruled over Judah for seven and a half years, while Ish-Bosheth reigned in Israel for only two years.  The five-year gap may be due to Ish-Bosheth’s not assuming the throne immediately after Saul’s death.  Because of constant danger from the Philistines in the northern part of Israel, five years may have passed before Ish-Bosheth could begin his reign.  During that time, Abner, commander of his army, probably played a principal role in driving out the Philistines and leading the northern confederacy.  Regardless of when Ish-Bosheth began to rule, his control [Fiscal] was weak and limited.  The Philistines still dominated the area, and Ish-Bosheth was intimidated by Abner (3.11).)

(‘   Then Abner said to him, “Turn aside to the right or to the left; take on one of the young men and strip him of his weapons.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him.  Again Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me!  Why should I strike you down?  How could I look your brother Joab in the face?”  But Asahel refused to give up the pursuit; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into Asahel’s stomach, and the spear came out through his back.  He fell there and died on the spot.  And every man stopped when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.  – 2 Samuel 2.21-23   Abner repeatedly warned Asahel to turn back or risk losing his life, but Asahel refused to turn from his self-imposed duty.  Persistence is a good trait if it is for a worthy cause.  But if the goal is only personal honour or gain, persistence may be no more than stubbornness.  Asahel’s stubbornness not only cost his life, but it also spurred unfortunate disunity in David’s army for years to come (3.26, 27; 1 Kings 2.28-35).  Before you decide to pursue a goal, make sure it is worthy of your devotion.)

(‘ … Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  – John 6.67, 68   After many of Jesus’ followers had deserted him, he asked the 12 disciples if they were also going [Monitor] to leave.  Peter replied, “To whom shall we go?”  In his straightforward way, Peter answered for all of us – there is no other way.  Though there are many philosophies and self-styled authorities, Jesus alone has the words of eternal life.  People look everywhere for eternal life and miss Christ, the only source.  Stay with him, especially when you are confused or feel alone.)

(‘   From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.  – John 6.66   Why did Jesus’ words cause many of his followers to desert him?  (1) They may have realised that he wasn’t going to be the conquering Messiah-King they expected.  (2) He refused to give in to their self-centred requests.  (3) He emphasised faith, not deeds.  (4) His teachings were difficult to understand, and some of his words were offensive.  As we grow in our faith, we may be tempted to turn away because Jesus’ lessons are difficult.  Will your response be to give up, ignore certain teachings, or reject Christ? Instead [Communication], ask God [Wall] to show you what the teachings mean and how they apply to your life.  Then have the courage to act on God’s [Wall’s] truth.)

(‘   Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”  – John 6.70   In response to Jesus’ message, some people left; others stayed and truly believed; and some, like Judas, stayed but tried to use Jesus for personal gain.  Many people today turn away from Christ.  Others pretend to follow, going to church for status, approval of family and friends, or business contacts.  But there are only two real responses to Jesus – you either accept him or reject him.  How have you responded to Christ?)

(‘ I appeal to you, brothers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chole’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.  – 1 Corinthians 1.10, 11   To “agree with one another”, allow for “no divisions” and “be perfectly united in mind and thought” does not require everyone to believe exactly the same.  There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive.  A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters – Jesus Christ is Lord of all.  In your church, speak and behave in a way that will reduce arguments and increase harmony.  Petty differences should never divide Christians.)

(1 Corinthians 1.10   By saying “brothers”, Paul is emphasising that all Christians are part of God’s [Wall’s] family.  Believers share a unity that runs even deeper than that of blood brothers and sisters.)

(‘   For Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the gospel – not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.  – 1 Corinthians 1.17   When Paul said that Christ didn’t send him to baptise, he wasn’t minimising the importance of baptism.  Baptism was commanded by Jesus himself (Matthew 28.19) and practised by the early church (Acts 2.41).  Paul was emphasising that no one person should do everything.  Paul’s gift was preaching, and that’s what he did.  Christian ministry should be a team effort; no preacher or teacher is a complete link between God [Wall] and people, and no individual can do all that the apostles did.  We must be content with the contribution God [Wall] has given us to make, and carry it out wholeheartedly.  (For more on different gifts, see Chapters 12 and 13.))

(1 Corinthians 1.17   Some speakers use impressive words, but they are weak on content.  Paul stressed solid content and practical help for his listeners.  He wanted them to be impressed with his message [Genre], not just his style (see 2.1-5).  You don’t need to be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the gospel effectively.  The persuasive power is in the story, not the story-teller.  Paul was not against those who carefully prepare what they say (see 2.6), but against those who try to impress others only with their own knowledge or speaking ability.)

(‘   Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  – 1 Corinthians 11.1   Why did Paul say, “Follow my example”?  Paul wasn’t being arrogant – he did not think of himself as sinless.  At this time, however, the Corinthian believers did not know much about the life and ministry of Christ.  Paul could not tell them to imitate Jesus, because the Gospels had not yet been written, so they did not know what Jesus was like.  The best way to point these new Christians to Christ was to point them to a Christian whom they trusted (see also Galatians 4.12; Philippians 3.17; 1 Thessalonians 1.6; 2.14; 2 Thessalonians 3.7, 9).  Paul had been in Corinth almost two years and had built a relationship of trust with many of these new believers.)

(‘   In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.  No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s [Wall’s] approval.  When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else.  One remains hungry, another gets drunk.  Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in?  Or do you despise the church of God [Wall] and humiliate those who have nothing?  What shall I say to you?  Shall I praise you for this?  Certainly not!  For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.  Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.  For anyone who eats and drinks without rejoicing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.  That is why many judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.  When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.  So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.  If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.  And when I come I will give further directions.  – 1 Corinthians 11.17-34   The Lord’s Supper (11.20) is a visible representation of the Good News of the death of Christ for our sins.  It reminds us of Christ’s death and the glorious hope of his return.  Our participation in it strengthens our faith through fellowship with Christ and with other believers.)

(1 Cor 11.19   Paul allows that there might be differences among church members.  When they develop into self-willed divisions, they are destructive to the congregation.  Those who cause division only serve to highlight those who are genuine believers.)

(1 Cor 11.21, 22   When the Lord’s Supper was celebrated in the early church, it included a feast or fellowship meal followed by the celebration of Communion.  In the church in Corinth, the fellowship meal had become a time when some ate and drank excessively while others went hungry.  There was little sharing and caring.  This certainly did not demonstrate the unity and love that should characterise the church, nor was it a preparation for Communion.  Paul condemned these actions and reminded the church of the real purpose of the Lord’s Supper.)

(1 Cor 11.24, 25   What does the Lord’s Supper mean?  The early church remembered that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper on the night of the Passover meal (Luke 22.13-20).  Just as Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, so the Lord’s Supper celebrates deliverance from sin by Christ’s death.   –   Christians pose several different possibilities for what Christ meant when he said, “This is my body”.  (1) Some believe that the wine and bread actually become Christ’s physical [Sternum] blood and body.  (2) Others believe that the bread and wine remain unchanged, but Christ is spiritually present with the bread and wine.  (3) Still others believe that the bread and wine symbolise Christ’s body and blood.  Christians generally agree, however, that participating in the Lord’s Supper is an important element in the Christian faith and that Christ’s presence, however we understand it, strengthens us spiritually.)

(1 Cor 11.25   What is this new covenant?  In the old covenant, people could approach God [Wall] only through priests and the sacrificial system.  Jesus’ death on the cross ushered in the new covenant or agreement between God [Wall] and us.  Now all people can personally approach God [Wall] and communicate with him.  The people of Israel first entered into this agreement after their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 24), and it was designed to point to the day when Jesus Christ would come.  The new covenant completes, rather than replaces, the old covenant, fulfilling everything the old covenant looked forward to (see Jeremiah 31.31-34).  Eating the bread and drinking the cup shows that we are remembering Christ’s death for us and renewing our commitment to serve him.)

(1 Cor 11.25   Jesus said, “Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  How do we remember Christ in the Lord’s Supper?  By thinking about what he did and why he did it.  If the Lord’s Supper becomes just a ritual or a pious habit, it no longer remembers Christ, and it loses its significance.)  [ie. A Pilfer/Government’s one. Thief is from the house where it takes one to know One.]

(1 Cor 11.27ff   Paul gives specific instructions on how the Lord’s Supper should be observed.  (1) We should take the Lord’s Supper thoughtfully because we are proclaiming that Christ died for our sins (11.26).  (2) We should take it worthily, with due reverence and respect (11.27).  (3) We should examine ourselves for any unconfessed sin or resentful attitude (11.28).  We are to be properly prepared, based on our belief in and love for Christ.  (4) We should be considerate of others (11.33), waiting until everyone is there and then eating in an orderly and unified manner.)

(1 Cor 11.27-34   When Paul said that no-one should take the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner, he was speaking to the church members who were rushing into it without thinking of its meaning.  Those who did so were “guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord”.  Instead of honouring his sacrifice, they were sharing in the guilt of those who crucified Christ.  In reality, no-one is worthy to take the Lord’s Supper.  We are all sinners saved by grace.  This is why we should prepare ourselves for Communion through healthy introspection, confession of sin, and resolution of differences with others.  These actions remove the barriers that affect our relationship with Christ and with other believers. Awareness of your sin should not keep you away from Communion but should drive you to participate in.)

(1 Cor 11.29   “Without recognising the body of the Lord” means not understanding what the Lord’s Supper means and not distinguishing it from a normal meal.  Those who do so condemn themselves (see 11.27).)

(1 Cor 11.30   “Fallen asleep” is another way of describing death.  That some of the people had died may have been a special supernatural judgment on the Corinthian church.  This type of disciplinary judgment highlights the seriousness of the Communion service.  The Lord’s Supper is not to be taken lightly; this new covenant cost Jesus his life.  It is not a meaningless ritual, but a sacrament given by Christ to help strengthen our faith.)

(1 Cor 11.34   People should come to this meal desiring to fellowship with other believers and prepare for the Lord’s Supper to follow, not to fill up on a big dinner.  “If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home” means that they should eat dinner beforehand, so as to come to the fellowship meal in the right frame of mind.)

(‘ Therefore I tell you that no-one who is speaking by the Spirit of God [Wall] says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no-one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 12.3   Anyone can claim to speak for God [Wall], and the world is full of false teachers.  Paul gives us a test to help us discern whether or not a messenger is really from God [Wall]: does he or she confess Christ as Lord?  Don’t naively accept the words of all who claim to speak for God [Wall]; test their credentials by finding out what they teach about Christ.)

God’s instructions for appointing one

When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers.  Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite.  The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.”  He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray.  He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.

When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left.  Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel. – Deuteronomy 17.14-20

God was not encouraging Israel to appoint a king to rule their nation. He was actually against the idea because he was their King, and the people were to obey and follow him.  But God knew that the people would one day demand a king for selfish reasons – – they would want to be like the nations around them (1 Samuel 8).  If they insisted on having a king, he wanted to make sure they chose the right person.  That is why he included these instructions both for the people’s benefit as they chose their king and for the king himself as he sought to lead the nation according to God’s laws.

(On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no-one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people.  You must purge the evil from among you. – Deuteronomy 17.6, 7. A person was not put to death on the testimony of only one witness.  On the witness of two or three, a person could be condemned and then sentenced to death by stoning.  The condemned person was taken outside the city gates, and the witnesses were the first to throw heaven stones on him or her.  Bystanders would then pelt the dying person with stones.  This system would “purge the evil” by putting the idolater to death.  At the same time, it protected the rights of accused persons in two ways.  First, by requiring several witnesses, it prevented any angry individual from giving “false testimony”.  Second, by requiring the accusers to thrown the first stones, it made them think twice about accusing unjustly.  They were responsible to finish what they had started).

(The priests, who are Levities – indeed the whole tribe of Levi –  are to have no allotment or inheritance with Israel.  They shall live on the offerings made to the LORD by fire, for that is their inheritance.  They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as he promised them.  This is the share due to the priests from the people who sacrifice a bull or a sheep, for the LORD your God has chosen them and their descendants out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the LORD’s name always.  If a Levite moves from one of your towns anywhere in Israel where he is living, and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose, he may minister in the name of the LORD his God like all his fellow Levities who serve there in the presence of the LORD.  He is to share equally in their benefits even though he has received money from the sale of family possessions. – Deuteronomy 18.1-8. The priests and Levities served much the same function as our ministers today.  Their duty included (1) teaching the people about God, (2) setting an example of godly living, (3) caring for the sanctuary and its workers, and (4) distributing the offerings.  Because priests could not own property or pursue outside business interests.  God made special arrangements so that people would not take advantage of them.  Often churches take advantage of the men and women God has brought to lead them.  For example, ministers may not be paid in accordance with their skills or the time they put in.  Or pastors may be expected to attend every evening meeting, even if this continual absence is harmful to their families.  As you look at your own church in the light of God’s word, what ways to do you see to honour the leaders God has given you?).

Of all my sons – and the LORD has given me many – he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. – 1 Chronicles 28.5

The kingdom of Israel belonged to the Lord, not to David or anyone else. Israel’s king, then, was God’s deputy, commissioned to carry out God’s will for the nation.  Thus God could chose the person he wanted as king without following customary lines of succession.  David was not Saul’s heir, and Solomon was not David’s oldest son, but this did not matter because God appointed them.

(“So no I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants for ever. – 1 Chronicles 28.8. David told Solomon to be careful to follow every one of God’s commands to ensure Israel’s prosperity and the continuation of David’s descendants upon the throne.  It was the king’s solemn duty to study and obey God’s laws.  The teachings of Scripture are the keys to security, happiness, and justice, but you’ll never discover them unless you search God’s word.  If we ignore God’s will and neglect his teaching, anything we attempt to build, even if it has God’s name no it, will be heading for collapse.  Get to know God’s commands through regular Bible study, and find ways to apply them consistently.)

Israel’s kings failed to obey God

The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.” He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray.  He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.  – Deuteronomy 17.16-17

Israel’s king did not heed this warning, and their behaviour led to their downfall. Solomon had everything going for him, but when he became rich, built up a large army, and married many wives, his heart turned from God (1 Kings 11).  Out of Solomon’s sin came Israel’s disobedience, division, and captivity.

Guidelines for

When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left.  Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel. – Deuteronomy 17.18-20

The King was to be a man of God’s word. He was to (1) have a copy of the law made for his personal use, (2) keep it with him all the time, (3) read from it every day, and (4) obey it completely.  Through this process he would learn respect for God, keep himself from feeling more important than others, and avoid neglecting God in times of prosperity.  We can’t know what God wants except through his word, and his word won’t affect our lives unless we read and think about it regularly.  With the abundant availability of the Bible today, it is not difficult to gain access to the source of the king’s wisdom.  What is more of a challenge is following its directives.

Why Israel wanted one

So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”

But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.  As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.  Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.” – 1 Samuel 8.4-9

Israel wanted a king for several reasons: (1) Samuel’s sons were not fit to lead Israel. (2) The 12 tribes of Israel continually had problems working together because each tribe had its own leader and territory.  It was hoped that a king would unite the tribes into one nation and one army.  (3) The people wanted to be like the neighbouring nations.  This is exactly what God didn’t want.  Having a king would make it easy to forget that God was their real leader.  It was not wrong for Israel to want a king; God had mentioned the possibility in Deuteronomy 17.14-20.  Yet, in reality, the people were rejecting God as their leader.  The Israelites wanted laws, an army, and a human monarch in the place of God.  They wanted to run the nation through human strength, even though only God’s strength could make them flourish in the hostile land of Canaan.

(The people clamoured for a king, thinking that a new system of government would bring about a change in the nation. But because their basic problem was disobedience to God, their other problems would only continue under the new administration.  What they needed was a unified faith, not a uniform rule).

(Had the Israelites submitted to God’s leadership, they would have thrived beyond their expectations (Deuteronomy 28.1). Our obedience is weak if we ask God to lead our family or personal life but continue to live by the world’s standards and values.  Faith in God must touch all the practical areas of life).

But the people refused to listen to Samuel, “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.  Then we shall be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles. – 1 Samuel 8.19-20

Israel was called to be a holy nation, separate from and unique among all others (Leviticus 20:26). The Israelites’ motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them.  This was in total opposition to God’s original plan.  It was not their desire for a king that was wrong, but their reasons for wanting a king.

(Often we let others’ values and actions dictate our attitudes and behaviour. Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else?  Be careful that the values of your friends or “heroes” don’t pull you away from what God says is right.  When God’s people want to be like unbelievers, they are heading for spiritual disaster).

(Samuel carefully explained all the negative consequences of having a king, but the Israelites refused to listen. When you have an important decision to make, weigh the positives and negatives carefully, considering everyone who might be affected by your choice.  When you want something badly enough, it is difficult to see the potential problems.  But don’t discount the negatives.  Unless you have a plan to handle each one, they will cause you great difficulty later).

(Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” – 1 Samuel 9.3. Saul was sent by his father on an important mission – – to find their tray donkeys.  Donkeys were all-purpose animals, the “pickup trucks” of Bible times.  Used for transportation, hauling, and farming, they were considered necessities.  Even the poorest family owned one.  To own many donkeys was a sign of wealth, and to lose them was a disaster.  Saul’s father was wealthy, and his many donkeys were evidence of that wealth.)

(Often we think that events just happen to us, but as we learn from this story about Saul, God may use common occurrences to lead us where he wants. It is important to evaluate all situations as potential “divine appointments” designed to shape our lives.  Think of all the good and bad circumstances that have affected you lately.  Can you see God’s purpose in them?  Perhaps he is building a certain quality in you or leading you to serve him in a new area).

Why Israelite kings were anointed

Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance? – 1 Samuel 10.1

When an Israelite king took office he was not only crowned, he was anointed. The coronation was the political act of establishing the king as ruler; the anointing was the religious act of making the king God’s representative to the people.  A king was always anointed by a priest or prophet.  The special anointing oil was a mixture of olive oil, myrrh, and other expensive spices.  It was poured over the king’s head to symbolise the presence and power of the Holy Spirit of God in his life.  This anointing ceremony was to remind the king of his great responsibility to lead his people by God’s wisdom and not his own.

Israel’s true king was God

But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, ‘No, set a king over us.’  So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” – 1 Samuel 10.19

Israel’s true king was God, but the nation demanded another. Imagine wanting a human being instead of God as guide and leader!  Throughout history, men and women have rejected God, and they continue to do it today.  Are you rejecting God by pushing him aside and acknowledging someone or something else as you “king” or top priority?  Learn from these stories of Israel’s kings, and don’t push God aside.

(A prophet is someone who speaks God’s words. While God told many prophets to predict certain events, what God wanted most was for them to instruct and inspire people to live in faithfulness to God.  When Saul’s friends heard inspired words coming from Saul they exclaimed, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”  This was an expression of surprise at worldly Saul’s becoming religious.  It is equivalent to “What?  Has he got religion?”).

David anointed king

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. –   1 Samuel 16.13

David was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later (2 Samuel 2.4; 5.3). Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities.  The anointing oil poured over David’s head stood for holiness.  It was used to set people or objects apart for God’s service.  Each king and high priest of Israel was anointed with oil.  This commissioned him as God’s representative to the nation.  Although God rejected Saul’s kingship by not allowing any of his descendants to sit on Israel’s throne, Saul himself remained in his position until his death.

Judah crowns David theirs

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul –  2 Samuel 2.4

The men of Judah publicly anointed David as their king. David had been anointed king by Samuel years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13), but that ceremony had taken place in private.  This one was like inaugurating a public official who has already been elected to office.  The rest of Israel, however, didn’t accept David’s kingship for seven and a half years (2.1-11).

(David sent a message thanking the men of Jabesh Gilead who had risked their lives to bury Saul’s body (1 Samuel 31.11-13). Saul had rescued Jabesh Gilead from certain defeat when Nahash the Ammonite surrounded the city (1 Samuel 11), so these citizens showed their gratitude and kindness.  In his message, he also suggested that they follow Judah’s lead and acknowledge him as their king.  Jabesh Gilead was to the north in the land of Gilead, and David was seeking to gain support among the 10 remaining tribes who had not yet recognised him as king).

(In the course of time, David enquired of the LORD. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The LORD said, “Go up.”  David asked, “Where shall I go?”  “To Hebron,” the LORD answered. – 2 Samuel 2.1. Although David knew he would become king (1 Samuel 16.13; 23.17; 24.20), and although the time seemed right now that Saul was dead, David still asked God if he should move back to Judah, the home territory of his tribe.  Before moving ahead with what seems obvious, first bring the matter to God, who alone knows the best timing.)

(God told David to return to Hebron, where he would soon be crowned king of Judah. David made Hebron his capital because (1) it was the largest city in Judah at that time; (2) it was secure against attack; (3) it was located near the centre of Judah’s territory, an ideal location for a capital city; (4) many key trade routes converged at Hebron, making it difficult for supply lines to be cut off in wartime.)

(Ish-Bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he reigned two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.  The length of time David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. – 2 Samuel 2.10, 11. David rules over Judah for seven and a half years, while Ish-Bosheth reigned in Israel for only two years.  The five-year gap may be due to Ish-Bosheth’s not assuming the throne immediately after Saul’s death.  Because of constant danger from the Philistines in the northern part of Israel, five years may have passed before Ish-Bosheth could begin his reign.  During that time, Abner, commander of his army, probably played a principal role in driving out the Philistines and leading the northern confederacy.  Regardless of when Ish-Bosheth began to rule, his control was weak and limited.  The Philistines still dominated the area, and Ish-Bosheth was intimidated by Abner (3.11).)

Relationship to Israel’s prophets:

..he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” – 2 Samuel 7.2

This is the first time Nathan the prophet is mentioned. God made certain that a prophet was living during the reign of each of the kings of Israel.  The prophet’s main tasks were to urge the people to follow God and to communicate God’s laws and plans to the king.  Most of the kings rejected the prophets God sent.  But at least God had given them the opportunity to listen and obey.  In earlier years, judges and priests had the rule of prophets.  Samuel served as judge, priest, and prophet, bridging the gap between the period of the judges and the monarchy.

(After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, – 2 Samuel 7.1ff. This chapter records the covenant God made with David, promising to carry on David’s line for ever.  This promise would be fully realised in the birth of Jesus Christ.  Although the word covenant is not specifically stated here, it is used elsewhere to describe this occasion (23.5; Psalm 89.3, 4, 28, 34-37).)

(“Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? – 2 Samuel 7.5. In this message from Nathan, God is saying that he doesn’t want David to build a “house” for him.  Why didn’t God want David to build the temple?  God told David that his job was to unify and lead Israel and to destroy its enemies.  This huge task would require David to shed a great deal of blood.  In 1 Chronicles 28:3, we learn that God did not want his temple built by a warrior.  Therefore, David made the plans and collected the materials so that his son Solomon could begin work on the temple as soon as he became king (1 Kings 5-7).  David accepted his part in God’s plan and did not try to go beyond it.  Sometimes God says no to our plans.  When he does, we should utilise the other opportunities he gives us.)

Solomon violated God’s commands for:

Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills.  Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kuel – – the royal merchants purchased them from Kue.  They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty.  They also exported them to all the kings of the Hitties and of the Arameans.

King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter – Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.”  Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love.  He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led them astray.  –  1 Kings 10.26-11.3

In accumulating chariots and horses, a huge harem, and incredible wealth, Solomon was violating God’s commands for a king (Deuteronomy 17.14-20). Why were they prohibited?  God knew how these activities would hurt the nation both politically and spiritually (1 Samuel 8.11-18).  The more luxurious Solomon’s court became, the more the people were taxed.  Excessive taxation created unrest, and soon conditions became ripe for a revolution.  With everything he wanted, Solomon forgot God and allowed pagan influences to enter his court through his pagan wives, thus accelerating the spiritual corruption of the nation.

(Although Solomon had clear instructions from God not to marry women from foreign nations, he chose to disregard God’s commands.  He married not one, but many foreign women, who subsequently led him away from God.  God knows our strengths and weaknesses, and his commands are always for our good.  When people ignore God’s commands, negative consequences inevitably result.  It is not enough to know God’s word or even to believe it; we must follow it and apply it to our daily activities and decisions.  Take God’s commands seriously.  Like Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, we are not as strong as we may think).

(For all his wisdom, Solomon had some weak spots. He could not say no to compromise or to lustful desires.  Whether he married to strengthen political alliances or to gain personal pleasure, these foreign wives led him into idolatry.  You may have strong faith, but you also have weak spots – and that is where temptation usually strikes.  Strengthen and protect your weaker areas because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.  If Solomon, the wisest man, could fall, so can you).

(King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. – 1 Kings 10.23. Why does the Bible place so much emphasis on Solomon’s material possessions?  In the Old Testament, riches were considered tangible evidence of God’s blessing.  Prosperity was seen as a proof of right living.  In the books of Ecclesiastes and Job this concept is placed in a broader perspective.  In ideal conditions, people prosper when God runs their lives, but prosperity is not guaranteed.  Wealth does not prove that a person is living rightly before God, and poverty does not indicate sin.)

(In fact, a greater evidence that a person is living for God is the presence of suffering and persecution (Mark 10.29-31; 13.13). The most important “treasure” is not earthly, but heavenly (Matthew 6.19-21; 19.21; 1 Timothy 6.17-19).  The gift of greatest worth has no price tag – it is the gift of salvation freely offered by God.)

(As Solomon devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. – 1 Kings 11.4. Solomon handled great pressures in running the government, but he could not handle the pressure from his wives who wanted him to worship their gods.  In marriage and close friendships, it is difficult to resist pressure to compromise.  Our love leads us to identify with the desires of those we care about.)

(Faced with such pressure, Solomon at first resisted it, maintaining pure faith.  Then he tolerated a more widespread practice of idolatry.  Finally he became involved in idolatrous worship, rationalising away the potential danger to himself and to the kingdom.  It is because we want to please and identify with our loved ones that God asks us not to marry those who do not share our commitment to him).

Why evil kings hated God’s prophets

Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.” –  1 Kings 18.19

Ahab brought 850 pagan prophets to Mount Carmel to match wits and power with Elijah. Evil kings hated God’s prophets because they spoke against sin and idolatry and undermined their control over the people.  With the wicked kings’ backing, many pagan prophets sprang up to counter the words of God’s prophets.  But Elijah showed the people that speaking a prophecy wasn’t enough.  One needed the power of a living God to fulfil it.

(“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have.  You have abandoned the LORD’s commandments and have followed the Baals. – 1 Kings 18.18. Instead of worshipping the true God, Ahab and his wife Jezebel worshipped Baal, the most popular Canaanite god.  Baal idols were often made in the shape of a bull, representing strength and fertility and reflecting lust for power and sexual pleasure).

(Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” – 1 Kings 18.21. Elijah challenged the people to take a stand – to follow whoever was the true God.  Why did so many people waver between the two choices?  Perhaps some were not sure.  Many, however, knew that the Lord was God, but they enjoyed the sinful pleasures and other benefits that came with following Ahab in his idolatrous worship.  It is important to take a stand for the Lord.  If we just drift along with whatever is pleasant and easy, we will someday discover that we have been worshipping a false god – ourselves).

Co-regencies

“ Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned for twelve years. –  2 Kings 3.1

Although 1:17 says that Jehoram was king of Judah, 3:1 says that Jehoshaphat was Judah’s king. As a king grew older, it was common for his son to rule beside him.  Jehoshaphat, nearing the end of his reign, appointed his son Jehoram to rule with him.  Jehoram served as co-ruler with Jehoshaphat for five years (853-848 B.C.; he is mentioned again in 8.16-24).  Joram, king of Israel, was Ahab’s son and Ahaziah’s brother (1.17).  Both Ahab (1 Kings 16.29-22.40) and Ahaziah (1.2-18) served as kings of Israel before Joram.

(“ From there Elisha went up to Bethel.  As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him.  “Go on up, you baldhead!” they said.  “Go on up, you baldhead!”  He turned round, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD.  Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.  –  2 Kings 2.23-24  These young men jeered at God’s messenger and paid for it with their lives.  Making fun of religious leaders has been a popular sport through the ages.  To take a stand for God is to be different from the world and vulnerable to verbal abuse.  When we are cynical and sarcastic towards religious leaders, we are in danger of mocking not just the person, but also the spiritual message.  While we are not to condone the sin that some leaders commit, we need to pray for them, not laugh at them.  True leaders, those who follow God, need to be heard with respect and encouraged in their ministry).

(Nevertheless he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them. – 2 Kings 3.3 The sins of Israel’s kings are often compared to “the sins of Jeroboam”, the first ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel.  His great sin was to institute idol worship throughout his kingdom, causing people to turn away from God (1 Kings 12.25-33).  By ignoring God and allowing idol worship, Joram clung to Jeroboam’s sins).

The LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house. Jotham the king’s son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.  –  2 Kings 15.5

For 10 years Jotham was the co-ruler with his father. Azariah.  A father and son would rule together for any of the following reasons: (1) the father was very old and needed help; (2) the father wanted to train his son in leading the nation; (3) the father was sick or exiled.  There were many co-regents during the period of the kings –  Asa/Jehoshaphat; Jehoshaphat/Jehoram; Azariah/Jotham; Jehoash/Jeroboam II; Hezekiah/Manasseh.

Few priests had the courage to confront him:

In the seventh year Jehoiada showed his strength. He made a covenant with the commanders of units of a hundred; Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zicri.  –  2 Chronicles 23.1

After seven years of rule by Athaliah, the queen mother, Jehoiada the priest finally got up his courage and took action to get rid of the idolatrous ruler. To confront the king (or queen) with the demands of God’s law was supposed to be the role of every priest in every generation.  Tragically, many priests shield away from the duty, and thus only a few made a difference in the nation.

(Although it could have cost him his life, this priest did what was right, restoring the temple worship and anointing the new king. There are times when we must correct a wrong or speak out for what is right.  When such a situation arises, gather up your courage and act).

(“ When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and cheering the king, she went to them at the temple of the LORD. She looked, and there was the king, standing by his pillar at the entrance.  The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, and singers with musical instruments were leading the praises.  Then Athaliah tore her robes and shouted, “Treason!  Treason!”  Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of units of  a hundred, who were in charge of the troops, and said to them: “Bring her out between the ranks and put to the sword anyone who follows her.”  For the priest had said, “Do not put her to death at the temple of the LORD.”  So they seized her as she reached the entrance of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds, and there they put her to death.  – 2 Chronicles 23.12-15 Athaliah thought she had it made.  After assuming the throne, she killed all potential heirs to it – so she thought.  But even the best plans for evil go sour.  When the truth was revealed, she was overthrown immediately.  It is much safer to live according to the truth, even if it means not obtaining everything you want).

What Jesus came to be king of

“   When Herod realised that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.  –  Matthew 2.16

Herod [“did it”] was afraid that this newborn king would one day take his throne.  He completely misunderstood the reason for Christ’s coming.  Jesus didn’t want Herod’s throne; he wanted to be king of Herod’s life.  Jesus wanted to give Herod eternal life, not take away his present life.  Today people are often afraid that Christ wants to take things away when, in reality, he wants to give them real freedom, peace, and joy.  Don’t fear Christ – give him the throne of your life.

(Herod, the king of Jews, killed all the boys under two years of age in an obsessive attempt to kill Jesus, the newborn king. He stained his hands with blood, but he did not harm Jesus.  Herod was king by a human appointment; Jesus was King by a divine appointment.  No-one can thwart God’s plans).

(“ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2.14-15 Going to Egypt was not unusual because there were colonies of Jews in several major Egyptian cities.  These colonies had developed during the time of the great captivity (see Jeremiah 43; 44).  There is an interesting parallel between this flight to Egypt and Israel’s history.  As an infant nation, Israel went to Egypt, just as Jesus did as a child.  God led Israel out (Hosea 11.1); God brought Jesus back.  Both events show God’s plans).

Matthew shows Jesus as

“ When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.  This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“He took up our infirmities

and carried our diseases.” –  Matthew 8.16-17

Matthew continues to show Jesus kingly nature. Through a single touch, Jesus healed (8.3, 15), when he spoke a single word, evil spirits fled his presence (8:16).  Jesus had authority over all evil powers and all earthly disease.  He also has power and authority to conquer sin.  Sickness and evil are consequences of living in a fallen world.  But in the future, when God removes all sin, there will be no more sickness and death.  Jesus’ healing miracles were a taste of what the whole world will one day experience in God’s kingdom.

(When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.  Matthew 8.14-15  Peter’s mother-in-law gives us a beautiful example to follow.  Her response to Jesus’ touch was to wait on Jesus and his disciples – immediately.  Has God ever helped you through a dangerous or difficult situation?  If so, you should ask, “How can I express my gratitude to him?”  Because God has promised us all the rewards of his kingdom, we should look for ways to serve him and his followers now).

(When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”  Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”  – Matthew 8.19-20 Following Jesus is not always easy or comfortable.  Often it means great cost and sacrifice, with no earthly rewards or security.  Jesus didn’t have a place to call home.  You may find that following Christ costs you popularity, friendships, leisure time, or treasured habits.  But while the cost of following Christ is high, the value of being Christ’s disciple is even higher.  Discipleship is an investment that lasts for eternity and yields incredible rewards).

Jews expected Jesus to be military king

“   This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen,

the one I love, in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him,

and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

He will not quarrel or cry out;

no-one will hear his voice in the streets.

A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out,

till he leads justice to victory.

In his name the nations will put their hope.” –  Matthew 12.17-21

The people expected the Messiah to be a king. This quotation from Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 42.1-4) showed that the Messiah was indeed a king, but it illustrated what kind of king –  a quiet, gentle ruler who brings justice to the nations.  Like the crowd in Jesus’ day, we may want Christ to rule as a king and bring great and visible victories in our lives.  But often Christ’s work is quiet, and it happens according to his perfect timing, not ours.

( warning them not to tell who he was.  – Mathew 12.16 Jesus did not want those he healed to tell others about his miracles because he didn’t want the people coming to him for the wrong reasons.  That would hinder his teaching ministry and arouse false hopes about an earthly kingdom.  But the news of Jesus’ miracles spread, and many came to see for themselves (see Mark 3.7, 8)).

(But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” – Matthew 12.24 The Pharisees had already accused Jesus of being in league with the prince of demons (9.34).  They were trying to discredit him by using an emotional argument.  Refusing to believe that Jesus came from God, they said he was in league with Satan [drunkard].  Jesus easily exposed the foolishness of their argument).

Jesus emphasizes his kingly role

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

“Yes, he does,” he replied.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think Simon?” he asked.  “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own sons or from others?”

“From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.  “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line.  Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin.  Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”  –  Matthew 17.24-27

As usual, Peter answered a question without really knowing the answer, putting Jesus and the disciples in an awkward position. Jesus used this situation, however, to emphasise his kingly role.  Just as kings pay no taxes and collect none from their family, Jesus, the king, owed no taxes.  But Jesus supplied the tax payment for both himself and Peter rather than offend those who didn’t understand his kingship.  Although Jesus supplied the tax money, Peter had to go and get it.  Ultimately all that we have comes to us from God’s supply, but he may want us to be active in the process.

(As God’s people, we are foreigners on earth because our loyalty is always to our real King –  Jesus.  Still, we have to co-operate with the authorities and be responsible citizens.  An ambassador to another country keeps the local laws in order to represent well the one who sent him.  We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5.20).  Are you being a good foreign ambassador for him to this world?).

Pilate asked Jesus about his kingly aspirations

“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” –  John 18.34

If Pilate was asking this question in his role as the Roman governor, he would have been inquiring whether Jesus was setting up a rebel government.  But the Jews were using the word king to mean their religious ruler, the Messiah.  Israel was a captive nation, under the authority of the Roman empire.  A rival king might have threatened Rome; a Messiah could have been a purely religious leader.

(This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.  – John 18.32 This prediction is recorded in Matthew 20:19.  Crucifixion was a common method of execution for criminals who were not Roman citizens).

(Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews.  But now my kingdom is from another place.”  “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.  In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”  – John 18.36-37  Pilate asked Jesus a straightforward question, and Jesus answered clearly.  Jesus is a king, but one whose kingdom is not of this world.  There seems to have been no question in Pilate’s mind that Jesus spoke the truth and was innocent of any crime.  It also seems apparent that while recognising the truth, Pilate chose to reject it.  It is a tragedy when we fail to recognise the truth.  It is a greater tragedy when we recognise the truth but fail to heed it).

Make Jesus king of your life:

“   and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.  –  Matthew 28.20

The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus’ credentials for being King of the world – not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and rule in the heart of every person.  If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the kingdom.  We must make Jesus King of our lives and worship him as our Saviour, King, and Lord.

(How is Jesus with us?  Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven, and then spiritually through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1.4).  The Holy Spirit would be Jesus’ presence that would never lead them (John 14.26).  Jesus continues to be with us today through his Spirit).

(Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit – Matthew 28.19 Jesus’ words affirm the reality of the Trinity.  Some people accuse theologians of making up the concept of the Trinity and reading it into Scripture.  As we see here, the concept comes directly from Jesus himself.  He did not say baptise them into the names, but into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The word Trinity does not occur in Scripture, but it well describes the three-in-one nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

(The disciples were to baptise people because baptism unites a believer with Jesus Christ in his or her death to sin and resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolises submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way, and identification with God’s covenant people).

Revelation shows Jesus as

“ and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Look, he is coming with the clouds,

and every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him;

and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.

So shall it be! Amen.  –  Revelation 1.5-7

Jesus is portrayed as an all-powerful King, victorious in battle, glorious in peace. He is not just a humble earthly teacher, he is the glorious God.  When you read John’s description of the vision, keep in mind that his words are not just good advice; they are truth from the King of kings.  Don’t just read his words for their interesting and amazing portrayal of the future.  Let the truth about Christ penetrate your life, deepen your faith in him, and strengthen your commitment to follow him no matter what the cost.

(1.5 Others had risen from the dead [film] – people whom the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles had brought back to life during their ministries – but later those people died again.  Jesus was the first who rose from the dead in an imperishable body (1 Corinthians 15.20), never to die again.  He is the firstborn from the dead).

(1.5, 6 Many hesitate to witness about their faith in Christ because they don’t feel the change in their lives has been spectacular enough.  But you qualify as a witness for Jesus because of what he has done for you, not because of what you have done for him.  Christ demonstrated his great love by setting us free from our sins through his death on the cross (“freed us from our sins by his blood”), guaranteeing us a place in his kingdom, and making us priests to administer God’s love to others.  The fact that the all-powerful God has offered eternal life to you is nothing short of spectacular).

(1.7 John is announcing the return of Jesus to earth (see also Matthew 24; Mark 13; 1 Thessalonians 4.15-18).  Jesus’ second coming will be visible and victorious.  All people will see him arrive (Mark 13.26), and they will know it is Jesus.  When he comes, he will conquer evil and judge all people according to their deeds (20.11-15)).

(“Those who pierced him” could refer to the Roman soldiers who pierced Jesus’ side as he hung on the cross or to the Jews who were responsible for his death. John saw Jesus’ death with his own eyes, and he never forgot the horror of it (see John 19.34, 35; see also Zechariah 12.10)).

Wedgie.

Paul & Barnabas begin first journey:

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”   So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. –  Acts 13.2-3

This was the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey.   The church was involved in sending Paul and Barnabas, but it was God’s plan.   Why did Paul and Barnabas go where they did?   (1) The Holy Spirit led them.   (2) They followed the communication routes of the Roman empire – this made travel easier.   (3) They visited key population and cultural centres to reach as many people as possible.   (4) They went to cities with synagogues, speaking first to the Jews in hopes that they would see Jesus as the Messiah and help spread the Good News to everyone.

(13.2-3 The church set apart Barnabas and Saul to the work God had for them.  To set apart means to dedicate for a special purpose.  We too should dedicate our pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers for their tasks.  We can also dedicate ourselves to use our time, money, and talents for God’s work.  As God what he wants you to set apart for him).

(“ In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. – Acts 13.1 What variety is in the church!  The common thread among these five men was their deep [U.N.] faith in Christ.  We must never exclude anyone whom Christ has called to follow him).

(“ The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.  – Acts 13.4 Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Cyprus, with a large population, was Barnabas’ home.  Their first stop was in familiar territory).

Paul & Silas begin second journey:

…but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. – Acts 15.40

Paul’s second missionary journey, this time with Silas as his partner, began approximately three years after his first one ended.   The two visited many of the cities covered on Paul’s first journey, plus others.   This journey laid the groundwork for the church in Greece.

(15.40 Silas had been involved in the Jerusalem council and was one of the two men chosen to represent the Jerusalem church by taking the letter and decision back to Antioch (15.22).  Paul, from the Antioch church, chose Silas, from the Jerusalem church, and they travelled together to many cities to spread the Good News.  This teamwork demonstrated the church’s unity after the decision at the Jerusalem council).

(“ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”  Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in work.  They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.  Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus  – Acts 15.36-39 Paul and Barnabas disagreed sharply over Mark.  Paul didn’t want to take him along because he had left them earlier (13.13).  This disagreement caused the two great preachers to form two teams, opening up two missionary endeavours instead of one.  God works even through conflict and disagreements.  Later, Mark became vital to Paul’s ministry (Colossians 4.10).  Christians do not always agree, but problems can be solved by agreeing to disagree and letting God work his will).

(“” He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father wa a Greek. – Acts 16.1 Timothy is the first second-generation Christian mentioned in the New Testament.  His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1.5), had become believers and had faithfully influenced him for the Lord.  Although Timothy’s father was apparently not a Christian, the faithfulness of Timothy’s mother and grand-mother prevailed.  Never underestimate the far-reaching consequences of raising one small child to love the Lord.)

Paul begins his third journey:

When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. – Acts 18.22

This verse marks the end of Paul’s second missionary journey and the beginning of the third, which lasted from A.D. 53-57.   Leaving the church at Antioch (his home base), Paul headed towards Ephesus, but along the way he revisited the churches in Galatia and Phrygia (18.23).   The heart of this trip was a lengthy stay (two to three years) in Ephesus.   Before returning to Jerusalem, he also visited believers in Macedonia and Greece.

(“ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.  Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.  – Acts 18.18 This vow Paul took was probably a temporary Nazirite vow that ended with shaving of the head and offering the hair as a sacrifice (Numbers 6.18)).

(“ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.  He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervour and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.  When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.  – Acts 18.24-26 Apollos had heard only what John the Baptist had said about Jesus (see Luke 3.1-18), so his message was not the complete story.  John focused on repentance from sin, the first step.  But the whole message is to repent from sin and then believe in Christ.  Apollos did not know about Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and resurrection.  Nor did he know about the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Priscilla and Aquila explained the way of salvation to him).

Tradition says Paul took fourth journey:

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. – Acts 28.30

Tradition [movie] says that Paul was released after two years of house arrest in Rome and then set on a fourth missionary journey.   Some reasons for this tradition are as follows: (1) Luke does not give us an account of his trial before Caesar, and Luke was a detailed chronicler; (2) the prosecution had two years to bring the case to trial, and time may have run out; (3) in his letter to the Philippians, written during his imprisonment in Rome, Paul implied that he would soon be released and would do further travelling; (4) Paul mentions several places where he intended to take the gospel, but he never visited those places in his first three journeys; and (5) early Christians literature talks plainly about other travels by Paul.

It may be that during Paul’s time of freedom, he continued to travel extensively, even going to Spain (see Romans 15.24, 28) and back to the churches in Greece.   The books of 1 Timothy and Titus were written during this time.   Later, Paul was imprisoned again, probably in Rome, where he wrote his last letter (2 Timothy).

(While Paul was under house arrest, he did more than speak to the Jews. He wrote letters, commonly called his Prison Letters, to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians.  He also wrote personal letters, such as the one to Philemon.  Luke was with Paul in Rome (2 Timothy 4.11). Timothy often visited him (Philippians 1.1; Colossians 1.1; Philemon 1), as did Tychicus (Ephesians 6.21), Epaphroditus (Philippians 4.18), and Mark (Colossians 4.10).  Paul witnessed to the whole Roman guard (Philippians 1.13) and was involved with the Roman believers).

(“ They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.  – Acts 28.23 Paul used the Old Testament to teach the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfilment of God’s promises.  The book of Romans, written ten years earlier, reveals the ongoing dialogue that Paul had with the Jews in Rome.)

(“ Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.  –  Acts 28.31  Why does the book of Acts end here and so abruptly?  The book is not about the life of Paul, but about the spread of the gospel, and that has been clearly presented.  God apparel thought it was not necessary for someone to write an additional book describing the continuing history of the early church.  Now that the gospel had been preached and established at the centre of trade and government, it would spread across the world).

(Acts 28.31 The book of Acts deals with the history of the Christian church and its expansion in ever-widening circles touching Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, and Rome – the most influential cities in the Western World.  Acts also shows the might miracles and testimonies of the heroes and martyrs of the early church – Peter, Stephen, James, Paul.  All the ministry was prompted and held together by the Holy Spirit working in the lives of ordinary people – merchants, travellers, slaves, jailers, church leaders, males, females, Gentiles, Jews, rich, poor.  Many unsung heroes of the faith continued the work, through the Holy Spirit, in succeeding generations, changing the world with a changeless message – that Jesus Christ is Saviour and Lord for all who call on him.  Today we can be the unsung heroes in the continuing story of the spread of the gospel.  It is that same message that we Christians are to take to our world so that many more may hear and believe).

Why do we need them?

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. –  Romans 1.18-20

Some people wonder why we need missionaries if people can know about God through nature (the creation).   The answer: (1) Although people know that God exists, they suppress that truth by their wickedness and thus refuse a relationship with him.   Missionaries sensitively expose their error and point them to a new beginning.   (2) Although people may believe there is a God, they refuse to commit themselves to him.   Missionaries help persuade them, both through loving words and caring actions.   (3) Missionaries convince people who reject God of the dangerous consequences of their actions.   (4) Missionaries help the church obey the Great Commission of our Lord (Matthew 28.19, 20).   (5) Most important, though nature reveals God, people need to be told about Jesus and how, through him, they can have a personal relationship with God.

Knowing that God exists is not enough.   People must learn that God is loving.   They must understand what he did to demonstrate his love for us (5.8).   They must be shown how to accept God’s forgiveness of their sins.   (See also 10.14, 15.)

(1.18-20  Does anyone have an excuse for not believing in God?  The Bible answers an emphatic no.  God has revealed what he is like in and through his creation.  Every person, therefore, either accepts or rejects God.  Don’t be fooled.  When the day comes for God to judge your response to him, no excuse will be accepted.  Begin today to give your devotion and worship to him).

(1.18-20 In these serves, Paul answers a common objection: How could a loving God send anyone to hell, especially someone who has never heard about Christ?  In fact, says Paul, God has revealed himself plainly in the creation to all people.  And yet people reject even this basic knowledge of God.  Also, everyone has an inner sense of what God requires, but they choose not to live up to it.  Put another way, people’s moral standards are always better than their behaviour.  If people suppress God’s truth in order to live their own way, they have no excuse.  They know the truth, and they will have to endure the consequences of ignoring it).

(1.18 Why is God angry at sinful people?  Because they have substituted the truth about him with a fantasy of their own imagination (1.25).  They have stifled the truth God naturally reveals to all people in order to believe anything that supports their own self-centred lifestyles.  God cannot tolerate sin because his nature is morally perfect.  He cannot ignore or condone such wilful rebellion.  God wants to remove the sin and restore the sinner – and he is able to, as long as the sinner does not stubbornly distort or reject the truth.  But his anger erupts against those who persist in sinning.  Make sure you are not pursuing a fantasy rather than the true God.  Don’s suppress the truth about him merely to protect your own life-style).

(1.18ff Romans 1.18-3:20 develops Paul’s argument that no-one can claim by their own efforts or merit to be good in God’s sight – not the masses, not the Romans, not even the Jews.  All people everywhere deserve God’s condemnation for their sin.)

(“   For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”  – Romans 1.17 The gospel shows us both how righteous God is in his plan for us to be saved, and also how we may be made fit for eternal life.  By trusting Christ, our relationship with God is made right.  “From first to last” God declares us to be righteous because of faith and faith alone.)

(Romans 1:17 Paul is quoting Habakkuk 2:4.  Habakkuk may have understood “will live” to mean this present life only.  But Paul extends this statement to include eternal life.  As we trust God, we are saved; we find life both now and forever.)

(“ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. – Romans 1.20 What kind of God does nature reveal?  Nature shows us a God of might, intelligence, and intricate detail; a God of order and beauty; a God who controls powerful forces.  That is general revelation.  Through special revelation (the Bible and the coming of Jesus), we learn about God’s love and forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.  God has graciously given us both sources that we might fully believe in him).

(1.20 God reveals his divine nature and personal qualities through creation, even though creation’s testimony has been distorted by the fall.  Adam’s sin resulted in a divine curse upon the whole natural order (Genesis 3.17-19); thorns and thistles were an immediate result, and natural disasters have been common for Adam’s day to ours.  In Romans 8.19-21, Paul says that nature itself is eagerly awaiting its own redemption from the effects of sin (see Revelation 22.3).)

(For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. – Romans 1.21-23   How could intelligent people turn to idolatry?   Idolatry begins when people reject what they know about God.   Instead of looking to him as the Creator and sustainer of life, they see themselves as the centre of the universe.   They soon invent “gods” that are convenient projections of their own selfish plans and decrees.   These gods may be wooden figures, but they may also be goals or things we pursue such as money, power, or comfort.   They may even be misrepresentations of God himself – making God in our image, instead of the reverse.   The common denominator is this – idolaters worship the things God made rather than God himself.   Is there anything you feel you can’t live without?   Is there any priority greater than God?   Do you have a dream you would sacrifice everything to realise?   Does God take first place?   Do you worship God or idols of your own making?).

(Paul clearly portrays the inevitable downward spiral into sin.   First, people reject God; next, they make up their own ideas of what a god should be and do; then they fall into sin – sexual sin, greed, hatred, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip.   Finally, they grow to hate God and encourage others to do so.   God does not cause this study progression towards evil.   Rather, when people reject him, he allows them to live as they choose.   God gives them over or permits them to experience the natural consequences of their sin.   Once caught in the downward spiral, no-one can pull himself or herself out.   Sinners must trust Christ alone to put them on the path of escape).

(1.23 When Paul says that men exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of birds, animals, and reptiles, he seems to deliberately state man’s wickedness in the terms used in the Genesis narrative of Adam’s fall (see Genesis 1.20-26).   When we worship the create instead of the Creator, we lose sight of our own identity as those who are higher than the animals – made in the image of God.)