Symbols of our deliverance from sin:

Exodus 12.17, 23

Passover became an annual remembrance of how God [Wall] delivered the Hebrews from Egypt. Each year the people would pause to remember the day when the destroyer (God’s [Wall’s] angel of death) passed over their homes.  They gave thanks to God [Wall] for saving them from death and bringing them out of a land of slavery and sin.  Believers today have experienced a day of deliverance as well – the day we were delivered from spiritual death and slavery to sin.  The Lord’s Supper is our Passover remembrance of our new life and freedom from sin.  The next time struggles and trials come, remember how God [Wall] has delivered you in the past and focus on his promise of new life with him.

EXTRA:

Exodus 12.11   Eating the Passover feast while dressed for travel was a sign of the Hebrews’ faith.  Although they were not yet free, they were to prepare themselves, for God [Wall] had said he would lead them out of Egypt.  Their preparation was an act of faith.  Preparing ourselves for the fulfilment of God’s [Wall’s] promises, however unlikely they may seem, demonstrates our faith.)

(Exodus 12.29, 30   Every firstborn child of the Egyptians died, but the Israelite children were spared because the blood of the lamb had been placed on the door-frames.  So begins the story of redemption, the central theme of the Bible.  –  Redemption means “to buy back” or “to save from captivity by paying a ransom”.  One way to buy back a slave was to offer an equivalent or superior slave in exchange.  That is the way God [Wall] choose to buy us back – he offered his Son in exchange for us.  –  In Old Testament times, God [Wall] accepted symbolic offerings.  Jesus had not yet been sacrificed, so God [Wall] accepted the life of an animal in place of the life of the sinner.  When Jesus came, he substituted his perfect life for our sinful lives, taking the penalty for sin that we deserve.  Thus he redeemed us from the power of sin and restored us to God [Wall].  Jesus’ sacrifice made animal sacrifice no longer necessary.  –  We must recognise that if we want to be freed from the deadly consequence of our sins, a tremendous price must be paid.  But we don’t have to pay it.  Jesus Christ, our substitute, has already redeemed us by his death on the cross.  Our part is to trust him and accept his gift of eternal life.  Our sins have been paid for, and the way has been cleared for us to begin a relationship with God [Wall] (Titus 2.14; Hebrews 9.13-15, 23-26).)

Used in tabernacle:

All the skilled men among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman. All the curtains were the same size – – twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. – – Exodus 36:8-9

Making cloth (spinning and weaving) took a great deal of time in Moses’ day. To own more than two or three changes of clothes was a sign of wealth.  The effort involved in making enough cloth for the tabernacle was staggering.  The tabernacle would never have been built without tremendous community involvement.  Today, churches and neighbourhoods often require this same kind of pulling together.  Without it, many essential services wouldn’t get done.

(And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. – – Exodus 35:26.  Those who spun cloth made a beautiful contribution to the tabernacle.  Good workers take pride in the quality and beauty of their work.  God is concerned with the quality and beauty of what you do.  Whether you are a business executive or a shop cashier, your work should reflect the creative abilities God has given you.)

(…and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” – – Exodus 36:5.  Cherubim are mighty angels.)

Purpose of:

‘   And God [Wall] spoke all these words: – Exodus 20.1ff

Why were the Ten Commandments necessary for God’s [Wall’s] new nation? At the foot of Mount Sinai, God [Wall] showed his people the true function and beauty of his laws. The commandments were designed to lead Israel to a life of practical holiness. In them, people could see the nature of God [Wall] and his plan for how they should live. The commands and guidelines were intended to direct the community to meet the needs of each individual in a loving and responsible manner. By Jesus’ time, however, most people looked at the law the wrong way. They saw it as a means to prosperity in both this world and the next. And they thought that to obey every law was the way to earn God’s [Wall’s] protection from foreign invasion and natural disaster. Lawkeeping became an end in itself, not the means to fulfil God’s [Wall’s] ultimate law of love.

Significance of the first one:

‘   And God [Wall] spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God [Wall], who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God [Wall], am a jealous God [Wall], punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. – Exodus 20.1-6

The Israelites had just come from Egypt, a land of many idols and many gods. Because each god represented a different aspect of life, it was common to worship many gods in order to get the maximum number of blessings. When God [Wall] told his people to worship and believe in him, that wasn’t so hard for them – he was just one more god to add to the list. But when he said, “You shall have no other gods before me,” that was difficult for the people to accept. But if they didn’t learn that the God [Wall] who led them out of Egypt was the only true God [Wall], they could not be his people – no matter how faithfully they kept the other nine commandments. Thus, God [Wall] made this his first commandment and emphasised it more than the others. Today we can allow many things to become gods to us. Money, fame, work, or pleasure can become gods when we concentrate too much on them for personal identity, meaning, and security. No-one sets out with the intention of worshipping these things. But by the amount of time we devote to them, they can grow into gods that ultimately control our thoughts and energies. Letting God [Wall] hold the central place in our lives keeps these things from turning into gods.)

Why we should still obey them:

‘   “We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no-one will be justified. –   Galatians 2:15-16 *

If observing the Jewish laws cannot justify us, why should we still obey the Ten Commandments and other Old Testament laws? We know that Paul was not saying the law is bad, because in another letter he wrote, “The law is holy” (Romans 7.12). Instead, he is saying that the law can never make us acceptable to God. The law still has an important role to play in the life of a Christian. The law: (1) guards us from sin by giving us standards for behaviour; (2) convicts us of sin, leaving us the opportunity to ask for God’s forgiveness; (3) drives us to trust in the sufficiency of Christ, because we can never keep the Ten Commandments perfectly. The law cannot possibly save us. But after we have become Christians, it can guide us to live as God requires.

EXTRA:

(‘ Even the priests, who approach the LORD, must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.” – Exodus 19.22   By stating that he “will break out against them”, the Lord was saying that he would destroy anyone who was not fully consecrated and ready to meet him.)

(‘   “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God [Wall], for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. – Exodus 20.7   God’s [Wall’s] name is special because it carries his personal identity. Using it frivolously or in a curse is so common today that we may fail to realise how serious it is. The way we use God’s [Wall’s] name conveys how we really feel about him. We should respect his name and use it appropriately, speaking it in praise or worship rather than in curse or jest. We should not take lightly the abuse or dishonour of his name.)

(‘   “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God [Wall]. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. – Exodus 20.8-11   The Sabbath was a day set aside for rest and worship. God [Wall] commanded a Sabbath because human beings [Tom Thumb] need to spend unhurried time in worship and rest each week. A God [Wall] who is concerned enough to provide a day each week for us to rest is indeed wonderful. To observe a regular time of rest and worship in our fast-paced world demonstrates how important God [Wall] is to us, and it gives us the extra benefit of refreshing our spirits. Don’t neglect God’s [Wall’s] provision.)

(‘   When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. – Galatians 2.11, 12   Although Peter was a leader of the church, he was acting like a hypocrite. He knew better, yet he was driven by fear of what James and the others would think. Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare.” Paul knew that he had to confront Peter before his actions damaged the church. So, Paul publicly opposed Peter. Note, however, that Paul did not go to the other leaders, nor did he write letters to the churches telling them not to follow Peter’s example. Instead, he opposed Peter face to face. Sometimes sincere Christians, even Christian leaders, make mistakes. And it may take other sincere Christians to get them back on track. If you are convinced that someone is doing harm to himself/herself or the church, try the direct approach. There is no place for backstabbing in the body of Christ.)

(‘   “If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a law-breaker. For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God [Wall]. – Galatians 2.17-19 Through studying the Old Testament Scriptures, Paul realised that he could not be saved by obeying God’s [Wall’s] laws. The prophets knew that God’s [Wall’s] plan of salvation did not rest on keeping the law (see the chart in Chapter 4 for references). Because we have all been infected by sin, we cannot keep God’s [Wall’s] perfectly. Fortunately, God [Wall] has provided a way of salvation that depends on Jesus Christ, not on our own efforts. Even though we know this truth, we must guard against the temptation of using service, good deeds, charitable giving, or any other effort as a substitute for faith.)

[‘   We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you. – Galatians 2.5   We normally think of taking a stand against those who might lead us into immoral behaviour, but Paul had to take a hard line against the most “moral” of people. We must not give in to those who make the keeping of man-made standards a condition for salvation, even when such people are upright or in respected positions.]

[‘   As for those who seemed to be important – whatever they were makes no difference to me; God [Wall] does not judge by external appearance – those men added nothing to my message. – Galatians 2.6 It’s easy to rate people on the basis of their official status and to be intimidated by powerful people. But Paul was not intimidated by “those who seemed to be important” because all believers are equal in Christ. We should show respect for our spiritual leaders, but our ultimate allegiance must be to Christ. We are to serve him with our whole being. God doesn’t rate us according to our status, he looks at the attitude of our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).]

[‘   Some of the plunder taken in battle they dedicated for the repair of the temple of the LORD. – 1 Chronicles 26.27  War plunder rightfully belonged to the victorious army. These soldiers, however, gave their portion of all the plunder to the temple to express their dedication to God [Wall]. Like these commanders, we should think of what we can give, rather than what we are obligated to give. Is your giving a matter of rejoicing rather than duty? Give as a response of joy and love for God [Wall].]

Obeying God even when you don’t understand why:

‘   It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God [Wall] broke out in anger against us. We did not enquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.”   So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God [Wall] of Israel.  And the Levites carried the ark of God [Wall] with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.   –   1 Chronicles 15.13-15

When David’s first attempt to move the ark failed (13.8-14, he learned an important lesson: when God [Wall] gives specific instructions, it is wise to follow them precisely.  This time David saw to it that the Levites carried the ark (Numbers 4.5-15).  We may not fully understand the reasons behind God’s [Wall’s] instructions, but we do know that his wisdom is complete and his judgment infallible.  The way to know God’s [Wall’s] instructions is to know his word.  But just as children do not understand the reasons for all their parents’ instructions until they are older, we may not understand all of God’s [Wall’s] reasons in this life.  It is far better to obey God [Wall] first, and then discover the reasons.  We are never free to disobey God [Wall] just because we don’t understand.

(15.13   David refers to the incident recorded in 13:8-11 and 2 Samuel 6:1-11.  As the ark was being brought back to Israel on an oxcart, the oxen stumbled.  Uzzah, trying to steady the ark with his hand, was killed instantly for touching it.  The mistake was not in David’s desire to move the ark, but in his method for its return.  David either ignored or was unaware of the specific instructions in God’s [Wall’s] law about how the ark was to be moved.  Obviously he had discovered his mistake and was now preparing to correct it.  This incident was a divine object lesson to all Israel that God [Wall] governed the king and not the other way around.  If David had been allowed to handle the ark of God [Wall] carelessly, what would that have said to the people about their faith?)

When you don’t understand yourself:

‘   Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. – Psalms 147.5

Sometimes we feel as if we don’t understand ourselves – what we want, how we feel, what’s wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God’s [Wall’s] understanding has no limit, and therefore he understands us fully.  If you feel troubled and don’t understand yourself, remember that God [Wall] understands you perfectly.  Take your mind off yourself and focus it on God [Wall].  Strive to become more and more like him.  The more you learn about God [Wall] and his ways, the better you will understand yourself.

Why Jesus can understand our struggles:

‘   This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  – Matthew 1.18

Why is the virgin birth important to the Christian faith? Jesus Christ, God’s [Wall’s] Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all other human beings by Adam.  Because Jesus was born of a woman, he was a human being; but as the Son of God, Jesus was born without any trace of human sin. Jesus is both fully human and fully divine.

Because Jesus lived as a man, we know that he fully understands our experiences and struggles (Hebrews 4.15, 16). Because he is God [Wall], he has the power and authority to deliver us from sin (Colossians 2.13-15).  We can tell Jesus all our thoughts, feelings, and needs.  He has been where we are now, and he has the ability to help.

(1.18   There were three steps in a Jewish marriage.  First, the two families agreed to the union.  Second, a public announcement was made.  At this point, the couple were “pledged”.  This was similar to engagement today except that their relationship could [bully] be broken only through death or divorce (even though sexual relations were not yet permitted).  Third, the couple were married and began living together.  Because Mary and Joseph were engaged, Mary’s apparent unfaithfulness carried a severe social stigma.  According to Jewish civil law, Joseph had a right to divorce her, and the Jewish authorities could [bully] have had her stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22.23, 24).)

 When you don’t understand everything about Jesus:

‘   When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.”  And the disciples were filled with grief.   –   Matthew 17.22-23

Once again Jesus predicted his death (see also 16.21); but more important, he told of his resurrection. Unfortunately, the disciples heard only the first part of Jesus’ words and became discouraged.  They couldn’t understand why Jesus wanted to go back to Jerusalem where he would walk right into trouble.

The disciples didn’t fully comprehend the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection until Pentecost (Acts 2). We shouldn’t be upset with ourselves for being slow to understand everything about Jesus.  After all, the disciples were with him, saw his miracles, heard his words, and still had difficulty understanding.  Despite their questions and doubts, however, they believed.  We should do no less.

(17.22, 23   The disciples didn’t understand why Jesus kept talking about his death because they expected him to set up a political kingdom.  His death, they thought, would dash their hopes.  They didn’t know that Jesus’ death and resurrection would make his kingdom possible [origins/input].)

Gaining spiritual understanding:

‘   Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  – Mark 4.9

We hear with our ears, but there is a deeper kind of listening [etched] with the mind and heart that is necessary in order to gain spiritual understanding from Jesus’ words. Some people in the crowd were looking for evidence to use against Jesus; others truly wanted to learn and grow.  Jesus’ words were for the honest seekers.

Why some do not understand God’s truth:

He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God [Wall] has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ “   – Mark 4.11, 12  

Some people do not understand God’s [Wall’s] truth because they were not ready for it. God [Wall] reveals truth to people who will act on it, who will make it visible in their lives.  When you talk to people about God [Wall], be aware that they will not understand if they are not yet ready.  Be patient, taking every chance [chap] to tell them more of the truth about God [Wall], and praying that the Holy Spirit will open their minds and hearts to receive the truth and act on it.

EXTRA:

(‘   He said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the LORD, the God [Wall] of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. – 1 Chronicles 15.12   The priests consecrated themselves so they would be prepared to carry the ark.  To consecrate literally means to separate, to set apart for sacred purposes, to purify.  The priests symbolically separated themselves from sin and evil.  This was done by washing themselves and their clothing in a special ceremony (Numbers 8.5-8).  While we are not required to carry out this ceremony today, we can purify ourselves by reading God’s [Wall’s] word and preparing our hearts to participate in worship.)

(‘   David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals. – –  So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berekiah; and from their brothers the Meraites, Ethan son of Kushaih; and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Elipheleu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel, the gatekeepers. –  The musicians Heman, Asaph and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals; Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the lyres according to alamoth, and Mattitihiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith.  Kenaniah the head of Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skilful at it.  – –  Berekiah and Elkanah were to be doorkeepers for the ark.   Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer the priests were also to be doorkeepers for the ark.  – –  So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing. – 1 Chronicles 15.16-25   The great musical procession was designed as a worthy accompaniment to the great occasion.  It heightened the excitement, elevated the people’s hearts and minds, and focused their attention on the event.  It also helped seat it in their memory for years to come.  Beginning any task by praising God [Wall] can inspire us to give him our best.  Develop a practice of giving praise to God [all], and you will experience greater joy and strength to face anything.)

(‘   The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.  – Psalms 146.9   God’s [Wall’s] plans frustrate the “ways of the wicked” because his values are the opposite of society’s.  Jesus turned society’s values upside down when he proclaimed that “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19.30), and that “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16.25).  Don’t be surprised when others don’t understand your Christian values, but don’t give in to theirs.)

(‘   His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.  – Psalms 147.10, 11   We spend much effort trying to sharpen our skills or increase our strength.  There is nothing wrong with doing so, and, in fact, our gift can be used to glorify God [Wall].  But when we use our skills with no regard for God [Wall], they are indeed worth little.  It is our fear (reverence) and trust that God [Wall] desires.  When he has those, then he will use our skills and strengths in ways far greater than we can imagine.)  [exempli gratia, don’t lift this grammar out.]

(‘   Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.  – Matthew 1.17   Matthew breaks Israel’s history into three sets of 14 generations, but there were probably more generations than those listed here.  Genealogies often compressed history, meaning that not every generation of ancestors was specifically listed.  Thus the phrase the father of can also be translated “the ancestor of”.)

(‘   He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”  – Matthew 17.20 [couldn’t see what one was 21]   Jesus wasn’t condemning the disciples for substandard faith; he was trying to show how important faith would be in their future ministry.  If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith.  Only then will your work for him become useful and vibrant.)

(‘   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?” – Matthew 17.24 All Jewish males had to pay a temple tax to support temple upkeep (Exodus 30.11-16).  Tax collectors set up booths to collect these taxes.  Only Matthew records this incident – perhaps because he had been a tax collector himself.)

(‘  (See above.) …  “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 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.  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 [Wall’s] supply, but he may want us to be active in the process.)

(17.24-27   As God’s [Wall’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?.)

(‘   He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.  – Mark 4.2   Jesus taught the people by telling parables, short stories using familiar scenes to explain spiritual truth.  This method of teaching compels the listener to think.  It conceals the truth from those who are too stubborn or prejudiced to hear what is being taught.  Most parables have one main point, so we must be careful not to go beyond what Jesus intended to teach.)

(‘   “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.  – Mark 4.3    Seed was sown by hand.  As the farmer walked across the field, he threw handfuls of seed onto the ground from a large bag slung across his shoulders.  The plants did not grow in neat rows as accomplished by today’s machine planting.  No matter how skilful, no farmer could keep some of his seed from falling by the wayside, from being scattered among rocks and thorns, or from being carried off by the wind.  So the farmer would throw the seed liberally, and enough would fall on good ground to ensure the harvest.)

(‘   The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown.  As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.  Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time.  When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.  Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop – thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.  – Mark 4.14-20   The four soils represent four different ways people respond to God’s [Wall’s] message.  Usually we think that Jesus was talking about four different kinds of people.  But he may also have been talking about (1) different times or phases in a person’s life, or (2) how we willingly receive God’s [Wall’s] message in some areas of our lives and resist it in others.  For example, you may be open to God [Wall] about your future, but closed concerning how you spend your money.  You may respond like good soil to God’s [Wall’s] demand for worship, but like rocky soil to his demand to give to people in need.  We must strive to be like good soil in every area of our lives at all times.)

(4.19   Worldly worries, the false sense of security brought about by prosperity, and the desire for things plagued first-century disciples as they do us today.  How easy it is for our daily routines to become overcrowded.  A life packed with materialistic pursuits deafens us to God’s [Wall’s] word.  Stay free so you can hear God [Wall] when he speaks.)

(‘   He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?  – Mark 4.21   If a lamp doesn’t help people see, it is useless.  Does your life show other people how to find God [Wall] and how to live for him?  If not, ask what “bowls” have extinguished your light.  Complacency, resentment, stubbornness of heart, or disobedience could keep God’s [Wall’s] light from shining through you to others.)

What they illustrate:

‘   I looked, and there before me was a white horse!  Its riders held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.  –  Revelations 6.2ff

Four horses appear as the first four seals are opened. The horses represent God’s [Wall’s] judgment of people’s sin and rebellion.  God [Wall] is directing human history – even using his enemies to accomplish his purposes.  The four horses are a foretaste of the final judgments yet to come.  Some view this chapter as a parallel to the Olivet Discourse (see Matthew 24).  The Imagery of four horses is also found in Zechariah 6:1-8.

(‘  I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!”  – Revelations 6.1ff This is the first of three seven-part judgments.  The trumpets (chapters 8; 9) and the bowls (Chapters 16) are the other two.  As each seal is opened, Christ the Lamb sets in motion events that will bring about the end of human history.  This scroll is not completely opened until the seventh seal is broken (8.1).  The contents of the scroll reveal mankind’s depravity and portray God’s [Wall’s] authority over the events of human history.

‘ I looked, and there before me was a white horse!  Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. 

When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” Then another horse came out, a fiery red one.  Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other.  To him was given a large sword. 

When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse!  Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.  Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” 

When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a pale horse!  Its rider named Death, and Hades was following close behind him.  They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.  – Revelations 6.2-8

Each of the four horses is a different colour. Some assume that the white horse represents victory and that its rider must be Christ (because Christ later rides to victory on a white horse – 19.11).  But because the other three horses relate to judgment and destruction, this rider on a white horse is not likely to be Christ.  The four are part of the unfolding judgment of God [Wall], and it would be premature for Christ to ride forth as conqueror.  The other horses represent different kinds of judgment: red for warfare and bloodshed; black for famine; pale for death.  The high prices of wheat and barley illustrate famine conditions.  But the worst is yet to come.)

(6.8   It is not clear whether Hades was on a separate horse than Death or merely rode alongside Death, but the riders described in verses 2-8 are commonly referred to as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.)

(6.8   The four riders are given power over one-fourth of the earth, indicating that God [Wall] is still limiting his judgment – it is not yet complete.   With these judgments there is still time for unbelievers to turn to Christ and away from their sin.  In this case, the limited punishment not only demonstrates God’s [Wall’s] wrath against sin, but also his merciful love in giving people yet another opportunity to turn to him before he brings final judgment.)

(‘   When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.  – Revelations 6.9   The altar represents the altar of sacrifice in the temple, where animals were sacrificed to atone for sins.  Instead of the animals’ blood at the base of the altar, John saw the souls of martyrs who had died for preaching the gospel.  These martyrs were told that still more would lose their lives for their belief in Christ (6.11).  In the face of warfare, famine, persecution, and death, Christians will be called on to stand firmly for what they believe.  Only those who endure to the end will be rewarded by God [Wall] (Mark 13.13).)

(‘I got to find sth w/ a pen in it’..)

What separation from the world involves:

You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. – Leviticus 18.3

The Israelites moved from one idol-infested country to another. As God helped them form a new culture, he warned them to leave all aspects of their pagan background behind.  He also warned them how easy it would be to slip into the pagan culture of Canaan, where they were going.  Canaan’s society and religions appealed to worldly desires, especially sexual immorality and drunkenness.  The Israelites were to keep themselves pure and set apart for God.  God did not want his people absorbed into the surrounding culture and environment.  Society may pressure us to conform to its way of life and thought, but yielding to that pressure will (1) create confusion as to which side we should be on and (2) eliminate our effectiveness in serving God.  Follow God, and don’t let the culture around you mould your thoughts and actions.

(..because the life of every create is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, “You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.” – Leviticus 17.14. Why was eating or drinking blood prohibited?  The prohibition against eating blood can be traced all the way back to Noah (Genesis 9:4).  God prohibited eating or drinking blood for several reasons. (1) To discourage pagan practices.  Israel was to be separate and distinct from the foreign nations around them.  Eating blood was a common pagan practice.  It was often done in hopes of gaining the characteristics of the slain animal (strength, speed, etc.).  God’s people were to rely on him, not on ingested blood, for their strength.  (2) To preserve the symbolism of the sacrifice.  Blood symbolised the life of the animal that was sacrificed in the sinner’s place.  To drink it would change the symbolism of the sacrificial penalty and destroy the evidence of the sacrifice.  (3) To protect the people from infection because many deadly diseases are transmitted through the blood.  The Jews took this prohibition seriously, and that is why Jesus’ hearers were to upset when Jesus told them to drink his blood (John 6:53-56).  However, Jesus, as God himself and the last sacrifice ever needed for sins, was asking believers to identify with him completely.  He wants us to take his life into us, and he wants to participate in our lives as well).

(“ ‘No-one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.  “ ‘Do not dishonour your father by having sexual relations with your mother.  She is your mother; do not have relations with her.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; that would dishonour your father.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dishonour you.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, because she is your mother’s close relative.  “ ‘Do not dishonour your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your aunt.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law.  She is your son’s wife; do not have relations with her.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would dishonour your brother.  “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter.  Do not have sexual relations with either her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they are her close relatives.  That is wickedness.  “ ‘Do not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living.  – Leviticus 18:6-18. Marrying relatives was prohibited by God for physical, social, and moral reasons.  Children born to near relatives may experience serious health problems.  Without these specific laws, sexual promiscuity would have been more likely, first in families, then outside.  Improper sexual relations destroy family life).

“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” –  2 Corinthians 6.17

Separation from the world involves more than keeping our distance from sinners; it means staying close to God (see 7:1, 2). It involves more than avoiding entertainment that leads to sin; it extends into how we spend our time and money. There is no way to separate ourselves totally from all sinful influences.  Nevertheless, we are to resist the sin around us, without either giving up or giving in.

(What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  – 2 Corinthians 6:15. Belial is a name that Paul uses for Satan.  For those who have discovered God’s light, there can be no fellowship or compromise with the darkness (1 Corinthians 10:20, 21)).

(Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. – 2 Corinthians 7:1. Purifying ourselves is a twofold action: turning away from sin, and turning towards God.  “Perfecting holiness” means that the Corinthians were to have nothing to do with paganism.  They were to make a clean break with their past and give themselves to God alone).

You need not be separated from God:

..then hear from heaven, your dwelling-place. Forgive, and deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of men) –  2 Chronicles 6.30

Have you ever felt far from God, separated by feelings of failure and personal problems? In his prayer, Solomon underscored the fact that God stands ready to hear his people, to forgive their sins, and to restore their relationship with him.  God is waiting and listening for our confessions of guilt and our recommitment to obey him.  He hears us when we pour out our needs and problems to him and is ready to forgive us and restore us to fellowship with him.  Don’t wait to experience his loving forgiveness.

(“When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray towards this place and confess your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them – 2 Chronicles 6:26. Why would Solomon assume that drought would come as a result of sin?  Sin is not necessarily the direct cause of natural disasters today, but this was a special case.  God had made a specific agreement with the Israelites that drought could be a consequence of their sins (Deuteronomy 28:20-24)).

Sin separates us from God:

Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption!  They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.

Why should you be beaten any more? Why do you persist in rebellion?  Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted.  From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness –  only wounds and bruises and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil.

Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. The Daughter of Zion is left like a hut in the field of melons, like a city under siege.  Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. –  Isaiah 1.4-9

As long as the people of Judah continued to sin, they cut themselves off from God’s help and isolated themselves. When you feel lonely and separated from God, remember that God does not abandon you.  Our sins cut us off from him.  The only sure cure for this kind of loneliness is to restore a meaningful relationship with God by confessing your sin, obeying his instructions, and communicating regularly with him (see Psalm 140.13; Isaiah 1.16-19; 1 John 1.9).

(Was this destruction taking place at that time? Judah was attacked many times during Isaiah’s lifetime.  To be stripped (devastated) by foreigners was the worst kind of judgment.  This verse could be a picture of the results of these invasions or a prediction of the coming invasion of Israel by Assyria.  But most likely it pointed to Babylon’s future invasion of Judah and the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. as well).

(Sodom and Gomorrah were two cities that God completely destroyed for their great wickedness (Genesis 19.1-25). They are mentioned elsewhere in the Bible as examples of God’s judgement against sin (Jeremiah 50.40; Ezekiel 16.46-63; Matthew 11.23, 24; Jude 1.7).  “Some survivors” from Judah were spared by God because they were faithful).

(Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.  The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner’s manager, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption!  They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. – Isaiah 1:2-4. Here “Israel” means the southern kingdom, Judah.  The people of Judah were sinning greatly and refused to know and understand God.  God brought charges against them through Isaiah because they had rebelled and had forsaken the Lord.  By these acts, they had broken their moral and spiritual covenant with God (see Deuteronomy 28).  By breaking their agreement, they were bringing God’s punishment upon themselves.  First God gave them prosperity, but they didn’t serve him.  Then God sent them warnings, but they refused to listen.  Finally, he would bring the fire of his judgment (see 1.7)).

(Hear the words of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! – Isaiah 1:10. Isaiah compared the rulers and people of Judah to the rulers and people of Sodom and Gomorrah.  To hear what God wanted to say, the people had to listen and be willing to obey.  When we can’t hear God’s message [Tanners], perhaps we are not listening carefully or we are not truly willing to do what he says).

Of believers and unbelievers on judgment day:

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. – – Matthew 25.32

Jesus used sheep and goats to picture the division between believers and unbelievers. Sheep and goats often grazed together but were separated when the time came to shear the sheep.  Ezekiel 31:17-24 also refers to the separation of sheep and goats.

(God will separate his obedient followers from pretenders and unbelievers. The real evidence of our belief is the way we act.  To treat all those we encounter as if they are Jesus is no easy task.  What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus’ words to us –  feed the hungry, give the homeless a place to stay, look after the sick.  How well do your actions separate you from pretenders and unbelievers?).

(For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.  And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’  – Matthew 25:29, 30. This parable describes the consequences of two attitudes to Christ’s return.  The person who diligently prepares for it by investing his or her time and talent to serve God will be rewarded.  The person who has no heart for the work of the kingdom will be punished.  God rewards faithfulness.  Those who bear no fruit for God’s kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful).

(“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”  “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’  – Matthew 25:34-40. This parable describes acts of mercy we can all do every day.  These acts do not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence; they are simple acts freely given and freely received.  We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs, and we cannot hand over this responsibility to the church or government.  Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others’ needs (Isaiah 58.7)).  *

(There has been much discussion about the identity of the “brothers”.  Some have said they are the Jews; others say they are all Christians; still others say they are suffering people everywhere.  Such a debate is much like the lawyer’s earlier question to Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10.29).  The point of this parable is not the who, but the what –  the importance of serving where service is needed.  The focus of this parable is that we should love every person and serve anyone we can.  Such love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for him).

Jesus’ separation from God:

From about the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” –  which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” –  Matthew 27.46

Jesus was not questioning God; he was quoting the first line of Psalm 22 – a deep expression of the anguish he felt when he took on the sins of the world, which caused him to be separated from his Father.  This was what Jesus dreaded as he prayed to God in the garden to take the cup from him (26.39).  The physical agony was horrible, but even worse was the period of spiritual separation from God.  Jesus suffered this double death so that we would never have to experience separation from God.  *

(From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. – Matthew 27:45. We do not know how this darkness occurred, but it is clear that God caused it.  Nature testified to the gravity of Jesus’ death, while Jesus’ friends and enemies alike fell silent in the encircling gloom.  The darkness on that Friday afternoon was both physical and spiritual).

(When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” – Matthew 27:47. The bystanders misinterpreted Jesus’ words and thought he was calling for Elijah.  Because Elijah ascended into heaven without dying (2 Kings 2.11), they thought he would return again to rescue them from great trouble (Malachi 4.5).  At their annual Passover feast, each family set an extra place for Elijah in expectation of his return).

How Jews showed separation from pagan influences:

And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.” – Mark 6.11

Pious Jews shook the dust from their feet after passing through Gentile cities or territory to show their separation from Gentile influences and practices. When the disciples shook the dust from their feet after leaving a Jewish town, it was a vivid sign that they wished to remain separate from people who had rejected Jesus and his message.  Jesus made it clear that the listeners were responsible for what they did with the gospel.  The disciples were not to blame if the message was rejected, as long as they had faithfully and carefully presented it.  We are not responsible when others reject Christ’s message of salvation, but we do have the responsibility to share the gospel clearly and faithfully.

(These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.  Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.  – Mark 6:8, 9. Mark records that the disciples were instructed to take nothing with them except staffs, while in the Matthew and Luke accounts Jesus told them not to take staffs.  One explanation is that Matthew and Luke were referring to a club used for protection, whereas Mark was talking about a shepherd’s crook.  In any case, the point in all three accounts is the same –  the disciples were to leave at once, without extensive preparation, trusting in God’s care rather than in their own resources).

(King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”  Others said, “He is Elijah.” – Mark 6:14, 15. Herod, along with many others, wondered who Jesus really was.  Unable to accept Jesus’ claim to be God’s Son, many people made up their own explanations for his power and authority.  Herod thought that Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life, while those who were familiar with the Old Testament thought he was Elijah (Malachi 4.5).  Still others believed that Jesus was a teaching prophet in the tradition of Moses, Isaiah, or Jeremiah.  Today people still have to make up their minds about Jesus.  Some think that if they can name what he is –  prophet, teacher, good man –  they can weaken the power of his claim on their lives.  But what they think does not change who Jesus is.)

Don’t seek it in marriage:

But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.  How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?  Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?  –  1 Corinthians 7.15-16

This verse is misused by some as a loophole to get out of marriage. But Paul’s statements were given to encourage the Christian spouse to try to get alone with the unbeliever and make the marriage work.  If, however, the unbelieving spouse insisted on leaving, Paul said to let him or her go.  The only alternative would be for the Christian to deny his or her faith to preserve the marriage, and that would be worse than dissolving the marriage.  Paul’s chief purpose in writing this was to urge the marriage couples to seek unity, not separation (see 7.17; 1 Peter 3.1, 2).

(For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband.  Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. – 1 Corinthians 7:14. The blessings that flow to believers don’t stop there, but extend to others.  God regards the marriage as “sanctified” (set apart for his use) by the presence of one Christian spouse.  The other does not receive salvation automatically, but is helped by this relationship.  The children of such marriage are to be regarded as “holy” (because of God’s blessing on the family unit) until they are old enough to decide for themselves.)  *

(Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. – 1 Corinthians 7:17. Apparently the Corinthians were ready to make wholesale changes without thinking through the ramifications.  Paul was writing to say that people should be Christians where they are.  You can do God’s work and demonstrate your faith anywhere.  If you became a Christian after marriage, and your spouse is not a believer, remember that you don’t have to be married to a Christian to live for Christ.  Don’t assume that you are in the wrong place, or stuck with the wrong person.  You may be just where God wants you (see 7:20).)

Hell is eternal separation from God:

..and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.  He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power – 2 Thessalonians 1.7-9

The “everlasting destruction” that Paul describes is the lake of fire (see Revelation 20.14) – the place of eternal separation from God.  Those people who are separated from God in eternity no longer have any hope of salvation.

(There are two dimensions to the relief mentioned by Paul. We can gain relief in knowing that our sufferings are strengthening us, making us ready for Christ’s kingdom.  We can also gain relief in the fact that one day everyone will stand before God; at that time, wrongs will be righted, judgment will be pronounced, and evil will be terminated).

(All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. – 2 Thessalonians 1:5.  As we live for Christ, we will experience troubles because we are trying to be God’s people in a perverse world.  Some people say that troubles are the result of sin or lack of faith, but Paul teaches that they may be a part of God’s plan for believers.  Our problems can help us look upward and forward, instead of inward (Mark 13.35, 36; Philippians 3.13, 14); they can build strong character (Romans 5.3, 4); and they can provide us with opportunities to comfort others who are also struggling (2 Corinthians 1.3-5).  Your troubles may be an indication that you are taking a stand for Christ).

(With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. – 2 Thessalonians 1:11, 12. Our “calling” from God, as Christians, is to become like Christ (Romans 8.29).  This is a gradual lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face (1 John 3.2).  To be “worthy” of this calling means to want to do what is right and good (as Christ would).  We’re not perfect yet, but we’re moving in that direction as God works in us).

How to avoid eternal separation from God:

And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, nor for anyone who receives the mark of his name. –  Revelation 14.11

The ultimate result of sin is unending separation from God. Because human beings are created in God’s image with an inborn thirst for fellowship with him, separation from God will be the ultimate torment and misery.  Sin always brings misery, but in this life we can choose to repent and restore our relationship with God.  In eternity there will no longer be opportunity for repentance.  If in this life we choose to be independent of God, in the next life we will be separated from him for ever.  Nobody is forced to choose eternal separation from God, and nobody suffers this fate by accident.  Jesus invites all of us to open the door of our hearts to him (3.20).  If we do this, we will enjoy everlasting fellowship with him.

(A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.  – Revelation 14:9-11.  Those who worship the beast, accept his mark on their foreheads, and operate according to his world economic system will ultimately face God’s judgment.  Our world values money, power, and pleasure over God’s leadership.  To get what the world values, many people disown God and violate Christian principles.  Thus they must drink of the wine of God’s wrath (see Psalm 75; Isaiah 51.17)).

(This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.  – Revelation 14:12.  This news about God’s ultimate triumph should encourage God’s people to remain faithful through every trial and persecution.  They can do this, God promises, by trusting in Jesus and obeying the commands found in his word.  The secret to enduring, therefore, is trust and obedience.  Trust God to give you patience to endure even the small trials you face daily; obey him even when obedience is unattractive or dangerous).

It’s time to express yours:

The LORD said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Anyone who brings a fellowship offering to the LORD is to bring part of it as his sacrifice to the LORD. With his own hands he is to bring the offering made to the LORD by fire; he is to bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast before the LORD as a wave offering. –  Leviticus 7.28-30

God told the people of Israel to bring their fellowship offerings personally, with their own hands. They were to take time and effort to express thanks to God.  You are the only person who can express thanks to God and to others.  Do you leave it to others to express thanks for what people have done?  Do you rely on the one leading the prayer to thank God for you?  Take time yourself to express thanks both to God and to others who have helped and blessed you.

(The LORD said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats. The fat of an animal found dead or torn by wild animals may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.  Anyone who eats the fat of an animal from which an offering by fire may be made to the LORD must be cut off from his people.  And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal.  If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.’ “  – Leviticus 2:22-27. The fat portions were regarded as the best portions; therefore, it was appropriate to dedicate them only to God.  Because blood was the river of life, and life was God’s gift and his alone, blood had to be returned to God and not used by people).

(The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh of your fellowship offerings to the priest as a contribution.  The son of Aaron who offers the blood and the fat of the fellowship offering shall have the right thigh as his share.  From the fellowship offerings of the Israelites, I have taken the breast that is waved and the thigh that is presented and have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as their regular share from the Israelites.’ “ This is the portion of the offerings made to the LORD by fire that were allotted to Aaron and his sons on the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests.  On the day they were anointed, the LORD commanded that the Israelites give this to them as their regular share for the generations to come.  – Leviticus 7:31-36. The offering that was waved before the altar was called the wave offering.  The part of the offering the priests waved was theirs to keep.  The waving motion towards and way from the altar symbolised the offering of the sacrifice to God and his returning it to the priests.  These offerings helped to care for the priests, who cared for God’s house.  The New Testament teaches that ministers should be paid by the people they serve (1 Corinthians 9:10).  We should give generously to those who minister to us).

Developing an attitude of:

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost  – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.  But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” – Numbers 11.4-6

Dissatisfaction comes when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have. The people of Israel didn’t seem to notice what God was doing for them  – setting them free, making them a nation, giving them a new land  – because they were so wrapped up in what God wasn’t doing for them.  They could think of nothing but the delicious Egyptian food they had left behind.  Somehow they forgot that the brutal whip of Egyptian slavery was the cost of eating that food.  Before we judge the Israelites too harshly, it’s helpful to think about what occupies our attention most of the time.  Are we grateful for what God has given us, or are we always thinking about what we would like to have?  We should not allow our unfulfilled desires to cause us to forget God’s gift of life, food, health, work, and friends.

(The rabble refers to a mixed crowd of Egyptians and others who had followed Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12:38)).

(Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.. . But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”  The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin.  The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar.  They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes.  And it tasted like something made with olive oil.  When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.  Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent.  The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled.  He asked the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?  What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?  Did I conceive all these people?  Did I give them birth?  Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers?  Where can I get meat for all these people?  They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’  I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.  If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now  – if I have found favour in your eyes  – do not let me face my own ruin.”  The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.  Make them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you.  – Numbers 11:1, 6-15. The Israelites complained, and then Moses complained.  But God responded positively to Moses and negatively to the rest of the people.  Why?  The people complained to one another, and nothing was accomplished.  Moses took his complaint to God, who could solve any problem.  Many of us are good at complaining to each other.  We need to learn to take our problems to the One who can do something about them).

(Every morning the Israelites drew back their tent doors and witnessed a miracle. Covering the ground was white, fluffy manna  – food from heaven.  But soon that wasn’t enough.  Fleeing it was their right to have more, they forgot what they already had.  They didn’t ask God to fill their need; instead they demanded meat, and they stopped trusting God to care for them.  “If only we had meat to eat!” they complained to Moses as they reminisced about the good food they had in Egypt.  God gave them what they asked for, but they paid dearly for it when a plague struck the camp (see 11:18-20, 31-34).  When you ask God for something, he may grant your request.  But if you approach him with a sinful attitude, getting what you want may prove costly).

Then the officers who were over the units of the army – the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds  – went to Moses and said to him, “Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one is missing.  So we have brought as an offering to the LORD the gold articles each of us acquired  – armlets, bracelets, signet rings, ear-rings and necklaces  – to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.  – Numbers 31.48-50

After carefully account for all their men, the officers discovered that not one soldier had been lost in battle. At once they thanked God.  After going through tough times, we should be quick to thank God for delivering us and protecting us from severe loss.

(The LORD said to Moses, “You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the community are to count all the people and animals that were captured. Divide the spoils between the soldiers who took part in the battle and the rest of the community.  From the soldiers who fought in the battle, set apart as tribute for the LORD one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep or goats.  Take this tribute from their half share and give it to Eleazar the priest as the LORD’s part.  From the Israelites half, select one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats or other animals.  Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the LORD’s tabernacle.”  – Numbers 31:25-30. Moses told the Israelites to give a portion of the war spoils to God.  Another portion was to go to the people who remained behind.  Similarly, the money we earn is not ours alone.  Everything we possess comes directly or indirectly from God and ultimately belongs to him.  We should return a portion to him (a “tribute”) and also share a portion with those in need).

(The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock.  – Numbers 32:1ff.  Three tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) wanted to live east of the Jordan River (referred to as the Transjordan area) on land they had already conquered.  Moses immediately assumed they had selfish motives and were trying to avoid helping the others fight for the land across the river.  But Moses jumped to the wrong conclusion.  In dealing with people, we must find out all the facts before making up our minds.  We shouldn’t automatically assume that their motives are wrong, even if their plans sound suspicious).

Should be continuous part of life:

He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel – 1 Chronicles 16.4

Certain Levites were appointed to give continual praise and thanks to God. Praise and thanksgiving should be a regular part of our routine, not reserved only for celebrations.  Praise God continually, and you will find that you won’t take his blessings for granted.

(As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.  – 1 Chronicles 15:29. David was willing to look foolish in the eyes of some people in order to express his thankfulness to God fully and honestly.  In contrast, Michal was so disgusted by his “undignified” actions that she could not rejoice in the ark’s return to Jerusalem.  Worship had so deteriorated under her father Saul’s reign that it had become stilted and ritualistic.  Michal could accept David as a military conqueror and as a king, but she could not accept his free and spontaneous expression of praise to God.  Some devoted people may look foolish to us in their heartfelt expressions of worship, but we must accept them.  In the same way, we should not be afraid to worship God with whatever expressions seem appropriate).

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.  – Psalm 92.1-2

When things are going well, we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips every day.  We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God.  When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude towards life will change.  You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble.

(For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways  – Psalm 91:11. One of the functions of angels is to watch over believers (Hebrews 1:14).  There are examples of guardian angels in Scripture (1 Kings 19.5; Daniel 6.22; Matthew 18.10; Luke 16.22; Acts 12.7), although there is no indication that one angel is assigned to each believer.  Angels can also be God’s messengers (Matthew 2.13; Acts 27.23, 24).  Angels are not visible, except on special occasions (Numbers 22.31; Luke 2.9).  Verses 11 and 12 were quoted by Satan when he tempted Jesus (Matthew 4.6; Luke 4.10, 11).  It is comforting to know that God watches over us even in times of great stress and fear).

(The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. – Psalm 92:12, 13. Palm trees are known for their long life.  To flourish like palm trees means to stand tall and to live long.  The cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 feet in height and up to 30 feet in circumference; thus, they were solid, strong, and immovable.  The psalmist saw believers as upright, strong, and unmoved by the winds of circumstance.  Those who place their faith firmly in God can have this strength and vitality).

Elements of:

That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD:

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, O descendants of Israel his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant for ever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.  He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.”

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no man to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.  For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.  Splendour and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling-place.  Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength, ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name.  Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendour of his holiness.  Tremble before him, all the earth!  The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.  Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”  Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!  Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures for ever. Cry out, “Save us, O God our Saviour; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise.”  Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the LORD.” – 1 Chronicles 16.7-36

Four elements of true thanksgiving are found in this song (psalm): (1) remembering what God has done, (2) telling others about it, (3) showing God’s glory to others, and (4) offering gifts of self, time, and resources.  If you are truly thankful, your life will show it.

(Several parts of this psalm are parallel to songs in the book of Psalms: 16:8-22 with Psalm 105:1-15; 16:23-33 with Psalm 96; 16:34-36 with Psalm 106:1, 47, 48).

(This covenant was given to Abraham (Genesis 15.18-21), and then passed on to Isaac (Genesis 26.24, 25) and Jacob (Genesis 28.13-15). God promised to give the land of Canaan (present-day Israel) to their descendants.  He also promised that the Messiah would come from their line).

(The basis of praise is declaring God’s character and attributes in the presence of others. When we recognise and affirm his goodness we are holding up his perfect moral nature for all to see.  Praise benefits us because it takes our minds off our problems and needs and focuses on God’s power, mercy, majesty, and love).

(Genuine praise also involves ascribing glory to God. Remember this in your worship  – give God all the glory).

(David left Asaph and his associates before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister there regularly, according to each day’s requirements  – 1 Chronicles 16:37. Asaph and his fellow Levites ministered in the temple, doing each day whatever was needed.  To carry out God’s work is not merely to engage in religious exercises.  It includes other necessary tasks.  Even if you don’t have the opportunity to teach or preach, God can use you in the ministry.  What needs to be done?  Cleaning, serving, singing, planning, administering?  Look for ways to minister each day).

In all areas of life:

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down towards your holy temple and will praise your name  for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.  When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout-hearted.  – Psalm 138.1-3

Thanksgiving should be an integral part of our praise to God. This theme is woven throughout the psalms.  As we praise and thank God for material and spiritual blessings, we should also thank him for answered prayer.  Remember when you asked God for protection, strength, comfort, patience, love, or other special needs, and he supplied them?  Beware of taking God’s provision and answered prayer for granted.

(“Before the gods” may mean in the presence of subordinate heavenly beings (angels), or, more likely, it may be a statement ridiculing the kings or gods of the pagan nations. God is the highest in the whole earth).

(O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us – he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.  – Psalm 137:8, 9. God destroyed Babylon and its offspring for their proud assault against God and his kingdom.  The Medes and Persians destroyed Babylon in 539 B.C.  Many of those who were oppressed lived to see the victory.  The phrase about the infants is harsh because the psalmist is crying out for judgment: “Treat the Babylonians the way they treated us”).

(The LORD will fulfil his purpose, for me; your love, O LORD, endures for ever – do not abandon the works of your hands.  – Psalm 138:8. Every person dreams and makes plans for the future.  Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true.  But to make the most of life, we must include God’s plan in our plans.  He alone knows what is best for us; he alone can fulfil his purpose for us.  As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them).

Demonstrated by the leper:

He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. – Luke 17.16

Jesus healed all ten lepers, but only one returned to thank him. It is possible to receive God’s great gifts with an ungrateful spirit  – nine of the ten men did so.  Only the thankful man, however, learned that his faith had played a role in his healing; and only grateful Christians grow in understanding God’s grace.  God does not demand that we thank him, but he is pleased when we do so.  And he uses our responsiveness to teach us more about himself.

(Not only was this man a leper, he was also a Samaritan – a race despised by the Jews as idolatrous half-breeds (see the note on 10.33).  Once again Luke is pointing out that God’s grace is for everybody).

Thank those who have helped you:

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk.  Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.  When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognised him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  – Acts 3.7-10

In his excitement, the formerly crippled man began to jump and walk around. He also praised God!  And then others were also awed by God’s power.  Don’t forget to thank people who help you, but also remember to praise God for his care and protection.

(Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  – Acts 3:6. “In the name of Jesus Christ” means “by the authority of Jesus Christ”.  The apostles were doing this healing through the Holy Spirit’s power, not their own).

(While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.  – Acts 3:11 Solomon’s Colonnade was a covered porch or entrance with columns).

(Peter had an audience, and he capitalised on the opportunity to share Jesus Christ. He clearly presented his message by telling (1) who Jesus is, (2) how the Jews had rejected him, (3) why their rejection was fatal, and (4) what they needed to do to change the situation.  Peter told the crowd that they still had a choice: God still offered them the opportunity to believe and receive Jesus as their Messiah and as their Lord.  Displays of God’s mercy and grace, such as the healing of this crippled man, often create teachable moments.  Pray to have courage like Peter to see these opportunities and to use them to speak up for Christ).

About the spiritual gifts of others:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.  – Romans 12.6-8

Look at this list of gifts and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift. Prophets are often bold and articulate.  Servers are faithful and loyal.  Teachers are clear thinkers.  Encouragers know how to motivate others.  Givers are generous and trusting.  Leaders are good organisers and managers.  Those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others.  It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts.  An assertive prophet would not usually make a good counsellor, and a generous giver might fail as a leader.  When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God’s family.  At the same time, realise that your gifts can’t do the work of the church all alone.  Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours.  Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies.  Together you can build Christ’s church.

(God gifs us gifts so we can build up his church. To use them effectively, we must (1) realise that all gifts and abilities come from God; (2) understand that not everyone has the same gifts; (3) know who we are and what we do best; (4) dedicate our gifts to God’s service and not to our personal success; (5) be willing to utilise our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God’s service).

(God’s gifts differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to his wisdom and graciousness, not according to our faith. The “measure of faith” (12.3) or the “proportion to his faith” means that God will give spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility.  We cannot, by our own effort or willpower, drum up more faith and thus be more effective teachers or servants.  These are God’s gifts to his church, and he gives faith and power as he wills.  Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us).

(Prophesying in Scripture is not always predicting the future.  Often it means preaching God’s messages (1 Corinthians 14:1-3)).

(Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  – Romans 12:9. Most of us have learned how to pretend to love others  – how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them.  We may even be skilled in pretending to feel moved with compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice.  But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond pretence and politeness.  Sincere love requires concentration and effort.  It means helping others become better people.  It demands our time, money, and personal involvement.  No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does.  Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ).

Proper response to salvation:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  – not by works, so that no-one can boast.  – Ephesians 2.8-9

When someone gives you a gift, do you say, “That’s very nice – -now how much do I owe you?”? No, the appropriate response to a gift is “Thank you”.  Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God.  Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.

(And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus  – Ephesians 2:6. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we know that our bodies will also be raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:2-23) and that we have been given the power to live as Christians now (1:19).  These ideas are combined in Paul’s image of sitting with Christ in “the heavenly realms” (see the note on 1:3).  Our eternal life with Christ is certain because we are united in his powerful victory).

Should move us to action:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  – not by works, so that no-one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  – Ephesians 2.8-10

We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves.  While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.  We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church (4.12).

(We are God’s workmanship (work of art, masterpiece). Our salvation is something only God can do.  It is his powerful, creative work in us.  If God considers us his work of art, we dare not treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work).

(Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hand of men) – remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.  – Ephesians 2:11-13. Pious Jews (“the circumcision”) considered all non-Jews (the “uncircumcised”) ceremonially unclean.  They thought of themselves as pure and clean because of their national heritage and religious ceremonies.  Paul pointed out that Jews and Gentiles alike were unclean before God and needed to be cleansed by Christ.  In order to realise how great a gift salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition.  Have you ever felt separate, excluded, hopeless?  These verses are for you.  No-one is alienated from Christ’s love or from the body of believers).

For God’s available strength:

…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5.20

When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. Take heart  – in all things God works for our good if we love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8.28).  Thank God, not for your problems, but for the strength he is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life.  You can be sure that God’s perfect love will see you through.

(Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. – Ephesians 5:18. Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary “high”, to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy.  Getting drunk with wine is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires.  In Christ, we have a better joy, higher and longer lasting, to cure our depression, monotony, or tension.  We should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have, but how much of us the Holy Spirit has.  Submit yourself daily to his leading and draw constantly on his power).

(Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  – Ephesians 5:21, 22. Submitting to another person is an often misunderstood concept.  It does not mean becoming a doormat.  Christ  – at whose name “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2.10)  – submitted his will to the Father, and we honour Christ by following his example.  When we submit to God, we become more willing to obey his command to submit to others, that is, to subordinate our rights to theirs.  In a marriage relationship, both husband and wife are called to submit.  For the wife, this means willingly following her husband’s leadership in Christ.  For the husband, it means putting aside his own interests in order to care for his wife.  Submission is rarely a problem in homes where both partners have a strong relationship with Christ and where each is concerned for the happiness of the other).

For those who bring you joy:

How can we thank God enough for you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.  – 1 Thessalonians 3.9-10

It brings great joy to a Christian to see another person come to faith in Christ and mature in that faith. Paul experienced this joy countless times.  He thanks God for those who had come to know Christ and for their strong faith.  He also prayed for their continued growth.  If there are new Christians who have brought you joy, thank God for them and support them as they continue to grow in the faith.

(Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  – 1 Thessalonians 3:7, 8. During persecution or pressure, believers should encourage one another.  Christians who stand firm in the Lord encourage both ministers and teachers (who can see the benefit of their work in those who remain faithful), and also those who are new in their faith (who can learn from the steadfastness of the mature)).

(Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.  – 1 Thessalonians 3:11. Paul wanted to return to Thessalonica.  We have no record that he was able to do so; but when he was travelling through Asia on his third journey, he was joined by Aristarchus and Secundus, who were from Thessalonica (Acts 20.4, 5)).

Express it to church leaders:

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.  Live in peace with each other.  – 1 Thessalonians 5.12-13

How can you show respect to and hold in the “highest regard” your pastor and other church leaders? Express your appreciation, tell them how you have been helped by their leadership and teaching, and thank them for their ministry in your life.  If you say nothing, how will they know where you stand?  Remember, they need and deserve your support and love.

(“Those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord” probably refers to elders and deacons in the church).

(For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  – 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11. As you near the end of a long race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your whole body cries out for you to stop.  This is when friends and fans are most valuable.  Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish line.  In the same way, Christians are to encourage one another.  A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way.  Look around you.  Be sensitive to others’ need for encouragement, and offer supportive words or actions).

(And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  – 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Don’t loaf around with the idle; warn them.  Don’t yell at the timid and weak; encourage and help them.  At times it’s difficult to distinguish between idleness and timidity.  Two people may be doing nothing  – one out of laziness and the other out of shyness or fear of doing something wrong.  The key to ministry is sensitivity: sensing the condition of each person and offering the appropriate remedy for each situation.  You can’t help effectively until you know the problem.  You can’t apply the medicine until you know where the wound is).

How to give thanks in everything:

…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5.18

Paul was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us, but in everything.  Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank him for it.  But when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and for the good that he will accomplish through the distress.

(Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings. Obeying these three commands  – be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks  – often goes against our natural inclinations.  When we make a conscious decision to do what God says, however, we will begin to see people in a new perspective.  When we do God’s will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful).

(..pray continually – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. We cannot spend all our time on our knees, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude at all times.  This attitude is built upon acknowledging our dependence on God, realising his presence within us, and determining to obey him fully.  Then we will find it natural to pray frequent, spontaneous, short prayers.  A prayerful attitude is not a substitute for regular times of prayer but should be an outgrowth of those times).

(Do not put out the Spirit’s fire  – 1 Thessalonians 5:19. By warning us not to “put out the Spirit’s fire”, Paul means that we should not ignore or toss aside the gifts the Holy Spirit gives.  Here, he mentions prophecy (5.20); in 1 Corinthians 14:39, he mentions tongues.  Sometimes spiritual gifts are controversial, and they may cause division in a church.  Rather than trying to solve the problems, some Christians prefer to smother the gifts.  This impoverishes the church.  We should not stifle the Holy Spirit’s work in anyone’s life but encourage the full expression of these gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ).