Wrong ones worse than none:

‘ Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?  Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.”  His brothers agreed.   –  Genesis 37.26-27

The brothers were worried about bearing the guilt of Joseph’s death. Judah suggested an option that was not right but would leave them guiltless of murder.  Sometimes we jump at a solution because it is the lesser of two evils, but it is still not the right action to take.  When someone proposes a seemingly workable solution, first ask, “Is it right?”

In Egypt:

‘ Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.  – Genesis 39.1

Ancient Egypt was a land of great contrasts. People were either rich beyond measure or poverty stricken.  There wasn’t much middle ground.  Joseph found himself serving Potiphar, an extremely rich officer in Pharaoh’s service.  Rich families like Potiphar’s had elaborate homes two or three storeys high with beautiful gardens and balconies.  They enjoyed live entertainment at home as they chose delicious fruit from expensive bowls.  They surrounded themselves with alabaster vases, paintings, beautiful rugs, and hand-carved chairs.  Dinner was served on golden tableware, and the rooms were lighted with gold lampstands.  Servants, like Joseph, worked on the first floor, while the family occupied the upper storeys.

(39.1 The date of Joseph’s arrival in Egypt is debatable.  Many believe he arrived during the period of the Hyksos rulers, foreigners who came from the region of Canaan.  They invaded Egypt and controlled the land for almost 150 years.  If Joseph arrived during their rule, it is easy to see why he was rapidly promoted up the royal ladder.  Because the Hyksos were foreigners themselves, they would not hold this brilliant young foreigner’s ancestry against him.)

(39.1 Pharaoh was the general name for all the kings of Egypt.  It was a title like “King” or “President” used to address the country’s leader.  The Pharaoh in Genesis and Exodus were different men.)

‘ The Nile will teem with frogs.  They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and you’re your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. – Exodus 8.3ff

Moses predicted that every house in Egypt would be infested with frogs. The poor of Egypt lived in small, mud-brick houses of one or two rooms with palm-trunk roofs.  The homes of the rich, however, were often two or three storeys high, surrounded by landscaped gardens and enclosed by a high wall.  Servants lived and worked on the first floor while the family occupied the upper floors.  Thus if the frogs got into the royal bedrooms, they had infiltrated even the upper floors.  No place in Egypt would be safe from them.

Those built on city wall:

‘ So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the houses she lived in was part of the city wall.  –  Joshua 2.15

In Joshua’s day it was common to build houses on city [Seat] walls. Many cities had two walls about 12 to 15 feet apart.  Houses were built on wooden logs laid across the tops of the two walls.  Rahab may have lived in such a house with a window that looked out over the outside wall.

Description of in Jesus’ day:

‘ Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralysed man was lying on.  –   Mark 2.4

Houses in Bible times were built of stone. They had flat roofs made of mud mixed with straw.  Outside stairways led to the roofs.  These friends may have carried the lame man up the outside stairs to the roof.  They then could easily have taken apart the mud and straw mixture to make a hole through which to lower their friend to Jesus.

Using it to overcome temptation:

‘   Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God [Wall] had made.  He said to the woman, “Did God [Wall] really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God [Wall] did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ “

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God [Wall], knowing good and evil.”

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.  –  Genesis 3.1-6

Why does Satan tempt us? Temptation is Satan’s invitation to give in to his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin. Ever since then he’s been busy getting people to sin. He even tempted Jesus (Matthew 4.11). But Jesus did not sin!

How could Eve have resisted temptation? By following the same guidelines we can follow. First, we must realise that being tempted is not a sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation. Then, to resist temptation, we must (1) pray for strength to resist, (2) run, sometimes literally, and (3) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong. James 1:12 tells of the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted.

(3.1-6   The serpent, Satan, tempted Eve by getting her to doubt God’s goodness. He implied that God was strict, stingy, and selfish [That’s what Qualification’s for] for not wanting Eve to share his knowledge of good and evil.  Satan made Eve forget all that God had given her and, instead, focus on the one thing she couldn’t have. We fall into trouble, too, when we dwell on the few things we don’t have rather than on the countless things God has given us. The next time you are feeling sorry for yourself and what you don’t have, consider all you do have and thank God. Then your doubts won’t lead you into sin.)

(3.1 Disguised as a crafty serpent, Satan came to tempt Eve. Satan at one time was an angel who rebelled against God and was thrown out of heaven. As a created being, Satan has definite limitations. Although he is trying to tempt everyone away from God, he will not be the final victor. In 3:14, 15, God promises that Satan will be crushed by one of the woman’s offspring, the Messiah.)

‘ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.  “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”  –  Matthew 26:40-41

Jesus used Peter’s drowsiness to warn him about the kind of temptation he would face. The way to overcome temptation is to keep watch and pray. Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive to the subtleties, and spiritually equipped to fight it. Because temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we can’t resist it alone. Prayer is essential because God’s [Wall’s] strength can shore up our defences and defeat Satan’s power.

Does it change God’s mind?

‘   Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great the their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me.  If not, I will know.”

The men turned away and went towards Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.  Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?  What if there are fifty righteous people in the city [Seat]?  Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?  Far be it from you to do such a thing – to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike.  Far be it from you!  Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city [Seat] of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city [Seat] because of five people?”

“If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.”

Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?”

He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.”

Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?”

He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”

Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?”

He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.”

Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?”

He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.  –   Genesis 18.20-33

Did Abraham change God’s mind? Of course not. The more likely answer is that God changed Abraham’s mind. Abraham wondered about God’s mercy. Abraham seemed to be probing God’s [Wall’s] mind to see how merciful he really was. He left his conversation with God convinced that God was both kind and fair. Our prayers won’t change God’s mind, but they may change ours just as Abraham’s prayer changed his. Prayer helps us better understand the mind of God.

(18.20-23   Why did God let Abraham question his justice and intercede for a wicked city? Abraham knew that God must punish sin, but he also knew from experience that God is merciful to sinners. God knew there were not ten righteous people in the city, but he was merciful enough to allow Abraham to intercede. He was also merciful enough to help Lot, Abraham’s nephew, get out of Sodom before it was destroyed. God does not take pleasure in destroying the wicked, but he must punish sin. Je is both just and merciful. We should be thankful God’s mercy extends to us.)

(18.21   God [Wall] gave the men of Sodom a fair test.  He was not ignorant of the city’s wicked practices, but in his fairness and patience he gave the people of Sodom one last chance to repent.  God [Wall] is still waiting, giving people the opportunity to turn to him (2 Peter 3.9).  Those who are wise will turn to him before his patience wears out.)

(18.25   Was God [Wall] being unfair to the people of Sodom?  Did he really plan to destroy the righteous with the wicked?  On the contrary, God’s [Wall’s] fairness stood out.  (1) He agreed to spare the entire city [Seat] if only ten righteous people lived there.  (2) He showed great mercy towards Lot, apparently the only man in the city [Seat] who had any kind of relationship with him (and even that was questionable).  (3) He showed great patience towards Lot, almost forcing him to leave Sodom before it was destroyed.  Remember God’s [Wall’s] patience when you are tempted to think he is unfair.  Even the most godly people deserve his justice.  We should be glad God [Wall] doesn’t direct his justice towards us as he did towards Sodom.)

Ask God anything but expect anything:

‘   When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.  –  Genesis 18:33

God [Wall] showed Abraham that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding that God’s [Wall’s] answers come from God’s perspective. They are not always in harmony with our expectations, for only he knows the whole story. Are you missing God’s answer to a prayer because you haven’t considered any possible answers other than the one you expect?

Don’t be afraid to ask:

‘   Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren.  The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.  –  Genesis 25.21

As Isaac pleaded with God [Wall] for children, so the Bible encourages us to ask and even plead for our most personal important requests.  God [Wall] wants to grant our requests, but he wants us to ask him. Even then, as Isaac learned, God [Wall] may decide to withhold his answer for a while in order to (1) deepen our insight into what we really need, (2) broaden our appreciation of his answers, or (3) allow us to mature so we can use his gifts more wisely.

Why God may withhold an answer:

(See above.) Genesis 25:21

Turn your worries into:

‘ Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups.  Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.  But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’ “  –  Genesis 32.9-12

How would you feel knowing you were about to meet the person you had cheated out of his most precious possession? Jacob had taken Esau’s birthright (25.33) and his blessings (27.27-40). Now he was about to meet his brother for the first time in 20 years, and he was frantic with fear. He collected his thoughts, however, and decided to pray. When we face a difficult conflict, we can run about frantically or we can pause to pray. Which approach will be more effective?

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

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

Balancing prayer with action:

‘   Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me?  Tell the Israelites to move on.  –  Exodus 14.15

The Lord told Moses to stop praying and get moving! Prayer must have a vital place in our lives, but there is also a place for action. Sometimes we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance as an excuse to postpone doing it. If we know what we should do, then it is time to get moving.

Instead of complaining:

‘ So they quarrelled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” 

Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?”  –  Exodus 17.2

Again the people complained about their problem instead of praying. Some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our priorities. Some can be solved by discussion and good counsel. But some problems can be solved only by prayer. We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining, because complaining only raises our level of stress. Prayer quiets our thoughts and emotions and prepares us to listen.

Changes attitudes & events:

‘   “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people.  Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them.  Then I will make you into a great nation.”

But Moses sought the favour of the LORD his God [Wall]. “O LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?  Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’?  Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.  Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance for ever.’ “  Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.  –  Exodus 32.9-14

God [Wall] was ready to destroy the whole nation because of their sin. But Moses pleaded for mercy, and God [Wall] spared them. This is one of the countless examples in the Bible of God’s [Wall’s] mercy. Although we deserve his anger, he is willing to forgive and restore us to himself. We can receive God’s [Wall’s] forgiveness from sin by asking him. Like Moses, we can pray that he will forgive others and use us to bring them the message of his mercy.

(32.14   How could God [Wall] relent?  God [Wall] did not change his mind in the same way that a parent decides not to discipline a child.  Instead, God [Wall] changed his behaviour to remain consistent with his nature.  When God [Wall] first wanted to destroy the people, he was acting consistently with his justice.  When Moses interceded for the people, God [Wall] relented in order to act consistently with his mercy.  God [Wall] had often told the people that if they changed their ways, he would not condemn them.  They changed, and God [Wall] did as he promised.

‘ So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God [Wall] for him.  –  Acts 12.5

Herod’s plan undoubtedly was to execute Peter, but the believers were praying for Peter’s safety.  The earnest prayer of the church significantly affected the outcome of these events. Prayer changes things, so pray often and with confidence.

Make sure you really want what you ask for:

‘   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 11.4-9

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 unfaithful desires to cause us to forget God’s gifts of life, food, health, work, and friends.

(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 [Wall] 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 [Wall] 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 [Wall] 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 [Wall’s] gift of life, food, health, work, and friends.)

(11.4   The rabble refers to a mixed crowd of Egyptians and others who had followed Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12.38).)

Helps us remember God’s goodness:

‘   When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.  –  Deuteronomy 8.10

This verse is traditionally cited as the reason we say grace before or after meals. Its purpose, however, was to warn the Israelites not to forget God when their needs and wants were satisfied. Let your table prayers serve as a constant reminder of the Lord’s goodness to you and your duty to those who are less fortunate.

Of Joshua:

‘ And Joshua said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?  If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!  O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies?  The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from earth.  What then will you do for your own great name?”  –  Joshua 7.7-9

Imagine praying this way to God [Wall]. This is not a formal church prayer; it is the prayer of a man who is afraid and confused by what is happening around him.  Joshua poured out his real thoughts to God [Wall].  Hiding your needs from God [Wall] is ignoring the only one who can really help.  God [Wall] welcomes your honest prayers and wants you to express your true feelings to him.  Any believer can become more honest in prayer by remembering that God [Wall] is all-knowing and all-powerful and that his love is everlasting.

(7.7 When Joshua first went against Ai (7:3), he did not consult God but relied on the strength of his army to defeat the small city. Only after Israel was defeated did they turn to God and ask what happened. — Too often we rely on our own skills and strength, especially when the task before us seems easy. We go to God only when the obstacles seem too great. However, only God knows what lies ahead. Consulting him, even when we are on a winning streak, may save us from grave mistakes or misjudgements. God may want us to learn lessons, remove pride, or consult others before he will work through us.)

Why God may not be answering yours:

‘   He replied, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.”  –  Judges 13.18

Why did the angel keep his name a secret? In those days people believed that if they knew someone’s name, they knew his character and how to control him. By not giving his name, the angel was not allowing himself to be controlled by Manoah. He was also saying that his name was a mystery beyond understanding and too wonderful to imagine. Manoah asked the angel for an answer that wouldn’t have understood. Sometimes we ask God questions and then receive no answer. This may not be because God is saying no. We may have asked for knowledge beyond our ability to understand or accept.

‘   Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” 

“I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God [Wall] has turned away from me.  He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams.  So I have called n you to tell me what to do.”  –   1 Samuel 28.15

God [Wall] did not answer Saul’s appeals because Saul had not followed God’s [Wall’s] previous directions.  Sometimes people wonder why their prayers are not answered. But if they don’t fulfil the responsibilities God [Wall] has already given them, they should not be surprised when he does not give further guidance.

‘   “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?  I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt to this day.  I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.  Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ‘ 

“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you.  Now I will make you name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.  And I will provide a place for my own people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.  Wicked people shall not oppress them any more, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel.  I will also give you rest from all your enemies.

“ ‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers [Up], I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.  I will be his father [Up], and he shall be my son.  When he does wrong, will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men.  But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.  –   2 Samuel 7.8-16

David’s request was good, but God [Wall] said no. This does not mean that God rejected David. In fact, God [Wall] was planning to do something even greater in David’s life than allowing him the prestige of building the temple. Although God [Wall] turned down David’s request, he promised to continue the house (or dynasty) of David for ever, David’s earthly dynasty ended four centuries later, but Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of David, was the ultimate fulfilment of this promise (Acts 2.22-36).  Christ will reign for eternity – now in his spiritual kingdom and in heaven, and later, on earth, in the new Jerusalem (Luke 1.30-33; Revelations 21). Have you prayed with good intentions, only to have God [Wall] say no? This is God’s way of directing you to a greater purpose in your life. Accepting God’s [Wall’s] no requires as great a faith as carrying out his eyes.

Don’t let guilt feelings keep you from praying:

‘ Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “O Sovereign LORD, remember me.  O God [Wall], please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”  Then Samson reached towards the two central pillars on which the temple stood.  Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!”  Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it.  Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.  –  Judges 16.28-30

In spite of Samson’s past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the pagan temple and worshippers. God still loved him. He was willing to hear Samson’s prayer of confession and repentance and use him one last time. One of the effects of sin in our lives is to keep us from feeling like praying. But perfect moral behaviour is not a condition for prayer. Don’t let guilt feelings over sin keep you from your only means of restoration. No matter how long you have been away from God, he is ready to hear from you and restore you to a right relationship. Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn again to him. If God could still work in Samson’s situation, he can certainly make something worthwhile out of yours.

When discouraged:

‘   In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD.  –  1 Samuel 1.10

Hannah had good reason to feel discouraged and bitter. She was unable to bear children; she shared her husband with a woman who ridiculed her (1.7); her loving husband could not solve her problem (1.8); and even the high priest misunderstood her motives (1.14). But instead of retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed. She brought her problem honestly before God.

Each of us may face times of barrenness when nothing “comes to birth” in our work, service, or relationships. It is difficult to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective. But, as Hannah discovered, prayer opens the way for God to work (1.19, 20).

Be careful what you promise God in prayer:

‘   And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”  –  1 Samuel 1.11

Be careful what you promise in prayer because God may take you up on it. Hannah so desperately wanted a child that she was willing to strike a bargain with God. God took her up on her promise, and to Hannah’s credit, she did her part, even though it was painful (1:27, 28).

Although we are not in a position to barter with God [Wall], he may still choose to answer a prayer that has an attached promise. When you pray, ask yourself, “Will I follow through on any promises I make to God [Wall] if he grants my request?” It is dishonest and dangerous to ignore a promise, especially to God [Wall].  God [Wall] keeps his promises, and expects you to keep yours.

Is failing to pray for others a sin?

‘   As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.  And I will teach you the way that is good and right.  –  1 Samuel 12.23

Is failing to pray for others a sin? Samuel’s words seem to indicate that it is. His actions illustrate two of God’s people’s responsibilities: (1) they should pray consistently for others (Ephesians 6.18), and (2) they should teach others the right way to God (2 Timothy 2:2). Samuel disagreed with the Israelites’ demand for a king, but he assured them that he would continue to pray for them and teach them. We may disagree with others, but we shouldn’t stop praying for them.

How David responded to God’s “no” answer:

‘   Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, O Lord God [Wall], and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?  And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God [Wall], you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant.  You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O LORD God [Wall].

“What more can David say to you for honouring your servant? For you know your servant, O LORD.  For the sake of your servant and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made known all these great promises.

“There is no-one like you, O LORD, and there is no Go d[Wall] but you, as we have heard with our own ears. –  1 Chronicles 17.16-20

God told David that Solomon would be given the honour of building the temple. David responded with deep humility, not resentment. This king who had conquered his enemies and was loved by his people said, “Who am I… that you have brought me this far”? David recognised that God was the true king. God [Wall] has done just as much for us, and he plans to do even more! Like David, we should humble ourselves and give glory to God, saying “There is no-one like you, O LORD.” When God chooses someone else to implement your ideas, will you respond with such humility?

‘   David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God [Wall].  But this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars.  Youa re not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.  But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side.  His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign.  He is the one who will build a house for my Name.  He will be my son, and I will be his father [Up].  And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.’  –  1 Chronicles 22.7-10

God [Wall] told David he would not be the one to build the temple. Instead the task would be left to his son Solomon. David graciously accepted this “no” from God[Wall]. He was not jealous of the fact that his son would have the honour of building God’s [Wall’s] temple, but instead made preparations for Solomon to carry out his task. Similarly, we should take steps now to prepare the way for our children to find and fulfil God’s [Wall’s] purpose. Sooner or later our children will have to make their own decisions, but we can help by supplying them with the proper tools: showing them how to pray and study God’s [Wall’s] word, the difference between right and wrong, and the importance of church involvement.

Lessons from Solomon’s dedication prayer:

‘   Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his pleas for mercy, O LORD my God [Wall].  Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.  May your eyes be open towards this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there.  May you hear the prayer your servant prays towards this place.  Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray towards this place.  Hear from heaven, your dwelling-place; and when you hear, forgive.

“When a man wrongs his neighbour and is required to take an oath and he comes and swears the oath before your altar in this temple, then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, repaying the guilty by bringing down on his own head what he has done.  Declare the innocent not guilty and so establish his innocence.

“When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they 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, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land that you gave your people for an inheritance.

“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or pleas is made by any of your people Israel – each one aware of his afflictions and pains, and spreading out his hands towards this temple – 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), so that they will fear you and walk in your ways all the time they live in the land that you gave our fathers [Up].

“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm – when he comes and prays towards this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling-place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house that I have built bears your Name.

“When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to you towards this city [Seat] you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.

“When they sin against you – for there is no-one who does not sin – and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly’; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray towards the land that you gave their fathers [Up], towards the city [Seat] you have chosen and towards the temple that I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling-place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.

“Now, my God [Wall], may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. “Now arise, O LORD God [Wall], and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.  May your priests, O LORD God [Wall], be clothes with salvation, may your saints rejoice in your goodness.  O LORD God [Wall], do not reject your anointed one.  Remember the great love promised to David your servant.”  –  2 Chronicles 6.19-42

As Solomon led the people in prayer, he asked God to hear their prayers concerning a variety of situations: (1) crime (6.22, 23); (2) enemy attacks (6.24, 25); (3) drought (6.26, 27); (4) famine (6.28- 31); (5) the influx of foreigners (6.32, 33); (6) war (6.34, 35); (7) sin (6.36-39). God [Wall] is concerned with whatever we face, even the difficult consequences we bring upon ourselves. He wants us to turn to him in prayer. When you pray, remember that God [Wall] hears you. Don’t let the extremity of your situation cause you to doubt his care for you.

What to request of God in:

‘ “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised.  Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.  May the LORD our God [Wall] be with us as he was with our fathers [Up]; may he never leave us nor forsake us.  May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his way sand to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers [Up].  And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God [Wall] day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God [Wall] and that there is no other.  –   1 Kings 8.56-60

Solomon praised the Lord and prayed for the people. His prayer can be a pattern for our prayers.  He had five basic requests: (1) for God’s [Wall’s] presence (8.57); (2) for the desire to do God’s [Wall’s] will in everything; (“turn our hearts to him”, 8.58); (3) for help with each day’s need (8.59); (4) for the desire and ability to obey God’s [Wall’s] decrees and commands (8.58); (5) for the spread of God’s [Wall’s] kingdom to the entire world (8:60). These prayer requests are just as important today. When you pray for your church or family, you can make these same requests to God [Wall].

Don’t always expect immediate answers:

‘ the LORD appeared to him at night and said: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.  –  2 Chronicles 7.12

Months, maybe years, had passed since Solomon’s prayer of dedication (Chapter 6). Several other building projects had been completed after the temple (7.11; 8.1). Then after all this time, God [Wall] told Solomon that he had heard Solomon’s prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and, when nothing happens, wonder if God [Wall] has heard us? God [Wall] does hear, and he will provide for us. We must trust that God [Wall] will answer at the proper time.

Hezekiah’s saved a nation:

‘   When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the LORD.  He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.  They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the point of birth and there is no strength to deliver them.  It may be that the LORD your God [Wall] will hear all the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God [Wall], and that he will rebuke him for the words the LORD your God [Wall] has heard.  Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.”

When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard – those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Listen!  I am going to put such a spirit in him that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’ “   –  2 Kings 19.1-7

Sennacherib, whose armies had captured all the fortified cities of Judah, sent a message to Hezekiah to surrender. Realising the situation was hopeless, Hezekiah went to the temple and prayed. God answers Hezekiah’s prayer and delivered Judah by sending an army to attack the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to leave at once. Prayer should be our first response in any crisis. Don’t wait until things are hopeless. Pray daily for his guidance. Our problems are God’s opportunities.  *

How Hezekiah approached God in:

‘   And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD; “O LORD, God [Wall] of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God [Wall] over the kingdoms of the earth.  You have made heaven and earth.  Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God [Wall].

“It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by men’s hands.  Now, O LORD our God [Wall], deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God [Wall].”  –  2 Kings 19.15-19

Although Hezekiah came boldly to God, he did not take God for granted or approach him flippantly.  Instead, Hezekiah acknowledged God’s sovereignty and Judah’s total dependence on him.  Hezekiah’s prayer provides a good model for us. We should not be afraid to approach God with our prayers, but we must come to him with respect for who he is and what he can do.

STILL MORE TO COME!!!

Equal with women in creation:

‘ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.  –  Genesis 1:27

God [Wall] made both man and woman in his image. Neither man nor woman is made more in the image of God [Wall] than the other.  From the beginning the Bible places both man and woman at the pinnacle of God’s [Wall] creation.  Neither sex is exalted, and neither is depreciated.

(‘   God made the wild animals, each according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.  – Genesis 1.25 God [Wall] saw that his work was good.  People sometimes feel guilty for having a good time or for feeling good about an accomplishment [Petra Jordan].  This need not be so.  Just as God [Wall] felt good about this work, we can be pleased with ours.  However, we should not feel good about our work if God [Wall] would not be pleased with it.  What are you doing that pleases both you and God [Wall]?)

(‘ Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.  – Genesis 1.26  Why does God [Wall] use the plural form, “Let us make man in our image?” One view says this is a reference to the Trinity – God [Wall] the Father [up], Jesus Christ his Son, the Holy Spirit – all of whom are God [Wall].  Another view is that the plural wording is used to denote majesty.  Kings traditionally use the plural form in speaking of themselves.  From Job 33.4 and Psalms 104:30, we do know that God’s [Wall’s] Spirit was present in the creation.  From Colossians 1:16 we know that Christ, God’s [Wall’s] Son, was at work in the creation.)

(1.26   In what ways are we made in God’s [Wall’s] image?  God [Wall] obviously did not create us exactly like himself because God [Wall] has no physical [Sternum] body.  Instead, we are reflections of God’s [Wall’s] glory.  Some feel that our reason, creativity, speech, or self-determination is the image of God [Wall].  More likely, it is our entire self that reflects the image of God.  We will never be totally like God [Wall] because he is our supreme Creator.  But we do have the ability to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.    Knowing that we are made in God’s [Wall’s] image and thus share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth.  Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements [Petra Jordan], physical [Sternum] attractiveness, or public acclaim.  Instead it is based on being made in God’s [Wall’s] image.  Because we bear God’s [Wall’s] image, we can feel positive about ourselves.  Criticising or downgrading ourselves is criticising what God [Wall] has made and the abilities he has given us.  Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God [Wall], know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.)

(‘   God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.  Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  –  Genesis  1.26  To “rule over” something is to have absolute authority and control over it.  God has ultimate rule over the earth, and he exercises his authority with loving care.  When God [Wall] delegated some of his authority to the human race, he expected us to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that share our planet.  We must not be careless and wasteful as we fulfil his change.  God was careful how he made this earth.  We must not be careless about how we take care of it.)

(‘ God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day. – Genesis 1.31 God [Wall] saw that all he had created was very good.  You are part of God’s [Wall’s] creation, and he is pleased with how he made you.  If at times you feel worthless or of little value, remember that God made you for a good reason.  You are valuable to him.)

Jesus living as:

‘ 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 son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all other human beings [Tom Thumb] 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 be broken only through death or divorce (even though sexual relationships 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 the right to divorce her, and the Jewish authorities could have had her stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22.23, 24).)

(‘ 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 [Up] of can also be translated “the ancestor of”.)

(‘ … Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.”  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus.  –  Matthew 1.18-25  Joseph was faced with a difficult choice after discovering that Mary was pregnant.  Although he knew that taking Mary as his wife could be humiliating, Joseph chose to obey the angels’ command to marry her.  His action revealed four admirable qualities: (1) righteousness (1.19), (2) discretion and sensitivity (1.19), (3) responsiveness to God (1.24), and (4) self-discipline (1.25).)

(1.19 Perhaps Joseph thought he had only two options: divorce Mary quietly, or have her stoned.  But God [Wall] had a third option – marry her (1.20-23).  In view of the circumstances [Get out], this had not occurred to Joseph.  But God [Wall] often shows us that there are more options available than we think.  Although Joseph seemed to be doing the right thing by breaking the engagement, only God’s [Wall’s] guidance helped him make [not to] the best decision.  When our decisions affect the lives of others, we must always seek God’s [Wall’s] wisdom.)

(1.20 The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are supernatural events beyond human logic or reasoning.  Because of this, God [Wall] sent angels to help certain people understand the significance of what was happening (see 2.13, 19; Luke 1.11, 26; 2.9).    Angels are spiritual beings created by God [Wall] who help carry out his work on earth.  They bring God’s [Wall’s] message to people (Luke 1.26), protect God’s [Wall’s] people (Daniel 6.22), offer encouragement (Genesis 16.7ff), give guidance (Exodus 14.19), carry out punishment (2 Samuel 24.16), patrol the earth (Zechariah 1.9-14), and fight the forces of evil (2 Kings 6.16-18; Revelations 20.1, 2).  There are both good and bad angels (Revelations 12.7), but because bad angels are allied with the devil, or Satan, they have considerably less power and authority than good angels.  Eventually the main role of angels will be to offer continuous praise to God [Wall] (Revelations 7.11, 12).)

A result of sin:

‘ The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.  –  Genesis 2.25

Have you ever noticed how a little child can run naked through a room full of strangers without embarrassment? He is not aware of his nakedness, just as Adam and Eve were not embarrassed in their innocence.  But after Adam and Eve sinned, shame and awkwardness followed, creating barriers between themselves and God [Wall].  We often experience these same barriers in marriage.  Ideally a husband and wife have no barriers, feeling no embarrassment in exposing themselves to each other or to God [Wall].  But, like Adam and Eve (3.7), we put on fig leaves (barriers) because we have areas we don’t want our spouse, or God [Wall], to know about.  Then we hide, just as Adam and Eve hid from God [Wall].  In marriage, lack of spiritual, emotional, and intellectual intimacy usually precedes a breakdown of physical [Sternum] intimacy.  In the same way, when we fail to expose our secret thoughts to God [Wall], we break our lines of communication with him.

(‘ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh.  – Genesis 2.24 God [Wall] gave marriage as a gift to Adam and Eve.  They were created perfect for each other. Marriage was not just for convenience, nor was it brought about by any culture.  It was instituted by God [Wall] and has three basic aspects: (1) the man leaves his parents and, in a public act, promises himself to his wife; (2) the man and woman are joined together by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare and by loving the partner above all others; (3) the two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment of sexual union that is reserved for marriage.  Strong marriages include all three of these aspects.)

(‘ Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”  – Genesis 3.1 Disguised as a crafty serpent, Satan came to tempt Eve.  Satan at one time was an angel who rebelled against God [Wall] and was thrown out of heaven.  As a created being, Satan has definite limitations.  Although he is trying to tempt everyone away from God [Wall], he will not be the final victor.  In 3:14, 15, God [Wall] promises that Satan will be crushed by one of the woman’s offspring, the Messiah.)

When our pride is hurt:

‘   Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me!  If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.”  –  Numbers 22.29

The donkey saved Balaam’s life but made him look foolish in the process, so Balaam lashed out at the donkey. We sometimes strike out at blameless people who get in our way because we are embarrassed or our pride is hurt.  Lashing out at others can be a sign that something  is wrong with us.  Don’t allow your own hurt pride to lead you to hurt others.

(‘   When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. – Numbers 22.27 Donkeys were all-purpose vehicles used for transportation, carrying loads, grinding grain, and ploughing fields.  They were usually highly dependable, which explains why Balaam became so angry when his donkey refused to move.)

(‘ The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he saw part of the people. – Numbers 22.41 Bamoth Baal means the high places of Baal near Heshbon and Dibon.  It was the first stopping point on the way to the high plains of Moab.  From this vantage point, they could see the entire Israelite camp.)

When it’s too embarrassing to do right:

‘   The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted  –  Matthew 14.9

Herod did not want to kill John the Baptist, but he gave the order so that he wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of his guests. How easy it is to give in to the crowd and to let ourselves be pressured into doing wrong.  Don’t get into a situation where it will be too embarrassing to do what is right.  Determine to do what is right, no matter how embarrassing or painful it may be.

(Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,  – Matthew 14.3 Philip, Herod’s half brother, was another of Palestine’s four rulers.  His territories were Iturea and Traconitis, northeast of the Sea of Galilee (Luke 3.1).  Philip’s wife, Herodias, left Philip to live with Herod Antipas.  John the Baptist condemned the two for living immorally (see Mark 6.17, 18).)

(‘ When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.  Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.  When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.  – Matthew 14.13, 14 Jesus sought solitude after the news of John’s death.  Sometimes we may need to deal with our grief alone.  Jesus did not dwell on his grief, but returned to the ministry he came to do.)

Don’t be embarrassed by Jesus:

‘   I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  –  Romans 1.16

Why did the message go to the Jews first? They had been God’s [Wall’s] special people for more than 2,000 years, ever since God [Wall] chose Abraham and promised great blessings to his descendants (Genesis 12.1-3).  God [Wall] did not choose the Jews because they deserved to be chosen (Deuteronomy 7.7, 8; 9.4-6), but because he wanted to show his love and mercy to them, teach them, and prepare them to welcome his Messiah into the world.  God [Wall] chose them, not to play favourites, but so that they would tell the world about his plan of salvation.

For centuries the Jews had been learning about God [Wall] by obeying his laws, keeping his feats, and living according to his moral principles.  Often they would forget God’s [Wall’s] promises and requirements; often they would have to be disciplined; but still they had a precious heritage of belief in the one true God [Wall].  Of all the people on earth, the Jews should have been the most ready to welcome the Messiah and to understand his mission and message – and some of them were (see Luke 2.25, 36-38).  Of course, the disciples and the great apostle Paul were faithful Jews who recognised in Jesus God’s [Wall’s] most precious gift to the human race.

(1.16 Paul was not ashamed because his message [Genre] was the gospel of Christ, the Good News.  It was a message of salvation, it had life-changing power, and it was for everyone.  When you are tempted to be ashamed, remember what the Good News is all about.  If you focus on God [Wall] and on what God [Wall] is doing in the world rather than on your own inadequacy, you won’t be ashamed or embarrassed.)

(1.16 Jews and Christians alike stood against the idolatrous Roman religions, and Roman officials often confused the two groups.  This was especially easy to do since the Christian church in Rome could have been originally composed of Jewish converts who had attended the Feast of Pentecost (see Acts 2.1ff).  By the time Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, however, many Gentiles had joined the church.  The Jews and the Gentiles needed to know the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.)

(‘ I am bound both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.  – Romans 1.14 By “Greeks and non-Greeks”, Paul was referring to those of the Greek culture and those not of the Greek culture.  “The wise and the foolish” refers to educated and uneducated people.  What was Paul’s obligation?  After his experience with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), his whole life was consumed with spreading the Good News of salvation.  His obligation was to Christ for being his Saviour, and he was obligated to the entire world.  He met his obligation by proclaiming Christ’s salvation to all people – both Jews and Gentiles, across all cultural, social, racial, and economic lines.  We also are obligated to Christ because he took on the punishment we deserve for our sin.  Although we cannot repay Christ for all he has done, we can demonstrate our gratitude by showing his love to others.)

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

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

Is there anything about your life that is embarrassing to God?

‘   For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.  –  1 Thessalonians 2.11-12

By his word and example, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to live in such a way that would be worthy of God [Wall]. Is there anything about your daily life that would embarrass God [Wall]?  What do people think of God [Wall] from watching you?

(‘ The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,  – 2 Thessalonians 2.9 This lawless one will use “counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders” to deceive and draw a following.  Miracles from God can help strengthen our faith and lead people to Christ, but not all miracles [Where’s my money/Equipment] are necessarily from God [Wall].  Christ’s miracles were significant, not just because of their power, but because of their purpose – to help, to heal, and to point us to God [Wall].  The man of lawlessness will have power to do amazing things, but his power will be from Satan.  He will use this power to destroy and to lead people away from God [Wall] and towards himself.  If any so-called religious personality draws attention only to himself or herself, his or her work is not from God.)

(‘ But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. – 2 Thessalonians 2.13  Paul consistently taught that salvation begins and ends with God [Wall].  We can do nothing to be saved on our own merit – we must accept God’s [Wall’s] gift of salvation (see the note on Ephesians 1.4).  There is no other way to receive forgiveness from sin.  Paul is encouraging the Thessalonian believers by reminding them that they were chosen by God [Wall] from the beginning. Sanctification is the process of Christian growth through which the Holy Spirit makes us like Christ (Romans 8.29).  See the note on 1:11, 12.)

Significance of:

This is the written account of Adam’s line.

When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. –  Genesis 5.1ff

The Bible contains several lists of ancestors, called genealogies.  There are two basic views concerning these lists: (1) they are complete, recording the entire history of a family, tribe, or nation; or (2) they are not intended to be exhaustive and may include only famous people or the heads of families.  “Became the father of” could also mean “was the ancestor of”.

Why are genealogies included in the Bible? The Hebrews passed on their beliefs through oral tradition.  For many years in many places, writing was primitive or non-existent.  Stories were told to children who passed them on to their children.  Genealogies gave a skeletal outline that helped people remember the stories.  For centuries these genealogies were added to and passed down from family to family.  Even more important than preserving family tradition, genealogies were included to confirm the Bible’s promise that the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be born into the line of Abraham.

Genealogies point out an interesting characteristic of God [Wall]. People are important to him as individuals, not just as races or nations.  Therefore God [Wall] refers to people by name, mentioning their life span and descendants.  The next time you feel overwhelmed in a vast crowd, remember that the focus of God’s [Wall’s] attention and love is on the individual – and on you!

(‘ Lamech married two woman, one named Adah and the other Zillah. Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock.  His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.  Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.  Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah. Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words.  I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.  If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”  Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”  Seth also had a son, and he named his Enosh.  At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD.  – Genesis 4.19-26   Unfortunately, when left to themselves, people tend to get worse instead of better.  This short summary of Lamech’s family shows us the variety of talent and ability God [Wall] gives humans.  It also presents the continuous development of sin as time passes. Another killing occurred, presumably in self-defence.  Violence is on the rise.  Two distinct groups are appearing: (1) those who show indifference to sin and evil, and (2) those who call on the name of the Lord (the descendants of Seth, 4.26).  Seth would take Abel’s place as leader of a line of God’s [Wall’s] faithful people.)

(‘ When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth. After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.  Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died.  – Genesis 5.3-5 All human beings are related, going back to Adam and Eve.  Mankind is a family that shares one flesh and blood. Remember this when prejudice enters your mind or hatred invades your feelings.  Each person is a valuable and unique creation of God.)

Why significant to the Jews:

‘ Adam, Seth, Enosh,  –  1 Chronicles 1.1ff

There is more to this long genealogy than meets the eye. It holds importance for us today because it supports the Old Testament promise that Jesus the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham and David.  This promise is recorded in Genesis 12.1-3 and 2 Samuel 7.12, 13.

‘   The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:  –  Nehemiah 7.61

Genealogies were greatly valued because it was vitally important for a Jew to be able to prove that he or she was a descendant of Abraham and was, therefore, part of God’s [Wall’s] people (Genesis 12.1-3; Exodus 19.5, 6; Deuteronomy 11.22-28).  A lost genealogy put one’s status as a Jew at risk.

(‘ So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return.  This is what I found written there:  – Nehemiah 7.5ff   Nehemiah found the genealogical record.  Because this genealogy is almost identical to Ezra’s (Ezra 2), most likely Ezra’s list was stored in the temple archives and was the one Nehemiah found.)

(‘   These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor, therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there should be a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.  – Nehemiah 7.64, 65 The Urim and Thummim were a means of learning God’s [Wall’s] will (Exodus 28.30).  If someone’s name wasn’t in the genealogies, he could still be admitted as a priest if the Urim and Thummim proved him to be a Jew and a Levite.  It is not clear whether the Urim and Thummim were the originals that had survived the destruction of Jerusalem or if they were new.  The “most sacred food” was meat dedicated to God [Wall] as part of the sacrifice.  Only true priests could eat it.)

‘   A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:  –  Matthew 1.1

Presenting this genealogy was one of the most interesting ways that Matthew could begin a book for a Jewish audience. Because a person’s family line proved his or her standing as one of God’s [Wall’s] chosen people, Matthew began by showing that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, the father of all Jews, and a direct descendant of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s line.  The facts of this ancestry were carefully preserved.  This is the first of many proofs recorded by Matthew to show that Jesus is the true Messiah.

(1.1ff   More than 400 years had passed since the last Old Testament prophecies, and faithful Jews all over the world were still waiting for the Messiah (Luke 3.15).  Matthew wrote this book to Jews to present Jesus as King and Messiah, the promised descendant of David who would reign for ever (Isaiah 11.1-15).  The Gospel of Matthew links the Old and New Testaments and contains many references that show how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.)

(1.1ff Jesus entered human history when the land of Palestine was controlled by Rome and considered an insignificant outpost of the vast and mighty Roman empire.  The presence of Roman soldiers in Israel gave the Jews military peace, but at the price of oppression, slavery, injustice, and immorality.  Into this kind of world came the promised Messiah.)

(KEY PLACES IN MATTHEW Jesus’ earthly story begins in the town of Bethlehem in the Roman province of Judea (2.1).  A threat to kill the infant king led Joseph to take his family to Egypt (2.14).  When they returned, God [Wall] led them to settle in Nazareth in Galilee (2.22, 23).  At about the age of 30, Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River and was tempted by Satan in the Judean desert (3.13; 4.1).  Jesus set up his base of operations in Capernaum (4.12, 13) and from there ministered throughout Israel, telling parables, teaching about the kingdom, and healing the sick.  He travelled to the region of the Gadarenes and healed two demon-possessed men (8.28ff); fed over 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish on the shores of Galilee near Bethsaida (14.15ff); healed the sick in Gennesaret (14.34ff); ministered to the Gentiles in Tyre and Sidon (15.21ff); visited Caesarea Philippi, where Peter declared him as the Messiah (16.13ff); and taught in Perea, across the Jordan (19.1).  As he set out on his last visit to Jerusalem, he told the disciples what would happen to him there (20.17ff).  He spent some time in Jericho (20.29) and then stayed in Bethany at night as he went back and forth into Jerusalem during his last week (21.17ff).  In Jerusalem he would be crucified, but he would rise again.  – –  Sidon, Iturea, Lebanon, Tyre, Phoenicia, Caesarea Philippi, Traconitis, Syria, Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Korazin, Capernaum, Bethesaida, Gennesaret, Magadan, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Gadara, Decapolis (Region of Ten Cities), Israel, Samariam, Jordan River, Perea, Jericho, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Jordan, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Judea, to Egypt, Idumea.)

Importance of Chronicles genealogy:

(See above.)   1 Chronicles 1.1ff

This long list of names was compiled after the people of Judah, the southern kingdom, were taken captive to Babylon.  As the exiles looked forward to the day when they would return to their homeland, one of their biggest fears was that the records of their heritage would be lost.  The Jews placed great importance upon their heritage because each person wanted to be able to prove that he was a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people.  Only then could he enjoy the benefits of the special blessings God [Wall] promised to Abraham and his descendants (see the notes on Genesis 12.1-3 and 17.2-8 for what these special blessings were).

This list reconstructed the family tree for both Judah, the southern kingdom, and Israel, the northern kingdom, before their captivities and served as proof for those who claimed to be Abraham’s descendants.  (For more information about why the Bible includes genealogies, read the notes on Genesis 5.1ff, Matthew 1.1, and Luke 3.23-28.)

(1.1   This record of names demonstrates that God [Wall] is interested not only in nations, but also in individuals.  Although billions of people have lived since Adam, God [Wall] knows and remembers the face and the name of each person.  Each of us is more than a name on a list; we are special persons whom God [Wall] knows and loves.  As we recognise and accept his love, we discover both our uniqueness as individuals and our solidarity with the rest of his family.)

(Adam, Seth, Enosh, …  The Sons of Noah: Shem, Ham and Japheth.  – 1 Chronicles 1.1, 4 Adam’s story and Profile are found in Genesis 1-5.  Noah’s story and Profile are found in Genesis 6-9.)

What they teach us:

‘   A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: n Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz, the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Eliud, eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.  –  Matthew 1.1-17

In the first 17 verses we meet 46 people whose lifetimes span 2,000 years. All were ancestors of Jesus, but they varied considerably in personality, spirituality, and experience.  Some were heroes of faith – like Abraham, Isaac, Ruth, and David.  Some had shady reputations – like Rahab and Tamar.  Many were very ordinary – like Hezron, Ram, Nahshon, and Akim.  And others were evil – like Manasseh and Abijah.  God’s [Wall’s] work in history is not limited by human failures or sins, and he works through ordinary people.  Just as God [Wall] used all kinds of people to bring his Son into the world, he uses all kinds today to accomplish his will.  And God [Wall] wants to use you.

(1.11   The exile occurred in 586 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylonia, conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and took thousands of captives to Babylonia.)

Matthew’s and Luke’s compared:

‘   and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.  –  Matthew 1.16

Because Mary was a virgin when she became pregnant, Matthew lists Joseph only as the husband of Mary, not the father of Jesus. Matthew’s genealogy gives Jesus’ legal (or royal) lineage through Joseph.  Mary’s ancestral line is recorded in Luke 3:23-28.  Both Mary and Joseph were direct descendants of David.  –  Matthew traced the genealogy back to Abraham, while Luke traced it back to Adam.  Matthew wrote to the Jews, so Jesus was shown as a descendant of their father, Abraham.  Luke wrote to the Gentiles, so he emphasised Jesus as the Saviour of all people.

How they were compiled:

‘   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”.)

(‘   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   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 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 have had her stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22.23, 14).)

(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 [Tom Thumb] 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.)

EXTRA

(‘   The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech and Tiras. The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Ripath and Togarmah.  The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittim and the Rodanim.  The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, and Put and Canaan.  the sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah and Sabteca.  The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan.  – 1 Chronicles 1.5-9   Sons can also mean descendants; thus a biblical genealogy may skip several generations.  These lists were not meant to be exhaustive, but to give adequate information about the various family lines.)

[Matter]

What it is:

‘   Jesus wen through Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.  News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, and demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralysed, and he healed them.  –  Matthew 4.23-24

Jesus preached the gospel – the Good News – to everyone who wanted to hear it. The gospel is that the kingdom of heaven has come, that God is with us, and that he cares for us.  Christ can heal us, not just of physical sickness, but of spiritual sickness as well.  There’s no sin or problem too great or too small for him to handle.  Jesus’ words were good news because they offered freedom, hope, peace of heart, and eternal life with God.

‘   After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.  “The time has come,” he said.  “The kingdom of God is near.  Repent and believe the good news!” –  Mark 1.14-15

What is the good news of God? These first words spoken by Jesus in Mark give the core of his teachings: that the long-awaited Messiah has come to break the power of sin and begin God’s personal reign on earth.  Most of the people who heard this message were oppressed, poor, and without hope.  Jesus’ words were good news because they offered freedom, justice, and hope.

‘   regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God, by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.  Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.  –  Romans 1.3-5

Here Paul summarises the Good News about Jesus Christ, who (1) came as a human by natural descent, (2) was part of the Jewish royal line through David, (3) died and was raised from the dead, and (4) opened the door for God’s grace and kindness to be poured out on us. the book of Romans is an expansion of these themes.

Doom for those who reject it:

‘   I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.  –  Matthew 10.15

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire from heaven because of their wickedness (Genesis 19.24, 25). Those who reject the gospel when they hear it will be worse off than the wicked people of these destroyed cities, who never heard the gospel at all.

The urgency to spread it:

‘   And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  –  Matthew 24.14

Jesus said that before he returns, the gospel of the kingdom (the message of salvation) would be preached throughout the world.  This was the disciples’ mission – and it is ours today.  Jesus talked about the end times and final judgment to show his followers the urgency of spreading the good news of salvation to everyone.

Responsibility to share it:

‘   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

Herod arrested John the Baptist under pressure from his wife and advisers. Though Herod respected John’s integrity, in the end Herod had John killed because of pressure from his peers and family.  What you do under pressure often shows what you are really like.

Why kingdom of God is:

‘   But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”  –  Luke 4.43

The kingdom of God was good news! It was good news to the Jews because they had been awaiting the coming of the promised Messiah ever since the Babylonian captivity.  It is good news for us also because it means freedom from slavery to sin and selfishness.  The kingdom of God is here and now because the Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of believers.  Yet it is also in the future because Jesus will return to reign over a perfect kingdom where sin and evil no longer exist.

Why it baffles many people:

‘   He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  –  Luke 24.25

Why did Jesus call these disciples foolish? Even though they well knew the biblical prophecies, they failed to understand that Christ’s suffering was his path to glory.  They could not understand why God did not intervene to save Jesus from the cross.  They were so caught up in the world’s admiration of political power and military might that they were unprepared for the reversal of values in God’s kingdom – that the last will be first, and that life grows out of death.  The world has not changed its values: a suffering servant is no more popular today than 2,000years ago.  But we not only have the witness of the Old Testament prophets; we also have the witness of the New Testament apostles and the history of the Christian church all pointing to Jesus’ victory over death.  Will we step outside the values of our culture and put our faith in Jesus?  Or will we foolishly continue to be baffled by his Good News?

‘   Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  –  1 Corinthians 1.22

Many Jews considered the Good News of Jesus Christ to be foolish, because they thought the Messiah would be a conquering king accompanied by signs of miracles.  Jesus had not restored David’s throne as they expected.  Besides, he was executed as a criminal, and how could a criminal be a savior?  Greeks, too, considered the gospel foolish: they did not believe in a bodily resurrection; they did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods; and they thought no reputable person would be crucified.  To them, death was defeat, not victory.

The Good News of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many. Our society worships power, influence, and wealth.  Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his kingdom to those who have faith, not to those who do all kinds of good deeds to try to earn his gifts.  This looks foolish to the world, but Christ is our power, the only way we can be saved.  Knowing Christ personally is the greatest wisdom anyone could have.

Prophecies predicting it:

‘   the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures – Romans 1.2

Some of the prophecies predicting the Good News regarding Jesus Christ are Genesis 12:3; Psalms 16:10; 40:6-10; 118:22; Isaiah 11:1ff; Zechariah 9:9-11; 12:10; Malachi 4:1-6.

EXTRA

1 Cor 1.22   Corinth, a giant cultural melting pot with a great diversity of wealth, religions, and moral standards, had a reputation for being fiercely independent and as decadent as any city in the world.  The Romans had destroyed Corinth in 146 B.C. after a rebellion.  But in 46 B.C., the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar rebuilt it because of its strategic seaport.  By Paul’s day (A.D. 50), the Romans had made Corinth the capital of Achaia (present-day Greece).  It was a large city, offering Rome great profits through trade as well as the military protection of its sports.  But the city’s prosperity made it ripe for all sorts of corruption.  Idolatry flourished, and there were more than a dozen pagan temples employing at least a thousand prostitutes.  Corinth’s reputation was such that prostitutes in other cities began to be called “Corinthian girls”.

(A personal invitation makes a person feel wanted and welcome. We are “called to be holy”.  God personally invites us to be citizens of his eternal kingdom.  But Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is the only one who can bring us into this glorious kingdom because he is the only one who removes our sins.  Sanctified means that we are chosen or set apart by Christ for his service.  We accept God’s invitation by accepting his Son, Jesus Christ, and by trusting in the work he did on the cross to forgive our sins.)

(By including a salutation to “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”, Paul is making it clear that this is not a private letter.  Although it deals with specific issues facing the church at Corinth, all believers can learn from it.  The Corinthian church included a great crosssection of believers – wealthy merchants, common labourers, former temple prostitutes, and middle class families.  Because of the wide diversity of people and background, Paul takes great pains to stress the need for both spiritual unity and Christlike character.)

Danger of:

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his hold age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. – Genesis 37.3

In Joseph’s day, everyone had a robe or cloak. Robes were used to warm oneself, to bundle up belongings for a trip, to wrap babies, to sit on, or even to serve as security for a loan.  Most robes were knee length, short sleeved, and plain.  In contrast, Joseph’s robe was probably of the kind worn by royalty – long sleeved, ankle length, and colourful.  The robe became a symbol of Jacob’s favouritism towards Joseph, and it aggravated the already strained relations between Joseph and his brothers.  Favouritism in families may be unavoidable, but it divisive effects should be minimised.  Parents may not be able to change their feelings towards a favourite child, but they can change their actions towards the others.

(Missing Notes: 37.1-2, 4, 5, 12-18, 21-25.)

Reveals a double standard:

“So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law. – Malachi 2.9

The priests had allowed influential and favoured people to break the law. The priests were so dependent on these people for support that they could not afford to confront them when they did wrong.  In your church, are certain people allowed to do wrong without criticism?  There should be no double standard based on wealth or position.  Let your standards be those presented in God’s word.  Playing favourites is contemptible in God’s sight (see James 2.1-9).

(Missing Notes: Omitted.)

Show none among people:

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  –   James 2.2-4

We are often partial to the rich because we mistakenly assume that riches are a sign of God’s blessing and approval. But God does not promise us earthly rewards or riches; in fact, Christ calls us to be ready to suffer for him and give up everything in order to hold on to eternal life (Matthew 6.19-21; 19.28-30; Luke 12.14-34; Romans 8.15-21; 1 Timothy 6.17-19).  We will have untold riches in eternity if we are faithful in our present life (Luke 6.35; John 12.23-25; Galatians 6.7-10; Titus 3.4-8).

(2.2-4   Why is it wrong to judge a person by his or her economic status?  Wealth may indicate intelligence, wise decisions, and hard work.  On the other hand, it may mean only that a person had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy family.  Or it can even be the sign of greed, dishonesty, and selfishness.  By honouring someone just because he or she dresses well, we are making appearance more important than character.  Sometimes we do this because (1) poverty makes us uncomfortable; we don’t want to face our responsibilities to those who have less than we do; (2) we want to be wealthy too, and we hope to use the rich person as a means to that end; (3) we want the rich person to join our church and help support it financially.  All these motives are selfish; they view neither the rich nor the poor person as a human being in need of fellowship.  If we say that Christ is our Lord, then we must live as he requires, showing no favouritism and loving all people regardless of whether they are rich or poor.)

(2.1-7   James condemns acts of favouritism.  Often we treat a well-dressed, impressive-looking person better than someone who looks shabby.  We do this because we would rather identify with successful people than with apparent failures.  The irony, as James reminds us, is that the supposed winners may have gained their impression life-style at our expense.  In addition, the rich find it difficult to identify with the Lord Jesus, who came as a humble servant.  Are you easily impressed by status, wealth, or fame?  Are you partial to the “haves” while ignoring the “have nots”?  This attitude is sinful.  God views all people as equals, and if he favours anyone, it is the poor and the powerless.  We should follow his example.)

[Image: sleeping rough on the street]

How man and woman became one:

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.  So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.  Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.  “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman’, for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.  –  Genesis 2.18-24

God’s creative work was not complete until he made woman. He could have made her from the dust of the ground, as he made man.  God chose, however, to make her from the man’s flesh and bone.  In so doing, he illustrated for us that in marriage man and woman symbolically become one flesh.  This is a mystical union of the couple’s hearts and lives.  Throughout the Bible, God treats this special partnership seriously.  If you are married or planning to be married, are you willing to keep the commitment that makes the two of you one?  The goal in marriage should be more than friendship; it should be oneness.

(2.21-23   God forms and equips men and women for various tasks, but all these tasks lead to the same goal – honouring God [Wall].  Man gives life to woman, woman gives life to the world.  Each role carries exclusive privileges; there is no room for thinking that one sex is superior to the other.)

‘ And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” – Genesis 2.16, 17

Why would God [Wall] place a tree in the garden and then forbid Adam to eat from it? God [Wall] wanted Adam to obey, but God [Wall] gave Adam the freedom to choose.  Without choice, Adam would have been like a prisoner, and his obedience would have been hollow.  The two trees provided an exercise in choice, with rewards for choosing to obey and sad consequences for choosing to disobey.  When you are faced with the choice, always choose to obey God.

(‘   For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. – Genesis 2.24   God [Wall] gave marriage as a gift to Adam and Eve.  They were created perfect for each other.  Marriage was not just for convenience, nor was it brought about by any culture.  It was instituted by God [Wall] and has three basic aspects: (1) the man leaves his parents and, in a public act, promises himself to his wife; (2) the man and woman are joined together by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare and by loving the partner above all others; (3) the two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment of sexual union that is reserved for marriage.  Strong marriages include all three of these aspects.)