Saturday, June 30, 2018

Life in the Desert - Numbers 10b-14 – To the Border of the Promised Land


Numbers chapters 10-14 document the events leading up to the great rebellion and the divine sentence it incurred. Then chapters 15-21 narrate the story of the "lost generation," give miscellaneous laws and regulations, and trace the resumed journey to Moab.
Broad Outline of Numbers: Three Stages
1:1-10:10
Sinai: Preparation to Enter Land
Time: 20 days (Cf. 1:1; 10:11)
10:11-21:35
From Sinai to Moab: Failure to Enter Land
Time: 38 years, 3 months, 10 days
22:1-36:13
Plains of Moab: Preparation #2 to Enter Land
Time: c. 5 months
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Numbers 10
10:1-10 The Silver Trumpets (end of last class)
10:11-12:16 Marching from Sinai to Kadesh
10:11-28 Israel’s Departure from Sinai
In the exact order God had specified. Good start!
10:29-32 Request to Hobab to Accompany Israel
Moses’ bro-in-law. “Do you good.” “Be our eyes.”
10:33-36 The First Three Days
Ark – God’s leadership (in battle) and protection.
Numbers 11
From salvation to obedience to complaining to unbelief to rebellion to judgment. Why? How?
11:1-3 Complaint of Adversity. Fire – Taberah.
11:4-9 Complaint re: Meat. Tired of this manna!
How accurate are their memories of Egypt?
11:10-15 Moses’ Entreaty: “Too Much for Me!”
How does Moses react to this situation and why?
Why do leaders burn out?
How can followers and leaders prevent burnout?
11:16-30 God’s Two-Part Reply to Moses’ Plea
1. 70 elders to share burden. 2. Abundant meat.
Moses’ objection: 600,000 (soldiers) on foot!
Note Joshua’s reaction and Moses’ reply to him.
11:31-35 Blessing of Quail; Curse of Greed
Small partridge. Piled 3 feet high on the ground.
Least: 10 homers = 60 bushels or 2,200 liters.
What is the cause of greed? What is its cure?
Kibroth Hattaavah = “graves of greediness.”
Numbers 12
12:1-3 Miriam’s and Aaron’s Criticism of Moses
Was it really about Moses’ wife? Explain.
12:4-10 Yahweh’s Answer; Miriam’s Leprosy
What makes Moses’ attitude and role unique?
How does God treat insubordination and rivalry?
12:11-13 Aaron’s Plea; Moses’ Intercession
Aaron: 6 mos. older. Moses: leader as intercessor.
12:14-16 Miriam’s Healing and “Time Out”
Forgiveness, yet consequences. Why?
Numbers 13
13:1-19:22 Forty Years Near Kadesh
13:1-14:45 Spies’ Mission, National Rebellion
13:1-16 God’s Command; Choice of Spies
Why send spies? Why “chiefs?” Opinion leaders.
Note: “Hoshea” >> “Joshua.” Meaning?
13:17-20 Moses’ Instructions to the Spies
13:21-25 Spies’ Expedition
“Eshcol” = cluster (of grapes). Visual proof.
Place names often given after, because of event.
13:26-29 Ten Spies’ Pessimistic Report
Fruitful land yes. But strong people. Large, fortified cities. Anakim (lit. long-necks = tall) and Nephilim (13:33), mighty men of renown (Gen 6:4) (lit. fallen ones). KJV and NKJV – “giants.”
13:30-33 People’s Rejection of Caleb’s Counsel
What does Caleb see / believe that they do not?
What risk would they actually be taking?
When does risk express faith, and when … folly?
The Spies’ Journey
For 40 days the spies traveled throughout Canaan, from the Negeb (south country) to Rehob and back again—a distance of over 500 miles.
Numbers 14
14:1-4 The People’s Rebellious Reaction
“Oh to die in – or return to – Egypt!” Why?
14:5-9 Joshua’s and Caleb’s Plea
“If Yahweh delights in us … Do not rebel or fear!”
“They are our bread, their protection removed.”
14:10-12 People’s Response; God’s Threat
Why does Yahweh get “put out” with His people?
What does He intend to do? Cf. Ex 32:10.
14:13-19 Moses’ Plea for Forgiveness – Again
Based on God’s reputation, promises, and grace.
14:20-35 God’s Pardon and Penalty
Does forgiveness cancel all consequences?
40 days of spying > 40 years of wandering.
20 years old and upward, who have grumbled.
Children suffer consequences, but not guilt.
Idea of an “age of accountability.”
14:36-38 Death of the Faithless Spies
These “chiefs,” driven by fear, not faith, all died.
Leaders – immediate, stricter judgment. Why?
14:39-45 Failed Attempt at Conquest
Penitent people: “We will go up!” Good, right?
What is the sin of presumption?
Hormah: “utter defeat.” From Heb., haram.
Another place named after, because of event.

Monday, June 25, 2018

Keys to the Kingdom – The Sermon on the Mount - 16 APPLICATION


An incident in India this past week added a whole new meaning to the phrase, “rat race.” The headline in USA TODAY read, “Hungry rat shreds more than $17,500 of cash inside ATM in India.”
At least one money-hungry rat broke into an ATM and chewed through nearly $18,000 in cash, authorities in India said.
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Officials at the State Bank of India (SBI) thought the machine was merely malfunctioning when patrons told them it was no longer dispensing money. 
It was “out of order” since May 20 — then technicians opened it.
Chandan Sharma, manager of the SBI branch in the town of Tinsukia in the northeastern state of Assam, told reporters ”they were shocked to find shredded notes and a dead rat.”
Reports estimate the destroyed banknotes at between 1.2 and 1.3 million rupees ($17,662 to $19,000).
Police superintendent Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta said the rat entered the machine through a hole intended for cables. 
Are rats smart? Sure! This rat built a home, padded his nest, and died surrounded by more cash than he could spend! And he did it by eating into others’ cash and not his own!
Or maybe he wasn’t so smart. His warm, comfy nest turned into a trap. He lost his life, and though he was immensely wealthy, he couldn’t take any of it with him.
So, what are you building your house on?
Reading: Matt 7:24-27
There are some great hymns that speak about rock as the foundation under the Christian’s house. By faith we stand and build upon that rock. Here is one:
The Rock that is Higher Than I, by Erastus Johnson
1 O sometimes the shadows are deep,
And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep
Like tempests down over the soul!
Chorus:
O then to the Rock let me fly,
To the Rock that is higher than I;
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I!
2 O sometimes how long seems the day,
And sometimes how weary my feet;
But toiling in life's dusty way,
The Rock's blessed shadow, how sweet! (Chorus)
3 O near to the Rock let me keep,
If blessings or sorrow prevail;
Or climbing the mountain way steep,
Or walking the shadowy vale. (Chorus)
We could also mention “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” “Rock of Ages,” “In Christ Alone,” and others.
There are also many Scriptures that describe God as our rock.
Dt 32:4 “The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.
Dt 32:18 “You neglected the Rock who begot you, And forgot the God who gave you birth.
Dt 32:31 “Indeed their rock is not like our Rock, Even our enemies themselves judge this.
Ps 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Ps 18:31 For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God,
Ps 18:46 The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be the God of my salvation,
Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Is 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.
Mt 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
A Tale of Two Builders
Rather than separating Jesus’ story of the wise and foolish builders from the Sermon on the Mount, we must realize that it is the “so what” of the entire message. It is not what one has heard from Jesus, but what one does with it, that determines whether one’s house will withstand the storms.
It’s a simple but powerful word picture.
Here are two otherwise identical men. Both are builders. Both have tools, materials, knowledge, and skill. Both build something. Both use a foundation. Both will face storms – wind, rain, lightning. The houses of both will respond to those storms in some way.
What determines whether your house will stand or fall? It’s not just the size, composition, or strength of your house. It’s not the quality of the furnishings and decorations inside. It’s not just the strength or the frequency of the storms you face.
No house can stand which lacks a solid foundation.
There Stands a Rock
1. There stands a rock on shores of time
That rears to Heaven its head sublime.
That rock is cleft, and they are blest
Who find within this cleft a rest.
Refrain
Some build their hopes on the ever drifting sand,
Some on their fame, or their treasure, or their land;
Mine’s on a rock that forever will stand,
Jesus, the Rock of Ages.
2. That rock’s a cross, its arms outspread,
Celestial glory bathes its head;
To its firm base my all I bring,
And to the Rock of Ages cling. [Refrain]
3. That rock’s a tower, whose lofty height,
Illumed with Heaven’s unclouded light,
Opes wide its gate beneath the dome
Where saints find rest with Christ at home. [Refrain]

So it’s not a matter of merely hearing, but rather of doing that which we have heard. The Word reiterates this elsewhere.
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. Jas 1:22
“If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Jn 13:17
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Lk 6:46-49
For quite some time we have been studying “Keys to the Kingdom” from the Sermon on the Mount. Now let’s think of these keys as tools we must use to build on the rock of Jesus’ teaching.
Every key on your ring is by nature a tool. It can open doors and secure valuables, but only when it is put to use. Likewise, Jesus’ keys to the kingdom are worthless unless and until we put them into practice. The wise builder took the tools Jesus offered, and with them he built his house on solid rock. What will YOU do with these tools, the keys to the kingdom?
With that in mind, let’s review each of the keys to the kingdom we have studied. As we do, let’s write down some specific ways that one might choose to build either on rock or on sand.
Attitude - 5:1-12
One would build on rock by developing an insatiable hunger for the things of God, by actually making peace between two opposing parties, by caring for specific needs that call for mercy, etc.
One would build on sand by being cocky, full of oneself, satisfied with his spiritual walk, cold, uncaring, etc.
Now it’s your turn. Take each of the remaining keys and write, “I will build on the rock by …” “I will not build on sand by …” Then get into action!
Influence - 5:13-16

Self-Control - 5:17-30

Faithfulness - 5:31-37

Response-Ability - 5:38-42

Love - 5:43-48

Generosity - 6:1-4

Prayer - 6:5-15

Self-Denial - 6:16-18

Investment - 6:19-24

Priority - 6:25-34

Discernment - 7:1-12

Direction - 7:13-14

Obedience - 7:15-23

All the Bible’s warnings can be seen as signs saying, in effect, “Don’t build on quicksand! Your house will fall, and you will perish with it!”
At the same time, if you are sinking in the sand, reach out your hand to Him. As surely as He pulled Simon Peter up after he sank in the water, He will pull you up and set you on solid rock.
Ps 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.
As James Rowe wrote:
1
I was sinking deep in sin,
  Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
  Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
  Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me,
  Now safe am I.

Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
  Love lifted me.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
  Love lifted me.
2
All my heart to Him I give,
  Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
  Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
  Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
  To Him belongs.
3
Souls in danger, look above,
  Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
  Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
  Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be—
  Be saved today.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Life in the Desert - Numbers 1-10a - Preparing to Enter the Land



Life in the Desert – Numbers 1-10a – Preparing to Enter the Land
Numbers: Facts
Named for two censuses (Num 1; 26). But …
Time frame: almost 39 years (c. 1444–1405 BC). From the last twenty days at Mt. Sinai, the wanderings round Kadesh Barnea, and finally the arrival in the plains of Moab in the 40th year.
Two generations (1-14, 21-36), two journeys (10-14, 21-27), two instructions (5-9, 28-36).
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These are lesson notes, not written in a polished or finished manuscript form.  
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For the other lessons in this series, click on the "Life in the Desert" link in the left column on this page.
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Numbers: Three Stages
1:1-10:10
Sinai: Preparation to Enter Land
Time: 20 days (Cf. 1:1; 10:11)
10:11-21:35
From Sinai to Moab: Failure to Enter Land
Time: 38 years, 3 months, 10 days
22:1-36:13
Plains of Moab: Preparation #2 to Enter Land
Time: c. 5 months

Numbers: Highlights
6 Nazirite vow; “The LORD bless and keep you.”
11 Complaint; manna; 70 elders; quail; plague.
12 Miriam and Aaron; Moses’ uniqueness.
13 Spies’ surveillance and report. Joshua, Caleb.
16-17 Korah’s rebellion; Aaron’s staff buds.
20 Meribah; Moses strikes the rock.
21 The bronze serpent.
22-25 Balak and Balaam; the talking donkey.
27 Joshua as Moses’ successor.
30 Men, women, and vows.
33 Review of Israel’s journey.
35 Cities of refuge.
Numbers was written for us. 1 Cor 10:1-14
Numbers 1
1:1-46 First Census – Age 20+ Warriors
1:47-54 Levites’ Exemption and Responsibilities
The Levites were to set up, take down, carry, and guard the tabernacle rather than go to war.
Numbers 2
2:1-34 Israel’s Camp and Marching Arrangement
Tabernacle center, surrounded by Levites
East (lead): Judah, with Issachar and Zebulun
South: Reuben, with Gad and Simeon
West: Ephraim, with Benjamin and Manasseh
North: Dan, with Asher and Naphtali
Numbers 3
3:1-13 Levites Set Apart for Sanctuary Service
“Give the Levites wholly to Aaron and his sons.”
Levites taken instead of Israel’s firstborn.
God had spared and consecrated the firstborn.
3:14-39 Levites’ Census, Duties
This first census – males, ages 1 month and up.
Various duties re: care tabernacle items.
3:40-51 Redemption of Israel’s Firstborn
Levites and their cattle. Payment for overage.
Numbers 4
Levites’ Census, Duties (ages 30-50)
4:1–20 The Kohathites’ Responsibilities
4:21–28 The Gershonites’ Responsibilities
4:29-33 The Merarites’ Responsibilities
4:34-49 The Results of the Second Census
Numbers 5
Purification Laws
5:1-4 Removal of the Ritually Unclean
5:5-10 Confession and 120% Restitution
5:11–31 Test of Suspected Adultery
If the husband suspects, but no witnesses.
Elaborate, public trial. Offer sacrifice. Take oath. Drink water with dust from tabernacle floor and ink used for the curse. Agree that her womb will swell and her thigh fall away if she is guilty.
Numbers 6
6:1-21 Rules for Nazirites
Heb. nezer to separate. Male, female. Voluntary. Temporary. Not cut hair, eat grape products, or contact a dead body.
If defiled: present sin, burnt, and guilt offerings. Start the period of the vow all over again.
6:22-27 The Priestly Blessing
“The LORD bless you and keep you …”
Numbers 7
7:1–89 Offerings for the Tabernacle
The 12 tribal chiefs brought 6 wagons, 12 oxen.
Then each tribe gave identically day by day: one silver plate and one silver basin, each filled with flour mixed with oil. They also offered one golden dish full of incense. Then various animals to keep the regular sacrifices going.
Numbers 8
8:1–4 The Lampstand
Shining on the Table of the Presence (bread).
8:5–22 The Cleansing of the Levites
Being sprinkled with the water of purification, shaving the whole body, and washing clothes.
8:23–26 The Age Limits of the Levites
Levites were to retire at age 50 from the duty of the service (i.e., transporting the tabernacle) because of the difficulty of the task.
Numbers 9
9:1–5 The Second Passover
Second year, first month, 14th day.
9:6–14 The Delayed Passover
For those ritually unclean on the appointed day.
Second year, second month, 14th day.
9:15–23 The Cloud of God’s Presence
When it remained or moved, so did the people.
The Glory Cloud: Ex 24:16; 40:34–38; 1 Kg 8:11; Ezek 10:4; Lk 9:34-35; 21:27.
Numbers 10
10:1–10 The Silver Trumpets
Slender straight clarions with flared mouth.
To gather the leaders or all the people.
To break camp and set out.
To sound when going to war.
To celebrate appointed feasts.
Depicted in the Arch of Titus in Rome.
Numbers: Two Stages to Go
1:1-10:10
Sinai: Preparation to Enter Land
Time: 20 days (Cf. 1:1; 10:11)
10:11-21:35
From Sinai to Moab: Failure to Enter Land
Time: 38 years, 3 months, 10 days
22:1-36:13
Plains of Moab: Preparation #2 to Enter Land
Time: c. 5 months

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Walking with Wisdom: Proverbs 5-7 -- Discussion Thoughts and Questions


Walking with Wisdom: Proverbs 5-7 – Discussion Thoughts and Questions
Prov 5:1-23 Discussion Thoughts and Questions

Why do you suppose this father gives his son such repeated and emphatic teaching about sexual immorality? Would you say that such clear father-son instruction is needed today as much as or more than it was in Solomon’s time? Why?

Since God created all of us with certain desires and needs – such as hunger and thirst, for example – why is it sinfully wrong to have relations before marriage and outside of marriage?
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What do you think about the “Me Too” movement? What lessons should we learn from it?
Does our culture still acknowledge that sexual sin is wrong? If so, in what circumstances and settings?
We rightly warn our girls about men who might lead them into sin. Here in Proverbs it’s the reverse. Here a father warns his son about women who might lead him into sin. Why is it important that we teach our sons as diligently as we teach our daughters?
Discuss the promise of sexual immorality. Why is it so appealing? What does it offer? Why would a person consider it? How does our culture encourage it? How does our culture promise to eliminate its consequences?
Discuss the pattern of sexual immorality. What are the first thoughts and the first steps that lead to it? What precedes it, so that one may predict that it will occur unless there is intervention?
Discuss the price of sexual immorality. What does it cost? What does a person pay as a result of it? What does he lose? What are the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical consequences of it?
Discuss the prevention of sexual immorality. Why is it so appealing? What does it offer? Why would a person consider it?
How is the temptation to sexual immorality similar to all other temptations to sin? How is it different, if at all?
Prov 6:1-5 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
What is the meaning of putting up (or pledging) security for a neighbor?
Why would this man’s son do that?
Why is it such a major mistake?
Why is the father so urgent in his exhortation? Why must the son reverse his action even before he goes to sleep?
Why and how do we make rash decisions about financial matters?
Give examples of foolish decisions people make about money.
What wise advice would you give young people about money?
Prov 6:6-11 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
Do you hate ants? Why? What can we admire about them and learn from them?
Why are people lazy?
What does laziness cost?
When and why is it wrong to get a little extra sleep?
What else does the Book of Proverbs say about laziness?
How can a person overcome laziness?
How can we develop in our children a strong work ethic?
Prov 6:12-15 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
Read also 16:27-30.
What is a scoundrel or a villain? The ESV has “a worthless person, a wicked man.”
What does he seek to accomplish?
Is he successful in the long run?
How can you equip your children to identify and avoid such a person?
Prov 6:16-19 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
What is an “abomination?”
Since “God is love,” how could there be anything that He hates?
If God hates something, what should our attitude toward it be?
Why does the author change “six” to “seven?” Is this a mistake? Did he forget number seven and then add it?
What evil things can be done with these body parts: eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet?
How is the heart the key to all the other parts listed?
How does this paragraph (6:16-19) compare with the previous one (6:15-18)?
How do people sow discord, or stir up dissension, among their own brothers? Why?
Prov 6:20-35 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
Haven’t we read these words before, right here in Proverbs?
Where have we read about wearing the parents’ instruction around one’s neck, and about the benefits of doing so?
Why is repetition so important in teaching? (Shall we say that again???)
What word pictures and even scare tactics does Solomon use to help his son understand the costly, even deadly, consequences of sexual sin?
Prov 7:1-5 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
This is the tenth and final lecture found in chapters 1-9 and is the last of four lectures that describe the adulteress (2:16-22; 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27). Verses 6-23 serve as an example story.
How can a child “write” his parents’ teaching on “the tablet of his heart?”
How would it help this youth to think of wisdom as his sister or intimate friend? How might association with this “woman” (wisdom) protect him from the other (immoral) woman?
Prov 7:6-23 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
What is the value of the father using a story (depicting an actual or imaginary series of events) to teach his son?
How do stories teach, that lists of rules alone do not?
Why do we still need the lists of rules as well?
What strategies does this woman use to entice the young man?
Where else have we read about her persuasive words? Cf. Prov 2:16; 5:3; 6:24.
What powerful word pictures does Solomon use involving an ox, a deer, and a bird?
Prov 7:24-27 Discussion Thoughts and Questions
This chapter’s opening paragraph (7:1-5) and closing paragraph (7:24-27) serve as brackets for the story in between (7:6-23).
Note his mention first of the heart turning to her ways, then of the feet straying into her paths.
Does 7:26 suggest that this woman is a mass murderer? Why? How?
Why would Solomon note the huge quantity (“many victims,” “mighty throng”) of those this woman has brought down and slain?