Serving and Sharing: June 2018

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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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 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.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/06/22/rats-shred-17-600-inside-atm-india/724554002/

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These are lesson notes, not written in a polished or finished manuscript form. To see the video of this and other sermons:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4zUK_ahzdiU15PL6dcAXA/videos

To see thumbnails of all posts on this blog:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CoryCollinsServingAndSharing

For the other lessons in this series, click on the "Keys to the Kingdom" link.

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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.

To see thumbnails of all posts on this blog:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CoryCollinsServingAndSharing

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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For the other lessons in this series, click on the "Proverbs - Walking with Wisdom" label on the left.

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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