Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
Each week that we meet in person, we take some time to share any joys or concerns we might have. Take some time to consider your past week. If you have any prayer requests to share, please add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord, today I place my trust in You with all my heart. I acknowledge that my understanding is limited, and I lean on You for guidance and wisdom in all I do.
Help me to rely not on my own understanding but on Your infinite knowledge and love. As I prepare to face the challenges and blessings of this day, I submit myself to Your will. I surrender my plans, desires, and ambitions to You, knowing that Your ways are higher and wiser than mine. I ask for the humility and strength to align my actions and decisions with Your divine purpose. Lord, please make my paths straight. Remove any obstacles that may lead me astray from Your righteous and loving path. Grant me the clarity to discern Your will and the courage to follow it, even when it may seem unclear or difficult. In every moment of this day, I seek Your guidance and presence. Whether in times of joy or trial, help me to remember Proverbs 3:5-6, and may these verses be a constant reminder of Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the assurance that as I trust in You, submit to Your ways, and seek Your guidance, You will lead me on a straight and purposeful path. With gratitude and love, I commit this day to You, trusting that You are always by my side. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Proverbs 3:1-8.
Lesson Context
The book of Proverbs is generally, mostly attributed to King Solomon. Its importance is in how it communicates what makes up a life of wisdom. All people can learn and apply the wisdom taught in the book of Proverbs. It is divided into five sections: an introduction to wisdom (Proverbs 1-9), the proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16; 25:1-29:27), the words of the wise (22:17-24:34), the words of Agur (Proverbs 30), and the words of King Lemuel (Proverbs 31). We know nothing about Agur or King Lemuel. The book has us listening to the teachings of a father to his son. With one exception, the poetic order of each pair of verses in today's scripture follows the same pattern. First, the father gives his son a negative command. Second, the father gives a positive command. Finally, the father concludes that section with a promise for his son.
One Law (verses 1-2)
This passage is set up as a father talking to his son. The son is told to "keep my commands in your heart." In the Old Testament, the heart refers to a person's inner being. The commands should become part of the son's volitions, emotions, and knowledge. A way to keep the commands would be to commit them to memory, and obey them. This reflects on the Law of Moses, where children are to honor their parents. A child who honors their parents is entering a life of wisdom. This will be a flourishing life, with relational harmony.
Two Virtues (verses 3-4)
Love and faithfulness are two key words in the Old Testament, especially regarding the attributes of God. Love frequently refers to God's loyalty and commitment to his people. Faithfulness conveys the idea of reliability. For the father speaking to his son, he wants to see his son's heart transformed. The son should do good actions that come from a heart oriented toward the virtues of mercy and truth. In the Old Testament, a person might bind something around their neck to show the importance and significance of that item to the wearer. The father's speech is interpreted as figurative language by our book. It is meant to highlight the extent that the son should go to in order to develop a life of love and faithfulness. The virtues are not to be hidden from the world. By having the virtues of love and faithfulness, the son will win favor. This means he will be held in high regard. Having a life of wisdom and character will not only win favor with God, but with other people as well. A good name and good reputation take time to develop. Not only do these things provide a personal benefit, but they are also avenues to honor God and reveal God to other people.
One Trust (verses 5-6)
Placing trust anywhere other than God can lead to futility or destruction. It does not lead to any lasting or eternal wisdom. Leaning on your own understanding can lead to pride. Only foolish people trust themselves more than the wisdom of the Lord. The Lord is worthy to be trusted because he is the source of salvation. To trust with all your heart is total commitment. It is all-encompassing. To submit to God means to know him and give him proper recognition for his activity in a person's life. It involves a willingness to yield to his will. God will all-knowing, all-present and all-powerful. We can trust that he will provide his people with a wise and righteous path. This is not a promise of an easy life. However, God has provided us with an avenue of peace through Christ Jesus.
Two Actions (verses 7-8)
The opposite of trusting and submitting to God is to consider one's wisdom as the final say. God is the source of wisdom. He desire to give his people wisdom through his Spirit. As a result, God's people should avoid lives of pride and arrogance. Instead, they should seek wisdom from God. The example of King Solomon provides us with a warning based on this verse. He received wisdom from God. However, he failed to follow God's wisdom. As a result, he experience heartache and the promise of consequences that would extend past his lifetime. To fear the Lord involves having an attitude of reverence, awe, wonder, faith, and trust in the Lord. It is impossible to be wise in one's own eyes and simultaneously fear the Lord. Instead, an attitude of humility is required. The last verse of the passage is difficult to translate because it is a Hebrew idiom. The King James Version translates the verse as, "It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." Our book says that this is a more accurate translation of the original Hebrew. This may be a literary practice wherein one part of the body represents the whole. A life of humility, fear of the Lord and obedience to him results in the complete wholeness of a person. We know that a person's status in life does not correlate to the quality of a person's heart. While people may experience wholeness and health in part while on earth, scripture promises a time in the future when God, "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away," (Revelation 21:4).
Conclusion
It is easy for believers to sy that we are seeking the wisdom of God when in actuality, other voices influence our lives and shape our perspectives. If we're filling our lives with human ideas rather than the wisdom of God, which will have more influence?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the inspired wisdom you have revealed to us in scripture. Help us to listen and follow your word. Show us how we can be more attentive to the direction of your Spirit so that we might have lives of wisdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the English Standard Version.
Next week's lesson will be on 2 Chronicles 20:13-20.
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us for the first Sunday of 2024!
Yesterday was Epiphany, the day when we celebrate the wise men coming to see Jesus.
We meet in person most weeks, and discuss the lesson together. We also share any prayer requests we have. Consider the last week, and any prayer requests you might have. You can add these as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Loving Father, I can be so entrenched in my own thinking that sometimes I doubt Your Word and question Your promises, often wishing I had some concrete proof of Your love for me. Forgive me, Lord - I know that Your Word gives me all the affirmation of this absolute reality that I need. Your Word and promises are sure, and Your faithfulness stretches beyond the limits of time and space. Thank You for the gift of faith. I pray that, day by day, my loving trust in You will become increasingly established within my heart for I long to please You in all I say and do and am. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Today's lesson is on Hebrews 11:1-4a, 7a, 8, 17-18, 20-23, 32, 39-40. If you would like to read the passage uninterrupted, Hebrews 11:1-40.
Luke says he writes so that you can know for certain. John writes so that we can believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
The book of Hebrews is a bit of a puzzle. Scholars can’t agree on who wrote it or when it was written. They do agree that Hebrews offers a description of faith, and a history of God’s people. This letter was written to encourage a people not to give up on their faith because of the suffering they endure. Faith, for Hebrews, is always linked to hope. Faith is looking at God and trusting him for everything. Hope is looking at the future and trusting God for it. Over two thousand years later we still have a similar faith. We believe in things we cannot see. You can’t see electricity but when you flip a switch, you see the light. You can’t see anything on a CD or DVD but you know that sound and pictures are there. Yes, faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. In various translations, this chapter is introduced by many titles: “The Meaning of Faith,” “By Faith we Understand,” “Description of Faith,” and in the Bible most of us use, NIV, “Faith in Action”. The chapter’s list of saints who have gone before us is often called a cloud of witnesses. Each of us has our own cloud of witnesses: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers and pastors. Remember them and be thankful. In 2024 we have the advantage of knowing about Jesus, the cross and his resurrection. We have been empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit. God has called each one of us to work for his kingdom.
Conclusion
Some faithful people have some significant imperfections. We are to walk by faith not by sight. We have an advantage over Old Testament teachers because we have the privilege of knowing about Jesus and his resurrection. Because we believe in the promises of God, it becomes our duty to do what God calls us to do, believing that the Holy Spirit will empower us to do so. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for these faithful servants of yours whose deeds inspire us in our faith. May we prove to be at least as faithful as they were. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Thought to Remember Faith overrides imperfections!
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the Tree of Life Version.
Next week's lesson is on Proverbs 3:1-8.
Good morning!
We're so glad you're joining us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and any prayer requests you might have. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord, may we be like the Wise Men who were guided to you by a star. Give us wisdom to seek you, light to guide us to you, courage to search until we find you, graciousness to worship you and generosity to lay our gifts before you, who are our King and our God for ever and ever. Amen
Today's lesson is on Matthew 2:1-12.
Our text for study involves a mysterious star. This invites a consideration of the distinctions between astronomy and astrology. In modern times, we make a clear-cut distinction between two. But the two were blended together in the ancient world. Astronomy is the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.; Astrology combines that study with the belief that the so-called gods orchestrate the appearances, positions and movements, therefore reveal information about divine plans for the future. Astrology is practiced today in the form of horoscopes associated with the zodiac.
In the Old Testament, astrologers are mentioned most in the book of Daniel. The people of Israel were warned about pagan occult practices; astrology, being a part of it, was one of them. And moving from consulting the stars to worshiping the stars was an all too easy step to take. The ancient Greek translation of the book of Daniel designates such men as magi, from which we derive our modern word magician. But words change meaning over time, and how ancient people viewed magi is not to be equated with the contemporary role of a magician who uses sleight of hand to entertain audiences. Instead, this word describes men of wisdom; we surmise they were astrologers-scholars. Matthew gives fewer details about the actual birth of Jesus than Luke. Instead, Matthew relates the nativity story with simplicity. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. A few details are added, trying to account for the geography and history of Palestine. Bethlehem is a village located a few miles southwest of Jerusalem. It is the birthplace of King David. King Herod the Great, who ruled 37-4 BC as the first Roman puppet-king of Judea. He died shortly after today's events. Herod the Great was not an ethnic Jew but an Idumean (related to modern Arabs) He is designated as “The Great” because of his extensive building projects. The grandest of these was the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, a project he began about 20 BC and that was unfinished at the time of his death. Many legends have arisen in Christian tradition about these Magi. These include speculations regarding their occupations (kings?), their number (three?), their names (Melchior, Casper, and Balthazar?) and their place of origin (Babylon? Persia?) Matthew's account doesn't answer such questions. We should understand from the east as describing their point of origin, not their route. The lands of Babylon and Persia lie 600 miles or more from Jerusalem in a straight line that crosses the Syrian Desert. But it is highly unlikely that the wise men traveled across the intervening desert. Instead they would have come to Jerusalem by following the Euphrates River valley to Syria and then south through Damascus. This was a well traveled trade route through a region called the Fertile Crescent. Such a route would have been a thousand miles. It would take four months to walk this distance. That there are at least two Magi is certain because the term is plural. But beyond that, we don't know how many there were. The tradition that there were three wise men seems based on the fact they offered three gifts to Jesus in Matthew. They likely would have been in a large, well-funded entourage. Verse 7 indicates that the Magi were granted a personal audience with Herod at some point. They either had diplomatic letters of introduction, could offer generous bribes or presented such a regal appearance that Herod agreed to see them. That is why some speculated the visitors were “kings.” "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and came to worship him." The wise men interpret the new star as a sign that the newly arrived King of the Jews was important enough to be worthy of their worship. Although not specified in Matthew, this is often seen as a fulfillment of the “star out of Jacob” prophecy of Numbers 24:17. The wise man's inquiry did not sit well with the paranoid King Herod. He was an old man who had sons and wives put to death when seen as threats to his throne. In Jerusalem they knew what the King was capable of when he was disturbed. The people of the city would be willing to do anything to placate the king. The chief priest ruled Jerusalem's temple. They had an uneasy alliance with Herod that had enriched them greatly as the party of the Sadducee. The teachers of the law were the experts in the Jewish Scriptures, often called upon to interpret fine points of the Law of Moses. Herod was no expert on things such as prophecies concerning coming kings. Even so, he was apparently aware that the Jews believed a Christ was coming, the chosen Messiah of the Lord. Herod connects these prophecies with the inquiry of the wise men. Therefore, he asked the religious leader to reveal the birthplace of the Messiah, believing that it must have been specified in the writing of the prophets. While this would give an answer to the wise men, Herod had a more devious motive in learning the location. The religious leaders quoted Micah 5:2. On the precise designation Bethlehem in Judea. This prophecy was already 700 years old at the time of Herod. It recognizes the insignificance of Bethlehem. It foretells the raising up of a new ruler from this city. And it indicates this person would not be a mere city ruler or district supervisor. Instead, the prophesied Messiah would shepherd my people Israel. He lied to the wise men and said he desired to worship him also. They were to return to him and give the direct location of him. When they left the star appeared again. They were overjoyed because they could travel at night. The location of the child with his mother Mary was no longer the manger but a house. The Magi were not empty-handed in their worship of Jesus. They present him with costly gifts for a king. They gave him the gift of gold, likely coins that would help the family's subsequent flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth. They gave him Frankincense which was the finest incense in the ancient world. It was imported from southern Arabia and Africa. It was prized for its use in religious ceremonies and as a costly sacrificial offering. The third gift was of Myrrh. It was valued as an ingredient in perfume; it was used for anointing and in preparing a body for burial. The wise men were warned in a dream not to report back to King Herod. This warning served to protect not only the child Jesus but also Mary, Joseph and the Magi. Herod's intent was to have this potential king killed and the others could have felt his wrath as well.
Conclusion
A favorite Christmas carol of mine about the wise men is the nineteenth-composition “The Three Kings” by Peter Cornelius. True, it has many of the legendary aspects of their story in presuming that they were kings, that they came from Persia, etc. The lesson of the carol is still powerful, though, and speaks to us today as one stanza implores their audience to travel with the kings to Bethlehem, and offers hearts to the infant King of Kings. Most of us don't have much gold to offer Jesus. And if we even had any frankincense or myrrh, how would we offer those? But we can offer him sincere hearts in worship. He is the Son of God, the true Messiah. At this time of year when we remember and celebrate the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem may we offer our most precious gift: our hearts. Prayer Father, help us to emulate the faith of the wise men? As they let nothing stop them fro reach Jesus, may we do so as well. May the faith that allowed them to thwart the plans of a powerful opponent be ours as well. May we offer your Son, Jesus, no empty-handed worship. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Last year Lisa Hamilton gave us a book called “The Fourth Wise Man”. It is also a 1985 movie starring Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin. I streamed it for free on my phone. It had a good moral to it. It is about a Magi who wanted to follow the star so he could worship the King of the Jews. He has three jewels he wants to give to the Messiah. He misses the caravan and is always one step away from seeing Jesus. He spends much of his remaining wealth and all of his energy helping the poor and the unfortunate people he meets, until at the end of his life he finally finds Jesus at his trial. He wants to pay Jesus ransom with his last jewel he had saved a young girl who was being sold for her father's debt. When he was dying he saw the Risen Christ and he apologizes for never giving him his gift. Jesus said “ but you did For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me.” The Magi said “Lord I never saw you till today” Jesus said.”I tell you whatever you did for one the least of these brothers, you did for me.”
Questions
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation.
Next week will be the first Sunday of the new year! The lesson will be on Hebrews 11:1-4, 7, 8, 17-18, 20-23, 32, 39-40.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us on Christmas Eve!
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started. It was written by Ben Luker, an apprentice at the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship.
Almighty God, giver of strength, we know that you have made a way for those who believe. We remember your faithfulness. We rejoice in your presence as we seek wisdom in the many decisions we have to make. Give us thankful hearts in troubled times, hearts sustained by your Holy Spirit.
Open our eyes to the wonders of your love in Jesus Christ and turn us from that which distracts us from the good. In your One and Only Son we pray, Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 1:36-45, 56.
Lesson context
Church history and the great majority of scholars attribute the books of Luke and Acts to Luke, the apostle Paul’s traveling companion in the book of Acts. While on those missionary journeys, Luke — who is believed to have been the beloved physician referred to in Colossians 4 — may have interviewed people who knew Jesus personally. Among those people may have been Mary, the mother of Jesus, which could be how he could offer such detail about many encounters, even when only two people were involved. Such an encounter is recorded in our lesson for today. It is a meeting between Mary and her relative Elizabeth when each was miraculously pregnant. Elizabeth was a married woman beyond the age of childbirth, and Mary was an unmarried virgin. As the text opens, the birth of Elizabeth’s baby — the person who came to be known as John the Baptist — has been foretold (Luke 1:5-25) and the birth of Jesus to Mary has also been foretold (Luke 1:26-35). Both births were proclaimed through angelic visitations.
Acceptance of the message (verses 36-38)
Our lesson begins with the last part of a statement that the angel Gabriel makes to Mary. The angel is responding to Mary’s question about she will be a mother when she is a virgin. He replies that hers is not the only miraculous pregnancy but that her relative Elizabeth is also about to give birth. It is not certain exactly how Mary and Elizabeth are related, although most scholars believe they are probably cousins. However, the news about Elizabeth’s pregnancy would have strengthened Mary’s faith and confirmed the angel’s words about Mary’s pregnancy. The angel concludes with words that echo those of a divine visitor who spoke to Abraham about his own struggle with infertility and God’s miraculous intervention in Genesis 18: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” In Mary’s case, the angel says, “For no word from God will ever fail.” Both Mary and Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah had asked the angel how this would occur. Their questions differ, however, in that Zechariah was skeptical and wanted a sign, but Mary was simply curious. Ironically, Zechariah does receive a sign, although probably not one he had wanted. He is unable to speak until the his son is born. Following Gabriel’s response, Mary simply agrees and submits. Although it may not have been necessary for the plan to unfold, it shows that despite the peril, Mary was a willing and humble participant in what was about to happen.
Joyous meeting (verses 39-45 and 56)
Very soon after the angel’s visit, Mary leaves to visit Elizabeth. If Zechariah served as priest in the city of Hebron, Mary and Elizabeth live about 100 miles apart, which explains why Mary had not heard about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Even if he served in another city, the two women lived at least 35 miles apart. Either way, this was no easy journey for Mary, but she probably needed first-hand confirmation of the angel’s message as well as fellowship with the only other person who could possibly understand what she was going through. She also leaves fairly quickly because it would be easier to travel during the early stages of her pregnancy. Elizabeth is probably about six months along in her pregnancy. As Mary arrives, she enters the home and greets Elizabeth. At that moment, Elizabeth’s baby not only moves but “leaped for joy,” according to Elizabeth. This foreshadows the role that John the Baptist will play later in life in pointing people to Jesus. At that moment, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and begins to speak. The Holy Spirit plays a key role in Luke’s gospel and in the book of Acts. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and without even hearing that Mary is pregnant at this point, Elizabeth cries out that Mary is blessed among women and that Mary’s child is blessed as well. Even though Jesus has not yet been born and has hardly begun to form in Mary’s womb, Elizabeth calls him her Lord. According to the lesson, for Elizabeth to say that shows her great faith that God is intervening in history through this child. It is also a divinely inspired statement of humility. Elizabeth’s statement of joy and affirmation runs from verse 42 to 45. She uses the term “blessed” three times — twice in verse 42 and once in verse 45. Even though they have been translated as the same word in English, they are actually two different words in Greek. In verse 42, the word is eulogēmenē (eὐλογημένη) and eulogēmenos (εὐλογημένος). It’s the word from which we get our English word for eulogy, which means to speak well of. So the sense in verse 42 is that people will speak well of both Mary and of the child she will bear. It is the same word that the angel Gabriel uses in verse 28 (not in today’s lesson) when he greets Mary and calls her blessed among women. However, in verse 45, the Greek word that we translate as blessed is actually makaria (μακαρία). It is a word that refers to a person who will enjoy “favorable circumstances.” Therefore when Elizabeth calls Mary blessed here, she is not simply stating that others will speak well of her. She is saying that God is using her in a wonderful way that will ultimately lead to her happiness. This is the same word that Jesus uses to refer to people who are blessed in the Beatitudes.
The Greater Blessed
Jackie married her high school sweetheart, received an offer for her dream job, bought her dream house, and became pregnant in the same year. Every conversation she had with her friends resulted in the response: “You are so blessed!” Here sister, Jasmine, did not hear the same pronouncement nearly as often. Jasmine remained single and made less than half as much money as Jackie. But Jasmine was a Christian and a member of a church, while sister Jackie was not. Which of these two women was the greater blessed? The answer to that depends on which lens you use in viewing their situations. Viewed strictly through a worldly leans, Jackie was the great blessed; but viewed through the heavenly lens of eternity, the greater blessed is Jasmine. Which lens do you use to view your own status and situation? Have you forgotten how blessed you are to believe in Christ? It’s easy to do in a world that casts God to the side and enthrones his gifts as gods themselves. But let Elizabeth’s pronouncements of blessing remind you of the true nature of blessedness. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, which means that she left around the time Elizabeth gave birth. (Luke has already told us in 1:26) that Elizabeth was already six months pregnant when the angel visited Mary.) These three months would have undoubtedly been a time of mutual support and joy over what was happening to and through the women.
Conclusion
When it comes to belief and faith, I have often wondered whether I am more in the mold of Zechariah, with his doubts, than I am in the role of Mary, with her faith and acceptance. As I write this, there are multiple degrees in biblical studies hanging on my office wall, and I have 20 years of teaching experience at a Bible college under my belt. As a seasoned priest, Zechariah was similarly well-educated in the things of God. You would expect him to have the greater faith. But the greater faith is found with Mary. Now I genuinely believe my education is a blessing and helps my faith. Yet there are times when I wonder whether my education distracts me from having faith like Mary’s. Perhaps we trust in our learning and understanding to figure things out rather than trusting God, and in so doing violate Proverbs 3:6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Mary wasn’t as formally educated as the learned priest. Yet her belief was genuine. What Mary was asked to accept was not an easy thing, and God understood this. In encouraging Mary’s faith, the angel pointed her both backward to the story of Abraham and Sarah and forward to what was happening to Elizabeth. God may call you to a role similar to that of the angel as you point another person backward to a champion of faith forward to an example of how God is now working. The joy experienced by John the Baptist and Elizabeth resulted from Mary’s faith, at least in part. The ripple effect of this joy is also seen in passages such as Matthew 2:10 and Luke 2:10, 21-38. That ripple effect reaches us here in the twenty-first century — or at least it should!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the example of Mary’s trusting belief. Show us how Mary’s example can inform our own faith. Help us move ever more toward belief and faith! Thank you for the encouragement of your faithful people of the past as recorded in your Word. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson is on Matthew 2:1-12.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us!
Today is the third Sunday of Advent.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and any prayer requests you might have. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen.
Today's lesson is on Matthew 1:1-17.
Lesson Context
The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience somewhere between about 50 - 100 AD. The author emphasized connections between Jesus' life and Old Testament writings as a way to show that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Our book briefly points out that the genealogy in Matthew and the genealogy given in Luke 3:23-28 do not match up. There are different names, different numbers of generations, different organizational structures and they go back to different people. Each writer had a different purpose in mind for their rendition of Jesus' family history. Matthew's primary purpose in writing his Gospel was to reveal who Jesus the Messiah is and why his life is significant. The Hebrew word for Messiah (which can be translated with the Greek word for Christ) means "anointed one" and referred at various times to both priests and kings. At some point after the fall of David's royal line, it came to refer to the anticipated savior of the Jewish people. Because the audience of this gospel was Jewish, the connection to Abraham and David would have ben important. The audience knew the promises made to both of those men. How Jesus fulfilled these promises would take the rest of the gospel to answer.
From Abraham to David (verses 1-6)
This first chunk of the genealogy covers approximately 1,100 years. Abraham was chosen by God, and was promised that, "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you," (Genesis 12:3). Isaac was the miracle baby, born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:1-7). Jacob was Isaac's second son, who stole his brother Esau's birthright (Genesis 27). Later, Jacob was renamed Israel after wrestling with God. (Genesis 32:22-31). Jacob and his wives had twelve sons, who were the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:22-26). Matthew's genealogy goes through one of the younger brothers, Judah. In a change of pattern, the next generation's mother, Tamar, is also mentioned. It is assumed that Tamar was a Canaanite woman. She was married to one of Judah's sons, but he died before they had any children. At that time, one of her husband's brothers would have married her in order to provide the deceased brother with an heir. This did not happen. Instead, Tamar devised a plan to become pregnant by Judah himself. She gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah. The family then went to Egypt during the famine in Canaan. They stayed there until the exodus. Amminadab and Nahshon are both associated with the 40 year period of wandering in the wilderness. Salmon represents the first generation that was tasked with conquering Canaan in the days of Joshua. We then encounter the next woman within the genealogy, Rahab. Rahab was the Canaanite prostitute who helped the Israelites conquer Jericho (Joshua 6:25). Rahab and Salmon had a son named Boaz. The story of Boaz and Ruth takes up the first four chapters of the book of Ruth. It was also the first lesson of this quarter. Ruth was a Gentile, the third to be named in this passage. The two had a son named Obed. His son was Jesse. Jesse originally offered his older sons as candidates for king. But the Lord chose Jesse's youngest son, David instead (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Matthew calls him King David, emphasizing the promise that David's throne would be established forever.
From David to Exile (verses 6 - 11)
The middle portion of the genealogy covers about 400 years. It starts with King David, and then his son, Solomon. Our book points out that Solomon's mother was referred to as Uriah's wife instead of by her name, Bathsheba. It suggests that this has a couple of purposes. One is to highlight that she was likely a Hittite, as was Uriah. It also emphasizes her first marriage that was destroyed after David called her to his house. Reminding the reader of David's grave sins serves to temper any hero worship that the king's status -- especially having been handpicked by God and received incredible blessings from him -- might otherwise inspire. Solomon was the last king of the united monarchy of Israel, in large part due to his own faithlessness later in his reign (1 Kings 11:9-13). From there, King Rehoboam and his successors of the southern kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem are listed. Some of these kings were righteous, and some were not. There are a few notes on the list of kings. Assyria conquered Israel during the reign of Hezekiah in 722 BC. Judah's survival of that crisis is attributed in part to Hezekiah's continued faithfulness to the Lord (2 Kings 19:14-36). Josiah was credited with reinstituting the worship of the Lord and teaching the book of the law (2 Chronicles 34). At the end of this section, we have wicked King Jeconiah. He and his brothers were exiled in the first wave to captives to Babylon. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in the final Babylonian siege in 586 BC (2 Kings 24:18-16). The exile marks the end of this portion of the genealogy.
From Exile to Christ (verses 12 - 17)
The last portion of the genealogy takes a little under 600 years, starting from the low point of the Babylonian exile. The next men, Shealtiel and Zerubbabel, represent the 70 years in captivity. After Babylon was conquered by Cyrus of Persia, the people of Judah were allowed to return to Jerusalem in 538 BC. Zerubbabel was instrumental in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. With Zerubbabel, the Old Testament account of the kingly line ends. The last men listed, up until Joseph, come from a source unknown to us. Nothing is known about the lives of the men from the rebuilding of the temple to Jesus' adoptive father, Joseph. As a side note, Joseph's father does not match between this genealogy and that of Luke. The end of the genealogy is carefully worded. Joseph is the husband of Mary, not a biological relative of Jesus. Jesus' belonging in Joseph's family was a matter of choice, like adoption, instead of natural heritage. Mary is the only woman in the genealogy who was not a Gentile. She accepted God's plan for her with faith and humility, demonstrating why he chose her to raise Jesus. Calling Jesus the Messiah bookends the genealogy. Numbering fourteen generations in each section of the genealogy is an organizational tool that emphasizes the roles of Abraham, David and the exile as formative people/events in Israel's history. The summary serves to emphasize the fulfillment of God's promises.
Conclusion
Showing all of the different people, with all of their different backgrounds and problems, shows us something about God. The people listed in Jesus' genealogy were both men and women, Jews and Gentiles, righteous and wicked. All of them were imperfect people. But God used them to accomplish his perfect plans.
Prayer
Lord God, may we be reminded that you use all sorts of people to accomplish your will. May you use us, in spite of our sins and weaknesses. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New English Translation.
Next week's lesson will be on Luke 1:36-45, 56.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
Today is the second Sunday of Advent.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and any prayer requests you might have. When you are ready, use the prayer below, written by John Birch, to get started.
We are moulded, each one of us,
in the image of God, and within our souls there is a fingerprint none can erase. We pray for those who have no regard for anyone but self, who put no value on human life. For nations and individuals who abuse and kill. We are not called to be judge or jury, but we are called to be agents of change, and if the butterfly that flaps its wings should be our attitude to others then so be it, Lord, and may the hurricane this generates somewhere within the world reach into the hearts and souls of those for whom we pray, and reveal to them how precious are those for whom they have no love, and how precious are they who now bring tears to the eyes of God. Amen
This week's lesson is on 1 Samuel 17:31-37, 45, 48-50.
The story of David and Goliath demonstrates how the Lord intercedes for His people. David was a young shepherd. King Saul and his men were battling the Philistines, one of which was a 9-foot giant named Goliath. The men of Saul’s army were afraid of Goliath; there was no one to stand up to him. David was filled with faith and a passion for God’s name, which was being blasphemed by Goliath.
An important point in this story is that Goliath was taunting the sovereign Lord of the universe. He was challenging God’s people to stand up to him and demonstrate that their God was more powerful than he was. However, David’s faith was so strong that he was willing to believe that the Lord would go with him and enable him to defeat Goliath. David’s faith was born out of his experience of God’s grace and mercy in his life up to that point. The Lord had delivered him out of dangerous situations in the past, proving His power and trustworthiness, and David relied on Him to deliver him from the Philistine. From the story of David and Goliath, we can learn that the God we serve is capable of defeating any of the giants in our lives—fear, depression, financial issues, doubts of faith—if we know Him and His nature well enough to step out in faith. When we do not know what the future holds, we have to trust Him. But we can’t trust someone we don’t know, so knowing God through His Word will build our faith in Him.
Conclusion
Faith and responsibility are key aspects of living with God. Faith is our decision to follow the Lord and responsibility is how we live out our faith on this earth. There should be no doubt who we serve, just as there was no doubt that David served God and Goliath did not. Prayer Lord, may we grow in courage in our faith. May people see the love of Jesus as he guides our steps through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the King James Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Matthew 1:1-17.
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
Today is the first Sunday of Advent.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and any prayer requests you might have. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
God of love- I feel like I am lost but your words say that you will always guide me. You do not leave me wandering through life but you are with me during every moment of every day. Help me to follow your ways when I feel weary and frustrated and help me to experience joy in life. May I be like a well watered garden which thrives because the roots are firmly planted in your love. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Ruth 1:6-18, 22.
The book of Ruth is one of my favorite books in the Old Testaments. It shows that you do not have to be blood related to be family. Ruth shows us in her beautiful vow how devoted she was to Naomi. She left all of her family and everything and everyone she knew to follow Naomi.
Tragedy creates a before and an after – before the job loss, the accident, the fight; after the breakup, the death, etc. When tragedy strikes, we might question God's sovereignty or fear that he is using his strength to punish us through our pain. No matter how strong our faith, tragedy can leave us raw and feeling that we are merely surviving. Reading stories of tragedy found within the Bible can offer comfort. When we see examples of how others remained faithful to God, we inspire to persevere. And even more, when we see how God demonstrated his faithfulness to others, we can regain confidence in his provision no matter our current circumstance. We don't need easy answers in pain; we need God's love, often expressed through the love of other believers. Ruth's story is one biblical example of love expressed in the after time of tragedy. The setting of the events in Ruth were during the time of the Judges. The conquest of Canaan was completed with the Israelite tribes settled in the land. But the Israelites' experience oppression from outside nations, Moab occasionally being one of them. The Moabites were descended from Abraham's nephew Lot. The Moabites were banned from entering the assembly of the Lord though marriage to Moabites was not banned specifically. Despite these deep feelings of dislike for Moabites, a persistent famine in Israel motivated Naomi's Israelite family to leave Bethlehem and settle in Moab. Ten years are covered quickly in the text, apparently beginning with the death of Naomi's husband, Elimelek and ending with the death of her sons. In the meantime, these two sons had married Moabites women, Ruth and Orpah, before leaving the childless with their untimely deaths. Widowhood was an especially precarious state for women. In the ancient Near East, including both Moab and Israel, men had far more economic power than women. A woman left without male relatives to care for her could be reduced to poverty and prostitution might result. Fathers or sons were the best lines of defense to protect widows: in the case of a younger widow, this protection lasted until new husbands could be found. God had given Israel specific instructions for caring for widows, both within the family and the larger community. Returning to Bethlehem to her people was Naomi's best option to be cared for in her widowed state. She had gotten word that the famine was over. And God's renewed provision in her homeland meant that her family's legal obligations to care for her would not burden an already famished community. For Naomi, the journey back to the land of Judah was a return to family and the safety net they represented. But using the same rationale of familial obligations and care, Naomi's two daughter-in-laws would have been expected to stay in their homeland, Moab. That the Moabite women began this journey with their mother-in-law speaks to the depth of their love and devotion to her. Traveling with Naomi potentially put her well-being over the younger widows' own future prospects for marriage and family. Naomi urged her two daughter-in-laws to go back to their mother's house. Naomi did not want them to share in the difficulties that widowhood would represent to herself. As Moabite widows, Ruth and Orpah would be incredibly vulnerable in Israel. She intended to leave the women in the Lord's care even though she also intended to leave them in the land of Moab. Naomi's future was far from assured; the gift she felt she could give her daughter-in-laws was to free them to find more likely sources of stability that she could offer. In a typical farewell gesture, Naomi sealed her hopes for them with a kiss. It signified her love in what she expected to be her final act of care for them. Naomi knew she was beyond childbearing years and could not have any more sons for them to marry and would be too long of a wait even if she could. She knew the best thing she could do is send them back to their families in Moab where they would be taken care of. Naomi felt that God had turned against her. Not that God had abandoned her but that God had judged her for going to Moab. Ascribing motivation to God is a dangerous business. We need only to read Job to be reminded of this. But in the middle of so much grief, one way of arriving at meaning, either legitimately or illegitimately, is to find God's judgment in pain. We do well to remember that we cannot know why God allows hard circumstances in our lives, We are wise to remember that his ways are not ours and his thoughts are above ours. And we can rest in the hope that God uses all things to benefit if we place our hope in him, regardless of our circumstances. Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye but Ruth would not be swayed by any argument Naomi could make. Ruth's choice was between what she had known before and what she had come to know in her husband's household. Verses 16-18. The introductory statement is an emphatic statement of Ruth's immovable will to follow Naomi, strengthened by Ruth's listing her commitments to Naomi. Ruth's response reflected Naomi's hope for Ruth but unexpectedly anticipated their fulfillment in a future that included the two women together. The commitment to Naomi's people and God directly tied back to Naomi's plea to Orpah's example. The commitment to go and stay with Naomi tied Ruth's future with Naomi's. Whatever provision Naomi would find among her people, Ruth would accept as well. Naomi would expect to die well before Ruth. Yet Ruth's commitment was to die in Judah and be buried there. In these ways, Ruth declared Naomi to be her mother and outlined the devotion that she would demonstrate as Naomi's true child. Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning which would be mid-March to mid-April. What is not discussed in today's lesson was the rest of the book of Ruth. Ruth went out to the fields to gleam barley that was left in the fields so that Naomi and her could have food to eat. She was gathering wheat in a field when Boaz's the landowner was checking his fields. He asked the overseer about Ruth and found out that Ruth was so caring of Naomi and sacrificed all that she knew to come there with Naomi. Boaz was a relative of Naomi's husband. Ruth and Boaz were married which also meant that Naomi was taken care of also. God blessed Ruth and Boaz by having them to be in the lineage of Jesus.
Conclusion
We are created to be in community with God and with others, Ruth's faithfulness to the Lord and to Naomi is an example to all of what living and loving in community might require of us. Ruth's words and actions demonstrated true commitment to carrying Naomi's burdens. Showing up in the midst of pain and anguish is difficult, especially if we are dealing with our own feelings of loss. How we respond to tragedy will determine whether we are following Ruth's example as she followed Christ's example without even knowing her many times great grandson.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson will be on 1 Samuel 17:31-37, 45, 48-50.
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer to get started.
Gracious God, we thank you for the freedom we have through Christ. We thank you for freeing us from the burden of our sin and from having to live as though everything depends on our performance.
This morning we also thank you for the church and for the body of believers to which you have joined us. We thank you for those who have yet to know you. We pray for them and for their needs, and we ask that you would help us, in our words or our actions, not to be a stumbling block to their faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 10:23 - 11:1.
Lesson context
The city of Corinth was one of the great centers of commerce in the Mediterranean world of the first century AD. It was located near a narrow strip of land — an isthmus — that connected two major land masses. The city had a harbor to the east and another to the west. Maritime traffic between Asia and Rome had a choice of routes: either the dangerous and longer route around the Peloponnesian Peninsula or the shortcut of a four-mile limestone trackway between Corinth’s two harbors. Merchants choosing the latter would pay to have their ships hauled in their entirety from one harbor to the other on this road. Like many seaport cities, Corinth was quite worldly and eclectic. Pagan temples and the idolatry they represented characterized the city. The contents of 1 Corinthians indicate that many in the church there had struggled to overcome practices of their former pagan lifestyles. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.) Having planted the church in Corinth on his second missionary journey, Paul found it necessary to write to its members while he was in Ephesus on his third journey. Paul was headed toward Corinth at the time, but Ephesus was several days away by sea travel, and the situation couldn’t wait for a personal visit. Reports had come to Paul regarding needed correctives and clarifications in Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul had introduced the difficult issue (for that time) of eating meat that had been offered on pagan altars to idols. Meat that was left over from a pagan sacrifice, initiated by a worshipper who had brought the sacrificial animal, was at the disposal of the officiating priests. What they couldn’t eat personally they would sell in the marketplace. Such meat would be less expensive than other meat because the pagan priests didn’t have any investment to recover. Some Christians wondered about the propriety of buying such meat. In doing so, were they participating in pagan worship and thus compromising their witness for Christ? In this regard, Paul emphasizes two points in 1 Corinthians 8. The first is the awareness that an idol is “nothing” (8:4); therefore those who are mature in knowledge on this point were free to eat such meat. Paul’s second point counterbalances the first: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (8:9). This stresses the importance of demonstrating concern for those having a weak conscience. Such a person might witness a fellow believer eating meat that had been offered to idols and thereby be drawn back into idolatry. Paul had more to say on this issue, and that is today’s text.
Exercising Freedom (10:23-30)
The two statements in this half-verse — “I have the right to do anything — but not everything is beneficial” — are almost an exact repeat in the Greek of what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12a. “I have a right to do anything” appears to have been something of a proverb among the Corinthian believers. They might have created it to justify certain behaviors in light of their freedom in Christ. However, Paul responds by pointing out something they may not have thought of: What is legally permissible should be considered alongside the issue of what is beneficial. In the second half of this verse, Paul makes a similar point. Even though something might be permissible for us personally, it might not be constructive. Both points spring from the understanding that Christians are not to think only of themselves. We must also consider what impact our actions might have on others. Paul affirms the basic truth that Christians are, indeed, free. In the case at hand, they don’t have to have a guilty conscience about eating food sold in the market because it is all part of the earth that was created by God. That is true regardless of what happened before the meat arrived at the market. The same is true, Paul says, if an unbeliever were to invite a member of the Corinthian church to dinner. However, if someone points out that the meat had been offered in sacrifice to a pagan god, Paul advises the Christian not to eat it — not because it should matter to the Christian but because it seems to matter to the other person.
A modern example
“What’s your verse?” my friend snarled. “Where in the Bible does it say that it’s wrong for me to sleep next to my girlfriend as long as we’re celibate?” My wife and I had asked our guests to sleep in different beds because they were unmarried. Our guest room is right next to the bedroom of our young children, who were learning what to believe about relationships and marriage. (In retrospect, I could have made my expectation clear in advance, but I did not anticipate that they intended to share a bed.) In response, I didn’t quote any Scripture to him, although we had a two-hour conversation and prayed together. It seemed to end well, but he grew angry again and left for a hotel at 1 a.m. Later as I pondered his question, “What’s your verse?”, 1 Corinthians 10:23 came to mind. Our hearts can go to great lengths to justify our actions in terms of the freedoms we enjoy in Christ. But to consider what effect our actions could have on others requires spiritual maturity. Here’s a quick self-check: When an opportunity arises to do something, go somewhere, and so on, is your primary thought about what you desire for yourself or about how your choice may influence others?
Exercising Responsibility (10:31-33 and 11:1)
Paul continues to maintain the tension between Christian freedom and restraint, but now he adds important context. Everything we do must be done for the glory of God. No matter what we do, we must honor that imperative. Scripture is filled with the understanding that the purpose of everything that has been created is to glorify God. That imperative transcends every time, place or culture. Therefore, whatever we do, it should be with the intent of giving glory to God. And if our actions cause another to stumble in his faith, that does not bring God glory. It could actually cause someone to abandon the faith or to veer from the kind of faith that God desires. In verses 32 and 33, Paul uses himself as an example. He does not do whatever he pleases. Instead, he thinks about what a Jew would need or what a Greek would need so that he can present the Christian faith to that person in the best possible way. He wants the Christian of the Corinthian church to imitate him in that regard. It might seem egotistical for Paul to point to himself as an example. That would be a concern for most of us. But in Paul’s case, it was true. This was “simply an honest, straightforward assessment of the kind of man he was,” the lesson states. In the following verse, (11:1), Paul offers another caveat. He is not the prime example. Even he is only following the example that Christ set. Jesus did not live with his own desires in mind. Instead, at every turn Jesus did and said whatever best met the needs of the other person. Even in his death on the cross, Jesus set aside his own desires in order to save as many people as possible.
Conclusion
A certain Christian publication featured a series of tributes to a Christian leader who had gone to be with the Lord. That this man’s life and ministry had an impact on countless numbers of people was clear from the words written about him. Among the tributes included was one statement that caught my attention: “He made us better.” To make others better is part of what it means to edify others — the key word in our lesson title. Sadly, we are surrounded by influences that make us anything but better. The behavior on display in media of many kinds often features and even glorifies the worst in human conduct. These won’t make us better except possibly as cautionary tales. As followers of Jesus in a fallen world, we will not win every person with whom we share our faith in Jesus. But we can, as salt and light, seek to make the people we encounter better, or at least add some brightness to their lives, because we brought something of the spirit and character of Jesus into their lives. Paul’s primary concern in our lesson text is making the edification of others a priority within the body of Christ. The example he gives of eating meat offered to idols is not an issue for most believers today. Modern equivalents might be those places and things that observers come to associate with us when they see us — places and things that work against holiness. Do we have Christian freedom to attend movies that are rated other than “G”? Yes, indeed. But how will doing so affect the openness to receive the gospel of those who see us at such movies? This is, of course, an all-the-time challenge. It involves our lives out in the public arena, which must be lived with a sense of duty both to glorify God and as a witness to others (believers and unbelievers). It involves the kind of freedom that is anchored in personal holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) without legalism or hypocrisy (Matthew 23:16-26). It involves foregoing our “rights,” as Paul did. (1 Corinthians 8:9; 9:15, 18) for the good of others. This of the person who introduced you to Christ. That person wasn’t perfect, and neither will you be. But that doesn’t mean the standard of Matthew 5:48 should be lowered! Resolve to be like the one above who “made us better” as if eternal destinies are at stake. As we ponder these things in our hearts, may it be said of us as Paul said of himself near the close of his life, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10).
Prayer
Father, thank you for the freedom in Jesus that liberates people from slavery to sin. In this world where freedom is often misunderstood and abused, help us to represent our freedom in Jesus in a way that honors you and edifies others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the Tree of Life Version.
Next week, we will be starting the winter quarter, Faith That Pleases God. It will also be the first Sunday of Advent.
Our lesson will be on Ruth 1:6-18, 22.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
If you haven't joined us in person, we are now meeting for Sunday School after the worship service!
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your past week. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Father,
Thank you for redeeming us. You took us out of deadness and gave us life. You made us alive together with Christ. You cancelled the debts that we owed you because of our sinfulness. You disarmed the powers that work against us, triumphing over them in Christ for our sake. How gracious and wonderful you are. To you we owe eternal praise. Help us to withstand anyone who might seek to disqualify us, seeking to bind us to any principle of action at all except faith in Jesus Christ, for he is the head, and he determines how the body will grow. Help us to hold fast to Christ, who is our head, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Colossians 2:16-23.
Lesson Context
Paul wrote the epistle of Colossians in the first half of the AD 60's, probably while he was under arrest in Rome. The recipients of the letter were a community of believers in Colossae, a city in modern Turkey. The letter was intended to encourage the Colossians and address false teachings that had infiltrated the church. The exact nature of the false teaching is unknown. However, based on the contents of the letter, scholars assume that both Jewish and pagan teaching threatened to lead believers astray. This syncretistic belief system was one composed of elements of different religious and philosophical traditions, probably including Judaism.
Troubling Judgment (verses 16-19)
The Law of Moses, part of our Old Testament, had a lot of regulations for the Jewish people. These included what was not allowed to be eaten, what people were not allowed to drink, and required religious celebrations. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so a New Moon marks a new month. First century churches in Rome and Galatia encountered conflict regarding these regulations and observances. Paul rejected such regulations because they would cause division and destruction. Believers should serve others with love, rather than chase appearances of holiness that disregard love. Out of this consideration and love for others, believers may limit their freedom to avoid causing other believers to sin. But the Law of Moses and its requirements are temporary, and cannot offer salvation. Christ is the culmination of all requirements for salvation. The things that were to come is Paul describing salvation in and through Christ. Paul commanded the Colossians to live with humility. The Colossians seem to have developed some sense of false humility. Our book suggests that this may be something like public fasting. The "worship of angels" is also a bit vague. It may mean that the Colossians were worshipping angels to intercede with God. The Colossians were in danger of being deceived and led astray by false teaching. Their deception would result in their being disqualified from receiving the reward of a life submitted to God's rule. Extreme practices of self-denial can sometimes result in a dramatic, and very unhealthy, physical response, like a hallucination. Based on the public fasting, some false teachers in Colossae were likely experiencing such denial-induced hallucinations. These would have seemed like visions and religious experiences. Instead of actually listening to God as the source of wisdom, they sought worldly wisdom that fed the idle desires of their flesh. Paul compared the church to the body of Christ. The church in Colossae was losing its connection to the head of the church, Christ.
Worldly Rules (verses 20-23)
Although the Colossian believers lived in the world, they were not to submit to its rules. This manner of living described their old life. However, they had died to that way of life. Instead, they had been raised into a new life through Christ's death and resurrection. As a result of their new life, they would reorient their hearts toward heavenly things and live as God's chosen people. Paul again talks about bad rules for the people. Rules that come from people will eventually perish and no longer apply. However, some rules can lead to growth and maturity in a person's spiritual health. Adherence to these practices does not reliably indicate the status of a person's heart toward God. True wisdom comes from knowledge of God's will rather than through misdirected worship. This misdirected worship could include worshipping the created and not the Creator, or displays of self-denial that result in harsh treatment of the body. God freely gifts knowledge of his will to his people. He wants his people to share this wisdom with others.
Conclusion
It can be tempting to believe that we don't add anything extra to our faith. Yet, the reality is that we often do. Sometimes, we set explicit or implicit rules on ourselves and, by extension, on other believers. Our observance of these rules or guidelines does not mean that our hearts are automatically more or less holy. But issues arise if we raise these rules to the same level as God's Word. We or other believers may be spiritually harmed. We should carefully examine our behavior regarding such regulations. Ensure that you first maintain a relationship with Christ, the head of the church. What, after all, can be added to the gospel of salvation through Christ? What more do we need? Only when we accept that Christ's work has accomplished what we needed for reconciliation can we be filled with his wisdom. Ask for the Spirit's guidance to discern whether you are following the world's wisdom or God's wisdom. At the Spirit's leading, we will be free to engage in practices that lead to the glory of God and the edification of other believers. Seek the Head! And heed the Spirit.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we want wisdom that only you can give. Soften our hearts so we can be attentive to the work of your Spirit. Guide us to follow your will. May we, as the body, always remain attached to Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation.
Next week's lesson will be on 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
This is our first week meeting after the early worship service. If you haven't joined us for Sunday School before, we would really enjoy having you!
When we meet together in person, we take some time to share our joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the source of life and the fountain-spring of love. Help me to carry out Your will for my life, and may I love as Christ loves. I pray that I would do no wrong, in thought, word, or deed, to my family, friends, or neighbors. And help me to show the love of Christ to all with whom I come in contact today. This I ask in Jesus' precious name and for His greater glory. AMEN.
Today's lesson is on Romans 13:8-10 and 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.
The actions and attitudes of Christian love improve our spiritual view in critical areas. First as we express that love, we begin to see more and more opportunities to express it. Second, this improved spiritual vision will cause us to see that to minister to others in love is to serve God. “Whoever loves God is known by God.” In Corinthians, Paul says “Let all that you do be done in love." In 1 John, chapter 4, we read, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. We love because he first loved us." Proverbs says, “A friend loves at all times.” In the last verse of today’s text, Paul says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Chris Tiegreen, writer and editor of a devotional magazine, says “Faith lasts only until it becomes sight, and hope lasts only until it’s fulfilled, but love lasts forever."
Prayer
Father, we live in a time where love is perhaps more desperately sought after than ever before. Forgive us when we become callous to the needs around us. Help us to follow the example of Jesus and to see others as he sees them. In his name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the Revised Standard Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Colossians 2:16-23.
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AuthorWe are a small, rural Presbyterian church in southwestern Pennsylvania. Archives
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