Friday, June 29, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 2
Luke Chapter 2
This is the careful historical record of the birth of Jesus tied into the record of the Roman government.
Verse 1-3 – Caesar Augustus was the emperor. Since Quirinus (Cyrenius) was governor 10 years after the birth of Jesus, it seems that what Joseph & Mary attended was the registration prior to the actual census.
Verses 4-7 – Joseph was of the lineage of David. Mary went, too, in order to establish her “heir-ship” through Joseph. Under the law at the time, “first-born” does not indicate that there were no others, only that none were born before.
Verses 8-20 – Notice once again the fear that ensues when angels show up. Notice also that they did not predict the birth of Jesus, they reported it as an event that had already happened!
The simple record of the visit of the shepherds is tied into the sublime record of the visit of the heavenly host, an army celebrating peace!
Verses 21-24 – Jesus was brought to the temple when 8 days old to be circumcised according to Mosaic Law. “But, when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. “(Galatians 4:4, 5)
Verses 25-38 – As a result of this visit to Jerusalem, we have the songs of Simeon and Anna.
Verses 39-40 – In this mention of the boyhood of Jesus Dr. Luke let us know that Jesus had a normal human childhood (see vs. 52). (1) Jesus increased in strength (physical), (2) wisdom (intellectual), (3) the grace of God, which was upon Him (spiritual).
Verses 41-50 – This is the familiar story of Jesus sitting with the teachers and, in effect, teaching them.
Verses 51-52 – These verses indicate that Mary was astonished and very impressed with Jesus’ behavior. Remember, she had been told who He was and what He would do (although I doubt that she realized how His plan would be accomplished).
Once again we are reminded how smart, strong and favorable with God He was (See Chapter 3:22).
Monday, June 25, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
A Study in Luke Week 1
Introduction
Matthew, Mark and Luke are referred to as the “synoptic” Gospels. “Synoptic” is from the Greek word “synopsesthai,” meaning, "to view together, or at the same time."
Each Gospel presents Jesus from a different viewpoint. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus was born the Messiah. Mark emphasizes that Jesus was the Servant of Jehovah. Luke stresses the fact that Jesus was the perfect Man. John presents the fact that God became a man, but not from the scientific approach.
Luke was a Gentile. He came from Antioch, which was an important town in Syria.
Dr. Luke states that he examined Jesus of Nazareth and his findings are that Jesus is God. He came to the same conclusion as John, but his procedure and technique were different.
Luke gives us 20 miracles, and 6 of them are recorded in no other Gospel. He likewise gives us 23 parables, and 18 of them are found nowhere else. The parables of the prodigal son and the Good Samaritan are peculiar to the third Gospel. He also gives us the very human account of the walk to Emmaus of our resurrected Lord. (This proves that Jesus was still human after His resurrection. Dr. Luke demonstrates that the resurrection was not of the spirit but of the body).
Luke Chapter 1
Verses 1-4 – Luke did his homework. He researched the life of Jesus. He wanted his readers 0and us) to read the evidence of the Lordship of Christ (the Greek word for the Hebrew word, “Messiah” – anointed one)
Verses 5-25 – Luke goes back farther than the other Gospel writers to establish the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. The time was during the reign of Herod the Great, a tyrant and a descendant of Esau (Jacob’s brother).
The two people here are Elizabeth (barren, thus giving her husband no children) and Zechariah (a priest descended from Abijah [1Chronicles 23-24]).
There were about 20,000 priests at this time and they drew lots to see who would be honored to burn the incense at the altar (n Old Testament picture of prayer). It was Zechariah’s turn (v 11).
The angel of the Lord told Zechariah that he would have a son. Zechariah responded that he was too old. He had obviously forgotten about Abraham. Do we sometimes forget that God keeps His promises? Do we think of His Word as little more than figures of speech and word pictures?
Verses 26-38 – The angel goes to Mary, tells her about her coming pregnancy and of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Mary’s response was complete surrender to the will of the Lord, with all of its physical, social, emotional and spiritual ramifications.
Luke is very, very clear that Mary was a virgin. Can one become a Christian without believing in the virgin birth? Yes. Can one believe the Bible is God’s Word and not believe in the virgin birth? Absolutely not.
Verses 39-45 – Mary visits Elizabeth. Notice verse 43. Elizabeth shouted “…why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Verses 46-56 – Mary breaks out into a song of praise!
Verses 57-66 – John the Baptist is born, just as God said he would be.
Verses 67-80 – When he experienced the object of God’s promise, Zechariah’s muteness disappeared and HE broke out into song.
Being a Christian should be a joyous, exciting, song-filled experience! Shouldn’t it?
Matthew, Mark and Luke are referred to as the “synoptic” Gospels. “Synoptic” is from the Greek word “synopsesthai,” meaning, "to view together, or at the same time."
Each Gospel presents Jesus from a different viewpoint. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus was born the Messiah. Mark emphasizes that Jesus was the Servant of Jehovah. Luke stresses the fact that Jesus was the perfect Man. John presents the fact that God became a man, but not from the scientific approach.
Luke was a Gentile. He came from Antioch, which was an important town in Syria.
Dr. Luke states that he examined Jesus of Nazareth and his findings are that Jesus is God. He came to the same conclusion as John, but his procedure and technique were different.
Luke gives us 20 miracles, and 6 of them are recorded in no other Gospel. He likewise gives us 23 parables, and 18 of them are found nowhere else. The parables of the prodigal son and the Good Samaritan are peculiar to the third Gospel. He also gives us the very human account of the walk to Emmaus of our resurrected Lord. (This proves that Jesus was still human after His resurrection. Dr. Luke demonstrates that the resurrection was not of the spirit but of the body).
Luke Chapter 1
Verses 1-4 – Luke did his homework. He researched the life of Jesus. He wanted his readers 0and us) to read the evidence of the Lordship of Christ (the Greek word for the Hebrew word, “Messiah” – anointed one)
Verses 5-25 – Luke goes back farther than the other Gospel writers to establish the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. The time was during the reign of Herod the Great, a tyrant and a descendant of Esau (Jacob’s brother).
The two people here are Elizabeth (barren, thus giving her husband no children) and Zechariah (a priest descended from Abijah [1Chronicles 23-24]).
There were about 20,000 priests at this time and they drew lots to see who would be honored to burn the incense at the altar (n Old Testament picture of prayer). It was Zechariah’s turn (v 11).
The angel of the Lord told Zechariah that he would have a son. Zechariah responded that he was too old. He had obviously forgotten about Abraham. Do we sometimes forget that God keeps His promises? Do we think of His Word as little more than figures of speech and word pictures?
Verses 26-38 – The angel goes to Mary, tells her about her coming pregnancy and of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Mary’s response was complete surrender to the will of the Lord, with all of its physical, social, emotional and spiritual ramifications.
Luke is very, very clear that Mary was a virgin. Can one become a Christian without believing in the virgin birth? Yes. Can one believe the Bible is God’s Word and not believe in the virgin birth? Absolutely not.
Verses 39-45 – Mary visits Elizabeth. Notice verse 43. Elizabeth shouted “…why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Verses 46-56 – Mary breaks out into a song of praise!
Verses 57-66 – John the Baptist is born, just as God said he would be.
Verses 67-80 – When he experienced the object of God’s promise, Zechariah’s muteness disappeared and HE broke out into song.
Being a Christian should be a joyous, exciting, song-filled experience! Shouldn’t it?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
A Study in Deuteronomy Week 10
Deuteronomy Chapters 31-34
Chapter 31
Verses 1-8 – Moses encourages the people and gives Joshua his instructions.
Verses 9-13 – The charge to the priests: the Law is to be read every 7th year. This was so that every generation will have heard and learned the Law. We must teach the gospel to our children.
Verses 14-23 – Moses foretells Israel’s apostasy. God instructs Moses to compose sort of "national anthem." God knows that words are more memorable when set to music, so He tells Moses to compose the "sermon in a song" found in the following chapter, Deuteronomy 32.
Verses 24-29 – The Law is given to the Levites. We love to find refuge in God's word in our times of stress and trouble, but we don't often consider that God's word, if we reject Jesus and rebel against God, is no friend to us. It is a witness against us.
Chapter 32
Chapter 31:30-Chapter 32:43 – The Song of Moses.
Verses 1-4 – The character of God. God is omnipotent; omnipresent and omniscient, graceful, merciful, loving and just.
Verses 5-6 – The character of Israel: they have corrupted themselves.
Verses 7-14 – God’s goodness toward Israel. This demonstrates God’s unending mercy and grace.
Verses 15-18 – Israel’s wickedness toward God. Israel turned to the pagan idols of the nations around them - and They sacrificed to demons.
Verses 19-27 – Judgement for Israel’s sins (sin always leads to judgement). God turned from Israel.
Verses 28-43 – God’s mercy is demonstrated as He withholds vengeance.
Verses 44-47 – God’s promise of deliverance for His people. He will send Christ.
Verses 48- 52 – God’s final command to Moses. Moses is to go to Mt. Nebo to die.
Chapter 33
Verse 1 – Moses pronounces a blessing on Israel. He cannot leave without a final blessing.
Verses 2-5 – The unfathomable majesty of God.
Verses 6-25 – The blessings of the twelve tribes: Reuben will be many; Judah will be a help; Levi shall teach; Benjamin will be lovable; Joseph will be blessed; Zebulun and Isachar will prosper; Gad will be powerful; Dan will have land; Naphtali will be full of blessing; Asher will grow in number and Israel shall know the joy of the Lord.
Verses 26-29 – Strength to believers (You shall receive power Acts 1:8) and the excellency of Israel.
Chapter 34
Verses 1-4 – Moses views the promised land but does not get to go there because of one sin.
Verses 5-9 – The death and burial of Moses, Israel’s mourning and Joshua becomes leader.
Verses 10-12 – Joshua succeeds Moses and the unique legacy of Moses.
Chapter 31
Verses 1-8 – Moses encourages the people and gives Joshua his instructions.
Verses 9-13 – The charge to the priests: the Law is to be read every 7th year. This was so that every generation will have heard and learned the Law. We must teach the gospel to our children.
Verses 14-23 – Moses foretells Israel’s apostasy. God instructs Moses to compose sort of "national anthem." God knows that words are more memorable when set to music, so He tells Moses to compose the "sermon in a song" found in the following chapter, Deuteronomy 32.
Verses 24-29 – The Law is given to the Levites. We love to find refuge in God's word in our times of stress and trouble, but we don't often consider that God's word, if we reject Jesus and rebel against God, is no friend to us. It is a witness against us.
Chapter 32
Chapter 31:30-Chapter 32:43 – The Song of Moses.
Verses 1-4 – The character of God. God is omnipotent; omnipresent and omniscient, graceful, merciful, loving and just.
Verses 5-6 – The character of Israel: they have corrupted themselves.
Verses 7-14 – God’s goodness toward Israel. This demonstrates God’s unending mercy and grace.
Verses 15-18 – Israel’s wickedness toward God. Israel turned to the pagan idols of the nations around them - and They sacrificed to demons.
Verses 19-27 – Judgement for Israel’s sins (sin always leads to judgement). God turned from Israel.
Verses 28-43 – God’s mercy is demonstrated as He withholds vengeance.
Verses 44-47 – God’s promise of deliverance for His people. He will send Christ.
Verses 48- 52 – God’s final command to Moses. Moses is to go to Mt. Nebo to die.
Chapter 33
Verse 1 – Moses pronounces a blessing on Israel. He cannot leave without a final blessing.
Verses 2-5 – The unfathomable majesty of God.
Verses 6-25 – The blessings of the twelve tribes: Reuben will be many; Judah will be a help; Levi shall teach; Benjamin will be lovable; Joseph will be blessed; Zebulun and Isachar will prosper; Gad will be powerful; Dan will have land; Naphtali will be full of blessing; Asher will grow in number and Israel shall know the joy of the Lord.
Verses 26-29 – Strength to believers (You shall receive power Acts 1:8) and the excellency of Israel.
Chapter 34
Verses 1-4 – Moses views the promised land but does not get to go there because of one sin.
Verses 5-9 – The death and burial of Moses, Israel’s mourning and Joshua becomes leader.
Verses 10-12 – Joshua succeeds Moses and the unique legacy of Moses.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Saturday, June 09, 2012
A Study in Deuteronomy Week 9
Deuteronomy Chapters 27-30
Chapter 27
Verses 1-7 – Here we find the instructions for the building of the altar, the place of sacrifice.
Do we need an altar today? What sacrifices would we offer there? What sacrifices are required of us under the New Covenant? (See Romans 12:1)
Chapter 28
Verses 1-14 – This is the history of Israel written before it happened! God knows the past, the present and the future perfectly. He is able to know those things because He is not in time. He is timeless and eternal (part of the character of God).
In times of obedience, Israel will be blessed.
Verses 15-68 – This is a long list of the things Israel will do in disobedience to God.
In times of disobedience, Israel will be “cursed.”
Chapter 29
Verses 1-29 – This section (extending through Deuteronomy 30:10) is referred to as the “Palestinian Covenant.”
This covenant is not to be confused with “The Old Covenant” made with Abraham at Horeb (although it is essentially similar and basically a review).
Israel had violated the conditions of the Covenant. Here Moses goes back over them so that they might have better knowledge of it and comply with it.
Chapter 30
Verses 1-10 – God’s Character is further revealed here. Although Israel had failed to keep its part of the Old Covenant, God stood ready to offer forgiveness and redemption to them.
If we were able to live up to the conditions of the Old Covenant, we would not have needed Christ to come, die and be resurrected.
Verses 11-20 – God offers a choice between life and death. God always offers a choice. The choice is between life (Christ) and death (rejecting Christ).
God does not send people to Hell. He gives them a choice, and they choose to reject Christ. Therefore, they send themselves to Hell.
Those who choose Christ by trusting in, and only in, His death, burial and resurrection for the remission of sins receive life eternal (John 3:16).
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Saturday, June 02, 2012
A Study in Deuteronomy Week 8
Deuteronomy Chapters 22-26
Chapter 22
Verses 1-4 – The term “brother” is used here to indicate any human being, known or unknown, even an enemy. It is about our attitude toward others, much as the Good Samaritan was a picture of our love for our fellow man.
Verses 5-12 – An interesting comparison of humanity with animals. But the prohibition prevented a great inhumanity still occasionally practiced by the poorer sort in Asian countries. An ox and mule, being of different species and of very different characters, cannot associate comfortably, nor unite cheerfully in drawing a plough or a wagon. The mule being much smaller and his step shorter, there would be an unequal and irregular draft. This is similar to Christ’s teaching of not being unequally yoked.
Verses 13-30 – The lesson here is that just because something can be abused does not make it bad. We would not say, for instance, that because the sun’s light might be abused, God, therefore, did not make the sun.
Chapter 23
Verses 1-8 – It was a common practice for parents in the East to mutilate their children to train them for service in houses of the rich and powerful (vs 1-2). It was once upon a time considered uncivil for children to be born out of wedlock or for the father to be unknown (vs 3-6). The Ammonites and Moabites consulted with soothsayers and tried to seduce Israel from their allegiance to God. God is not to be trivialized with.
Verses 9-14 – When men went to war, those left behind were to avoid the excesses of camp life and were to behave circumspectly.
Verses 15-25 – The Israelites were not to force a runaway servant to return to his master. They were also prohibited from charging usurious interest to their countrymen. A vow is a vow…period (vs 24 & 25).
Chapter 24
Verses 1-22 – This whole section is a precursor to the New Covenant attitude toward marriage and divorce. Under the New Covenant, a marriage is to be a picture of the relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church.
Chapter 25 – What do you suppose is the significance of the 40 stripes in verse 2? Does it strike you as odd that 40 stripes is considered some sort of restriction of the punishment?
Chapter 26 – I would remind you that the purpose of the tithe under the Old Covenant was not some ethereal spirituality, nor was it some rule to allow God to have some money to work with.
The main use of the tithe was to provide the leaders with a livelihood. The tithe was brought to the sanctuary, given to a priest who then used the blood and certain cuts of meat and bushels of grain for sacrifice, retaining the best cuts of meat and the finest grain for his own sustenance.
The New Covenant concept of giving is that one literally gives 100% of one’s income (and everything else) to the Lord. If there is a need in the church, the New Covenant giver sees it as a joyous opportunity to fill the need.
Any Christian who would allow a Jew under the Law to give more than the Christian under grace is a disgrace to grace (Dr. Adrien Rogers).
Giving is a direct reflection of the Christian’s response to the love poured out upon him by Christ’s sacrificial death, burial and resurrection.
Chapter 22
Verses 1-4 – The term “brother” is used here to indicate any human being, known or unknown, even an enemy. It is about our attitude toward others, much as the Good Samaritan was a picture of our love for our fellow man.
Verses 5-12 – An interesting comparison of humanity with animals. But the prohibition prevented a great inhumanity still occasionally practiced by the poorer sort in Asian countries. An ox and mule, being of different species and of very different characters, cannot associate comfortably, nor unite cheerfully in drawing a plough or a wagon. The mule being much smaller and his step shorter, there would be an unequal and irregular draft. This is similar to Christ’s teaching of not being unequally yoked.
Verses 13-30 – The lesson here is that just because something can be abused does not make it bad. We would not say, for instance, that because the sun’s light might be abused, God, therefore, did not make the sun.
Chapter 23
Verses 1-8 – It was a common practice for parents in the East to mutilate their children to train them for service in houses of the rich and powerful (vs 1-2). It was once upon a time considered uncivil for children to be born out of wedlock or for the father to be unknown (vs 3-6). The Ammonites and Moabites consulted with soothsayers and tried to seduce Israel from their allegiance to God. God is not to be trivialized with.
Verses 9-14 – When men went to war, those left behind were to avoid the excesses of camp life and were to behave circumspectly.
Verses 15-25 – The Israelites were not to force a runaway servant to return to his master. They were also prohibited from charging usurious interest to their countrymen. A vow is a vow…period (vs 24 & 25).
Chapter 24
Verses 1-22 – This whole section is a precursor to the New Covenant attitude toward marriage and divorce. Under the New Covenant, a marriage is to be a picture of the relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church.
Chapter 25 – What do you suppose is the significance of the 40 stripes in verse 2? Does it strike you as odd that 40 stripes is considered some sort of restriction of the punishment?
Chapter 26 – I would remind you that the purpose of the tithe under the Old Covenant was not some ethereal spirituality, nor was it some rule to allow God to have some money to work with.
The main use of the tithe was to provide the leaders with a livelihood. The tithe was brought to the sanctuary, given to a priest who then used the blood and certain cuts of meat and bushels of grain for sacrifice, retaining the best cuts of meat and the finest grain for his own sustenance.
The New Covenant concept of giving is that one literally gives 100% of one’s income (and everything else) to the Lord. If there is a need in the church, the New Covenant giver sees it as a joyous opportunity to fill the need.
Any Christian who would allow a Jew under the Law to give more than the Christian under grace is a disgrace to grace (Dr. Adrien Rogers).
Giving is a direct reflection of the Christian’s response to the love poured out upon him by Christ’s sacrificial death, burial and resurrection.
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