4G Family

A person's attitude is a fairly clear reflection of their heart. Jesus' teaching was an amazing message that is just as sobering now as it likely was back then. 

Study notes are here.

The baptism of Jesus by John gives opportunity to define a starting point to Jesus' ministry, to see a picture of the trinity, and to take a look at the topic of baptism.  Of course, John wasn't performing "Christian" (believer's) baptism and Jesus didn't need to repent. Yet, Christ was eventually to take on the sin's of the world so it was proper for him to identify with the sinners that were coming to John.

 

Study notes are here.

In this lesson we learn of John the Baptist, a prophet who was compared to Elijah and who helped prepare the people to receive Jesus.  After 400 years recovering from exile, submitting to the rule of multiple conquering nations and experiencing extreme religious persecution and corruption, the people were blessed with a prophet!  This was good news preparing for Good News!

As Matthew reminds us, he was the (partial) fulfillment of Isaiah 40. The video of the pertinent section of Handel's The Messiah that covers this passage is found here.

A reasonably concise review of the intertestamental period is found here.

Study notes are found here.

In this lesson, we review Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus. There is comparison and contrast with Luke's version.

 

Study notes are here.

Prior to beginning this first lesson in Matthew, the class heard the Gaither's "There's Something About That Name".  

The book of Matthew highlights Jesus' genealogy and his connection to God's covenant promise to David.

Study notes are here.

Our look back over Exodus reminds of God's power, faithfulness, holiness, leadership, redemption and presence.  The time covered by the book shows the rescue, unification and plan for the new nation of Israel -- God's people who have been promised an amazing future (if and when they take it).

 

Answers to the "homework" (Thanks Bill!) are shown below:

 

 

 

Why do you think Exodus starts off with a review of Jacob’s family?

Jacob’s family (Israel) had been in Egypt over 400 years and the story of how they came to be in Egypt had most likely been lost through the years. In fact the promise of a gift of land forever that God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob most likely was also lost on the generation at was residing in Egypt at this time. The story of how God’s provision through Joseph was most likely forgotten as well.  History, knowing what has happen in the past, it important for each of us.

Why was Pharaoh such an affront to God?

At this time in human history Egypt was the most powerfully nation on earth. Pharaoh thought he was the best or in his mind he was god. As we learned in Isaiah, God said through the prophet “I am God and there is no other”.  Pharaoh was who he was because God allowed it and in the end, God showed His power to Pharaoh and the world.

Why are the plagues such an effective condemnation of Pharaoh?

Egypt had many gods and each of the plagues showed just how ineffective--false Pharaoh’s gods were. (1) The Nile turned to blood—Egypt had a god to the Nile-Hapi and Isis. (2)Frog’s—frogs were a fertility symbol. (3)  Gnats Set-god of the desert (Bible Knowledge) (4) Flies were especially to the Egyptian god of Uatchit (Wiersbet). (5) Egyptian cattle die—some of the gods were farm animals-another attack on the Egyptian religion. The Israeli cattle was not harmed (6) Boils on everything living thing—Sekhmet the goodness with power over disease (Bible Knowledge) (7) Hail—Nut the sky goddess (8) Locusts—Osiris god of crops (9) Darkness—Re and Horus sun gods (Bible Knowledge) and (10) Death of the First Born—god’s of reproduction and childbirth.

How is the parting of the Red Sea echoed elsewhere in Scripture?

The Red Sea is mentioned two times in the new Testament Acts 7 in Stephen’s sermon and in Hebrews 11—the Faith chapter. In the Old Testament the crossing of the Red Sea is mentioned several times to remind Israel of God’s faithfulness—Moses in Deuteronomy, In Joshua, in Nehemiah, in Psalms (106 and 136) and in Jeremiah. All the reference was to remember history.

What are the implications of God giving the Law to His people?

In Exodus the Law was given to restore order after having been slaves for so many years and to teach them to love and obey Almighty God. Paul told us in Romans 7:7 “I would not have to know sin except through the Law”

What are the implications of the presence of the Tabernacle?

God has always wanted to have fellowship with the human race, His highest creation, and He chose Israel to be His own possession (Ex 19:5). In the process of bring order; the Tabernacle was a place of Worship and place of God’s presents. It was a shadow as Hebrews tells of things to come, that is a better Priest and sacrifice in the Lord Jesus.

What Biblical Themes does Exodus Illustrate?

Deliverance—Freedom—God’s Leading—God’s Provision—God’s Faithfulness—God’s Power

When Moses came down off the mountain his face shown with what is called Shekinah glory.  Then, a veil was used.  In this study we learn how Moses used the veil and what Paul thought about it.  

 

Homework for next week's conclusion to the Exodus study:

 

• Why do you think Exodus starts off with a review of Jacob’s family?
• Why is Pharaoh such an affront to God?
• Why are the plagues such an effective condemnation of Pharaoh?
• How is the parting of the Red Sea echoed elsewhere is Scripture?
• What are the implications of God giving the Law to his people?
• What are the implications of the presence of the Tabernacle?
• What biblical themes does Exodus illustrate?

Subsequent to the Israelites rebellion into idolatry with the creation of the golden calf, God informs Moses and the people of the consequences. But, Moses entreats God to show mercy on "His people" and God does confirm His loving kindness.

 

Bill mentions a famous hymn "He Hideth My Soul".  Here's a nice version by Guy Penrod.

 

Study notes are here.

I heard something one time to the effect that "God's will done God's way will never lack God's provision". Not sure who to attribute but, this passage certainly illustrates the concept.

 

The chapter introduces Bezalel, the "project manager and general contractor" for the Tabernacle. Here we learn a bit more about who God is and how he works. Compare and contrast God's actions here with Ephesians 2:10, Romans 12:4 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

 

God could have constructed the Tabernacle with a thought. Yet, he chose people. He still does.

 

Study notes are here.

The text continues to describe the tabernacle and furnishes and then the focus shifts to the priests.

This video (~4 mins) gives a good overview of the Tabernacle layout along with the furnishings.

This video (~7 mins) shows a very detailed (modern) construction of the priestly garments. What amazing artisans they must have been in antiquity!

In this lesson Bill reviews the tabernacle and furnishings as described in our focus passage.

 

A helpful diagram can be found here.

The original teaching in class failed to record so this is a condensed version covering a very important passage that has parallels to how we live and work today. Thankfully, we have the same God with even more blessings and even a better future!

This section wraps up (for the most part) the rules in the "Book of the Covenant" (see Ex. 24:3).  The theme underlying much of the last few weeks has been what does today's Christian do with the law.

 

As per the NIV Application Commentary on Exodus, Paul seems to offer three options:

1. Ignore it/Move past it because we are under Christ
2. Accept (parts of?) it as command (e.g. "Honor your father and mother" in Eph 6:2)
3. Pull principles from it ("Don't muzzle the ox" in 1 Cor 9:9)

 

Some observations:

If you go with option 2 or 3 you're compelled to pick and choose the ones you like vs. the ones you don't.

Maybe the best way to look at these rules is to maintain the context:  This tells us how God taught/led His people at this point in history.

The teachings (and principles!) in the New Testament should be a good guide and filter.

 

Study notes are here.

The review of the laws especially regarding social justice continue in this passage.

God's teaching is always for our good. In this last lesson on the Ten Commandments, Bill reviews the last four commandments and notes that they might not have been written "to us but they were written for us".

Often, carelessness in managing the small decisions (and temptations) of life is what leads to actual sin.  Bill discusses this in the context of "You shall not commit adultery".  Casting Crowns' video Slow Fade is an apt illustration, as well.

Study notes are here.

The question was raised last week as to how should we (as Christians) relate to the Ten Commandments.  Art addresses that and discusses the next three commandments.

John Piper explains the Christian relationship to the Ten Commandments here.

Bible Study highlighting the New Testament supporting nine of the commandments (excluding the fourth) is here.

Andy Stanley's editorial in Relevant magazine questioning why Christians aren't arguing to post the Sermon on the Mount instead is here.

 

Full lesson notes are here.

As the people of Israel are gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, God reveals himself by speaking the Ten Commandments. They are given from the Redeemer to the redeemed to proscribe what their thinking and behavior should be.  

 

Study notes are here.

In this passage Bill discusses the importance of receiving wise counsel. We are reminded of who Jethro is back in Exodus 2:15.

Scriptures highlighting the importance of wise counsel include:

• Proverbs 12:15
• Proverbs 19:20
• Ecclesiastes 4:13

 

Guidelines about advice and receiving counsel:

• Is it scriptural?
• What does your spiritually enlightened commonsense say?
• Can you do it (is the door open)?
• Do you have peace?

This little passage introduces or foreshadows much. God's cast of characters, God's methods, God's promises and God's Victory.

 

Collectively, these verses remind us that we aren't spared the battles, we never fight alone, the enemy isn't always who we think, it matters that we are obedient, God's will is always accomplished.

 

Study notes are here.

The initial weeks after the exodus of the nation of Israel from Egypt were typified by a cycle of grumbling followed by a response from God that had elements of teaching and of provision. Over and over the people are asked to align themselves with God and look to Him for their needs.  Jesus likely had the same goals in mind as He taught his disciples to pray in Matthew 6.  

 

The writer of Hebrews reminds us the Jesus is the better Moses and the Church is the better nation of Israel (though we're still learning some of the same lessons!).

 

Study notes are here.

Early on in the Exodus experience God continues to teach the Israelites. They learn about God. They learn how to live a life a freedom. 

 

Study notes are here.

In this lesson Bill highlights several interesting points about the crossing of the Red Sea:

Was the Red Sea really the Reed Sea?

Was the route toward the North near the Mediterranean or to the South across the Gulf of Suez?

What does Scripture itself think about the crossing (as in Nehemiah and Numbers)?

 

The bottom line is that God miraculously delivered his chosen people (in spite of their grumbling! More on this next week!).

Study notes are here.

As appropriate for Easter, the miracle of the Israelite's crossing of the Red Sea illustrates God's power over chaos and evil. The empty tomb is yet another dry river bed that allows God's chosen to cross over from slavery to life with Him.

In Exodus 4 God instructs Moses to claim Israel and identifies the nation as His firstborn. Thus, the command in Exodus 13 to consecrate firstborn animals and sons to God gives opportunity to explore how this principle plays out throughout the Bible.

 

Ultimately, the story of God's redemption is the story of how those who aren't firstborn can become truly firstborn through Jesus and his amazing work!

 

Study notes are here.

This passage reviews the scale of the Exodus and the institution of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread.

 

Passages studied are excerpted here.

In this lesson Bill reviews some of the things that people have added to the Spring religious festival season (like Mardi Gras) and some of the things that have been taken away (like full observance of Passover).

In this introductory lesson we learn the basics of the Passover and raise some interesting questions about how it all happened!

 

Study notes are here.

In Chapter 11 we are reminded of how God is fulfilling his promises. We see evidence of the concept of "reaping what you sow". The story is building to a climax that will cover the next several chapters: God is an awesome God (and there is no other!)

 

Study notes, including introductory remarks comparing St. Patrick and Moses (hopefully not too big a stretch!) are here.

During this one week break from the study in Exodus, Larry shares a very small passage with a very large potential.

9Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.”
10Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (1 Ch 4:9–10). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

 

The book The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson became a New York Times bestseller subsequent to its publication in 2000. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prayer_of_Jabez

As this third cycle of plagues is documented several things become clear:

     God's purposes are way higher than Pharaoh's

     God's power is far greater than Pharaoh's

His power in this cycle demonstrates power over the essence of creation and is a reminder of His work in Genesis.  We are reminded of who He is. This also clarifies who we are!

 

Study notes are here.

These chapters describe the classic showdown between God's power to send plagues against Egypt and Pharaoh's resistance to "let my people go."

 

Study notes are here.

In this passage we learn of Moses' initial attempts to obtain the release of the people of Israel from Pharaoh. He resists. More than that, he makes the people work even harder.

 

Class notes are available here.

In Chapter 4 God continues to speak to Moses (and to us) in a number of ways -- all of them leading to his marvelous work of redeeming His people from Egypt.  The chapter ends where we should all end:  believing God and worshiping him.

 

Study notes are here.

After getting Moses' attention with a bush on fire, God reveals a great deal about himself -- and a plan for Moses.

 

Study notes are here.

In this Chapter we learn of Moses' birth to two members of the tribe of Levi and his rescue from the Nile by the daughter of Pharaoh. We see God's providence throughout the story.  We learn of Moses' flight from Egypt to Midian where he finds hospitality, an occupation and a wife.

Interesting background on Midian from bibleatlas.org is here.

Study notes on the lessons are here.

In these closing chapters of Genesis we conclude the story of Joseph and his brothers.  Once again, the brothers go to Egypt to buy grain.  Ultimately, Joseph and his wealth and influence is revealed to his brothers. They fear retribution but are given love, acceptance and forgiveness.

 

Jacob concludes his days on the earth with prophecy and blessing. He (and Joseph) procures a promise that he not be buried in Egypt. Thus, he sends a strong message that Egypt is not their home.

 

Passage outline is here.

The sojourn of God's people to Egypt for 400 years was part of God's covenant conversation to Abram all the way back in Genesis 15.  We pick up the story with Joseph, the eleventh and most favored son of Jacob (a nice list of Jacob's 12 sons is in Genesis 35:22b-26), as he goes to meet his older brothers who are tending their flocks far away from home.

Points to consider:

• In what ways does Joseph's story typify Christ's (try here for an explanation on typology as a study tool)?
• What are the noble qualities of Joseph described in the narrative account?
• Does seeing God's hand of providence in this account make it easier to see His hand in the story of your life? What crossroads in your life could include "and it just so happened?"

Hebrews wraps up with a series of exhortations for those in the family of God. Background info on the Gaither song "The Family of God" quoted in Bill's introduction is here and the song itself is here.

 

Lesson outline and study notes are here.

Matthew 1 highlights that Jesus' virgin birth was the (second) fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 7. 

 

What does the virgin birth of Jesus tell us about God and us?

 

Study material is here.

Hebrews 12:14-25

 

Verse 11

     ¹¹ For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. ^[1]

Verse 14

     “Pursue peace with all men . . .”

     Ravi Zacharias’ ministry includes apologetics but with kindness. His YouTube channel

     At the Mormon Tabernacle

Romans 12: ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ^[2]

Sanctification “conveys an idea of separation from the world . . . when we are markedly distant from the world around us we will see the world with spiritual eyes . . .”

When Ravi Zacharias and Dennis Prager got together on YouTube

Verse 15

Root of bitterness “. . . springs up and causes trouble . . . “

Verse 16-17

The example of Esau from Genesis 25: ²⁹ Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. ³⁰ And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) ³¹ Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” ³² Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” ³³ Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. ³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. ^[3]

Verses 18-24

Mount Sinai – “don’t touch it”

Mount Zion – “the city of the living God . . . and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant . . . “

What a relief it is to move from Mt. Sinai to Mt. Zion! Mt. Sinai represents the Old Covenant of Law, and Mt. Zion represents the New Covenant of grace in Jesus Christ (see Gal. 4:19–31). The heavenly city is God’s Mt. Zion (see Pss. 2; 110:1–2, 4). This is the city that the patriarchs were looking for by faith (Heb. 11:10, 14–17). The earthly Jerusalem was about to be destroyed by the Romans, but the heavenly Jerusalem would endure forever.^[4]

Verse 25-29 (The fifth warning)

The warnings

2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. ² For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, ³ how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,^[5]

3: ¹² Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. ¹³ But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. ^[6]

6:1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ² and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. ^[7]

[Pablum: a brand of soft, bland cereal for infants.[8]]

10: ²⁶ For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. ²⁸ Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. ²⁹ How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ^[9]

12:25²⁵ See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. ²⁶ At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” ²⁷ This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. ²⁸ Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for our God is a consuming fire. ^[10]

The reason our author follows his picture of festive celebration (12:22–24) with a stern warning (12:25–29) has to do, once again, with the purpose of this book and the spiritual condition of the community. For some in the audience, the matter of their eternal destiny has yet to be discerned; their status has been called into question by their flirtation with apostasy. The warning, therefore, demonstrates that the preacher cannot give an unqualified message of grace to a community of people among whom are those considering abandoning the faith.^[11]

Closing

Things that are missing . . . thank you notes . . .

 

 

 

 

 

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 12:11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 12:17–21). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ge 25:29–34). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 325). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 2:1–3). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 3:12–14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 6:1–2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[8] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/pablum

^[9] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 10:26–31). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[10] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 12:25–29). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[11] Guthrie, G. (1998). Hebrews (p. 426). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

Hebrews 11 shows us that God's people relate to Him by faith. In ways big and small, outcomes seen or not, endings happy or sad, He commends the faithful

How can we retell the stories of faith to our children. How can we weave in our own?

 

See the rich commentary excerpts, along with their proper attribution and credit, and some discussion questions here.

The writer of Hebrews continues to open the family photo album to highlight examples of faith. None were perfect. Yet, because of faith, they could have a relationship with God.

 

Commentary excerpts, etc. are here.

10:31

The writer of Hebrews was guarding against apostasy on the part of the members

In our present day, we have risk for this in a number of ways:

• More forceful inflammatory comments that are often made on social media that wouldn’t be made face to face
• The watering down of principle within churches (reading from Slouching Toward Gomorrah by Robert Bork)

Five Facts about Faith – Chuck Swindoll in Living Insights Hebrews

1. Faith builds assurance and conviction – it drives out doubts about the past insecurity in the present and fear of the future.
2. Faith faces the future with confidence – It solidifies hope and stand firm in the midst of the gale-force winds of trials.
3. Faith focuses on an invisible reality – It perceives “things not seen,” which unbelievers will never accept.
4. Faith fulfills its purpose in pleasing God – It cannot be substituted by good works, good feelings, or good intentions.
5. Faith fixes our lives fully on God – It takes seriously God’s promise of reward of faithfulness.