Genesis 40-41

Chapter 40
1. Joseph had to play the waiting game (1, 4)
2. The cup-bearer’s job was to check Pharaoh’s food/drink for poison
3. The baker was responsible for preparing the pharaoh’s meals
4. These 2 men were probably suspects in a plot against Pharaoh
5. Joseph may have viewed their arrival as divine providence
6. Joseph noticed, one day, that these 2 men were upset/sad (7)
a. We should not focus so completely on self that we neglect to show concern for others
b. Joseph, apparently, didn’t consider happiness to be impossible in a prison setting
7. There problem and Joseph’s history was a match made in heaven (8)

DREAM 1
Vine with 3 branches Represent 3 days
Vine produced grapes Represent his profession
He gave grapes to Pharaoh Represent restoration

8. Joseph asked for help and declared his innocence (14-15)
9. The baker assumed his dream had a positive interpretation as well (16)

DREAM 2
3 baskets of bread Represent 3 days
Baked goods for Pharaoh Represent his profession
Birds eating the goods Represent elimination

10. 3 days later, everything occurred just as Joseph had said (20-22)
11. The cup-bearer, however, did not remember Joseph (23)

Chapter 41
1. Once again, Joseph had to play the waiting game (1)
2. After 2 years, Pharaoh had 2 troubling dreams (2-7)
3. Pharaoh turned to his magicians and wise men, but w/o success (8)
4. Finally, the cup-bearer remember Joseph (9-13)
5. Joseph was brought from prison to the Pharaoh (14)
6. Joseph declared that it was God, not he, that could interpret dreams (16)

DREAM 1
7 Fat Cows 7 years of abundance
7 Skinny Cows 7 years of famine
Skinny Cows ate Fat Cows Fruitful years will be forgotten

DREAM 2
7 Full Heads of Grain 7 years of abundance
7 Thin Heads of Grain 7 years of famine
Thin Heads ate Full Heads Fruitful years will be forgotten

7. The dreams had the exact same meaning (25)
8. God was revealing the future to Pharaoh
a. This shows that God cares for all people
b. This shows that God was still had a plan for Joseph & his family
9. God gave Pharaoh 2 dreams b/c the meaning was so important (32)
10. Joseph told the Pharaoh to select a man to prepare for the famine (33)
11. Joseph shared a detailed plan with Pharaoh (34-36)
12. Pharaoh recognized the spirit of God in Joseph (37-38)
13. For the 3rd time, Joseph rose to the highest possible position (39-42)
14. Joseph was given a new title, a new name, and a wife (43-45)
15. Under Joseph’s leadership, preparations went smoothly(46-49)
16. Joseph was very thankful that God gave him 2 sons (50-52)
17. Under Joseph’s leadership, many nations were fed (53-57)
a. Many of these peoples may have heard the story of Joseph’s God
b. God used Joseph’s suffering/restoration to save the world physically
c. God used Jesus’ suffering/restoration to save the world spiritually

Hebrews 9b-25

Having just warned the letter's recipients about 'strange teachings', the author illustrates his point by describing the strangeness of sticking to the Old Covenant despite the emergence of the new. He reminds the readers that grace is more valuable than religious ritual (actually, he says the latter is of no value).

The author is describing the bankruptcy of those who are trying to remain under the Old Covenant
1. Their ceremonial foods are of no value to them (9)
2. Their ministers have no right to eat from the true altar (10)
3. There city has no future (14)

Under the New Covenant, there is a new & better altar (place of sacrifice): The Cross

The Old Covenant Process
1. Sacrifice was made on the altar
2. Blood was carried into Most Holy Place as a sin offering
3. Bodies were taken outside the camp to be burned

The New Covenant Process
1. The Cross of Christ serves as the altar
2. The Blood of Christ was taken into the true Holy of Holies
3. The Body of Christ was kept outside the physical city as unclean

In regards to this final point, the author is letting his readers know that they, too, may have to accept the scorn from the earthly Jerusalem. They may, too, have to leave the city. In doing so, they will only be following the example of Christ. They have no reason to cling to the city anyways, since it is not the place of their new citizenship.

Another way of looking at verses 9-16 is as a polemic against Judaistic Christianity. In this sense, the author responds to 3 complaints that were almost certainly hurled at converts

Complaint #1 - You Christians don't follow the ceremonial law!
Answer #1 - You're Right! Those laws were shadows. The light has come!

Complaint #2 - You Christians don't even have an altar!
Answer #2 - Yes we do! The Cross is our altar, but it is much better than your altar b/c the sacrifice only needed to be made once. Additionally, just like you can't eat the sin offerings (since they were burned completely), you also can't taste life in Christ b/c He is a sin offering. Those living under the law cannot partake in the bread of life!

Complaint #3 - You Christians don't even do sacrifices!
Answer #3 - Of course we don't. The 1 effective sacrifice has been done. But if you REALLY need sacrifices, we've got new types of sacrifices that truly please God.
1. Sacrifice of praise
2. Sacrifice of works
3. Sacrifice of giving

The author then gives a few final commands
1. Obey your leaders
--They are serving you
--They have a great responsibility
--Their work can be a joy if you obey them
--Obeying them is a win-win situation
2. Pray for us
--The ministers behind this letter have a pure heart before God
--The minister behind this letter yearned to see them again

Closing Thoughts
1. He gives them his blessing (20-21)
2. He urges them to respond seriously to the letter (22)
3. He updates them on Timothy's situation and potential future meetings (23)
4. He exchanges and asks for the exchange of greetings (24)
5. He speaks grace over them (25)

Luke 3:1-20

Luke 3:1-6

1. Can we pin point the year of these events?
Since Luke provides us with so many historical time-stamps, it is quite easy to come up with a fairly concrete placement of this chapter. Most scholars believe John's ministry began in the year AD27, but it is certainly b/w AD25-29.

2. What was the political situation for the Jews at this time?
It was a Roman Empire with Tiberius as the most powerful ruler. Roman governors were appointed as delegates to rule smaller regions and Pilate served as such over Judea. Jewish men were selected by the Romans to serve as a bridge between the subdued peoples and their Roman authorities. Herod, Philip & Traconitis are mentioned as serving in such posts. The office of High Priest was present, but apparently Annas wasn't favored by the Romans (though he was popular with the Jews) and so he was dismissed from his office and replaced with his son-in-law Caiaphas. Since, however, the people preferred Annas, both are mentioned as High Priests here.
3. What was John’s basic message?
Though multiple names of worldly significance were just mentioned, it is to John, in the desert no less, that the word of God comes. His message was simple. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

4. What is the meaning of the Isaiah passage?
The voice calling in the desert refers, of course to John the Baptist. The references to necessary topographical changes was a Jewish idiom somewhat similar to the modern phrase 'roll out the red carpet'. When an ancient king visited from far off lands, his people would try to discern (or even create) a comfortable path for his journey with few uphill sections and dips. He was calling for preparations to be made for the King of Kings.

Luke 3:7-9

1. Why do you think John was so forward with his audience?
Imagine if we started a baptism in this manner today! John was blunt because he knew the lifestyles of the people before him. This was a time for rebuke. Their habits were cause for alarm.

2. What was the prevalent Jewish mindset in John’s day?
Many seemed to believe that simply being a genetic descendant of Abraham was enough to please God.

3. What does God think of ‘genetic’ Christianity?
Not much. God could make descendants of Abraham out of rocks if He desired to do so. He wasn't interested in genetics, He was (and is) interested in willful praise.

4. What was just around the corner for 1st century Judaism?
John compares 1st century Jewish believers to trees that aren't producing fruit. He told them that the ax was ready to cut down fruitless trees. Barrng fruitful repentance, they were living in their final moments.

Luke 3:10-14

1. What economic reality was repulsive to John?
Luxery in the presence of poverty.

2. How corrupt were tax collectors in John’s day?
They raised taxes and kept the extra for themselves. John calls them to cease this practice.

3. How corrupt were soldiers in John’s day?
They would often falsely accuse people and then make them pay in order to have the charges dropped. Once again, John told them to cease this practice.

4. Do we have similar problems today?
Certainly. It's almost stunning how similar the corruption is in our days. The rich seem to be getting richer while the poor get poorer. The governments are corrupt. Taxes are high. And soldiers are involved in multiple scandals.

Luke 3:15-20

1. What does v. 15 tell us about John’s righteousness?
He lived so righteously and uniquely that some considered the possibility that he was the Messiah.

2. What does v. 16 tell us about John’s humbleness?
It would have been simple to be flattered by such comparisons, but John shows no signs of an arrogant heart. He remained humble and pointed forward to the Messiah.

3. What was the difference b/w the baptisms of John & Jesus?
John's baptism may be compared to an emptying. He asked for people to repent of their sins, to cease wicked activities. Jesus' baptism would be a filling with the Holy Spirit. The phrase 'with the Holy Spirit and with fire' has been interpreted in multiple ways, but I view it as 2 choices. You can either be baptized by the Holy Spirit or you can be immersed in the fire of judgment. This fits best with verse 17.

4. How did John deal with the sin around him?
He exposed it. This practice landed him in jail and, later, led to his beheading.

Genesis 37-38

Chapter 37

The story of Joseph

The Setting
1. Things were finally looking up! (1, Hebrews 11:13)
2. We should re-think our concept of a Tattle Tale (2)
3. People often have real reasons for picking a favorite (3)
4. When we show favoritism is tends to create problems (4)
5. Dreams were considered very significant in Bible times (5-9, 11, 41:32)
6. God may have given these dreams to Joseph to give him some hope because He knew difficult times lay ahead for Joseph (5-9)
7. Joseph may have been wiser to keep the dreams to himself (5-11)

The Plot Thickens
1. If we have a favorite, we shouldn’t spoil them by giving less work (12)
2. As parents, we must be aware of sibling rivalries and try our best not to add fuel to the fire (13-14)
3. The brothers probably left Shechem b/c they were infamous there (15-17)
4. Their hatred for Joseph was to the point of murderous thoughts (18-20)
5. Reuben, here, shows a bit of compassion and craftiness (21-22)
6. The brothers add insult to injury by looking to profit in their plan (23-28)
7. Good intentions don’t get us very far (29-30)

The Conclusion
1. One sin often leads to another or others (31-33)
2. Sin/selfishness cause devastation in the lives involved (34-35)
3. God is able to work out His plan despite our sin (36)

Joseph as a Type of Christ
They were both the 1st son of a favored woman-----------Luke 1:30-31
They were both loved dearly by their father-------------Matthew 3:17
They were both shepherds of their fathers sheep---------John 10:11, 27
They were both sent by their father to brothers---------Hebrews 2:11
They were both rejected/hated by their brothers---------John 7:5
They were both targets of murder plots------------------John 11:53
They were both tempted prior to their exaltation--------Matthew 4:1
They were both taken to Egypt---------------------------Matthew 2:14-15
They were both stripped of their robes------------------John 19:23
They were both sold for the price of a slave------------Matthew 26:15
They were both falsely accused--------------------------Matthew 26:59-60
They were both placed with 2 prisoners------------------Luke 23:32
They were both 30 at beginning of recognition-----------Luke 3:23
They were both exalted after suffering------------------Philippians 2:9-11
They were both willing to forgive their enemies---------Luke 23:34
They were both able to save their people----------------Matthew 1:21
God used their suffering for a greater good-------------1 Corinthians 2:7-8

Chapter 38

The Story of Judah

1. His birth 29:35

2. His family situation 37:26

3. His chapter 38
a. Bad context
b. Bad friend
c. Bad wife
d. Bad sons
e. Bad decisions
f. Bad integrity

4. His turning point 38:26

5. His kids

6. His trips to Egypt
a. Not mentioned in 42
b. Takes the lead in 43-44

7. His redemption 45

8. His blessing 49:8-12, Matthew 1:3

Genesis 39

OBSERVATIONS FROM JOSEPHS EARLY YEARS
He was a favored son (37:3)
He believed he had a bright future (37:6-7, 9)
He lost almost everything in 1 day (37:28)
He became a servant to a foreign official (37:36, 39:1)
God blessed his work (39:2-3)
He was promoted to a high position (39:4-6)
He resisted a strong initial temptation (39:6b-8a)
To Joseph, a sin was primarily a rebellion against God (39:8-9)
He resisted a strong persistent temptation (39:10-12)
He was framed (39: 13-18)
For the second time in his life, he lost everything (39:19-20a)
Once again, God blessed him where he was (39:20b-21)
Once again, he was promoted to a high position (39:22-23)

LIFE APPLICATIONS
1. Your heavenly Father loves you
2. Your heavenly Father has great plans for you
3. Plans don’t always work out the way we imagine
4. God goes with us and is able to help us in any situation
5. There are 2 waves of temptation (initial & persistent)
6. When we sin, we are primarily rebelling against God
7. Sometimes we’ve got to take some hits
8. We must keep working for God no matter how bad things get

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (John 2:16)

Temptation--------- Target -----------------Jesus
Lust of the Flesh ----Pleasure/Feelings------Matthew 4:2-4
Lust of the Eyes ----Possessions/Fortunes -- Matthew 4:8-10
Pride of Life --------Prestige/Fame --------- Matthew 4:5-7

Flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18a)

Hebrews 13:1-9a

As the author begins to wrap up the letter, he gives a basic checklist of things the 'hebrew' Christians should keep in mind.

They should...

1. Love one another (1)
--It's not 'natural' to love, it's 'supernatural'
--love is a command (John 13:34)
--love is how we show we are Christians (John 13:35)
--love involves putting each other first (Romans 12:10)
--love is how we obey the law (Romans 13:8)

2. Show hospitality to guests (2)
--The guest may be an angel
--Abraham entertained an angels (genesis 18:1)
--Gideon entertained an angel (judges 6:11)

3. Remember those in prison (3)
--The prisoners in mind may have been Christians being persecuted

4. Honor the institution of marrage (4)
--We should improve ourselves before we blast others

5. Enjoy freedom from the love of money (5a)
--The love of money comes with chains
--Contentment is a key to happiness
--We tend to live beyond our means

6. Be thankful for God's prsence (5b-6)
--We already possess the greatest treasure
--Matthew 13:44-46

7. Get serious about being Christlike (7-8)
--Emulate those who are Christlike
--Don't get caught up in novelty, stick with classics

8. Be careful about strange teachings (9a)
--There are some blatently odd teachings in evangelicalism
--Other strange teachings sound deceptively wise
--The recipiants of this letter seem to have been dealing with legalistic teaching
--A lot of strange teachings simply ignores the fulfillment of Christ and focuses on OT teaching

Generosity

Living the Parables
-Part XIII-

#27 The Workers Paid Equally
Matthew 20:1-15

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3 About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5 So they went.

He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6 About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'

7 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.

He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'

8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'

9 The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'

13 But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

16 So the last will be first and the first will be last

At first glance, this parable may appear to contradict the parable of the talents (and the parable of the minas/pounds), but we must determine what aspect of the kingdom each parable is talking about. To accomplish this, let us first look at what God's Word says about Judgment Day.

We will all be judged by our works
1. Matthew 16:27, 25:31-43
2. Romans 2:5-8
3. 1 Peter 1:17
4. Revelation 20:12-13

We are saved...
BY GRACE
Acts 15:11
Ephesians 2:5
2 Timothy 1:9

THROUGH FAITH
Luke 7:50
1 Timothy 2:15
Ephesians 2:8

THAT WORKS
James 2:14-19
James 2:20-24
Galatians 5:6

If we are saved by GRACE through FAITH that WORKS then why are we only judged by works?
1. We aren't judged by grace, for that wouldn't involve us at all
2. We aren't judged by a faith, b/c faith by itself is invisible. A statement of faith can be faked.
3. We are judged by works, b/c they are the evidence of genuine faith

In interpreting this parable, we must determine whether it is focused on the GRACE, FAITH or WORKS component of our Christian lives. I believe the parable's of the talents/minas/pounds are focused on our works. Their theme is the activity (or inactivity) of the workers. This parable, in contrast, is focused on the generosity of the landowner. Therefore, I believe this parable is about grace. This theory accounts for why the workers in the former parables are given different rewards (since their levels of work were different) whereas the workers in the latter parable were all given the same pay (since they were all equally dependant on the giver's generosity).

The point of the parable, to me, proves that there is ZERO amount of 'deservedness' when it comes to obtaining what is necessary to make it beyond Judgment Day. We all are bankrupt. We all need a generous master. We all need Him equally.

Here are 13 truths from this parable:
1. Until we begin working for Christ, we are without a worthy purpose (1)
2. There is a lot of work to do in the kingdom (1)
3. The work is harvest focused (1)
4. We live in harvest day (2)
5. We receive enough for 1 day (2)
6. Jesus is always looking for more workers (3-6)
7. Some of those that Jesus finds will have little opportunity to work for Him on earth (6)
8. A late comer must be the kind of worker that would have worked hard if time permitted (6-7)
9. Jesus wants us to learn the lesson that we are all equals in the kingdom of God (8)
10. We don’t fully understand the generosity of God (9-10)
11. A comparing Christian always finds something to grumble about (9-12)
12. We need to learn God’s kind of generosity (13-16)
13. Our view of grace naturally dissolves with time (15)

Hebrews 12:18-29

Contrasting 2 Mountains

Sinai
1. Physical/earthly
2. Dark/gloomy/shadows
3. Unbearable/dreadful
4. Limited/exclusive
5. Worse blood
6. Bondage
7. Schoolmaster

Zion/Calvary
1. Spiritual/heavenly (Revelation 21:2)
Pamphilus, in church history, died along with 11 others after claiming verse 22. He was asked which city he belonged to and was killed for proclaiming he belonged to heavenly Jerusalem.
2. Clear/bright (Matthew 4;16-17)
Jesus was and is the light of the world. He is the light that created the shadows of the Old Testament.
3. Joyful/celebration (Matthew 11:28-30)
4. Inclusive (Hebrews 4:16)
5. Better blood (Genesis 4:10)
Abel's blood cried out for vengence and justice. Christ's blood offers grace and forgiveness.
6. Freedom (Galatians 4:24)
7. Graduation (Galatians 3:24)

The Old Testament congregation came from Egypt to Mount Sinai to receive the law
The New Testament congregation comes from sin to Mount Calvary to receive grace

The Old Covenant began with an earthquake and it would end with an earthquake
This latter earthquake served, then, as a sign of the end of the OT covenant and the beginning of a new covenant.

In another sense, we are still experiencing this 'shaking'. Like a rug being shaken outside until only the rug remains, this world is being shaken until only goodness remains. In response to this imagery we should cling to Christ in the fear of God.

Luke 2

Luke 2:1-7

1. Can we determine the exact year in which Jesus was born?
Since the Christian Scriptures, unlike most sacred texts, use real people and places it is possible to determine dates based on the references to other historical events. But we must be satisfied with good theories and not demand concrete/specific days. Based on the evidence we have, it is quite likely that Jesus was born around 5BC. Obviously, this is startling at first glance since BC means before Christ. But the BC/AD dating system wasn't created until after what we call the 500's. Small mistakes created a 5-8 year error.

2. Why did Joseph remain engaged to Mary?
He had planned to divorce her quitly, but was influenced by an angel not to do so. This event is recorded in Matthew 1:18-25. Luke tells the birth-story of Christ more from Mary's perspective whereas Matthew tells it more from Joseph's point of view.

3. Why do you think God allowed His Son to be born in a manger?
The irony of the King of the world being born in a humble manger is no mistake. God chooses to use the foolish things of this world.

Luke 2:8-20

1. Why were these shepherds selected to receive this good news?
These were probably faithful believers and God rewarded them with this great news. Once again, it shows that the Lord uses the foolish things of this world. It is also true, however, that shepherds had a rich history in Jewish culture.

2. Who in the world was this birth going to most impact?
It would impact all people, especially those who found God's favor.

3. What does Mary’s response tell us about her character?
Many young Jewish girls living at that time would have been pre-occupied with thoughts of carrying the Messiah to birth. It was a hope for each of them to be selected for this great role in history. Mary was selected, yet she didn't brag or boast. This shows her humility.

Luke 2:21-24

1. Why did God want His Son to be given the name Jesus?
Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua/Yeshua. It means 'the Lord saves'

2. Why was Jesus circumcised?
This was part of Jewish culture. Also, Jesus came to fulfill the law.

3. How old was Jesus when they went to Jerusalem?
According to Leviticus 12, He would have been about 40 days old.

Luke 2:25-35

1. Why did God promise Simeon that he would see Christ?
As a reward for his devout faith

2. How well did Simeon understand the purpose of Christ’s coming?
He seems to have understood it quite well. He knew this baby was the Savior that would impact both the Jewish and Gentile worlds.

3. What did Simeon mean by verses 34-35?
Jesus is the great dividing force in history. You are either following Him or turning your back on Him. You are either with Him or against Him. We all must decide what we will do with Jesus.

Luke 2:36-40

1. What does Anna’s life teach us about women in ministry?
That in Jesus day, there were women in ministry.

2. How did Anna know the role the child would play in Israel?
It appears she knew this through prayer and study of Old Testament Scriptures.

3. What kind of childhood do you think Jesus had?
I think He had a fairly normal childhood with the exception of the particulars that are mentioned in the narratives.

Luke 2:41-52

1. How could they have been unaware that Jesus wasn’t with them?
The family had travelled in a large group. It seems they just assumed Jesus was with cousins or other relatives.

2. How aware was Jesus of His identity during His childhood?
This account of Him in the temple seems to speak to a high level of awareness.

3. How can we emulate the way that Jesus grew?
We must also grow in 4 areas: mental, physical, spiritual & social

Is Cain a Biological Descendant of Satan?

A RESPONSE TO ARNOLD MURRAY’S ‘SERPENT SEED’ DOCTRINE

INTRODUCTION
I know, silly question. But this is a doctrine that Arnold Murray of The Shepherd's Chapel is teaching. He uses 5 key passages to 'prove' his doctrine. Below is an analysis of his teaching.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

ARNOLD MURRAY
Murray speculates that the serpents’ seed is Cain and Eve’s seed is Abel.

THE TRUTH
There is a MAJOR problem here in that Murray’s teaching demands that Eve was already pregnant at this point (he says she got pregnant at the time she took the fruit), but God’s teaching says she didn’t conceive until after her and Adam were kicked out of the Garden of Eden (they are kicked out in 3:24 and she conceived in 4:1).

The New Testament teaches us that Christ is the fulfillment of this passage, it has nothing to do with Cain and Abel (Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 3:8).

Genesis 4:1-2a
Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man." Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.

ARNOLD MURRAY
Murray tries to dismiss this verse quickly by saying the Hebrew wording indicates they were twins but had different fathers.

THE TRUTH
This is just absurd. It is no wonder he doesn’t talk at length about this passage considering it destroys his entire argument. He’s wrong about the Hebrew wording. If what he were saying was true, I’d expect at least one translation to support that rendering, but none do. He is the only teacher I’ve ever heard make such a statement and that should raise a red flag. Eve said ‘the LORD’ gave her Cain.

2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

ARNOLD MURRAY
He says the Greek word that the KJV renders as ‘beguiled’ means that the Serpent ‘sexually seduced’ Eve

THE TRUTH
The Greek word in question, “Exapatao”, occurs 4 other times in the Bible.

Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

1Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

2Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Clearly, every other time the word is used, it simply indicates deception, not sexual seduction.

John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

ARNOLD MURRAY
He says we must interpret the phrase ‘your father’ in a biological sense

THE TRUTH
The word ‘father’ in both Greek and English can be understood in 2 different ways depending on context
1. Biological- Most often, the term is used of a biological father. For example, I can state that my father is Jerry Rose.
2. Founder- Often, we call an ‘founder’ of something a father. For example, we call George Washington a Founding Father of our country. That doesn’t mean, of course, that he is a biological ancestor of every U.S. citizen! It simply means we follow the example of what he started.

Our job when interpreting John 8:44 is to decide which meaning is intended based on the context. The question becomes: “In John 8:44, is Jesus discussing the biological father or a founding father?” The answer is simple because Jesus discusses BOTH types of father’s in the context of the passage so that there is no confusion. In John 8:33 the crowd declared “We are Abraham's descendants”. If Murray is right, we should expect Jesus to reply, “No! You are Satan’s descendants.” But Jesus didn’t respond that way. Instead, He said, “I know you are Abraham's descendants.” Either Arnold Murray is wrong or Jesus is wrong.

Since Jesus is right, John 8:33 establishes that the crowd were biological descendants of Abraham (which proves they were not biological descendants of Satan or Cain). Therefore, John 8:44 must be referring to the 2nd type of fathering. This fits the teachings of Scripture perfectly. John 8:44 is simply saying that Satan is their ‘founding father’ because they follow his example just like George Washington is our ‘founding father’ because we follow his.

Matthew 13:37-38
He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one

ARNOLD MURRAY
Even though the term ‘father’ isn’t used here, Murray treats this passage in the same way as John 8:44 and interprets the ‘sons’ as biological sons.

THE TRUTH
I preached on this text a couple months ago and so I’ve done a lot of research on this passage. Once again, Murray is the ONLY teacher I’ve ever come across that interprets the ‘sons’ as biological sons. The passage is clearly not talking about biological sons. If Murray is right to interpret ‘sons of the evil one’ as biological children then he MUST also interpret ‘sons of the kingdom’ as biological descendants of the ‘Son of Man’ (Jesus). Are we biological ‘sons’ of Jesus? Of course not! The passage isn’t talking about biological descendants. We become God’s children by submitting to His authority. It’s not a biological process, it is a spiritual one. The reverse is also true. We are children of Satan if we follow his example.

CONCLUSION
I did a little extra research on Arnold Murray. I found an audio clip where he ‘jokes’ about shooting a young man in his congregation because the young man disagreed with Murray’s teaching. Murray also denies the orthodox view of the Trinity. He falsely teaches that America and Britain are lost tribes of Israel. Other issues that you may find troublesome include his denial of the eternality of hell, the rapture & interracial marriage.