The Knew Kingdom: November 2009

3:1-18 (Letters & Veils)

Paul is under attack
It seems, from this passage, the Paul may have been facing accusations like
- Why doesn't Paul have a resume like some of the other guests we receive?
- Paul isn't as great as Moses'

Paul's response is...

Should I need a resume?
- Paul had planted them!
- If they insist on a letter, THEY ARE IT!
- God dictates, Paul is the Spirit filled tool, they are the letter

Should you be focusing so much on LETTERS to the neglect of the SPIRIT?
- After all, this is the New Covenant (Jeremiah & Ezekiel prophecies)
- We focus too often on letters (degrees, letter of the law, security in surface level)

His mention of letter vs. Spirit transitions him into discussion of the Old & New Covenants b/c they are behaving more like Old Covenant people.

v. 6 Doesn't mean the letter is bad, just that it is negative when used in isolation from the Spirit
In fact, the OC was glorious (7-8, Exodus 34:29-35)
NC is even more glorious (9-11, 13)

The Veil...
1. The giving of the OC was veiled (13)
2. The text of the OC is veiled (14)
3. The hearts of the OC people are veiled (15)
* The only way to unveil the OC, its texts, and our hearts is through Jesus
** Just like Moses took the veil off when he went into God's presence, the veil comes off when we enter into a relationship with Christ

Family Feuds

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David

Part 9: Family Feuds

#1 Michal
1 Samuel 18:20-29
1 Samuel 19:11-17
1 Samuel 25:44
2 Samuel 3:13-16
2 Samuel 6:16-23
Children: None

#2 Ahinoam
1 Samuel 25:43
1 Samuel 27:3
1 Samuel 30:5
2 Samuel 2:2
2 Samuel 3:2
Children: Amnon (born in Hebron)
2 Samuel 13:1-39

#3 Abigail
1 Samuel 25:1-44
1 Samuel 27:3
1 Samuel 30:5
2 Samuel 2:2
2 Samuel 3:3
Children: Kileab/Daniel (born in Hebron)

#4 Maacah
2 Samuel 3:3
Children: Absalom (born in Hebron)
2 Samuel 13:1-18:18
Tamar (only named daughter)
2 Samuel 13:1-39

#5 Haggith
2 Samuel 3:4
Children: Adonijah (born in Hebron)
1 Kings 1:1-2:25

#6 Abital
2 Samuel 3:4
Children: Shephatiah (born in Hebron)

#7 Eglah
2 Samuel 3:5
Children: Ithream (born in Hebron)

#8 Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11:1-12:25
1 Kings 1:11-2:25
1 Chronicles 3:5
Children: Shammua (born in Jerusalem)
Shobab (born in Jerusalem)
Nathan (born in Jerusalem)
Solomon (born in Jerusalem)
(Many Passages)

Other Wives & Concubines
Unnamed (2 Samuel 5:13)

Other Named Children (2 Samuel 5:15)
Ibhar
Elishua
Eliphelet (left out of 2 Samuel 5) (Elpelet 1 Chron. 14)
Nogah (left out of 2 Samuel 5)
Nepheg
Japhia
Elishama
Eliada (Beeliada in 1 Chron. 14)
Eliphelet

David's Downfall

Part 8: David’s Downfall

Where is David’s first sin in chapter 11?
“Remaining in Jerusalem” (11:1)
“Walked around on the roof” (11:2)
“Saw a woman bathing” (11:2)
“Sent someone to find out about her” (11:3)
“Sent messengers to get her” (11:4)
“He slept with her” (11:4)

What subsequent sins did David commit?
“Send me Uriah” (11:6)
“A gift from the king was sent” (11:8)
“______” (Nothing b/w 11:11 & 11:12)
“One more day” (11:12)
“David made him drunk” (11:13)
“Put Uriah in the front line” (11:15)
“Don’t let this upset you” (11:25)
“David had her brought to his house” (11:27)

What was Nathan’s story really about?
Rich man =
Poor man =
Taking the 1 ewe lamb =

What was David’s reaction to the story?
He burned with intense anger (12:5)
He deserves death/consequences (12:6)
For the theft (12:6a)
For the lack of compassion (12:6b)

What was David’s punishment?
The sword will be prevalent in his house (12:10)
One of his own wives would be stolen (12:11-12)
The child of the adultery will die (12:13-14)

What were David’s reactions to these punishments?
“I have sinned against the Lord” (12:13)
“David pleaded with God for the child” (12:16)

What important lessons can we learn from 12:13-31?

God's Great Promise

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David

Part 7: God’s Great Promise

The King of Tyre built a house for David (5:11-12)
David pitched a tent for the Ark of the Covenant (6:17)
David was motivated to built a house for God (7:2)

God’s Message to David through Nathan (7:4-17)
1. Are you the one to build me a house? (7:5)
2. Did you consider I may not want one? (7:6-7)
3. I will build YOU a “house” (7:8-11)
He will be your “offspring” (7:12a)
He will be given an eternal kingdom (7:12b-13)
He will build a house for me (7:13)
He will be my “son” too (7:14)
He will be disciplined, but not forsaken (7:14-16)

Were these promises fulfilled in Solomon or Christ?

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

1. Paul is using the imagery of a triumphant Roman military general returning home from victory. A victorious general would return home amidst burning incense and with captives.

2. Paul is placing Christ in the role of the military general. Specifically his passion procession seems to be in view here (Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 5:2). This is, obviously, a very different means to victory, triumph via death vs. triumph via killing.

3. We are now Christ's body. We triumph in the patter of Christ (Through sufferings). Many commentators see it differently. They think Paul is imagining believers as Christ's captives (willing slaves). I think, however, he is imagining believers in the very role of Christ (victorious, but in a very odd way, through suffering).

4. The non-converting will be disgusted by Christ-likeness. The converting will be pleased to see Christ.

5. It is our greatest privilege and responsibility that we represent Christ in this world.

Granting the above points, the church fails when it
1. Fails to see Christ as a different kind of victor
2. Fails to be willing to suffer for Christ
3. Fails to be different from the world (fails to offer a unique odor)

The Road to the Throne

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David

Part 6: The Making of a King

2nd Samuel picks up at a very interesting time in David’s life. He is awaiting word on how the battle between the Israelites and Philistines went. The events surrounding this reveal a lot about David’s character (1 Samuel 24, 26, 30). When word came that Saul had been killed in battle, David didn’t rejoice that finally he would be king. Instead, he grieved over Saul/Jonathon and punished the man who took credit for ending his life (2 Samuel 1).

Even with the death of Saul, David waited until the Lord said ‘go’ before taking steps to become king. And even then, the path was not easy. Saul’s lone remaining son (Ish-Bosheth) was made king over Israel. Only the tribe of Judah anointed David as their king (2 Samuel 2). Thus, the Jewish people were at war with each other which didn’t end until the murder of Ish-Bosheth when David became the king of a newly united Israel (2 Samuel 3-4).

David’s reign as King of Israel began very well with victories over the Jebusites and Philistines (2 Samuel 5), the establishment of a capital city including a royal palace and the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6), and a significant promise from God to David (2 Samuel 7). With further military victories and a righteous administration, it seemed nothing could stop David’s kingdom (2 Samuel 8-10).

Bread of Life (14:1-21)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 41: Jesus & the Bread of Life)

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."

16 Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." 17"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.

18 "Bring them here to me," he said. 19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

1. This miracle is the only miracle recorded in all 4 Gospels
(Matt 14:15-21, Mark 6:35-44, Luke 9:12-17, John 6:5-13)

2. This miracle was accomplished through 1 small offering
(Matt 14:17, Mark 6:38, Luke 9:13, John 6:9)

3. This miracle foreshadowed the Last Supper & the cross
(Matt 14:19, Mark 6:41, Luke 9:16, John 6:11)

4. This miracle further revealed the identity of Jesus
(2 Kings 4:42-44, John 6:31-35)

5. This miracle was directed toward the twelve disciples
(Matt 14:20, Mark 6:43, Luke 9:17, John 6:6, 13)

Full Faith (13:44-58)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 40: Full Faith)

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Frightful Forms of Faith

The Zombie Christian is a person with some of the habits of a Christian, but has never actually become one

The Vampire Christian wants Jesus’ blood so they can be saved, but has no intention of making Him Lord

The Werewolf Christian generally lives the Christian life, but in at least 1 area they refuse to surrender to God

The Head-Hunter Christian claims to love Christ, but wants nothing to do with His body (The Church)

Mustard & Leaven (13:31-35)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 39: Mustard & Leaven)

31He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Interpretation #1
God placed his church in the world. It was supposed to be small, but pungent. What it turned into, however, was a big ugly institution in which Satan made his home.

Interpretation #2
God placed his church in the world. It was expected that God’s Kingdom would come boldly and obviously. This parable explains that the Kingdom would actually begin very humbly, but would indeed become great in time.

33He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

Interpretation #1
Yeast is a corrupting agent. Sinful people have thoroughly corrupted the fellowship of the church.

Interpretation #2
The Gospel has the capacity to change the entire world, but it does so slowly and from the inside out.

2 Weeks: Treasure, Pearl, Net (13:31-35)

Domestic & Foreign Policy (12-26)

Domestic Policy
The domestic policy of Israel aimed to create a separate and righteous people and included the following laws:

Dietary/Health Laws (14:3-21, 24:8-9)

Tithing Laws (14:22-29, 15:19-23, 23:21-23, 26:1-15)

Mercy Laws (15:1-18, 23:19-20, 24:6, 10-15, 17-22)

Refuge Laws (19:1-13, 23:15-16)

Family Laws (21:10-21, 22:13-30, 24:1-5, 25:5-12)

Criminal Laws (21:1-9, 22-23, 24:7, 16)

Good-Samaritan Laws (22:1-4, 8, 23:24-25)

Dress Laws (22:5, 11-12)

Creation-Care Laws (22:6-7, 9-10, 25:4)

Assembly Laws (23:1-8, 17-18)

Foreign Policy
The foreign policy of Israel aimed to create a unified homeland and a peace first approach to war.

Interior War (20:1-15, 23:9-14)

Exterior War (20:16-20, 23:9-14, 25:17-19)

Worship & Administration (12-26)

Possessing the Promise
Part 3: Deuteronomy 12-26

Last week we considered the character traits necessary for this new nation (Israel) to thrive. This week we will examine the structure and policies of God’s government.

Centralized Worship
God was going to choose a central location for worship of the one true God. The Israelites were to worship in that specific place and in the specific ways in which God determined, in contrast to worshipping in the high places of the pagans and with such methods as child sacrifice.
(12:1-13:18, 16:21-17:7, 18:9-13)

Each Israelite male was to come 3 times each year:

The Feast of Unleavened Bread (16:1-8)

The Feast of Weeks (16:9-12)

The Feast of Tabernacles (16:13-15)

Administration
God also created/maintained an administration

Judges (16:18-17:13, 19:15-21, 25:1-3)

Kings (17:14-20)

Priests/Levites (18:1-8)

Prophets (18:9-22, see also 13:1-5)

Deuteronomy 5:1-11:32

Possessing the Promise
Part 2: Deuteronomy 5:1-11:32

The Importance of Fear
~ You were afraid of the fire (5:5)
~ That their hearts would be inclined to fear me (5:29)
~ Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only (6:13)
~ What does the Lord your God ask of you (10:12)

Radical Monotheism
~ Have no other gods (5:7)
~ The Lord our God, the Lord is one (6:4)
~ Your God, who is among you, is a jealous God (6:15)
~ The Lord your God is God of gods (10:17)

Active Memory
~ Remember that you were slaves in Egypt (5:15)
~ Impress them on your children (6:7)
~ Do not forget the Lord your God (10:11)
~ Fix these words of mine in your hearts (11:18)

Necessity of Humility
~ Cities you did not build (6:10)
~ You were the fewest (7:7)
~ Forty years, to humble you (8:2)
~ It is not because of your righteousness (9:5)

Centrality of Love
~ Love the Lord your God with all (6:5)
~ Circumcise your hearts (10:14)
~ You are to love those who are aliens (10:19)
~ And keep his requirements (11:1)

Holy Lies & Holy Bread?

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David

Part 5: Holy Lies? Holy Bread?

Was David lying when he told Abimelech the priest that he was travelling on special orders from King Saul? (21:1-2, 8)

What other stories from the Bible illustrate this tension between false information and righteousness?

Was David wrong to have he and his men eat the consecrated bread? (21:3-6)

What did Jesus say about this episode in David’s life?

Was David lying when he acted like a madman? Was this justified? (21:10-15)

Does what happened to the priests at Nob impact your thoughts about David’s earlier communication with Abimelech? (22:6-23)

Was David sinning when he decieved King Achish in regards to what places he was raiding? (27:5-12)

Would David really have gone against Israel in battle or was he simply deceiving Achish? (29:1-11)

What lessons can we learn from David’s dealings in chapter 30? (30:1-31)

Dealing with Adversaries

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David

Part 4: Dealing with Adversaries

1. We won’t always know why someone dislikes us (1 Samuel 18:6-11)

Good leadership may make you a target (18:12-16)

Being loved/liked may make you a target (18:17-30)

2. There are a variety of ways in which people attempt to deal with adversaries

Sometimes we need a mediator (19:1-7)

Sometimes the best thing to do is avoid contact (1 Samuel 19:8-10, 27:1-4)

Sometimes the best thing to do is to heap mercy upon your enemies in hopes that they will become friends (1 Samuel 24, 26)

3. So what policies do you think work best?

Ignore/Avoid the Adversary

Confront the Adversary 1 on 1

Utilize a Mediator

Heap mercy on the Adversary

True Friendship

A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lessons from the Life of David
Part 3: True Friendship

1. They had a lot in common (18:1), but most especially a strong faith in the Lord (1 Sam. 14:6, 17:26, 45-46)

2. They had the closest of human relationships in that it was based on godly love (18:1, 2 Sam. 1:26)

3. They entered into a covenant with each other & each other’s family (18:3-4, 20:12-17, 42, 23:17-18)

4. They warned each other of coming troubles even when confrontation was uncomfortable (19:1-3)

5. They worked together on plans to survive the troubles that came their way (19:3-6, 20:18-23)

6. They spoke favorably about each other even behind each other’s backs (19:4-5, 2 Samuel 1:17-27)

7. They listened to each other even when one of them didn’t seem to be making sense (20:2-4)

8. They pointed each other toward the Lord, especially in the toughest of times (23:15-18)

9. They grieved with/over each other in life and in death (20:34, 41, 2 Samuel 1:11-12, 17-27)

10. They went to the extreme in keeping their promises to one another (2 Samuel 9:1-13, 21:12-14)

On Devotion

So What?
-A Guide to Better Bible Application-

The subject of this entire series has been the Bible. We’ve looked at its contents, inspiration, translation, and interpretation. Ultimately, however, the Bible is not meant to be the subject. We are the subjects!

How to Subject Yourself to Scripture

Realize that Scripture is alive and active
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Read for formation, not just information
And how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Respond Specifically and Spiritually
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
(James 1:22-25)

Generally Bad Bible Study Methods

Finger Pointing Method

Speed Read Method

Proof Text Method

Generally Good Bible Study Methods

Meditative Method

Fly on the Wall Method

In Their Shoes Method

Question & Answer Method

Investigative Method

Topical Method

Research Method

Guided Study Method

Parallel Passage Method

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11

What I want to be able to say at the end of a conflict...

Conflicts will come
Conflicts are revealing

Paul's Conflict Examined
1. Paul established the church
2. Paul writes Corinthians A (see 1 Cor. 5:9)
3. Paul writes Corinthians B (we call it 1 Cor.)
4. Paul has a painful visit (see 2 Cor. 2:1)
5. Paul writes Corinthians C (see 2 Cor. 7:8-12)
6. Paul writes Corinthians D (we call it 2 Cor.)
7. Paul visits (joyful visit)

The relationship begins and ends well, but there was some real conflict in between. What sorts of things was Paul able to say about his character at the end of the conflict (part 6 & 7)?

1. He's acted with holiness and sincerity
- Have I been too negative about my opposition, made too many assumptions?
2. He's relied on grace not the flesh
- Have I relied heavily on prayer, let the truth defend me?
3. He's loved all parties
- Have I been more interested in winning or being loving?