Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24

Core Claim

The LORD commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan, promising to be with him and give him victory over all his enemies.

Commentary

The passage emphasizes the importance of Joshua's leadership and the LORD's presence with him.

The death of Moses is a significant event, but the LORD's promise to give the land to the Israelites is reiterated.

Joshua is commissioned to lead the Israelites into the land, and he is given specific instructions on how to prepare for the conquest.

The spies' mission to Jericho is a key part of the passage, and it highlights the importance of being strong and courageous in the face of challenges.

Rahab's role in helping the spies is notable, and it demonstrates her faith in the LORD and her willingness to obey His commands.

The passage emphasizes the importance of being strong and courageous, and it encourages the Israelites to trust in the LORD's promise to give them the land.

Doctrinal Links

• The doctrine of the covenant: The LORD's promise to give the land to the Israelites is a key part of the covenant that He makes with them.

• The doctrine of the atonement: The passage emphasizes the importance of being strong and courageous in the face of challenges, and it encourages the Israelites to trust in the LORD's promise to give them the land.

• The doctrine of the image of God: The passage emphasizes the importance of being strong and courageous, and it encourages the Israelites to trust in the LORD's promise to give them the land.

• The doctrine of the sovereignty of God: The passage emphasizes the importance of trusting in the LORD's promise to give the land to the Israelites, and it encourages them to be strong and courageous in the face of challenges.

Common Objections

<objection>

Response: The LORD's promise to give the land to the Israelites seems to contradict the fact that they are still facing challenges and obstacles in their conquest of the land.

> This objection can be addressed by noting that the LORD's promise is not a guarantee of immediate success, but rather a promise of ultimate victory and possession of the land.

Response:

<objection>

Response: Why did the LORD choose Joshua to lead the Israelites, and not someone else?

> This objection can be addressed by noting that Joshua was chosen because of his faithfulness and obedience to the LORD, and because he was the most qualified person to lead the Israelites into the land.

Response:

<objection>

Response: How can we trust in the LORD's promise to give us the land when we are still facing challenges and obstacles in our own lives?

> This objection can be addressed by noting that the LORD's promise is not just a promise of physical possession of the land, but also a promise of spiritual victory and blessing.

Response:

Tensions

The tension between the LORD's promise to give the land to the Israelites and the challenges and obstacles they face in their conquest of the land.

The tension between Joshua's leadership and the LORD's presence with him, and the challenges and obstacles that Joshua faces in leading the Israelites.

The tension between Rahab's faith in the LORD and her willingness to obey His commands, and the challenges and obstacles that she faces in her own life.

Application Questions

1. How can we apply the principles of being strong and courageous in the face of challenges to our own lives?
2. How can we trust in the LORD's promise to give us the land, even when we are facing challenges and obstacles in our own lives?
3. How can we apply the doctrine of the covenant to our own lives, and how can we trust in the LORD's promise to give us the land?

Luke 13:22-14:6

Core Claim

Jesus teaches that the narrow door to the kingdom of God is a central theme in his teaching, and that many will seek to enter but will not be able.

Commentary

The passage begins with Jesus traveling through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem (Luke 13:22-23).

The question about the number of those who will be saved is a common concern among Jesus' audience (Luke 13:23).

Jesus' teaching on the narrow door is a warning to his audience to strive to enter through it, as many will seek to enter but will not be able (Luke 13:24-25).

The consequences of not entering through the narrow door are severe, as those who are cast out will see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God, but will not be with them (Luke 13:28).

Jesus' teaching on the kingdom of God is inclusive, as people from all directions will enter and recline at table (Luke 13:29).

Jesus' course must be fulfilled in Jerusalem, and he must go there to complete his mission (Luke 13:33-34).

Jerusalem is a city that kills prophets and stones those sent to it, and Jesus laments over its hardness of heart (Luke 13:34).

Jesus heals on the Sabbath, asking the Pharisees and lawyers if it is lawful to do so, and they remain silent (Luke 14:1-6).

Doctrinal Links

• The doctrine of the narrow door is linked to the doctrine of the kingdom of God, as Jesus teaches that many will seek to enter but will not be able.

• The doctrine of the kingdom of God is linked to the doctrine of salvation, as Jesus teaches that people from all directions will enter and recline at table.

• The doctrine of Jesus' mission is linked to the doctrine of the atonement, as Jesus must go to Jerusalem to complete his course and fulfill his purpose.

Common Objections

<objection> "How can Jesus say that many will seek to enter but will not be able, when he is teaching about the kingdom of God being inclusive?"

Response: <response> Jesus' teaching on the narrow door is not about excluding people from the kingdom of God, but about warning his audience to strive to enter through it, as many will be deceived by their own self-righteousness.

<objection> "Why does Jesus say that people from all directions will enter the kingdom of God, when it seems to be a exclusive club?"

Response: <response> Jesus' teaching on the kingdom of God is inclusive, as people from all directions will enter and recline at table, but it is also a warning to his audience to strive to enter through the narrow door.

<objection> "How can Jesus say that he must go to Jerusalem to fulfill his course, when it seems to be a place of danger for him?"

Response: <response> Jesus' mission is to complete his course in Jerusalem, and he must go there to fulfill his purpose, even if it means facing danger.

Tensions

The tension between Jesus' teaching on the narrow door and the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God.

The tension between Jesus' mission to complete his course in Jerusalem and the danger that awaits him there.

The tension between Jesus' compassion for Jerusalem and its hardness of heart.

Application Questions

1. How can we strive to enter through the narrow door, as Jesus teaches?
2. What does it mean to be a worker of evil, and how can we avoid being cast out of the kingdom of God?
3. How can we show compassion to Jerusalem, which has killed prophets and stones those sent to it?

Psalm 79:1-13

Core Claim

God's people are suffering at the hands of nations that do not know Him, and Asaph calls on God to pour out His anger on these nations.

Commentary

The Psalm begins with a lamentation of the desecration of God's inheritance, the Temple, and the city of Jerusalem.

The nations have invaded God's people, killing and devouring them like beasts.

Asaph asks God to remember past iniquities, but not against His people, and to show compassion.

The Psalm highlights the suffering of God's people at the hands of their neighbors, who mock and deride them.

Asaph calls on God to avenge the blood of His servants and to preserve the doomed.

The Psalm concludes with a promise of thanksgiving and praise to God from generation to generation.

Doctrinal Links

• The doctrine of the narrow door is linked to the doctrine of the kingdom of God, as Jesus teaches that many will seek to enter but will not be able.

• The doctrine of the kingdom of God is linked to the doctrine of salvation, as Jesus teaches that people from all directions will enter and recline at table.

• The doctrine of Jesus' mission is linked to the doctrine of the atonement, as Jesus must go to Jerusalem to complete his course and fulfill his purpose.

Common Objections

<objection> Nations are simply exercising their sovereignty and power

Response: <response> While it is true that nations have the right to defend themselves, the Psalm highlights the disproportionate suffering of God's people at the hands of these nations, which raises questions about the justice of God's sovereignty.

<objection> God's people are being punished for their sins

Response: <response> While it is true that God's people have sinned, the Psalm emphasizes God's compassion and desire to forgive and restore His people, rather than simply punishing them.

<objection> Why should God intervene on behalf of His people?

Response: <response> The Psalm highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, and God's desire to protect and deliver them, not just for their sake, but for His own name's sake.

Tensions

The Psalm raises questions about the nature of God's sovereignty and justice in the face of suffering and injustice.

The Psalm also highlights the tension between God's desire to forgive and restore His people, and the need for them to acknowledge and repent of their sins.

The Psalm's emphasis on God's anger and judgment raises questions about the nature of God's character and His relationship with His people.

Application Questions

1. How should God's people respond to suffering and injustice in their lives?
2. What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty and justice in the face of uncertainty and hardship?
3. How can God's people cultivate a sense of compassion and forgiveness towards others, even in the midst of suffering and injustice?

Proverbs 12:26

Core Claim

A righteous person guides their neighbor, while a wicked person leads them astray.

Commentary

The passage highlights the contrasting behaviors of the righteous and wicked.

The righteous person is described as a guide, implying wisdom, integrity, and a desire to help others.

The wicked person, on the other hand, is described as leading others astray, suggesting a lack of integrity and a desire to harm or deceive.

The neighbor is the audience of this contrast, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships and community.

The use of "neighbor" as the audience may imply a sense of proximity or familiarity, highlighting the impact of one's actions on those closest to them.

The contrast between the righteous and wicked is not limited to individual actions, but also has implications for the broader community.

The passage assumes a shared understanding of what it means to be righteous and wicked, suggesting a common moral framework.

The use of "guide" and "leads astray" implies a sense of agency and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of personal choices and actions.

The passage may be seen as a call to the reader to reflect on their own behavior and its impact on others.

The contrast between the righteous and wicked is not a static or absolute distinction, but rather a dynamic and relational one.

The passage assumes a connection between individual character and community well-being.

Doctrinal Links

• The passage is linked to the doctrine of the image of God, which emphasizes the importance of human relationships and community.

• The passage is also linked to the doctrine of the covenant, which highlights the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.

• The passage assumes a connection to the doctrine of atonement, which emphasizes the importance of personal choices and actions in relation to God and others.

• The passage may be seen as a reflection of the biblical concept of shalom, which emphasizes the importance of peace, justice, and community.

Common Objections

**The passage is too simplistic**

Response: The passage is not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive treatment of the topic, but rather a concise and memorable expression of a fundamental truth.

**The passage does not account for mitigating circumstances**

Response: The passage is not a legalistic or rigid formula, but rather a general principle that acknowledges the complexities of human experience.

**The passage is too focused on individual behavior**

Response: The passage is not solely concerned with individual behavior, but also highlights the impact of that behavior on others and the community.

Tensions

The passage assumes a clear distinction between the righteous and wicked, which may not always be easy to discern in real-life situations.

The passage emphasizes the importance of personal relationships, but may not provide clear guidance on how to navigate complex or difficult relationships.

The passage assumes a shared understanding of what it means to be righteous and wicked, which may not be universally accepted or understood.

Application Questions

1. How can I cultivate a sense of responsibility and agency in my relationships with others?
2. How can I reflect on my own behavior and its impact on others and the community?
3. What are some practical ways to live out the principle of being a guide to my neighbor?