Joshua 24:1-33
Core Claim
The people of Israel are called to choose whom they will serve, and Joshua commands them to fear and serve the LORD.
Commentary
The passage begins with Joshua gathering the tribes of Israel at Shechem, emphasizing the importance of unity and commitment to the LORD.
Joshua's speech is a summary of Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and deliverance.
The LORD is presented as the God of Israel, who has been faithful to them throughout their history.
The people of Israel are warned of the consequences of forsaking the LORD, and Joshua commands them to put away foreign gods and serve the LORD.
The passage emphasizes the importance of sincerity and faithfulness in serving the LORD.
The people of Israel respond affirmatively, committing to serve the LORD and acknowledging his deliverance and provision.
Joshua makes a covenant with the people, writing the covenant in the Book of the Law and setting up a stone as a witness.
The passage concludes with the people serving the LORD during Joshua's lifetime and beyond.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of covenant, as seen in Joshua's making a covenant with the people and writing it in the Book of the Law.
- The doctrine of atonement, as seen in the LORD's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and his provision for them in the wilderness.
- The doctrine of the image of God, as seen in the LORD's character and his desire for exclusive worship and loyalty.
- The doctrine of the sovereignty of God, as seen in the LORD's control over the nations and his deliverance of Israel.
Common Objections
<objection> The LORD is a jealous God who will not forgive transgressions or sins
Response: <response> This is a true statement about the character of God, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, but it does not negate the importance of serving the LORD. Rather, it highlights the gravity of sin and the need for repentance and faithfulness.
<objection> Joshua's command to put away foreign gods seems too restrictive
Response: <response> While it may seem restrictive, Joshua's command is grounded in the LORD's desire for exclusive worship and loyalty. This is consistent with the biblical theme of monotheism and the importance of worshiping the one true God.
<objection> The people's response seems superficial, as they affirm their commitment to the LORD without truly understanding the implications
Response: <response> While it is true that the people's response may seem superficial, it is also possible that they are genuinely committed to serving the LORD. The passage emphasizes the importance of sincerity and faithfulness, but it does not provide a clear indication of the people's motivations or understanding.
Tensions
The tension between the LORD's demand for exclusive worship and the people's tendency to serve other gods.
The tension between Joshua's command to put away foreign gods and the people's attachment to their idols.
The tension between the LORD's character as a holy and jealous God and the people's tendency to sin and disobey.
Application Questions
- How can we, like Joshua, call the people of God to choose whom they will serve?
- How can we, like Joshua, emphasize the importance of sincerity and faithfulness in serving the LORD?
- How can we, like Joshua, make a covenant with the people and write it in the Book of the Law?
- How can we, like Joshua, set up a witness to our commitment to the LORD?
- How can we, like Joshua, warn the people of the consequences of forsaking the LORD?
Luke 21:1-28
Core Claim
Jesus warns his disciples of impending destruction and persecution, but also promises redemption and the Son of Man's coming.
Commentary
The passage begins with Jesus observing the rich and poor giving to the temple, highlighting the contrast between their generosity.
Jesus' statement that the poor widow has put in more than all of them emphasizes the value of sacrificial giving.
The disciples' conversation about the temple's beauty and grandeur is interrupted by Jesus' warning that it will be destroyed.
Jesus' use of the phrase "the days will come" (Luke 21:6) indicates that the destruction of the temple is a future event.
The disciples ask Jesus when this will happen and what the sign will be, demonstrating their desire for knowledge and understanding.
Jesus' response emphasizes the importance of discernment and warns against following false prophets.
The passage goes on to describe the signs of the end times, including wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution.
Jesus promises that his disciples will be delivered up to the synagogues and prisons, but also assures them that they will be given a mouth and wisdom to bear witness.
The passage concludes with Jesus' promise of redemption and the Son of Man's coming, emphasizing the hope and encouragement that is available to his disciples.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage is linked to the doctrine of the end times, which is a central theme in the New Testament.
- The passage is also linked to the doctrine of the atonement, as Jesus' promise of redemption is seen as a fulfillment of God's plan to bring about salvation.
- The passage highlights the importance of the image of God in humanity, as Jesus' disciples are called to bear witness to his name and to endure persecution.
- The passage is also linked to the doctrine of the covenant, as Jesus' promise of redemption is seen as a fulfillment of God's covenant with his people.
Common Objections
<objection> The passage seems to be predicting a series of catastrophic events, including wars, earthquakes, and famines.
Response: <response> While the passage does describe these events, it is essential to understand that they are not necessarily literal predictions, but rather a way of describing the turmoil and upheaval that will precede the end times. (Luke 21:9-10)
<objection> The passage seems to be saying that the disciples will be persecuted and killed.
Response: <response> Yes, Jesus does warn his disciples that they will be delivered up to the synagogues and prisons, but he also assures them that they will be given a mouth and wisdom to bear witness. (Luke 21:12-13)
<objection> The passage seems to be predicting the destruction of Jerusalem.
Response: <response> Yes, Jesus does warn his disciples that Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies and that its desolation has come near. However, this event is also seen as a fulfillment of God's plan to bring about redemption. (Luke 21:20-24)
Tensions
The passage presents a tension between the promise of redemption and the warning of impending destruction.
The passage also presents a tension between the importance of discernment and the warning against following false prophets.
The passage highlights the tension between the disciples' desire for knowledge and understanding and Jesus' warning that they will not know the day or the hour of the end times.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our own lives, as seen in the example of the poor widow?
- How can we discern between true and false prophets, as warned against by Jesus?
- What does it mean to "straighten up and raise your heads" when the end times begin, as promised by Jesus?
Psalm 89:38-52
Core Claim
God expresses displeasure with David, citing broken covenant and defiled crown, and threatens to destroy him.
Commentary
The passage is a lamentation of David's situation, where he feels abandoned and rejected by God.
The use of the term "anointed" emphasizes David's role as a king chosen by God.
The contrast between God's wrath and his steadfast love is a recurring theme in the passage.
The breaching of walls and strongholds, and the plundering of riches, symbolize the destruction of David's kingdom.
The turning back of David's sword and the inability to stand in battle indicate God's rejection of David's military efforts.
The contrast between life and death is emphasized through the inevitability of death and the power of Sheol.
The passage includes two Selahs, indicating a pause or reflection in the midst of the lamentation.
The covenant between God and David is central to the passage, and God's actions are attributed to the broken covenant.
The enemies of God mock David and the anointed one, highlighting the consequences of God's wrath.
The passage reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death.
The steadfast love of God, sworn to David, is remembered and contrasted with God's current actions.
The passage concludes with a blessing and praise to God, indicating a hope for restoration.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage is linked to the doctrine of the end times, which is a central theme in the New Testament.
- The passage is also linked to the doctrine of the atonement, as Jesus' promise of redemption is seen as a fulfillment of God's plan to bring about salvation.
- The passage highlights the importance of the image of God in humanity, as Jesus' disciples are called to bear witness to his name and to endure persecution.
- The passage is also linked to the doctrine of the covenant, as Jesus' promise of redemption is seen as a fulfillment of God's covenant with his people.
Common Objections
<objection> God's actions seem harsh and unjust.
Response: <response> While God's actions may seem harsh, they are a response to David's broken covenant and defiled crown, highlighting the importance of covenant faithfulness.
<objection> Why does God's wrath burn like fire if he is a loving God?
Response: <response> God's wrath is not a contradiction to his love, but rather a manifestation of his justice, which is necessary to maintain the integrity of his covenant.
<objection> How can David's downfall be attributed to God's actions if God is all-powerful?
Response: <response> God's actions are not a contradiction to his power, but rather a demonstration of his sovereignty over all things, including the actions of his servants.
Tensions
The tension between God's wrath and his steadfast love is a central theme in the passage.
The contrast between life and death is emphasized through the inevitability of death and the power of Sheol.
The passage highlights the consequences of broken covenant and defiled crown.
Application Questions
- How can we, as believers, respond to God's wrath and steadfast love in our own lives?
- What does the passage teach us about the importance of covenant faithfulness?
- How can we, as followers of God, maintain our faith in the midst of suffering and hardship?
Proverbs 13:20-23
Core Claim
The wise become wise by association, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Commentary
The verse emphasizes the importance of wise association in one's life.
The word "walks" in verse 20 implies a close and intentional relationship with the wise.
The contrast between the wise and the fools highlights the consequences of one's choices.
The phrase "suffer harm" in verse 20 suggests physical, emotional, or spiritual harm.
The use of "disaster" in verse 21 emphasizes the severity of the consequences for sinners.
The righteous are rewarded with good, indicating a positive outcome for those who live righteously.
The image of a good man leaving an inheritance to his children's children emphasizes the long-term benefits of living a righteous life.
The phrase "laid up for the righteous" in verse 23 suggests that the wealth of the wicked is not secure and may be taken away.
The use of "injustice" in verse 23 highlights the destructive nature of unfairness and corruption.
Doctrinal Links
- The concept of wise association is linked to the doctrine of sanctification, which emphasizes the importance of living a holy life.
- The contrast between the wise and the fools highlights the doctrine of original sin, which teaches that humans are born with a tendency towards sin.
- The use of "disaster" in verse 21 is linked to the doctrine of God's justice, which emphasizes God's righteous judgment on sin.
- The image of a good man leaving an inheritance to his children's children is linked to the doctrine of covenant, which emphasizes God's promise to bless his people.
- The phrase "laid up for the righteous" in verse 23 is linked to the doctrine of eschatology, which teaches about the ultimate destiny of God's people.
Common Objections
The companion of fools will suffer harm
Response: This seems harsh; can't we just associate with anyone we want?
> The Bible emphasizes the importance of wise association, and foolish companions can lead to harm, both physically and spiritually.
Response:
Disaster pursues sinners
Response: Doesn't this verse suggest that God punishes sinners?
> The verse is not suggesting that God punishes sinners, but rather that disaster is a natural consequence of sinning.
Response:
The righteous are rewarded with good
Response: This seems unfair; shouldn't everyone be rewarded equally?
> The Bible teaches that God rewards the righteous, but this does not mean that the wicked are punished in the same way.
Response:
Tensions
The verse seems to suggest that the companion of fools will suffer harm, but what about the concept of "bad company corrupts good character"?
The use of "disaster" in verse 21 raises questions about the nature of God's justice and the consequences of sin.
The phrase "laid up for the righteous" in verse 23 raises questions about the concept of wealth and inheritance.
Application Questions
- How can we as Christians avoid associating with fools and instead surround ourselves with wise and godly people?
- What are some practical ways to live a righteous life and avoid the consequences of sin?
- How can we balance the importance of wise association with the need to love and forgive those who are not yet wise?