Isaiah 57:15-59:21
Core Claim
God's character is described as dwelling with those who have a contrite spirit, and He promises to heal and restore those who turn back to Him.
Commentary
The passage begins by describing God's character: He inhabits eternity and has a holy name (Isaiah 57:15).
God dwells in the high and holy place, but also with those who have a contrite spirit (Isaiah 57:15).
Those who turn back to God will be healed and comforted, and their fruit of lips will be created (Isaiah 57:18-19).
The wicked are compared to a tossing sea, unable to be quiet or peaceful (Isaiah 57:20).
The people of Israel seek God daily, but their fasting is hypocritical (Isaiah 58:1-5).
True fasting involves loosening bonds of wickedness and undoing yokes (Isaiah 58:6).
Sharing bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless into one's house is part of true fasting (Isaiah 58:7).
If one turns back from sin, God will guide them continually and satisfy their desire in scorched places (Isaiah 58:11).
The Lord's hand is not shortened to save, but the people's iniquities have made a separation between them and God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
The people's hands are defiled with blood, and their lips speak lies (Isaiah 59:3-4).
Justice is far from them, and righteousness does not overtake them (Isaiah 59:9).
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant: Isaiah 59:21 emphasizes God's covenant with Israel, promising that His Spirit will not depart from them or their offspring.
- Atonement: While not explicitly stated in this passage, the concept of atonement is implied through God's promise to save those who turn from transgression (Isaiah 59:21).
- Image of God: The passage highlights the people's failure to image God in their lives, as they are described as having defiled hands and speaking lies (Isaiah 59:3-4).
Common Objections
<objection> God seems to be inconsistent in His character. Sometimes He dwells with the contrite, but other times He is angry and hides His face.
Response: <response> This objection overlooks the context of God's character as described in Isaiah 57:15-19. God's dwelling with the contrite is a promise for those who turn back to Him, not an indication that He is inconsistent.
<objection> The passage seems to imply that God's salvation is only for those who follow His commands and keep the Sabbath.
Response: <response> This objection misunderstands the nature of God's covenant with Israel. While obedience to God's commands is important, it is not the sole condition for salvation. Isaiah 59:21 emphasizes God's promise to save those in Jacob who turn from transgression.
<objection> The passage seems to imply that God's justice is delayed or absent.
Response: <response> This objection overlooks the context of the passage, which describes God's justice as being turned back and righteousness standing far away (Isaiah 59:9). However, this does not mean that God's justice is absent; rather, it highlights the people's iniquities and separation from God.
Tensions
The tension between God's character as dwelling with the contrite and His anger towards those who sin.
The tension between the people's desire for justice and righteousness, and their inability to attain it due to their own iniquities.
The tension between God's promise of salvation and the people's separation from Him due to their sins.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate a contrite spirit and turn back to God?
- What does true fasting look like according to Isaiah 58:6-7?
- How can we honor the Sabbath and delight in the Lord?
Philippians 1:1-26
Core Claim
Paul's imprisonment has unexpectedly advanced the gospel, making it known throughout the imperial guard.
Commentary
The Philippian church is a model of partnership with Paul in the gospel (1:5).
Their partnership began from the first day and continues until now (1:5).
God is at work in them, completing a good work that will be finished on the day of Jesus Christ (1:6).
Paul's imprisonment has made him an example to others, including the imperial guard (1:12-14).
Some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, while others do it out of love and sincerity (1:15-17).
The gospel is proclaimed whether sincerely or not, but Paul rejoices that Christ is being preached (1:18).
Through prayer and the Spirit's help, Paul expects to be delivered from his imprisonment (1:19-20).
To live is Christ, and to die is gain for him; he is hard pressed between these two options (1:21-24).
Doctrinal Links
- Partnership in the gospel is a key aspect of Christian community (1:5).
- God's work in us will be completed on the day of Jesus Christ (1:6).
- The gospel is proclaimed through both sincere and insincere means, but God can use either for His glory (1:18).
- To live is Christ, and to die is gain for him; this reflects the Christian understanding of life and death as being centered in Christ (1:21-24).
Common Objections
<objection> "How can Paul say that his imprisonment has advanced the gospel when it seems like a setback?"
Response: This objection misunderstands the situation. While Paul's imprisonment may seem like a setback, it has actually made him an example to others and has led to the gospel being proclaimed throughout the imperial guard.
<objection> "Why does Paul rejoice if some are preaching Christ from envy rather than good will?"
Response: Paul rejoices because Christ is still being preached, even if not sincerely. He trusts that God will use this situation for His glory.
<objection> "How can Paul say that he wants to remain in the flesh for their sake when it seems like a sacrifice?"
Response: This objection misses the point of Paul's statement. He wants to remain in the flesh so that he can continue to serve and minister to the Philippian church.
Tensions
The tension between living in the flesh and being with Christ (1:21-24).
The contrast between those who preach Christ from envy and those who do it out of love and sincerity (1:15-17).
Application Questions
- How can I partner with others in the gospel, just like the Philippian church?
- What are some ways that God has used difficult situations in my life for His glory?
- Am I living in a way that honors Christ, whether through life or death?
Psalm 71:1-24
Core Claim
God is a refuge and rock for His people in times of need.
Commentary
The psalmist takes refuge in God's righteousness (Psalm 71:2, 23).
God is the speaker's rock and fortress (Psalm 71:3).
The wicked seek to harm the speaker, but God will deliver them (Psalm 71:11-12).
The speaker has leaned on God from before birth (Psalm 71:6).
My praise is continually of you (Psalm 71:8).
I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge (Psalm 71:10).
Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent (Psalm 71:9).
God's righteousness reaches the high heavens (Psalm 71:19).
You who have done great things, O God, who is like you? (Psalm 71:20).
You will increase my greatness and comfort me again (Psalm 71:21).
Doctrinal Links
- Partnership in the gospel is a key aspect of Christian community (1:5).
- God's work in us will be completed on the day of Jesus Christ (1:6).
- The gospel is proclaimed through both sincere and insincere means, but God can use either for His glory (1:18).
- To live is Christ, and to die is gain for him; this reflects the Christian understanding of life and death as being centered in Christ (1:21-24).
Common Objections
<objection> The psalmist seems to be asking for physical rescue from enemies.
Response: This is a misunderstanding of the psalm's context; the speaker is seeking spiritual refuge in God, not physical deliverance.
<objection> Why does the psalmist mention their youth and old age?
Response: This highlights the psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness across all stages of life.
<objection> The psalmist seems to be boasting about their own strength.
Response: This is a misinterpretation; the speaker is actually acknowledging God's power and provision.
Tensions
The tension between trusting in God's deliverance and facing real-world persecution.
The struggle to maintain faithfulness when surrounded by enemies who seek to harm.
The challenge of continuing to praise God even in times of weakness or old age.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate a sense of trust and refuge in God, even in the midst of challenges?
- What are some ways to praise and worship God, especially when facing difficulties or old age?
- In what ways can I proclaim God's mighty deeds and righteousness to others?
Proverbs 24:9-10
Core Claim
Fainting in times of hardship indicates a lack of inner strength.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes that devising folly, or making foolish decisions, is considered sinful behavior (Proverbs 24:9).
A scoffer, someone who rejects wisdom and moral guidance, is viewed as an outcast by society (Proverbs 24:9).
Adversity serves as a test of one's character, revealing whether they are strong or weak (Proverbs 24:10).
The concept of devising folly being equated with sin highlights the importance of making wise decisions in life.
A person who falters in times of hardship demonstrates a lack of inner strength and resilience.
The passage assumes that adversity is an inevitable part of life, and how one responds to it reveals their true character.
Doctrinal Links
- This passage is linked to the broader biblical theme of wisdom, which emphasizes the importance of making wise decisions and developing a strong character (Proverbs 1:7).
- The concept of devising folly being equated with sin relates to the doctrine of sin as rebellion against God's will (Romans 3:23).
- The passage's emphasis on inner strength is connected to the biblical idea of spiritual growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:13-14).
Common Objections
But what about people who are genuinely struggling with mental health issues or physical disabilities?"
Response: This objection highlights the need for compassion and understanding in interpreting the passage. While the passage emphasizes the importance of inner strength, it does not dismiss those who face genuine challenges.
How can we apply this to modern life, where adversity often comes in forms other than physical hardship?"
Response: The passage's emphasis on character development and moral resilience remains relevant today, even if the specific context has changed.
Isn't this just a call to be stoic or unemotional in the face of adversity?"
Response: This objection misunderstands the passage's focus on inner strength, which is not about suppressing emotions but about developing a strong character that can withstand challenges.
Tensions
The passage assumes a level of moral responsibility for one's actions, which may be difficult to apply in situations where individuals are victims of circumstance.
The emphasis on individual character development raises questions about the role of external factors, such as systemic injustices or social pressures, in shaping behavior.
The passage's focus on inner strength may overlook the importance of community and support networks in navigating adversity.
Application Questions
- How can we develop our inner strength in the face of adversity?
- What role does community play in supporting individuals during times of hardship?
- How can we balance individual responsibility with recognition of external factors that may contribute to adversity?