Exodus 28:1-43
Core Claim
The Lord commands Moses to make holy garments for Aaron, the high priest, to consecrate him for priesthood.
Commentary
The garments are made of fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, symbolizing God's glory and beauty (Exodus 28:2).
The ephod has onyx stones with names of Israel's sons engraved on them, representing their identity as God's people (Exodus 28:9-12).
The breastpiece contains judgment stones and Urim and Thummim for divine guidance in decision-making (Exodus 28:15-30).
The robe is made of blue fabric with pomegranates and bells to signify the priestly ministry and its importance (Exodus 28:33-34).
The plate on the turban bears guilt from holy things, emphasizing the priest's responsibility for atonement (Exodus 28:36-38).
Linen undergarments cover naked flesh, highlighting the priests' need for humility and reverence (Exodus 28:42-43).
Doctrinal Links
- The holy garments foreshadow Christ's priestly ministry (Hebrews 8:1-2).
- The ephod represents the high priest's role as mediator between God and His people (Exodus 28:12, Hebrews 5:1-4).
- The breastpiece contains judgment stones, symbolizing Christ's role in bearing the sins of His people (Isaiah 53:11-12).
- The robe with pomegranates and bells signifies the priestly ministry's importance and its connection to God's glory.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The garments seem excessive or extravagant. -> This criticism overlooks the significance of symbolism in biblical worship; God's glory is worth representing through beauty and excellence.
<objection>
Response: Why are there so many specific instructions for each garment? -> These details demonstrate God's attention to detail and care for His priests, emphasizing their importance in worship.
<objection>
Response: The use of Urim and Thummim seems arbitrary or unclear. -> This criticism misunderstands the purpose of these stones; they represent divine guidance and wisdom for the priest in decision-making.
Tensions
The emphasis on beauty and glory may lead to idolatry or an overemphasis on external appearance.
The complexity of the garments' design and materials may create difficulties for artisans or priests in understanding their significance.
The use of Urim and Thummim raises questions about divine guidance and human responsibility.
Application Questions
- How can we balance beauty and excellence in worship with humility and reverence?
- What role do symbols play in our understanding of God's character and work?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of divine guidance and wisdom from the Urim and Thummim to our own decision-making?
Matthew 25:31-26:13
Core Claim
The Son of Man (Jesus) will judge all nations at his coming, separating people into two groups based on their treatment of others.
Commentary
This passage emphasizes Jesus' divine nature as the Son of Man.
The judgment described is based on how people treated others in need, not just those who claimed to follow Jesus.
The King's answers to both groups emphasize that helping or not helping Jesus is equivalent to helping or not helping others.
The righteous are rewarded with eternal life, while the cursed are punished eternally.
The woman anointing Jesus' head with ointment is seen as a beautiful act by Jesus, preparing him for burial.
This passage highlights the importance of treating all people with kindness and compassion, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The King's throne represents God's throne in heaven, emphasizing the authority and power of God.
The nations gathered before the Son of Man represent the diversity of humanity from all over the world.
The separation of sheep and goats represents the clear distinction between those who follow Jesus and those who do not.
The righteous ask when they saw Jesus hungry, thirsty, etc. and the King answers them, emphasizing their genuine concern for others.
The cursed also ask when they did not see Jesus in need and the King answers them, highlighting their lack of compassion.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of justification by faith alone (Romans 3:28).
- The doctrine of the imago Dei (Genesis 1:26-27), emphasizing that all people are created in God's image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
- The doctrine of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), highlighting the importance of spreading the gospel message to all nations.
Common Objections
<objection> "This passage seems to imply that helping others is what saves us."
Response: This objection misunderstands the passage. Helping others is a demonstration of faith, but it is not what saves us. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
<objection> "Why does God punish people for not helping others when they didn't even know Jesus?"
Response: This objection overlooks the fact that God's judgment is based on how we treat all people, not just those who claim to follow Jesus. We are accountable for our treatment of others, regardless of their relationship with Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46).
<objection> "This passage seems to contradict the idea of salvation by faith alone."
Response: This objection misunderstands the passage. Salvation is indeed by faith alone, but faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Helping others demonstrates our genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
Tensions
The tension between treating all people with kindness and compassion versus only helping those who claim to follow Jesus.
The difficulty of understanding how God's judgment will be based on our treatment of others, rather than just our relationship with Jesus.
The challenge of balancing individual responsibility for our actions versus the broader social implications of our behavior.
Application Questions
- How can we demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ through our actions towards others?
- What are some practical ways we can show kindness and compassion to those in need?
- How can we balance individual responsibility for our actions with the broader social implications of our behavior?
Psalm 31:9-18
Core Claim
God is asked to rescue His servant from enemies, demonstrating trust in His steadfast love.
Commentary
The psalmist's distress and grief are physical as well as emotional (v. 9).
Iniquity has weakened the psalmist's strength and caused their bones to waste away (v. 10).
Adversaries have made the psalmist a reproach and object of dread among neighbors and acquaintances (v. 11).
The psalmist feels forgotten, like one who is dead, and broken, like a vessel (vv. 12, 13).
Many people whisper terror on every side as they scheme against the psalmist (v. 14).
Despite this, the psalmist trusts in God's steadfast love and salvation (v. 15).
The psalmist's times are in God's hand, and He is asked to rescue from enemies and persecutors (v. 16).
The psalmist asks God to shine His face on them and save through His love (v. 16).
The wicked are asked to go silently to Sheol, while the righteous are protected (vv. 17, 18).
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of justification by faith alone (Romans 3:28).
- The doctrine of the imago Dei (Genesis 1:26-27), emphasizing that all people are created in God's image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
- The doctrine of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), highlighting the importance of spreading the gospel message to all nations.
Common Objections
<objection> "How can we trust in God's steadfast love when faced with such overwhelming adversity?"
Response: This question is answered by the psalmist's faith and trust in God despite their circumstances.
<objection> "Why does God allow His people to suffer at the hands of enemies?"
Response: The Bible teaches that God allows suffering for various reasons, including testing our faith and refining us as gold (1 Peter 1:6-7).
<objection> "How can we reconcile the psalmist's feelings of being forgotten with God's promise to never leave or forsake His people?"
Response: This tension highlights the complexity of human emotions and the need for trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Tensions
The contrast between the psalmist's distress and their trust in God's steadfast love.
The tension between feeling forgotten and being a servant of God who is not abandoned.
The difficulty of reconciling the psalmist's emotions with God's promise to never leave or forsake His people.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate trust in God's steadfast love when faced with adversity?
- What does it mean to have my times in God's hand, and how can I surrender control to Him?
- How can I pray for God's face to shine on me, and what are the implications of this request?
Proverbs 8:12-13
Core Claim
Wisdom hates pride, arrogance, and the way of evil.
Commentary
In Proverbs 8:12-13, wisdom introduces herself as dwelling with prudence (v. 12).
The presence of wisdom is associated with prudence, indicating a close relationship between these two concepts.
Wisdom finds knowledge and discretion through her own nature (v. 12).
The fear of the Lord is equivalent to hatred of evil, highlighting the importance of reverence in relation to morality (v. 13).
Hatred of evil is not merely an emotional response but rather a direct result of fearing the Lord.
Pride, arrogance, and evil ways are all hated by wisdom, demonstrating her opposition to sinful behavior.
Perverted speech is also despised by wisdom, emphasizing the importance of truthful communication.
Doctrinal Links
- Wisdom is closely tied to the concept of prudence (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).
- Knowledge and discretion are essential components of wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-8, 3:21-22).
- The fear of the Lord is a fundamental aspect of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).
Common Objections
What about those who claim that hatred of evil is not a necessary consequence of fearing God?
Response: This objection overlooks the clear connection made in Proverbs 8:13 between fear of the Lord and hatred of evil.
Isn't it too simplistic to say that wisdom hates pride, arrogance, and evil ways?
Response: This criticism misunderstands the nature of wisdom's opposition to these things; she is not merely disapproving but actively despising them.
Tensions
The relationship between prudence and knowledge can be complex, as some may view prudence as a more practical or worldly virtue.
The connection between fear of the Lord and hatred of evil raises questions about the nature of God's character and how it relates to human morality.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate prudence in my own life?
- What are some ways to demonstrate hatred of evil in my relationships and daily choices?