Exodus 37:1-38:31
Core Claim
The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary built according to God's instructions in Exodus 37:1-38:31.
Commentary
The Tabernacle was made by skilled craftsmen under the direction of Moses (Exodus 35:30).
Bezalel, a skilled craftsman, was chosen by God for this task (Exodus 35:30-35).
The materials used for the Tabernacle came from offerings of the congregation (Exodus 38:25-31).
The gold and silver used were valued at twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels, while the bronze offered was seventy talents and 2,400 shekels (Exodus 38:25-31).
The Tabernacle's construction required great skill and attention to detail, as seen in its intricate designs and materials.
The Tabernacle served as a symbol of God's presence among his people and a reminder of their covenant relationship with Him.
The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, involving many skilled craftsmen and laborers.
Doctrinal Links
- The Tabernacle is a physical representation of the covenant relationship between God and His people (Exodus 25:8-9).
- The use of valuable materials highlights the value that God places on His relationship with humanity (Exodus 31:6).
- The construction of the Tabernacle demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation (Exodus 35:30-35).
- The Tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people, emphasizing His desire to dwell among them (Exodus 25:8).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "The Tabernacle seems to be just a physical structure; what significance does it have for our faith?
This objection overlooks the spiritual significance of the Tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence and covenant relationship with His people.
Response:
<objection>
Response: "Why did God require such elaborate and expensive materials for the Tabernacle?
The use of valuable materials highlights the importance and value that God places on His relationship with humanity, demonstrating His desire to dwell among them.
Response:
<objection>
Response: "The construction of the Tabernacle seems like a human achievement; what role does God play in it?
While humans were involved in the construction process, God's instructions and guidance are evident throughout the passage, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation.
Response:
Tensions
The sheer scale and complexity of the Tabernacle's construction pose logistical challenges.
The use of valuable materials raises questions about the value placed on human life and labor.
The emphasis on human skill and craftsmanship may lead to an overemphasis on human achievement rather than God's role.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principles of craftsmanship and attention to detail in our own lives?
- In what ways can we prioritize the value that God places on human life and labor?
- What role does God's sovereignty play in our daily lives, and how can we acknowledge it?
Matthew 28:1-20
Core Claim
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical event confirmed by multiple witnesses, including women who were the first to see him risen.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in following Jesus' commands.
The angel's appearance as lightning and his white clothing symbolize purity and divine authority.
The earthquake at the tomb highlights the significance of this event as a supernatural occurrence.
The guards' fear and subsequent bribery to spread false information demonstrate their attempt to suppress the truth about Jesus' resurrection.
Jesus' instruction to the disciples to make disciples of all nations emphasizes his mission to reach the entire world with the gospel message.
The passage also highlights the importance of worshiping Jesus as Lord, as seen in the actions of Mary Magdalene and other Mary, and later by the eleven disciples.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage confirms the doctrine of Jesus' bodily resurrection, which is central to Christian theology.
- The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 emphasizes the importance of making disciples of all nations, linking to the doctrine of missions and evangelism.
- The passage also highlights the significance of worshiping Jesus as Lord, linking to the doctrine of Christ's deity and humanity.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "The women were not credible witnesses because they were the first to see Jesus risen." -> This objection is based on a misunderstanding of the biblical text. The women are actually the first to see Jesus risen, but their testimony is corroborated by multiple other witnesses.
<objection>
Response: "Jesus' resurrection was just a myth or legend created by his followers." -> This objection ignores the historical and eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection in the New Testament, including Matthew 28:1-20.
<objection>
Response: "The guards' story about the disciples stealing Jesus' body is more plausible than the women's testimony." -> However, this objection relies on a flawed assumption that the guards' story is more likely to be true. In reality, the guards' attempt to suppress the truth and their subsequent bribery demonstrate their lack of credibility.
Tensions
The tension between faith and doubt is evident in the passage as some of the disciples doubted when they saw Jesus.
The contrast between the women's great joy and fear highlights the complex emotions that can accompany a profound spiritual experience.
The guards' attempt to suppress the truth about Jesus' resurrection creates tension between those who believe and those who try to deny it.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the command to "make disciples of all nations" in our own lives?
- What does it mean to worship Jesus as Lord, and how can we demonstrate this in our daily lives?
- How can we respond with faith and obedience when faced with challenges or doubts about our spiritual journey?
Psalm 34:11-22
Core Claim
God instructs children to fear Him, promising a long, good life if they do so.
Commentary
The psalmist addresses "children" (Psalm 34:11), likely referring to the younger generation or those who are new in their faith.
The instruction to "fear the LORD" is central to the passage (Psalm 34:11, 22).
Desiring life means loving many days and seeing good things (Psalm 34:12).
Evil speech includes deceitful lips (Psalm 34:13), which can lead to harm and separation from God.
Turning away from evil involves seeking peace and pursuing it (Psalm 34:14).
God's attention to the righteous implies His care for them, while His face against the wicked indicates opposition to their actions (Psalm 34:15-16).
The LORD hears and delivers those who cry out in trouble (Psalm 34:17).
Being near to the brokenhearted means God saves those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
Afflictions are temporary, but ultimately do not harm the righteous (Psalm 34:19).
Doctrinal Links
- The passage confirms the doctrine of Jesus' bodily resurrection, which is central to Christian theology.
- The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 emphasizes the importance of making disciples of all nations, linking to the doctrine of missions and evangelism.
- The passage also highlights the significance of worshiping Jesus as Lord, linking to the doctrine of Christ's deity and humanity.
Common Objections
<objection> "How can we be sure that fearing God will lead to a long, good life?"
Response: This is not a promise of physical longevity, but rather a life filled with spiritual vitality and joy in God's presence.
<objection> "Why does the psalmist emphasize the consequences for the wicked if they are already opposed to God?"
Response: The passage serves as a warning to the righteous to remain faithful, while also highlighting the ultimate judgment of God on those who reject Him.
<objection> "How can we reconcile the statement that 'many are the afflictions of the righteous' (Psalm 34:19) with the promise of deliverance?"
Response: The psalmist acknowledges the reality of suffering for the righteous, but affirms that God ultimately delivers them from all their troubles.
Tensions
The tension between the promise of a long, good life and the experience of affliction in this life.
The contrast between God's attention to the righteous and His face against the wicked.
The difficulty of balancing seeking peace with pursuing justice in a world filled with evil.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate a deepening fear of the LORD in our lives?
- In what ways can we seek peace and pursue it, even in the midst of adversity?
- How can we trust God's promise to deliver us from all our troubles?
Proverbs 9:9-10
Core Claim
The pursuit of wisdom and righteousness is a lifelong process that can be facilitated through instruction and teaching.
Commentary
The passage assumes that the wise and righteous are already in possession of some level of wisdom or righteousness (Pass 2).
Instruction is given to those who are capable of learning and growing further, indicating a reciprocal relationship between teacher and student.
The fear of the Lord is presented as the starting point for wisdom, emphasizing its fundamental importance.
The knowledge of the Holy One is essential for gaining insight, highlighting the role of divine revelation in understanding.
Wisdom and insight are related concepts that build upon one another (Pass 2).
The passage uses a gentle tone, encouraging rather than commanding, suggesting a desire to facilitate growth rather than impose obedience.
The use of "beginning" in Proverbs 9:10 suggests that wisdom is not an endpoint, but rather the starting point for further learning and growth.
Doctrinal Links
- **Covenant theology**: The passage assumes a relationship between God and humanity that is grounded in covenant, where instruction and teaching are seen as essential components of the covenantal relationship.
- **Atonement**: While not explicitly stated, the passage implies that wisdom and righteousness are possible through the atonement of Christ, who is often seen as the ultimate source of wisdom and insight.
- **Image of God**: The passage assumes that humanity was created in the image of God, with a capacity for wisdom and understanding that can be developed through instruction and teaching.
Common Objections
**Isn't this passage just saying that wise people will become even wiser?
Response: No, it's highlighting the potential for continued growth and development through instruction.**
**But what about those who are not wise or righteous?
Response: The passage is addressing those who already possess some level of wisdom or righteousness, but it does not exclude others from seeking instruction and guidance.**
Tensions
The passage assumes a certain level of prior knowledge or understanding, which may be inaccessible to those who are truly ignorant.
The emphasis on the fear of the Lord as the starting point for wisdom may create tension with those who do not share this perspective.
Application Questions
- How can we facilitate growth and development in those who are already wise or righteous?
- What role does the fear of the Lord play in our pursuit of wisdom and righteousness?