Exodus 39:1-40:38
Core Claim
The tabernacle is a physical representation of God's presence among his people.
Commentary
The construction of the tabernacle is a meticulous process that requires great skill and attention to detail (Exodus 39:1-26).
The materials used for the tabernacle are chosen specifically by God, including blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, fine twined linen, gold, silver, and bronze (Exodus 25:3-7).
The tabernacle is designed to be portable, allowing it to be easily set up and taken down as the Israelites travel through the wilderness (Exodus 40:17-38).
The tabernacle serves as a place of worship, where God's people can come before him to offer sacrifices, burn incense, and make offerings (Exodus 30:1-10).
The anointing oil is used to consecrate the tabernacle and its furniture, making them holy and set apart for God's use (Exodus 40:9-11).
Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed in holy garments, and anointed as priests, setting them apart for their role in serving God (Exodus 29:1-30).
The tabernacle is completed on the first day of the second month, and Moses blesses the people of Israel (Exodus 40:17-38).
Doctrinal Links
- The tabernacle is a type or shadow of the true temple that will be established in Jerusalem (Hebrews 8:1-5).
- The anointing oil used to consecrate the tabernacle is a symbol of God's Holy Spirit, who sets apart believers for his service (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
- The priestly ministry of Aaron and his sons is a foreshadowing of the priesthood of all believers in Christ (Hebrews 7:1-28).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "The construction of the tabernacle seems like a lot of work for just a temporary dwelling place." -> The tabernacle is not just a temporary dwelling place, but a physical representation of God's presence among his people.
<objection>
Response: "Why did God require such intricate and expensive materials?" -> The materials used for the tabernacle are chosen specifically by God to reflect his glory and majesty.
<objection>
Response: "The tabernacle seems like just a human-made structure, what's so special about it?" -> The tabernacle is not just a human-made structure, but a place where God's presence dwells among his people.
Tensions
The construction of the tabernacle requires great skill and attention to detail, which may be difficult for some individuals to achieve.
The materials used for the tabernacle are expensive and hard to come by, which may cause financial strain on the Israelites.
The tabernacle is a physical representation of God's presence among his people, but it also requires human maintenance and upkeep.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of consecration to our own lives, setting ourselves apart for God's use?
- What role does the tabernacle play in understanding God's presence among his people?
- How can we balance the importance of human maintenance and upkeep with the spiritual significance of the tabernacle?
Mark 1:1-28
Core Claim
Jesus Christ is introduced as the Son of God in the gospel.
Commentary
The passage begins by stating that the gospel is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1).
This introduction establishes Jesus' identity and purpose.
Isaiah's prophecy in Mark 1:2-3 speaks of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord, which John the Baptist fulfills (Mark 1:4-5).
John's baptism is described as a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).
Jesus' baptism by John is significant because it marks the beginning of his public ministry and the descent of the Holy Spirit on him like a dove (Mark 1:9-11).
The wilderness temptation in Mark 1:12-13 highlights Jesus' humanity and his resistance to Satan's temptations.
After John's arrest, Jesus enters Galilee to preach the gospel, calling people to repentance and faith (Mark 1:14-15).
Jesus calls four fishermen to follow him as "fishers of men" (Mark 1:16-20).
In Capernaum synagogue, Jesus teaches with authority, casting out an unclean spirit and demonstrating his power over evil spirits (Mark 1:21-28).
Doctrinal Links
- The gospel is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1), linking to the doctrine of the Trinity.
- John's baptism as a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins links to the doctrine of justification by faith.
- Jesus' authority in teaching and casting out evil spirits links to the doctrine of the kingdom of God.
Common Objections
<objection> John the Baptist is more important than Jesus
Response: <response> While John prepares the way for Jesus, Jesus is the central figure of the gospel.
<objection> Why does Jesus need to be baptized by John?
Response: <response> Jesus' baptism marks his public ministry and the descent of the Holy Spirit on him.
<objection> How can we trust in a God who allows Satan to tempt Jesus?
Response: <response> The temptation serves as an opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate his obedience to God's will.
Tensions
The tension between John's baptism and Jesus' baptism by the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8).
The contrast between Jesus' authority and the scribes' teaching in Capernaum synagogue (Mark 1:21).
Application Questions
- How can we respond to the call to repentance and faith in the gospel?
- What does it mean to follow Jesus as "fishers of men" (Mark 1:17)?
- How can we trust in Jesus' authority and power over evil spirits?
Psalm 35:1-16
Core Claim
God is asked to contend with those who contend with David, and He promises to deliver the poor from the strong.
Commentary
The psalmist, David, is in a situation where he is being pursued by malicious witnesses and those seeking to harm him.
David asks God to take action against his enemies, using imagery of battle (e.g. "Take hold of shield and buckler", "Draw the spear and javelin").
The psalmist also expresses confidence in God's ability to deliver him from his enemies, citing His past actions on behalf of the poor.
David's enemies are described as being like chaff before the wind, easily blown away by God's power.
The angel of the LORD is mentioned twice, emphasizing God's direct involvement in delivering David from his enemies.
The psalmist also highlights his own righteous behavior towards others, praying for them when they were sick and afflicted.
Despite this, his enemies repay him evil for good, causing his soul to be bereft.
Doctrinal Links
- The gospel is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1), linking to the doctrine of the Trinity.
- John's baptism as a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins links to the doctrine of justification by faith.
- Jesus' authority in teaching and casting out evil spirits links to the doctrine of the kingdom of God.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: God seems to be taking sides in a conflict, which could be seen as unfair. -> This objection assumes that God's involvement is necessarily partisan, but the psalmist is asking God to uphold justice and protect the innocent.
<objection>
Response: Why does David ask for help from God when he has already helped others? -> This question highlights David's awareness of his own sinfulness and need for God's mercy, despite his righteous actions towards others.
Tensions
The psalmist's request for God to contend with his enemies raises questions about the nature of God's involvement in human conflicts.
The description of David's enemies as "malicious witnesses" who repay evil for good creates tension between the idea of justice and the reality of suffering.
Application Questions
- How can we balance our desire for God's protection and deliverance with the need to trust in His sovereignty?
- What does it mean to "rejoice in the LORD" when faced with adversity, as David does in this passage?
Proverbs 9:11-12
Core Claim
God/Proverbial Wisdom promises that following wisdom leads to a longer life and more days.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in choosing between wise or foolish behavior (Pass 2).
The speaker is God/Proverbial Wisdom, who speaks directly to the reader/listener (Pass 1).
The promise of multiplying days and adding years to life is conditional upon following wisdom (Verse).
The contrast between wise and foolish/scoffing behavior is highlighted in the passage (Pass 2).
The phrase "you alone will bear it" emphasizes that each individual bears the consequences of their choices (Pass 2).
The use of the rhetorical marker "If" suggests a choice or decision to be made by the reader/listener (Pass 1).
The promise of multiplying days and adding years is not limited to physical life, but may also refer to spiritual vitality and well-being.
The passage assumes that wisdom is available and accessible to the reader/listener.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of the image of God, which assumes that humans have a capacity for wisdom and moral responsibility (Genesis 1:26-27).
- The concept of covenant, which emphasizes God's promises to humanity and our corresponding responsibilities (e.g. Deuteronomy 28).
- The doctrine of atonement, which suggests that human sin has consequences that must be addressed through faith in Christ.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "But doesn't this passage imply a works-based salvation?" -> This objection misunderstands the nature of wisdom in Proverbs. Wisdom is not about earning salvation, but rather about living according to God's design for humanity.
<objection>
Response: "How can we be sure that following wisdom will lead to a longer life and more days?" -> The passage does not promise a direct causal link between wisdom and physical longevity. Rather, it suggests that following wisdom leads to a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
Tensions
The tension between individual responsibility and the role of God's sovereignty in human affairs.
The difficulty of defining what constitutes "wise" behavior in different cultural contexts.
The challenge of balancing the promise of multiplying days with the reality of suffering and hardship in this life.
Application Questions
- How can we cultivate wisdom in our daily lives?
- What are the consequences of scoffing or rejecting God's wisdom in our choices and actions?
- In what ways can we multiply days and add years to our life by following God's design for humanity?