Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Core Claim
God establishes a system of offerings and sacrifices for the people of Israel to present to Him.
Commentary
The book of Leviticus begins with God speaking to Moses from the tent of meeting (Lev 1:1).
The LORD instructs Moses on how to teach the people of Israel about offerings and sacrifices (Lev 1:2-3).
Burnt offerings are described as a way for individuals to make atonement for themselves before the LORD (Lev 1:4, 13-14).
Grain offerings are presented with oil and frankincense, and the priest burns a memorial portion on the altar (Lev 2:1-16).
The people of Israel are instructed not to offer leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD (Lev 2:11).
Salt is required for all grain offerings, symbolizing the covenant between God and His people (Lev 2:13).
Firstfruits can be offered to the LORD, but not on the altar (Lev 2:14).
Sacrifices of peace offering are described as a way for individuals to make atonement for themselves before the LORD (Lev 3:1-17).
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant: The requirement of salt in grain offerings symbolizes the covenant between God and His people (Lev 2:13).
- Atonement: Offerings and sacrifices are presented as a way for individuals to make atonement for themselves before the LORD (Lev 1:4, 13-14).
- Image of God: The emphasis on pleasing aroma and acceptable offerings reflects humanity's created purpose to glorify God (Gen 1:26-27).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The system of offerings and sacrifices seems arbitrary and unnecessary.
Response: While it may seem complex, this system is rooted in God's desire for a pleasing aroma to Himself (Lev 1:9, 13).
Response:
<objection>
Response: Why do the people of Israel need to make atonement through offerings and sacrifices?
Response: Atonement is necessary because of humanity's sinfulness and separation from God; these offerings point forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice (Rom 3:25).
Response:
<objection>
Response: The emphasis on animal sacrifices seems cruel and outdated.
Response: While it may seem harsh, the system of animal sacrifices serves as a shadow or type of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ (Heb 9:13-14).
Response:
Tensions
The complexity of the offerings and sacrifices may be overwhelming for modern readers.
The emphasis on animal sacrifices raises questions about God's character and justice.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principles of offering a pleasing aroma to our daily lives?
- What does it mean for us to make atonement through Christ, and how do we participate in this process?
Mark 1:29-2:12
Core Claim
Jesus demonstrates His divine authority through healings and forgiveness of sins.
Commentary
The passage begins with Jesus leaving the synagogue and entering Simon's house to heal his mother-in-law from a fever (Mark 1:29-31).
This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, where He heals many sick people and casts out demons (Mark 1:32-34).
In the morning, Jesus prays in a desolate place before going to preach in Galilee (Mark 1:35).
A leper is healed by Jesus, but is told not to speak of it publicly (Mark 1:40-45).
Jesus returns to Capernaum and heals a paralytic, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12).
Doctrinal Links
- Jesus' authority is linked to His divine nature, demonstrating His ability to forgive sins (Mark 2:7-10).
- The passage highlights the connection between forgiveness of sins and healing, both of which are demonstrations of Jesus' divine authority.
- The concept of Jesus as the Son of Man is emphasized in Mark 2:10, highlighting His divine identity.
Common Objections
<objection> The scribes question Jesus' ability to forgive sins, which seems impossible for a human.
Response: <response> However, the passage shows that Jesus is not just forgiving sins, but also healing physical diseases, demonstrating His divine authority.
Tensions
The tension between Jesus' desire to preach in Galilee and the crowds seeking Him out (Mark 1:35-38).
The conflict between Jesus' instructions for the leper to remain silent and the leper's decision to spread the news (Mark 1:40-45).
Application Questions
- How can we demonstrate our faith in Jesus' authority to forgive sins?
- What does it mean for Jesus to have "authority on earth" (Mark 2:10)?
- How can we balance the desire to share the good news with the need for discretion and humility?
Psalm 35:17-28
Core Claim
The Psalmist cries out to God for rescue from their enemies, asking how long He will look on while they are being destroyed.
Commentary
The Psalmist's cry for help is a desperate plea to God, emphasizing their vulnerability and need for divine intervention (v. 17).
The use of the word "lions" in v. 17 highlights the ferocity and power of the enemies, underscoring the Psalmist's fear.
The promise to thank and praise God in public (v. 18) demonstrates the Psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance.
The description of the enemies' behavior as devising words of deceit (v. 20) emphasizes their malicious intentions.
The Psalmist's comparison of themselves to a precious life among lions (v. 17) underscores their value and worth in God's eyes.
The request for vindication according to God's righteousness (v. 23-24) highlights the importance of justice and fairness in God's dealings.
The contrast between those who delight in the Psalmist's righteousness and those who rejoice at their calamity (v. 27-28) emphasizes the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Doctrinal Links
- Jesus' authority is linked to His divine nature, demonstrating His ability to forgive sins (Mark 2:7-10).
- The passage highlights the connection between forgiveness of sins and healing, both of which are demonstrations of Jesus' divine authority.
- The concept of Jesus as the Son of Man is emphasized in Mark 2:10, highlighting His divine identity.
Common Objections
How can we trust that God will intervene on our behalf when He seems silent?"
Response: This question is answered by the Psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance, as seen in v. 18.
Why does the Psalmist focus so much on their enemies' behavior and not on their own sin?"
Response: The Psalmist's emphasis on their enemies' deceit and malicious intentions highlights the unjust nature of their situation, rather than ignoring any personal sin.
Is it really fair to ask God to vindicate us according to His righteousness when we may have contributed to our own problems?"
Response: This question is addressed by the Psalmist's request for vindication according to God's righteousness (v. 23-24), which emphasizes God's justice and fairness.
Tensions
The tension between the Psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance and their desperate cry for help.
The contrast between those who delight in the Psalmist's righteousness and those who rejoice at their calamity.
The difficulty of trusting God when He seems silent or distant.
Application Questions
- How can we balance our confidence in God's deliverance with our desperate cry for help?
- What does it mean to delight in the righteousness of others, as seen in v. 28?
- How can we trust God when He seems silent or distant?
Proverbs 9:13-18
Core Claim
The passage warns against the seductive nature of folly, which leads to spiritual death.
Commentary
The woman Folly is described as loud and seductive (v. 13), emphasizing her enticing but ultimately destructive nature.
Her location at the door of her house or on high places in town (v. 14) suggests she is visible and accessible to all who pass by.
The phrase "who are going straight on their way" (v. 15) implies that Folly targets those who are already on a path, perhaps one of righteousness or wisdom.
The repeated invitation to the simple person to turn in (vv. 16-17) underscores Folly's persistence and cunning.
The association between lack of sense and stolen water and secret bread (v. 17) highlights the consequences of succumbing to Folly's enticements: spiritual death and separation from God.
The dead guests in Sheol are not acknowledged by the simple person, indicating a failure to recognize or care about the true state of those who have fallen prey to Folly.
Doctrinal Links
- This passage is closely tied to the doctrine of the image of God, as it highlights humanity's tendency towards folly and rebellion against God's design.
- The concept of Sheol (v. 18) relates to the doctrine of hell, emphasizing the reality of spiritual death and separation from God.
- The passage also touches on the doctrine of atonement, suggesting that those who succumb to Folly will face eternal consequences.
Common Objections
Isn't this passage just condemning people for being foolish?"
Response: No, it's highlighting the dangers of folly and its consequences; wisdom is not simply about avoiding foolishness but about seeking God's guidance.
Why does Folly seem so appealing and attractive?"
Response: Because she presents a temporary pleasure or satisfaction that ultimately leads to spiritual death; true wisdom offers a more profound and lasting satisfaction in God.
What about the idea of 'stolen water' being sweet? Doesn't this suggest that some pleasures are worth taking risks for?"
Response: While it's true that some experiences may be enjoyable, Folly's stolen water represents a fleeting pleasure that comes at the cost of spiritual integrity.
Tensions
The passage presents a stark contrast between wisdom and folly, which can be difficult to navigate in real-life situations.
The seductive nature of Folly raises questions about human responsibility and agency in the face of temptation.
The association between lack of sense and spiritual death may seem overly harsh or judgmental.
Application Questions
- How can we recognize and resist the seductive nature of folly in our own lives?
- What are some ways to cultivate wisdom and discernment in the face of temptation or uncertainty?
- How can we balance the need for pleasure and enjoyment with the importance of spiritual integrity?