Leviticus 6:1-7:27
Core Claim
The Leviticus 6:1-7:27 passage outlines the laws and regulations for various offerings, including guilt, sin, peace, and burnt offerings.
Commentary
The LORD speaks to Moses about the importance of restoring what was taken by robbery or oppression (Leviticus 6:2-5).
A guilt offering must be made if someone has sinned and realized their guilt (Leviticus 6:1-7).
The priest shall burn the fat of peace offerings on the altar (Leviticus 6:25).
Grain offerings belong to the priests, but only those baked in an oven or pan can be eaten by them (Leviticus 6:14-18).
Sin offerings are most holy and must be killed in the same place as the burnt offering (Leviticus 7:1-10).
Guilt offerings are similar to sin offerings and are also most holy (Leviticus 7:1-10).
Peace offerings have different rules depending on whether they are thanksgiving sacrifices or not (Leviticus 7:11-18).
Flesh that touches unclean things cannot be eaten and must be burned with fire (Leviticus 7:19-21).
The LORD commands Aaron and his sons to follow the law of the burnt offering (Leviticus 6:8-13).
The law of the grain offering is given, including how it should be prepared and eaten (Leviticus 6:14-18).
The law of the sin offering is explained, including its preparation and consumption (Leviticus 7:1-10).
Doctrinal Links
- The concept of atonement is central to the passage, emphasizing the need for restoration and forgiveness (Leviticus 6:1-7).
- The idea of holiness is also prominent, with sin offerings and guilt offerings being described as most holy (Leviticus 7:1-10).
- The passage assumes a covenant relationship between God and Israel, with the laws and regulations outlined in the passage serving to maintain this relationship.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: "Why must a guilt offering be made if someone has sinned and realized their guilt?" -> A guilt offering is necessary to restore what was taken by robbery or oppression and to make atonement for the sin (Leviticus 6:1-7).
<objection>
Response: "What about those who cannot afford to offer a ram without blemish as a guilt offering?" -> The passage does not specify an alternative, but it is implied that the poor may be able to offer other forms of compensation (Leviticus 6:2-5).
<objection>
Response: "Why are sin offerings most holy and must be killed in the same place as the burnt offering?" -> Sin offerings are most holy because they are a means of atonement for sin, and killing them in the same place as the burnt offering emphasizes their connection to the sacrifice (Leviticus 7:1-10).
Tensions
The requirement for guilt offerings may be seen as overly burdensome or impossible to fulfill.
The distinction between clean and unclean animals may seem arbitrary or unclear.
The prohibition on eating fat or blood from certain animals may be seen as too restrictive.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of restoration and forgiveness in our own lives?
- What does it mean for us to be holy, as described in the passage (Leviticus 7:1-10)?
- How can we balance the need for atonement with the reality that some sins may be impossible to restore or forgive?
Mark 3:7-30
Core Claim
Jesus' authority over demons and his identity as the Son of God are demonstrated through various interactions with a large crowd, scribes, and family members.
Commentary
The passage highlights Jesus' popularity and influence, drawing a great crowd from various regions (Mark 3:7-8).
His healing abilities attract people who press around him to touch him (Mark 3:10).
The unclean spirits recognize Jesus as the Son of God and fall down before him (Mark 3:11).
Jesus appoints twelve apostles, giving them authority to preach and cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15).
He responds to accusations from scribes that he is possessed by Beelzebul with parables about Satan's inability to divide himself (Mark 3:23-26).
The passage emphasizes the importance of not making Jesus known, as his identity is not yet fully revealed (Mark 3:12).
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates Jesus' authority over demons, which is linked to his identity as the Son of God.
- The appointment of twelve apostles and their authority to preach and cast out demons is connected to the doctrine of the church and its mission.
- The concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is related to the doctrine of sin and forgiveness.
Common Objections
<objection> He is possessed by Beelzebul
Response: <response> This accusation is based on a misunderstanding of Jesus' authority over demons. In Mark 3:23-26, Jesus uses parables to explain that Satan cannot divide himself and therefore cannot cast out demons.
<objection> He has an unclean spirit
Response: <response> This accusation is also based on a lack of understanding about Jesus' identity as the Son of God. The passage emphasizes that Jesus' authority over demons demonstrates his divine nature (Mark 3:11).
<objection> Why does Jesus order the unclean spirits not to reveal his identity?
Response: <response> Jesus orders them not to make him known because his time has not yet come, and he is not yet ready for public recognition as the Messiah (John 7:6).
Tensions
The passage highlights a tension between Jesus' popularity and his need for solitude. He withdraws with his disciples to the sea, but a great crowd follows him (Mark 3:7-8).
There is also a tension between Jesus' authority over demons and the accusations of scribes that he is possessed by Beelzebul.
The passage raises questions about the nature of sin and forgiveness. Jesus says that all sins will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin (Mark 3:28).
Application Questions
- How can we balance our desire for solitude with our need to share the gospel with others?
- What does it mean to have authority over demons, and how does this relate to Jesus' identity as the Son of God?
- How should we respond when faced with accusations or criticism from others?
Psalm 37:1-11
Core Claim
Trusting in God's sovereignty and justice is the key to living a life of righteousness and inheriting the land.
Commentary
The psalm begins with a warning against envying wrongdoers, emphasizing that their fate is fleeting (v. 2).
David contrasts trusting in the Lord with fretting over evildoers, highlighting the destructive nature of envy (vv. 1-2).
Trusting in God and doing good are linked to dwelling in the land and befriending faithfulness (v. 3).
Delighting in the Lord leads to receiving desires of the heart (v. 4).
Committing one's way to the Lord involves trusting Him, who will act on behalf of His people (vv. 5-6).
Righteousness and justice are compared to light and noonday, emphasizing their radiant nature (v. 6).
The psalmist encourages waiting patiently for God, rather than fretting over prosperous wrongdoers (v. 7).
Anger and wrath are discouraged, as they lead only to evil (v. 8).
Those who wait on the Lord will inherit the land, while evildoers will be cut off (vv. 9-10).
The wicked will soon disappear, but the meek shall inherit the land and enjoy abundant peace (vv. 10-11).
Doctrinal Links
- The passage demonstrates Jesus' authority over demons, which is linked to his identity as the Son of God.
- The appointment of twelve apostles and their authority to preach and cast out demons is connected to the doctrine of the church and its mission.
- The concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is related to the doctrine of sin and forgiveness.
Common Objections
<objection> "But what about when evil seems to prosper?"
Response: This is a common objection, but David's response emphasizes that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
<objection> "How can I trust in the Lord when faced with injustice?"
Response: The psalm encourages trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, even when circumstances seem unjust.
<objection> "What about the problem of evil? Why do wrongdoers sometimes prosper?"
Response: This is a complex issue that requires careful biblical reflection; David's response emphasizes God's ultimate judgment.
Tensions
The tension between trusting in God and feeling frustrated by injustice (v. 7).
The contrast between the fleeting nature of evildoers' prosperity and the enduring nature of God's justice (vv. 2, 10).
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate trust in God's sovereignty and justice in the face of injustice?
- What are some ways I can "dwell in the land" and befriend faithfulness (v. 3)?
- How can I delight myself in the Lord, even when circumstances seem difficult?
Proverbs 10:3-4
Core Claim
The Lord cares for the well-being of the righteous and ensures they are not left hungry.
Commentary
The passage emphasizes God's concern for His people, particularly those who live righteously (Proverbs 10:3).
Hunger is not a concern for the righteous, but rather a craving that is thwarted in the wicked (Proverbs 10:3).
The contrast between hunger and craving highlights the difference between physical needs met by God's provision and sinful desires that are quenched by God's discipline.
A slack hand, or lack of diligence, leads to poverty, while hard work and effort result in richness (Proverbs 10:4).
This passage reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over creation and His concern for His people's well-being.
The concept of a "slack hand" suggests that laziness or complacency can lead to financial struggles, while diligence and hard work are essential for prosperity.
The use of "hand" as a metaphor for one's efforts or actions emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in achieving financial stability.
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of God's sovereignty: How does this passage reflect God's control over creation and His concern for His people's well-being?
- The concept of imputed righteousness: How does this passage relate to the idea that our righteousness is credited to us through faith in Christ?
- The importance of diligence and hard work: What role do these virtues play in achieving financial stability and living a godly life?
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The passage seems to suggest that God directly causes poverty or wealth. -> This objection misunderstands the relationship between God's sovereignty and human agency. While God is ultimately responsible for all things, He often works through secondary causes (human actions) to achieve His purposes.
<objection>
Response: Why does God allow the wicked to go hungry if He cares about their well-being? -> The passage highlights the difference between physical needs met by God's provision and sinful desires that are thwarted. God may allow the wicked to experience hunger as a consequence of their sin, rather than as an act of punishment.
<objection>
Response: Is this passage teaching that hard work guarantees financial success? -> This objection misreads the passage. While diligence is essential for achieving financial stability, it is not a guarantee of success. The passage emphasizes God's sovereignty and provision in meeting our needs.
Tensions
The tension between God's sovereignty and human agency: How do we understand God's role in causing poverty or wealth?
The contrast between the righteous and the wicked: Why does God seem to favor one group over the other?
Application Questions
- How can we trust God's provision in our lives, even when we face financial struggles or uncertainty?
- In what ways can we cultivate a sense of diligence and hard work in our daily lives, recognizing that God is at work through us?
- How can we balance the importance of personal responsibility with the recognition that God is ultimately responsible for all things?