Leviticus 19:1-20:21
Core Claim
The LORD commands the people of Israel to be holy because He is holy (Leviticus 19:2).
Commentary
The passage begins with a call to holiness, emphasizing God's character and His expectation for His people (Leviticus 19:1-2).
The command to reverence parents and keep the Sabbath underscores the importance of honoring one's heritage and resting in God (Leviticus 19:3-4).
Sacrifices are discussed as a means of being accepted by God, with clear instructions on how to offer them (Leviticus 19:5-8).
The passage also addresses social justice issues, such as not oppressing neighbors or robbing the poor (Leviticus 19:9-13).
Specific laws are given regarding marriage and family relationships, including those related to incest and adultery (Leviticus 18:1-30).
The importance of loving one's neighbor is emphasized, with a call to treat strangers who sojourn in Israel as natives (Leviticus 19:34).
The passage concludes with a warning against giving children to Molech and a call to consecrate oneself to God (Leviticus 20:1-8).
Doctrinal Links
- The doctrine of creation, which emphasizes God's sovereignty over all aspects of life (Leviticus 19:2).
- The doctrine of the image of God, which is reflected in the call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:34).
- The doctrine of redemption, which is foreshadowed in the sacrifices and the emphasis on holiness.
- The doctrine of covenant, which is implicit in the relationship between God and His people.
Common Objections
<objection> "The laws in Leviticus seem arbitrary and outdated."
Response: <response> While the specific laws may not be directly applicable today, they reflect God's character and His desire for holiness. They also provide a framework for understanding human relationships and responsibilities.
<objection> "Why does God emphasize purity and cleanliness so much?"
Response: <response> Purity and cleanliness are not just physical concepts but also spiritual ones. They represent the separation from sin and the pursuit of holiness that is central to the Christian faith.
<objection> "The punishments for breaking these laws seem harsh."
Response: <response> The punishments reflect the gravity of sin in God's eyes. However, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
Tensions
The tension between the call to holiness and the reality of human sinfulness.
The difficulty of balancing social justice with individual freedom.
The challenge of applying these laws in a modern context where many are no longer directly applicable.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principle of loving my neighbor as myself in my daily life?
- What does it mean to reverence parents and keep the Sabbath in a modern context?
- How can I balance social justice with individual freedom in light of these laws?
Mark 8:11-38
Core Claim
Jesus teaches that faith requires a willingness to follow Him even if it means suffering and death.
Commentary
The Pharisees' request for a sign from heaven is a test, but Jesus refuses to give them one (Mark 8:11-12).
Jesus warns the disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod, indicating that their teachings are corrupting influences (Mark 8:15).
The blind man's healing outside Bethsaida village highlights Jesus' power to heal and restore sight (Mark 8:22-26).
Jesus teaches the disciples that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests, but will rise again after three days (Mark 8:31).
Peter's rebuke of Jesus is seen as a satanic influence, indicating that following Jesus requires denying oneself and taking up one's cross (Mark 8:33).
Jesus teaches the crowd that faith requires denying oneself and losing one's life for His sake and the gospel's (Mark 8:34-37).
Doctrinal Links
- The concept of leaven as a symbol of spiritual corruption (Mark 8:15).
- The idea that following Jesus requires denying oneself and taking up one's cross (Mark 8:34-37).
- The doctrine of Christ's suffering, rejection, and resurrection (Mark 8:31).
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The Pharisees' request for a sign from heaven is reasonable, as they are seeking to understand Jesus' identity.
<objection>
Response: Why does Jesus warn the disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod?
<objection>
Response: Is it not cruel for Jesus to tell Peter that he is setting his mind on human things rather than God's things?
Tensions
The tension between faith and reason is highlighted in Jesus' refusal to give a sign from heaven.
The contrast between the Pharisees' hardened hearts and the disciples' lack of understanding creates tension throughout the passage.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to deny oneself and take up one's cross in following Jesus?
- How can we apply the concept of leaven as a symbol of spiritual corruption in our own lives?
Psalm 42:1-11
Core Claim
The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God's presence and salvation.
Commentary
The psalmist uses the metaphor of a deer panting for water to convey their intense desire for God (v. 1).
This longing is not just emotional, but also spiritual, as they thirst for "the living God" (v. 2).
The psalmist remembers past experiences of worship and praise, highlighting their desire to return to that state (v. 4).
Despite the taunts of enemies, the psalmist affirms God's presence throughout the day and night (vv. 8-9).
The psalmist's soul is compared to a deer panting for water, emphasizing their deep longing for God.
The psalmist remembers past experiences of worship and praise, highlighting their desire to return to that state.
God is described as a rock and a source of steadfast love, emphasizing their reliability and faithfulness.
The psalmist's adversaries are portrayed as oppressors, adding to the sense of danger and vulnerability.
Doctrinal Links
- The concept of leaven as a symbol of spiritual corruption (Mark 8:15).
- The idea that following Jesus requires denying oneself and taking up one's cross (Mark 8:34-37).
- The doctrine of Christ's suffering, rejection, and resurrection (Mark 8:31).
Common Objections
The psalmist seems to be struggling with doubt and uncertainty about God's presence."
Response: This is a genuine expression of human emotion, but it does not necessarily indicate a lack of faith. The psalmist continues to affirm their trust in God throughout the passage.
Why can't the psalmist just ignore the taunts of their enemies?"
Response: The psalmist is not ignoring the taunts, but rather using them as an opportunity to reaffirm their trust in God and express their longing for His presence.
Tensions
The tension between the psalmist's deep longing for God and their current experience of oppression and isolation.
The contrast between the psalmist's past experiences of worship and praise and their current state of turmoil.
The difficulty of maintaining hope and trust in God when faced with adversity and doubt.
Application Questions
- How can we, like the psalmist, express our deep longing for God in times of adversity?
- What are some ways we can reaffirm our trust in God when faced with doubt or uncertainty?
- How can we use our experiences of worship and praise to fuel our hope and trust in God?
Proverbs 10:17
Core Claim
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
Commentary
The proverb writer emphasizes the importance of listening to and following God's guidance (instruction).
Heeding instruction is a key to living a good life, as it aligns us with God's will.
Rejecting reproof, on the other hand, has negative consequences not only for oneself but also for others who may be led astray by one's actions.
The choice between two paths (life and destruction) is a personal one that each individual must make.
The proverb writer warns of the consequences of rejecting God's guidance, emphasizing the importance of heeding instruction.
Heeds vs rejects: the contrast between those who follow God's guidance and those who reject it highlights the significance of making wise choices in life.
The path to life is contrasted with leading others astray, underscoring the impact of one's actions on others.
Doctrinal Links
- The importance of heeding instruction is linked to the doctrine of the image of God, which emphasizes human beings' capacity for reason and moral responsibility (Genesis 1:26-27).
- Rejecting reproof has negative consequences, highlighting the significance of the doctrine of sin and its effects on individuals and society.
- The path to life is contrasted with leading others astray, underscoring the importance of the doctrine of covenant, which emphasizes God's relationship with humanity.
Common Objections
But what about people who are genuinely seeking truth but struggle to understand God's will?"
Response: This objection acknowledges that following God's guidance can be challenging, but it does not negate the importance of heeding instruction. The proverb writer emphasizes the need for individuals to seek wisdom and understanding.
How can I know if someone is truly leading me astray or just offering misguided advice?"
Response: This question highlights the difficulty in discerning between good and bad counsel. However, the proverb writer encourages individuals to be cautious and not reject reproof outright, but rather to carefully consider the guidance they receive.
What about situations where following God's will seems to lead to hardship or suffering?"
Response: This objection acknowledges that following God's guidance may not always result in ease or comfort. However, the proverb writer emphasizes the importance of heeding instruction and trusting in God's sovereignty.
Tensions
The tension between following God's will and experiencing hardship or suffering.
The challenge of discerning between good and bad counsel.
The difficulty of making wise choices in life when faced with conflicting advice.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate a habit of heeding instruction in my daily life?
- What are some ways I can seek wisdom and understanding when faced with difficult choices?
- How can I be more mindful of the impact of my actions on others?