Joshua 24:1-33

Big Idea

The passage in Joshua 24:1-33 is a covenant-making ceremony where Joshua gathers the tribes of Israel and reminds them of God's faithfulness and their history.

Commentary

The passage is a call to worship and a reminder of God's sovereignty over Israel's history.

Joshua's speech is a summary of God's actions in Israel's past, highlighting God's deliverance and provision.

The people's response is a reaffirmation of their commitment to serve the LORD.

The passage emphasizes the importance of fearing and serving the LORD, and the consequences of forsaking Him.

Joshua's covenant with the people is a formal agreement to serve the LORD, and he writes it in the Book of the Law.

The passage concludes with a description of Israel's continued service to the LORD after Joshua's death.

Claims

• God is the God of Israel and has been faithful to them throughout their history.

• The people of Israel have a history of serving other gods, but God has delivered them from slavery and given them the land.

• Joshua makes a covenant with the people to serve the LORD, and they reaffirm their commitment to Him.

• The consequences of forsaking the LORD are severe, including harm and consumption.

Popular Mistakes

Misunderstanding

The passage is a historical account of Israel's conquest of Canaan

Correction

The passage is a covenant-making ceremony where Joshua gathers the tribes of Israel and reminds them of God's faithfulness and their history.

Misunderstanding

The people of Israel are the main actors in the passage

Correction

The passage emphasizes God's sovereignty over Israel's history and His faithfulness to them.

Misunderstanding

Joshua's speech is a summary of God's actions in Israel's past, but it is not a call to worship

Correction

The passage is a call to worship and a reminder of God's sovereignty over Israel's history.

Application Questions

1. What are the implications of God's sovereignty over Israel's history for our own lives today?
2. How can we apply the principles of Joshua's covenant with the people to our own relationships with God?
3. What are the consequences of forsaking God, and how can we avoid them?
4. How can we, like Joshua, make a covenant with God to serve Him and follow His commands?

Luke 21:1-28

Big Idea

Jesus warns the disciples about the impending destruction of the temple, persecution, and the end times, while also promising redemption and the Son of Man's coming.

Commentary

Jesus contrasts the rich and poor widow's gifts, highlighting the true value of generosity.

The disciples ask Jesus about the signs of the end times, and he warns them about false prophets and persecution.

Jesus describes the signs of the end times, including wars, earthquakes, famines, and the Son of Man's coming.

He advises the disciples to endure and bear witness, promising them redemption and the Son of Man's coming.

Jesus warns of Jerusalem's desolation and the Gentiles' vengeance, and advises the disciples to flee to the mountains when they see Jerusalem surrounded by armies.

He promises that not a hair of their head will perish, and that they will gain their lives through endurance.

Jesus describes the signs of the end times, including the Son of Man's coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

He advises the disciples to straighten up and raise their heads when these things begin to take place, because their redemption is drawing near.

Claims

• Jesus will destroy the temple, leaving not one stone upon another.

• Many will come in Jesus' name, saying "I am he!" and "The time is at hand!", but the disciples should not follow them.

• The end times will bring wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences.

• The disciples will be persecuted and delivered up to the synagogues and prisons for Jesus' name's sake.

• They will be hated by all for Jesus' name's sake, but not a hair of their head will perish.

Popular Mistakes

Misunderstanding

<The disciples are being warned about the destruction of the temple, but it's not a literal destruction, it's a spiritual one.>

Correction

<The disciples are being warned about the literal destruction of the temple, which will leave not one stone upon another.>

Misunderstanding

<The end times will bring only spiritual destruction, and the disciples will be spared physical harm.>

Correction

<The end times will bring physical destruction, including wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences, and the disciples will face persecution and physical harm.>

Application Questions

1. What can we learn from the contrast between the rich and poor widow's gifts?
2. How can we apply Jesus' warning about false prophets and persecution to our own lives?
3. What are some signs of the end times that we should be aware of?
4. How can we endure and bear witness to Jesus' name in the face of persecution?
5. What does Jesus mean by "your redemption is drawing near", and how can we prepare for it?

Psalm 89:38-52

Big Idea

God expresses displeasure with David, citing broken covenant and defiled crown.

Commentary

God's wrath is evident in breached walls, ruined strongholds, and plundered riches.

God's enemies rejoice at David's downfall.

God's sword is turned back, and David is unable to stand in battle.

David's splendor and throne are cast to the ground.

God's wrath burns like fire, and David's time is short.

David asks how long God will hide and when his wrath will cease.

David reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death.

David remembers God's steadfast love and faithfulness to David.

David asks God to remember his servants and the insults they bear.

David concludes with a blessing and praise to God.

The covenant between God and David is central to the passage.

The inevitability of death is a recurring theme.

Claims

• God has cast off and rejected David.

• God has defiled David's crown in the dust.

• God has breached all David's walls and laid his strongholds in ruins.

• God has exalted the right hand of David's foes and made all his enemies rejoice.

• God has turned back the edge of David's sword and not made him stand in battle.

• God has made David's splendor cease and cast his throne to the ground.

Popular Mistakes

Misunderstanding

<God is punishing David for his own sins>

Correction

<God is expressing displeasure with David due to the broken covenant and defiled crown, but the passage does not specify David's personal sins as the cause.>

Misunderstanding

<David is asking God to forgive him>

Correction

<David is asking God to remember his steadfast love and faithfulness to David, and to remember his servants and the insults they bear.>

Application Questions

1. How can we, as believers, respond to God's displeasure and wrath?
2. What does it mean to have a broken covenant with God, and how can we restore it?
3. How can we, as followers of God, remember his steadfast love and faithfulness to us?
4. What is the significance of the covenant between God and David, and how can we apply it to our own lives?
5. How can we, as believers, reflect on the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death?
6. What does it mean to be anointed by God, and how can we live out this calling in our lives?

Proverbs 13:20-23

Big Idea

The association with wise or foolish individuals has significant consequences for one's own life.

Commentary

The verse emphasizes the importance of the company one keeps.

The wise and the righteous are rewarded, while the foolish and the wicked suffer harm.

The consequences of sinning are severe, and the wicked's wealth is not secure.

A good person's legacy is secure for generations, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.

The verse highlights the need for self-reflection and personal growth.

The association with wise individuals can lead to wisdom, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.

The verse encourages readers to make wise choices and avoid the consequences of sinning.

The righteous are rewarded with good, and their legacy is secure for generations.

The wicked's wealth is not secure, and their actions are ultimately self-destructive.

Claims

• Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.

• The companion of fools will suffer harm.

• Disaster pursues sinners.

• The righteous are rewarded with good.

• A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.

• The sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Popular Mistakes

Misunderstanding

- The verse is saying that only the wise and righteous will be rewarded, and everyone else will suffer.'

Correction

The verse actually emphasizes the consequences of one's choices, regardless of their wisdom or righteousness.

Misunderstanding

- The verse is saying that the wicked will always be punished.'

Correction

The verse actually highlights the consequences of sinning, but also notes that the wicked's wealth can be taken and given to the righteous.

Application Questions

1. How can you apply the principle of associating with wise individuals to your own life?
2. What are some ways to avoid the consequences of sinning and instead make wise choices?
3. How can you ensure that your legacy is secure for generations to come?
4. What are some ways to recognize and avoid the company of fools?
5. How can you use the verse to encourage personal growth and self-reflection?