1 Samuel 26:1-28:25
Big Idea
The passage explores the theme of God's sovereignty and judgment, as seen in the interactions between David and Saul.
Commentary
The passage highlights the contrast between good and evil, as embodied by David and Saul.
David's actions are guided by his faith and obedience to God, while Saul's actions are driven by his sin and disobedience.
The passage also explores the theme of God's providence, as seen in the way David is able to escape from Saul's pursuit.
The Philistines are portrayed as a recurring enemy of Israel, and their gathering of forces foreshadows a major conflict.
The medium at En-dor is a pivotal character, bringing up Samuel and delivering a prophetic message to Saul.
The passage emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and judgment, rather than relying on human strength or cunning.
Claims
- God is sovereign and judges the actions of individuals, as seen in the contrast between David and Saul.
- David's faith and obedience to God are key factors in his ability to escape from Saul's pursuit.
- Saul's sin and disobedience are the cause of his downfall, as predicted by Samuel.
- The Philistines are a recurring enemy of Israel, and their gathering of forces foreshadows a major conflict.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<i>Saul is a righteous king</i>
Correction
<i>Saul is a sinful king who has disobeyed God</i>
Misunderstanding
<i>David is a coward who is trying to escape from his responsibilities</i>
Correction
<i>David is a faithful servant of God who is trying to avoid conflict with Saul</i>
Application Questions
- How can we apply the theme of God's sovereignty and judgment to our own lives?
- What are the consequences of disobeying God's commands, as seen in Saul's story?
- How can we trust in God's providence, even in the face of difficult circumstances?
- What role does faith play in guiding our actions, as seen in David's story?
- How can we apply the lesson of the medium at En-dor to our own lives, in terms of seeking guidance from God rather than relying on human means?
John 11:1-54
Big Idea
Jesus' love for his friends and his desire to glorify God lead him to raise Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating his power and authority as the Son of God.
Commentary
Jesus loves Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and is not afraid of death, but sees it as an opportunity for God's glory.
Jesus is deeply moved by the Jews' weeping and is troubled in spirit, showing his compassion and empathy.
Martha and Mary express their faith in Jesus, but also express their sorrow at Lazarus's death.
Jesus is not afraid to show emotion, but is also in control of the situation.
The miracle of Lazarus's resurrection is a sign of Jesus' power and authority.
The chief priests and Pharisees are afraid of Jesus and plot to kill him.
Caiaphas, the high priest, prophesies that Jesus will die for the nation and gather the children of God into one.
Jesus' actions and words demonstrate his love for his friends and his desire to glorify God.
The resurrection of Lazarus is a demonstration of Jesus' power over death and his ability to bring life to those who believe in him.
The Pharisees and chief priests are afraid of Jesus and plot to kill him because they see him as a threat to their power and authority.
Jesus' decision to raise Lazarus from the dead is a deliberate act of God's glory and a demonstration of his power and authority.
Claims
- Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
- Whoever believes in Jesus, though he die, yet shall he live.
- Jesus has the power to raise the dead and bring life to those who believe in him.
- Jesus' actions and words demonstrate his love for his friends and his desire to glorify God.
- The resurrection of Lazarus is a sign of Jesus' power and authority.
- Jesus will die for the nation and gather the children of God into one.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Lazarus's illness was a punishment from God
Correction
Lazarus's illness was not a punishment from God, but rather an opportunity for God's glory.
Misunderstanding
Jesus was afraid of death
Correction
Jesus was not afraid of death, but rather saw it as an opportunity for God's glory.
Application Questions
- What does Jesus' love for his friends reveal about his character?
- How does Jesus' decision to raise Lazarus from the dead demonstrate his power and authority?
- What does the resurrection of Lazarus reveal about Jesus' relationship with God?
- How does Jesus' actions and words demonstrate his love for his friends?
- What does the Pharisees' and chief priests' reaction to Jesus' actions reveal about their character?
- How does Jesus' decision to raise Lazarus from the dead relate to his ultimate sacrifice for the nation?
Psalm 117:1-2
Big Idea
The Psalm 117:1-2 is a call to all nations and peoples to praise the LORD.
Commentary
The Psalm is addressed to all nations and peoples, emphasizing the universal nature of God's praise.
The command to praise the LORD is repeated, emphasizing its importance.
The reasons for praise are the LORD's steadfast love and faithfulness.
The faithfulness of the LORD is described as enduring forever, emphasizing its timelessness.
The Psalm highlights the LORD's love and faithfulness towards us.
The use of the word "us" emphasizes the personal and relational nature of God's love.
The Psalm is a call to worship and praise, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's greatness.
The language used is simple and accessible, making it easy for all nations and peoples to understand.
The Psalm is a celebration of God's character and attributes.
The repetition of the command to praise the LORD emphasizes its urgency and importance.
The Psalm is a call to action, encouraging all nations and peoples to respond to God's love and faithfulness.
Claims
- The LORD's steadfast love and faithfulness are the reasons for praise.
- The faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
- The command to praise the LORD is repeated.
- The Psalm is addressed to all nations and peoples.
- The LORD is the object of praise.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Psalm is only for Israel>'
Correction
The Psalm is addressed to all nations and peoples.
Misunderstanding
<The praise is only for God's greatness>'
Correction
The praise is also for God's love and faithfulness.
Application Questions
- How can we, as individuals and communities, respond to God's love and faithfulness?
- How can we, as nations and peoples, praise the LORD together?
- What does it mean to extol the LORD, and how can we do this in our daily lives?
- How can we, as followers of God, model the faithfulness and love of the LORD to others?
- What are some ways we can express our praise and thanksgiving to God in our daily lives?
- How can we, as a global community, come together to praise the LORD?
Proverbs 15:22-23
Big Idea
Plans and decisions require counsel and guidance to be successful.
Commentary
The importance of counsel in planning is emphasized by God.
Plans fail when made without considering the advice of others.
Having many advisers can lead to successful plans.
Counsel is a source of joy and satisfaction.
A timely and well-crafted answer can bring joy to the person receiving it.
A word of advice given at the right time is beneficial and valuable.
A good answer is a source of joy and satisfaction.
The value of counsel and guidance is highlighted in the passage.
The importance of seeking advice from others is stressed.
Plans and decisions made without counsel can lead to failure.
The role of counsel in achieving success is emphasized.
Claims
- Plans fail without counsel.
- Plans succeed with many advisers.
- A timely word is beneficial.
- A good answer is a source of joy.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The passage is saying that only a few advisers are needed for plans to succeed.>
Correction
<The passage actually says "many advisers" are needed for plans to succeed.>
Misunderstanding
<The importance of counsel is only mentioned in relation to plans.>
Correction
<The importance of counsel is mentioned in relation to plans, but also in relation to giving a good answer and receiving a timely word.>
Application Questions
- How can you apply the importance of counsel in planning to your own life?
- What are some ways to seek counsel and guidance from others?
- How can you make sure to receive counsel and guidance in your plans and decisions?
- What are some benefits of receiving a timely and well-crafted answer or word of advice?
- How can you prioritize seeking counsel and guidance in your life?