2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
Big Idea
God establishes a covenant with King David, promising to make him a great king and to establish his kingdom forever.
Commentary
The passage begins with King David reflecting on his success and the fact that God has given him rest from his enemies.
Nathan the prophet is instructed by God to tell David that he will build a house for God, but God has not lived in a house since bringing Israel out of Egypt.
God promises to make David a great name, to establish his kingdom, and to give him rest from his enemies.
David responds by asking God why he would build a house for him, and God explains that he will make David a house and establish his kingdom forever.
David prays to God, asking for confirmation of the promise and thanking God for his steadfast love.
The passage then describes David's military victories and his administration of justice and equity to his people.
The LORD gives victory to David wherever he went, and David dedicates the spoils to God.
The passage concludes with David's kingdom being established forever, and his throne being established forever.
Claims
- God will make David a great name and establish his kingdom forever.
- God will give David rest from all his enemies.
- God will raise up David's offspring and establish his kingdom forever.
- God will be to David's offspring a father, and they will be to God a son.
- God's steadfast love will not depart from David's offspring.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
God is promising to build a house for David
Correction
God is promising to make David a great king and establish his kingdom forever.
Misunderstanding
God is saying that David will build a house for him
Correction
God is saying that he will make David a house and establish his kingdom forever.
Misunderstanding
God is saying that David's house and kingdom will be made sure forever
Correction
God is saying that David's kingdom will be established forever and his throne will be established forever.
Application Questions
- What does it mean for God to make David a great name and establish his kingdom forever?
- How does God's promise to David relate to the concept of the Messiah?
- What does it mean for God to be to David's offspring a father, and for them to be to God a son?
- How does the passage describe God's character and attributes?
- What can we learn from David's response to God's promise and his prayer to God?
John 14:15-31
Big Idea
Jesus promises to send the Helper (Spirit of truth) to be with his disciples forever.
Commentary
Jesus tells his disciples to keep his commandments.
He promises to send the Helper (Spirit of truth) to be with them forever.
The Helper is the Spirit of truth, and the world cannot receive Him.
Jesus will come to his disciples and manifest himself to them.
The Helper will teach them all things and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus has said to them.
Jesus leaves peace with his disciples.
The ruler of the world is coming.
Jesus explains that he is going to the Father.
Jesus warns that the ruler of the world is coming.
Jesus tells his disciples that he will no longer talk much with them.
Jesus explains that he loves the Father and does as He commands.
Jesus tells his disciples to rise and go from there.
Claims
- Whoever has Jesus' commandments and keeps them loves Him.
- Whoever loves Jesus will be loved by the Father and Jesus will love him and manifest himself to him.
- The Helper will teach the disciples all things and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus has said to them.
- Jesus leaves peace with his disciples.
- The ruler of the world is coming.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Helper is the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit is not the Helper.
Correction
The Helper is the Spirit of truth, and the Holy Spirit is the one who will be sent in Jesus' name.
Misunderstanding
<Jesus is leaving his disciples as orphans.
Correction
Jesus is not leaving his disciples as orphans, but will come to them.
Application Questions
- How can you apply Jesus' command to keep his commandments in your life?
- What does it mean to love Jesus, and how can you demonstrate that love?
- How can you rely on the Helper (Spirit of truth) to teach you and guide you in your walk with God?
- What does it mean to have peace like Jesus' peace, and how can you experience that peace in your life?
Psalm 119:33-48
Big Idea
The psalmist asks God to teach them the way of God's statutes and to give them understanding to keep God's law.
Commentary
The psalmist wants to keep God's law with their whole heart.
God's commandments are the psalmist's delight.
The psalmist wants to be inclined to God's testimonies, not selfish gain.
God's rules are good and give life.
The psalmist longs for God's precepts and righteousness.
God's steadfast love and salvation come to the psalmist.
The psalmist trusts in God's word and rules.
The psalmist will speak of God's testimonies before kings without shame.
The psalmist will meditate on God's statutes.
The psalmist's hope is in God's rules.
The psalmist finds their delight in God's commandments, which they love.
The psalmist will lift up their hands toward God's commandments, which they love.
Claims
- God's statutes are the way of life.
- Keeping God's law is a matter of the heart.
- God's commandments are a source of delight.
- God's rules are good and give life.
- God's steadfast love and salvation come to those who trust in Him.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is asking God to teach them something new, but they already know God's statutes.
Correction
The psalmist is asking God to deepen their understanding and commitment to God's statutes.
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is saying that God's commandments are a burden.
Correction
The psalmist is saying that God's commandments are a source of delight and joy.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the psalmist's desire to keep God's law with your whole heart to your own life?
- How can you cultivate a delight in God's commandments?
- What are some ways you can trust in God's word and rules in your daily life?
- How can you speak of God's testimonies before others without shame?
- What does it mean to meditate on God's statutes, and how can you do this in your own life?
Proverbs 15:33
Big Idea
The fear of the Lord is directly linked to instruction in wisdom and humility.
Commentary
The verse presents a clear and concise relationship between the fear of the Lord and instruction in wisdom.
The use of "is" indicates a direct and causal relationship between the two concepts.
The verse also highlights the importance of humility in relation to honor.
The word "comes" suggests a progression or sequence from humility to honor.
The verse presents a simple yet profound truth about the nature of wisdom and honor.
The fear of the Lord is not just a feeling, but a guiding principle for living.
The verse emphasizes the importance of humility in achieving honor.
The use of "before" suggests a temporal relationship between humility and honor.
The verse presents a contrast between the fear of the Lord and honor, highlighting the importance of the former.
The verse presents a clear and concise message about the nature of wisdom and honor.
Claims
- The fear of the Lord is the source of instruction in wisdom.
- Humility is a prerequisite for honor.
- The fear of the Lord is directly linked to wisdom and honor.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The fear of the Lord is just a feeling, and not a guiding principle for living
Correction
The fear of the Lord is a deep-seated respect and reverence for God's power and authority.
Misunderstanding
The verse is saying that humility is the same as honor
Correction
The verse is saying that humility is a prerequisite for honor, not that it is the same thing.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord in my life?
- What are some practical ways to demonstrate humility in my relationships and daily life?
- How can I apply the principle of humility coming before honor in my personal and professional relationships?