Ezra 3:1-4:23
Big Idea
The book of Ezra describes the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
Commentary
The seventh month is a significant time period in the narrative, marking the beginning of the rebuilding process (Ezra 3:1).
Jeshua and Zerubbabel are key figures in the rebuilding effort, with Jeshua being a priest and Zerubbabel being a leader among the returned exiles (Ezra 3:2).
The altar is built for burnt offerings, as commanded by King Cyrus (Ezra 3:3-4).
The Feast of Booths is kept, with daily burnt offerings, demonstrating the people's commitment to following God's commands (Ezra 3:5).
Despite opposition from the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin, Zerubbabel and Jeshua refuse their offer to build together, citing King Cyrus' command (Ezra 4:1-5).
Counselors are bribed against the returned exiles to frustrate their purpose, highlighting the challenges they face in rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 4:8-9).
The people of the land discourage the Judahites from building, demonstrating the opposition they face (Ezra 4:6-7).
A letter is written against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem during Ahasuerus' reign, further highlighting the challenges faced by the returned exiles (Ezra 4:10).
King Artaxerxes sends a decree to cease building the city, effectively halting the rebuilding effort (Ezra 4:17-22).
Claims
- The people of God gather in Jerusalem at the seventh month (Ezra 3:1).
- Burnt offerings are offered morning and evening, as well as during the Feast of Booths (Ezra 3:2-5).
- Zerubbabel and Jeshua supervise workmen in the house of God (Ezra 4:1-5).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<i>The people of Jerusalem are rebuilding the Temple on their own initiative.</i>
Correction
<i>The people of Jerusalem are rebuilding the Temple under the authority of King Cyrus' command (Ezra 3:2).</i>
Misunderstanding
<i>Jeshua and Zerubbabel are not opposed to building with others, they just want to follow King Cyrus' command.</i>
Correction
<i>Jeshua and Zerubbabel refuse the offer to build together because it would undermine their authority and compromise the rebuilding effort (Ezra 4:1-5).</i>
Application Questions
- What are some challenges that the returned exiles face in rebuilding the Temple?
- How does King Cyrus' command impact the rebuilding effort?
- What role do Jeshua and Zerubbabel play in the rebuilding process?
1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Big Idea
The wisdom imparted by God to mature believers is a secret and hidden wisdom that is not of this age or the rulers of this age.
Commentary
This passage emphasizes the superiority of God's wisdom over the wisdom of this age.
The Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing spiritual truths to believers.
Believers have received the Spirit from God, enabling them to understand things freely given by God.
Spiritual truths are discerned spiritually and not naturally.
The natural person does not accept spiritual truths because they are spiritually discerned.
The spiritual person judges all things but is judged by no one.
Paul has the mind of Christ and addresses the Corinthian church as people of the flesh, still in need of milk.
Claims
- God imparts a secret and hidden wisdom to mature believers.
- This wisdom is not from this age or the rulers of this age.
- The Spirit searches everything, including the depths of God.
- No one comprehends God's thoughts except the Spirit of God.
- Believers have received the Spirit from God to understand things freely given by God.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The wisdom imparted by God is a new and innovative idea that was not known before.
Correction
This wisdom has been decreed by God before the ages for our glory.
Misunderstanding
The rulers of this age are able to understand God's wisdom, but they choose not to.
Correction
None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to be a spiritual person and how can we grow in our understanding of spiritual truths?
- How can we distinguish between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this age?
- Why is it difficult for natural people to accept spiritual truths, and what can we do to help them understand?
Psalm 28:1-9
Big Idea
God's silence can have severe consequences for those who trust in Him.
Commentary
The psalmist David addresses God directly, emphasizing the importance of God's attention to his pleas.
David uses metaphors such as "rock" and "sanctuary" to describe God's reliability and presence.
The psalm highlights the contrast between the wicked and those who trust in God, with the former being punished for their evil deeds.
David praises God for hearing his prayers and expresses trust in Him as his strength and shield.
The psalm emphasizes God's role as the strength of His people and the saving refuge of His anointed.
Claims
- If God is silent to me, I will suffer like those who go down to the pit (v. 1).
- Those who speak peace with their neighbors while having evil in their hearts will be punished (vv. 3-5).
- God will tear down and build up no more those who do not regard His works (v. 5).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The psalm is only about David's personal struggles,
Correction
It also emphasizes God's role as the strength of His people.
Misunderstanding
- The wicked are punished simply because they are evil,
Correction
They are punished for their specific actions and deeds.
Application Questions
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God as my rock and sanctuary?
- What are some ways to recognize and resist the temptation to speak peace with others while having evil in our hearts?
- In what ways can I prioritize God's works and creation in my daily life?
Proverbs 20:24-25
Big Idea
God's sovereignty over human life is acknowledged.
Commentary
A man’s steps are from the LORD; emphasizes God’s involvement in human life.
The phrase highlights that everything a person does is under God’s control.
This understanding should lead to humility and recognition of one’s limitations.
The question “how then can man understand his way?” questions human understanding and encourages self-reflection.
It suggests that humans are not capable of fully comprehending their own path or decisions.
The phrase "It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”" warns against hasty labeling and judgment.
Saying something is holy without careful consideration can lead to trouble and mistakes.
This warning applies not only to spiritual matters but also to everyday life.
The verse cautions against making vows or promises without thinking them through.
Reflecting on actions after making vows is cautioned against, as it can lead to post-hoc justification of rash behavior.
The consequences of rash behavior are highlighted, and a warning about the potential for harm in certain actions is given.
The importance of careful consideration in decision-making is emphasized.
Claims
- God's involvement in human life is acknowledged through the phrase "A man’s steps are from the LORD".
- Human understanding of their path is questioned by the verse.
- Rashly labeling something as 'holy' can be problematic and lead to trouble.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<Misunderstanding>
Correction
God only intervenes in extraordinary circumstances, not everyday life. -> Correction: The passage emphasizes that everything a person does is under God’s control, including everyday life.
Misunderstanding
<Misunderstanding>
Correction
A person has complete control over their decisions and actions. -> Correction: The verse questions human understanding and encourages self-reflection.
Application Questions
- How can acknowledging God's sovereignty in your life lead to humility and recognition of one’s limitations?
- What are some areas in your life where you tend to make rash vows or promises without thinking them through?
- How can you apply the warning against hasty labeling and judgment to your daily life?