Isaiah 15:1-18:7
Big Idea
The passage is an oracle concerning Moab, predicting its destruction and judgment.
Commentary
The Lord speaks an oracle concerning Moab (Isaiah 15:1).
Moab's destruction is described in detail, with various cities mentioned (Isaiah 15:2-16:14).
The people of Moab are in a state of mourning and weeping (Isaiah 15:8, Isaiah 16:7).
The Lord's judgment on Moab will be swift and severe (Isaiah 16:6-14).
The glory of Jacob will be brought low (Isaiah 17:4-5).
Man will look to his Maker in that day (Isaiah 17:7-8).
God's people have forgotten their salvation (Isaiah 17:12-13).
The nations will roar, but flee before the Lord (Isaiah 17:12-14).
A signal is raised on the mountains to gather the nations (Isaiah 18:3).
Claims
- Moab's destruction is imminent and inevitable.
- The glory of Jacob will be brought low in three years.
- The Lord will judge Damascus, bringing it to ruin.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Moab's destruction is a result of its own actions.
Correction
Moab's destruction is a result of the Lord's judgment.
Misunderstanding
The people of Moab are proud and arrogant.
Correction
This is true, but their pride is not the cause of their destruction.
Application Questions
- What does it mean for the glory of Jacob to be brought low?
- How can we apply the lesson from Moab's destruction to our own lives?
- What role do we play in God's judgment on nations?
Galatians 1:1-24
Big Idea
The passage emphasizes Paul's apostleship and his message of grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ.
Commentary
Paul introduces himself as an apostle sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father, emphasizing that he did not receive his gospel through human means but rather through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
He greets the churches of Galatia with a message of grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ, highlighting their salvation through the death of Jesus Christ.
Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are deserting Christ for a different gospel, which some people are trying to distort.
He warns against preaching a gospel contrary to the one received, threatening accursedness, emphasizing that he did not consult with others before receiving his revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul defends his apostleship, stating he is not seeking human approval but rather serving Christ, and explains how he received the gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ, not from humans.
He recounts his past life as a persecutor of the church and his conversion to preaching the faith, highlighting his zeal for the traditions of his fathers before being called by God's grace.
Paul describes his visits to Jerusalem and other regions, including Syria and Cilicia, emphasizing that he was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea when he first preached there.
Claims
- The gospel preached by Paul is not man's gospel but rather one received through Jesus Christ.
- Paul did not consult with others before receiving his revelation of Jesus Christ.
- He visited Cephas (James' brother) in Jerusalem for 15 days, but saw none of the other apostles.
- Paul was still unknown to the churches of Judea when he first preached there.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
The passage implies that Paul is trying to please man, rather than God. -> This is a misreading; Paul actually says he is not seeking human approval but rather serving Christ.
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
Paul's gospel is a new and different one from the original gospel preached by Jesus Christ. -> This is a misreading; Paul emphasizes that there is no other gospel, only some people trying to distort the gospel of Christ.
Application Questions
- What does it mean for someone to be an apostle sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father?
- How does Paul's emphasis on his non-human origin of the gospel relate to his message of grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ?
- In what ways can we apply Paul's warning against preaching a gospel contrary to the one received in our own lives?
Psalm 58:1-11
Big Idea
God's judgment and justice are questioned by David.
Commentary
The psalm begins with a question about God's judgment, asking if He decrees what is right.
The gods (plural) are accused of devising wrongs in their hearts and dealing out violence on earth.
The wicked are described as being estranged from the womb and going astray from birth, speaking lies.
Venomous behavior is compared to a serpent and adder that cannot be charmed or enchanted.
God's destruction of the wicked is called for, with imagery of teeth being broken and fangs torn out.
The righteous will rejoice at vengeance and bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.
Mankind will acknowledge a reward for the righteous and a God who judges on earth.
Claims
- God's judgment is questioned by David.
- The wicked are born with a propensity for evil.
- Venomous behavior cannot be charmed or enchanted.
- God's destruction of the wicked is called for.
- The righteous will rejoice at vengeance.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalm is saying that God is not just, but rather that He is being questioned about His judgment.
Correction
This misreads the tone and intent of the psalm.
Misunderstanding
The wicked are born evil because they are estranged from the womb.
Correction
This misinterprets the phrase "estranged from the womb" as a statement about innate evilness.
Application Questions
- How can we, as believers, question God's judgment without questioning His character?
- What does it mean to be "estranged from the womb," and how can we apply this concept to our understanding of sin and its effects on humanity?
Proverbs 23:12
Big Idea
Apply one's heart and ear to receive spiritual guidance.
Commentary
The verse emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's guidance.
Applying one's heart implies a personal, internal response to instruction.
Listening with one's ear is necessary for receiving words of knowledge.
Instruction and words of knowledge are distinct concepts that require separate attention.
The passage assumes the individual has agency in choosing to apply their heart.
This verse is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in Proverbs.
The context suggests that God is the source of instruction and knowledge.
The use of "apply your heart" implies a sense of responsibility on the individual's part.
Claims
- Instruction and words of knowledge are essential for spiritual growth.
- One must be receptive to both instruction and words of knowledge.
- Applying one's heart and listening with one's ear are necessary actions.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The verse is saying that God will do all the work, and we just need to sit back and receive.'
Correction
The passage emphasizes the individual's responsibility in applying their heart and listening to words of knowledge.
Misunderstanding
- This verse only applies to people who are already knowledgeable or experienced.'
Correction
The context suggests that this verse is addressed to individuals who are seeking wisdom and guidance.
Application Questions
- How can you apply your heart to instruction in your daily life?
- What sources of instruction and words of knowledge do you currently rely on?
- In what ways have you seen the importance of listening with one's ear to receive spiritual guidance?