Isaiah 28:14-30:11
Big Idea
The Lord GOD warns scoffers in Jerusalem that their covenant with death and agreement with Sheol will be annulled.
Commentary
The people have made lies their refuge and falsehood their shelter.
They have refused to listen to the prophets and seers.
The Lord GOD has poured out a spirit of deep sleep upon them.
Their fear of God is a commandment taught by men, not from the heart.
The wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.
The people draw near with their mouth and honor God with their lips, while their hearts are far from Him.
They turn things upside down, saying "Who sees us? Who knows us?
The potter is not regarded as the clay, but rather the thing made says of its maker, "He did not make me.
Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field in a short time.
The deaf shall hear and the blind see, and the meek shall obtain fresh joy.
The ruthless shall come to nothing, and the scoffer cease.
Jacob shall no more be ashamed, and his face grow pale.
Claims
- The Lord GOD will rise up as on Mount Perazim and do his deed.
- He will make justice the line and righteousness the plumb line.
- Hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.
- The bed is too short to stretch oneself on, and the covering too narrow to wrap oneself in.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
They think they can hide their counsel from God
Correction
<The Lord GOD says, "Ah, you who hide deep from the LORD your counsel...">
Misunderstanding
They believe they are above God's law
Correction
<"Shall the potter be regarded as the clay..."'>
Application Questions
- What does it mean to make lies our refuge and falsehood our shelter?
- How can we apply the principle of "justice being the line and righteousness the plumb line" in our daily lives?
- What are some ways that we can overcome the spirit of deep sleep that has been poured out upon us?
Galatians 3:23-4:31
Big Idea
The passage in Galatians 3:23-4:31 emphasizes the contrast between the old and new covenants, highlighting the transition from being slaves under the law to becoming sons through faith.
Commentary
The author, Paul, is concerned that the Galatian Christians may turn back to weak principles of the world after receiving faith.
Faith came to reveal God's plan for justification by faith, freeing believers from the law.
Believers were once enslaved to elementary principles of the world but have been redeemed through Christ Jesus to receive adoption as sons.
The Spirit of God cries out "Abba! Father!" in believers' hearts, indicating their new status as children of God.
Paul warns against turning back to weak principles, which would make believers slaves again.
Jerusalem above is free, and believers are children of this mother.
The allegory of Abraham's two sons illustrates the contrast between slave woman (Hagar) and free woman (Sarah), representing the old and new covenants.
Believers are children of promise, not slaves, as they have put on Christ through baptism.
Claims
- Faith came to reveal God's plan for justification by faith.
- Believers were once enslaved to elementary principles of the world but have been redeemed through Christ Jesus.
- The Spirit of God cries out "Abba! Father!" in believers' hearts.
- Turning back to weak principles would make believers slaves again.
- Jerusalem above is free, and believers are children of this mother.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- Hagar represents the law
Correction
Hagar actually represents the old covenant, which is contrasted with the new covenant (Sarah).
Misunderstanding
- The son of the slave woman will inherit with the son of the free woman
Correction
This statement is actually a command to cast out the slave woman and her son.
Application Questions
- - How can you apply the concept of being children of promise in your daily life?
- - What are some weak principles that you may be tempted to turn back to, and how can you resist them?
- - In what ways can you demonstrate your adoption as sons through Christ Jesus?
Psalm 62:1-12
Big Idea
The psalmist David expresses dependence on God for salvation and encourages others to do the same.
Commentary
The psalm is written by David and addressed to Jeduthun, who is likely the choirmaster.
The psalm is a declaration of trust in God's power and steadfast love.
The psalmist contrasts those who attack others with those who trust in God.
The psalmist affirms that God is his rock and salvation, and encourages others to do the same.
The psalmist warns against trusting in extortion or robbery, and encourages people to pour out their hearts before God.
The psalm quotes God's promise of power and steadfast love.
The psalmist emphasizes the importance of waiting silently for God's salvation.
The psalmist contrasts those who are motivated by falsehood with those who trust in God.
The psalmist affirms that God rewards people according to their work.
Claims
- God is the source of hope, rock, and salvation.
- Those who attack others are motivated by falsehood.
- Trusting in extortion or robbery is futile.
- God rewards people according to their work.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
People should wait silently for God's salvation, but it means they can be active in prayer and worship.
Correction
The psalmist encourages people to pour out their hearts before God.
Misunderstanding
Those who are wealthy are more secure than those who are poor.
Correction
The psalmist actually says that those of high estate are a delusion and that riches do not provide true security.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the psalmist's trust in God to your own life?
- What does it mean to wait silently for God's salvation, and how can you practice this in your daily life?
- How can you avoid trusting in extortion or robbery, and instead put your hope in God?
Proverbs 23:19-21
Big Idea
The passage warns against the consequences of associating with drunkards and gluttons, emphasizing the importance of making wise choices.
Commentary
The speaker addresses their son directly, using a rhetorical marker to grab attention ("Hear").
The passage emphasizes the need for wisdom and directing one's heart in the right way.
Avoiding drunkards and gluttons means avoiding their company, not just their behavior.
The consequences of associating with these individuals are poverty, slumber, and ultimately wearing rags.
The passage highlights the importance of making wise choices to avoid negative outcomes.
Drunkards and gluttons are not just individuals who engage in excessive drinking or eating, but also those who lead a lifestyle that is detrimental to their well-being.
The speaker's warnings are meant to guide their son towards a path of wisdom and righteousness.
The passage uses vivid imagery to convey the consequences of poor choices, such as "slumber will clothe them with rags".
The speaker's tone is one of caution and concern for their son's future.
Claims
- Drunkards and gluttons lead to poverty.
- Poverty brings slumber.
- Slumber leads to wearing rags.
- Avoiding drunkards and gluttons means avoiding their company, not just their behavior.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The passage is warning against the dangers of drinking and eating too much.>
Correction
The passage warns against associating with individuals who engage in excessive drinking or eating, rather than the act itself.
Misunderstanding
<The speaker's warnings are meant to be taken literally.>
Correction
The passage uses figurative language to convey the consequences of poor choices.
Application Questions
- How can you avoid being influenced by those who lead a lifestyle that is detrimental to their well-being?
- What steps can you take to direct your heart in the right way and make wise choices?
- How can you balance enjoying food and drink with avoiding excessive consumption?