Isaiah 57:15-59:21
Big Idea
God's character is described as dwelling in a high and holy place, yet also with those who have a contrite spirit.
Commentary
God dwells in a high and holy place, but also with those who have a contrite spirit.
He will not contend forever, nor be angry always.
The wicked are compared to a tossing sea, unable to be quiet or peaceful.
The people of Israel seek God daily, but their fasting is hypocritical.
True fasting involves loosening bonds of wickedness and undoing yokes.
Sharing bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless into one's house is part of true fasting.
If one turns back from sin, God will guide them continually and satisfy their desire in scorched places.
The Lord's hand is not shortened to save, but the people's iniquities have made a separation between them and God.
The people's hands are defiled with blood, and their lips speak lies.
Justice is far from them, and righteousness does not overtake them.
They hope for light, but behold darkness; they hope for brightness, but walk in gloom.
God will come like a rushing stream to repay the wicked according to their deeds.
Claims
- The Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, or his ear dull that it cannot hear.
- If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, and call the Sabbath a delight, then you shall take delight in the Lord.
- God will come like a rushing stream to repay the wicked according to their deeds.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The people of Israel are seeking God daily, but their fasting is hypocritical
Correction
They are actually seeking God's pleasure on His holy day and oppressing workers.
Misunderstanding
True fasting involves loosening bonds of wickedness and undoing yokes
Correction
This is not the only aspect of true fasting, as sharing bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless into one's house is also part of it.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to have a contrite spirit, and how can we cultivate this in our lives?
- How can we loosen bonds of wickedness and undo yokes in our own lives?
- What are some ways we can share bread with the hungry and bring the homeless into our houses?
- How can we turn back from sin and seek God's guidance continually?
Philippians 1:1-26
Big Idea
The letter from Paul to the Philippians is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, encouragement, and hope.
Commentary
Paul introduces himself and Timothy as servants of Christ Jesus (1:1).
He greets the saints at Philippi with overseers and deacons, wishing them grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1:2-3).
Paul thanks God for their partnership in the gospel, expressing confidence that God will complete the good work in them (1:4-6).
He prays for their love to abound, knowledge, and discernment, so they may approve what is excellent and be pure and blameless (1:9-11).
Paul reports on his imprisonment and its effect on the gospel, noting that it has advanced the gospel and made it known throughout the imperial guard (1:12-14).
He contrasts those who preach Christ from envy vs. good will, rejoicing that Christ is proclaimed whether sincerely or not (1:15-18).
Paul expresses hope for deliverance through prayer and the Spirit's help, knowing that to live is Christ and to die is gain (1:19-26).
Claims
- The gospel has been advanced through Paul's imprisonment.
- Some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, while others do it from good will.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
Paul's imprisonment is a hindrance to the gospel. -> Correction: Paul's imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel (1:12).
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding>
Correction
The only way to preach Christ sincerely is through good will. -> Correction: While some preach Christ from good will, others do it out of selfish ambition (1:15).
Application Questions
- How can you apply the principle of partnership in the gospel to your own life and relationships?
- What does it mean to live for Christ, and how can you cultivate a mindset that prioritizes His presence above all else?
Psalm 71:1-24
Big Idea
God is the speaker's refuge, rock, and deliverer in times of need.
Commentary
The psalmist takes refuge in God's righteousness (Psalm 71:2, 23).
God is the psalmist's rock and fortress (Psalm 71:3).
The wicked seek to harm the psalmist, but God will deliver them (Psalm 71:11-12).
The psalmist has leaned on God from before birth (Psalm 71:6).
God's righteousness reaches the high heavens (Psalm 71:19).
The psalmist is a portent to many, but God is their strong refuge (Psalm 71:7).
The psalmist's mouth is filled with praise and glory for God all day (Psalm 71:8).
The psalmist asks God not to cast them off in old age or forsake them when strength is spent (Psalm 71:9, 17).
The psalmist's enemies speak against them, but the psalmist will hope continually and praise God yet more and more (Psalm 71:10, 14).
The psalmist proclaims God's wondrous deeds from youth to old age (Psalm 71:18).
God's righteousness is a source of comfort and strength for the psalmist (Psalm 71:20).
Claims
- God is the speaker's refuge and rock.
- God will deliver the speaker from harm.
- The wicked seek to harm the speaker, but God will not abandon them.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The psalmist is asking God to save them from their enemies.
Correction
**God has already promised to save the psalmist** (Psalm 71:2).
Misunderstanding
<The psalmist's enemies are powerful and numerous.
Correction
**God's righteousness reaches the high heavens** (Psalm 71:19).
Application Questions
- How can you take refuge in God's righteousness like the psalmist?
- What does it mean to lean on God from before birth, and how can you apply this to your own life?
- How can you praise God with your mouth and heart, even when facing challenges?
Proverbs 24:9-10
Big Idea
The passage emphasizes that devising folly is equivalent to sin, and those who engage in it are morally reprehensible.
Commentary
The verse begins by equating the act of devising folly with sin, highlighting the gravity of such behavior.
A scoffer, or one who mocks wisdom and morality, is considered an abomination to mankind, indicating their rejection from society.
The passage uses the context of adversity to test one's strength, implying that true character is revealed in times of hardship.
Fainting in the face of adversity is a sign of weakness, rather than strength.
The use of "if" suggests a conditional statement, emphasizing the potential consequences of faltering in times of need.
The passage assumes a universal understanding of what it means to be strong and weak, implying that these traits are not solely physical but also moral.
Claims
- Devising folly is equivalent to sin.
- A scoffer is considered an abomination by mankind.
- Fainting in the face of adversity indicates weakness of character.
- Those who faint are not truly strong.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The passage is saying that it's okay to be weak sometimes.
Correction
The passage emphasizes the importance of strength and resilience, particularly in times of hardship.
Misunderstanding
The scoffer is only an abomination if they're being mean to someone.
Correction
A scoffer is considered morally reprehensible because they reject wisdom and morality.
Application Questions
- How can one cultivate inner strength to persevere through adversity?
- What are some common ways that people "faint" in the face of hardship, and how can these be overcome?
- In what ways can a person demonstrate their strength and resilience in times of need?