Isaiah 66:1-24
Big Idea
God's ways are not like human ways; He is a creator and destroyer.
Commentary
The passage begins with God asking the Israelites about building a house for Him, emphasizing that He does not need their creations.
God describes what He considers humble and contrite behavior: being humble and trembling at His word.
Those who worship idols and follow their own ways are condemned by God.
God promises to comfort Zion (Jerusalem) and its people, describing it as a mother giving birth to her children.
God announces His coming in fire and judgment, promising peace and comfort to His people.
The passage also emphasizes the importance of worshiping God from new moon to new moon and Sabbath to Sabbath.
God plans to gather all nations and tongues to see His glory, promising to establish a new heavens and earth with worship from all flesh.
Claims
- Those who slaughter an ox are like those who kill a man; those who sacrifice a lamb are like those who break a dog's neck.
- God will choose harsh treatment for those who follow their own ways and delight in abominations.
- The sound of the LORD rendering recompense to His enemies is described as an uproar from the city.
- Zion (Jerusalem) gave birth to its children (Israelites) before her pain came upon her.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding> God is asking for a physical house to be built for Him
Correction
<correction> God is emphasizing that He does not need human creations, and His ways are not like human ways.
Misunderstanding
<misunderstanding> Those who worship idols will be punished with fire and flames of fire
Correction
<correction> The passage actually says that those who worship idols will be punished with harsh treatment and their fears brought upon them.
Application Questions
- What does it mean to tremble at God's word, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?
- How can we distinguish between true humility and contrition versus false or hypocritical behavior?
- What are some ways that we can worship God from new moon to new moon and Sabbath to Sabbath?
Philippians 3:4-21
Big Idea
The passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and striving towards union with Christ.
Commentary
Paul's confidence in the flesh is rooted in his Jewish heritage (v. 4-6).
He lists his credentials as a Pharisee and persecutor of the church, but renounces these gains for the sake of Christ (v. 7-8).
His motivation is to know Christ Jesus my Lord and share in his sufferings (v. 9-10).
Paul's goal is to gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of his own that comes from the law (v. 8-9).
He exhorts mature believers to think this way and imitate him (v. 17-18).
The passage contrasts those who walk as enemies of the cross of Christ with Paul's hope for a Savior in heaven (v. 18-20).
Claims
- Paul has reason for confidence in the flesh, but counts everything as loss for the sake of Christ (v. 7-8).
- His goal is to know Christ Jesus my Lord and share in his sufferings (v. 10).
- He presses on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (v. 14).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Paul's confidence in the flesh means he thinks he can earn salvation through good works
Correction
Paul's confidence is rooted in his Jewish heritage, but he renounces these gains for the sake of Christ.
Misunderstanding
Paul is saying that he has already attained spiritual maturity
Correction
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect (v. 12).
Application Questions
- How can you apply Paul's example to your own life, counting everything as loss for the sake of Christ?
- What are some ways you can imitate Paul and press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?
Psalm 74:1-23
Big Idea
The psalmist Asaph laments God's seeming abandonment and inaction against their enemies.
Commentary
The psalm is a lamentation of God's people, expressing their feelings of abandonment and despair.
Asaph asks why God is casting them off forever (v. 1) and his anger smokes against the sheep of his pasture (v. 1).
He remembers God's congregation, which he has purchased of old and redeemed to be the tribe of his heritage (v. 2).
The enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary, including the carved wood and the dwelling place of God's name (vv. 3-8).
Asaph notes that there are no longer any prophets or signs of God's presence (v. 9).
He asks God not to forget his covenant with Israel and to arise and defend his cause (vv. 20-22).
Claims
- God is still in control, despite the enemy's destruction of the sanctuary.
- Asaph remembers God's past works of salvation and creation as a demonstration of his power and authority.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The psalmist is complaining about God's anger and abandonment without acknowledging their own sin.
Correction
The psalmist is expressing their feelings of despair and abandonment, but also acknowledges God's past redemption and asks for his intervention.
Misunderstanding
Asaph is asking God to forget his covenant with Israel.
Correction
Asaph is actually reminding God not to forget his covenant with Israel.
Application Questions
- How can we as believers respond when we feel abandoned or forgotten by God?
- What are some ways that we can remember God's past works of salvation and creation in our lives?
- How can we, like Asaph, urge God to arise and defend his cause?
Proverbs 24:15-16
Big Idea
The passage warns both the righteous and the wicked about their behavior towards each other.
Commentary
The verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, regardless of one's own moral standing.
The use of "wicked man" as a warning to the righteous highlights the potential for even good people to be tempted by evil.
The phrase "dwelling of the righteous" suggests that their homes are sacred spaces that should not be violated.
The contrast between the righteous and wicked is established early on, setting up the rest of the passage's warnings and teachings.
The use of "for" as a rhetorical marker connects the two main ideas of the verse: warning against violence towards the righteous and contrasting their behavior with that of the wicked.
The emphasis on the righteous' ability to recover from falls suggests that they are resilient and strong in the face of adversity.
The phrase "times of calamity" implies that the wicked struggle when faced with difficult circumstances, highlighting their weakness.
Claims
- The righteous have a strong ability to recover from falls.
- The wicked stumble in times of calamity.
- Violence is not to be done to the righteous' homes.
- The wicked are warned against targeting the righteous.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The passage is only warning the righteous about their behavior.>
Correction
The passage actually warns both groups, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and kindness.
Misunderstanding
<The phrase "dwelling of the righteous" refers to a physical location that should be protected from violence.>
Correction
This interpretation overlooks the spiritual significance of the righteous' homes as sacred spaces.
Application Questions
- How can I apply this passage's teachings about resilience in the face of adversity?
- What are some ways I can show respect and kindness towards others, even if they are not morally upright?
- In what situations might I be tempted to target or harm someone who is righteous?