Exodus 23:14-25:40
Big Idea
The passage from Exodus 23:14-25:40 describes God's commands to Israel regarding their worship and relationship with Him.
Claims
- God commands Israel to keep three feasts in a year: Unleavened Bread, Harvest, Ingathering (Exodus 23:14).
- The angel sent by God is to guard Israel and bring them to the promised land (Exodus 23:20).
- If Israel carefully obeys the angel's voice and does all that God says, then He will be an enemy to their enemies and adversaries (Exodus 23:22).
Commentary
The three feasts mentioned in the passage are significant events in the Israelites' calendar, each with its own unique purpose.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorates the Israelites' departure from Egypt, while the Feast of Harvest celebrates the firstfruits of their labor.
The Feast of Ingathering marks the end of the harvest season and is a time for thanksgiving.
God's instructions on how to offer sacrifices are detailed in the passage, including what not to do (e.g. no leavened items with blood).
The angel sent by God is tasked with guarding Israel and bringing them to the promised land.
God promises to be an enemy to Israel's enemies and adversaries if they obey His commands.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
- The three feasts are only for women.
Correction
The passage actually states that "all your males" shall appear before the Lord GOD (Exodus 23:17).
Misunderstanding
- God is only concerned with Israel's worship practices, not their daily lives.
Correction
The passage shows God's concern for all aspects of Israel's life, including their relationships with other nations and their treatment of others.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the principles of obedience to God's commands in your own life?
- What are some ways that you can show gratitude to God for His blessings in your life?
- How can you prioritize worship and relationship-building with God in your daily routine?
Matthew 24:29-51
Big Idea
The passage describes Jesus' teachings about the end times, tribulation, and his second coming.
Claims
- Jesus will come at an hour you do not expect (Matthew 24:44).
- Those who are faithful and wise servants will be rewarded by their master (Matthew 24:45-47).
- Those who are wicked servants will be punished by their master (Matthew 24:48-51).
Commentary
The passage is a continuation of Jesus' Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24:1-28.
Jesus warns his disciples about the signs of the end times and the importance of being prepared for his return.
He uses several parables to illustrate the consequences of being faithful or wicked servants.
The passage emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of Jesus' return, which will be accompanied by signs in the sky.
Jesus also draws a parallel between his coming and Noah's flood, warning that people will be unaware until it is too late.
The passage highlights the importance of staying awake and being ready for Jesus' return.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Son of Man is a separate entity from Jesus Christ>
Correction
The Son of Man is a title used to refer to Jesus Christ.
Misunderstanding
<Jesus' return will be preceded by signs in the sky, but he will also come suddenly and unexpectedly>
Correction
While there are signs that indicate the nearness of Jesus' return, his coming will still be sudden and unexpected.
Application Questions
- How can you apply the lesson from the fig tree to your life?
- What does it mean to stay awake and be ready for Jesus' return?
- How can you demonstrate faithfulness as a servant of God in your daily life?
Psalm 30:1-12
Big Idea
The psalm is a song of dedication for the temple, written by King David.
Claims
- God has drawn David up from his foes and healed him.
- God's favor is for a lifetime, while His anger is but for a moment.
Commentary
The psalm begins with David praising God for drawing him up from his foes and healing him (Psalm 30:1-2).
David thanks God for restoring him to life from Sheol, emphasizing God's mercy and favor (Psalm 30:3).
He commands others to sing praises and give thanks to God's holy name (Psalm 30:4-5).
The psalm contrasts God's anger with His favor, weeping with joy (Psalm 30:5-6).
David reflects on his past prosperity and God's favor in his life (Psalm 30:7-8).
He cries out for mercy, asking what profit is there in death (Psalm 30:9-12).
God turns David's mourning into dancing and clothes him with gladness (Psalm 30:11-12).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
Death is the ultimate goal
Correction
Death is not the ultimate goal; rather, it is a temporary state that can be followed by eternal life with God (Psalm 30:11-12).
Misunderstanding
David's prosperity and success are due to his own efforts
Correction
David's prosperity and success are due to God's favor and mercy (Psalm 30:7-8).
Application Questions
- How can we apply the psalm's message of God's favor and mercy in our lives?
- What does it mean to "sing praises" to God, and how can we do this in our daily lives?
Proverbs 7:24-27
Big Idea
The passage warns sons about the dangers of being seduced by a woman who leads them astray.
Claims
- The woman has laid low many victims and all her slain are a mighty throng.
- Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
Commentary
The speaker addresses the audience as "O sons", emphasizing their relationship and responsibility towards them.
The speaker emphasizes listening and attentiveness, highlighting the importance of paying attention to their words.
The passage uses rhetorical markers such as "And now" to emphasize the urgency of the warning.
The speaker's tone is cautionary and advisory, urging the sons to avoid the woman's ways.
The use of repetition ("Let not your heart turn aside", "Do not") emphasizes the gravity of the situation.
The passage contrasts the woman's ways with a path to death, highlighting the consequences of being drawn to her.
The phrase "many a victim" suggests a large number of people have been affected by this seductive woman.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The speaker is warning against all women>
Correction
The passage specifically warns against a seductive woman who leads people astray.
Misunderstanding
<The consequences of being drawn to this woman are not severe>
Correction
The passage describes her house as leading to Sheol and death, emphasizing the dire consequences.
Application Questions
- How can parents or guardians warn their children about the dangers of being seduced by someone who is not good for them?
- What are some ways to recognize when someone is trying to lead you astray?
- How can we balance the need to be cautious with the need to trust others and form healthy relationships?