Exodus 39:1-40:38
Big Idea
The construction of the tabernacle is completed according to God's instructions.
Commentary
The people of Israel follow God's instructions exactly as commanded.
The holy garments for Aaron are made with great skill and attention to detail.
The anointing oil is used to consecrate the tabernacle and its furniture, making them holy.
Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed in holy garments, and anointed as priests.
The cloud covers the tabernacle and the glory of God fills it, indicating God's presence among the people.
Moses erects the tabernacle on a specific day according to God's instructions.
Moses follows God's instructions and completes the work of constructing the tabernacle.
The tabernacle is completed with all its contents, including the ark of the testimony, table, lampstand, golden altar for incense, basin, court, screen, and veil.
The anointing oil is used to consecrate the tabernacle and its furniture, making them holy.
Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed in holy garments, and anointed as priests.
Moses blesses the people of Israel after completing the work.
God's glory fills the tabernacle, indicating His presence among the people.
Claims
- The construction of the tabernacle is a physical representation of God's presence among His people.
- The tabernacle serves as a place of worship and sacrifice for the people of Israel.
- Aaron and his sons are consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle.
- The anointing oil plays a crucial role in consecrating the tabernacle and its furniture.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The construction of the tabernacle is only about building a physical structure.
Correction
The construction of the tabernacle is also about establishing God's presence among His people.
Misunderstanding
The holy garments for Aaron are just decorative items.
Correction
The holy garments for Aaron are made with great skill and attention to detail, and they play an important role in consecrating Aaron as a priest.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the principle of following God's instructions exactly as commanded in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to be consecrated as a servant or leader in God's kingdom?
- How can we cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's presence among us?
Mark 1:1-28
Big Idea
The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begins with a quote from Isaiah's prophecy about a messenger preparing the way for the Lord.
Commentary
The passage introduces Jesus Christ as the central figure in the gospel.
John the Baptist is introduced as the one who prepares the way for the Lord through his baptism and preaching.
Jesus' baptism by John marks a significant event, where the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove.
After John's arrest, Jesus enters Galilee to preach the gospel and calls four fishermen to follow him.
In Capernaum synagogue, Jesus teaches with authority and casts out an unclean spirit.
Claims
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
- The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove after his baptism.
- Jesus has authority to cast out unclean spirits.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<baptism by John was only for repentance
Correction
baptism by Jesus is also for repentance, but with the power of the Holy Spirit</b>
Misunderstanding
<John's ministry was limited to the wilderness
Correction
John's message and baptism were meant to prepare people for Jesus' ministry in Galilee>
Application Questions
- What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?
- How can we apply Jesus' teaching on repentance and faith in our lives?
Psalm 35:1-16
Big Idea
The psalmist David asks God to contend with those who are contending against him, and to deliver him from his pursuers.
Commentary
The psalm is written in the first person, with David speaking directly to God.
David's enemies are described as malicious witnesses who repay evil for good.
The psalm highlights the contrast between good and evil, with God delivering the poor from those who are too strong for them.
David's soul rejoices in the LORD's salvation, and he asks God to deliver him from his pursuers.
The angel of the LORD is mentioned as driving away and pursuing David's enemies.
David's actions towards his enemies are contrasted with their treatment of him, highlighting the injustice of their actions.
Claims
- God will contend with those who contend against David (v. 1).
- Those seeking to harm David will be put to shame and dishonor (v. 4).
- Destruction will come upon them unexpectedly (v. 8).
- The poor will be delivered from the strong by God (v. 10).
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
They are asking for justice, but really they just want revenge
Correction
David is seeking justice and protection from his pursuers.
Misunderstanding
God is only concerned with punishing the wicked
Correction
God is actively delivering the poor from those who are too strong for them.
Application Questions
- How can we pray like David, asking God to contend with our enemies?
- What does it mean to "rejoice in the LORD's salvation" (v. 9)?
- How can we stand up for justice and protect the vulnerable, as David did?
Proverbs 9:11-12
Big Idea
The passage from Proverbs 9:11-12 emphasizes the importance of making wise choices in order to multiply days and add years to one's life.
Commentary
The speaker is God/Proverbial Wisdom, addressing the reader/listener directly.
The passage warns of consequences for one's actions, whether wise or foolish.
A choice is offered between two outcomes: multiplying days and adding years, or bearing the consequences of scoffing.
Individual responsibility is emphasized through the phrase "you alone will bear it".
The command to "multiply days" and "add years" is implicit in the warning.
The contrast between wise and foolish/scoffing behavior is highlighted.
The passage uses rhetorical markers such as "If" to emphasize the choices available to the reader/listener.
The speaker's tone is one of warning and encouragement, urging the reader/listener to make wise decisions.
Claims
- If you are wise, you will multiply your days and add years to your life.
- If you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences of your actions.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<scoffing = rejecting God's wisdom>
Correction
<scoffing actually means making light of or disregarding God's wisdom>
Misunderstanding
<multiplying days = only living longer physically>
Correction
<multiplying days also refers to living a more abundant and fulfilling life>
Application Questions
- What does it mean to be wise in the context of this passage?
- How can I apply the principle of multiplying days and adding years to my own life?
- What are some common ways that people scoff or reject God's wisdom, and how can I avoid doing so?