Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Big Idea
The Israelites are instructed to be careful and not to contend with the people of Esau, as they are not allowed to take possession of their land.
Commentary
The Israelites are instructed to be careful and not to contend with the people of Esau, as they are not allowed to take possession of their land.
The Israelites are given permission to take possession of the land of Sihon and his people.
The Israelites are instructed to devote to destruction every city, men, women, and children.
The Israelites are given the land of the two kings of the Amorites, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.
The Israelites are instructed to not fear the people of the land, for the LORD fights for them.
Moses is not allowed to enter the land himself, but is instead instructed to encourage and strengthen Joshua.
The Israelites are instructed to purchase food and water from the people of Esau.
The Israelites are given permission to take possession of the land of Sihon and his people.
The Israelites are instructed to not harass Moab or contend with them in battle.
The Israelites are given permission to take possession of the land of Sihon and his people.
The Israelites are instructed to devote to destruction every city, men, women, and children.
The Israelites are given the land of the two kings of the Amorites, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.
Claims
- The Israelites are instructed to be careful and not to contend with the people of Esau.
- The Israelites are given permission to take possession of the land of Sihon and his people.
- The Israelites are instructed to devote to destruction every city, men, women, and children.
- The Israelites are given the land of the two kings of the Amorites, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.
- The Israelites are instructed to not fear the people of the land, for the LORD fights for them.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The Israelites are instructed to take possession of the land of Esau>
Correction
<The Israelites are instructed to be careful and not to contend with the people of Esau, as they are not allowed to take possession of their land.>
Misunderstanding
<The Israelites are given permission to take possession of the land of Moab>
Correction
<The Israelites are instructed to not harass Moab or contend with them in battle.>
Application Questions
- How can the Israelites apply the instruction to be careful and not to contend with the people of Esau in their own lives?
- How can the Israelites apply the instruction to devote to destruction every city, men, women, and children in their own lives?
- How can the Israelites apply the instruction to not fear the people of the land, for the LORD fights for them in their own lives?
- How can the Israelites apply the instruction to purchase food and water from the people of Esau in their own lives?
- How can the Israelites apply the instruction to not harass Moab or contend with them in battle in their own lives?
- How can the Israelites apply the instruction to take possession of the land of Sihon and his people in their own lives?
Luke 6:12-38
Big Idea
Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, a series of blessings on those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted, and woe to those who are rich, full, and self-righteous.
Commentary
Jesus goes to a mountain to pray and chooses 12 apostles from his disciples.
He stands on a level place with a crowd and his disciples, and teaches them about the kingdom of God.
The crowd seeks to touch Jesus for healing, and he heals them all.
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God belongs to the poor, and that those who hate him will be rewarded in heaven.
He teaches to love enemies, do good to those who hate, and pray for those who abuse.
Jesus teaches to be merciful and forgive, and not to judge others.
He teaches that if we love those who love us, it is no benefit, and if we do good to those who do good to us, it is no credit.
Jesus teaches to love our enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and our reward will be great.
He teaches to be merciful, even as our Father is merciful.
Jesus teaches that we will not be judged if we do not judge others, and that we will be forgiven if we forgive others.
He teaches that good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into our lap.
Claims
- Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God belongs to the poor.
- Jesus teaches to love enemies, do good to those who hate, and pray for those who abuse.
- Jesus teaches to be merciful and forgive, and not to judge others.
- Jesus teaches that if we love those who love us, it is no benefit, and if we do good to those who do good to us, it is no credit.
- Jesus teaches to love our enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and our reward will be great.
- Jesus teaches to be merciful, even as our Father is merciful.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
The Beatitudes are a list of rewards for being good,
Correction
The Beatitudes are a list of blessings on those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted.
Misunderstanding
Jesus is teaching that we should only love those who love us,
Correction
Jesus is teaching that we should love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who abuse us.
Misunderstanding
The kingdom of God belongs to the rich,
Correction
The kingdom of God belongs to the poor.
Application Questions
- How can we apply the Beatitudes to our lives?
- What does it mean to love our enemies, and how can we do it?
- How can we be merciful and forgive others, even when they have wronged us?
- What does it mean to be judged by God, and how can we avoid being judged?
- How can we be generous and give to others, expecting nothing in return?
- What does it mean to be sons of the Most High, and how can we become like Him?
Psalm 67:1-7
Big Idea
God's graciousness and blessing are requested, and His way and saving power are to be known on earth.
Commentary
The psalm is a prayer for God's blessing and graciousness.
The psalmist requests that God's face shine upon them, which is a metaphor for blessing.
The psalmist wants God's way and saving power to be known among all nations.
The psalmist addresses God as "O God" and requests that the peoples praise Him.
The psalmist believes that God judges the peoples with equity and guides the nations.
The psalmist sees the earth yielding its increase as a sign of God's blessing.
The psalmist requests that God bless them and that all the ends of the earth fear Him.
The psalm is a song of praise and thanksgiving for God's blessings.
The psalmist believes that God's blessings are not limited to one nation or people, but are for all nations.
The psalmist sees God's blessings as a reason for joy and celebration.
The psalmist requests that God's blessings be known on earth and that His way and saving power be known among all nations.
Claims
- God's graciousness and blessing are requested.
- God's way and saving power are to be known on earth.
- Peoples and nations are to praise God.
- Nations are to be glad and sing for joy.
- God judges peoples with equity and guides nations.
- Earth yields its increase.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
God's blessings are only for Israel
Correction
God's blessings are for all nations.
Misunderstanding
God's face shining upon us is a literal request
Correction
God's face shining upon us is a metaphor for blessing.
Application Questions
- How can we, as individuals, request God's graciousness and blessing in our lives?
- How can we, as a community, praise God and acknowledge His blessings?
- What does it mean to know God's way and saving power on earth?
- How can we, as a global community, work together to spread God's blessings and way?
- What are some ways we can celebrate and rejoice in God's blessings?
- How can we, as individuals, fear God and acknowledge His authority in our lives?
Proverbs 11:27
Big Idea
The verse presents a cause-and-effect relationship between seeking good/evil and receiving favor/evil.
Commentary
The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking good in one's life.
Seeking good is a deliberate action that requires effort and dedication.
Favor is a positive outcome that results from seeking good.
Evil, on the other hand, is a negative outcome that results from seeking evil.
The verse presents a contrast between seeking good and seeking evil.
Those who seek good will receive favor, while those who seek evil will receive evil.
The verse suggests that our actions have consequences and that we reap what we sow.
Seeking good and evil are contrasting actions that lead to different outcomes.
Favor and evil are opposing forces that are inextricably linked to our choices.
The verse encourages the reader to make a conscious decision to seek good and avoid evil.
Claims
- Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor.
- Evil comes to him who searches for it.
Popular Mistakes
Misunderstanding
<The verse is saying that good and evil are equally desirable>
Correction
The verse actually emphasizes the importance of seeking good and avoiding evil.
Misunderstanding
<The verse is saying that we will always receive good if we seek it>
Correction
The verse actually presents a cause-and-effect relationship between seeking good/evil and receiving favor/evil, but it does not guarantee that we will always receive good.
Application Questions
- How can I apply the principle of seeking good in my daily life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek good and avoid evil?
- How can I cultivate a habit of seeking good and receiving favor from God?