This is the final set of note from this study. I will be starting something new next week. I have enjoyed this study very much.
Lesson 3
The Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13
v. 1. Virgins – also translated bridesmaids. To be one is an honor. It is very insulting to the bride, if the bride’s maids are not prepared. To be shut out because you did not get ready could ruin a friendship.
Jewish Marriage Customs. 2 basic stages.
Betrothal (or engagement) – spouse is chosen. Usually with input of parents or full decision made by parents. Sometimes the young ones would make choice or preference known. This could happen anywhere from 13-18 years of age. Legal contract would be made with witnesses to this. They were to remain abstinent during this time. To break this contract would mean divorce. If one died, the other was a widow or widower.
The Wedding – formal ceremony would be a year after the betrothal. Special garments would be worn. The groom would leave the fathers house and go to the bride with his companions. They would go and get the bride and bring the bride back to the wedding supper. Could be in either place. Parents and friends would bless the couple. The father of the bride would then draw up a formal contact. Then they went to a special nuptial chamber and consummated the marriage. While everyone waited outside. No pressure. The virginity was established afterwards by the presence of blood on the *sheets*. Then there would be a party for a week or more.
*The presence of the blood – shows that the virgin was pure, that she belonged to the bridegroom – she had been preserved. (Deuteronomy 22:13-21)
Jesus is the Lion of Judah – the Lion of Judah has washed his clothes in blood. (Genesis 49:8-12)
God looks for the blood so that He can pass over and not punish – (Exodus 12:13)
Believers showed that they were His, but the presence of Blood on their clothes (Revelations 7:14)
The church overcame the devil by the blood of the Lamb. (Revelations 12:11)
Jesus is pictured as a the rider on the white horse, with his own clothes dipped in blood.
v. 2 – Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
v. 3 – many have a lamp of profession in their hands. But few of them have settled the matter and have the oil of the spirit of salvation in their hearts. They have outward works, but the inside is dead.
v. 5 – all 10 slept. Waiting and Watching is OK. Sleep is OK, if you are prepared. Once you have everything ready, it is OK to lie down and rest.
The wise could enjoy a true peace.
The foolish a false peace.
The foolish were not prepared to wait. They could not handle a delay. They apparently wanted an instant fix. They could not endure a little wait.
Though Jesus tarries past our time He will come in due time.
v. 6 – a new day has started.
v. 8 – The oil lamp was made of clay, had a basin for the oil and a wick that was burned to produce the light. These outside torches could burn for hours if their was enough oil. Could have also been a torch with oil soaked rags.
Their faith was dead. At the time when it mattered the most, it was dead and no one could help them. No prep work. Trouble came and now they are scrambling.
They were not spiritually prepared. A delay cause what they had to burn up.
The virgins were to escort the groom to the bride. They had the procession to light the way to the bride.
If the bridesmaids tried to share oil, none would have enough.
v. 10 – they went to buy, what could not be bought. What was once free without price is now not available. Is. 55:1-3.
v. 11 – being outside in the dark while the marriage supper is going on is a picture of being in hell. Not known, and un-helpable. No way to change the disposition.
v. 12 – they had insulted the dignity of the host. They missed the procession. They missed the chance to be a part of the celebration, dancing and singing.
v. 13 – the oil they had was good, but it ran out. A new day had come, and they needed to be re-filled.
Closing Challenge:
We can not lean on a past experience. We need to have new and fresh encounters with God to lean upon.
Daily grace is needed for daily need.
We are fools if we seek to only get through a moment, with no thought to what might happen.
The wise will have a fresh supply of spiritual strength to get through the time of waiting.
Showing posts with label Sunday School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday School. Show all posts
Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Walk In the Garden Lesson 2 Notes
Lesson 2 – A Walk in the Garden
Matthew 24:15-30
v. 15 - The abomination that causes desolation – a deliberate attempt to mock and deny the reality of God's presence. (Daniel 11:12)
The standards of these desolating legions, on which they bear the images of their idols.
John Wesley described all of Jerusalem as Holy.
168 BC. Antiochus Epiphanies – sacrificed a pig in the temple to Zeus (Greek) Jupiter (Roman). Over 100K Jews were slain. Side note of history of him, as picture of what the future will be like.
41 AD - Caligula (Emperor Gaius) wanted to put a giant statue of himself in the Temple (was dissuaded by King Herod Agrippa 1)
66 AD – Zealots killed the priest in the temple.
70 AD. Titus placed an idol where the temple had been.
v. 16 – The Mountains were close and an easy place to hide.
v. 17 – the roof was a place of prayer and of drying vegetables, had a stair case.
v. 18 – Field hands would wear an extra cloak in the morning when it was cold. As the day warmed, they left it at the end of the field.
v. 19 – Travel has always been hard with kids. It still is. During the siege of Jerusalem, Mothers ate their children.
v. 20 – Winter time – wadis would be flooded (dry creek beds) and would make travel difficult.
The haste will be so great that it will cause undue difficulties for those who are hindered because of pregnancy or who for other reasons have problems traveling.
Sabbath - Jewish law forbade riding horses and mules. Walking was also limited to distance. Would be hard to arrange secret travel for fear of discovery.
v. 21 - The horrors of the Holocaust of WW2 are a somber warning that the desolation that comes from humanity's unleashed depravity will yet be unequaled. It is a mere shadow.
v. 22 - It is cut short to allow for survivors. Trouble is ahead – it will be bad. But the return is sudden. The will be so bad that if they are allowed to run their course the entire human race would be destroyed. But according to God's time table, they will be shortened.
God controls the persecution; He does not and will not forget His people. God's people will be rescued.
v. 24 – False christ and false messiahs will appear and perform miraculous signs and wonders to deceive. These are done under the power of the devil.
The signs are not proof they are from God. Signs should not validate that someone is preaching the truth. If what they say is out of line with the word of God then the sign does not matter.
People will accept these signs regardless of what is said. We should always test everything. We must know God's word so that we will not be duped.
v. 26 - The desert has had messianic overtones for diverse groups within Israel. They associated the desert with God's forthcoming deliverance. (Essenes of the Qumran Community)
Messianic pretenders would gather their followers in the desert before making a public appearance.
Simon son of Gioras - joined the fugitives of Masada in the desert and hid in the hills.
The Inner Rooms - John of Gischala - with army of 6K seized the temple during the Jewish rebellion and how 2400 Zealots joined him there in the inner quarters of the temple.
v. 28 - Jesus is describing the nation of Israel as a lifeless corpse, surrounded by vultures / eagles (both birds of prey)
Proverbial use: Could mean "Where there is a situation ripe for judgment, there the judgment will fall."
Vultures find corpses very quickly. Picture of the swiftness of the judgment. (Could also be a reference to the fact that Rome had an eagle on its standard.)
V. 29-30 - Darkness will come. Literal and figurative. The darkness of the moral decay of the human race. Also the moon and sun being darkened. Zephaniah 1:14-16 talked about the darkness. Against this backdrop is how we will see the sign of Jesus.
All through out the Old Testament God has been described as Light. Light in a dark place. The shining of light. (Paul's conversion, the bright light. Light of the Gentiles, a Great Light. Best way to notice the light is against the backdrop of darkness.
The return will be unmistakable. Lighting flash, it will be obvious to everyone.
The return of Emmanuel (God with Us) will be heralded by the shining of the essential glory that belongs to him. The suddenness of the explosion of light will be so fast that there is no chance to make a change. When that sign happens, the decision will be made. The sign of Jesus will appear in the sky and all will see its glory.
But some will mourn at the appearing of this sign. Those who have chosen wrong.
They who have turned their back on the only person who could save them.
Zechariah 12:10-14 - Could also be tears of joy. Like someone who you have longed to see, finally appears. You are so happy that you cry.
What Jesus has said is intended to promote caution can to satisfy their curiosity. He wants them to prepare for the events rather know every detail of the event.
These things should drive us to prayer now. If you don't pray when things are good, what makes you think you can do it later?
Matthew 24:15-30
v. 15 - The abomination that causes desolation – a deliberate attempt to mock and deny the reality of God's presence. (Daniel 11:12)
The standards of these desolating legions, on which they bear the images of their idols.
John Wesley described all of Jerusalem as Holy.
168 BC. Antiochus Epiphanies – sacrificed a pig in the temple to Zeus (Greek) Jupiter (Roman). Over 100K Jews were slain. Side note of history of him, as picture of what the future will be like.
41 AD - Caligula (Emperor Gaius) wanted to put a giant statue of himself in the Temple (was dissuaded by King Herod Agrippa 1)
66 AD – Zealots killed the priest in the temple.
70 AD. Titus placed an idol where the temple had been.
v. 16 – The Mountains were close and an easy place to hide.
v. 17 – the roof was a place of prayer and of drying vegetables, had a stair case.
v. 18 – Field hands would wear an extra cloak in the morning when it was cold. As the day warmed, they left it at the end of the field.
v. 19 – Travel has always been hard with kids. It still is. During the siege of Jerusalem, Mothers ate their children.
v. 20 – Winter time – wadis would be flooded (dry creek beds) and would make travel difficult.
The haste will be so great that it will cause undue difficulties for those who are hindered because of pregnancy or who for other reasons have problems traveling.
Sabbath - Jewish law forbade riding horses and mules. Walking was also limited to distance. Would be hard to arrange secret travel for fear of discovery.
v. 21 - The horrors of the Holocaust of WW2 are a somber warning that the desolation that comes from humanity's unleashed depravity will yet be unequaled. It is a mere shadow.
v. 22 - It is cut short to allow for survivors. Trouble is ahead – it will be bad. But the return is sudden. The will be so bad that if they are allowed to run their course the entire human race would be destroyed. But according to God's time table, they will be shortened.
God controls the persecution; He does not and will not forget His people. God's people will be rescued.
v. 24 – False christ and false messiahs will appear and perform miraculous signs and wonders to deceive. These are done under the power of the devil.
The signs are not proof they are from God. Signs should not validate that someone is preaching the truth. If what they say is out of line with the word of God then the sign does not matter.
People will accept these signs regardless of what is said. We should always test everything. We must know God's word so that we will not be duped.
v. 26 - The desert has had messianic overtones for diverse groups within Israel. They associated the desert with God's forthcoming deliverance. (Essenes of the Qumran Community)
Messianic pretenders would gather their followers in the desert before making a public appearance.
Simon son of Gioras - joined the fugitives of Masada in the desert and hid in the hills.
The Inner Rooms - John of Gischala - with army of 6K seized the temple during the Jewish rebellion and how 2400 Zealots joined him there in the inner quarters of the temple.
v. 28 - Jesus is describing the nation of Israel as a lifeless corpse, surrounded by vultures / eagles (both birds of prey)
Proverbial use: Could mean "Where there is a situation ripe for judgment, there the judgment will fall."
Vultures find corpses very quickly. Picture of the swiftness of the judgment. (Could also be a reference to the fact that Rome had an eagle on its standard.)
V. 29-30 - Darkness will come. Literal and figurative. The darkness of the moral decay of the human race. Also the moon and sun being darkened. Zephaniah 1:14-16 talked about the darkness. Against this backdrop is how we will see the sign of Jesus.
All through out the Old Testament God has been described as Light. Light in a dark place. The shining of light. (Paul's conversion, the bright light. Light of the Gentiles, a Great Light. Best way to notice the light is against the backdrop of darkness.
The return will be unmistakable. Lighting flash, it will be obvious to everyone.
The return of Emmanuel (God with Us) will be heralded by the shining of the essential glory that belongs to him. The suddenness of the explosion of light will be so fast that there is no chance to make a change. When that sign happens, the decision will be made. The sign of Jesus will appear in the sky and all will see its glory.
But some will mourn at the appearing of this sign. Those who have chosen wrong.
They who have turned their back on the only person who could save them.
Zechariah 12:10-14 - Could also be tears of joy. Like someone who you have longed to see, finally appears. You are so happy that you cry.
What Jesus has said is intended to promote caution can to satisfy their curiosity. He wants them to prepare for the events rather know every detail of the event.
These things should drive us to prayer now. If you don't pray when things are good, what makes you think you can do it later?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Walk In the Garden Lesson 1 Notes
Please remember these are my notes. they may not make sense, but please ask if you read something you dont understand.
The Olivet Discourse – The Future of the Kingdom
Lesson 1
History Lesson
Apocalyptic – end times spoken of in code, figures or symbols. Means “mystery revealed” not necessarily “mystery explained.” Should drive the reader to worship, repentance and wonder. Not “oh I get it.”
Prophetic – Judgments of God, can have future meaning, can be 2 view.
Matthew is a Jewish writer. Speaking forth the words of God.
The lament – transition from the denouncing of his enemies to the teaching on Olivet.
Matthew 23:37-39 - As he starts the walk to the Mount of Olives – He weeps over Jerusalem.
Jewish Tradition – converts to Judaism were “brought under the wings of God.”
Chicks will naturally run to their mother (hen) in time of danger. The wings being a picture of protection. In OT is description of God protecting with His wings (figurative). That of an eagle.
Not Jerusalem. They ran away from God.
Because of this the house – the temple – worship – was empty. Jesus walked out as did God. The house was devoid of the presence of God. No more would He dwell in the Holy of Hollies.
Walking along – the disciples are dumbfounded at the things that Jesus has said. They point to the buildings.
The Mount of Olives was on the East side of Jerusalem. It over looked the Temple Mount as well as the whole city of Jerusalem. Romans used it during the siege.
Matthew 24
v. 1 – Herod’s Temple was covered in Gold. What was not gold, was pure white.
v. 2 – The actual temple took only 10 years to build, but the decoration and ornamentation continued up until the Jewish revolt of ad 66.
The Disciples (as Jewish men) were proud of this temple. They were excited about what the hand of man had built.
v. 3 – Zechariah had said the Messiah would stand here. When he comes to conquer (Zech. 14:4) but now Jesus is sitting. The position of a teacher. Not a conqueror. He opens up His heart about the future.
The 12 wanted to know when. Jesus does not tell them when. But tells them to always be ready. Even if the tough times of life, be ready.
They ask what the signs would be, and his first answer is “do not be deceived.” If you focus on signs and events, you are not focused on Jesus and the cause of building the church. Preaching the gospel.
People mislead. “Signs” are open to interpretation and opinion. The only way to not be deceived is to focus on Jesus.
v. 5 – since the time before and after Jesus, many have claimed to be the messiah.
v. 6 – sufferings will be a regular and recurring part of the age following the ascension. They are “normal”. Even though they are bad, the end is not near.
Eugene Peterson in The Message calls this “routine history.”
v. 8 – “Birth Pains” is common metaphor from the OT prophets to depict terrible human suffering. Used to point to what Israel will endure prior to deliverance. It is an expected time. All this bad stuff is simply the beginning. Just because they happen does not mean we should read in to them. History will take place. But that is just the start.
v. 9 – Though in Tyler, Texas we are not handed over to death, but sand up for your faith in business and life and see what happens. Called intolerant, sectarian, and holier than thou...
Our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted. (Honduran Pastor Doug spoke of.
v. 10 – it is not just outside pressure, it will come from with in the church as well.
v. 11 – as if life was not hard enough False Prophets come and try to mislead. They preach what people want to here. They preach from selfish motives.
Not new – Isaiah 30:10-11 (NIV) - They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!"
v. 12 – with false teaching and loose morals comes loss of true love for God and others. Sin makes you love your self more than you love God. You can’t have “God Love – Agape Love” if you only think of yourself.
v. 13 – Being saved by enduring does not mean escaping death. If you do die during persecution, you are saved because you are with the Lord in death. Saved – full blessing and peace of salvation with Jesus either in death of life.
Persecution will sift out those who don’t really love God. The false and fair-weather Christians will not endure hard times of faith.
v. 14 – The gospel must be preached to every nation. This is a very explicit condition.
The disciple’s mission was to “go in to the entire world.” As disciples, that is our job today. It is urgent and real. It is an enormous task.
We should think strategic in our missions planning.
Only God knows when this will have been done.
Life must be a tension between the imminence of Jesus coming and the fact of the great commission.
The Olivet Discourse – The Future of the Kingdom
Lesson 1
History Lesson
Apocalyptic – end times spoken of in code, figures or symbols. Means “mystery revealed” not necessarily “mystery explained.” Should drive the reader to worship, repentance and wonder. Not “oh I get it.”
Prophetic – Judgments of God, can have future meaning, can be 2 view.
Matthew is a Jewish writer. Speaking forth the words of God.
The lament – transition from the denouncing of his enemies to the teaching on Olivet.
Matthew 23:37-39 - As he starts the walk to the Mount of Olives – He weeps over Jerusalem.
Jewish Tradition – converts to Judaism were “brought under the wings of God.”
Chicks will naturally run to their mother (hen) in time of danger. The wings being a picture of protection. In OT is description of God protecting with His wings (figurative). That of an eagle.
Not Jerusalem. They ran away from God.
Because of this the house – the temple – worship – was empty. Jesus walked out as did God. The house was devoid of the presence of God. No more would He dwell in the Holy of Hollies.
Walking along – the disciples are dumbfounded at the things that Jesus has said. They point to the buildings.
The Mount of Olives was on the East side of Jerusalem. It over looked the Temple Mount as well as the whole city of Jerusalem. Romans used it during the siege.
Matthew 24
v. 1 – Herod’s Temple was covered in Gold. What was not gold, was pure white.
v. 2 – The actual temple took only 10 years to build, but the decoration and ornamentation continued up until the Jewish revolt of ad 66.
The Disciples (as Jewish men) were proud of this temple. They were excited about what the hand of man had built.
v. 3 – Zechariah had said the Messiah would stand here. When he comes to conquer (Zech. 14:4) but now Jesus is sitting. The position of a teacher. Not a conqueror. He opens up His heart about the future.
The 12 wanted to know when. Jesus does not tell them when. But tells them to always be ready. Even if the tough times of life, be ready.
They ask what the signs would be, and his first answer is “do not be deceived.” If you focus on signs and events, you are not focused on Jesus and the cause of building the church. Preaching the gospel.
People mislead. “Signs” are open to interpretation and opinion. The only way to not be deceived is to focus on Jesus.
v. 5 – since the time before and after Jesus, many have claimed to be the messiah.
v. 6 – sufferings will be a regular and recurring part of the age following the ascension. They are “normal”. Even though they are bad, the end is not near.
Eugene Peterson in The Message calls this “routine history.”
v. 8 – “Birth Pains” is common metaphor from the OT prophets to depict terrible human suffering. Used to point to what Israel will endure prior to deliverance. It is an expected time. All this bad stuff is simply the beginning. Just because they happen does not mean we should read in to them. History will take place. But that is just the start.
v. 9 – Though in Tyler, Texas we are not handed over to death, but sand up for your faith in business and life and see what happens. Called intolerant, sectarian, and holier than thou...
Our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted. (Honduran Pastor Doug spoke of.
v. 10 – it is not just outside pressure, it will come from with in the church as well.
v. 11 – as if life was not hard enough False Prophets come and try to mislead. They preach what people want to here. They preach from selfish motives.
Not new – Isaiah 30:10-11 (NIV) - They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!"
v. 12 – with false teaching and loose morals comes loss of true love for God and others. Sin makes you love your self more than you love God. You can’t have “God Love – Agape Love” if you only think of yourself.
v. 13 – Being saved by enduring does not mean escaping death. If you do die during persecution, you are saved because you are with the Lord in death. Saved – full blessing and peace of salvation with Jesus either in death of life.
Persecution will sift out those who don’t really love God. The false and fair-weather Christians will not endure hard times of faith.
v. 14 – The gospel must be preached to every nation. This is a very explicit condition.
The disciple’s mission was to “go in to the entire world.” As disciples, that is our job today. It is urgent and real. It is an enormous task.
We should think strategic in our missions planning.
Only God knows when this will have been done.
Life must be a tension between the imminence of Jesus coming and the fact of the great commission.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A Walk In the Garden - Day 1
I really enjoyed teaching lesson 1 this morning. I really enjoyed even more the study leading up to it. There are so many little nuggets in the first passage. I will post my notes on here for those who missed it. If you missed the first lesson, don't worry. Read over the notes I will post in a couple of days. Feel free to ask questions.
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Walk In the Garden
I love the Lord. I love the way he drops things in my Spirit. I just wrapped up 1 Thessalonians in Sunday school. I am not sure about the class, but I loved it. The last part when it gets in to end times stuff, I did not want to get bogged down in it. It is important, but with a diverse group in a short time, I did not want to have to chase rabbits. The end of the book is so cool, the way Paul lays out some practical stuff for the daily life.
Any who, I have been thinking/praying where to go next. God just zapped me yesterday during church about where to go. God is so funny.
So starting Sunday I will begin teaching The Olivet Discourse. It kind of scared me at first because just like the end of 1 Thessalonians, it is all about eschatology. But as I got to reading it and praying through it, I thought, you know, we could simply tell the story and glean from it.
I am not a date setter or a person who says that what is not clear must mean this or that. I am not dogmatic about things must happen in this order. I think it is OK for somethings to be a mystery.
But there are some beautiful lessons in these short 2 chapters. So we are going to walk though the garden with Jesus and listen to the story He has to tell.
Any who, I have been thinking/praying where to go next. God just zapped me yesterday during church about where to go. God is so funny.
So starting Sunday I will begin teaching The Olivet Discourse. It kind of scared me at first because just like the end of 1 Thessalonians, it is all about eschatology. But as I got to reading it and praying through it, I thought, you know, we could simply tell the story and glean from it.
I am not a date setter or a person who says that what is not clear must mean this or that. I am not dogmatic about things must happen in this order. I think it is OK for somethings to be a mystery.
But there are some beautiful lessons in these short 2 chapters. So we are going to walk though the garden with Jesus and listen to the story He has to tell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)